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Soundcheck

Friday, December 22, 2006
  • Courtney Love
    Courtney Love

    A Duo of Divas

    Rolling Stone magazine has called Courtney Love "the most controversial woman in the history of rock." Today, she shares stories about her life as musician, actress, and widow of rock icon Kurt Cobain, some of which are detailed in her new book "Dirty Blonde: The Diaries of Courtney Love." Also: Marisa Monte. Her seductive voice is showcased on two very different new albums - one being a collection of samba songs and another featuring contemporary pop hits. This is an archived edition of Soundcheck.

Courtney Love

Rolling Stone magazine has called Courtney Love "the most controversial woman in the history of rock." Certainly, about everyone has a strong opinion about the former leader of the band Hole. Today, she shares stories about her life as musician, actress, and widow of rock icon Kurt Cobain, some of which are detailed in her new book "Dirty Blonde: The Diaries of Courtney Love."

Brazilian Diva Marisa Monte

Marisa Monte, an opera-trained pop samba fusionist from Brazil, joins us as she embarks on her first Ameriacn tour in six years. Her seductive voice is showcased on two very different new albums - one being a collection of samba songs and another featuring contemporary pop hits.

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.

The Journey of Quincy Jones

Soundcheck

During his 50-year career, Quincy Jones has worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Puff Daddy, founded Vibe magazine, collected countless awards, and earned a reputation as a jazz giant. (Somewhere in there, he found time to make possible an album called "Thriller.") Jones joins us on the occasion of his new book, "The Complete Quincy Jones: My Journey & Passions."

Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on Quincy Jones, Henry Rollins and the term "Renaissance man"

Pop's Love Affair With Death

Soundcheck

Death may be an unpleasant topic for conversation, but it ranks up there with sex and love as a basic ingredient in song lyrics. Today, we look at how pop music copes (and even thrives) with death. We're joined by Graeme Thomson, author of the self-explanatory book, "I Shot a Man in Reno: A History of Death By Murder, Suicide, Fire, Flood, Drugs, Disease and General Misadventure, as Related in Popular Song."

Soundcheck blog: What's your favorite song about death?

Behind the public face of John Lennon

Soundcheck

Writing a book about the Beatles is to enter a crowded market. But Philip Norman’s new 851-page biography, “John Lennon: The Life” is getting much buzz this fall for the unprecedented access provided by Lennon’s friends and relatives, including Yoko Ono. We talk with Norman about why Lennon remains such a fascinating and troubled figure.

The Soul of British Soul

Soundcheck

British soul divas like Amy Winehouse and Duffy owe a big debt to a '60s icon with a breathy voice and a beehive wig. Today: the story of singer Dusty Springfield. Later: folk-rock artist Ani DiFranco performs songs from her new album "Red Letter Year" live in our studio.