Stephen Colbert's Christmas special sports crazy talent

Christmas will come early for Stephen Colbert fans this year (before Thanksgiving, even). The funnyman will host A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All, a one-hour music special to air Nov. 23 on Comedy Central. And he's accumulated an impressive array of musicians, like John Legend, Elvis Costello, Feist, Toby Keith and Willie Nelson, to help him belt his Yuletide tunes.

Fans can expect the following set list:

Stephen Colbert - "Another Christmas Song"
Stephen Colbert - "Cold, Cold Christmas"
Stephen Colbert with Willie Nelson - "Little Dealer Boy"
Stephen Colbert with Jon Stewart - "Hanukkah"
Stephen Colbert with John Legend - "Nutmeg"
Stephen Colbert with Elvis Costello - "There Are Much Worse Things to Believe In"
Toby Keith - "Have I Got a Present for You"
Feist - "Please Be Patient"
Entire ensemble - "(What's So Funny 'bout) Peace, Love and Understanding"

If the songs don't sound all that familiar, it's because they're all new (except for Nick Lowe's "Peace, Love and Understanding," which was popularized by Costello). Fountains of Wayne and Ivy bassist Adam Schlesinger has crafted eight original pieces for the special, alongside Daily Show executive producer David Javerbaum. The duo previously wrote a musical adaptation of the early Johnny Depp cult classic Cry-Baby (directed by John Waters). And Schlesinger is slowly developing a semi-prolific songwriting resume, having also penned original songs for the Hugh Grant/Drew Barrymore rom-com Music & Lyrics (the full version of the movie's "A Way Back Into Love" is just shy of eight million views on YouTube).

Colbert's one-hour Christmas special will also arrive on DVD two days after its broadcast, proving itself to be the gift that keeps on giving. Who knows? Perhaps A Colbert Christmas will become a holiday-season mainstay, alongside tiny-tot favorites A Charlie Brown Christmas and How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

For a sneak-peek at some hilarious photos (which have Colbert dressed in unfortunately-looking furry boots), head over to Pitchfork.

Related links:
ComedyCentral.com
ColbertNation.com
Feature: Catching Up With... Fountains Of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger

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