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September 2009

The Classification of Rock

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Rock musicians often wade into the world of classical music with orchestral arrangements of guitar-driven songs -- and even original compositions. Today: humorist Joe Queenan and Third Eye Blind frontman Stephan Jenkins talk about rock's classical impulses. Later: the premiere of a new composition from Brooklyn-based bassist and composer Alexis Cuadrado.


Smackdown: Ringtones

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Once considered the future of the music industry, ringtone sales are slowing down. Today: a debate about the future of songs used to customize your mobile phone (and annoy your friends). Also: Brooklyn-born musician John Forté talks about rebuilding his career, less than a year after President George W. Bush commuted his prison sentence.


The Last Inspiration

Monday, September 28, 2009

September 28, 2009
Rocker Warren Zevon, jazz saxophonist Stan Getz and hip-hop producer J. Dilla each made a final masterpiece just before the final curtain. Today: a look at musicians who created their best work while staring death in the face. Plus: the songs of Diane Birch recall soul and pop of the 1970s. She joins us to play songs from her new album "Bible Belt."


Performing Arts Schools on the Path to "Fame"

Friday, September 25, 2009

A remake of the 1980 movie "Fame" hits theaters today, centering on a group of talented students at a New York City performing arts high school. Today, we take a look at several real-life arts schools in New York and London. Also: the sounds of France by way of Arizona. Singer Marianne Dissard performs live in our studio.


Return of the Plastic Ono Band

Thursday, September 24, 2009

The Plastic Ono Band was born in 1969 as a collaborative vehicle for John Lennon, Yoko Ono and a group of famous side musicians. Today, Ono joins us to talk about re-launching the band with the help of her son and other young stars. Plus: Barbaros Erköse comes from long line of Roma clarinetists in Turkey. But he grew up listening to a lot of American jazz too. He joins us to perform live in our studio.


Live From The Greene Space

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Children inherit more than genes and mannerisms from their parents -- especially when those parents are musicians. Today, Rosanne Cash debuts The List, an album that explores songs handed down to her by her father, the late country legend Johnny Cash. And: the daughter of another musical dynasty, singer-songwriter Bebel Gilberto, joins music critic Tom Moon and our live audience in the Jerome L. Greene Performance Space to pick the songs we want to leave for future generations.


The Lyricist versus the Composer

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Lyricists may be the driving force in pop music, but composers rule in the classical and opera world. Today: A Soundcheck Smackdown debate on whether a catchy melody is more powerful than a clever turn of phrase. Also: hushed-voice French musician Piers Faccini on being both singer-songwriter - and a trained painter.


Battling Urban Noise

Monday, September 21, 2009

Earlier this year, Soundcheck took an in-depth look at the health impacts of urban noise in a five-part series called “Sound Off.” We revisit that topic today, in an effort to explore what steps should be taken to cope with noise in all its forms–from those incessant ice-cream trucks to loud concert venues. Plus, genre-blurring big band Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society performs live.


The Rapper’s Art of Aging Gracefully

Friday, September 18, 2009

With his 11th No. 1 album on the Billboard 200, rapper Jay-Z seems poised for chart dominance in the weeks, and perhaps years, to come. Today, in the second part of a series on durability in music, we focus on rap and hip-hop, and what it means to be a middle-aged MC. Also: Chinese folk revivalists Hanggai share new interpretations of traditional Mongolian songs with a live performance.


The Musician's Art of Aging Gracefully

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Whitney Houston struggled with her voice in a recent comeback gig. Other musicians, like Madonna, Willie Nelson and Tony Bennett, appear to have mastered the art of self-preservation. Today, Soundcheck looks at musical durability. Also: the glamorous Metropolitan Opera soprano Danielle de Niese shares her new collection of Mozart arias.


We'll Always Have Perez

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton conquered Hollywood. Now he’s poised to become a power broker in the music world. Today: the self-proclaimed "Queen of All Media" talks about starting a record label and concert tour. Also: Rez Abbasi is part of a group of New York musicians who mix jazz with South Asian music. He performs live in our studio.


