“The sheer mastery of the Ring, the sustaining of such an imposing achievement at a white heat of inspiration for something like 20 hours of music, is among the most amazing achievements of the human spirit.”

Michael Kennedy, The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music

It's Ring Cycle time in NY: Wagner's series of 4 mythic, musical masterworks are being done at the Met over the next two months, and we need your help. How do we explain Wagner's "Ring" to someone wondering what all the fuss is about? 

Well, condensing the story of the ring - its monsters and gods and siblings and lovers (and sibling lovers) - oh, and its music - is a challenge worth taking.  At first, we thought we'd ask for 6 word capsules. This has become a fun thing at the annual South By Southwest Festival, where writers will attempt to give you a 6-word description of as many of the 2000 bands there as possible. It seems to have its inspiration in those short movie summaries you see in the newspaper tv listings. ("Jaws - fishermen gonna need a bigger boat"... That sort of thing.)

Now, depending on where you got your knowledge of Wagner from, a capsule summary could look like one of these:

 

"Bugs Bunny eludes Elmer Fudd. Again."

(In the classic Bugs Bunny cartoon “What’s Opera Doc?” Bugs and Elmer and the gang romp through Wagner’s world, with Elmer singing “Kill Da Wabbit” to the tune of the “Ride of the Valkyries.”)

 

"Crazed cinema colonel scares Viet Cong."

(Perhaps the most famous scene in the film Apocalypse Now, when Robert Duval’s character blasts “Ride of the Valkyries” from his helicopters as they attack the Viet Cong “because it scares the s*** out of them.”)

 

"Pin ears to wall; buy Maxell."

(Somewhat more obscure.  Maxell had a ubiquitous ad campaign for their cassette tapes that showed a guy in a chair in front of his stereo with his hair blowing straight back from the force of the music.  The TV ad, inevitably, used “Ride of the Valkyries” as that forceful sound.)

 

"I'm confused. When does Frodo appear?"

(Referring to the similarities between JRR Tolkien’s fantasy books The Lord Of The Rings and Wagner’s Ring cycle.  Both drew on Norse and Icelandic mythology, and while some Ring nuts can get all smug and superior when anyone mentions Tolkien, the fact is that some of us actually got into Wagner because it sounded like Tolkien’s world set to music.)

Then we decided Wagner's Ring in 6 words, while a fun and potentially funny idea, was also impossible.  So we toyed with the idea of giving you the length of a tweet - 140 characters, including spaces, punctuation, and smileys. But some of us - okay, one of us - is getting a little sick and tired of tweets and Twitter, so we finally hit upon the haiku idea.  And that is your challenge.  Summarize this astonishing act of human spirit, 20 hours of sustained inspiration, in a 3-line, 17-syllable form.  Tomorrow we’ll read some of our favorites on the air.

All week, we've challenged our listeners to write haikus - short poems made up of lines of 5, 7, and 5 syllables in length - that sum up Wagner's massively long "Ring" cycle. Joining us to give a bit more insight into the popular poetry form is Bowery Poetry Club founder Bob Holman.

The 1990 documentary "Paris is Burning" chronicled the golden age of drag balls in New York City - and the birth of the dance style known as “voguing." Today, Soundcheck strikes a pose… and looks back at the history of the ballroom scene and its music with the director of the award-winning film. Plus: As we continue to solicit "Ring" cycle haiku, Bowery Poetry Club founder Bob Holman joins us to talk about the history of the 17-syllable poetry form.

Perfume Genius
"Hood"
Playing on Thursday at Glasslands Gallery (289 Kent Ave., Williamsburg)
Get: Tickets ($12) | Directions 

Perfume Genius is the musical alter ego of singer-songwriter Mike Hadreas. The Seattle-based musician pens intimate and revelatory piano-driven music that recalls Antony and the Johnsons.

Perfume Genius’s first album, Learning, released in 2010, chronicles the devastation that followed a period of personal trauma. Its 2012 follow-up, Put Your Back N 2 It, finds the artist working through emotional issues of trust, power, and love (including self-love and acceptance as a gay man) though this time through a more universal lens. 

Download the bittersweet love song “Hood,” from the sophomore effort, above and watch Perfume Genius perform the tune, along with “Normal Song,” for the music site La Blogotheque in the video below.

Perfume Genius performs at Glasslands Gallery on Thursday night. 

