Sound Beat

Sound Beat is a daily, 90 second show highlighting the holdings of the Belfer Audio Archive. The Belfer is part of the Syracuse University Library, and with over half a million recordings, is one of the largest sound archives in the United States. Each SB episode focuses on one particular recording from the Archive, and provides a back story detailing its place in recording history.

Atomic Cocktail

Up and Atom! It’s the Music of the Atomic Age, and…

10-01
01:30

Laguardia’s Lament

The squeaky landing gear gets the grease

02-05
01:30

Spellbound

On today’s episode we’re talking electronic music…and the importance of a thorough resume.

10-16
01:30

Low Bridge!

Why did Governor Dewitt Clinton build a giant ditch across New York state? To get to the other side.

08-17
01:30

The Last Flight of the Lady Be Good

The American B-24 Bomber departed a Libyan Air Base on a bombing raid in April 1943.

08-08
01:30

Honey in the Rock

The Carter Family’s rendition of "Honey in the Rock", a Coral Record from 1949.

03-05
01:30

Whoopin’ the Blues

One of the most distinctive signature sounds in all of recorded music.

02-23
01:30

Big Stuff

Billie Holiday was known to record with ease, often needing only one take for her best studio recordings. This tune, however, was a whole different story.

01-31
01:30

The Awakening of Scrooge

You’re listening to Bransby Williams with Charles Dickens’ redeemed cheapskate.

12-25
01:30

Begin The Beguine

As a musician, Art Tatum was a true original – if a recording sounds like Tatum’s…it almost certainly IS Tatum’s.

12-12
01:30

The Devil and Niccolo Paganini

Paganini's talents made him a celebrity, but also inspired "devilish" rumors.

11-30
01:30

Der Graf von Luxemburg

It’s that age old tale of love and marriage…and money.

10-12
01:30

Lester’s Savoy Jump

Considered one of the most influential saxophonists in history, Lester “Prez” Young succeeded Coleman Hawkins at the height of the swing era.

10-11
01:30

Waltzing Matilda

Australia's unofficial anthem.

09-26
01:30

Cinderell-y Man

As far as boxing names go, there are lots of “Sugar Rays”, plenty of “Golden Boys”…but only one Cinderella Man.

09-07
01:30

Jolie Blon

Get out your Cajun dictionary...you're gonna need it.

08-11
01:30

Mary and the Lamb

Well you know this one…the first verse anyway.

05-09
01:30

Gallis Pole

Perhaps no man is more qualified to sing a song of impending execution than the "Murderous Minstrel" himself, Huddie Ledbetter.

04-16
01:30

Big Maceo

You’re listening to Big Maceo, a pioneer of Chicago Blues, and you’re on the Sound Beat.

04-09
01:30

Eddie Durham

Eddie Durham with Moten Swing.

01-26
01:30

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