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(SOCIALisBETTER/flickr)The Heartbreak in '808s'
Fans of Kanye West are divided over the rapper and producer's sharp left turn into minimalist hip hop. Today, a look at the the new album "808s and Heartbreak." Plus: the life and death of rapper O.D.B. and live music from saxophonist Miguel Zenon.
Ask the Record Doctor! if you’ve ever been confounded by the process of buying a classical recording, tune in Monday when the Record Doctor pays a visit. Want to know what recording of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is the best? The ever-opinionated music critic Norman Lebrecht will provide both diagnoses and cure. Send us your questions now!
Kanye's Concept Album
The new album from Kanye West has some fans scratching their heads. Other fans are applauding. The often-brash rapper has turned down the volume for a new album marked by the grief and loss in West's personal life. Music writer Oliver Wang joins us to talk about "808s and Heartbreak."
Does Kanye West's new album qualify as a detour album? Leave a comment.
A complete list of the Grammy nominees
The Dirt on Dirt McGirt
A founder of the seminal Wu Tang Clan, Ol' Dirty Bastard added a touch of absurdity to a grim hip hop scene, appeared on tracks alongside divas like Kelis and Mariah Carey, and collected more nicknames than a Bush cabinet member. But ODB’s erratic personality was fueled by excess and illness. His biographer, Jaime Lowe, joins us to talk about her book "Digging for Dirt: The Life and Death of ODB."
Miguel Zenon
Growing up in Puerto Rico, Miguel Zenon saved money to come to the U.S. by playing in salsa bands with friends. Now, at 31, the New York-based saxophonist has received the MacArthur Genius Award for his blend of jazz and Puerto Rican jibaro music. He joins us for an interview.
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The Ill Effects of Urban Noise
Soundcheck
Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.
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