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On his latest album, Moby surveys his vast dance music past, cramming disco, house, rap and more onto one 63-minute CD. Today, the ubiquitous DJ and songwriter reflects on 25 years of... (episode)
Madonna's new album, "Hard Candy," out today, is either a return to dance-pop glory -- or a sad trip down memory lane. Today, a Soundcheck Smackdown on whether the most durable and de... (episode)
Greil Marcus's 1975 book Mystery Train is probably the most widely admired book of rock criticism. It's just been published in a fifth edition. Today, the critic and author explains w... (episode)
Céline Dion is one of the most successful singers in the world, yet she has few fans among music critics. Today we find out if one critic changed his mind after immersing himself in D... (episode)
When the columnist Steve Lopez spotted a homeless man playing a battered violin, he knew he’d found a story. He didn’t realize the story would change his life. Today on Soundcheck, Lo... (episode)
Themes from classic television shows are among the most memorable songs ever recorded, yet few modern shows open with one. Today: Find out what happened to the TV theme song. Also: ke... (episode)
As Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama square off in today's Pennsylvania primary, we pose another Soundcheck Smackdown: "Which candidate has the best music?" Later: guitarist Habib Koit... (episode)
Everywhere you look, beards are making a comeback. Today, we find out why hairy cheeks and whiskers are now appearing on American Idol contestants, rock stars, late-night talk-show ho... (episode)
To what extent are we defined by our music collection? We find out from a music critic and a philosopher. Also: a composer talks about his processional for the pope. Later: the Austin... (episode)
American visa rules are now so complicated (and expensive) that it's become increasingly difficult for musicians to enter the country. Today: a look at a proposal to speed up the visa... (episode)