Mario Correa

In this episode: During the late ‘90s, Sirius XM host Mario Correa was listening to singer-songwriters from the Lilith Fair circuit -- and he completely missed out on the debut of Jay Z. As part of Soundcheck's How To Be Smarter About... series, we attempt to bring him up to speed on the global rap star’s rise to power, his must-hear tracks and why we can no longer use the hyphen in spelling his name.

Then: From the Residents to Daft Punk to Deadmaus, there’s been a long history of musicians who cover up their true identities by wearing masks. But even so, the British performer known as Frank Sidebottom stood apart. The comedian and singer known for his signature papier-mâché head is the inspiration for the new film Frank starring Michael Fassbender. Journalist and author Jon Ronson talks about being a member of Frank Sidebottom’s band back in the ‘80s -- and why he decided to bring Frank’s story to the big screen.

And: The Danish singer and pianist Agnes Obel has become an unexpected phenomenon, with tens of millions of YouTube views for her eerie, beautiful, classically-informed art pop. Hear her perform songs from Aventine live in the Soundcheck studio.

In this episode: Mario Correa and Julia Cunningham, co-hosts of Entertainment Weekly Radio on SiriusXM, debate the merits of Ace Of Base's huge hit, “The Sign” -- the Swedish pop nugget from 1994.

Then: In May 1994, the Beastie Boys released its fourth studio album, Ill Communication, and took the country by storm on the bill of the Lollapalooza festival. Grantland staff writer Amos Barshad looks back at “Get It Together,” “Sure Shot” and the legendary Spike Jonze-directed video for “Sabotage.”

And: The Oklahoma native John Fullbright picked up a Grammy nomination a few years back for his debut album From The Ground Up. Now he’s back with a new album, simply called Songs. Hear him perform in the Soundcheck studio.

In this episode: In Hollywood, even the worst movie merits a sequel. But in pop music, great songwriters rarely add a new chapter to a brilliant hit. So, here at Soundcheck, we’re going to do it for them, with comedian Mo Rocca and radio host Mario Correa of Sirius XM’s Entertainment Weekly channel.

Then: We're nearly a month into baseball season, which, for many of us means taking in a game on a Sunday afternoon, stuffing yourself with hot dogs and overpriced beer, and, of course a new batch of songs from The Baseball Project. Hear the National-pastime-themed rock band -- built around Steve Wynn, Scott McCaughey and Linda Pitmon -- play songs from its latest album, 3rd. 

They also take time to geek out on all things baseball with Soundcheck producer Joel Meyer, and give their World Series predictions for this current season.

In this episode: With Valentine’s Day coming up Friday, Soundcheck asked That Was A Hit?!? regular Mario Correa to bring in a few love songs that, really, had no business on the pop charts. From disaster movie themes to songs about potential threesomes, we take a listen.

Then: Bryan Swirsky has been digging up, researching, and translating Soviet-era underground punk records for a decade. He’ll join us to talk about the differences between Siberian and Yugoslavian and Ukrainian punk groups, and why their forgotten musical legacy is important.

And: Singer, songwriter and guitarist Tom Brosseau performs “Cradle Your Device” and more in the Soundcheck studio.

In this episode: Soundcheck's week-long look back at the year in music of 2013 continues. First, Caryn Ganz, editorial director of RollingStone.com, shares her favorite music of 2013.

Then, a very special 2013 edition of Soundcheck's ongoing series That Was a Hit?!? with chart-obsessed contributors Mario Correa and Chris Molanphy -- who predict which of this year’s smash hits will be ridiculed 20 years from now -- by music snobs in their flying cars.

And more of our favorite in-studio performances from the past year.

This Valentine’s Day, RelationShow pillow talks with the fabulous Carrie Fisher (seriously—she calls us straight from her bed!) We also meet Carolyn Hax and Nick Galifianakis, whose nationally syndicated relationship advice column is going gangbusters—even though they divorced each other a decade ago.  Plus, a sharp-eyed psychologist uncovers the hidden love codes in your instant messages, and we hear from New Yorkers who find novel ways to keep the romance burning. Come celebrate Valentine's Day with RelationShow!