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May 2008

Music Around New York... and About New York

Friday, May 30, 2008

Radiohead, Isaac Hayes and the Mostly Mozart Festival are among the highlights of this summer's concert agenda in New York. Today: we take you through a selected round-up of the best summer concerts for all tastes. Also: New York is clearly a star in "Sex and the City: The Movie," which opens this weekend. The composer of the film's musical score talks about capturing the essence of big-city glamour. Meanwhile, big-city grit has often been a theme of Bang on a Can's annual Marathon. We get a preview of this weekend's edition. And finally: a trip way downtown, to a sound installation created by David Byrne.


Music's Most Dastardly Villains

Thursday, May 29, 2008

R. Kelly, Simon Cowell, Tipper Gore, and Muzak are on a new list from Blender magazine of "Music's 25 Most Dastardly Villains." We find out what it takes to be one of rock's rottenest apples ever. Also, banjoist and singer-songwriter Abigail Washburn blends the bluegrass of her native Appalachia with, of all things, Chinese folk music. Joining her in this surprising fusion is an all-star cast including Béla Fleck on banjo, Casey Driessen on violin and Ben Sollee on cello. Washburn performs live in our studio.


The Strange Appeal of Tribute Bands

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

In the strange world of tribute bands, musicians seek fame by impersonating Keith or Mick, Paul or Ringo. Today, journalist Steven Kurutz dissects the phenomenon and talks about Sticky Fingers, a Rolling Stones tribute band. Also: Percussionist Cyro Baptista synthesizes the sounds of his native Brazil with elements of jazz, rock and avant-garde on his latest album, "Banquet of the Spirits." He joins us to perform live and talk about being one of New York's most in-demand session players.


Cutting Edge Jazz: Eurotrash or Eurosmash?

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Jazz may be America's quintessential music but you have to go to European countries like the Netherlands, Poland or Sweden to find the more cutting-edge sounds. Today, a Soundcheck Smackdown debate on who’s got the more vibrant jazz scene: Europe or the U.S. Also: one example of vanguard jazz on American shores is Fieldwork, a group comprised of three rising young players: pianist Vijay Iyer, saxophonist Steve Lehman and drummer Tyshawn Sorey.


Fasten your iPods

Monday, May 26, 2008

Airlines may be charging for checked luggage and cutting back on their flights. But some are adding iPod docks, satellite radio and even HBO shows. Today: why passengers are getting more options for in-flight entertainment. Also: Kimya Dawson, the co-founder of the low-fi band Moldy Peaches talks about how her music became the signature sound in the hit film "Juno."


Natural Women

Friday, May 23, 2008

Before Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon were piped into every Starbucks across the land, they were inspiring women to reconsider their roles in society. We talk with author Sheila Weller, whose new book "Girls Like Us" explores the lives of Mitchell, Simon and singer-songwriter Carole King. Also: Bluegrass guitar wiz Michael Daves performs live in our studio.


How Do You Get Your Music Fix?

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Two weeks ago, Soundcheck asked you to tell us how you get your music. We wanted to know how much money you spend on songs and albums – and where you spend it. We asked you how much you shell out for concerts. Today, we unveil the results of our unscientific poll. Joining us to help dissect the results is Eric Garland, chief executive of the online entertainment measurement company BigChampagne.


Freewheelin' in the Years

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

For 45 years, she was known as the woman clinging to a young Bob Dylan's arm on a legendary album cover. Today: Suze Rotolo talks about being Dylan's muse and shares her memoir about Greenwich Village in the 1960s. Later: operatic bass Hao Jiang Tian came of age during China's Cultural Revolution. He talks about his remarkable journey from a factory floor to the Metropolitan Opera stage.


Film Scores: Canon? Or "Can It!"

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

According to a new list of Top 300 albums from the radio station Classic FM, orchestral film scores like those heard in “Gladiator” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” belong alongside works by Beethoven and Mozart. In another Soundcheck Smackdown, two critics face off on the value of film scores in the classical world. Also: Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi talks about his passions for orchestral writing, modern electronic technology -- and pop music.


Women Who Rock

Monday, May 19, 2008

1993 was the year of strong woman in rock. Liz Phair released the landmark "Exile in Guyville." PJ Harvey released "Rid of Me" and The Breeders released "Last Splash." Fifteen years later the most visible women in music are making more headlines for their debauchery than for their rockin' records. We look at the state of women in rock. Also: Polish pianist Marcin Wasilewski gained attention as a member in trumpeter Tomasz Stanko's Quartet. His music share the spacious, ambient quality typical of Stanko and the ECM label, but with an additional dose of playfulness. He joins us today. Finally: Our CD Picks of the week.

Poll: How do you get your music fix?: Tell us how you spend your money on songs, albums and concerts in a Soundcheck poll.


For Classical Gamers, a 'Baton Hero'

Friday, May 16, 2008

If you’ve ever dreamed of leading an orchestra on stage, now you can satisfy your urge. Today: a look at UBS Virtual Maestro, a videogame that indulges would-be Leonard Bernsteins. Also: we take a look at the Asimo, Honda's humanoid robot, which made its conducting debut Tuesday at Orchestra Hall, leading the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Finally: The Revolutionary Snake Ensemble mixes a brass band sound with improvisation and funk. They join us for a live performance.

Poll: How do you get your music fix?: Tell us how you spend your money on songs, albums and concerts in a Soundcheck poll.