The New Cultural Diplomacy

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Music has been an instrument of global diplomacy since the Cold War era. But critics say it's ineffective and misguided. Today, our Soundcheck Smackdown debate focuses on music as a diplomatic tool, from Cuba to North Korea. Also: The Red Fox Chasers were hitmakers back in the late 1920s. Now, their classic American string band music is back, courtesy of the group The Dust Busters. They perform live in our studio.


From Books to Beats: The Oprah Bump

Monday, September 14, 2009

Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Jay-Z are the latest pop stars to get the Oprah treatment. Today: how celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and new American Idol judge Ellen DeGeneres are becoming tastemakers in the music world. And later: the racy new novel from songwriter Nick Cave might not make Oprah's book club. But it might make you laugh out loud. The lead Bad Seed joins us to talk about the tragicomedy The Death of Bunny Munro.


Demystifying Child Prodigies

Friday, September 11, 2009

Many parents hope their gifted kids will become the next Mozart or Bobby Fisher. But child prodigies are rare and widely misunderstood. Today: a child psychologist discusses what makes a prodigy, and we talk with the 16-year-old conductor prodigy, Ilyich Rivas. Also: live music from the band Living Colour.


The Sounds of Silence

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Sometimes, the most striking part of a piece of music can be the moment when there’s no music at all. Today, we look at the power of the pause in everything from Haydn symphonies to contemporary hip hop. Also: the Bhangra-inflected funk ensemble Red Baraat performs live in our studio.


Got To Get You Into Our Life

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

For years, Beatles fans had to sing into a hairbrush to imitate their heroes. Now, they can simulate the band’s entire career in a new video game. Today: a look at The Beatles: Rock Band. Plus: the son of Beatles producer George Martin talks about remixing the Fab Four’s music for the game.


Debating YouTube's Impact on Music

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Fans of YouTube say it's a goldmine of creativity and democracy in action. Others argue it is ruining video-production with low standards and too much mediocre content. Today, A Soundcheck Smackdown debate on YouTube's impact on music. Also: Soundcheck unveils the winner of our music contest. And finally, indie rock band The Fiery Furnaces play live in our studio.


Always Look on the Bright Side of Death

Monday, September 07, 2009

Frank Sinatra's classic "My Way" tops a list of pop songs most frequently heard at funerals in Great Britain. Today, we explore the rise of non-traditional music in final farewells. Plus, a local funeral director explains how popular songs can clash with religious ritual. Later: Easy Star All-Stars breathe life into rock dinosaurs. The reggae group joins us to mash up a Beatles classic, live in our studio. This is an encore edition of Soundcheck.


Keeping that Day Job

Friday, September 04, 2009

Since the dawn of time, musicians and actors have been told: "don’t quit your day job." It especially rings true during the current recession. Today we'll hear both horror stories – and unexpected successes – from artists who take on jobs just to pay the bills. Also: a conversation with Jean-Claude Baker, the adopted son of Josephine Baker.


I Want My Music TV

Thursday, September 03, 2009

The new Fox TV series "Glee" revolves around a high-school teacher determined to transform outcast students into a show choir. Today on Soundcheck: a look at how music-themed shows are changing the TV landscape. Plus: British TV personality and musician Jools Holland. And later: singer, actress and comedian Sandra Bernhard gets serious with original songs on a new album.


Bad People, Great Art

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Last week, the R&B singer Chris Brown was sentenced to five years of probation for his assault on the pop star Rihanna. The case raises a perennial question: whether it’s possible to separate the musician from their art. Today we ask Randy Cohen, author of “The Ethicist” column for The New York Times Magazine, about this question. Also: 400 years after Henry Hudson sailed the river of his name, we look at the musical legacy of the mighty river.


To Shred or Not to Shred?

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Once a rock mainstay, the guitar solo has almost disappeared from the pop charts and Top 40 radio, as audience tastes change, and musicians shift their focus to lyrics and vocals. We debate whether it's time to resurrect the guitar solo in all its flamboyance. Also: electronic act Sweet Electra from Guadalajara, Mexico join us for a live performance.