For music geeks: 4 worthy podcasts

I had some time off work the last few days and had time to catch up on some interesting music podcasts:

1. All Songs Considered has a wonderful interview with Beatles historian Kevin Howlett on the new Beatles remasters. If you’re a Beatles fan, there’s all kinds of wonderful insight into the new things listeners can hear for the first time. But the podcast also serves as a primer on the opportunities and challenges of recording and preserving music in the digital age. I’ve blogged and Tweeted about things like the Loudness War and the “warmth” of analog recordings but save your time and spend 22 minutes on this podcast.
2. The wonderful WNYC show Souncheck examines the songs people choose to have played at a funeral. I’ve given some thought to this one and really haven’t settled on any one song that captures my thoughts on life, death and everything in between. I’ve told my friends and family to simply make sure there’s a kegger backed by a variety of my favorite songs, with a good mix of punk, power pop and soul. What would your funeral song be?
3. On the heels of the Chris Brown sentencing, Soundcheck examines the topic of when bad people make great art. Brown, Phil Spector, Spade Cooley are among the bad folk who come to mind when this issue is raised. But an interesting side discussion comes from Randy Cohen, the NYT Ethicist columnist, who talks about how Richard Wagner’s horrible rep is softening in some Jewish circles.
4. The power of the pause: Weakened by the Loudness Wars that have ruined to 40 radio and inspired by this Slate.com article, Soundcheck offers a broader look at how the pause can be the most striking element in a song. 

The future of war

TED is a great site to stumble across any number of things that are focused on the future. Here's just one:

Author P.W. Singer talks about the future of robots in war. It's a fascinating subject (as the viewer comments attest). What once seemed so impossible and the stuff of science fiction is already here.

I'm snacking on the first part of his related "Wired for War" book, and it's equally interesting.

Stunning Southern soul collection

I’m a big fan of Southern Soul, particularly the Memphis and Muscle Shoals forms. But because there was so much fantastic music from those two areas, it’s easy to get stuck listening to Stax, Fame, Atlantic and Hi artists. Even their duds are better than most of the competition.

This year-old Southern soul collection from Ace Records is killer.But I’d encourage any fans of R&B and soul of that era to check out “Take Me to the River: A Southern Soul Story 1961-1977.”

It’s an absolutely brilliant three-CD set from Ace Records that collects 75 songs from artists and labels big and small. There's Aretha, Wilson Pickett, Percy Sledge, William Bell, etc., but the emphasis is on the little-known tunes or one-hit wonders. Some of the production leaves a bit to desired, but the performances are top notch top to bottom.

To top it off, the packaging is superb. The CDs come in a similar-sized hardcover book that features full glossy photos and stories behind each song.

It's pricey (I paid $48, but notice Amazon's price is now $60) but highly recommend it for fans of Southern soul, classic R&B and the roots of rock.