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'Hava Nagila' And Country-Fried Indie Rock

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Monday, September 24, 2012

Hava Nagila Daniel Yaverbaum lifted in a chair during “Hava Nagila” at his bar mitzvah in White Plains, NY, 1983 (Daniel Yaverbaum and Phyllis Osterman/Museum of Jewish Heritage)

Tonight on Soundcheck, a deep look at the ubiquitous, if not universally beloved song from Jewish weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, and now, surprisingly, the Olympics, "Hava Nagila." We hear from Museum of Jewish Heritage curator Melissa Martens about a new exhibit devoted to that song's history. 

Then, Southern-infused indie rockers Band Of Horses drop by the studio to perform songs from its newest record Mirage Rock.

Guests:

Melissa Martens and Band of Horses

'Hava Nagila': From Ukraine To YouTube

A new exhibit at the Museum of Jewish Heritage charts the surprising history of the universally familiar, if not universally popular song, "Hava Nagila." Curator Melissa Martens shares the story of the Jewish tune, and its journey from Ukraine to YouTube. Plus, check out a playlist of some of our favorite versions of the song. And -- tell us what you think of Hava Nagila.

 

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Band of Horses: Southern Rock And Trivia, In The Studio

The Southern rock ensemble Band of Horses performs songs from their new album, Mirage Rock, in our studio. Plus, John Schaefer challenges them to answer three difficult trivia questions. 

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Mick, Keith and a 'Friend'

When we asked listeners to tell us about being in music videos, our listener Eddie chimed in with the time he served as an extra for the Rolling Stones.

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Einstein On The Beach.

Lessons From 'Einstein'

The opera Einstein On The Beach hit the stage for only the fourth time in its history.  John Schaefer wonders if there will ever be a fifth. 

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Gig Alert: Bebel Gilberto

Bossa Nova singer Bebel Gilberto plays at City Winery on Monday night. Download the song "Sun Is Shining."

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Hava Nagila: The Song We Love To Hate

John Schaefer recalls a vain attempt to keep a wedding music staple out of his reception. 

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Tough Critics On MNDR

Critics called MNDR's song "Faster Horses" a "surging piece of pop," and "exhilarating." But our trio of fifth graders think the song is the kind of thing you should play in detention.

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