Soundcheck Archive
February 2008
When Enough Is Enough
Friday, February 29, 2008
Author J.D. Salinger disappeared from the literary world not long after the success of "Catcher in the Rye." But in music, reunion tours and comebacks make it tough to quit. Today on Soundcheck, we look at creative peaks and retirement. Also: Members of the Arabesque Music Ensemble have recorded with pop stars Shakira and Beyonce. But the group's own music skews toward traditional, even obscure, Arab music. They join us to share their latest CD.
Harmony of the Sexes?
Thursday, February 28, 2008
The Vienna Philharmonic brings its famously polished sound to New York this weekend, but don't expect to see many women on stage. We're joined by Katie Binns, a Vienna-based journalist who recently investigated the orchestra's hiring practices. Also: where are the women conductors in American orchestras? Washington Post chief classical music critic Anne Midgette ponders the question. Finally: live music from the indie-rock duo known as Georgie James.
Arts and the Candidates
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Health care, education and the war in Iraq dominate this year’s presidential election. Today on Soundcheck, a look at the candidates and their stances on another hot-button issue: funding for the arts. Also: the Brazilian/Israeli group Choro Ensemble shares their take on a Brazilian rhythm from the 1930s. Plus: new Evening Music host Terrance McKnight joins us for our CD Picks of the Week.
A Diplomatic Mission, With Strings
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The New York Philharmonic is making symphonic history with a concert inside North Korea. Today on Soundcheck, host John Schaefer reports from Pyongyang on the Philharmonic’s performance. Plus, hear reactions from around the classical music world. Also: find out why Baroque composers were among the first music fans to embrace "country music."
Do Women and Men Listen To Music Differently?
Monday, February 25, 2008
The head of popular music at the BBC caused a stir last week when she said that men relate with music on an intellectual level, whereas women relate on an emotional level. We get to the heart of the debate with a music writer and music researcher. Also: since his emergence a decade ago, singer-songwriter Jim White has been writing songs with a Southern gothic tinge. His latest album, "Transnormal Skiperoo," adds an experimental and storytelling flair. He performs live in the studio. Plus: host John Schaefer reports from North Korea, where the New York Philharmonic is performing tomorrow.
Every Picture Tells a Story
Friday, February 22, 2008
Veteran photographer Henry Diltz is the ultimate rock 'n' roll insider, turning up at legendary jam sessions, parties, and festivals -- from Woodstock to Monterrey. Today, he talks about his new book of more than 500 photos: California Dreaming: Memories and Visions of LA, 1966-1975. Also: Brazilian-born brothers Sergio and Odair Assad are one of today's leading classical guitar duos. They join us to share their new album, "Jardim Abandonado," and perform live in the studio. This is a repeat edition of Soundcheck.
Oscar-nominated Film Scores Push Boundaries
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Jonny Greenwood's score for "There Will Be Blood" has won critical praise but it was shut out of Oscar consideration due to a technicality. Nevertheless, the nominees for best original score at this Sunday's Academy Awards ceremony are notably diverse: "Atonement," "The Kite Runner," "Michael Clayton," "Ratatouille" and "3:10 to Yuma." Today we handicap the nominees. Also: The first album in four years from the Magnetic Fields is called "Distortion" — and for good reason. Every song on it is soaked in reverb and feedback. The group's leader, Stephin Merritt, joins us to perform live.
Do Musicians Still Have Muses?
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Muses have fascinated us for centuries, yet they seldom get as much exposure as the artistic geniuses they inspire. From Yoko Ono to Eric Clapton's Layla to Carla Bruni, the first lady of France who is writing songs inspired by poets like Emily Dickinson, we look at how muses feed the imagination to this very day. Also: jazz singer Catherine Russell talks about her own inspiration – her very musical parents.
Does Juno Deserve a Better Soundtrack?
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
The soundtrack to the film "Juno" is a smash hit. But while fans find it cute and charming, some critics believe it's amateur and cloying. Today, two music critics debate whether "Juno" deserves a better soundtrack. Also: music from Punch Brothers, a quintet formed by Chris Thile, the bluegrass mandolin player from Nickel Creek.
Are the new Protest Songs any good?
Monday, February 18, 2008
The Iraq War, terrorism, and Katrina have all inspired plenty of political music. But many protest songs are purposefully vague, avoiding preachy messages or obvious slogans. Today, we look at the new breed of protest songs with singer and activist Steve Earle and Pitchfork Media writer Chris Dahlen. Also: Bossa Nova has its roots in early 60's Brazil. On her new album, "The New Bossa Nova," Brazilian singer Luciana Souza gives the genre an update as she covers material by Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Sting, Elliott Smith, Steely Dan and others. This is a repeat edition of Soundcheck.
A 'Bookend' To Change the World?
Friday, February 15, 2008
Neil Young recently told reporters, "I think that the time when music could change the world is past." But for longtime New York radio host Pete Fornatale, an album born in the social and political turmoil of 1968 still holds great potential. He joins us to talk about the Simon & Garfunkel classic "Bookends."
