Stuff from the B-Side
HowStuffWorks
What is the story behind Stagger Lee? Why would astronauts need a DJ? Join Mark and John as they explore everything from the president's record collection to the future of digital music in Stuff From The B-Side, a podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
Location:
United States
Networks:
HowStuffWorks
Description:
What is the story behind Stagger Lee? Why would astronauts need a DJ? Join Mark and John as they explore everything from the president's record collection to the future of digital music in Stuff From The B-Side, a podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
Language:
English
Episodes
Who was Harry Partch?
12/1/2009
When American composer Harry Partch didn't enjoy the conventional 12-note scale, he created his own scale. He also built his own instruments upon which this scale could be played. Join Mark and John as they explore the musical pursuits of Harry Partch.
Duration:00:17:23
Are heavier records better than others?
11/26/2009
A standard vinyl record is between 120 to 140 grams, but audiophiles often think this is too flimsy -- why? Join John and Mark as they explore the eccentricities of vinyl records and determine whether or not the weight of a record makes a difference.
Duration:00:13:52
Is an encore necessary?
11/24/2009
During many concerts, bands return to the stage after their performance to crank out a few more tunes as the audience screams 'encore.' Explore the history of the encore -- and the philosophy behind the practice -- in this episode.
Duration:00:12:17
The Great American Songbook
11/19/2009
From the 1920s into the 60s, the Great American Songbook covers iconic music of the stage and screen. Yet there's no definitive list of the songs and songwriters involved. Learn more about the history of the Great American Songbook in this episode.
Duration:00:21:07
What causes feedback?
11/17/2009
Everyone's familiar with the ear-wrenching screech that unexpectantly blasts from speaker systems during a public address -- but what exactly is it? John and Mark investigate the unpleasant phenomenon of feedback in this episode.
Duration:00:13:17
A Seasonal Guide to Music
11/12/2009
How do you feel about the seasons? Whether you're in love with winter, summer, spring or fall, odds are that certain tunes remind you of the turning seasons. Join John and Mark as they present a guide to the seasonal music in this episode.
Duration:00:29:21
What is a mondegreen?
11/10/2009
Have you ever misheard a lyric? If so, then you've heard a mondegreen. Mondegreens are surprisingly common throughout musical history. Join John and Mark as they explore perplexing -- and humorous -- mondegreens in this episode.
Duration:00:18:24
Why does NASA have a morning DJ?
11/3/2009
For an astronaut in orbit, the sun appears to rise every 90 minutes. This extreme change disrupts the usual cycle of waking and sleeping. Luckily, NASA cooked up a creative -- and surprising -- solution. Tune in to learn more about DJ CAPCOM.
Duration:00:17:47
How does a tuning fork work?
10/29/2009
Tuning forks have been used since the 1800s, and are still common today. Yet tuning forks aren't just for music -- they're also used for watches and medical evaluations. Tune in and learn more about the rise of the humble table fork in this episode.
Duration:00:10:16
Music Theory 101: Intervals
10/27/2009
The term 'interval' refers to the distance or relationship between two notes. In this continuing series on the basics of music theory, the crew examines different types of intervals, as well as their respective roles in classical and modern music.
Duration:00:14:47
The One-Armed Pianist: Paul Wittgenstein
10/22/2009
Many people assume that most musical instruments require two hands. Yet after the famous pianist Paul Wittgenstein lost his right arm in World War I, he resolved to continue his career. Listen in and learn more about Paul Wittgenstein in this episode.
Duration:00:17:21
Why were singers castrated?
10/15/2009
During the 16th century, European boys with good singing voices ran the risk of castration. Join Mark and John as they explore the bizarre world of castrated singers -- and the reasons behind the practice -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
Duration:00:16:39
What makes an instrument's sound unique?
10/13/2009
Most people can easily hear the difference between an oboe or a sitar, even when the instruments are playing the same note. Join the hosts of Stuff From The B-Side as they explore the science behind the fascinating concept of timbre in this podcast.
Duration:00:12:58
Can a building be an instrument?
10/8/2009
As David Byrne biked through the urban landscape, he was struck with an enormous idea: Could an entire building become a musical instrument? Learn more about Byrne's idea -- and how he pulled it off -- in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
Duration:00:09:36
What are the highest and lowest notes ever played?
10/6/2009
Join Mark and John as they look back through the history of opera and world records to find the highest and lowest notes ever reached by human voices. Learn more about the amazing range of the human voice in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
Duration:00:12:03
Are the planets making music?
10/1/2009
Planets are quirky things. They can have eccentric orbits, extreme temperatures and -- oddly enough -- make music. Listen in as John and Mark explore the symphonies of space in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
Duration:00:09:17
Who was the "black Mozart?"
9/29/2009
Joseph de Bologne, also known as the Chevalier de Saint-George, was born the son of a slave and rose to the heights of French society. Learn how this talented composer (and fencer) became known as the "black Mozart" in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
Duration:00:16:11
Music Theory 101: Time Signature
9/15/2009
Building on last week's exploration of tempo, Mark and John break down the use of time signatures. Lend our resident audiophiles an ear and learn more about music theory in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
Duration:00:16:11
The Legendary Les Paul: Multitracking
9/10/2009
Today, recording studios across the globe use multitracking -- but it wasn't always this way. In their continuing series on Les Paul, Mark and John explore Paul's pioneering use of multitracking. Learn more in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
Duration:00:11:57
Music Theory 101: Tempo
9/8/2009
Join Mark and John as they kick off a new series on the basics of music. This episode explores tempo, and how it works in a piece of music. Listen in and learn more in this podcast from HowStuffWorks.com.
Duration:00:18:09