When music and TV collide: The Colbert Nation theme song

Fans of deliriously pop-driven indie music don't have to be fans of snarky, egocentric political humor. But man, it's a pretty sweet marriage when both sides come together.

Back in December of 2006 -- man, that far back already? -- Stephen Colbert took umbrage with Portland-based indie popsters, the Decemberists. The made-for-TV brouhaha centered on the Decemberists stealing Colbert's idea for a Green Screen Challenge, and according to the Seeker of Truthiness, it could only be settled one way.

That's right. A guitar riff-off.

So Decemberists' guitarist Chris Funk appeared for battle on the aptly named "Rock and Awe: Countdown to Guitarmageddon" show. (Rejected names included: I-Rock War: Cut and Strum, and The Axeman Cometh: Mourning Becomes Electric.)

Long story short: Henry Kissinger declared that it was time to rock. Colbert "injured" his hand. Peter Frampton saved the day. Recently-shamed New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer served as a judge before shacking up with a prostitute later that evening.

There was a lot to process.

Also on that hilarious day long, long ago, Robert Schneider of the Apples in Stereo performed the quintessential Colbert Nation theme song, "Stephen, Stephen." Nevermind that in the video below, Schneider kinda looks one of those guys who should be on a "Sex offender moving into your neighborhood" press release.

Bottom line: the song is pure pop genius, and is included on the Apples' "Electronic Projects for Musicians" album that came out today. You can snag a free mp3 of the delicious ditty here.


-- Thomas Rozwadowski, trozwado@greenbaypressgazette.com