wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

We’re living in the age of “re” – reunions, revivals, reissues, remakes and whole lot of retrospection. Music writer Simon Reynolds takes on this nostalgia craze in his new book, “Retromania.” He joins us to reflect on our obsession with pop’s recent past – and to speculate on what it all means for pop’s future. 

The Devil Makes Three is a bluegrass trio. Sort of. Just don’t expect songs about catching rabbits or foggy mountains. Do expect songs about drug abuse, gunplay, advertising and other forms of bad behavior. Check out the video for "Do Wrong Right" performed live in the Soundcheck studio.

Click through to see today's Soundcheck playlist!

David Garland, who is the host of the WNYC show Spinning On Air and the WQXR show Movies on the Radio, has released the exclusive track, “The Long View,” for download, which is on his forthcoming album Conversations with the Cinnamon Skeleton. He plays on Sunday night at John Zorn’s East Village fringe music outpost The Stone.

Widely considered to be the leading ambassador of Wassoulou music, Oumou Sangaré brings her impassioned rhythms and inspirational lyrics to Prospect Park on Friday night. Download the West African song "Wele Wele Wintou" from her 2009 release Seya here.

Thomas Bartlett (a.k.a. Doveman) grew up in the Green Mountain State of Vermont playing some instrument or another since age 3. Now the NYC pianist keeps busy performing with the likes of David Byrne, The National and Yoko Ono. Download his track "Hurricane" here

Seattle’s Sub Pop Records picked up the band The Head and the Heart after its self-released, eponymous debut album dropped last summer. Download "Lost In My Mind" from the record here.