Soundcheck

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.

Listen to the whole show

New York Philharmonic Arrives in North Korea

The New York Philharmonic arrived in Pyongyang, North Korea yesterday and it is making finnal preparations for its landmark concert tomorrow night. Soundcheck host John Schaefer is there and he joins us with his initial impressions.

If you can't see the video click here

Weigh in: Do you think the New York Philharmonic's visit to North Korea is a good idea or bad idea?

More WNYC Coverage: New York Phil in Pyongyang

The so-called gender gap in music appreciation

Lesley Douglas, who coordinates pop music coverage at the BBC, said "For women, there tends to be a more emotional reaction to music. Men tend to be more interested in the intellectual side: the tracks, where albums have been made, that sort of thing." Today: we debate whether there is a gender gap in music appreciation with Laura Barton , features writer and music columnist at the Guardian, and Marc Perlman, Associate Professor of Music, Brown University at Brown University.

Weigh in: Do you find that women and men have innately different reactions to music?

Laura Barton on whether men and women listen to music differently

Jim White

Jim White adds an off-beat touch to the alt-country genre. The Southern singer-songwriter specializes in hard-luck Americana, but adds an experimental and storytelling flair. His latest album is "Transnormal Skiperoo," a term he uses to describe a new feeling he’s experiencing after "years of feeling lost and alone and cursed."

Jim White's MySpace page