The Rolling Stones Audio

Novelist J.D. Salinger bowed out of the literary world after achieving massive literary success in the 1950s and early '60s. But in music, the lure of reunion tours and comebacks make it tough to quit. We talk with Spin contributor and Details editor-at-large Jeff Gordinier and author and Slate.com contributor Taylor Clark about creative peaks and retirement. This is an encore edition of Soundcheck.

Senegalese band Orchestra Baobab is one of the pioneers of Afro pop and they have impacted many artists to come, like Youssou N’Dour and Baaba Maal. Their new album, "Made in Dakar" has new songs, as well as a collection of pieces from the band's 20 records, some of which were only available on tapes. Guitarist Latfi Benjeloun joins us as the band lands in town for their summer tour. Orchestra Baobob performs tonight at 7pm at Rockefeller Park as part of the River to River Festival , and tomorrow at noon at the BAM Rhythm & Blues Festival at MetroTech .

Ry Cooder is best-known for his eclectic guitar-driven albums and his collaboration with Cuban musicians in the Buena Vista Social Club project. His latest release, a CD-and-novella combo called I, Flathead, completes his "California Trilogy" of albums. It follows the fictional musician Kash Buk, his alien friend Shakey, and their obsession with racing cars fashioned from military surplus parts and flathead engines. He joins us to explain what it's about.

When it was released in 1993, Liz Phair's debut "Exile in Guyville" was heralded as many things: a response to the Stones' "Exile on Main Street," a fresh (and frank) collection of songs, and a great rock record. It was also a complex feminist manifesto -- one that's endured for 15 years. (Rolling Stone called it one of the 500 best albums of all time.) Phair joins us to talk about the album, which is being reissued next week, and her work on the CBS television series "Swingtown."

The style of music we listen to while having a glass of wine dramatically affects our opinion of how it tastes. Test subjects rated the change in taste by up to 60%. Researcher Adrian North of Heriot Watt University in Scotland, made the link between wine and song and he joins us today. Also joining us is Lettie Teague , the executive wine editor of Food & Wine magazine; she’s also the author of several books on wine including Educating Peter. Our blog : John Schaefer on the days of wine and (Guns 'n') Roses Music Recommendations (from Montes Premium Wines in Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon: All Along The Watchtower (Jimi Hendrix), Honky Tonk Woman ( Rolling Stones ), Live And Let Die (Paul McCartney and Wings), Won't Get Fooled Again (The Who) Chardonnay: Atomic (Blondie), Rock DJ (Robbie Williams), What's Love Got To Do With It (Tina Turner), Spinning Around (Kylie Minogue) Syrah: Nessun Dorma (Puccini), Orinoco Flow (Enya), Chariots Of Fire (Vangelis), Canon (Johann Pachelbel) Merlot: Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay (Otis Redding), Easy (Lionel Ritchie), Over The Rainbow (Eva Cassidy), Heartbeats (José González)

Membership in a lighthearted vocal group is a fond memory for many college graduates. For others, including more than a few celebrities, a year or two in a cappella is something they'd rather forget. Mickey Rapkin , author of the book “Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory” and a senior editor at GQ magazine, explains why a cappella is a polarizing force -- one that might be going mainstream. Our blog : John Schaefer on a cappella groups. Tell us : Are you an alumnus or alumna of an a cappella group? How do you look back at your time in one?

In an age when famous rock groups can charge $100 or more for a concert ticket, their tribute band imitators offer an accessible outlet for hardcore fans. In his aptly-titled book Like A Rolling Stone: The Strange Life of A Tribute Band, New York Times reporter Steven Kurutz chronicles one of the most-established acts, Sticky Fingers. He joins us to talk about the ongoing popularity of bands like Lez Zeppelin, Van Heineken, and Mini Kiss. Also joining us is Kevin Gleason , from the Stony Rollers, a Rolling Stones tribute band; and Lesley Wolf , a bassist with Slayer tribute group Slaywhore. Weigh in : Do you attend tribute band concerts? Are you in a tribute band? Tell us why you do or don't like them. 
 
 Our blog : John Schaefer offers his ambivalent view of the tribute band phenomenon

In the '60s and '70s singer-songwriters Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon gave voice to a generation of women struggling to redefine their roles in society. In "Girls Like Us," bestselling author Sheila Weller tracks their lives against the backdrop of a revolutionary era. She joins us to talk about it. Our blog : One producer’s thoughts on 70’s female folkies Weigh in : Have you ever made sense of your life by listening to music?

John Rockwell has his finger on the still-beating pulse of a theme in current cinema: the elderly singing rock 'n roll. Whether as part of an inspirational community outreach ("Young at Heart"), or a Rolling Stones tour (Martin Scorsese's "Shine a Light"), the age of the participants only serves to highlight the vitality and vigor of the music. Read the transcript

It's never been easier to acquire, manipulate and distribute recorded music. Randy Cohen , author of "The Ethicist" column for the New York Times Magazine, joins us to add some color to the "gray areas" in issues like downloading, ripping CDs and pitch correction. Plus, we take your calls and comments. Tell us : Got a music-related dilemma? Leave a question for The Ethicist! Our blog : host John Schaefer and producer Joel Meyer share their musical ethical dilemmas