On Demand
Soundcheck
-
Gershwin's hands (www.gershwin.com)George Gershwin's Rhapsody of Life
George Gershwin's Tin Pan Alley hits were inspired by his rough Lower East Side upbringing. Today we speak with musicologist and author, Howard Pollack about whether the legendary songwriter of "Porgy and Bess," and "The Man I Love," whom he argues really belongs among serious classical composers. Also: The New York Times recently noted that singer-songwriter Lee Feldman "uses a Tin Pan Alley bounce to make twisted or troubled situations sound like parlor songs." He joins us with a live performance. Finally, a look ahead to developments in digital music sales in 2007.
Reconsidering Gershwin
Musicologist and author, Howard Pollack talks about "George Gershwin: His Life and Work," his extensive biography of the great American composer.
Digital Music Sales in 2007
Amazon.com, MySpace, and other online sites are planning to enter the digital music sales market in 2007. Paul Resnikoff, editor of Digitalmusicnews.com, tells us what to watch for.
- About this program
- Staff Bios »
- Contact Us »
- Latest Episode
- Internship
- Tapes and Transcripts
- Show Archive »
Features & Series
Podcast
Stay up to date.
Subscribe to the Podcast
Soundcheck's Noteworthy New York
Want to know the hottest places to go this weekend? Check out where New York's musicians go in their free time.
More
Soundcheck Blog
Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show.
More
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"
- Comments [9]
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?
- Comments [60]
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.
- Comments [1]
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.
