On Demand
Soundcheck
-
Drowning in Sound
A revolution in recording technology is producing CDs that sound louder than those made just 10 or 15 years ago. But something’s getting lost in the mix. Today on Soundcheck: a look at the "loudness wars" inside the music industry. Plus: soprano Christine Schäfer shares her gender-bending take on Schubert songs. And: the music of the acclaimed TV show "The Wire."
The Loudness Wars
If you think albums today sound louder than those recorded a decade ago you’re just not imagining things. Recording technology can now make even the softest parts of a song sound big and boomy. We ask Rolling Stone contributor Robert Levine and producer David Bendeth about "the loudness wars," the fight to grab the attention of listeners.
Robert Levine's story in Rolling Stone
David Bendeth's website
Video: Demonstration of compression in music by Matt Mayfield [You Tube]
More by Rob Levine on the Loudness Wars
New Pot of Gold for 'Rainbows'
Despite giving its album for free three months ago, British rockers Radiohead are topping the charts this week with the CD version of their new album “In Rainbows.” New York Times’ Jeff Leeds joins us with the story.
Christine Schäfer
As we enter the thick of winter, German soprano Christine Schäfer comes to Lincoln Center this week to perform Schubert’s epic song cycle, “Winterreise,” or “Winter Journey.” She joins us today to share her recent CD of the cycle – and talk about her varied career as a rising young singer.
- About this program
- Staff Bios »
- Contact Us »
- Latest Episode
- Internship
- Tapes and Transcripts
- Show Archive »
Features & Series
Podcast
Stay up to date.
Subscribe to the Podcast
Watch Soundcheck Live!
Join us Tuesday, Nov. 10 at The Greene Space
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, stars of the romantic indie film Once, will debate which is more powerful: a love song or a breakup song. And: live music from Grammy winning violinist Joshua Bell and Cuban stars Tiempo Libre.
More
The Ill Effects of Urban Noise
Soundcheck
Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.
- Comments [93]
