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Soundcheck

Monday, December 30, 2002
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    Sandinistas and the Sex Mob

    Although the visionary British punk band The Clash broke up in 1985, their politics and energetic style continue to be a major influence. Clash front-man Joe Strummer left us last week, so in homage we hear a feature on Strummer that On the Media co-host Brooke Gladstone put together in 1999. Punk music is only one element of the musical smorgasbord that is Sex Mob. Imagine Tin Pan Alley songs, James Bond themes and Strauss Waltzes all mixed together into a pair of medleys they bring to the live studio. Finally, we talk with pianist Earl Wild about his new transcriptions of Johannes Brahms and hear highlights.

For over 70 years, pianist Earl Wild has dazzled audiences and other musicians with his virtuosity and painstaking transcriptions of difficult compositions. More about Earl Wild

Noteworthy New York

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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.

The Journey of Quincy Jones

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During his 50-year career, Quincy Jones has worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Puff Daddy, founded Vibe magazine, collected countless awards, and earned a reputation as a jazz giant. (Somewhere in there, he found time to make possible an album called "Thriller.") Jones joins us on the occasion of his new book, "The Complete Quincy Jones: My Journey & Passions."

Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on Quincy Jones, Henry Rollins and the term "Renaissance man"

Pop's Love Affair With Death

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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 Man in Reno: A History of Death By Murder, Suicide, Fire, Flood, Drugs, Disease and General Misadventure, as Related in Popular Song."

Soundcheck blog: What's your favorite song about death?

Behind the public face of John Lennon

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Writing a book about the Beatles is to enter a crowded market. But Philip Norman’s new 851-page biography, “John Lennon: The Life” is getting much buzz this fall for the unprecedented access provided by Lennon’s friends and relatives, including Yoko Ono. We talk with Norman about why Lennon remains such a fascinating and troubled figure.

The Soul of British Soul

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British soul divas like Amy Winehouse and Duffy owe a big debt to a '60s icon with a breathy voice and a beehive wig. Today: the story of singer Dusty Springfield. Later: folk-rock artist Ani DiFranco performs songs from her new album "Red Letter Year" live in our studio.