San Antonio-based trio Girl in a Coma takes their name from The Smiths’ song “Girlfriend in a Coma” – but their Texas-influenced indie rock sound is all their own. They join us in the Soundcheck studio to play an acoustic set of songs from their latest album, the Joan Jett-approved “Exits and All the Rest.”

It’s been said that over time a pet and its owner will come to resemble one another. But just because you like Guns N Roses – it doesn’t mean your pet likes GNR too. Researchers have lately determined that animals are marching to the beat of their own drum. The animal psychologist Charles Snowdon joins us today to explain how animals interact with human sound environments – including those that might be harmful. And, we hear music specifically made for cats.

Listeners: What music does YOUR pet respond to? Do you play music specifically for your pet? Share your stories - and questions - below!

Just because you like jazz…doesn’t mean your pet does too. Today: how animals interact with human sound environments – including those that might be harmful. And, gather Fluffy ‘round the radio, for a sampling of music made specifically for cats. Plus, a live acoustic performance from Texan rock trio Girl in a Coma.

Emerson String Quartet
"Mozart: String Quartet K.575, Allegretto”
Playing on Wednesday at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center (1941 Broadway, U.W.S.)
Get: Tickets (which start at $45) | Directions 

Since forming in 1976, the Emerson String Quartet has earned a reputation as one of the great chamber music ensembles in the world. The group has made more than 30 recordings since 1987, has won nine Grammy Awards (including two for Best Classical Album) and was the recipient of the Avery Fisher Prize in 2004.

The quartet, which is made up of violinists Eugene Drucker and Philip Setzer, violist Lawrence Dutton and cellist David Finckel, takes its name from American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson.

On Wednesday night, check out the group play late quartets by Mozart and Beethoven at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall. The program will include a performance of the first movement of Mozart’s Quartet in D, which is also available for download above. If you can't make it to the Lincoln Center show, watch the Emerson’s commanding performance of Shostakovich’s String Quartet no. 3, III in the video below.

Lionel Richie released his collaborative country effort, called “Tuskegee,” last week - and it's expected to debut in the #2 spot on the Billboard 200. We throw the pop star's countrified greatest hits album into the ring to be dissected and debated by author Sean Manning and TV Guide senior editor and country music writer Joseph Hudak.

Lionel Richie just released an album of country versions of his own songs. But he’s hardly the first pop star to embrace Americana. We’re joined by Billboard’s Nashville correspondent, Deborah Evans Price, to take a look at other artists, from Bon Jovi to Bing Crosby, who’ve dabbled in twang.

Shakespeare in the Wild West? Apparently the Bard was quite popular in hotels, riverboats and mining camps, so a new production of his comedy "The Taming Of The Shrew" is set on the western frontier, and features music drawn from 19th century songs and from Italian opera. Director Arin Arbus, composer/arranger Michael Friedman and the cast join us to perform live.

25 years later, Lionel Richie’s dancing on the ceiling again – but this time, he's in cowboy boots. Today: A Soundcheck Smackdown about the pop star’s new album of his greatest hits gone country, called “Tuskegee.” Plus: A look at other artists, from Bing Crosby to Bon Jovi, who’ve dabbled in twang. And: A new musical production of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” is set in the Wild West. Director Arin Arbus and the cast join us for a live performance.

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis
"I'm So Sorry"
Playing Tuesday at Mercury Lounge (217 E. Houston St., East Village)
Get: Tickets ($12) | Directions 

London pop act Kitty, Daisy & Lewis prefers its pop with a 50-year vintage. In the age of MP3s and streaming concerts, this young sibling trio is inspired by rock 'n’ roll, rockabilly and other '50s pop music that's more at home in jukeboxes and sock-hops next to tunes by Fats Domino and Little Richard.

Download Kitty, Daisy & Lewis's ska-tinged tune “I’m So Sorry” from the band's sophomore effort Smoking In Heaven above and watch the video  for the song below.

Kitty Daisy & Lewis performs at Mercury Lounge on Tuesday night. 

Singer and songwriter Bhi Bhiman has a memorable, even musical name, given to him by his Sri Lankan parents.  But Bhi grew up in San Francisco, and his songs draw from a deep well of American blues and folk/rock.  He also has a memorable, musical voice – as we’ll hear when he plays live.  

