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Soundcheck

Tuesday, August 15, 2006
  • C.L. Smooth
    C.L. Smooth (Shaman Work Recordings)

    The Old School Comes of Age

    Today, a look at the re-emergence of rappers from the hip-hop heyday of the late '80s and early '90s. Did the industry leave them behind? Or have they been shaking up the underground all these years? Joining us is the rapper C.L. Smooth, whose new album "American Me" arrives in September, and Mark Anthony Neal, author and Associate Professor of Black Popular Culture at Duke University. Also on the show: jazz bassist Charlie Haden. He is currently playing a week at the Blue Note with his hard-swinging Quartet West. He joins us to talk about the group's first 20 years together. And finally, Ratatat, an electronic duo from Brooklyn who make clever, synth-driven post rock, joins us to share cuts from their second album, "Classics."

Kicking it Old-School

Rapper C.L. Smooth and author Mark Anthony Neal talk about the resurgence of old-school hip hop from the late 80s and early 90s.

Charlie Haden

Jazz bassist Charlie Haden talks about 20 years of his groundbreaking group, Quartet West.
» Charlie Haden on Verve

Ratatat

Ratatat, a New York electronic music duo consisting of guitarist Mike Stroud and synthesizer player and producer Evan Mast, joins us to share music from their latest album.
» Ratatat's Web site

Best Live Performances of 2008

Soundcheck

We revisit memorable in-studio performances from Toumani Diabaté, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, and others.

The Year in Music and Branding

Soundcheck

Pop music and advertising go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grey Group music director Josh Rabinowitz shares his picks for the best song picks and ad campaigns of 2008.

Critics Week

Soundcheck

Music writers look back at the year's best pop, rock, hip hop, classical, jazz, Latin and world albums. Plus: the worst music of the year and the best online music. Read our critics' lists here. And don't forget to cast your vote in our best-albums poll.

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.