Rock

Singer/songwriter Bonnie Raitt. Her newest release is her first live album, "Road Tested," (Capitol). It's been nominated for a Grammy. But today, Raitt is on Fresh Air to talk about the musicians and performers that inspired her. She'll play recordings by such blues artists as B.B. King, Mississippi Fred McDowell, and Sippie Wallace. Raitt recorded one of McDowell's songs on her new album.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews a debut album by two Japanese women from the Lower East side of Manhattan, "Viva! La Woman" by Miho Hatori and Yuka Honda. The name of their duo is Cibo Matto.

Music critic Milo Miles comments on the final tour of the Ramones. After the tour the group is disbanding. Also an excerpt of a 09/08/1988 interview with Joey Ramone.

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Dennis Brennan. His new album is "Jack-In-The-Pulpit" (Upstart Records). Brennan names Barry & the Remains, Howlin' Wold, Buck Owens, Otis Redding, and the Stones as his influences. Brennan is from Boston and a review in The Boston Globe calls him "one of the city's foremost melodic-rock songwriters. He has a raw survivor's voice, but he delves under the skin like Elvis Costello. . .then rocks with the populist abandon of Bruce Springsteen and the Stones."

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Aimee Mann's new release, "I'm with Stupid."

A concert with Loudon Wainwright III. He performs songs from his new album "Grown Man." by Virgin Records. This is his 15th album. Interview conducted by Rock Critic Ken Tucker.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the tribute album to Buddy Holly, "Not Fade Away."

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.