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Soundcheck / April 21, 2008

Soundcheck

Monday, April 21, 2008
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  • Beards
    Singer Zac Holtzman of the band Dengue Fever

    Hair Today, Rock 'n' Roll Tomorrow

    Everywhere you look, beards are making a comeback. Today, we find out why hairy cheeks and whiskers are now appearing on American Idol contestants, rock stars, late-night talk-show hosts, and even politicians. Later: The occasionally bearded songwriter Peter Morén is one third of Peter Bjorn and John, the Swedish trio that broke through last year with the whistle-driven hit "Young Folks." He joins us to play songs from his new solo album, "The Last Tycoon."

Beards are Back!

From rock star Robert Plant to movie star Brad Pitt to New Mexico governor Bill Richardson to every other indie-rocker around, men are really into facial hair these days. Joining us to unveil the popularity of this trend are Carolyn Sayre of Time Magazine, Zac Holtzman, guitarist of the band Dengue Fever, and Rob Waller, lead vocalist and guitarist of the country band I See Hawks In LA.

Slideshow: Beards



Our blog: Find out if John Schaefer has ever had a beard ... and what he thinks of them.

Tell us Are beards too fashionable? What does one say about a musician?

Peter Morén

After its release in 2006, Peter Bjorn and John's catchy hit "Young Folks" seemed to be everywhere, including TV shows "Gossip Girl" and "Grey's Anatomy" and ads for Target and a Samsung mobile phone. Even though the group toured almost constantly for two years, member Peter Morén somehow managed to record a solo album called "The Last Tycoon." He talks about the album's F. Scott Fitzgerald-inspired theme, and he plays live in our studio.

Peter Morén performs at Mercury Lounge on Monday, April 21 at 10 p.m.

Peter Morén on Myspace

Arcade Fire

When I Missed the Boat

Soundcheck

How prejudice and second-guessing can cause you to miss some great music. Also, Juilliard-trained pianist Andy Russo joins us to share "Mix Tape," a collection of 14 classical arrangements of nuggets by Billy Joel, James Blunt, the B-52's, and others.

johnny flynn

Johnny Flynn

Soundcheck

Johnny Flynn, a London-based singer-songwriter, performs songs from his new album, "A Larum."

Ahmad Jamal

Ahmad Jamal

Soundcheck

Pianist and composer Ahmad Jamal was a major influence on Miles Davis in the 50s. Today rappers sample his music. He joins us to discuss his latest album.

  1. The Brian Lehrer Show: Business Without Borders (10/08/2008)
  2. The Brian Lehrer Show: What’s The Damage? (10/06/2008)
  3. The Brian Lehrer Show: Security Blanket (10/07/2008)
  4. The Leonard Lopate Show: The Price of Style (10/08/2008)
  5. The Leonard Lopate Show: Beyond Chicken Nuggets (10/07/2008)
  6. The Brian Lehrer Show: The End of Oil? (10/10/2008)
  7. The Leonard Lopate Show: North of the Border (10/09/2008)