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Soundcheck

Wednesday, May 03, 2006
  • Thomas Dolby

    The High-Tech Science of Thomas Dolby

    Thomas Dolby may be best known for his 80s hit single, "She Blinded Me with Science" (complete with a iconic 80s video) but these days he's a tech geek of a different sort. Today, the producer, inventor and entrepreneur, talks about founding his own company that created the polyphonic ringtone software used in over 100 million cellular phones. Also: Josh Ritter's third album, "The Animal Years" is just out and it finds him expanding beyond the usual singer-songwriter mould into more adventurous territory. He joins us to share highlights. Finally, a look at "Sounds of Silence" a film premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival that profiles underground Iranian rockers and rappers struggling with censorship.

Thomas Dolby

From "She Blinded Me With Science" to creating ringtones, Thomas Dolby discusses his versatile career.
» Thomas Dolby's Web site

Josh Ritter

Singer-songwriter Josh Ritter shares music from his new album. » Josh Ritter's Web site

Sounds of Silence

A look at the Iranian film "Sounds of Silence."
» Sounds of Silence Web site

» Sounds of Silence at the Tribeca Film Festival

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.