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February 2007

Sex, Kids, and Rock ‘n’ Roll

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Cultural Critic Evelyn McDonnell spent her 20s and 30s writing up riot grrls and marching topless down Fifth Avenue. Then she became a mom. Today, she describes the challenge of setting rules after a lifetime spent breaking them. Also: Singer-songwriter Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter play live in our studio.


Into the Mystic

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

The 13th century Persian mystic Rumi is one of the most widely read poets in America. In honor of his 800th birthday, UNESCO has declared 2007 as the International Year of Rumi. Today, we hear how Rumi's poetry inspires musicians from around the globe. Also: the band Sparklehorse features frontman Mark Linkous, whose sophisticated songwriting has emerged as he has overcame battles with depression and drugs. The band performs selections today from their latest album, "Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain." Finally, the local choreographer Miguel Gutierrez discusses his new evening-length piece, "Everyone."


Claim that Tune

Monday, February 26, 2007

The allegation that up to 100 albums by the late English pianist Joyce Hatto were copied from other pianists' discs has caused an international scandal in classical music. Today we find out what the stir is all about. Also: pop music riven with disputes about artificiality. "Faking It" is a new book by Hugh Barker and Yuval Taylor that examines why authenticity is so important to music fans. Taylor joins us. Finally: The Bird and The Bee are a California duo that play dreamy music with a jazz-influenced '60s vibe. They share their self-titled album that is just out on Blue Note.


The Music of Oscar

Friday, February 23, 2007

It’s the home stretch for Sunday’s Academy Awards. On today’s show: Our annual Oscar preview with film and music historian Jon Burlingame and Gustavo Santaolalla, the Oscar-nominated composer of “Babel.” And finally: a music critic weighs in on racial stereotyping in Dreamgirls.


Visions of Sound

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Artist Christopher Janney has designed sound installations for Boston's Museum of Science, the New York City subway, and the Miami Heat basketball arena. Today he joins singer David Byrne to discuss the connections between music and architecture. Also: Composer Olga Neuwirth has created an opera based on David Lynch's cult film "Lost Highway." Finally: Just as Hollywood has come to the opera stage, opera is showing renewed signs of life in Los Angeles. We find out why.


What is the Real Sound of Hawaii?

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

For the third consecutive year, a slack-key album took the Hawaiian Grammy. Today on Soundcheck: We look at why islanders say there is much more to their music and check out some of it. Also: The 14-piece band Brooklyn Qawwali Party performs live.


Kindie-Rock

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

If you think that children’s music is all purple dinosaurs and Raffi, think again. On today’s show: we look at the booming world of Kindie-rock, and the role Gen X parents are playing in its growth. Also: An update on Mardi Gras, two years after Katrina. And finally: Faux French pop band Nous Non Plus play live.


Classical 101: the NPR Version

Monday, February 19, 2007

Everything you always wanted to know about classical music but were afraid to ask. Ted Libbey, author of the 1000-page "The NPR Listener's Encyclopedia of Classical Music" answers it all. Also: Cassandra Wilson is one of today's most-respected jazz vocalists but is known for blurring the lines between jazz, folk and blues. She joins us from Mississippi to talk about her new album, "Thunderbird," and about life in the south after Katrina. (This is an encore broadcast)


Come Sail Away

Friday, February 16, 2007

Are you a music fan and thinking about an escape to warmer places? Do you find music festivals too conventional? Try a music cruise. Dozens of genre- or artist-focused cruises are setting sail this year and more artists seem to be getting on board with this trend. Today, we look at some of the more rockin' boats, from the Jam Cruise to Vince Neil's Motley Cruise to the North Sea Jazz Cruise.


Hurray for Bollywood!

Thursday, February 15, 2007

With seven productions breaking the $2 million mark, never has India’s Bollywood film industry been so popular in the US. On today's show: we look at the impact of Bollywood on everything from ringtones to Shakira’s hip-shaking. Also: Frontman for the psychedelic pop band The Apples in Stereo plays live in our studio.


