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Soundcheck

Friday, November 11, 2005
  • The Recording Angel, Music, Records, and Culture from Aristotle to Zappa by Evan Eisenberg (Yale University Press, June 2005)
    The Recording Angel, Music, Records, and Culture from Aristotle to Zappa by Evan Eisenberg (Yale University Press, June 2005)

    Recording Angels

    Has live performance become background to the recording process? First published in 1987 and now considered a classic, The Recording Angel charts the ways in which the phonograph and its descendents have transformed our culture. Today on Soundcheck, author Evan Eisenberg comes by to talk about his rhapsodic book, its legacy, and the new digital landscape. Also, pianist Marc-André Hamelin is known for his attention to lesser-known composers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, and is cited as one of the most "intrepid explorers of the pianistic universe." He joins us to talk about his ever-expanding musical vocabulary and his new recording of Albeniz's sultry "Iberia."

The Recording Angel

Author Evan Eisenberg updates his now-classic book about transformation in the recording industry.
» Evan Eisenberg's Web site

Championing the obscure

Marc Andre Hamelin explains why he champions obscure composers.
» Marc Andre Hamelin'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.

Your "Democracy Song"

Soundcheck

As we march toward Election Day, Soundcheck wants you to identify a song that captures the spirit of democracy. It might be Woody Guthrie’s populist classic “This Land Is Your Land” or Sly and the Family Stone’s funky hit “Everyday People.” It might even be a current Top 40 hit with mass appeal. Put on your musical thinking cap, get creative, then post your song here.

Buying Music: A Smackdown Series

Soundcheck

Check out our ongoing series of Soundcheck Smackdown debates on the music marketplace -- and how we shop inside it. Part I: the pros and cons of MySpace. Part II: two documentarians throw down over music at Wal-Mart. Coming up: Part III: iTunes and Part IV: iPod vs. Zune

Atmosphere

Soundcheck

With minimalist beats and confessional rhymes, the hip-hop duo Atmosphere became the toast of the hip-hop underground after it formed 10 years ago. Now, the group has turned to classic funk and soul, and frontman Slug is still telling captivating stories. They perform in our studio.

Tin Pan Alley

Soundcheck

A two-block stretch of West 28th Street was once the home of American songwriters and music publishers. But buildings in area are now up for sale, and preservationists fear a major development is in the works. We look at the history and future of Tin Pan Alley.

I Am Azerrad ... No, I Am Azerrad!

Soundcheck

Nirvana biographer and indie-rock historian Michael Azerrad writes about musicians for a living. Now, the British band Tubelord (pictured) has written about him -- and the lyrics are a tad scary.

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile

Soundcheck

Two major players from the worlds of classical and American roots music have joined forces for an album of new material. They perform in our studio.

Tina Dico

Soundcheck

Singer-songwriter Tina Dico tops the charts in her native Denmark. She joins us to share songs from her latest full-length album, "Count to Ten," as well as a trilogy of EPs.