Ears Wide Open

Pulse of the Planet - One of the longest-standing projects in America relating to soundscapes, Jim Metzner's daily NPR sound capsule has brought the joy of listening into millions of lives. In addition to the daily 2 minute piece, Jim does regular stories and features on Weekend Edition, and his book/CD by the same name celebrates the extraordinary range of sounds on our living planet. Most stories are available online [WEBSITE]

The River - An online show of sound works from 11 soundscape artists, curated by EarthEar. Pieces range from concrete to abstract; all can be heard in their entirety as moderate quality streams, or purchased as high-quality MP3s. [WEBSITE]

WorldTune - This website is an ongoing interactive soundsource, with speakers in several locations worldwide playing whichever sound samples have been recently chosen by intrepid internet surfers. A sound library includes submissions from around the world, and is being constantly expanded. Surf on over and change the sound of the world! [WEBSITE]

Phonography.org - A loose collection of field recordists, with sounds of human habitats having equal billing with nature. The site includes writings on listening, recording gear suggestions, and links to individual phonographer sites. [WEBSITE]

A Sound Walk Across Natural California - Nicely designed Flash-based presentation of California's diverse habitats, including sound, pictures, and text, from the Oakland Museum. [WEBSITE]

Chris DeLaurenti - Seattle-based writer and recordist; site features essays and sound pieces relating to his "aural safaris". Of special note are audio documentaries on street protests in Seattle (WTO) and New York (2004 Republican convention). [WEBSITE]