Ben Sisario

In this episode: Dan Ozzi, the editor for VICE’s music site, Noisey, talks about his article “How To Ruin Your Band Name;” -- and argues that he shouldn’t have to know the secret history behind a name like SUNN O))) in order to pronounce it.

Then: Last week, it was widely reported that Apple -- the home of iPads, iPhones, and iTunes -- might soon have a new product line under its wing: Beats Electronics, the company known for its Beats by Dre headphones and Beats Music subscription music service. Soundcheck speaks with The New York Times' arts reporter Ben Sisario about the implications of this historic deal. 

And: For his latest album, The Ambassador, Gabriel Kahane turns toward a place that his family has sometimes called home, Los Angeles. Watch the pianist and composer plays some of his L.A.-centric chamber pop songs live in the Soundcheck studio.

In this episode: In April 1989, Pixies released its second full-length album, Doolittle, earning raves from critics, but performing poorly on the charts. Now, 25 years later, Soundcheck looks back at the record's influence. Plus, we dare you to take the Doolittle Challenge: Can you sum up the album in six words or less? Leave yours at Soundcheck.org.

Then: Even music fans aren’t immune to the primal urges of spring cleaning. Jolie Kerr, author of the book My Boyfriend Barfed In My Handbag, And Other Questions You Can’t Ask Martha explains how to carefully launder ancient concert t-shirts, how to wipe down CDs without scratching them, and tells us about her favorite cleaning music.

And: The Secret Sisters -- the country and folk duo of Laura and Lydia Rogers -- just released their T. Bone Burnett-produced sophomore album, Put Your Needle Down. Hear the sisters’ gorgeous harmonies live in the Soundcheck studio.

In this episode: The New York Times music writer Ben Sisario gives a Grammys recap -- the surprises, the no-brainers, the folks who should have won… and maybe those who shouldn’t have.

Then: Filmmaker Godfrey Reggio’s latest collaboration with composer Philip Glass is called Visitors. He tells us about the silent film’s musical and visual language.

And: Singer, songwriter, and occasional Soundcheck guest host Laura Cantrell plays songs from her new album No Way There From Here live in the Soundcheck studio.

Musician Ben Folds and best-selling author Nick Hornby (High Fidelity, About a Boy, Juliet Naked) talk about their songwriting collaboration, Lonely Avenue. And, Ben Folds performs live. Plus: we hear about how Converse sneakers are getting into a new business...the music business.