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A Day in the Life

"A Day in the Life" is a daily history segment about music and the ideas it inspires. This segment is part of Critical Karaoke, a KRCC affiliated radio show run by Prof Ryan Bañagale and Prof Steven Hayward, featuring a wide range of guest contributors.
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Now displaying: June, 2015

"A Day in the Life" is a 2-minute podcast about music, history, culture, and ideas.  We release at least one new episode every weekday on an incredible range of genres and artists.  We hope you enjoy these quick listens!

Jun 30, 2015

What's the link between arch duke Franz Ferdinand, a race horse of the same name and some scottish rockers? All will be revealed by Steven Hayward on this episode of "A Day in the Life."

Jun 29, 2015

On this day in 1911, film composer Bernard Herrman was born. Here Idris Godowin gives us a snapshot of his enormous decade spanning career working with some of the most important names in cinema.

Jun 26, 2015

The marriage of Sonny and Cher came to an end on this day in 1975.  Find out how they first met and how their relationship influenced their creative output, from the good times to the bad—today on “A Day in the Life” presented by Steven Hayward.

Jun 25, 2015

Today in 1996 Jay Z released his first album Reasonable Doubt.  Hear his 1989 duet with Jaz-O, his efforts to become a solo act, and why he started his own record label Roc-A-Fella today on “A Day in a Life” offered by Idris Goodwin. 

Jun 24, 2015

Today in 1880, “O Canada” was born in Quebec, Canada.  What are its international roots and circumstances of its first performance?  When did it get its English lyrics?  And what does it all have to do with hockey?  Matthew Mugmon explains all on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Jun 23, 2015

It is June Carter Cash’s birthday, born today in 1929.  Learn about her musical pedigree and her accomplishments prior to and with eventual husband Johnny Cash on today’s “A Day in the Life” offered by Ryan Banagale.    

Jun 22, 2015

Today in 2009 the Eastman Kodak Company announced the end of the production of its Kodachrome color film stock.  What are its musical origins, connections, and inspirations?  Find out on today’s "A Day in the Life" offered by Ryan Banagale.

Jun 19, 2015

Guitarist and folk singer Nick Drake was born on this day in 1948.  His music never quite found an audience during the 1960s and 1970s.  But his posthumous success has been significant, due in no small part to a particular 1999 TV commercial.  Find our which one on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Jun 18, 2015

Today in 1948, Columbia debuted a new audio format known as the LP, or long playing record.  What became possible with this “revolutionary” format?  Take a listen to today’s “A Day in the Life” to find out!

Jun 17, 2015

Today is composer Igor Stravinsky’s birthday, born in Russia on this day in 1882.  Why did his ballet Rite of Spring send listeners into a frenzy?  How did he come to influence nearly every twentieth-century composer through his musical output.  Find out on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Jun 16, 2015

Today is the birthday of Tupac Shakur, born on this day in 1971.  Learn about his early influences and rise to stardom, including his original rap name and time Digital Underground on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Jun 15, 2015

On this day in 1989, grunge band Nirvana released its debut album titled Bleach.  Find out how lead singer/songwriter Kurt Cobain was influenced by The Beatles while creating this music for this album on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Jun 13, 2015

On this episode of Critical Karaoke we are talking about “cover songs.”  Songs that were written and recorded by one artist, but go on to be re-recorded and re-performed by many other artists in many other genres—it is kind of like karaoke of existing songs, but it is critical?  

Complete details available here: http://criticalkaraoke.com/critical-karaoke-episode-4-cover-songs/

Join us as we discuss covers of "No Diggity" by Blackstreet; "King Porter Stomp," first composed and performed by Jelly Roll Morton; and “The World Turned Upside Down” by Leon Rosselson.  All than and more, including a special "cover band" name pop quiz.  

Jun 12, 2015

Human’s Lib, the debut album by English musician and synth-pop guru Howard Jones is released on this day in 1984.  Where did he come from, where did he go?  Find out on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Jun 11, 2015

Today in 1968 Paul McCartney recorded “Blackbird.”  What inspired him to do so? A combination of historical music and contemporary social issues?  Find out on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Jun 10, 2015

The opera Tristan und Isolde premiered in Munich on this day in 1865.  Learn about the power of an important chord composed Richard Wagner and why some say it was the beginning of the end for traditional harmony.

Jun 9, 2015

Today in 1970 Bruce Springsteen began to record his first album: Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. Find out what songs he recorded, who he recorded, and the critical response to this initial outting today on “A Day in the Life.”

 

Jun 8, 2015

The comedic film Trading Places premiered on this day in 1983.  What music accompanied stars Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd through Prince and the Pauper experiences?  Find out today on “A Day in the Life.”

Jun 5, 2015

1976 Ian Matthias Bavitz—better known as Aesop Rock—was born in Syosset, New York.  Where did he get the name?  How did he become a new voice for his generation of hip hop artists?  Find out on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Jun 4, 2015

Serge Koussevitzky, former music director for the Boston Symphony Orchestra, died on this day in 1951.  How did Koussevitzky inspire a young Leonard Bernstein?  Find out on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Jun 3, 2015

On this day in 1949 Pete Seeger performed "If I had a Hammer" for the first time in New York City.  Find out the circumstances of its premiere and its eventual cover by Peter, Paul, and Mary on today's "A Day in the Life."

Jun 2, 2015

Temptations vocalist David Ruffin passed away on this day in 1991.  Find out how he came to sing the lead vocal part on “My Girl,” the first of five consecutive hits for group on today’s “A Day in the Life.”

Jun 1, 2015

One of the best selling female artists of the 1990s was born on this day in 1974: Alanis Morissette.  Jagged Little Pills, Irony, and Alt-Rock Stardom all on today's "A Day in the Life." 

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