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Soundcheck

Monday, December 24, 2007
  • Simon & Garfunkel
    Simon & Garfunkel

    The Greatest Opening Song Lines

    First impressions count in life as in pop songs – whether it's Simon & Garfunkel singing "Hello, Darkness, my old friend," the Beatles crooning "she was just seventeen," or Fiona Apple's declaration "I've been a bad, bad girl." Today, we look at what makes for a great opening lyric. Also: jazz bassist and composer Omer Avital performs in our studio. This is a repeat broadcast.

In the Beginning

If it's really clever or really catchy, the first line of a song can get stuck in your head forever. Bill Crandall, editor in chief of AOL Music, joins us to talk about some of most memorable and ear-catching opening lyrics.

Best Opening Lyrics on AOL Music

Omer Avital Trio

Bassist Omer Avital grew up in a Moroccan-Yemenite family in Tel Aviv. His new album, "Arrival," drives from the music of North Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. He plays in the studio with his ensemble.

More about Omer Avital

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.