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(d-fens/flickr)Rock in a Hard Place
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.
Soldiers' Songs
Every war has had its songs of battle, but in Iraq today they are coming from iPods and being played through communications systems of tanks. What are soldiers listening to and what does music mean on the front lines? We’ll be talking with NYU music professor Martin Daughtry, who is one of a number of scholars researching these questions, and a solider and musician about his first-hand experiences and the music he has created as a result of his service.
Our Blog: John Schaefer on music and military might
Give Peace a Chance Lyrics up for sale
John Lennon's lyrics for Give Peace a Chance are to go under the hammer at an auction at Christie's this summer. The lyrics were handed to comedy writer Gail Renard, who was then 16, at Lennon and Yoko Ono's Montreal "bed-in" in 1969, along with other mementoes. She joins us to share the remarkable story.
More: view images of the lyric sheet.
Pacifika Live
Pacifika is a global pop/latin-tinged trio based in an unlikely place – Vancouver -- and with an unlikely combination of people -- a Peruvian singer who is an ex-pop sensation, a Canadian guitarist both into new wave and classical, and a Barbados-raised producer who likes metal and Caribbean grooves. They join us for a live performance and to share their new album, "Asunción."
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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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Soundcheck Blog
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.
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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.
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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.
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