On Demand
Soundcheck
-
Still from White Christmas (Paramount)
Best of '05 in Hip Hop and Music Books
Critic and composer Greg Sandow runs through his favorite music books published this year: from a few Bob Dylan histories to a massive 6-volume ambitious History of Western Music. And, for issues and releases in hip-hop and R&B, we turn to novelist and the former editor-in-chief of Vibe magazine, Danyel Smith, a frequent guest on Soundcheck. And, when did Christmas music become the ubiquitous juggernaut it is now? Musicologist and Washington DC dj Dick Spottswood recently compiled a collection of unusual Christmas music from 1917 to 1959, entitled "Where will You Be Christmas Day?"
Ye Olde Silver Bells and more
Musicologist and Washington DC dj Dick Spottswood recently compiled a collection of unusual Christmas music from 1917 to 1959, entitled Where will you Be Christmas Day. He also has kept tabs on how Christmas music has evolved over the last century, the turning point being, significantly, the IrvingBerlin classic, "White Christmas." which debuted in 1942 in the movie musical Holiday Inn. He'll join us to play music from the two sides of the spectrum: low-key Christmas music from the early part of the century and the '50s blockbusters that changed Christmas music into what it is today.
» More on Christmas music
Hip Hop in 2005
Journalist and author Danyel Smith catches us up on the best releases and biggest issues of the past year in the world of hip hop.
» Danyel Smith's blog
Best Music Books of 2005
Critic and composer Greg Sandow runs through his favorite music books published this year.
» Greg Sandow's Blog
Greg Sandow's Notable Books of 2005:
»Like a Rolling Stone: Bob Dylan at the Crossroads
Greil Marcus
»Beethoven: The Universal Composer (Eminent Lives)
Edmund Morris
Public Affairs
»The Oxford History of Western Music (6 Volume Set)
Richard Taruskin
Oxford University Press
»Classical Music in America: A History of Its Rise and Fall
Joseph Horowitz
W. W. Norton & Company
»Repeating Ourselves: American Minimal Music as Cultural Practice
Robert Fink
University of California Press
- About this program
- Staff Bios »
- Contact Us »
- Latest Episode
- Internship
- Tapes and Transcripts
- Show Archive »
Features & Series
Podcast
Stay up to date.
Subscribe to the Podcast
Soundcheck's Noteworthy New York
Want to know the hottest places to go this weekend? Check out where New York's musicians go in their free time.
More
Soundcheck Blog
Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show.
More
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
- Comments [26]
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.
- Comments [2]
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.
- Comments [1]
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.
- Comments [7]
- Radiolab: Choice (11/14/2008)
- The Brian Lehrer Show: The Hybrid Economy (11/18/2008)
- The Brian Lehrer Show: Agriculture Warrior (11/17/2008)
- The Brian Lehrer Show: Bubble Bubble Toil and Trouble (11/19/2008)
- Radiolab: Sperm (11/21/2008)
- The Leonard Lopate Show: Secrets of Success (11/19/2008)
- The Leonard Lopate Show: Sex Politics (11/17/2008)
