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Crowning 2008's Song of the Summer
Every summer, one song seems to blast from every beach radio, car stereo, and block-party boombox around the city. Blender editor at large Lizzy Goodman joins us to crown this summer’s biggest jam. Also: Singer-songwriter Brendan James went from a check-out clerk at Urban Outfitters to a favorite of Carly Simon and other stars. He joins us to perform live.
Cast your vote for the song of the summer - and watch clips of the contenders here.
Soundcheck's Summer Song Poll
Every year, popular and critical opinion somehow converge to settle on a "summer song." In 2007, it was Rihanna's "Umbrella." The year before, it was "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley. The practice stretches back to the very dawn of pop radio. Yet defining the essence of a "summer song" is a bit elusive. We enlist the help of Blender editor at large Lizzy Goodman -- and of our Soundcheck listeners, in an online poll.
Cast your vote: Soundcheck's Summer Song Poll 2008
Can't decide? Check out audio and video clips of the contestants here.
Our blog: John Schaefer asks what makes a good summer song,
Brendan James Live
Just a few years ago, singer-songwriter Brendan James was a struggling artist without a record deal or even a piano. But while working nights as a clerk at Urban Outfitters, he began sneaking into hotels like The Plaza, where he'd begin playing the piano - sometimes for 3 or 4 hours at a time. Now, James has a major-label record deal and friends in high places. He joins us to tell the rest of his story - and perform live.
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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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