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Soundcheck

Tuesday, October 24, 2006
  • Mohandas Gandhi
    Mohandas Gandhi

    Gandhi Still Rocks

    We look at how 100th anniversary of Mohandas Gandhi's philosophy of peaceful resistance -- known as "Satyagraha" -- is being marked this year in musical tributes. Also: tenor saxophonist Bennie Wallace. And, an update on that controversial Russian website that’s been selling song downloads for pennies.

Shady Downloads

Paul Resnikoff, editor of Digital Music News, updates us on the controversial Russian website that’s been selling song downloads for mere pennies each.

Gandhi Lives

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Mohandas Gandhi’s non-violent, civil disobedience movement. His philosophy of non-violence has inspired both Bollywood films and Indian classical music. We explore the music with culture writer Siddhartha Mitter and Indian sarod virtuoso and composer Amjad Ali Khan.

Bennie Wallace

Tenor sax player Bennie Wallace occupies his own particular spot in the jazz spectrum, balancing tradition and innovation. He's just released a new cd and he'll play live in the studio.

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

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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.