Rock

Rock musician and producer Nick Lowe. Lowe was a main figure of the British pub-rock scene in the early 70s, then in the late 70s Lowe joined forces with Dave Edmunds to form "Rockpile." At the same time, Lowe was producing albums for artists such as Elvis Costello and Grahm Parker. Lowe went solo in 78, and had hits with "I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass," and "Cruel to be Kind." His production credits during that period included The Pretenders, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and John Hiatt.

Rock critic Ken Tucker gives an update on the hard-rock scene and plays some music by three talented new groups: the Southern band "The Black Crowes," the Irish folk-influenced "Raindogs," and the "Rave-Ups," who aren't really new, but have just released their first album on a major label.

The recent suicide of rocker Del Shannon triggered rock historian Ed Ward's reflections on his early fame and later obscurity. Shannon's fame came with his 1960 hit, "Runaway."

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new album by J.J. Cale. It's Cale's first album in six years.

We debrief our rock historian Ed Ward about the music he heard during recent trips to Europe. He sat in on a recording session with an underground East Berlin band which is now making its first album, and he also brought back some Polish punk and dance music from Belgium.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new albums from The Residents and Kris Kristofferson. The Residents are a bizarre California-based art band, who make spooky, dreary, multi-layered music. Recently, the Residents have been releasing a series of albums paying homage to great American composers and performers. After having covered artists such as John Phillip Sousa and Hank Wiliams, the group has just issued "The King and I," their homage to Elvis Presley (it's on Enigma). Kristofferson's new album is called "Third World Warrior," (on Mercury).

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "11," the latest album by the Smithereens. Although the album's been out for a few months, Ken says it's getting little notice, and it deserves a listen.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews two new albums by rock groups who are doing country music, Southern Pacific's "County Line," and "Pages of Life" by the Desert Rose Band.

Singer, songwriter and guitarist Mark Knopfler (NOFFler). He's the guiding force behind the British band, Dire Straits. He's recently joined an informal group of musicians, The Notting Hillbillies. Their new album, "Missing...Presumed Having a Good Time," blends rock 'n' roll, blues, gospel, jazz-boogie and country & western. Knopfler has also written soundtracks for "Local Hero," "Cal," "Comfort and Joy," and "The Princess Bride."

Rock Critic Ken Tucker considers two New York acts who are known for their humor: folk-singer Christine Lavin, and the eclectic rock group, They Might Be Giants. Lavin's album, "Attainable Love" is on Rounder Records. They Might Be Giants' album is "Flood," and it's on Elektra.