John Schaefer appears in the following:
A World Of Sci-fi And Horror Classics In Two Songs
Friday, January 09, 2015
On a classic movie bender, Soundcheck's John Schaefer explores a pair of songs that name-check horror and sci-fi films like 'The Day The Earth Stood Still' and 'The Invisible Man.'
We Are Never, Ever Getting Back Together... Probably
Wednesday, January 07, 2015
At a time when bands reform as quickly as they break up, Soundcheck's John Schaefer mulls over what it means for a band to part ways and how soon it will before they reunite.
What To Look (and Listen) For in 2015
Friday, January 02, 2015
Soundcheck's John Schaefer turns his ears towards the new year with some things he's excited to hear in 2015, even if some of them are wishful thinking (ahem Joanna Newsom).
Remembering Joe Cocker, A Mad Dog And Englishman
Monday, December 22, 2014
The rock icon known for songs like "Feelin' Alright" and his Beatles cover "With A Little Help From My Friends" has died at 70. Soundcheck's John Schaefer has this remembrance.
The Best 5 Versions of 'Silent Night'
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Silent Night has been recorded at least 733 times over the past 36 years. The Takeaway looks at one of the world's favorite Christmas songs.
The Year's Best Music
Monday, December 15, 2014
From a scorching breakthrough performance on Letterman to the Scandinavian explosion, Soundcheck host John Schaefer shares his favorite musical moments of 2014.
Ready or Not, Listeners Hear John Cage Composition Over WNYC in 1945
Thursday, December 11, 2014
One of the earliest known broadcast recordings of a John Cage work.
The Only 'Silent Nights' You Need
Thursday, December 11, 2014
"Silent Night" is not just a great Christmas song. It's a great song. Period. Here are the five best versions of the most-recorded holiday tune of all time.
Young Fathers: The Surprise Winners Of The Mercury Prize Offer A Surprise Track
Tuesday, December 02, 2014
The surprise winners of the U.K.'s prestigious Mercury Prize offer a surprise track that may or may not hint at the sound of new music to come.
Are These the Best Album Covers of All Time?
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
For many rock music fans in the '70s, the design team known as Hipgnosis were the pinnacle of album cover art. Has anyone since ever come close?
A Guide to All These Box Sets The Music Industry Keeps Churning Out
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
The holidays are supposed to be a happy time, so let’s talk for the moment about the life preserver the record labels are currently clinging to: The box set.
Emmy The Great Lives Up To Her Name With 'Swimming Pool'
Thursday, November 20, 2014
In January, Emmy The Great is set to release an EP simple titled S. But why wait til 2015, when you can watch the video for her new single, "Swimming Pool."
Sugarhill Gang's Big Bank Hank Cooked Up The Sound Of East Coast Rap
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Henry Jackson, better know as Big Bank Hank, died Tuesday. Soundcheck's John Schaefer reflects on the lasting influence of Hank's voice and the classic track "Rapper's Delight."
Listen: Julia Wolfe's 'Steel Hammer' with Bang on a Can All-Stars
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
October 14, Bang on a Can All-Stars took the stage at Brookfield Place for a performance of Julia Wolfe's Steel Hammer. Stream the entire show, hosted by WNYC's John Schaefer.
First Listen: Bryan Ferry, 'Avonmore'
Sunday, November 09, 2014
Bryan Ferry rolls back the years with Avonmore, an album with eight original songs that recall his classic mid-'70s albums with Roxy Music, as well as two covers that are by themselves worth the price of admission. Ferry's "Loop De Li," the album's opener, has the stinging guitars, ...
Check Ahead: Bryan Ferry, 'Avonmore'
Sunday, November 09, 2014
The Roxy Music singer channels his classic work while still sounding fresh. Ferry's sound remains full, clear and direct, with layers of instruments shifting in and out of focus.
Parkay Quarts: A Dark Tale From Parquet Courts' Alter Ego
Friday, November 07, 2014
The not-much-altered-ego of Brooklyn punk band Parquet Courts, Parkay Quarts unleashes a dark tale with the song "Uncast Shadow Of A Southern Myth." Hear the song and entire album.
Five Songs For Dylan Thomas
Monday, October 27, 2014
In honor of the 100th anniversary of Dylan Thomas' birthday, Soundcheck host John Schaefer reflects on five songs inspired by the Welsh poet.
A Subway Symphony, Thanks To WiFi
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Composer Ljova conducted 11 subway musicians spread across New York via WiFi.
Space Is The Place: Twelve Cosmic Songs For Sci-Fi Fans
Thursday, October 09, 2014
With New York Comic Con kicking off today, the city is full of even more aliens and space cadets than usual. Soundcheck's John Schaefer welcomes them with his favorite sci-fi songs.