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Soundcheck

Friday, April 14, 2006
  • Franz Ferdinand
    Franz Ferdinand and John Schaefer in the Soundcheck Studios (Irene Trudel)

    Franz Ferdinand

    Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand stop by to talk about their rise to fame and their take on British pop. Then, in an age when the Pope has an iPod, it's perhaps no surprise that a group of Jesuit priests is offering daily prayer sessions as podcasts. A look at "Pray as You Go." And finally, singer-songwriter Mark Erelli shares his new CD, with its decidedly unusual take on 9/11.

Franz Ferdinand

A visit with members of Franz Ferdinand. They've reinvented British pop, sold five million records and spawned a legion of imitators. We’ll ask them, where do they go next?
» Franz Ferdinand's website

Pray As You Go

In an age when the Pope has an iPod, perhaps it's no surprise prayers are being offered as podcasts. Fr. Peter Scally, British Jesuit and creator of the website "Pray As You Go" explains how MP3s can lead to faith.
» Pray as You Go Web site

Mark Erelli

Singer-songwriter Mark Erelli shares his new CD, with its decidedly unusual take on 9/11.
» Mark Erelli'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.