Ken Tucker

Rock critic Ken Tucker says critical darlings David Berwald and John Hiatt are striving for a commercial sound, but their new, dolorous albums fall flat. On the other hand, Steve Earle's The Hard Way -- the latter half at least -- delivers the goods.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Banned In the USA" by 2-Live Crew. Their previous album, As Nasty as They Wanna Be, was declared obscene, and they were later arrested for simply performing their music at a concert. Tucker doesn't find much merit in 2-Live Crew' often misogynistic songs, but he vigorously condemns the efforts to criminalize their music.

Ken Tucker reviews the first solo album by the Electric Light Orchestra and Traveling Wilburys alum. Known for his past complex and often sterile music, Lynne has since adopted a looser, rougher style that's big on charm.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews new albums by the bands Sonic Youth and John Doe.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Madonna's new album, "I'm Breathless." It's music from, and inspired by, the new movie, "Dick Tracy." The album's on Warner.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new albums from Fleetwood Mac and Peter Wolf, formerly of the J. Giles Band.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Fear of a Black Planet," the new album by the rap group Public Enemy.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews what he thinks are some of the best new albums on independent labels...The Spanic Boys' debut album on Rounder Records and Ben Vaughn's new album on Enigma, "Dressed in Black."

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Stolen Wishes," the new album by a band called Shoes, a little-known group from Zion, Illinois, who happen to write great, and we mean GREAT, pop songs. (The record's on Black Vinyl Records, 2269 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL, 60099).

Ken Tucker reviews "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got," the new album from Irish singer/songwriter Sinead (shh-NAY) O'Connor. (It's on Chrysalis records).