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September 2008

A Brit-Pop Favorite Returns

Friday, September 05, 2008

The British rock band Oasis hit it big in the '90s with hits like "Wonderwall" and "Champagne Supernova." On today's show: a report on the group's bid for a comeback. And, we delve into the mystery surrounding a psychedelic soul artist known as Rodriguez. Finally: This month, San Francisco Opera unveils "The Bonesetter's Daughter," Stewart Wallace and Amy Tan's adaptation of Tan's haunting novel of the same title. They give us a preview.


YouTube and Music Lessons

Thursday, September 04, 2008

The video-sharing site YouTube is a reliable source of homemade comedy, political manifestos and quirky confessionals. It could also put some music teachers out of a job. Today we examine the pros and cons of music lessons offered through the popular online destination. Plus: folk icon Joan Baez talks about "Day After Tomorrow," her first studio album in five years.


Where are today's Cultural Dissidents?

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

In the past month, Russian conductor Valery Gergiev endorsed Moscow's military actions in Georgia. Meanwhile, China's top musicians performed at the Beijing Olympics. On today's show: what happens when musicians support authoritarian governments -- and where the dissidents have all gone. Also: Mexican-American singer-songwriter Lila Downs continues to honor the rich musical heritage of her homeland on her new album, "Shake Away." She shares it with us today.


Behind the Twin Cities Music Scene

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

The Republican Party faithful are gathering in St. Paul, Minn., to crown John McCain as their presidential nominee. But amid all the hoopla at the Xcel Energy Center, the GOP might miss out on the Twin Cities’ rich music scene. DJ Mark Wheat of Minnesota Public Radio’s eclectic music station, The Current, joins us with an overview of local sounds from Minneapolis and St. Paul. Plus: choreographer Bill T. Jones takes us inside his musical about Nigerian bandleader and Afrobeat godfather Fela Kuti.


On Sonic Youth and Sonic Acoustics

Monday, September 01, 2008

In his book "Goodbye 20th Century," author David Browne tells the story of the band Sonic Youth. He shows how the group has brought "fringe" art to the mainstream, influencing experimental music, conceptual art, contemporary classical music and even fashion. He joins us to examine their legacy and resilience. Also: veteran producer and musician T Bone Burnett talks about embracing sound formats he says are superior to MP3s and CDs. This is a repeat edition of Soundcheck.