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(Photo by Michael Caulfield/Getty Images for AMA)
When music historians look back at 2008, they might remember it for Auto-Tune, the robotic vocal effect that turns up on countless R&B and rap songs. Today, New Yorker pop music critic Sasha Frere-Jones discusses Auto-Tune and its abusers. Also: jazz guitarist Mary Halvorson, who has built a name in contemporary-music circles thanks to her association with Anthony Braxton and others, joins us to share her latest album, "Dragon's Head."
Guests:
Mary HalvorsonAuto-Tune Sweeps the Music Industry
Cher used Antares Auto-Tune in 1998 for her song "Believe," and few paid much attention. But lately, the robotic sounding vocal effect has become standard among rap and R&B acts from T-Pain to Kanye West and others. New Yorker pop music critic Sasha Frere-Jones and producer and mixer David Bendeth ...
Mary Halvorson Trio
At just 28, Mary Halvorson is a growing fixture on New York's downtown jazz and new-music scenes. She's played with saxophone legend Anthony Braxton, and in various groups with trumpeter Taylor Ho Bynum. She joins us to perform live in the studio.
The Auto-Tune Question
During our annual Critics Week last week, at least two or three of our guests alluded to Auto-Tune, with one, Jody Rosen of Slate.com, referring to 2008 as The Year of Auto-Tune. You may not know what Auto-Tune is, but you have heard it. A lot. Auto-Tune is essentially a ...