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Soundcheck

Wednesday, August 15, 2007
  • When Music Meets Web 2.0

    User-generated content is the buzz phrase of our time, behind Web sites like YouTube, MySpace, and now Midomi.com, a site that recognizes songs as you sing them. Today, we look at the ups and downs of democratically produced content in the age of Web 2.0. Also: South African singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlasela performs live. This is a repeat edition of Soundcheck.

Sing it to me baby

A Web site called Midomi.com gives you a whole new avenue for showing off your vocal prowess. All you need is a computer, a microphone and a song that you can sing or hum a few bars of. The site is designed to recognize that song and cross-reference it with a library of songs that includes versions by other members. We give the service a spin and talk with Midomi's VP of Business Development, Amir Arbabi, about how it works.

Midomi.com

Wide Web of Exhibitionists

So-called Web 2.0 sites like YouTube, MySpace and Midomi are shaking up the music industry. But is all this democracy such a good thing? Jeff Howe, contributing editor at WIRED, weighs in on the upsides, and downsides, of outsourcing to the crowd.

Jeff Howe's Blog

Vusi Mahlasela

Singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlasela was one of the big voices of South African music during Apartheid. His latest album is called "Guiding Star" and he performs live in the Soundcheck Studio.

Vusi Mahlasela's website

Best Live Performances of 2008

Soundcheck

We revisit memorable in-studio performances from Toumani Diabaté, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, and others.

The Year in Music and Branding

Soundcheck

Pop music and advertising go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grey Group music director Josh Rabinowitz shares his picks for the best song picks and ad campaigns of 2008.

Critics Week

Soundcheck

Music writers look back at the year's best pop, rock, hip hop, classical, jazz, Latin and world albums. Plus: the worst music of the year and the best online music. Read our critics' lists here. And don't forget to cast your vote in our best-albums poll.

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.