The Next Big Thing Archive

2006
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2005
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2003
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2002
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January 2005

We Require an Assertion of Value

Friday, January 28, 2005

A mischievous and dark short story written by the late Donald Barthelme. A visit with Hiba Dawood, an Iraqi translator, as she prepares to go back home after a three-month visit to the United States. Conversations with philatelists. Classically-influenced pop/punk music from singer/songwriter Regina Spektor. And another round of "Stump Zero Boy" with our favorite vocal acrobat.

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"Let’s Go Right Into a Solo"

Friday, January 21, 2005

Music created in kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms – from a group of homebound senior citizens and from Nick Zammuto of the band The Books. Also, the story of a woman who is determined to get her father out of prison – more determined, perhaps, than he is. And a chronicle of sweatshop labor in the name of high art.

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Phantom Limb Phenomena

Friday, January 14, 2005

We review a record of achievement for the man working in President Bush's shadow and for a world-famous sheep in New Zealand. Also this week – three songs on three banjos from musician Tony Trischka; a fourth song, this one from John Linnell of They Might Be Giants; "phantom limbs" in history and literature; and one-minute vacations from around the world.

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Captain of the Saucer Squad

Friday, January 07, 2005

Works-in-progress by guitarist Marc Ribot. Wordplay, with lexicographer Erin McKean, "They Might Be Giants" singer/songwriter John Linnell and Boston College junior Billy Hurley. An artful diatribe against bad table manners. And the latest in a series of characters created for The Next Big Thing by David Cale.