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Soundcheck

Monday, September 05, 2005
  • Michael McKean and Annette O'Toole publicity photo
    Michael McKean and Annette O'Toole (publicity photo)

    Best in Show

    The husband-and-wife team of Michael McKean and Annette O'Toole have contributed to such wacky Christopher Guest mock-umentaries as "A Mighty Wind" and "This is Spinal Tap." But for years, they've been performing their original songs for their Hollywood and Broadway insider friends. They recently introduced their show to the public for the first time, with a new cabaret show at Feinsteins at the Regency and join us today with a preview. Also: a look at "Drumstruck," which is touted as "the world's first interactive drum-theater experience." As part of the show, a two-foot-tall drum is provided on every seat—and the entire audience gets the chance to make music together. Members of the troup, which consists of South and West African percussionists, join us with a live performance. This is an encore edition of Soundcheck.

Michael McKean and Annette O'Toole

The husband-and-wife duo offers a live performance, including a track from the film, "A Mighty Wind."

The Hit-Making of "Drumstruck"

Members of the African drum troupe and theatrical presentation Drumstrick drop by.

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.