The seventies are forever the most maligned decade of rock music – the era of Foreigner, Frampton, and Foghat. On today’s Soundcheck Smackdown: a debate over whether the age of the 8-Track deserves more respect. Also: French duo pianists Katia and Marielle Labèque share their new album of Spanish songs made with the Spanish singer Mayte Martín. Later: music critic Alex Ross made the list of MacArthur Fellows announced today. He joins us to talk about the award.
Guests:
Alex RossA '70s Smackdown
In another installment of Soundcheck Smackdown we look back to that much-maligned period of popular music: the 1970s. Author Dave Thompson talks about his new book, "I Hate New Music: The Classic Rock Manifesto," and music critic Jim DeRogatis tells us why he’d rather forget that era altogether.
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Katia and Marielle Labeque
French duo pianists Katia and Marielle Labèque became famous in the 1970s and '80s for their powerhouse performance style and taste for 20th-century works. On their latest album, "De Fuego y de Agua," they perform flamenco pieces with the Spanish singer Mayte Martín. The sisters join us to share the ...
MacArthur Fellowships
New Yorker music critic Alex Ross, author of "The Rest Is Noise," made the list of MacArthur Fellows announced today. He joins us to talk about his plans for his "genius grant."
The '70s: It Was the Best of Times, It Was the Worst of Times
While Dave Thompson’s book “I Hate New Music” may be an exercise in hyperbole and provocation, it does make a rather familiar point: many people feel that the music they grew up with is simply the best music ever made. It is almost painfully obvious to anyone who grew up ...