WNYC News host and reporter Richard Hake joins us for a look back at the historical events that form the basis of the new Broadway musical 'Newsies.'

'Newsies' is just one of three current Broadway productions written by composer and songwriter Alan Menken. He joins us to talk about his busy season. And: Want to hear the entire 'Newsies' cast recording a week before its official release? We have the exclusive album stream. 

Disney's new Broadway musical "Newsies" is set to release an original cast recording on iTunes on April 10 and on CD on May 15. But Soundcheck is premiering the album a week early with an exclusive stream.

It features a score by Academy Award-winning composer and songwriter (and recent Soundcheck guest) Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman and book by Harvey Fierstein.

(Listen to Soundcheck's interview with Alan Menken, and hear about the historical events surrounding Newsies with WNYC reporter Richard Hake.)

Stream the cast recording in its entirety above. Or, stream individual tracks below. 

 

 

 

 

Track listing:

1. Overture

2. Santa Fe (Prologue)

3. Carrying the Banner

4. The Bottom Line*

5. That's Rich*

6. I Never Planned on You/Don't Come a-Knocking*

7. The World Will Know

8. Watch What Happens*

9. Seize the Day

10. Santa Fe

11. King of New York

12. Watch What Happens (Reprise)*

13. The Bottom Line (Reprise)*

14. Brooklyn's Here*

15. Something to Believe In*

16. Once and For All

17. Finale

*New original songs written for the stage production

The 1992 film 'Newsies' was a flop – but in years since has become a cult hit. Now, the story of scrappy New York street urchins selling newspapers is getting the Broadway treatment. Today: we look back at the real events that inspired the tale. Plus, a conversation with 'Newsies' composer Alan Menken. And, an exclusive stream of the new cast recording. Also on the show: a live performance from singer and songwriter Bhi Bhiman.

Ben Howard
"Three Tree Town"
Playing on Monday at Bowery Ballroom (6 Delancey St., L.E.S.)
Get: Tickets ($15) | Directions 

It’s not that easy these days in the UK to stand out in the pack of folk-styled artists but singer-songwriter Ben Howard is doing just that.

The Devon-native — whose music has drawn comparisons to that of Jose Gonzalez and Jack Johnson — attracted a diehard fanbase after releasing an EP of warm-voiced, guitar-driven meditations titled Old Pine last spring. When Howard’s first full-length work, Every Kingdom, followed in the fall, it landed on the Top Ten of the UK Charts its first week and later went gold.

Download “Three Tree Town,” from Howard’s 2011 EP above. In the video below, Ben Howard performs the song “Under The Same Sun.”

Ben Howard makes his New York debut at the Bowery Ballroom on Monday night. 

As the Met Opera kicks off three complete "Ring" cycles - which each run about 15 hours in length - we pose a poetic challenge to our listeners. Summarize Richard Wagner's "Ring" cycle in the length of a haiku.

Reminder: A haiku is a 17-syllable poem that's separated into lines of 5, 7 and 5 syllables. Host John Schaefer composed this haiku about the "Ring" cycle as an example: "The Lord Of The Rings / is a greedy ugly dwarf / but he sure can sing"

Leave your haiku in the comments section below - or, you can tweet your haiku to us using the hashtag #ringhaiku. Or, email it to us at soundcheck@wnyc.org. We might read your haiku on the air!

Andrew Bird’s brand of indie rock doesn’t sound like anyone else’s. The violinist, singer, and film composer uses digital delay and electronics to blend the sounds of pop and chamber music. He’ll play songs from his new album, “Break It Yourself,” live in the Greene Space.

As one half of the gently crass public-radio duo "The Delicious Dish," former Saturday Night Live cast member Ana Gasteyer holds a special place in our hearts. Her post-SNL gigs include roles in films like "Mean Girls," Broadway productions of "Wicked" and "The Threepenny Opera," and the new ABC sitcom "Suburgatory." Today, Gasteyer and her band join us to preview her swinging cabaret show, "Elegant Songs From a Handsome Woman."

Ana Gasteyer's show "Elegant Songs From a Handsome Woman" runs at Joe's Pub on Tuesday, April 2 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.

