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Soundcheck / November 28, 2007

Soundcheck

Wednesday, November 28, 2007
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  • Graduale Aboense, hymn book of Turku, Finland. 14th-15th century.
    Graduale Aboense, hymn book of Turku, Finland. 14th-15th century.

    Is Gregorian Chant Alive and Well?

    The pope says he's dissatisfied with modern sacred music in the Catholic Church, and is looking to force a return to traditional sacred music such as Gregorian Chant. Today, we find out if the days of folk-inspired worship songs are numbered. Also: Singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins hails from the quaint seaside town of Neptune City, NJ. She also sings about the Garden State on her new album, fittingly titled, "Neptune City." She performs live in the studio.

And the Chant Goes On

Pope Benedict XVI is considering a dramatic overhaul of the Vatican in order to force a return to Gregorian Chant, the medieval music that served the Catholic Church for centuries. Today, two Vatican watchers discuss what this might be more for more modern forms of music. Joining us is Damian Thompson, a leader writer for London's Daily Telegraph and editor-in-chief of The Catholic Herald; and William Berger, a librettist and author of several books including "Wagner without Fear" and "Verdi with a Vengeance."

Damian Thompson's Web site

Thou shalt turn it up to 11

Most of us know about the Ten Commandments – the bans against coveting and stealing and adultery. But the Bible also includes its share of advice on music. A.J. Jacobs, author of The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible explains.

A.J. Jacobs' web site

Nicole Atkins Live

Named one of Rolling Stone's "Top 10 Artists to Watch," singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins and her band, The Sea, perform songs from their Columbia Records debut "Neptune City," named in honor of her New Jersey home town.

Nicole Atkins's MySpace page
Nicole Atkins in an American Express ad

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.