Let's not forget about syndicated boy band 2ge+her, the highly entertaining satire of the boy band phenomenon, first introduced in a made-for-TV movie on MTV (www.imdb.com/title/tt0221789).
The group was made up of five stereotype personalities that were essential to the make-up of a late-nineties boy band like *NSync or Backstreet Boys: The Heartthrob, The Cute One, The Shy One, The Bad Boy and The Older Brother.
With such singles as "U + Me = Us (Calculus)" and "Say It (Don't Spray It)", what's not to love?

Chiming in late--just got home--how about Hanson? They have a relatively recent release "Thinking 'bout somethin" Catchy tune and a cute,
energetic video.

While "The Monkees" were an early boy band from Britain that capitalized on Beetlemania, "The Sex Pistols," packaged by Malcolm McLaren, shouldn't be overlooked. They probably have more historic importance for helping to usher in the British punk movement, and add a layer of irony to the more common pop nature of boy bands considering the anti-establishment sentiment of the movement and fans.

Thanks for introducing Shinee to the adult American audience. They are very popular not only in Asia, but in many parts of Europe as well. These boys auditioned as 10, 11 year-olds and trained for many years before debuting. They specialize in stage performance, dancing, singing, and acting.

Boy bands may be "back" but I'm glad the hitmakers with those catchy radio hits are largely gals at the moment! Though I always liked more alternative music I played along and just did a radio listening study (focus group) and my thumbs up went to Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Lady GaGa. Yes, it's all over-produced commercial pop but still I'm glad to see the girl power!
Bieber seems just a cute face, inarticulate in interviews and I'm not overly impressed with his barely moderate talent.

The Jackson 5 clip and shout out may have redeemed the segment.

Listening to this segment is like going into a bar after work and needing a stiff cocktail and seeing the bar populated by a bunch of helicopter parents and their children.

What the heck ever happened to Hanson?

The Sex Pistols! Weren't they manufactured by Mc Claren?

There have been many boy bands over the years. Some more hilarious than others (LFO). But there is only one true boy band… The Monkeys! Davey Jones, we will miss you.

Of course Bieber is a boy band. May be one singer but they layer his voice enough to give that group sound. Sounds like at least five Biebers whining to me.

John, your have officially jumped the shark.

One word - Kazaky. Ukrainian boy band awesomeness.

Boy bands make great TV. My favorite group growing up was the Monkees thanks.to Nickelodeon. Now my baby son loves the crazy puppet band on Yo Gabba Gabba. It's all about entertainment.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

I hear enough of this garbage coming from my daughter's room...why is Soundcheck being so pedestrian?

Ditto above comment. Don't you know who your audience is? Considering all the music that you never pay attention to, this segment is a slap in the face.

I just switched stations.

Best boy-band ever?

-The Beatles. :D

Please solve a decades long debate for my friends and I ... Is Blink 182 a boy band?

Menudo!

Bay City Rollers rock!!!!

Sorry, Soundcheck. This segment is ABSURD for an adult NPR audience. I would much rather be introduced to a lesser-known, talented artist of any genre than listen to this.