Violinist, singer, and composer Andrew Bird is known for his unique blend of pop and chamber music – and his whistle. Today, Soundcheck broadcasts live from the Greene Space with the multi-talented musician, who’ll play songs from his new album, “Break It Yourself.” Plus: Saturday Night Alive alum Ana Gasteyer joins us to preview her swinging cabaret show, "Elegant Songs From a Handsome Woman."

Sandro Perri
"Love & Light"
Playing Saturday at Mercury Lounge (217 E. Houston St., East Village)
Get: Tickets ($12) | Directions 

For more than a decade, Toronto musician Sandro Perri has made music that's explored a myriad of styles and genres, including jazz, Afro-pop, electronic and '70s pop under various aliases -- his most notable being the aquatic ambient techno whiz, Polmo Polpo.

Perri peeled back the musical alter-egos in 2006 and began using his name to release the fluid and graceful folk-electronic blends featured on his more recent works like the 2007 album Tiny Spaces and the 2011 record Impossible Spaces.

Download the beautifully contemplative single from Impossible, "Love & Light," above and watch the music video for the song below. Or just go catch Sandro Perri do it live at Mercury Lounge on Saturday night. 

Bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs died Wednesday morning at the age of 88. We remember the man who revolutionized the sound of the banjo.

Given the number of things that can go wrong with a production, it’s no wonder that performers are a superstitious bunch. There are just some things you don’t do. Whistle backstage? Never. Wish a co-star “good luck?” How dare you! And, definitely don’t bring a peacock feather inside the theater. We’ll dive into the world of ritual and superstition with Time Out New York theater editor David Cote. And, hear the how and why of our superstitious minds with psychologist Stuart Vyse. 

Plus, we want to know: do you have performance-related rituals or superstitions? Weigh in!

Since 2005, Bree Benton has been performing as "Poor Baby Bree" - a Victorian-era character she developed after years of studying the golden age of vaudeville. Bree Benton's latest show starring her waif-like alter-ego, “I am Going to Run Away,” begins next month - she joins in the studio to give us a sneak peak.  

Given the number of things that can go wrong with a production, it’s no wonder that performers are a superstitious bunch. Today Soundcheck dives into the world of superstitions -- from The Apollo’s famous tree stump to why you never, ever say “Good Luck.”  Plus: Bree Benton, a.k.a. "Poor Baby Bree," gives us a performance from her one-woman show, “I Am Going to Run Away.” And: We remember banjo player and bluegrass revolutionary Earl Scruggs.

Sagapool
"Marcel"
Playing on Thursday at Living Room (154 Ludlow St., L.E.S.)
Get: Tickets ($10 at the door) | Directions 

Montreal world music sextet Sagapool experienced a bit of a rebirth in 2008. After performing under the name Manouche for nearly a decade, the group shed its "gypsy jazz" moniker, reflecting its musical shift towards a more ecumenical ethos.

This month, Sagapool (née Manouche) releases its fourth album -- a self-titled record that includes the fun, klezmer-tinged tune “Marcel” — and hits the road to perform a string of North American dates in support of the new material.

On Thursday night, the Canadian group brings its jovial, globally-informed instrumentals to the Living Room. For a taste of the Lower East Side gig, download “Marcel” above and watch a clip of Sagapool’s 2010 Womex showcase below. 

Last week, Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner announced a last-minute musical change to the show’s season five premiere. Dusty Springfield’s “The Look of Love” was cut after critics pointed out that the song wasn’t released until late 1967 – more than a year after the episode was set to take place. Today, Rolling Stone editor Anthony DeCurtis tells us what was being heard in mid-1966, from Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night” to Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” to the Rolling Stones’ “Paint it, Black.” 

Listeners: Where were you in 1966 and what were you listening to? (Or, if you weren't on the scene yet -- what WOULD you have listened to?) Leave a comment.

The sister duo First Aid Kit is from Sweden…but you’d never know it listening to their new album “The Lion’s Roar.” What they make is a kind of Americana, with acoustic guitars, autoharp, lots of layered, sisterly harmonies -- and shout outs to Emmylou, June, Gram and Johnny (no last names needed). They join us live in studio.

We get a review of Madonna's new album, "MDNA," from Billboard magazine's new editor, Joe Levy. 

Have you heard MDNA? What's your take? Post a comment below.

