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Soundcheck

Wednesday, October 18, 2006
  • Patti Smith
    Patti Smith

    Punk Rock Heroine

    She was a pioneer punk rock queen in the 80s. Now the legendary singer Patti Smith has turned her attention to another radical woman: Joan of Arc. Smith explains her fascination with the French national heroine. And, award-winning music critic Gary Giddins. His newest book is a collection of his finest writings on everything from jazz to film noir.

Patti Smith

Patti Smith is a celebrated poet and punk icon. Now, she's paying tribute to another radical voice: the 13th century French national heroine Joan of Arc. Smith talks about her fascination poetry, punk and her other passions.

Check out Patti Smith and her camera in the Soundcheck studio!
Patti Smith

Patti Smith website
Metropolitan Museum of Art website

Gary Giddins

Longtime Village Voice critic Gary Giddins talks about his new book, which re-evaluates some of the major and underrated figures in jazz, and looks at the uses of jazz in the movies.

Gary Gidden's book is available for purchase atAmazon.com

Best Live Performances of 2008

Soundcheck

We revisit memorable in-studio performances from Toumani Diabaté, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, and others.

The Year in Music and Branding

Soundcheck

Pop music and advertising go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grey Group music director Josh Rabinowitz shares his picks for the best song picks and ad campaigns of 2008.

Critics Week

Soundcheck

Music writers look back at the year's best pop, rock, hip hop, classical, jazz, Latin and world albums. Plus: the worst music of the year and the best online music. Read our critics' lists here. And don't forget to cast your vote in our best-albums poll.

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.