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Soundcheck

Monday, May 19, 2008
  • PJ Harvey

    Women Who Rock

    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.

Girl Power!

Back in 1993, Liz Phair's debut album "Exile in Guyville" shook the rock music establishment. Then along came acclaimed records by PJ Harvey, The Breeders, and Hole. Yet these days, many women in rock are better known for their tabloid escapades than serious music-making. Joining us to discuss this phenomenon are Elisabeth Vincentelli, the arts and entertainment editor at Time Out New York; and Carlene Bauer, music critic from Elle Magazine.

Our Blog: John Schaefer on the search for rebel girls.

Weigh in: Are women are rocking as hard as they did 15 years ago? Why?

Carlene Bauer's "The Riot Quiets" on Salon.com
Elisabeth Vincentelli's blog

Marcin Wasilewski

Polish pianist Marcin Wasilewski was only 16 when he got a call from trumpeter Tomasz Stanko, Poland's most well-known jazz artist. They’ve started a relationship that has lasted since. Marcin joins us to talk about his new album with a jazz trio, a group that Stanko says it’s the best in the entire history of Polish jazz.

The Martin Wasilewski Trio perform tomorrow May 20 at Birdland at 6 p.m.

Marcin Wasilewski Trio's Myspace Page

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

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.

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!

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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.

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile

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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.

Tina Dico

Soundcheck

Singer-songwriter Tina Dico tops the charts in her native Denmark. She joins us to share songs from her latest full-length album, "Count to Ten," as well as a trilogy of EPs.