Peggy Sue
"Song & Dance"
Playing on Wednesday at Webster Hall (125 E. 11th St., East Village)
Get: Tickets ($20) | Directions 

Rock trio Peggy Sue made its debut in 2010 with an album of genial, DIY folk-pop. The follow-up record, Acrobats, finds the group exploring darker, moodier terrain with fuzzy, distorted rock that evokes Sonic Youth and PJ Harvey.

The Brighton, England-based crew actively sought the sound by teaming up John Parish, who has worked with Harvey, and reportedly listened to Sonic Youth and fellow alt-rockers The Breeders for inspiration.

Download the band's single “Song and Dance” from the new album above. The music video below, for the song “Lover Gone,” is from Peggy Sue’s first effort Fossils and Other Phantoms.

Peggy Sue kicks off its US tour at Webster Hall on Wednesday night.  

The 1960s period drama Mad Men is fastidious when it comes to costumes, politics and of course – music. Today: the popular soundtrack of 1966, from Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night” to the Rolling Stones’ “Paint it, Black.” Plus, a live performance from Swedish sister duo First Aid Kit.

Eighty years before terms like “1 percenter” and “the Occupy movement” entered our conversations, the great Spanish playwright and poet Federico Garcia Lorca wrote about the inequalities he saw while living in 1930s America. Now, Spanish bassist and composer Alexis Cuadrado has set those poems to music. He unveils his jazz song cycle, "A Lorca Soundscape," live in our studio.

Last week, British boy band One Direction debuted at the top of the U.S. album chart with their album “Up All Night” – a one-two punch for teen idols and British artists alike. Today, we’re joined by Village Voice music editor Maura Johnston and Slate and Rolling Stone music critic Jody Rosen to discuss the cyclical nature of boy bands… and to take an international look at the young heartthrobs singing and dancing their way into tween hearts worldwide.

Plus, we open the phones – what is (or was) your favorite boy band? What does that band mean to you?

Nneka
"My Home"
Playing on Tuesday at Gramercy Theatre (127 E. 23rd St., Gramercy)
Get: Tickets ($15) | Directions 

Nigerian-born rapper-singer-activist Nneka sings heart-heavy, politically-charged soul and R&B that is inspired by Fela Kuti and Bob Marley, among others.

On her latest album, Soul Is Heavy, which is her second stateside release and fourth overall, Nneka plays around with an assortment of styles and genres, including flamenco and Saharan desert blues. The lead single “My Home,” for example, is a brassy, ragga-inflected tune with a Motown vibe to it.

Download “My Home” above, or watch the music video for the song below. Nneka performs at the Gramercy Theatre on Tuesday night.  

Last week, British boy band One Direction made history with their chart-topping debut album, “Up All Night.” Today, Soundcheck surveys the latest crop of all-male groups, singing and dancing their way into tween hearts worldwide. Plus: A live performance of music inspired by the poems of Spanish playwright and poet Federico Garcia Lorca, by bassist Alexis Cuadrado and his band.

In a new semi-staged production called “No Place to Go” at Joe’s Pub, musician and playwright Ethan Lipton explores the experience of losing his office job in publishing – and does so with ample humor and thought-provoking insight. Ethan Lipton and His Orchestra join us to perform some of it live.

Click through to see today's playlist.

Dr. John Pays a Studio Call

"Gris-Gris Gumbo Ya Ya"- Dr. John (Gris Gris)

LIVE PERFORMANCE: "Big Shot"- Dr. John (Locked Down)

"Revolution"- Dr. John (Locked Down)

"Right Place, Wrong Time" - Dr. John (In the Right Place)

"Basin Street Blues"- Dr. John (Goin' Back to New Orleans)

"I Walk on Guilded Splinters"- Dr. John (Gris Gris)

"Right Place, Wrong Time"- Dr. John (In the Right Place)

Ethan Lipton: In Studio

"Place to Go"- Ethan Lipton (No Place to Go)

LIVE PERFORMANCE: "Three-Tear Plan"- Ethan Lipton (No Place to Go)

LIVE PERFORMANCE: "Mighty Mensch"- Ethan Lipton (No Place to Go)

LIVE PERFORMANCE: "WPA"- Ethan Lipton (No Place to Go)

"Place to Go" - Ethan Lipton (No Place to Go)

 

New Orleans innovator Mac Rebennack, a.k.a. Dr. John, joins us to talk about his tribute to his hometown’s guiding spirit, Louis Armstrong, this week at BAM. Plus,  we discuss his upcoming album, “Locked Down,” which was produced by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys.

