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(furiousgeorge81/flickr)What's Wrong with Rock Radio (and How to Fix it)
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.
When the Airwaves Encounter Static
Rock radio is in tough shape. Once a playground for local programmers, stations are now virtually indistinguishable from one market to the next. Blame for the situation is often laid at the feet of media conglomerate Clear Channel. Alec Foege, author of a book about the company, Right of the Dial, explains how Clear Channel kept a vise grip on the format – with the help of some willing partners.
Our blog: John Schaefer on Clear Channel
Franco's Win at Eurovision
Eurovision, otherwise known as Europe's "American Idol," is no stranger to political gamesmanship. But a new documentary claims that British singer Sir Cliff Richard was robbed of victory in the 1968 Eurovision Song Contest after Spanish dictator General Francisco Franco fixed the vote. Time Out New York editor Elizabeth Vincentelli takes us inside a 40-year-old controversy.
Eurovision Song Contest Web site
Video: Massiel, "La La La" (1968 ESC)
Video: Cliff Richard, "Congratulations" (1968 ESC)
Aruna Sairam Live
Singer Aruna Sairam is one of the most prominent exponents of Carnatic music of India today. Carnatic music is a style rooted in the devotional songs and music from the temples of South India. She joins us with a selection of songs from her new CD, "Divine Inspiration."
Aruna Sairam's web site
Aruna Sairam, live at the Fez Festival in 2000
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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. Plus, watch videos from in-studio performances.
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Introducing our Video Contest
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John Schaefer gives the lowdown on Soundcheck's music video challenge with the Fiery Furnaces.
In Studio: Matisyahu
Soundcheck
Hasidic star Matisyahu joins Soundcheck to play "One Day" live in studio.
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In Studio: Los Amigos Invisibles
Soundcheck
The Venezuelan funk-rock band "Los Amigos Invisibles" was discovered by David Byrne in a Manhattan record shop. They perform live on Soundcheck.
In Studio: Angel Deradoorian
Soundcheck
The 22-year-old multi-instrumentalist performs live in our studio.
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Cucu Diamantes Performs Amor Cronico
Soundcheck
Cucu Diamantes went from a tough childhood in Havana, Cuba, to an art school in Rome to underground New York City, where she co-founded the Latin alternative band Yerba Buena.
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In Studio: The Decemberists
The Portland, Ore., band's latest album, "The Hazards of Love," is a concept album with a mythological flair. They joined Soundcheck to play live for a studio audience in WNYC's Greene Space.
Sound Off
Soundcheck
Throughout May, Soundcheck presents “Sound Off” a Friday series on the many aspects of noise in music and our lives. The series -- which coincides with “Better Hearing and Speech Month” -- looks at issues like New York’s noisiest neighborhoods, the latest research on iPods and hearing loss, and what happens when noise becomes a musical ingredient.
