I'm not sure, but I think Colbert's shred-off with the Decemberists' Chris Funk might have

[Guaranteed]

been rigged.

After they tied on the vote (Peter Frampton had to step in after Colbert's sudden hand injury- Stephen easily would have won, otherwise), Colbert had the audience cheer to determine the winner. I thought I caught him doing a little hand-signal to them when he had them cheer for himself/Frampton. And they cheered louder for him. But it seemed to me that Funk shredded a lot harder than Frampton.

I'd hate to think Stephen would do that. But maybe I should write to him, expressing my concerns. A copy of the Decemberists' new album is at stake, here, after all.

[blogslut]

1. The man cut his hand

For god's sake, have you no sense of decency? ;)

[chknltl]

2. Oh Come on...Frampton won hands down.

That solo was all class. Chris Funk's was just so much showin off guitar noodlin, (impressive noodlin it was though). Now if they would have brought in Satriani...maybe next year.

[NashVegas]

3. Oh, Pish

Do you even listen to the Decemberists?

The whole point of the contest was a heavy-metal-type masturbation solo. Funk nailed it, Frampton was dilly-dallying with his melodic shit. The stuff Funk does on his day job.

[chknltl]

8. I stand corrected with no argument from me either.

You have a valid point, Colbert did set the contest up as an implied shred fest. I actually enjoyed both equally well, there is much to be "felt" from either artist. I first saw Frampton when he was with Humble Pie back around '71. That band was considered a heavy metal powerhouse back in it's day.

I once had the pleasure to work with a young female guitar genius. She picked up the guitar at 17 and was opennig for Joe Satriani by the time she was 21. Much of Chris Funk's "noodling" I was watching her do during her third year. Sadly she has put down her Ibanez's and taken up being a full time mom. I know she will do well here but my heart selfishly aches for those who will never hear such a talent.

As to do I listen to the Decemberists...never heard of them but thanks to The Colbert Report I have now. I am very interested in hearing more...especially if Mr Funk does solo stuff. I dropped out of the local music biz a few years back but my passion for many of the gifted locals I got to work with along the way has not diminished, nor has my ear for talent.

[CrownPrinceBandar]

5. Funk stunk.......

His pentatonic noodling was uninspiring. Colbert/Frampton, however, gave a superb performance.

[NashVegas]

4. The Decemberists Got the Best Publicity They Could Possibly Hope For

Short of a full-band appearance on the show.

I'm sure they're all thanking Stephen right now and will name their first-born sons for him.

[kwassa]

6. The funniest Colbert Report I have ever seen .....

what with Elliot Spitzer recusing himself as judge because Colbert tried to purchase his vote during the commercial break, and Henry Kissinger's sage advice to Colbert to "Crank it up!". I loved Colbert's suit with the sleeves ripped off.

We were falling on the floor as we were laughing so hard.

I loved the final rock jam of the Colbert theme song with whatshisname from Cheap Trick, who apparently wrote the theme, Frampton, Chris Funk, and that other guy, with Colbert's synthesized voice. Too many jokes to follow it.

[DixieBlue]

10. The ripping off of sleeves was my favorite part ...

I thought I was going to piss myself. And the jam at the end? My SO just sat on the couch speechless while I laughed.

[stanwyck]

11. Inspired lunacy

Colbert really gets silly in a brilliant way. I love it.

[babylonsister]

7. Repeat on right now, 9:32am CT. Thanks for heads-up. nt

[Redneck Socialist]

9. It's on the comedy central website too

Tip for the TV free.