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Soundcheck

Tuesday, June 27, 2006
  • Madonna

    Is Madonna Still Relevant?

    Madonna still sells out arenas and her albums still go platinum. But with each new album come criticisms that the Material Girl has lost her relevance and her capacity for reinvention. In advance of her series of Madison Square Garden shows this week a trio of Madonna-watchers weighs in on her career: Boston Globe critic Joan Anderman, Pitchfork Media contributor Stephen Deusner and Santiago Fouz Hernández, co-editor of the book "Madonna's Drowned Worlds." Also: a conversation with Mike Thorne. He was responsible for the Sex Pistols' arrival at EMI Records in 1976, and he was their A&R man until they were dropped by the label in 1977. He's since worked as a producer for such artists as John Cale, Laurie Anderson, and Marianne Faithfull, and today he runs the Stereo Society, a record label and recording studio in New York.

Madonna's Reinventions

A trio Madonna-watchers debates Madge's relevance. Boston Globe, pop music critic Joan Anderman, Pitchfork Media contributor Stephen Deusner, and Dr Santiago Fouz Hernández, co-editor of "Madonna's Drowned Worlds: New Approaches to Her Cultural Transformations (1983-2003)."
» Madonna's Web site

Mike Thorne

A conversation with Mike Thorne, the producer and A&R man who helped break the Sex Pistols in 1976.

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

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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!

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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.