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Soundcheck

Tuesday, February 12, 2008
  • Underground

    Classical music goes Underground

    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.

Tube Tunes

A trial scheme of playing classical music in London's Underground stations proved so successful that it has been extended to 40 stations on the transit network. What's more surprising are the music playlists, full of lesser-known works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Berlioz and others. Neil Fisher, classical music editor of the London Times, joins us with his review.

Classical music is a big hit on the London Underground by Neil Fisher

Soulive... Live

The funk-soul organ trio Soulive started jamming eight years ago in Woodstock, NY, and ended up opening for acts like The Rolling Stones and the Dave Matthews Band. They join us to talk about their latest album, No Place Like Soul, under the re-launched Memphis label Stax Records.

Soulive's web site

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

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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!

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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

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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.