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Soundcheck

Wednesday, October 26, 2005
  • The King of France - photo copyright B.C. Kagan
    The King of France (© B.C Kagan)

    French Revolution

    The New York-based band The King of France have been drawing comparisons with The Kinks, Madness and the voice of Richard Hell - thanks to what the Village Voice describes as their "lovably resolute... intelligent, off-kilter pop songs." The band features songwriter and frontman Steve Salad and music journalist and memoirist Michael Azzerad on drums. They visit with us in advance of their performance tonight at the Bowery Ballroom and to talk about their latest, self-titled album. Also on the show: Toshi Reagon. The daughter of Sweet Honey in the Rock founder Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, the singer-songwriter blends blues and gospel with Hendrix-esque hooks and catchy pop riffs. She joins us to perform live cuts from her latest CD, titled "Have You Heard."

The King of France

The King of France joins us with a live performance.
» The King of France Web site

Toshi Reagon

Singer Toshi Reagon joins us for a live performance.
» Toshi Reagon's Web site

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.