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(Chewy Chua/flickr)Sea of Sound
Some of the most fascinating songs on the planet last for hours, evolve over time and contain messages that no one quite understands. Today we find out about the mysterious world of whale songs -- and one musician's quest to join it. Plus: violinist James Ehnes is being called one of the hottest Canadian classical musicians in recent memory. He joins us for a live performance.
Save the Whales (But Listen, Too)
Clarinetist, naturalist, and author David Rothenberg wrote about his quest to jam with the biggest singers on the planet: whales. Scott McVay made historic underwater recordings of whale songs. They join us to share their sounds and theories of whale song.
Our blog: John Schafer on whale songs: Are they music?
David Rothenberg's Website
Thousand Mile Song: Whale Music in a Sea of Sound (Amazon.com)
CD Picks of the Week
Every week, the Soundcheck staff digs through our inboxes for the best new releases.
Al Green, "Lay It Down" (Blue Note)
Four decades into a legendary career, Al Green could just sit back and collect the royalties from his recording catalog. But the Memphis-based singer still loves making records. And he’s turned to the members of the hip-hop generation to enliven his latest album, called "Lay It Down." The drummer ?uestlove of hip-hop outfit The Roots co-produced the disc, which features guest appearances from R&B singers John Legend, Corinne Bailey Rae and Anthony Hamilton.--Brian Wise
Chumbawamba, "The Boy Bands Have Won" (Trade Root)
Chumbawamba started as a loose collective of anarchist punks in the early 80s – and no one was more surprised than they were when their song "tubthumping" became a summertime pop hit in 1997. Now, they’ve reinvented themselves as an acoustic band. Like so many of their earlier records, the title is a skewering of the music industry. And the songs? Well the band describes them as "calmly stating their case about the state of the world. Then buggering off." --John Schaefer
Rachid Taha, "Rock el Casbah: The Best Of" (Wrasse Records)
Think The Clash’s song Rock the Casbah, Arabic version. Growing up in France, Algerian singer Rachid Taha has often been a victim of prejudice and discrimination. On his album, "Rock el Casbah: The Best Of," he gives an angry take on intolerance, re-interpreting the hit by his punk idols. –-Gisele Regatao
James Ehnes
Manitoba-born violinist James Ehnes is being called one of the hottest Canadian classical musicians to come along in a long time. Earlier this year he received a Grammy Award for his recording of concertos by Barber, Korngold and Walton. He joins us today -- in advance of an appearance with the NY Philharmonic -- to perform the music of J.S. Bach in our studio.
James Ehnes performs tonight at 8pm and tomorrow at 7:30 pm at Avery Fisher Hall with the New York Philharmonic. He performs again at Avery Fisher Hall Tues. Jul. 1 and Wed. Jul. 2.
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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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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.
- 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.
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