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Soundcheck

Friday, June 25, 2004
  • Sam Phillips
    Sam Phillips

    Sam I Am

    It the 15 years since singer-songwriter Sam Phillips released "The Indescribable Wow," her pop career has ranged from the curious to the downright odd. Her latest release is arguably the most entertaining—and sophisticated—collection yet, featuring torchy songs that reach back to Weimar cabaret and the Beatles. Today, guest host Kerry Nolan talks with Phillips about her influences and her collaboration with T Bone Burnett, her producer (and ex-husband) since the 1980s. Also: WNYC Producer Judith Kampfner talks about the stories and songs of the Korean “Comfort Women,” the name given by the Japanese to Korean women forced into sexual slavery during WWII. Kampfner’s radio documentary on the Comfort Women airs on WNYC this weekend, and she’ll preview the project here in the studio.

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.

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.