Soundcheck

The Little Ringtone That Could

Friday, December 07, 2007

With limited lifespans and three-dollar price tags, cell phone ringtones have been dubbed "the last great digital rip-off" by one technology columnist. Today on Soundcheck, we look at the brief, lucrative history of the ringtone. Also: Ever wonder why more songs aren’t written about dorm rooms and college life? We’ll hear from Ravens and Chimes, a band that’s made an album chronicling their lives at NYU.

Listen to the whole show

Ringing Up Profits

Love them or hate them, cell phone ringtones are here to stay. We'll look at the brief, lucrative history of the ringtone, from the best-selling selections to the most annoying. (Perhaps some ringtones make both lists...) We talk with Antony Bruno of Billboard magazine and Jeff Dodes of Zomba Label Group, home to pop-oriented Jive Records.

Ravens and Chimes

Most of the six members of Ravens and Chimes met while students at NYU. Not surprisingly, their album "Reichenbach Falls" is filled with nods to New York (General Lafayette, 11th Street, and the Village Voice, to name a few). We'll find out if there's life -- and rock -- after college. Plus, the band performs live in the Soundcheck studio.

More about Ravens and Chimes
Ravens and Chimes on MySpace

Greyhound Ad Draws Ire

The Greyhound bus line is courting the indie-rock demographic with advertisements in music magazines, including one in XLR8R that featured concert photos. Some of the artists are taking issue with what they say is an implied endorsement of the bus company. Maura Johnston of the music blog Idolator.com tells us more about it.

More about Greyhound ad (Idolator.com)