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Soundcheck / April 27, 2007

Soundcheck

Friday, April 27, 2007
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  • Still from the Swill film Vitus
    Still from the Swill film Vitus

    The Perfect Role

    For child prodigies, it can be tough growing up brilliant. Today on Soundcheck, the young star of the film Vitus talks about being a gifted pianist — and playing one on the big screen. Plus, the Brooklyn-based band Flying brings its surreal, psychedelic songs to our studio. And, a presidential candidate uses country music to thank campaign contributors.

Country Connoisseur

A new CD "tells the story of the plight of rural America." No, we're not talking about the new John Mellencamp record. It's Moneyland, a compilation of new and old country songs that John Edwards is giving donors who contribute $50 or more to his presidential campaign. We ask Amy Schatz of the Wall Street Journal's blog Washington Wire if Edwards can make a decent mixtape.

Washington Wire blog on 'Moneyland'

Vitus

The award-winning Swiss film Vitus reminds us that child prodigies are, after all, children. The film is the story of a gifted 12-year-old pianist who struggles to balance his talent and his desire to be "normal." Vitus stars the real-life 14-year-old pianist Teo Gheorghiu, winner of the 2004 San Marino International Piano Competition. Gheorghiu and producer Christof Neracher talk about the film, which screens this weekend at the Tribeca Film Festival.

'Vitus' web site
Teo Gheorghiu's audition video for 'Vitus'
Tribeca Film Festival web site

Flying

The Brooklyn band Flying makes surreal, psychedelic music inspired in part by its singer's sculptures, short stories and paintings. The formation of the band is just as unusual: it involves a two-headed dog made out of snow, a paralyzed face, and a bloody bike accident. Flying performs live in our studio. Also, renowned cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich has died. He was 80. We hear an interview with Rostropovich from the Soundcheck archives.

Flying's MySpace page
Mstislav Rostropovich at 75: Part I (from the Soundcheck archives)
Mstislav Rostropovich at 75: Part II (from the Soundcheck archives)
Mstislav Rostropovich at 75: Part III (from the Soundcheck archives)

Toumani Diabaté

Best Live Performances of 2008

Soundcheck

We revisit memorable in-studio performances from Toumani Diabaté, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, and others.

Marvin Gaye

The Year in Music and Branding

Soundcheck

Pop music and advertising go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grey Group music director Josh Rabinowitz shares his picks for the best song picks and ad campaigns of 2008.

Taylor Swift

Critics Week

Soundcheck

Music writers look back at the year's best pop, rock, hip hop, classical, jazz, Latin and world albums. Plus: the worst music of the year and the best online music. Read our critics' lists here. And don't forget to cast your vote in our best-albums poll.

cab

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.