English folk-rockers Mumford & Sons got six Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year for 'Babel.'

TV Musicals, Mumford & Sons, And Cate Le Bon In The Studio

Soundcheck | Oct 2, 2012

Tonight on Soundcheck, we consider the recently announced MacArthur Foundation "Genius" Grants, where musicians, writers, scientists, neurosurgeons and even string bow makers are awarded $500,000, no strings attached. Among the winners this year are mandolinist Chris Thile and writer Junot Diaz. But it got us thinking, "What would you do with the money if you won?"

Billboard editor and regular contributor Joe Levy weighs in on that question -- and discusses the success of folk rockers Mumford & Sons, whose new release is expected to top the charts this week. 

Then, Faith Salie on television shows that do special "musical" episodes. What are the best ones?

And Cate Le Bon and her band drop by the studio to perform songs from her album and EP, CYRK and CYRK II, and sample a little cider.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

Make classrooms analog again? A new bill aims to limit tech in schools.

Elementary schools would largely be screen free under legislation introduced by Sen. Andrew Gounardes.
Gothamist |

Long Live the Art of Shoe-Leather Reporting!

Plus, combing through the Epstein Files.
On the Media |

Summer Friday: Elie Mystal; Kimberlé Crenshaw; Mason Williams; Rossana Rosado

For this Summer Friday, some favorite recent interviews, including Elie Mystal on the Supreme Court; Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw; Mason Williams; and Rossana Rosado.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

How to Grow Up Without Becoming a Grown-Up

All Of It with Alison Stewart |
YOU ARE ONLINE