On Demand
Soundcheck
-
Rock star activist Bono gives a press conference on the sidelines of the G8 summit 08 June 2007 (Getty Images)Bono Spies on Iran
Bono was recently seen listening to Iranian music in Fes, Morocco. On today's show, we find out why Middle Eastern music might be the next big thing in rock. Also: the musical collective Book of Knots and the composer behind the orchestral tribute to the Grateful Dead.
Rock the Casbah
After checking out the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music in Morocco, Bono is now saying that Middle Eastern music should be the next big thing for rockers. WNYC’s Rob Weisberg was at Fes and he joins Chicago Tribune rock critic Greg Kot for a discussion about the whys and hows of East-West fusions.

Knot's Landing
The musical collective Book of Knots shares the eerie songs from their new album, Traineater, and tell us about the help they got from Tom Waits and punk hero Mike Watt.
Book of Knots website
More about Book of Knots' members and contributors
Book of Knots MySpace page
From Tie-Dye to Black Tie
The Grateful Dead was dismissed for years as a footnote to pop music's Psychedelic Era. But by the time their 30-year run ended with the death of guitarist-composer Jerry Garcia, the band had morphed into one of the world's most popular tour attractions. Now they've made it to the concert hall. Lee Johnson, the composer behind "Dead Symphony No. 6: An Orchestral Tribute to the Grateful Dead" joins us to talk about the long strange trip.
- About this program
- Staff Bios »
- Contact Us »
- Latest Episode
- Internship
- Tapes and Transcripts
- Show Archive »
Features & Series
Podcast
Stay up to date.
Subscribe to the Podcast
Soundcheck's Noteworthy New York
Want to know the hottest places to go this weekend? Check out where New York's musicians go in their free time.
More
Soundcheck Blog
Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show.
More
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.
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"
- Comments [9]
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?
- Comments [60]
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.
- Comments [1]
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.
