wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

On Demand

Program Schedule

Topics

Soundcheck / February 17, 2006

Soundcheck

Friday, February 17, 2006
Previous Episode | Next Episode
  • DJ

    White Rappers

    Eminem’s latest album, "Curtain Call: The Hits," was certified double Platinum after selling more than two million copies in less than two months. Although the rapper retains a strong presence on the scene, his success has not given birth to a wave of new white rappers, as many predicted. We will talk about the failed effort by the music industry to launch new white hip hop stars with author Touré and with Jim Farber, Music critic for the New York Daily News. Also, celebrities like Madonna, and members of the Rapture and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have all taken turns playing DJ, but do they know how to spin? We hear about the phenomenon of celebrity DJs. And: Egyptian composer Sayyed Darweesh was champion of women's rights, an alleged cocaine addict, and he's known as the father of modern Arab music. We’ll hear the story and the music of Darweesh, as told by the Chicago Classical Oriental Ensemble.

Celebrity DJs

Tricia Romano of the Village Voice fills us in on celebrity DJs.
» Tricia Romano's article on Celebrity DJs

White Rappers

Music writers Touré and Jim Farber discuss the success of white rappers.
» Toure's website

The Father of Modern Arab Music

Hicham Chami and Karim Nagi perform with the Chicago Classical Oriental Ensemble, in a concert devoted to the music of Sayyed Darweesh.
» Symphony Space's website
» Hicham Chami's website
» Karim Nagi's website

cab

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.

vote

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.

walmart

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

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

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.

Michael Azerrad

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

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

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.

  1. Radiolab: Choice (11/14/2008)
  2. The Brian Lehrer Show: The Hybrid Economy (11/18/2008)
  3. The Brian Lehrer Show: Agriculture Warrior (11/17/2008)
  4. The Brian Lehrer Show: Bubble Bubble Toil and Trouble (11/19/2008)
  5. Radiolab: Sperm (11/21/2008)
  6. The Leonard Lopate Show: Secrets of Success (11/19/2008)
  7. The Leonard Lopate Show: Sex Politics (11/17/2008)