Rock

Record producer, musician, and composer Ben Vaughn. The New. Jersey-based musician, and a favorite with Fresh Air, has relocated to L.A. to work in film and television. He composed the theme music for the new sitcom, "Third Rock from the Sun," starring John Lithgow, and Jane Curtin, which premieres tonight (TUES, JAN 9, at 8:30 PM ET/PT on NBC). Vaughn most recent release is "Instrumental Stylings" (Bar/None).

Music commentator Milo Miles tells us about Mud Boy and the Neutrons. Their new CD is "They Walk Among Us" (Koch)

Rock critic Ken Tucker gives us his year's best.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews two new albums by The Smithereens: a new best-of, "Blown to Smithereens," (Capital Records) and a collection of rare old tracks, "Attack of the Smithereens."

A concert and interview in the Fresh Air studio with John Doe, former bassist/vocalist with the punk rock group "X". He recently released a new solo album, "Kissingsohard," (Rhino's Forward label). There's also a new acoustic best-of live album featuring "X". It's called "Unclogged" (Infidelity Records, L.A., CA). Doe is joined by guitarist Smokey Hormel.

REV. : Part (2) of Ed Ward's review of the new box set of music by the Velvet Underground.

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers The Velvet Underground. Andy Warhol produced their first album in 1966.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Bruce Springsteen's album "The Ghost of Tom Joad."

TV Critic David Bianculli previews next week's Beatles documentary. The six hour series features new music by the Beatles. The recordings use archive tape of John Lennon.

Ken Tucker reviews the Smashing Pumpkins new album, "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness."

Rock historian Ed Ward continues his look at the contribution various cities have made to rock and roll.

Rock historian Ed Ward looks at Chicago's contribution to music. Artists discussed include Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Fontella Bass, The Dels, The Chi-Lites, and Earth, Wind, and Fire.

Rock historian Ed Ward continues his series on cities and their contribution to music. Today's city is Memphis. Artists discussed include Chuck Berry, Sam Phillips, B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, Elvis Presley, The Marquees, Sam & Dave, Al Green

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new CD by PM Dawn, "Jesus Wept."

Rock historian Ed Ward continues his series on cities and rock and roll. Today's city is New Orleans. Artists discussed include Dave Bartholomew, Fats Domino, Lloyd Price, Little Richard, Allen Toussaint, Lee Dorsey, Dr. John (Mac Rebennack), The Meters, The Neville Brothers,

Rock historian Ed Ward begins a special series on the contribution of various cities to rock and roll. He begins with Los Angeles. Artists discussed Roy Milton, Johnny Otis, Esther Phillips, Richie Valens, Eddie Cochran, Beach Boys, Phil Spector, The Ronettes, and The Byrds.

Milo Miles reviews a tribute album to Harry Nilsson "For the Love of Harry," (Music Masters

Dennis Diken of the band The Smithereens. He's just compiled a collection of recordings by the English record producer Joe Meek. Meek's heyday was in the late 50s and early 60s, and was responsible for "the best pop to come out of pre-Beatles England." Meek committed suicide in 1966. The new CD is "It's Hard to Believe It: The Amazing World of Joe Meek" (Razor & Tie Music, P.O. Box 585, Cooper Station, New York, N.Y. 10276)

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Emmylou Harris' new album, "Wrecking Ball." (Elektra/Asylum)

Lead singer and songwriter for The Kinks, Ray Davies. He's just written his "unauthorized autobiography." The book is written in the third, nameless person, and takes place in a corporation-run future. It's called, Ray Davies: X-Ray. (The Overlook Press). Ray started The Kinks in 1964 with his brother. They are said to be the pioneers of the rowdy garage band genre of rock music. Their many hits included: "You Really Got Me," "Lola," "All Day and All of the Night," and "Tired of Waiting for You."