John Schaefer appears in the following:
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.
Novelist Marlon James Picks a Soundtrack for 'A Brief History of Seven Killings'
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
Novelist Marlon James talks about his new book 'A Brief History of Seven Killings' and plays a few songs that would serve as the soundtrack for the book's characters.
Hear A New Song From Agnes Obel's Deluxe 'Aventine'
Monday, September 29, 2014
The Danish singer-songwriter's deluxe edition of her 2014 album, Aventine, features unreleased songs, remixes and live performances. Hear a brand new song, "Arches."
Beyond 'Fame': Ten Deep Cuts That Reveal The True Genius Of David Bowie
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Beneath big hits like “Changes” and “Let’s Dance” lies the real genius of David Bowie. Soundcheck host John Schaefer offers up his favorite essential lesser-known masterpiece songs.
Review: The 'David Bowie Is' Documentary
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Today, David Bowie Is opened at Chicago's Museum of Contemporary Art. Soundcheck's John Schaefer reviews a documentary film, also called David Bowie Is, which debuted tonight.
How To Be Smarter About... Kate Bush
Thursday, September 11, 2014
The English art-rocker has returned to the stage after 35 years and set a new U.K. charts record. Soundcheck's John Schaefer rounds up ten of Bush's must-hear songs.
Ask John Schaefer Anything: Can A Musician Be Too Virtuosic?
Tuesday, September 09, 2014
Soundcheck host John Schaefer answers questions from readers and listeners about whether technically impressive playing can leave you cold.
Three Must-Hear New Songs From The Vaselines, Young Buffalo, Jenny Hval And Susanna
Monday, August 18, 2014
Soundcheck host John Schaefer listens to a lot of music over the course of a week. Here's three of his favorite tracks that caught his ear, both for the music and the stories behind them.
'The Black Album' Puts The Beatles Back Together for New Generation
Monday, August 18, 2014
"The Black Album" reimagines The Beatles, providing a compilation of songs from the solo careers of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Star.
Remembering The Musical Robin Williams
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Soundcheck host John Schaefer remembers the musician that lurked among the crowded cast of characters in Williams’ mind.
In The Valley Below's Sunny And Subversive Synth Pop
Wednesday, August 06, 2014
In The Valley Below could probably just do bright synth-pop, but what you get instead is something slightly more subversive. The Los Angeles duo's upcoming album, The Belt, isn't out ...
John Luther Adams' 'Sila': Finding Music In Urban Noise
Monday, July 28, 2014
This past weekend saw the premiere of Sila, a new immersive work by this year's Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, John Luther Adams. Soundcheck host John Schaefer was there and has the...
Celebrating Nickel Creek's Triumphant Return In Brooklyn
Friday, July 25, 2014
Last night, after nearly seven years away pursuing other projects, Nickel Creek brought its reunion to Celebrate Brooklyn in Prospect Park. And they wasted no time in showing that the...
