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Soundcheck

Friday, April 04, 2008
  • John Lennon and Paul McCartney

    Don't Let It Be: Pick Your Beatle

    When it comes to the songwriting duo behind the Beatles, fans aren’t always able to "Come Together." Some love John. Others prefer Paul. Today on Soundcheck, two rock critics and our listeners square off in a Lennon vs. McCartney debate. Later: conductor Robert Spano and composer Christopher Theofanidis talk about "Atlanta School," a growing group of composers. And: the Living Room celebrates 10 years on the Lower East Side.

John vs. Paul

Who was the best Beatle after all? What is the worst song that each of them wrote? Joining us for a Lennon and McCartney debate: Mark Rozzo, freelance music writer and editor at Men's Vogue, and David Samuels, contributor at Harper's magazine and the New Yorker. Plus, we take your calls.

Weigh in: Are you a "John" person? Or a "Paul" person? Why?

Robert Spano

Robert Spano first made a name as music director of the Brooklyn Philharmonic. Now in his seventh season as music director of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, he’s an avocate for a group of composers known as the "Atlanta School." He joins today us along with one of those composers, Christopher Theofanidis, whose piece "The Here and Now" Spano will conduct this weekend.

Robert Spano will be conducting the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall Sat. April 5 at 8pm.

Robert Spano's Website
Christopher Theofanidis

Ten Years in the Living Room

The Lower East Side nightclub The Living Room has earned a reputation for nurturing young singer songwriters. It’s where many of them get their first crack at an audience -- and at the tip bucket. Soundcheck producer Joel Meyer visited the Living Room as it celebrated its 10th anniversary.

The Living Room Web site

The Ill Effects of Urban Noise

Soundcheck

Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.