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Critics in Crisis
Arts coverage might be the latest casualty of downsizing at newspapers and magazines around the country. Today on Soundcheck, find out if bloggers can step up to fill the void after longtime arts critics are shown the door. Plus, the psychedelic pop songs of Future Clouds and Radar are inspired by illness, recovery — and a ukulele. The Austin, Texas, band performs live in our studio.
Goodbye Critics, Hello Bloggers
Arts critics have either been laid off or forced into early retirement at the Chicago Sun-Times, Minneapolis Star Tribune and New York magazine, among other publications. It's left many wondering…why now? Can blogs fill in the gaps? We talk with Frank J. Oteri, composer and editor of NewMusicBox.org; and Drew McManus, an orchestra consultant and editor of the blog “Adaptistration” at Artsjournal.com.
Future Clouds and Radar
Robert Harrison led the Austin, Texas, indie-rock group Cotton Mather during the 1990s. The group's "Britpop" flair earned them a loyal following in the U.K. (Oasis' Noel Gallagher was reportedly a fan). Then, a spinal condition knocked Harrison out of commission for two years. Fully recovered, Harrison is touring with a new band, Future Clouds and Radar, and a double-album debut filled with songs about healing and personal change.
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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
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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.
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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.
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