wnyc.org / 93.9fm / am 820

Soundcheck

Wednesday, September 03, 2008
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) speaks with the artistic director of the Mariinsky Theater, Valery Gergiyev
    Vladimir Putin (L) speaks with the artistic director of the Mariinsky Theater, Valery Gergiyev (Getty Images)

    Where are today's Cultural Dissidents?

    In the past month, Russian conductor Valery Gergiev endorsed Moscow's military actions in Georgia. Meanwhile, China's top musicians performed at the Beijing Olympics. On today's show: what happens when musicians support authoritarian governments -- and where the dissidents have all gone. Also: Mexican-American singer-songwriter Lila Downs continues to honor the rich musical heritage of her homeland on her new album, "Shake Away." She shares it with us today.

A Delicate Dance of Music and Politics

The death last month of Russian author Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn brought to mind the long tradition of dissidents who take a stand against authoritarian governments. But lately, it seems the tides have turned: Conductor Valery Gergiev has been performing on behalf of Vladimir Putin. And countless Chinese artists worked in support of their government’s Olympic program last month. Today, Washington Post cultural critic Philip Kennicott and Princeton University professor of East Asian Studies Perry Link, talk about whether modern-day dissidents still exist.

Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer asks where have the dissidents gone?

"Gergiev's Russian Overture: A Symphony of Sympathies" by Philip Kennicott
More about Perry Link

Lila Downs on Mexican Pride

Mexican-American singer Lila Downs has often tackled hot-button issues like immigration and feminism. So it's no surprise that in her new album, "Shake Away," she has included songs about minimum wage and nostalgia for the homeland. But it also has songs by Santana and Lucinda Williams, as well as a duet with the legendary Argentinean singer Mercedes Sosa. Downs joins us to talk about it.

Lila Downs' web site

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!

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.

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.

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.