Do you have a question for Dr. John? Leave it in the comments section below.

Kelly Paige
"Hurt Like Me"
Playing on Monday at The Bowery Electric (327 Bowery, East Village)
Get: Tickets ($5 at the door) | Directions 

Take a little of Amy Winehouse’s soulful cool, mix in a bit of country spunk a la Carrie Underwood and you begin to approach the pop of Nashville singer-songwriter Kelly Paige.

The 22-year-old South Carolina native began playing guitar at 13. By 16, she was doing bar gigs and has since gone on to perform with country singers like Josh Turner and Trisha Yearwood.

Download “Hurt Like Me,” the lead single off Paige’s forthcoming debut album, above. In the video below, watch Paige’s live performance of breezy, optimistic tune “La Ti Da.”

Kelly Paige performs at The Bowery Electric tonight.  

New Orleans innovator Dr. John is in town this week to pay tribute to his hometown hero, Louis Armstrong. Today: A house call from the doctor, and a preview of his upcoming album, called “Locked Down.” Plus: Art about unemployment, when musician and playwright Ethan Lipton performs live.

Click through for today's playlist. 

The Hunger Games: Dystopian Soundtrack

"Eyes Open" - Taylor Swift (The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 and Beyond)

"Safe and Sound" - Taylor Swift and the Civil Wars (The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 and Beyond) 

"Nothing to Remember" - Neko Case (The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 and Beyond) 

"Just A Game" - Birdy (The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 and Beyond) 

"Abraham's Daughter" - Arcade Fire (The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 and Beyond) 

"Talkin' World War III Blues" - Bob Dylan (The Freewheelin Bob Dylan)

"The Temples of Syrinx" - Rush (Gold)

 "Dr. Octagon" - Dr. Octagon (Dr. Octagynecologist) 

"Won't Get Fooled Again" - The Who (Who's Next) 

"Miami 2017 (The Lights Go Out on Broadway)" - Billy Joel (Turnstiles)

"Five Years" - David Bowie (The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars)

 

Bowerbirds: In Studio

"In the Yard" - Bowerbirds (The Clearing)

LIVE PERFORMANCE: "Overcome With Light" - Bowerbirds (The Clearing)

LIVE PERFORMANCE: "Death Wish" - Bowerbirds (The Clearing)

LIVE PERFORMANCE  "Walk the Furrows" - Bowerbirds (The Clearing)

"Tuck the Darkness In" - Bowerbirds (The Clearing)

The film "The Hunger Games" has inspired some new additions to a surprisingly large catalog of songs that look to a future we hope to never see.  In addition to the songs that today's guest, Joe Levy, has suggested, here are some other odes to dystopias:

Wendy Carlos: A Clockwork Orange.  Great soundtrack, taking Beethoven and Purcell and Carlos originals as the jumping off point for some seriously twisted film music - perfect for Anthony Burgess's dystopian vision of an England of the near future. 

Pink Floyd: Animals.  George Orwell's Animal Farm becomes one of Pink Floyd's most underrated albums.  People are presented as Pigs, Dogs, and Sheep in 3 epic songs. 

David Bowie: Diamond Dogs.  Includes the songs "1984," "Big Brother," "We Are The Dead," and the spoken-word opening track with its rotting corpses and red-eyed mutants.  From the master of dystopian pop - from his first hit "Space Oddity" to the eerie doo-wop of "Drive In Saturday" to the Blade Runner-ish detective story in his late 90s album Outside. 

Genesis: "Get Em Out By Friday."  A prophetic 1972 song about gentrification interrupted by an announcement from Genetic Control announcing a four foot height limit on humans because of space restrictions.  Another source of multiple dystopias, beginning with "Watcher Of The Skies," where a planet (presumably our own) is discovered to be empty of life. 

Anonymous 4: 1000 - A Mass For The End Of Time.  You didn't actually think this was a new idea, did you?  As the year 1000 approached, many Europeans were convinced that the Book Of Revelations was about to come true, spawning a treasure trove of paintings, scultpures, and songs about the End of Days.  Earthquakes and destruction, monsters and demons, fire and sin and families being rent asunder - for eternity.  Now THAT's dystopia. 

