Rock

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews his favorite songs of the moment, performed by Annie Lennox and Al Green, Lucinda Williams, Shinehead, Billy Bragg, and Fairground Attraction

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles New Orleans rocker Lloyd Price was one of the earliest black rock 'n rollers. He first recorded on the Special T label, and had hits with the songs "Personality" and his version of the old folk tale "Stagger Lee." He adopted a pop sound after New York City, started a few record labels, and owns several nightclubs.

Film critic Stephen Schifff says that the Irish rock band's new concert film, Rattle & Hum, exaggerates U2's abilities, importance, and depth. The movie follows them during a U.S. tour; in between performances, the band visits landmarks of American music, and share their superficial insights into their significance.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews new albums by two British bands. He says the Pet Shop Boys' Introspective lives up to its name, with tight, understated songs. Eighth Wonder's Fearless is commercial and accessible, yet emotionally distant.

Rock historian Ed Ward says rock programming in the 1960s had a big effect on the culture of the time -- even during the commercial breaks.

The Traveling Wilburys comprises Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, George Harrison, Jeff Lynn, and Tom Petty. Rock critic Ken Tucker says their first album, Volume 1, is a true collaboration. Unlike the self-indulgent supergroups of the 1960s and 1970s, he says the Wilburys' music is an unexpected pleasure.

The Mexican-American rock group Los Lobos, who wrote the soundtrack for the recent Ritchie Valens biopic, has a new album, comprising mostly regional Mexican music. Drummer and songwriter Louie Perez joins Fresh Air to talk about how they discovered those songs.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the Kaleidoscope, a psychedelic band who incorporated Middle Eastern sounds into their eclectic songs.

Rock historian Ed Ward looks back on the Memphis-based soul label, which released hits by black artists like Ann Peebles and Al Green.

Shear writes and performs his own material, but his music is most often heard when it's covered by pop stars like Cyndi Lauper and the Bangles.