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Poppyseed Bandits/flickr.Are the new Protest Songs any good?
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.
Songs of Change
If the purpose of political songs are to rouse people into action, then today's breed of political musicians aren't doing a very good job, says writer Chris Dahlen in a recent column for Pitchfork Media. Dahlen joins us today to talk about how political music is changing and what's needed in the future. Also joining us is singer-songwriter and activist Steve Earle, whose last two albums were heavily political in nature.
Steve Earle on Musical Activism
Singer-songwriter and activist Steve Earle has made several albums of in-your-face songs about the Bush administration and other political issues. But on his latest, "Washington Square Serenade," he's less the political provocateur than a sociological observer. He explains why.
Luciana Souza
If you thought there wasn't much new to say about bossa nova, consider Brazilian singer and composer Luciana Souza. She unveils fresh angles on the genre with "The New Bossa Nova," an album featuring songs by Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Sting, Elliott Smith, Steely Dan and others. She joins us to share songs from the new album today.
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Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show. Plus, watch videos from in-studio performances.
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Introducing our Video Contest
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The 22-year-old multi-instrumentalist performs live in our studio.
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Cucu Diamantes Performs Amor Cronico
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Cucu Diamantes went from a tough childhood in Havana, Cuba, to an art school in Rome to underground New York City, where she co-founded the Latin alternative band Yerba Buena.
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In Studio: Stephanie McKay
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The local singer-songwriter performs "Jackson Avenue," a nostalgic toast to her childhood in the South Bronx.
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In Studio: The Decemberists
The Portland, Ore., band's latest album, "The Hazards of Love," is a concept album with a mythological flair. They joined Soundcheck to play live for a studio audience in WNYC's Greene Space.
Sound Off
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Throughout May, Soundcheck presents “Sound Off” a Friday series on the many aspects of noise in music and our lives. The series -- which coincides with “Better Hearing and Speech Month” -- looks at issues like New York’s noisiest neighborhoods, the latest research on iPods and hearing loss, and what happens when noise becomes a musical ingredient.
