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Soundcheck

Wednesday, September 07, 2005
  • Allen Toussaint plays live on Soundcheck - photo by Irene Trudel/WNYC
    Allen Toussaint plays live on Soundcheck (Irene Trudel/WNYC)

    New Orleans Blues

    Last week, New Orleans singer and songwriter Allen Toussaint was among the many musicians forced to evacuate the city as floodwaters rose. Today, he talks about his escape and about the future of the New Orleans music scene. He also talks about a career that's included writing songs for The Meters, Dr. John, Patti LaBelle and many others - achievements that led to a place in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Also on the show: Brooklyn's own Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. The buzz band talks about their growing popularity (thanks in part to file-sharing) and about writing indie pop that's "clever, catchy and a little depressed" (Detroit Metro Times).

Renaissance Man of New Orleans

Singer and songwriter Allen Toussaint sheds light on New Orleans' culture treasures, and offers a live performance.
» Allen Toussaint on NPR's Fresh Air
» Allen Toussaint: Benefit for New Orleans, September 18
» Allen Toussaint: Benefit for New Orleans, September 25
» Terrance Blanchard Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert, September 18
» Hurricane Katrina: Updates and Analysis
» A list of NOLA musicians that are safe

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah

A visit with Brooklyn's own indie band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah.
» Clap Your Sands Say Yeah Web site

Best Live Performances of 2008

Soundcheck

We revisit memorable in-studio performances from Toumani Diabaté, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, and others.

The Year in Music and Branding

Soundcheck

Pop music and advertising go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grey Group music director Josh Rabinowitz shares his picks for the best song picks and ad campaigns of 2008.

Critics Week

Soundcheck

Music writers look back at the year's best pop, rock, hip hop, classical, jazz, Latin and world albums. Plus: the worst music of the year and the best online music. Read our critics' lists here. And don't forget to cast your vote in our best-albums poll.

Noteworthy New York

Soundcheck

We have invited musicians and artists to help us select their favorite cultural destination in the neighborhood where they live. From parks and coffee shops to bowling alleys and museums, the options are as diverse as our group of contributors.