On Demand
Soundcheck
-
Why We Can't Resist Abba
30 years after the song Mamma Mia! first hit the charts, the music of Abba is pulling in crowds on Broadway, in movie theaters, and in records stores. On today's show, we look at how songs by Abba, and others, become "musical wallpaper." Also: Kids Music rock star Dan Zanes performs live.
Musical Wallpaper
Meryl Streep is rocking the big screen with Mamma Mia!, the film. Mamma Mia! the musical has been playing to packed houses on Broadway for nearly SEVEN years. And in record stores, Mamma Mia! the album is number three on the charts. Sarah Rodman, pop music critic for the Boston Globe, and Alan Connor, Senior Broadcast Journalist for the BBC, discuss how songs by Abba, and other artists, become "musical wallpaper."
Our blog: Love em or Hate em, they’re back
Weigh in: Why is ABBA still popular?
"Why are ABBA songs so infectious? Science has answers" by Sarah Rodman
"Secrets of writing a 'wallpaper' hit" by Alan Connor
Dan Zanes and Friends
Former The Del Fuegos front-man Dan Zanes reinvented himself as a kid rock star, and went on to win Grammys, with his group, Dan Zanes and Friends. Now he is adding some amigos to the bunch, as they release a new album in Spanish. It features guests like singer Lila Downs, guitarist Marc Ribot and Mexican trio the Villa-Lobos Brothers.
- About this program
- Staff Bios »
- Contact Us »
- Latest Episode
- Internship
- Tapes and Transcripts
- Show Archive »
Features & Series
Podcast
Stay up to date.
Subscribe to the Podcast
See Tori Amos Live!
Join us Tuesday, Dec. 9 at The Greene Space
Singer and pianist Tori Amos joins us to talk about reworking and reinventing seasonal carols on her new holiday album. And, she performs for a live audience in The Greene Space! Click the link for ticket info.
More
