Rock

Author Peter Guralnick has written the first of a two part biography of Elvis Presley, retelling the story of the King's childhood "soberly, thoroughly and unsensationally" (says the ALA Booklist). "Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley" tells much of the story through quotes both from Elvis and people who knew him then. It attempts to portray Elvis' human side, rather than the mythical figure he has become.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the L.A. hardcore band's latest album. Tucker says they're everything he looks for in loud rock music.

Faithfull got her start in the English music scene of 1964, when she dated Mick Jagger and had the hit song, "As Tears Go By." In the following years she had a drug addiction that almost killed her, before recovering in 1985 and releasing new albums. Her memoir, "Faithfull: An Autobiography," tells her story of highs and lows with music and drugs.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Eric Clapton's new release, "From the Cradle." It's Clapton's first since his best-selling "Unplugged."

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Natural Ingredients," the first full-length collection by Lucious Jackson, a four-woman band from lower Manhattan, whose drummer was once a member of the Beastie Boys.

In the 1980's, Mould pioneered alternative rock with the band Husker Du, making what was described as "angry, self-hating music." Mould went solo for a while after the band fell apart. Now he's with the band "Sugar" and they've released their third album, "File Under: Easy Listening." One reviewer writes of the new release that it "shows Mould near the peak of his power-pop form and harbors a few prominently catchy songs."

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Sleeps with Angels," the latest collaboration between Neil Young and the band Crazy Horse. Tucker is a big fan of Young, but regrets he's mostly bored by the album.

Ken Tucker reviews "Hungry for Stink" by L7. They're currently appearing in the Lollapalooza tour.

Cale was the violist, keyboardist and bassist of the 1960s avant garde band, The Velvet Underground. Since the breakup of the group in 1968, he has had a career as a solo artist. Most recently, he collaborated with former Velvet Underground member Lou Reed, on "Songs for Drella," the 1990 tribute to artist Andy Warhol. This past month, he released "Seducing Down the Door: A John Cale Collection," which is a compilation of his post-Velvet Underground solo recordings.

Ken Tucker looks back at the career of the Irish rock band, who wrote brash songs about girls and boyhood. The Ryko label has recently reissued several of their album.