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Soundcheck

Wednesday, June 20, 2007
  • The Dark Side of Rock Reunions

    Some rock reunions are wildly successful, while others are panned or never get off the ground. Today on Soundcheck, we ask the experts what it takes to make a successful rock reunion. Also: NY Phil trombonist Joseph Alessi tells us why his instrument is so hot among contemporary composers. And finally: digital music's damaging impact on the environment.

The Dark Side of Rock Reunions

Bands like The Police, Rage Against the Machine, and Genesis are reuniting for summer concert tours. But for every sold-out tour there’s another that never gets off the ground. We talk with the New York Times Music Critic Ben Ratliff, and Pollstar's Gary Bongiovanni , about what it takes to make a good rock reunion. Plus, we find out how some of this summer’s reunions are faring.

Stewart Copeland's blog post on The Police's "disaster gig"

The Hot Trombone

The trombone, an instrument that has rarely been invited into the spotlight, may have hit the big time. This season there are four major trombone premieres in the United States. Joseph Alessi, principal trombonist in the New York Philharmonic, tells us why the trombone has become the "It" instrument and performs live off his new album, "Return to Sorrento."

Joseph Alessi's Website

The Devil's in the Devices

Contrary to popular opinion, the music industry's transition from physical to digital music is not helping the environment and may actually be causing more harm than good. Billboard Editor Bill Werde tells us why.

The Consumer Electronics Association has launched a website to help earth-minded consumers responsibly use, and dispose of, their electronic devices.

MyGreenElectronics.com
Digital Music No Environmental Cure

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.