wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

On Demand

Program Schedule

Topics

Soundcheck / April 03, 2006

Soundcheck

Monday, April 03, 2006
Previous Episode | Next Episode
  • Still from "Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars"

    Glam No More?

    Is Joe Six-Pack the new symbol of rock ‘n’ roll stardom? Some argue that earnest indie rockers want to be just like you and me. But others argue that emo bands have brought flamboyance and glam back to the rock world in a big way. Today, a conversation with New York Times pop music critic Kelefa Sanneh, and with Marc Hogan, a writer who recently detailed this trend on the Web site Pitchfork Media. Also: stage director Sir Jonathan Miller talks about his stripped-down, casual-dress production of Bach's St. Matthew Passion at BAM. Finally: Erika Sunnegardh went from waitressing to the stage of the Metropolitan Opera in just 18 months. The Swedish-American soprano joins us to talk about her debut debut Saturday as the replacement for star Karita Mattila in a performance of Beethoven's "Fidelio."

Rags-to-Riches Opera Singer

Waitress turned Metropolitan Opera star Erika Sunnegardh joins us by phone.

Glam Rock V. Joe Six Pack

Should rockers wear wigs? We'll hear the debate today with two rock critics with two very different views.
» Self Portrait by Marc Hogan

Dress-down Bach

Innovative director Sir Jonathan Miller discusses his irreverant take on St. Matthew's Passion.
» More information about St. Matthew Passion at BAM

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)