eMusic's editor-in-chief J. Edward Keyes joins us with some of the music that's been catching his ear lately, from the ambitious sounds of Swedish duo The Knife, the precise 1960s psychedelia of Amsterdam's Jacco Gardner, New York songwriter Laura Stevenson's great Crazy Horse-inspired sound, and the dark psych-metal musings of England's Uncle Acid.

Everyone makes mistakes, even music critics. J. Edward Keyes, the editor-in-chief of eMusic joins Soundcheck to revist first impressions of soon-to-be classic albums and works that were on the wrong side of history

Soundcheck begins our look ahead at the music of 2013. J. Edward Keyes, editor-in-chief at eMusic, joins us with a preview of some brand new bands to watch out for in the new year.

For some music fans, a live show is the ultimate way to experience their favorite artist. Others prefer to stay home. Derek Thompson, senior editor at The Atlantic join us to explain why he loves music – but would rather listen alone….And J. Edward Keyes, editor-in-chief of eMusic, explains why he couldn’t imagine life without live shows.

Alt-rock revolutionaries R.E.M. announced last week that after 31 years and fifteen studio albums, they’re calling it a day. We debate the band’s legacy -- and longevity -- in this Soundcheck Smackdown between Alex V. Cook, freelance music critic and professor of mass communications at Louisiana State University, and J. Edward Keyes, editor-in-chief of eMusic.

Summer concert season is in full swing – in the parks, streets, and even, as we heard recently on Soundcheck, at Rikers Island. But for some music fans, it’s just another season of explaining why they don’t like live concerts. Derek Thompson, senior editor at The Atlantic join us to explain why he loves music – but would rather listen alone….And J. Edward Keyes, editor-in-chief of eMusic, explains why he couldn’t imagine life without live shows.

Julian Casablancas and Co. debuted in 2001 with the critically acclaimed album Is This It and helped put New York rock back on the map. Now the Strokes are back - after a puzzling, difficult five-year hiatus - with the new album Angles. J. Edward Keyes, editor-in-chief of eMusic, and Sophie Harris, music writer for Time Out New York, join us to debate this comeback album.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced its short list of nominees last week. The list of candidates for induction next year includes The J. Geils Band, Bon Jovi, Donovan and Neil Diamond. Our Smackdown guests were a little underwhelmed.