Rock

Rock critic Ken Tucker considers what pop music Al Gore and vice presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman might use tonight at the conclusion of their convention.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews two new CDs by Juiliana Hatfield, “Beautiful Creature” and “Total System Failure.” (both by Zoe records)

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new album “Riding With the King” featuring guitarists B.B. King and Eric Clapton.

Singer-songwriter Shelby Lynne. We will listen to her songs and talk to Lynne in studio. Her new CD, “I Am Shelby Lynne” (Universal/Island) is part country and part soul. This is the 6th album for this Alabama-born singer, but it is the first album in which Lynne writes most of the songs. Her other albums were products of the Nashville country music scene. With this new album, Lynne has won over critics and fans alike. Lynne is currently touring the US.

Rock historian Ed Ward continues his retrospective of The Clash

Rock historian Ed Ward begins his two-part series on the British punk band, “The Clash.”

An in-studio concert and interview with guitarist Bill Frisell. His latest recording is “Ghost Town” (Nonesuch).

Singer/Songwriter Aimee Mann. She’s best known for her work on the soundtrack for the film “Magnolia.” Her song “Save Me” from the film was nominated for an Oscar. Her new release is “Bachelor No. 2.” Previously the album was available over her website (Aimeemann.com) and at her concert performances. Now it is available in stores. Mann and her manager had bought the master tapes from her record label in an effort to retain creative and marketing control. It’s the first recording to be released on Mann’s Superego Records.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Billy Bragg and Wilco's album Mermaid Avenue, Volume 2.

Nadine Cohodas is the author of “Spinning Blues into Gold: the Chess Brothers and the Legendary Chess Records” (St. Martin’s Press). It’s the story of brothers Leonard and Phil Chess, Jewish immigrants from Poland, who knew little about music, but somehow created the influential blues label, Chess Records. Muddy Waters helped them see the potential in the music and they went on to record Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry, and others. Chess Records was located in Chicago.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews two new albums: “Broke Down” by singer-songwriter Slaid Cleaves, and “Toad of Titicaca” by Gurf Morlix.

Jim DeRogatis is the author of “Let it Blurt: The Life & Times of Lester Bangs, America’s Greatest Rock Critic” (Broadway Books). Bangs wrote about rock ‘n’ roll for the Rolling Stone, Cream, and The Village Voice. DeROGATIS describes him as, “the great gonzo journalist, gutter poet, and romantic visionary of rock writing—its Hunter S. Thompson, Charles Bukowski, and Jack Kerouac all rolled into one.”

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews “Figure 8” by Elliott Smith, and “Allow Me” by Jules Shear.

Singer/guitarist Alex Chilton has been playing music for decades. As a teenager he was a member of the Memphis Band Box Tops. He was 16 years old when they recorded their hit, the R&B song “The Letter.” Later with the band “Big Star” he became a underground hero. After dropping out of sight to kick an alcohol addiction, Chilton returned to performing. By then many younger bands, REM and The Bangles, considered him a legend. Chilton’s new release (as a part of a trio) “Set” (bar-none) was recorded on the spur of the moment, and without overdubbing.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews “Ecstasy” the new collection by Lou Reed.

Our rock historian Ed Ward steps in to review the new film “High Fidelity,” starring John Cusack.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Two Against Nature" the new release by Steely Dan.

Rock historian Ed Ward tells us about the New Orleans Rock and Roll band, Huey “Piano” Smith and the Clowns.

Rock Critic Ken Tucker reviews the new cross over album by country music performer Shelby Lynne. The CD is called "I am Shelby Lynne" (Mercury Records).