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Soundcheck / September 10, 2007

Soundcheck

Monday, September 10, 2007
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  • Guiness Book of World Records 2008

    Making Records and Setting Them

    When some musicians aren't making records they're breaking them. The latest Guinness Book of World Records is just out. Today on Soundcheck: We'll hear about everything from the "largest simultaneous yodel" to the "best-selling ringtone." Also: Dobet Gnahoré, a singer, dancer and percussionist from the Ivory Coast, performs live in the studio. Finally, a round-up of recent album releases from the Soundcheck staff.

Higher, Faster, Louder

More than any other artistic pursuit, musicians and their fans seem obsessed with top achievements. Today, Stuart Claxton, the head researcher of Guinness World Records, talks about some of the most interesting records in the history of music - from "deepest concert" to "best selling single in the world."

Guinness World Records web site

New Fall Releases

A selective round-up of some of the fall's hot new releases as chosen by the Soundcheck staff.

This week's Picks:
The New Pornographers: "Challengers" (Matador)
Selected by John Schaefer
Sergio and Odair Assad: "Jardim Abandonado" (Abandoned Garden)
Selected by Gisele Regatao
Stockhausen: "Stimmung" (Harmonia Mundi)
Selected by Brian Wise
Animal Collective: "Strawberry Jam" (Domino)
Selected by Joel Meyer
Jamie T: "Panic Prevention" (EMI)
Selected by John Schaefer

Dobet Gnahoré

Singer, dancer and percussionist Dobet Gnahoré grew up in an artist commune on the Ivory Coast. Ki-Yi M’Bock, as the cooperative is called, includes artists from multiple backgrounds and disciplines, from dance to music to sculpture. So at age 12 Dobet decided to be a singer, but she also brings elements of dance, theater, and poetry to her music. She plays live in studio.

Dobet Gnahoré's Web site

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.

vote

Your "Democracy Song"

Soundcheck

As we march toward Election Day, Soundcheck wants you to identify a song that captures the spirit of democracy. It might be Woody Guthrie’s populist classic “This Land Is Your Land” or Sly and the Family Stone’s funky hit “Everyday People.” It might even be a current Top 40 hit with mass appeal. Put on your musical thinking cap, get creative, then post your song here.

walmart

Buying Music: A Smackdown Series

Soundcheck

Check out our ongoing series of Soundcheck Smackdown debates on the music marketplace -- and how we shop inside it. Part I: the pros and cons of MySpace. Part II: two documentarians throw down over music at Wal-Mart. Coming up: Part III: iTunes and Part IV: iPod vs. Zune

Atmosphere

Atmosphere

Soundcheck

With minimalist beats and confessional rhymes, the hip-hop duo Atmosphere became the toast of the hip-hop underground after it formed 10 years ago. Now, the group has turned to classic funk and soul, and frontman Slug is still telling captivating stories. They perform in our studio.

Tin Pan Alley

Tin Pan Alley

Soundcheck

A two-block stretch of West 28th Street was once the home of American songwriters and music publishers. But buildings in area are now up for sale, and preservationists fear a major development is in the works. We look at the history and future of Tin Pan Alley.

Michael Azerrad

I Am Azerrad ... No, I Am Azerrad!

Soundcheck

Nirvana biographer and indie-rock historian Michael Azerrad writes about musicians for a living. Now, the British band Tubelord (pictured) has written about him -- and the lyrics are a tad scary.

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile

Soundcheck

Two major players from the worlds of classical and American roots music have joined forces for an album of new material. They perform in our studio.

Tina Dico

Tina Dico

Soundcheck

Singer-songwriter Tina Dico tops the charts in her native Denmark. She joins us to share songs from her latest full-length album, "Count to Ten," as well as a trilogy of EPs.