According to the Associated Press, The Colbert Report is a-changin’: As it books more and more high-profile musical guests from R.E.M. to Neil Young, they say, it’s "grown a variety-show impulse" and "edged closer to Ed Sullivan Show territory." This is somewhat hilarious because — as the AP presumably did not know when they ran that story on Tuesday afternoon — Stephen would actually claim that he was mulling spinning off a literal variety show that very night! Talk about your eerie coincidences.
But what about the substance of the AP’s point? They note, with a touch of snark, that the Report "was originally launched as a parody of conservative political punditry — and shows like The O’Reilly Factor do not make a habit of hosting music performances." Uh, fair enough? But I, obvs, think these musical bits are completely awesome. Just check out the opening-sequence gag Colbert pulled last night for Rush’s first TV performance in 30 years (below). Genius, no? I can’t wait to see him go head-to-head with Nas next week…
So you tell me: Are you digging Stephen’s Ed Sullivan moves? Or would you rather he laid off the musical interludes for a while? Rush’s full interview and performance of "Tom Sawyer" are after the jump for anyone who’s still on the fence.
While I respect the Genius that is Cobert, as well as The Daily Show, I do wish they backed off of the music. To me, that’s Conan and his ilk’s territory. They do a couple of jokes for yucks, you do lob some softballs at the celeb pushing their movie (AKA interview), and wrap up with a musical or standup act. TDS and CB are better than that. I liked it when they had people coming on who pushed their books, I would supplement my reading list with something substantial (i.e. something from Fareed Zakaria). But lately…well, maybe Stewart is lobbying for Letterman’s chair or something.
I totes agree with your assessment of Stewart, Green Gummi Bear. I feel like the edginess is lacking – rather than conducting intense interviews of his guests and needling the administration, he’s content to stick to fairly innocuous questions and criticize the media (which is fine, I’m all for knocking the media…but he’s still PART of the media).
That is awesome. I especially liked Jimmy’s questions. My husband is a huge Rush fan – he saw them in Boston last month for the 4th or 5th time – and would probably get the guys to autograph my arm if he could… As for whether Colbert should become a variety show, if the segments are as entertaining as that one, why the heck not?
I thought that “The Daily Show” jumped the shark when I saw R.E.M. with Jon Stewart, so I wasn’t totally surprised when I saw Rush on Colbert. I am disappointed though. I agree with Green Gummi Bear. I watch TDS the way I watch NBC Nightly News & Countdown with Keith Olberman, they aren’t my only sources of news, but I expect them to stick to the format. I watch Leno, Letterman and Ferguson for the “variety show” format.
I thought it was awesome – but within the context of Colbert? Probably not – but who cares, it was great!
To RD: What is this “jump the shark” you speak of? Did you orginate this colorful term? Does anyone know what the icon is for dripping sarcasm?
Stop with that re-dunk-u-lous phrase.
I guess it is, since Stephen was Emmy-nominated again today for “Outstanding Individual Performance In A Variety Or Music Program”
Go Stephen!
Well, for those of you who want more politics on the show, he’ll be featuring Elizabeth Edwards and someone from “The Wonk Room” political blog on the show this evening.
I still maintain that ‘The Colbert Report’ has booked musicians heavily this past month in anticipation of a SAG strike that could have taken out a lot of the actors and other people who might normally come on the show. I think once the fear of that strike has passed, the guests will again become more political in nature.
They only ever do it once in a blue moon and for special occasions, I don’t really see what the fuss is about.
That was HORRIBLE! After 33 years of not being on American TV, I wish RUSH picked a different show to be on. I’m a big RUSH fan, and the Colbert Report slapping them in the face. Colbert interrupted them thinking the song was ending, then went to commercials in the middle of the song, then pretended like he was going to sleep in the middle of the song. He make a comment earlier about how long some of their songs are. And then he mocks them for it. WOW!! I am never watching that crappy show again.
Please, all of that was planned. Rush loves to goof around, and it was rather obvious that they were in on the joke. They might have been surprised by the jump in at the drum solo, but pleasantly. He was by no means making fun of them in any way that they don’t make fun of themselves.
I din’t think Colbert was making fun of Rush at all! The guys all looked like they were having a great time, and Neil Peart was so funny!
Come on, RUSH has a sense of humor, always has. Any REAL fan knows that! Sot complaining and enjoy RUSH on TV.
I totally agree – there was no insult intended – Seems like CR messed up the timing for a commercial break – but who cares? The comment about being influence by your own work in their long songs was hilarious!
Unlike the Daily Show (where Stewart can catch a breather while his ‘correspondents’ deliver their own pieces), the Colbert Report is pretty much all Colbert. Given the nature of his character, that makes perfect sense, but that’s also a pretty big burden to shoulder 4 nights a week. So I’m not surprised that the show is looking to expand its ‘programming’ with the odd musical act. Mind you, I don’t really think it fits well with the show, but I do understand why they might be leaning that way.