It's official: iTunes is America's top music retailer. But critics say Apple's online music store compromises quality for convenience. In another Soundcheck Smackdown, we debate the pros and cons of iTunes. Plus: The Brooklyn-based duo Department of Eagles joins us for a live set from their sophomore record, "In Ear Park."
Soundcheck Smackdown: iTunes
iTunes recently surpassed Wal-Mart as the top music retailer in the country, and it has made under-performing genres –- like classical and jazz –- sexy again. But the online music store's critics complain of poor sound quality and harsh copy protection. In another Soundcheck Smackdown, Blender magazine editor in chief ...
Noteworthy New York with Daniel Bernard Roumain
Given that artists are often pioneers in discovering the next-best-neighborhood, Soundcheck has invited musicians and creative minds around New York to name their favorite cultural destination. Noteworthy New York features coffee shops, parks, restaurants, museums, bars, and more. To whet your appetite, the Harlem-based violinist and composer Daniel Bernard ...
Department of Eagles
The Brooklyn-based duo Department of Eagles begat the experimental indie act Grizzly Bear. Soon, the spin-off became the main attraction. Now, members Fred Nicolaus and Daniel Rossen are picking up where they left off with a new album, "In Ear Park," showcasing the surreal, eclectic pop they conceived as roommates ...
Why Hate on iTunes?
Poor iTunes. Well, not literally poor… iTunes has become the world’s largest music retailer, selling 50 gazillion songs and bringing in a pile of money a mile high. But everyone seems to hate iTunes. They hate the DRM, or Digital Rights Management, that restricts the devices you can play your ...