At the Old Ball Game

Thursday, May 15, 2008

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the soundtrack to baseball’s seventh-inning stretch, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." Today, we learn about a hit song that lost two verses en route to stardom in the big leagues. Plus: gritty blues duo The Black Keys talk about collaborating with studio wiz (and Gnarls Barkley member) Danger Mouse on the Keys' latest album, "Attack and Release."

Poll: How do you get your music fix?: Tell us how you spend your money on songs, albums and concerts in a Soundcheck poll.


Right, Wrong, and Digital Music

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

In the age of music downloading, CD burning, and piracy, music fans are faced with an array of ethical quandaries. Today, Randy Cohen, author of "The Ethicist" column for the New York Times Magazine, answers questions like: "Is it ever okay to bring my laptop to the library to copy CDs?" and "Should musicians disclose when pitch correction software is being used?" Plus, we take your calls and comments.

Poll: How do you get your music fix?: Tell us how you spend your money on songs, albums and concerts in a Soundcheck poll.


Wanted: Arts Leader with Experience - Or Youth?

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Some orchestras, theaters and museums select their leaders with a bias towards elder statesmen. Others find better chemistry with young blood. In the wake of the Chicago Symphony's recent hiring of 66-year-old Riccardo Muti as its next music director, we debate whether veterans or rookies can lead the arts into the future. Also on the show: Live music from Pacha Massive, a Bronx-based duo of Dominican-born writer/producer Nova and Columbian-born bassist Maya.

Poll: How do you get your music fix?: Tell us how you spend your money on songs, albums and concerts in a Soundcheck poll.


The World of Arthur Russell

Monday, May 12, 2008

In the 1970s and ‘80s, one downtown New York musician dared to mix disco, Buddhism and experimental cello. Today, a look at the short life and influential sounds of composer Arthur Russell. Also: Grammy nominated Quartet San Francisco comes out of the chamber with strings blazing on their latest CD, "Whirled Chamber Music." They perform live in our studio. Plus: Soundcheck’s CD Picks of the Week.

Poll: How do you get your music fix?: Tell us how you spend your money on songs, albums and concerts in a Soundcheck poll.


What's Wrong with Rock Radio (and How to Fix it)

Friday, May 09, 2008

In just 15 years, one company dramatically reshaped how we experience entertainment, including rock radio and live concerts. Today, author Alec Foege explains how Clear Channel Communications became one of the most polarizing corporations in the media business. Also: Aruna Sairam is one of the most sought-after vocalists of Karnatic music of south India. She joins us to talk about Hinduism, poetry, and to perform live in studio. Plus: a dictator's role in Europe's most famous song contest.

Poll: How do you get your music fix?: Tell us how you spend your money on songs, albums and concerts in a Soundcheck poll.


The Harmony of Amateur Hour

Thursday, May 08, 2008

For adults, finding time to learn a musical instrument is tough enough. Finding a forgiving partner can be terrifying. Today on Soundcheck: a reporter and a bestselling detective novelist reveal how they joined "piano parties" and something called The Really Terrible Orchestra. And later: we bite into "Golden Delicious," the latest solo album from former Soul Coughing frontman Mike Doughty. He performs live in our studio.

Poll: How do you get your music fix?: Tell us how you spend your money on songs, albums and concerts in a Soundcheck poll.


Rock in a Hard Place

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Tech-savvy soldiers in Iraq are customizing their iPod playlists, whether going into battle or unwinding at their bases. Today, a music scholar and a soldier talk about what soldiers are listening to and what music means on the front lines. Also: Pacifika is a global pop trio that melds the sounds of Latin, moody electronica, '80 new wave and classic rock and which hails from an unlikely place – Vancouver. The group performs live in our studio. Finally: The story behind John Lennon's lyrics for "Give Peace a Chance."

How do you get your music fix?: Tell us how you spend your money on songs, albums and concerts in a Soundcheck poll.


Can Boomers or Slackers Save Pop Music?

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Baby boomers had Jimi Hendrix and Woodstock, but Generation X had Kurt Cobain and MTV. It's another Soundcheck Smackdown, as boomers and slackers debate which generation has the most to offer pop music history books -- and the future of pop itself. Also: alto saxophonist Matana Roberts shares her latest album, "The Chicago Project."

How do you get your music fix?: Tell us how you spend your money on songs, albums and concerts in a Soundcheck poll.


From Modern Mexican to a Very Modern Muse

Monday, May 05, 2008

Today we celebrate Cinco de Mayo by looking at the future of Mexican music, notably its growing emo and electronica scenes with Camilo Lara from the Mexico Institute of Sound, among other guests. Also: Dawn Upshaw's soprano voice graces a wide range of music, from the great Mozart roles to contemporary operas by Osvaldo Golijov and Kaija Saariano to Broadway tunes. She talks about being the muse of some of today's leading composers.

How do you get your music fix?: Tell us how you spend your money on songs, albums and concerts.


Country Music Originals

Friday, May 02, 2008

Long before Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson, a cadre of small-town preachers, hell-raisers, cowboys and blind men were among the first to record what we now know as country music. Today: a look at the evolution of the genre and its unsung heroes. Plus: Grammy nominated banjoist Tony Trischka brings bluegrass to our studio. This is an encore edition of Soundcheck.


Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Gypsy jazz was the toast of 1930's Paris, combining swinging violin, French chanson and gypsy anthems. Now it's enjoying a renaissance in clubs around New York. Today: the story of jazz’s most passionate style. Also: operatic tenor Matthew Polenzani was named the winner of the Beverly Sills Artist Award for young American singers at the Metropolitan Opera. The rising singer talks about life at the top of the tenor heap.