Music to Put You in the Mood

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Does the instrument someone plays indicate whether they’ll be any good in the sack? Today, we look at a revealing new survey on the topic. Also: director John Waters talks about his favorite love songs.


Revealing Your Guilty Pleasures

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

We all have a song or artist that we secretly enjoy but know we "shouldn't." Today, it's time to 'fess up as we look at "guilty pleasures" -- a phenomenon that's emerged recently as teen idols like Justin Timberlake are gaining newfound credibility with urban hipsters, Beyonce continues to dominate the pop charts with "Irreplaceable," and Lebanese discovery Mika is doing the same in England with his single "Grace Kelly." Also: Cuban drummer and composer Dafnis Prieto talks about the mix between European chamber music and African percussion on his Grammy-nominated album "Absolute Quintet."


The Art of Hip-Hop

Monday, February 12, 2007

The cultural impact of Hip-Hop can be felt in everything from film, to theater, to dance, to fashion. Today on Soundcheck: author Jeff Chang tells us why Hip-Hop is among the most important art movements to emerge in the last two decades. Also: The big winners – and losers – at the Grammys. Finally: Violinist Jennifer Koh joins us to preview "String Poetic," a new piece written for her by the composer Jennifer Higdon.


Anticipation

Friday, February 09, 2007

Carly Simon was among the most prominent of the early 70s singer/songwriters. Today: the artist behind Anticipation, and You’re So Vain, joins us to talks about her album, Into the White. Plus: New Orleans melodic pop band Hi-fi Sky play live.


Why the Album isn't Dead Yet

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Critics have been ringing the death knell for the album format for years. Albums sold 5% less in 2006, whereas digital track sales were up 65%. But don't get too nostalgic yet. We question whether albums were ever blockbusters and see what really makes one. Also: Sicilian tenor Salvatore Licitra joins us to talk about doing double duty at the Met. And finally: your donations, as WNYC's fundraiser gets underway.


TV on the Radio

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

While radio used to break new bands, that role is increasingly played by TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy. Today: We look at who wins, and who loses, when TV producers determine the music we listen to. Also: Indie rock band, The Walkmen and Broadway star, Ben Vereen.


Flamenco Frenzy

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

It's cold outside but flamenco is hotter than ever, showing up in movies, TV shows, advertisements and bigger concert halls. Today, as the Flamenco Festival New York brings 100 dancers, vocalists and guitarists direct from Spain, we look at why flamenco has gone from specialty genre to big buiness. Also: composer Ruth Fazal talks about her oratorio inspired by drawings made by children during the holocaust. And the WNYC Young Peoples' Radio Chorus will sing excerpts live.


Buffalo Soldier

Monday, February 05, 2007

February is Black History Month. Today: we look at Cross That River, a new song-cycle about African-American cowboys, and the history of black country music. Also: Italian jazz pianist Stefano Bollani plays your requests live. And finally: wardrobe malfunctions or not, we review Sunday's Superbowl appearances by Prince, Billy Joel, and others.


From a Movie Maestro to a Malian Musician

Friday, February 02, 2007

Legendary film composer Ennio Morricone is being celebrated with concerts, film screenings, an all-star tribute album and an honorary Oscar this month. Today, we look how he made his mark on over 400 films, from "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" to "The Untouchables" and "Cinema Paradiso." Also: Vieux Farka Toure, the Malian singer-songwriter and son of the late African blues legend Ali Farka Toure, has announced a remix contest that will allow people to transform a song from his self-titled debut album. He joins us to perform live.


The Sounds and Tastes of the Theater

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Anthony Minghella has made his name directing everything from “The English Patient” to Madame Butterfly at the Met. Today, he joins us to talk about the importance of music in his latest film, “Breaking and Entering.” Also: Why more Broadway theatres are allowing people to bring drinks, candy, and even popcorn, to their seats.