Rock

Rock historian Ed Ward has part II of his look at Excello records. A Nashville based blues studio that between 1952 and 1975 released hundreds of records that influenced performers from Elvis Presley to the Rolling Stones.

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson. He first became known for his work with "Fairport Convention." He's since gone solo and is known for his dark songs which blend elements of British folk ballads and the blues. He's released a number of solo albums, "Mirror Blue," and "Rumor and Sign". Rykodisc also compiled a retrospective of his work "Watching the Dark: The History of Richard Thompson," . Thompson's newest solo CD is "Mock Tudor" (Capitol)

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the debut album of singer Macy Gray, "Macy Gray On How Life Is."

Milo Miles reviews the tribute album "Bleecker Street: Greenwich Village in the 60s." (Astor Place Label).

Singer and songwriter Loudon Wainwright the Third. He has a new CD, "Social Studies," a collection of topical songs, many which were first featured on NPR's Morning Edition. Loudon Wainwright III grew up in the town of Bedford in wealthy Westchester County north of New York City. He became a folk singer/songwriter in the late '60s, singing humorous and autobiographical songs.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Randy Newman's new release "Bad Love" (on the Dreamworks label).

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new CD "Whereabouts" by Canadian singer and songwriter Ron Sexsmith.

Adam Schlesinger and Chris Collingwood who are co-founders of the band "Fountains of Wayne". Their second album "Utopia Parkway" has just been released. (Atlantic) Anchored by the song writing team of Chris and Adam , the New York-based band released its debut album "Radiation Vibe" in late 1996. Now the Fountains are back with "Utopia Parkway," described as a concept album about teenage life in the "Greater Metropolitan Areas" outside of New York City.

Singer, songwriter, pianist Ben Folds of the piano-bass-drum trio, Ben Folds Five. They're best known for their hit "Brick" a ballad about an abortion, in which the word "abortion" is never used. The band, from North Carolina, has been in existence since 1994. It includes drummer Darren Jesse and bassist Robert Sledge.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new CD "The Hot Rock" by the trio Sleater-Kinney.

Commentator Milo Miles reviews the new album by Olivia Tremor Control, "Black Foliage: Animation Music." (Flydaddy, Inc) The record company says this about the new album. "Foliage is consumed with the exploration of dreams: hopes and longings, fears and phobias that we admit to only when we sleep. It is an attempt to turn our subconscious into music.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new CD "The Mountain" (E-Squared) by Steve Earle which pays tribute to bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe.

Mark Linkous of the rock band Sparklehorse. He writes, sings, and plays nearly all the music. They debuted in 1995 with the album, "Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot." Their latest release is "Good Morning Spider" (Capitol).

From the off-Broadway musical, "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" composer-lyricist Stephen Trask, and actor/singer Michael Cerveris. The musical is about a failed rock singer who happens to be a German transsexual.

Rock historian Ed Ward reviews "The Bootleg Series Vol. 4: Bob Dylan Live 1966: The 'Royal Albert Hall' Concert" (Columbia). The series documents his controversial world tour when he plugged in his electric guitar. The Royal Albert Hall concert took place in Manchester, England.

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers Arthur Alexander.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new CD by Built to Spill called "Keep it Like a Secret." (Warner Bros)

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "By Your Side" the 5th new album by The Black Crowes.

Guitarist Mickey Baker. The 74 year old musician is about to receive a pioneer award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation for his work as a sideman on hundreds of recordings of R&B and rock & roll records from the 50's and 60's. He recorded with Ray Charles, Dinah Washington, Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Ruth Brown, and many more. The Awards banquet takes place in L.A. February 25th. (The Rhythm and Blues Foundation is located in Washington D.C.)

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Bring It On" the debut album by the English group, Gomez.