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Soundcheck

Friday, January 20, 2006
  • Secret Disco ("Do You Think I'm Disco" exhibit)
    Secret Disco, 2006 by Megan Whitmarsh (Megan Whitmarsh and Sixtyseven, New York )

    Disco Lost and Found

    You know Saturday Night Fever, the Bee Gees, and ABBA but do you know the disco stylings of Christian Marclay or Jamel Shabazz? Today, a look at a new art exhibition that chronicles some of the lesser-known artists and songs of the disco era. Joining us is the curator Edwin Ramoram and Mel Cheren, the "Godfather of Disco," who founded the dance label West End Records. Also: A visit with Niyaz, a band that merges modern electronic beats with the traditional sounds of the Middle East. They’ll be part of GlobalFest, a major showcase for world music artists which is taking place this weekend at the Public Theater. Finally, we look at the phenomenon of multicasting on the radio.

Multicasting 101

A look at the phenomenon of multicasting, the addition of high-definition digital stations to regular FM radio channels.

Disco in the Bronx

Edwin Ramoram, curator of a new disco exhibition, joins us along with Mel Cheren, the "Godfather of Disco."

» Do You Think I'm Disco website
» Mel Cherem's album cover art ("Latin Shadows" by Shirley Scott")

Niyaz

Niyaz at GlobalFest

Niyaz, a band that merges modern electronic beats with the traditional sounds of the Middle East, joins us.
» GlobalFest website

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.