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Soundcheck / June 27, 2007

Soundcheck

Wednesday, June 27, 2007
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  • coda

    Last, but Certainly Not Least

    Recently, HBO's "Sopranos" stunned viewers with its controversial blackout finale. But surprise endings have defined music and art for centuries. Today, Washington Post cultural critic Philip Kennicott talks about cases when composers and songwriters avoid the Hollywood ending. Also: Duluth, Minnesota trio Low explores the timely topic of war and violence on their new album, "Drums And Guns." They perform live in the studio. And finally, a look at Folkstreams.net, a national treasury of documentary films about folk art and culture.

The Surprise Ending in Music

Before HBO's "Sopranos" stunned viewers, composers were startling music fans: Haydn's "Farewell" Symphony, which ends with a fade-out, was the ultimate in non-endings. 20th Century composers refused to tie up their music with a bow. Washington Post cultural critic Philip Kennicott joins us to talk about cases when composers and songwriters avoid the Hollywood ending.

The Surprise Ending? It's the Absence of One - By Philip Kennicott

Low

Low is the defining band of indie-rock's "slowcore" niche genre. When they emerged from the icy tundra of Duluth, Minn., in the early '90s, few knew what to make of their ultra-quiet music and unsettling vocals. Now, the band has distanced itself from that sound on albums like their latest, "Drums and Guns." They perform live in the studio.

Folkstreams.net

Folkstreams.net is an online archive for documentaries on a range of folk culture, virtually all of them impossible to find anywhere else. Founder Tom Davenport shares some of the musical highlights.

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.

Quincy Jones

The Journey of Quincy Jones

Soundcheck

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"

death

Pop's Love Affair With Death

Soundcheck

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?

John Lennon

Behind the public face of John Lennon

Soundcheck

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.

Dusty Springfield book jacket

The Soul of British Soul

Soundcheck

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.