Rock

Cleveland-based rock band Pere Ubu captured the raucous sound of punk years before the rise of the Sex Pistols. Rock critic Ken Tucker says singer and songwriter David Thomas's warbling vocals capture emotions not often featured in the genre: distraction, confusion and pure bliss. Pere Ubu's newest album is called The Tenement Years.

Beach Boys mastermind Brian Wilson returns with his first solo album. Ken Tucker says Wilson has held onto the innocence associated with his old bands' early album. That said, it's impossible to separate the music from the bizarre media narrative of Wilson's personal life.

Patti Smith returns with Dream of Life, her first album in nearly a decade. Rock critic Ken Tucker says her mix of avant-garde lyrics and working-class populism may make her America's John Lennon, but she uses up her best ideas too quickly.

Rock critic Ken Tucker has seen most of the heavy metal acts on the package tour's bill. He admires Metallica and the Scorpions; Van Halen has its merits, but he says Dokken and Kingdom Come are bland. Collectively, the bands' popularity shows that metal is a genre that should't be ignored -- though Tucker prefers to enjoy it from the comfort of his own home.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new documentary The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: the Metal Years. He says the compelling movie is a revealing look at how fans and musicians participate in the decadent culture of heavy metal music.

Critical darling Marti Jones's new album is a clear, straightforward declaration of her talents, says rock critic Ken Tucker. Yet it's her vagueness that makes her so interesting.

Rock Critic Ken Tucker reviews "I'm Real," the new album by JAMES BROWN, the self-proclaimed "Godfather of Soul."

Rock Critic Ken Tucker reviews "Vivid," the debut album by the black rock group Living Colour.

Rock Critic Ken Tucker reviews "Down in the Groove," the new album by Bob Dylan.

Rock Critic Ken Tucker reviews new albums from rockers Rod Stewart and Boz Scaggs.