Ken Tucker

The long-running rock band's latest album is driven by themes of loss and grief, set against ferocious guitars and soaring vocals. Fresh Air critic Ken Tucker says the provocatively titled I Hate Music is full of typically superlative moments.

Listen and look past his roué image, and the chart-topper is revealed as an earnest nostalgist.

June can sing a duel with the Devil, even as her voice tells you she knows she's already triumphed.