Rock

Rock critic Ken Tucker says that few comeback albums from aging rock stars in the 1980s have been good. The late Roy Orbison's Mystery Girl is an exception.

Rock critic Ken Tucker says Reed's new record, New York, doesn't live up to the artist's claim. But it may be his most sincere in its examination of contemporary, social issues.

Rock critic Ken Tucker is only now fully absorbing Sonic Youth's 1988 album Daydream Nation. The band makes use of alternate guitar tunings, and takes its lyrical cues from sci-fi writers like Philip K. Dick. Tucker says that, while the record may be band's most accessible to date, no one could accuse Sonic Youth of playing standard rock and roll.

Rock critic Ken Tucker says that sales of movie soundtracks have become inextricably tied to the films they come from. He takes a look at three recent CDs featuring songs from Twins, Beaches, and I'm Gonna Git You Sucka.

Rock critic Ken Tucker says the recent crop of comedy albums has the chaotic, aggressive spirit of rock music. They don't have the same structure and allure as LPs from the 60s and 70s, but new CDs from Sam Kinison, Will Durst, and Dennis Miller are worth checking out at least once.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews new albums by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and Little Feat. He says the former band's latest effort is dreadful, while Little Feat's Let It Roll stakes out new musical territory while retaining the group's original spirit.

Rock critic Ken Tucker says that the band's new album lives up to its name: 'Til Tuesday is now no longer a band, but a vehicle for singer and songwriter Aimee Man. Tucker says the heartbreak-riddled record has an elegantly formal structure.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews his favorite songs of the moment, performed by Annie Lennox and Al Green, Lucinda Williams, Shinehead, Billy Bragg, and Fairground Attraction

Film critic Stephen Schifff says that the Irish rock band's new concert film, Rattle & Hum, exaggerates U2's abilities, importance, and depth. The movie follows them during a U.S. tour; in between performances, the band visits landmarks of American music, and share their superficial insights into their significance.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews new albums by two British bands. He says the Pet Shop Boys' Introspective lives up to its name, with tight, understated songs. Eighth Wonder's Fearless is commercial and accessible, yet emotionally distant.