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Soundcheck / July 13, 2006

Soundcheck

Thursday, July 13, 2006
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  • Eric Owens performs the role of Grendel in Grendel (Stephanie Berger)
    Eric Owens performs the role of Grendel in Grendel (Stephanie Berger)

    The Beast Who Became an Opera

    Chicago Tribune music writer Greg Kot explains how a potential merger between two major concert promoters could spell trouble for concertgoers and for artists. Also, film composer Elliot Goldenthal and stage director and librettist Julie Taymor discuss "Grendel," their new opera inspired by the Beowulf legend. It combines projections, puppetry, masks and an emotional score. Finally, soul songwriter Dan Penn, the man behind such hits as Aretha Franklin's "Do Right Woman," stops by to share his latest studio project.

Are concertgoers about to sing the blues?

A deal announced last week brings HOB Entertainment, the operator of the House of Blues clubs, under the umbrella of Live Nation, the Clear Channel Entertainment spinoff that is North America's biggest concert promoter. We'll ask how that arrangement may affect ticket prices and artistic diversity at local music venues.

An Operatic Monster, in his own voice

We speak with Oscar-winning film composer Elliott Goldenthal and Tony award-winning theatre Julie Taymor about their new opera, Grendel, based on the epic poem, Beowulf. » More on Grendel at the Lincoln Center Festival

Dan Penn and his Southern Soul

Songwriter Dan Penn wrote some legendary songs back in the 60s, working with everyone from Otis Redding to Percy Sledge to Janis Joplin. He'll perform his own tunes live in the studio. » More on Dan Penn's show at Joe's Pub

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.

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