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Vampire Weekend's debut album is getting heaps of critical praise. Few bands in such position would consider "pulling a Salinger," despite the challenges of follow-up albums and high expectations. (heartonastick/flickr)
Author J.D. Salinger disappeared from the literary world not long after the success of "Catcher in the Rye." But in music, reunion tours and comebacks make it tough to quit. Today on Soundcheck, we look at creative peaks and retirement. Also: Members of the Arabesque Music Ensemble have recorded with pop stars Shakira and Beyonce. But the group's own music skews toward traditional, even obscure, Arab music. They join us to share their latest CD.
Guests:
Arabesque Music EnsembleGoing Out With a Bang
Novelist J.D. Salinger bowed out of the literary world after achieving massive literary success in the 1950s and early '60s. But in music, the lure of reunion tours and comebacks make it tough to quit. We talk with Spin contributor and Details editor-at-large Jeff Gordinier and author and Slate.com contributor ...
The Arabesque Music Ensemble
They are in their 20s and 30s, living in the US and some have recorded with Shakira and Beyonce. But when they play as the Arabesque Music Ensemble, their focus is on traditional, even obscure, Arab music. Members of the ensemble join us to talk about the group’s second album, ...
North Korea in pictures (and Beijing too)
Lorin Maazel meets the North Korean delegation.
See all photos from Soundcheck On Site: North Korea
Originally uploaded by WNYC's John Schaefer