Rock

Village Voice rock critic Robert Christgau has a new guide to the best records of the 80s. He's also a fan of African music and rap, both of which he sees having a strong influence on new American music.

Rock historian Ed Ward talks about the Beach Boys's legendary concept album, which was never released. Many of the songs eventually appeared on their later, official releases, often in a watered-down form.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Family Style by the late blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan and his brother Jimmie. Tucker says the irony is that, on his last recording before his untimely death, Stevie Ray Vaughan was finally coming into his own as a songwriter and performer.

Ed Ward concludes his two-part history of the politically-minded singer and songwriter. Mayfield was recruited by Columbia Records so that label could compete with Motown. After a few career missteps with other labels, Mayfield scored two hits from his soundtrack the film Superfly.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Neil Young's new record with Crazy Horse, called "Ragged Glory." Tucker says that, after several genre exercises throughout the '80s, Young finally returns to form.

Replacements singer and songwriter Paul Westerburg has a reputation for rawness and bad stage behavior -- as well a strong pop sensibility. His band has lasted over a decade, in part because of their willingness to mellow and evolve. The Replacements' new album is All Shook Down.

The Fleetwood Mac founder and drummer has a new memoir about the romantic entanglements that tore apart the band. Despite their troubled history, they're on tour in support of a new album, Behind the Mask.

On the occasion of what would have been the Beatle's 50th birthday, rock historian Ed Ward considers what bands and song may have influenced Lennon before he started his legendary group with Paul McCartney.

Kaye played guitar in the Patti Smith Group and has recorded albums with his own band. He produced Suzanne Vega's first two albums, and more recently worked with Soul Asylum and Michelle Malone. Kaye compiled the 1960s garage rock anthology, Nuggets, and was the executive producer for the Elektra Records 40th anniversary compilation, Rubaiyat.

World music critic Milo Miles says no rock group has successfully integrated world music sounds into their music. But, in their latest album, The Royal Macadamian come close.