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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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Join us Tuesday, Nov. 10 at The Greene Space
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, stars of the romantic indie film Once, will debate which is more powerful: a love song or a breakup song. And: live music from Grammy winning violinist Joshua Bell and Cuban stars Tiempo Libre.
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The Ill Effects of Urban Noise
Soundcheck
Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.
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