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Soundcheck

Wednesday, April 23, 2008
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  • Old TV

    Where Did The Memorable TV Theme Songs Go?

    Themes from classic television shows are among the most memorable songs ever recorded, yet few modern shows open with one. Today: Find out what happened to the TV theme song. Also: keyboardist Marco Benevento of the indie instrumental Benevento Russo duo talks about his new solo album and performs live in our studio. This is a repeat edition of Soundcheck.

They're Creepy and They're Kooky

Most people can sing at least a few lines from the songs that opened television shows like "Gilligan's Island," "The Brady Bunch," or "The Jeffersons." Yet few programs today kick off with a musical explanation of the series' premise. We ask Eric Deggans, media critic at the St. Petersburg Times, why the TV theme song is an endangered species. And longtime lyricists Marilyn and Alan Bergman talk about creating themes for "Good Times," "Alice," and other hit shows.

Tell us: Do you have a favorite TV theme song? Do you miss opening themes?

Our blog: John proposes a mash-up of two TV themes.

Eric Deggans' story in the St. Petersburg Times
Alan and Marilyn Bergman's website

Duo Guy Goes Solo

Keyboardist Marco Benevento earned his chops as one half of the hard-touring, jammy Benevento-Russo Duo. In 2007, he drew praise for his three-CD set of live performances recorded at the now-shuttered nightclub Tonic. Benevento joins us to perform songs from his first solo studio album, "Invisible Baby."

Marco Benevento's Web site

Irma Thomas

Irma Thomas

Soundcheck

August 22, 2008
New Orleans singer Irma Thomas has survived 50 years in the music business - and at least two hurricanes. She joins us to talk about her record, Simply Grand.

Bon Iver

Soundcheck

July 30, 2008
Singer-songwriter Justin Vernon spent a winter holed up in his father's hunting cabin in remote Wisconsin, recording songs about solitude that would be released under the name Bon Iver. He joins us to play some of them live.

Billboard Chart

Who's On Top and Who Should Be?

Soundcheck

August 14, 2008
Soundcheck looks at the artists who are reigning atop the Billboard albums chart -- and what their rankings tell us about the state of pop music.

Janelle Monae

The Next Big Things

Soundcheck

Paste magazine editor-in-chief Josh Jackson joins us to talk about Johnny Flynn, Janelle Monae, Bon Iver, Amy MacDonald and other must-hear artists who made Paste’s list of "The Best of What’s Next: 26 Emerging Artists You Should Know."

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