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Soundcheck / March 21, 2008

Soundcheck

Friday, March 21, 2008
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  • People Take Warning!

    Songs in the Key of Death

    Before 24-hour news networks and supermarket tabloids, songwriters described the gory details of daily tragedy. Today on Soundcheck, a look at murder ballads and disaster songs from the 1920s and '30s. Later: songwriter Liam Finn may be the son of a New Zealand pop star, but he's carving out his own experimental rock sound on his solo debut, "I'll Be Lightning." He joins us for a live performance.

The Sound of Disaster

In the first half of the 20th century, songs carried news of the day, especially the gory stuff. The new box set "People Take Warning! Murder Ballads and Disaster Songs, 1913-1938" compiles songs about floods, fires, train wrecks, and the big one: murder. We talk with the collection's producer, Christopher King, and music writer Greil Marcus about why this once-popular storytelling form has virtually disappeared.

"People Take Warning! Murder Ballads & Disaster Songs 1913-1938" on Amazon.com
Greil Marcus' Website, "In the Attic"

Liam Finn

Liam Finn is the son of Neil Finn, leader of two of New Zealand’s biggest acts, Crowded House and Split Enz. Liam carries on his dad's pop flair, but he adds synthesizers and experimental sounds. He joins us for a live performance of songs from his debut, "I'll Be Lightning."

Liam Finn's Website
Video: Liam Finn performs "Second Chance" on "The Late Show" (Feb. 28, 2008)

cab

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.

vote

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.

walmart

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

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

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.

Michael Azerrad

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

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

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.