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The Act You've Known For All These Years
Tomorrow marks the 40th anniversary of the release of The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," an album that is often cited as the band's masterpiece and ranked as the most influential album of all time by major critics and publications. Today we attempt to cut through the mythology and examine its true importance in music history. Also: Russian-born violist and composer Lev "Ljova" Zhurbin and his "chamber-jam" Vjola Contraband join us for a live performance.
"Sgt. Pepper" at 40
According to Rolling Stone, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is the most important rock & roll album ever made." As the Beatles' album turns 40 this week, joining us to debate its significance are Jim DeRogatis, rock critic of the Chicago Sun-Times, and Allan Kozinn, classical music critic of the New York Times.
Tell us what you think of the record.
Ljova Live
The Russian-born, New York-based violist and composer Lev "Ljova" Zhurbin has made a name collaborating with names like Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Project and the Kronos Quartet. He joins us with his own ensemble, the Vjola Contraband, a group that blends Eastern-European and Gypsy melodies, Latin rhythms, Jazz-inspired improvisations with classical forms.
Visit Ljova's website
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Soundcheck's Noteworthy New York
Want to know the hottest places to go this weekend? Check out where New York's musicians go in their free time.
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Soundcheck Blog
Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show.
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Noteworthy New York
Soundcheck
We have invited musicians and artists to help us select their favorite cultural destination in the neighborhood where they live. From parks and coffee shops to bowling alleys and museums, the options are as diverse as our group of contributors.
Your "Democracy Song"
Soundcheck
As we march toward Election Day, Soundcheck wants you to identify a song that captures the spirit of democracy. It might be Woody Guthrie’s populist classic “This Land Is Your Land” or Sly and the Family Stone’s funky hit “Everyday People.” It might even be a current Top 40 hit with mass appeal. Put on your musical thinking cap, get creative, then post your song here.
Buying Music: A Smackdown Series
Soundcheck
Check out our ongoing series of Soundcheck Smackdown debates on the music marketplace -- and how we shop inside it. Part I: the pros and cons of MySpace. Part II: two documentarians throw down over music at Wal-Mart. Coming up: Part III: iTunes and Part IV: iPod vs. Zune
- Comments [26]
Atmosphere
Soundcheck
With minimalist beats and confessional rhymes, the hip-hop duo Atmosphere became the toast of the hip-hop underground after it formed 10 years ago. Now, the group has turned to classic funk and soul, and frontman Slug is still telling captivating stories. They perform in our studio.
- Comments [2]
Tin Pan Alley
Soundcheck
A two-block stretch of West 28th Street was once the home of American songwriters and music publishers. But buildings in area are now up for sale, and preservationists fear a major development is in the works. We look at the history and future of Tin Pan Alley.
I Am Azerrad ... No, I Am Azerrad!
Soundcheck
Nirvana biographer and indie-rock historian Michael Azerrad writes about musicians for a living. Now, the British band Tubelord (pictured) has written about him -- and the lyrics are a tad scary.
- Comments [1]
Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile
Soundcheck
Two major players from the worlds of classical and American roots music have joined forces for an album of new material. They perform in our studio.
- Comments [7]
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