Let’s take a moment to follow up on two recent stories we brought you this week.  First, the rise and fall, and rise again, of the accordion.  We had no idea so many of you were fans of the instrument – or at least, had strong feelings about the instrument.  The responses we got ranged from across styles and generations.  Our guest, Marion Jacobson (author of Squeeze This), left a long reply to some of your comments, so make sure to check that out on our webpage.

John from Long Island, NY

My 15 year old son was never moved by the few instruments he tried. Suddenly in the last year, he's become fascinated with the accordion. He attends a public high school on North shore of Long Island. I immediately went to his public high school music department, hoping they'd take him into the fold. There was no place for him, only traditional orchestral instrumentation. What a shame.

Email from Charlotte

The accordion brought my mother and father together - they met when he was playing the accordion (by ear) at a party, earning 50 cents for the evening.  She always called it the "accordeen".   That was about 1905.   I never heard him play it because he'd given it up by the time I came along. 

Email from Janis

(The accordion) was also part of the Brooklyn Scandinavian community ...     as a child I took lessons from Walter Eriksson, popular in his time in the Scandinavian community, learned Scandinavian tunes and Lady of Spain too. I still pick it up once in awhile.

Now "Lady of Spain" doesn’t have explicit lyrics, which means that prison inmates may soon be able to download it onto their newly purchased mp3 players through a program we examined earlier this week.  The Bureau of Prisons is going to offer inmates access to digital music because, they say, mp3 players will make the whole environment safer, much safer than cassettes or CDs. 

Well, Scott from North Carolina, listening to us while driving a big truck through an even bigger thunderstorm in Louisiana, wrote in to claim that cassette players were banned from federal prisons over two decades ago.

Cassette players, he writes, have little motors. Wily inmates were making tattoo guns from those motors. Remove the motor from the deck, fashion a cam mechanism on it, make a needle from a guitar string and you are up and running.

Takes some doing but inmates have a lot of time on their hands.

Tattooing (another topic we covered recently on Soundcheck, by the way) is prohibited inside the prisons, yet it goes on frequently.

Scott doesn’t tell us how he knows all this, but he does sign his email "Scott, retired pot grower."  And I’m sure he meant to add a warning to all you kids out there to not do drugs and stay in school. Right, Scott?

The much-anticipated sci-fi movie “The Hunger Games” comes out in theaters today, but the soundtrack to the film has been selling like gangbusters since Tuesday. Music journalist Joe Levy gives us his review of the star-studded album, which was produced by T-Bone Burnett. Plus, we open the phones to talk about great music inspired by dismal predictions of life in the future.

Listeners: What's your favorite music about a dystopian future? Leave your comment below.

 

Dystopia's Greatest Hits: A List by Joe Levy

Bob Dylan, “Talking World War III Blues”

Bowie, “Five Years”

The Who, “Baba O’Riley” and/or “Won’t Get Fooled Again”

Dr. Octagon's “Dr. Octagon”

Rush - “Temples of Syrinx”

Ornithologists will tell you that bowerbirds are known for their unusual courting behaviors – which includes building complex and brightly colored structures to attract mates. On their latest record, the North Carolina band Bowerbirds takes inspiration from their namesake, layering onto a base of vocals and guitars plenty of strings, brass and electronics. The result is the album “The Clearing” – and the band joins us to play some of it live.

Filastine
"Shanty Tones"
Playing on Friday at Highline Ballroom (431 W. 16th St., Chelsea)
Get: Tickets ($15) | Directions

Barcelona-based producer and percussionist Filastine uses bass music almost like camera film. The self-professed nomad records the global sights, sounds and textures he experiences before immersing the beat-heavy music in political imagery, as if that were the processing fluid that binds it all together.

The L.A. native's new album, Loot, out on April 3, exemplifies this by weaving sounds from Indonesia, North Africa, Brazil and elsewhere into vivid, mesmerizing (and club-friendly) music.

Download the cumbia-laced track “Shanty Tones” above and watch Filastine and singer Nova Ruth perform excerpts of the songs “Gendjer2” and "Btalla" in the video below.

Filastine performs at Highline Ballroom on Friday night. 

Fans of "The Hunger Games" are lining up to see the movie as it opens tonight. But the soundtrack to the film has already been selling like hotcakes. Today: a review of the star-studded album…and more music inspired by dismal predictions for the future. Plus, a live performance from North Carolina folk band, Bowerbirds.