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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.
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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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