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06:36

Reinterpreting Disney Classics

Hal Wilner produced the compilation album Stay Awake, which features contemporary artists performing songs from Disney movies. Rock critic Ken Tucker says it's uneven but has unexpected moments of beauty and inspiration. It's more of a baby-boom curiosity than an essential recording.

Review
09:59

David Crosby is Back After a "Long Time Gone"

Part I of the Fresh Air interview. The folk-rock singer and songwriter battled drug addiction and eventually served eleven months in jail. He's now clean, and has a new autobiography about his life. He tells Fresh Air host Terry Gross about what made his bands The Byrds and Croby, Stills & Nash unique.

Interview
06:41

The History of the 5 Royales: Part II

Rock historian Ed Ward concludes his profile of the early rhythm and blues band the 5 Royales. They were known for their raucous live shows and their prominent lead guitar lines.

Commentary
06:15

Reviewing John Legend

John Lennon's life and legacy are revisited in a new film and biography. Rock critic Ken Tucker says Albert Goldman's book The Lives of John Lennon is an inelegant hatchet job that portrays the musician in a harsh light; the film Imagine, on the other hand, is little more than treacly hagiography.

Review
06:42

Ed Ward's Favorite Band from the 1950s

In the first of a two-part profile, Fresh Air's rock historian looks back at the 5 Royales. They started off as a mediocre gospel group from North Carolina before evolving into a distinctive rhythm and blues vocal ensemble signed to Apollo Records.

Commentary
27:48

Singer and Songwriter Randy Newman

Newman made his mark in popular music with ironic lyrics about good old boys, petty criminals, saints and lovers. He also wrote the soundtracks for the films "The Natural" and "Ragtime." Newman's latest album, his first in five years, is titled "Land of Dreams."

Interview
09:38

A Rock Singer Finds Her Own Voice

Marti Jones has preferred to perform and record songs written by other artists; now, she's starting to flex her own songwriting muscles with her partner, guitarist Don Dixon. Her latest album is called Used Guitars.

Interview
27:59

Putting Rock Music in Its Social Context

Simon Frith is a rock critic and sociologist. He believes the genre has been emptied of its rebellious spirit, and is often sanitized or commercialized by the corporations that distribute it. Yet recent developments in rock have some benefits: its globlalization has allowed for the participation of lesser known, international artists; music videos have the untapped potential for further artistic expression.

Interview
05:27

Three Singers in it for the Art, Not the Money

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews new albums by Etta James, Willie Dixon and Toots. Tucker says it's refreshing that each of these artists continues to record and perform, even after their popularity has peaked.

Review
06:36

Remembering Blues Virtuoso Mike Bloomfield

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the late guitarist, whom he knew personally. Bloomfield grew up a rich kid in Chicago, and later started one of the city's first integrated blues bands. He's notable for updating the genre by linking it to folk traditions.

Commentary
06:43

A New Direction in the "Land of Dreams"

In his latest album, Randy Newman breaks from his past work, mostly abandoning irony to explore autobiographical themes. Rock critic Ken Tucker says the effort is both refreshing and disappointing.

Review
06:43

Rhythm and Blues Pioneer Chuck Willis

Ed Ward profiles Chuck Willis, who helped lay the groundwork for soul music. Despite his success as a songwriter, performer and recording artist, Willis was a secret alcoholic. He died at 30.

Commentary
06:45

"What Up, Dog" Ia an Album of Vital, Messy Artiness

In an age when musical distinctiveness is paramount, the band Was (Not Was) switches genres -- and lead vocalists -- from song to song. Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews their new album, What Up, Dog, which features guest singers Elvis Costello and Frank Sinatra Jr.

Review
27:13

Tom Waits: The Fresh Air Interview

Tom Waits' music is changing, incorporating new styles like tango and Tin Pan Alley. He has a new performance film called Big Time, which features Waits singing different personas, and an album of the same name.

Interview
06:28

Mexican American Rock Bands Make Their Mark

Rock historian Ed Ward considers the influence of early Mexican American rock bands. Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs were a goofy novelty act; the Question Marks incorporated the sounds of traditional Mexican music into their songs.

Commentary
05:58

New Songs Filled with "Truth and Soul"

Rock critic Ken Tucker says that the black rock band Fishbone takes African American stereotypes and stretches them until they break. The band deserves more attention for their insightful social commentary and screaming live shows.

Review
06:28

Captain Beefheart's Legacy

Don Glen Vilet is a painter who recorded experimental, blues-inflected music under under the name Captain Beefheart. Rock historian Ed Ward says that, while Beefheart was never a commercial success, his influence can be heard in everything from pop to heavy metal.

Commentary

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