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Seven Sins: The Deadly Medley

Soundcheck

Tune in to Soundcheck Fridays for the wickedly entertaining series, "Seven Sins." John Schaefer and his guests explore how the seven deadly sins (lust, envy, gluttony, sloth, greed, anger and pride) have shaped music in various genres. Plus, the guests each share a “deadly medley” – a top-seven list of sins in song, and we take your calls and comments.

Pride's Deadly Medley

Soundcheck

March 27, 2009

Our series "Seven Sins: The Deadly Medley" concludes with a look at how pride has shaped music in a variety of genres. Considered the most serious of the "seven deadly sins," pride turns out to be a pretty versatile tool in songwriting. New York Times music critic Nate Chinen and author and radio host Katherine Lanpher join us to share their lists of prideful music.

List: Nate Chinen's "deadly medley"

List: Katherine Lanpher's "deadly medley"

Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on prideful music

hulk

Wrath: The Deadly Medley

Soundcheck

March 13, 2009

In another installment of our Friday series "Seven Sins," we look at how the one of the so-called "deadly sins” have shaped music in every genre. Today: wrath. Plus: Langston Hughes sketched a soundtrack for his poem, "Ask Your Mama." A multimedia piece is making his idea a reality.

hammock

Seven Sins: Sloth

Soundcheck

March 06, 2009

In the latest installment of our Friday series “Seven Sins: The Deadly Medley,” we examine sloth – a "deadly sin" that walks the fine line between laziness and melancholy. Joining us to share their lists of sinful songs are cultural critic Cintra Wilson and Jody Rosen, music critic for Slate. Plus: British rock band the Tindersticks join us live in our studio.

money

Greed's Deadly Medley

Soundcheck

February 27, 2009

In the third installment of our "Seven Sins" series, we look at the role greed has played over time in music. Oliver Wang, music writer and assistant professor of sociology at Cal State-Long Beach, talks about money and power in hip-hop. And Dan Kennedy, author of the music-industry memoir "Rock On," talks the musical movements that grew out of -- and against -- materialism. Plus, we take your calls and comments.

Tell us: Do you have a favorite "greedy" song? What role does greed play in music? In the arts world?

Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on greed in music

List: Oliver Wang's "deadly medley"

List: Dan Kennedy's "deadly medley"

Carrot Cake

Seven Sins: Gluttony

Soundcheck

February 20, 2009

Our Friday series "Seven Sins: The Deadly Medley" continues with a look at how gluttony has inspired songwriters and composers. Music journalist Amanda Petrusich and music critic and food writer Fred Plotkin share songs that show how our darkest desire to consume -- food, among other things -- shapes music. Plus: live music from Christopher Janney and the Persuasions.

Lust's Deadly Medley

Soundcheck

February 13, 2009

As part of our series "Seven Sins: The Deadly Medley," we explore how the seven so-called cardinal sins shape works in pop, classical, R&B, and other genres. On the eve of Valentine's Day, we indulge in the big one: Lust. Washington Post classical music critic Anne Midgette and Details magazine editor at large Jeff Gordinier join us to share their sinful favorites.

View Anne Midgette's top-seven list

View Jeff Gordinier's top-seven list

Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on why lust rocks!