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Soundcheck

Thursday, July 31, 2008
  • Batman

    Superhero Sounds

    From The Hulk to Iron Man to Batman, superheroes are saving the day in Hollywood movies this summer. Today on Soundcheck: the latest superhero soundtracks. Plus, a conversation with
    Hans Zimmer, the co-composer of the score to "The Dark Knight," the hugely popular Batman sequel.

Summer of Heroes

From the Hulk to Iron Man to Batman, 2008 is the summer of the superhero movie. And each has a distinctive soundtrack to match. Today, we size up these scores with film music historian and Variety writer Jon Burlingame.

Our blog: John Schaefer on soundtracks with super powers

Music Heroes Inspire Super Ones

Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker in the blockbuster Batman flick The Dark Knight is based on Johnny Rotten. Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack was inspired by Keith Richards. And Frank Sinatra was the basis for the singer Johnny Fontane in The Godfather. We look at why rock characters make such good movie characters with freelance writer and UK Guardian contributor Priya Elan.

Tell us: What musicians have made, or would make, great movie characters?

Priya Alan's article in the UK Guardian

Hans Zimmer

Hans Zimmer joins us in the studio to talk about the score of "The Dark Knight," which he composed alongside James Newton Howard.

Hans Zimmer website
"The Dark Knight" official site

Best Live Performances of 2008

Soundcheck

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

The Year in Music and Branding

Soundcheck

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

Soundcheck

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

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.