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Soundcheck

Monday, March 17, 2008
  • Why Irish Music Is More Than Leprechauns and Shamrocks

    Irish music is not all sentimental ballads, step dances and ditties about Leprechauns and green beer. Today, hear about Ireland's long tradition of topical storytelling in music, with songs about politics, immigration, alcoholism and even Iraq. Also: Brazilian singer Curumin has fashioned a new musical genre: samba soul. On his second album he adds some Japanese into it. Curumin joins us to talk about his sound and to play live in studio.

The New breed of Irish Rebel Songs

When it comes to songwriting, the Irish are among the world's great storytellers. Historically, that’s played out in passionate songs about nationalist causes. But as the political climate has changed in Ireland, so has the musical focus. Joining us with two views on this are Larry Kirwan, the leader of the Irish-American band Black 47, and Mike Farragher, a music columnist with the Irish Voice, and co-founder of the web site Celtic Lounge.

Black 47 release party, tonight at B.B.King's

Weigh in: Do you like your Irish music with a political edge? Or do you prefer old drinking songs and sentimental ballads?

Black 47 Web site
Celtic Lounge

Curumin

Take Steve Wonder's "Innervisions" album, add samba grooves, psychedelic funk guitar, reggae beats, and top it with samples of Japanese Brazilian singing contests and you start to get a sense of the music of Curumin. The multi-instrumentalist and singer from Sao Paulo, Brazil joins us with a live performance.

Curumin performs Mar. 18 at Nublu at 9:30 and 10:45 p.m.

Curumin's MySpace page

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

Soundcheck

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!

Soundcheck

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

Soundcheck

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.