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Soundcheck

Thursday, September 27, 2007
  • Neil Young and Lynyrd Skynyr
    Neil Young and Lynyrd Skynyr

    Pop Rivalries

    50 Cent traded barbs with Kanye West. Oasis truly hated Blur. And the spat between Neil Young and Lynyrd Skynyrd is more complicated than you might think. Today on Soundcheck, we look at pop music rivalries through history. And later, Austin-based indie group Okkervil River performs songs from its acclaimed album, "The Stage Names."

Creative Differences

Pop music's history books are filled with bitter rivalries. Some were invented as publicity stunts. Others were born from genuine hatred. And a few resulted in fisticuffs and gunplay. Bill Crandall, editor of AOL's Spinner.com, explains why artistic feuds continue to fascinate music fans. Plus, Crandall unveils a rare Johnny Cash recording from 1954.

Spinner.com's list of "20 Worst Band Feuds"
Rare Johnny Cash letter and song from 1954 on Spinner.com

Okkervil River

Okkervil River’s latest album, "The Stage Names," is a contender for indie rock’s album of the year. The fourth offering from the Austin-based group is filled with folky rave-ups and songwriter Will Sheff’s rich stories about troubled artists. Okkervil River joins us for a live performance in the Soundcheck studio.

Okkervil River website
Video: Watch "Our Life is Not a Movie or Maybe"

The Swell Season in The Greene Space

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Joshua Bell in The Greene Space

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