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Placing Rock 'n' Roll in American Culture
Greil Marcus's 1975 book Mystery Train is probably the most widely admired book of rock criticism. It's just been published in a fifth edition. Today, the critic and author explains why his subjects – from Elvis to Sly Stone – continue to matter in American culture. Also: Lizz Wright is a rising star in the jazz world whose music features a distinct mixture of jazz, gospel, folk, and R&B. She joins us to share her latest album, "The Orchard," which is garnering some of her best reviews of her career.
Greil Marcus's 'Mystery Train'
In 1975, music critic Greil Marcus published Mystery Train, which for the first time placed rock 'n' roll within the context of American cultural archetypes, from "Moby-Dick" to Jay Gatsby.
Thirty-three years later, the book remains a benchmark of criticism and has inspired countless music scribes. He joins us on the occasion of the book's fifth printing to discuss how artists like Elvis Presley and Sly Stone are continuing to impact American culture.
Weigh in: Does rock 'n' roll music still matter today?
Our blog: John Schaefer on pop music and the cultural landscape.
Mystery Train: Images of America in Rock 'n' Roll: Fifth Edition on Amazon
Soundcheck CD Picks of the Week
Ralph Van Raat, pianist; Frederic Rzewski – "The People United Will Never Be Defeated!" and "Winnsboro Cotton Mill Blues" (Naxos)
Composer and keyboard firebrand Frederic Rzewski has written numerous works steeped in left-wing politics but one stands out as a modern classic: "The People United Will never Be Defeated!," his 1975 homage to Latin American liberation struggles. The piece is an hour-long set of variations on the protest song of the same name by Chilean composer Sergio Ortega, himself a leftist figure in South America. In a new recording, Dutch pianist Ralph Van Raat steers through the many different aspects of struggle, from angry modernism to nostalgic folk music and dense polyphony. - Picked by Brian Wise
French Kicks, "Swimming" [Vagrant]
Our next pick is the CD "Swimming" by the Brooklyn-based band French Kicks. Sometimes, new work in the post-punk genre can leave you with that cold “retro” feeling. But in the hands of French Kicks, the legacy of the Cure and early U2 sounds pretty fresh. The fourth album by this is filled with jangly guitars, galloping drumbeats, and enough “echo” for all the Bunnymen. Here’s “New Man” from “Swimming” by the French Kicks. - Picked by Joel Meyer
Cryptogramophone Assemblage 1998-2008 (Cryptogramophone)
In an era of declining album sales, some tiny labels find a way to survive in music niches. Cryptogramophone Records is a boutique label based in L.A. which specializes in cutting edge improvisation. They just celebrated their 10th anniversary with a week of shows in town last week, but if you missed it, you should check out Cryptogramophone Assemblage 1998-2008. It’s a compilation of the label’s history in two 2 CDs and one DVD. You might recognize many names there from the rock or jazz worlds, but chances are they will sound very different here. – Picked by Gisele Regatao
Lizz Wright
When working on her new album, singer Lizz Wright went home, in rural Georgia, and took pictures of roads, cotton fields and the local church where she learned to sing gospel. Then she started to write a new set of original songs, getting some help from songwriter Toshi Reagon. Lizz joins us to talk about the result on her new record “The Orchard.”
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Soundcheck's Noteworthy New York
Want to know the hottest places to go this weekend? Check out where New York's musicians go in their free time.
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Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show.
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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
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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.
- Comments [2]
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.
- Comments [1]
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.
- Comments [7]
