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Soundcheck

Friday, November 23, 2007
  • Alice Cooper Golf Monster
    (Getty Images/Warren Little)

    Trading Rock Clubs for Golf Clubs

    Rock musicians are thought to be rowdy rebels. But a growing number of them are spending their free time with the ultimate gentleman's game: Golf. From Lou Reed and Neil Young to Huey Lewis, Willie Nelson and even Marilyn Manson, artists of all stripes are out teeing up when off-stage. Today we speak about the trend with Alice Cooper, heavy metal pioneer and author of Alice Cooper, Golf Monster; and with Jaime Diaz from Golf Digest magazine. Plus: punk pioneer and roots rocker John Doe plays songs from his sixth solo album, A Year in the Wilderness, live in our studio. This is a repeat edition of Soundcheck.

Fairway To Heaven

Alice Cooper, the man who invented shock rock, became one of the best celebrity golfers around. He isn't alone in his passion for the sport. Other famous rocker-golfers include Lou Reed, Willie Nelson and even Marilyn Manson. Today, we hear what's behind this passion as we speak with Cooper, and with Jaime Diaz from Golf Digest magazine.

Alice Cooper, Golf Monster

John Doe

With the seminal 1980s band X, John Doe infused country and rockabilly twang into punk rock. Later, he pursed an acting career in film and television while releasing roots-rock solo albums. He joins us for a live performance of songs from his latest CD, A Year in the Wilderness.

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.