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Soundcheck

Tuesday, July 10, 2007
  • Los Angeles, UNITED STATES: Sly Stone performs during a Sly and the Family Stone tribute during the 48th Annual Grammy Awards 08 February 2006 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images)
    Sly Stone performs during a Sly and the Family Stone tribute during the 48th Annual Grammy Awards (Getty Images)

    Strange Comebacks and A-List Soundtracks

    When Sly Stone made a brief, blond Mohawked appearance at the 2006 Grammys, it did little to counter his image as one of rock's most mysterious recluses. Now, the forthcoming issue of Vanity Fair has an in-depth interview with the soul and funk icon that reveals, among other things, plans for a new album. We talk with writer David Kamp about his interview with Stone. Also: Songwriter Jesse Harris wrote all the music for actor Ethan Hawke's upcoming film "The Hottest State." His songs are performed on the soundtrack by Cat Power, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Norah Jones, and many other notable names. He performs live in the studio.

After 25 Years, Sly Stone Speaks Out

Sly Stone was a hit at Woodstock and a leading voice of soul and funk in the 1960s and early '70s. But in the decades since he's been notoriously reclusive - until now. Writer David Kamp joins us to talk about his revealing interview with Stone in the August issue of Vanity Fair.

"Sly Stone's Higher Power" by David Kamp
Video: Sly Stone at the 2006 Grammy Awards

Jesse Harris

The film "The Hottest State," which arrives in theaters later this summer, draws on the diverse talents of New York singer-songwriter Jesse Harris. Harris collaborated with the film's writer/director/co-star Ethan Hawke, hand-picking a diverse range of artists including Willie Nelson, Feist, Bright Eyes, Emmylou Harris, The Black Keys, M. Ward to perform the songs. He talks about the soundtrack and performs live in the studio.

Jesse Harris's Web site

Latin Alternative Music 101

Carolina Gonzales, music journalist and co-author of Nueva York: the Complete Guide to Latino Life in the Five Boroughs, talks about some of the hottest music web sites for Latin Alternative Music, which are on display this week at the Latin Alternative Music Conference in New York.

batanga.com
Elhood.com
Quepasa.com

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"

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?

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.

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.