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Music producer Phil Spector attends an evidentiary hearing in Alhambra Municipal Court February 17, 2004 (Getty Images)The Mad Genius of Pop Music
Producer Phil Spector revolutionized pop music recording with '60s girl-group factory and his famous "Wall of Sound." But he's also known for his eccentric behavior and is now standing trial for murder. Today, we wpeak with biographer Mark Ribowsky about the man and his legacy. Also: Swedish singer Sarah Assbring calls herself El Perro del Mar and plays indie doo wop inspired by Phil Spector. She performs live in the studio. Finally, just a day after the Metropolitan Opera announced its season, City Opera drops a bombshell: controversial opera impresario Gerard Mortier will become its new general manager. We'll get an analysis today.
Behind the Wall of Sound
Mark Ribowsky, author of the Phil Spector biography, He's a Rebel joins us two weeks before the legendary producer goes on trial for murder.
El Perro del Mar
The Scandinavian band El Perro del Mar, whose latest album got an 8.1 (out of 10) rating on the indie music Web site Pitchfork, joins us with a live performance.
Gerard Mortier to Take Over NYC Opera
Is New York poised to become a hotbed for cutting-edge opera? That's what some opera watchers are saying now that Gerard Mortier is to become artistic and general manager of New York City Opera in 2009. New York Times classical music critic Anne Midgette offers her views on the change.
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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.
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Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show.
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Noteworthy New York
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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
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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"
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Pop's Love Affair With Death
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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?
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Behind the public face of John Lennon
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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.
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The Soul of British Soul
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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.
