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Soundcheck

Friday, July 11, 2008
  • Tuba Studio

    China's Music Boom

    All eyes are on China, and not just because of the Summer Olympics. Many in Western classical music circles point to China as the future of the genre. But New Yorker music critic Alex Ross isn't so sure. He joins us to talk about the ups and downs of China's music boom and its role in the Summer Games. Also: Kim Deal helped create a roadmap for alternative rock with her bands the Pixies and the Breeders. She joins us to talk about the first Breeders record in six years.

China Aims for Gold in Classical

In China, somewhere between 30 million and 100 million children are said to be learning piano, violin or both. Concert halls are full. And classical music will play a significant role in the Summer Olympics. But New Yorker music critic Alex Ross had some doubts about China’s music boom. We find out if a recent trip changed his mind.

Our blog: John Schaefer on China and classical music

Alex Ross' New Yorker article on the Chinese music boom

Kim and Kelley Deal

Kim Deal spent the 1980's and 1990's at the top of alternative music in bands like The Pixies and The Breeders. Now, Deal and The Breeders (including her twin sister Kelley) have returned from a six-year hiatus with the album "Mountain Battles." Deal and her twin sister (and fellow Breeder) Kelley join us to talk about the record.

The Breeders will perform at the McCarren Park Pool on July 13. Doors at 2 p.m.

The Breeders on MySpace

Pain at the Pump impacts concert business

Four-dollar-a-gallon gas prices are hurting the summer-concert business, as fans stay home and top and festivals take box-office hits. Rolling Stone reporter Steve Knopper explains.

Best Live Performances of 2008

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We revisit memorable in-studio performances from Toumani Diabaté, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, and others.

The Year in Music and Branding

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Pop music and advertising go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grey Group music director Josh Rabinowitz shares his picks for the best song picks and ad campaigns of 2008.

Critics Week

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Music writers look back at the year's best pop, rock, hip hop, classical, jazz, Latin and world albums. Plus: the worst music of the year and the best online music. Read our critics' lists here. And don't forget to cast your vote in our best-albums poll.

Noteworthy New York

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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.