If you don’t believe that Stephen Colbert is one of the most awesome men alive, just take a look at his résumé - TV personality, actor, author, presidential candidate, and last but not least, 80’s rock icon. As hilariously revealed on The Colbert Report, Stephen’s earlier years were spent as the front man for Stephen and the Colberts and the band’s hit single, “Charlene (I’m Right Behind You),” is best-described as an epic ballad of stalker love. Now, the folks behind Rock Band are showing their allegiance to the Colbert Nation by offering Stephen’s infamous song as a free download via Xbox Live (and possibly PlayStation 3). This might be one of the coolest things since “Rock and Awe: Countdown to Guitarmageddon!″

Anyway check out the song and its must-see music video below along with a video clip of “Charlene” on Rock Band!

MP3:
Stephen and the Colberts - “Charlene”

VIDEO:
Stephen and the Colberts - “Charlene” Music Video

“Charlene” Rock Band Game Play

PREVIOUSLY:
R.E.M. Visit The Colbert Report
Stephen Colbert Sings “Let My People Go” For Striking Writers
10 Best TV Music Moments of 2007

Thanks to the Hadron Collider, this may be the only time that Hypeful ever gets to post an Apocalyptic-themed song collection (fingers crossed). Seriously, with all of the mania surrounding the huge atom smasher in Europe, now seems like a great time to share some appropriate mass-hysteria tunes to enjoy while you’re being sucked down into an unforgiving black hole and/or having your fundamental understanding of the universe/physics forever changed. Either way, it should be interesting.

MP3:
R.E.M. - “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”
Great Big Sea - “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”
No Doubt - “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)”
Dave Matthews Band - “When The World Ends”
U2 - “Until The End Of The World”
Shocking Pinks - “End Of The World”
Flutterspot - “World End Ballad”
Editors - “The Weight Of The World”
Andrew Bird - “Yawny At The Apocalypse”
Muse - “Apocalypse Please”
St. Vincent - “Apocalypse Song”
Patton Oswalt - “Come On Apocalypse”
Moby - “Sweet Apocalypse”

Former “Artist To Watch” Monster Bobby respects your time and writes songs accordingly. Clocking in at under two minutes, his latest tune, “Work In The Morning,” is like a can of delicious, condensed electro-pop. No need to add water, though - just hit the repeat button and enjoy it a second time. The track will be included on his upcoming 7″ EP, I Am A Pedestrian, and if you’ve still not caught his ace debut LP, Gaps, you should give it a try.

MP3:
Monster Bobby - “Work In The Morning”

PREVIOUSLY:
Band to Watch: Monster Bobby

Britt Daniel played a solo show last Friday in Portland where he was joined onstage by Sleater-Kinney’s Janet Weiss. Those lucky enough to attend, were treated to a trio of new Spoon songs. Amongst the new material was the excellent new track “Who Backs Your Money?” - never before has questioning fiscal comfort sounded so good! Check out the full run-down of the show at The Sly Oyster!

(Thanks to James for the heads up!)

MP3:
Britt Daniel (w/Janet Weiss) - “Who Backs Your Money?”

Five more points to First Aid Kit for recording a better quality version of Fleet Foxes’ “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song,” a must-hear cover if you haven’t listened to it already! The Swedish duo’s “forest version” was quite lovely, but you’ll definitely want to put this one in your headphones! Thanks, Klara & Johanna!

MP3:
First Aid Kit - “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song” (New & Improved Fleet Foxes Cover)
Fleet Foxes - “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song”

PREVIOUSLY:
First Aid Kit Covers Fleet Foxes’ “Tiger Mountain Peasant Song”