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Soundcheck

Wednesday, October 25, 2006
  • music math

    Making Hit Music into a Science

    Is there a science to making a hit song? A company called Platinum Blue Music Intelligence is being used by some record labels to help determine whether a song will become a hit or not. Some swear by its accuracy but others wonder if it reduces a complex art to a simple formula. Joining us is Mike McCready, the company's CEO, and Jack Perricone, the chair of the songwriting department at the Berklee College of Music. Also: The Gotan Project is an international crew of DJs whose music blends tango and electronica. Their latest album, "Lunatico," is named after tango hero Carlos Gardel's champion racehorse.

How to Predict a Hit Song

A computer program called Platinum Blue has been developed that its makers claim can dramatically increase an artists' odds of scoring a hit. CEO Mike McCready, and professional songwriter Jack Perricone look at the science and artistry of songwriting.
Platinum Blue's Web site
"Melody in Songwriting: Tools and Techniques for Writing Hit Songs" by Jack Perricone, available for purchase at Amazon.com

The Gotan Project

Tango meets chill-out electronica in the music of The Gotan Project. They join us to share their latest album, "Lunatico."
The Gotan Project's Web site

Best Live Performances of 2008

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

The Year in Music and Branding

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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

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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.