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Soundcheck

Tuesday, September 19, 2006
  • Yo La Tengo's Ira Kaplan (Matthew Salacuse/Matador Records)
    Yo La Tengo's Ira Kaplan (Matthew Salacuse/Matador Records)

    Your Music, Your Lifestyle

    Fans of musicals are least likely to take drugs or commit crimes, while hip hop and dance music fans are more likely to have had multiple sex partners. Today on Soundcheck, we discuss a new research study that connects musical tastes with individuals' lifestyles. Also: Ira Kaplan of the indie band Yo La Tengo on their newest record. And the Americana banjo player Riley Baugus performs live in the studio.

Musical Choice, Lifestyle Choice

Researchers at the University of Leicester have released the results of a study that correlates music listening with lifestyle choices. We'll hear about some of its surprising outcomes with the study's lead researcher.
» The Unversity of Leicester's Musical Taste Survey

Yo La Tengo

Some call "I Am Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass" Yo La Tengo's best record to date. Others have called it over-reaching and self-indulgent. We'll speak with bandmember Ira Kaplan about his thoughts on the indie trio's latest release.
» Yo La Tengo's website

Riley Baugus, old-time banjoist

Riley Baugus is a North Carolina native whose banjo playing pays homage to traditional, Southern Appalachian music. He'll perform live in the studio.
» Riley Baugus's website

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.