When it comes to popular song lyrics, love and sex seem to reign supreme. But one less likely -- and decidedly less flowery -- topic is also up there in the ranks: death. Today: author Graeme Thomson talks about the morbid avenues popular songwriters have explored. Plus: Sheila Jordan celebrates her 80th birthday on Soundcheck, and talks about her new album.
Guests:
Graeme ThomsonPop's Love Affair With Death
Death may be an unpleasant topic for conversation, but it ranks up there with sex and love as a basic ingredient in song lyrics. Today, we look at how pop music copes (and even thrives) with death. We're joined by Graeme Thomson, author of the self-explanatory book, "I Shot a ...
Noteworthy New York with Guilherme Monteiro
Given how artists often find inspiration in their surroundings, Soundcheck has approached a variety of New York City musicians to ask them for their favorite cultural destination. Our web map, Noteworthy New York, artists share some of their favorite places, from parks and museums to bars and coffee shops. ...
Sheila Jordan Turns 80
Sheila Jordan is among the last great living jazz singers. She joins us in light of her 80th birthday and the release of a new album.
A Happy Thought: What's your favorite song about death?
I don’t remember when I first heard Frank Sinatra’s 1965 song "It Was A Very Good Year," mainly because that was grown-up music -- something for old people like my parents, who must’ve been well into their thirties, to listen to. I do remember when I first really listened ...
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