Wizardry of Harold Arlen; Veronica Falls; Dapper Dan
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Veronica Falls performs in the Soundcheck studio.
(Michael Katzif / WNYC)
In this episode: On the heels of our look at musical adaptations of the original Wizard of Oz books, we hear about Harold Arlen, the late composer behind “Over the Rainbow” and other favorites from the American Songbook.
Plus: The English indie-pop band Veronica Falls performs songs from their new album, Waiting for Something To Happen, in our studio.
And: You might not know his name, but if you're a fan of old school hip hop, you've probably seen his work. New Yorker writer Kelefa Sanneh talks about Harlem designer and one-time boutique owner Dapper Dan.
Celebrating 'The Wonderful Wizard Of Song'
A new musical celebrates the life of Harold Arlen, the man who composed the music to The Wizard of Oz. George Bugatti, co-writer and co-star of The Wonderful Wizard of Song, an off-Broadway tribute to Arlen, joins us in the studio.
Veronica Falls Goes Pop On 'Waiting For Something To Happen'
British quartet Veronica Falls married the morbid with the sweet on their 2010 debut single, "Found Love in a Graveyard." Their sophomore release, Waiting for Something to Happen, is light as a feather with catchy hooks to spare. The band performs in-studio.
Designer Dapper Dan Remixed Hip Hop Fashion
Dapper Dan's hip hop clothing was truly unique, yet not totally original. He created hybrids that purported to be designer fashion but were infused with his own brazen style. Kelefa Sanneh, staff writer of The New Yorker, joins us to discuss Dapper Dan's influence on hip hop.
Now Read This: Touré Hits The Courts With Prince
Touré plays basketball with The Purple One. Read an excerpt from his new book 'I Would Die 4 U: Why Prince Became An Icon.'
What I Should Have Known Before South By Southwest
I’m not a big planner, and it kind of screwed me this year at South By Southwest. But even though I ended up sabotaging myself, I'm already excited for next year. Learn from my mistakes, kids.
Check Ahead: Harper Simon, 'Division Street'
Harper Simon, son of Paul, releases a psych-pop sophomore album with Division Street.
Gig Alert: Savages
British post-punk quartet Savages plays Music Hall of Williamsburg Tuesday night. Download the song “I Am Here.”
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