The Anatomy of a Love Song
Thursday, February 14, 2008
In an age when romantic song lyrics are more "Get Your Freak On" than "Prelude to a Kiss," we ask: is the classic love song dead? And if not, what makes for a compelling or memorable love song? We pose these questions today to three experts: Joining us are Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Aaron Jay Kernis; the New York jazz vocalist Jane Monheit; and Pamela Phillips Oland, a professional songwriter of hundreds of songs and author of the book, "The Art of Writing Love Songs."
The Song of the Brave
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
It was 25 years ago this weekend that Marvin Gaye performed a legendary rendition of the National Anthem at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game. Today on Soundcheck, we look back at Gaye’s performance and other famous (and infamous) interpretations of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Later: It's cold outside but flamenco is hotter than ever. As the eighth annual Flamenco Festival New York brings dozens of dancers, vocalists and guitarists to the city, we hear about some of the hot young talent shaking up this very traditional Spanish musical form. Plus, our CD picks of the week.
Classical music goes Underground
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Stations on the London Underground are piping out recordings of classical music to calm down commuters and discourage anti-social behavior. How does it sound? And could such a tactic work in New York? Neil Fisher, classical music editor of the Times of London, offers his review. Also: the funky organ trio Soulive join us to talk about their latest album, "No Place Like Soul," released on the re-launched Memphis label Stax Records.
Intoxicating Lyrics
Monday, February 11, 2008
A new study shows that more than one third of the most popular songs in the US reference drugs and alcohol. Well, duh! But which songs make the list may surprise you. We talk to the study’s author, and to a music critic. Also: Indie rockers The Kills join us for a live performance. And finally: a round-up of last night's Grammy Awards ceremony.
Awards Season Moves into High Gear
Friday, February 08, 2008
The 50th annual Grammy Awards take place this Sunday in Los Angeles and some are betting -- literally -- that Amy Winehouse will win Album of the Year. On today's show, we look at online gambling and the Grammy Awards. And, we unveil the results of our Soundcheck poll. Plus: Italian composer Dario Marianelli talks about his Oscar-nominated score for the film "Atonement"
View a complete list of the nominees
Poll Results:
We asked listeners to predict who will win in the major categories for this Sunday's Grammy Awards. Here's what you predicted:
Song of the Year: Amy Winehouse, "Rehab"
Best New Artist: Amy Winehouse
Record of the Year: "Rehab" tied with Rihanna’s "Umbrella" (featuring Jay-Z)
Album of the Year: Kanye West's "Graduation"
The Grammy Awards ceremony will be broadcast Sunday night at 8 pm EST on CBS.
I'm With the Brand
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Forget Oscar Meyer. The latest ad jingles are coming from such high-power acts as U2, Rihanna, and Paul McCartney. On today's show: we look at the future of the ad jingle. Also: Folk heiress Lucy Wainwright Roche performs live in our studio.
The Dos and Don'ts of Buying a Grand Piano
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Globalization is rocking the piano market. Austrian maker Bosendorfer is now in Japanese hands, having been purchased by Yamaha in December. Chinese brands (and parts) are on the rise. Today, Piano Today editor Stuart Isacoff talks about the changing market for pianos. We also speak with a recent piano buyer, the musician Perri Knize. In her new book, Grand Obsession, Knize explains what happened when the piano she bought in New York didn’t sound the same when she got it home. Finally: Malian kora player Toumani Diabate performs live in our studio.
Weigh in: The 50th annual Grammy Awards take place Sunday, Feb. 10. Vote now in our Soundcheck Grammy Poll!
Songs on the Stump
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Presidential candidates are surrounding themselves with music during the 2008 campaign. Today, we find out how candidates pick their playlists -- and how those songs sometimes wander off-message. Plus: the Brooklyn songwriter Thomas Bartlett has played with everyone from art-rock hero David Byrne to buzz band The National. He joins us for a live performance under his stage name, Doveman.
Weigh in: The 50th annual Grammy Awards take place Sunday, Feb. 10. Vote now in our Soundcheck Grammy Poll!
Cat Powers's Nine Lives and Twelve Cover Songs
Monday, February 04, 2008
Singer-songwriter Chan Marshall (aka Cat Power) is known for her intimate voice and unpredictable but endlessly fascinating concerts. She joins us today to perform songs from "Jukebox," an all-covers album featuring songs by Dylan, Sinatra and Billie Holiday, among others. Also: Indie-folk songwriter Thao Nguyen has her own quirky taste in names. Her backing band is called The Get Down Stay Down. Her latest album is called "We Brave Bee Stings and All." But on stage, the Virginia native is calls herself merely... Thao. Finally: Soundcheck's CD picks of the week.
Weigh in: The 50th annual Grammy Awards take place Sunday, Feb. 10. Vote now in our Soundcheck Grammy Poll!
Practice, Practice, Practice ... But Where?
Friday, February 01, 2008
All artists need a creative space. And for New York musicians, that space can be expensive, cramped — or worse. Today on Soundcheck: the state of rehearsal spaces in the city. And, we announce the winners of our Rehearsal Space Photo Contest. Later: songwriter and harpist Baby Dee paid her dues in the downtown scene, a South Bronx church, and a Coney Island sideshow. She performs live in our studio.
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