Pop

Rock musician Ben Vaughn. Vaughn's been a cult staple for years in the Philadelphia/New Jersey area, where he's become known for his tongue-in-cheek lyrics and tunes that draw from rocks early influences. Vaughn's just put out his fourth album, titled "Dressed In Black." (It's on Enigma records).

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.

World music commentator Milo Miles gives an overview of the Japanese pop scene, focusing on Ryuichi Sakamoto (ree-OO-chee sa-kuh-MO-to), who starred with David Bowie in the film, "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence," and composed the soundtrack. Milo says Sakamoto manages to combine many musical styles into a harmonious whole.

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.

On the 25th anniversary of the death of Nat King Cole, jazz critic Kevin Whitehead has an appreciation of the well-known singer, and he takes a look at Cole's often overlooked skills as a jazz pianist. (By the way, Nat King Cole actually died on February 15th, but we're running the piece today, a couple of days early).

World music critic Milo Miles reviews the work of Israeli singer Ofra Haza. Haza's the closest thing to a world music "Superstar," with several very successful albums to her credit.

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.

World Music Commentator Milo Miles reviews the music of Yugoslavian Jova "Besir" Stojiljkovic (YO-va BEE-sheer stoya-KOL-vich) and his brass orchestra.

Rock critic Ken Tucker gives his picks for the best albums of 1989.

Rock historian Ed Ward look back ten years, to what was happening in music in 1980.

Milo Miles plays some international dance singles, and speculates on their chances to make it as hits in America.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews albums by women singers who sound like Joni Mitchell.

PART II: Rock guitarist Eric Clapton. His friends call him "Slowhand," his fans call him "God." Whatever name he goes by, Eric Clapton is at or near the top of any list of the greatest guitar players in rock history. In the 60's Clapton started playing the blues with the Yardbirds (For Your Love) and then played with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers before forming Cream, one of the 60's most influential bands (Crossroads, White Room).

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Journeyman," the new album from veteran rocker Eric Clapton.

Record producer Daniel Lanois (len-wah). He's considered one of the premier record producers of the 80's. He produced U2'S "Joshua Tree," Bob Dylan's new record "Oh Mercy," the Neville Brother's "Yellow Moon," and Peter Gabriel's "So." He's currently on tour performing songs from his own first solo album, "Acadie" (ah-kah-dee). On it you can hear the influence of his own French-Canadian folk roots, and the atmospheric, ambient sounds he produced with Brian Eno.

Rock critic Ed Ward profiles Miami's TK Studios. In the mid-70s, TK cranked out some of the biggest hits of the disco era, such as "Rock Your Baby" by George McCrae and "That's the Way I Like It" by K.C. and the Sunshine Band.

Rock critic Dave Marsh. Marsh is one of rock's most influential voices. He edited the Rolling Stone Record Guide and has written profiles of Bruce Springsteen and the Who. Marsh's new book is "The Heart of Rock and Roll: The 1001 Greatest Singles Ever Made."

World music commentator Milo Miles explains how Peter Gabriel transformed folk music of the Middle East into the world pop sound that became the soundtrack for Scorsese's film "The Last Temptation of Christ."

Rock critic Ken Tucker review the new albums from Janet Jackson and Laurie Anderson. Ken says the two performers are seemingly miles apart...Jackson's the sister of Michael Jackson and her albums are huge urban contemporary hits, and Anderson's a product of the New York performance scene...but there is common ground. Both albums (Jackson's is called "Rhythm Nation 1814" and Anderson's is titled "Strange Angels") have unifying themes and draw heavily on the latest technology.

Rock historian Ed Ward looks at rock's fascination with teen death and suicide, an influence that led to hits like "Teen Angel" and "Leader of the Pack."