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Soundcheck

Wednesday, October 12, 2005
  • Jeff Daniels CD Live and Unplugged -- www.jeffdaniels.com
    Jeff Daniels' CD Live and Unplugged (www.jeffdaniels.com)

    Casting a Spell

    Dramatic and comedic actor Jeff Daniels joins us to discuss and performs selections from his new CD "Jeff Daniels: Live and Unplugged," an album that features live recordings of Daniels' original songs from the past few years. The album is a benefit for Daniel's own Purple Rose Theater in his hometown of Chelsea, Michigan, named after the 1985 Woody Allen film "The Purple Rose of Cairo," in which Daniels starred. Also on the show: An increasing number of rock bands from the '60s, '70s and '80s are pursuing second acts with new lead singers. Guest host Anthony DeCurtis speaks with New York Times reporter Jeff Leeds, who recently wrote about this phenomenon, and we take your calls.

Jeff Daniels

The actor and musician joins us to perform songs from his new album, "Jeff Daniels: Live and Unplugged."
» Jeff Daniels's Web site

Jeff Leeds

New York Times reporter Jeff Leeds talks about vintage rock bands who reunite - only without the lead singer that made them famous in the first place.
» This Band Was Your Band, This Band Is My Band by Jeff Leeds

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

Soundcheck

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

Soundcheck

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

Soundcheck

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

Soundcheck

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.