Music

Rock critic Ken Tucker discusses the year in rock music, and he runs down his choice for the top ten records of 1991.

Singer Lesley Gore. In 1963, when she was only 16, Lesley Gore recorded one of the greatest songs in rock and roll history, "It's My Party, and I'll Cry If I Want To." Gore has stayed in the business since the 60s, and she's currently appearing at the New York City club, "Rainbow and Stars." Also, Rhino records has recently released a two record retrospective of her greatest hits. (Rebroadcast. Original date 10/25/91).

There's been a flood of CD anthologies this year documenting the careers of many great early rock and rollers. Rock historian Ed Ward tells us what ones he likes best, and what ones would make the best Christmas presents.

With Haiti so much in the news these days, World Music commentator Milo Miles decided to look into the world of Haitian pop music.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead tells us what to get the jazz fan on your Christmas list.

Rock and roll songwriting team Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. They're responsible for many of the greatest hits in rock history, among them "Hound Dog," "Yakity Yak," and "Stand By Me." Rhino records has just released a collection of their songs, called "There's A Riot Goin' On."

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews two new albums from some classic rock singer-songwriters: James Taylor's "New Moon Shine" (Columbia) and Warren Zevon's "Mr. Bad Example" (Giant Records).

Elvis Costello's former bass player, Bruce Thomas. He was with Elvis Costello and the Attractions, from 1977-1987. Thomas has just written a journalistic book about touring with a band based on his own experiences, "The Big Wheel: Rock & Roll and Roadside Attractions." (published by Faber & Faber).

We remember trumpeter Buck Clayton, who died on Sunday at age 80. Clayton played with Count Baise's original band. (Rebroadcast of 10/14/1987)

World music critic Milo Miles checks out popular music from Indonesia. (He plays selections from the album "Indonesian Popular Music: Kroncong, Dangdut, & Langgam Jawa" on the Smithsonian Folkways label).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Time For Love: The Best of Julie London." It's a new reissue of songs by Julie London, who was a sex-kitten singer back in the 50s and 60s. (It's on Rhino Records).

Co-founder of the 1970s rock group Steely Dan, Donald Fagen. Their hits included "Rikki, Don't Lose that Number," "Deacon Blues," and "Josie." Since then he's issued a solo album and some singles, and worked at film scoring. He's just come out with a new all-star album, "New York Rock & Soul Revue -- Live at the Beacon," featuring Fagen, Michael McDonald, Phoebe Snow and Boz Scaggs. (Giant Records).

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles the Isley Brothers.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Violin Music for Restaurants" by violinist Jon Rose. In the album, Rose assumes several musical personae, among them Jo "Doc" Rosenberg, an Australian cafe violinist.

Book critic John Leonard reviews "On Mozart," by Anthony Burgess. It's a surreal novel about the composer Mozart. (published by Ticknor & Fields).

Rock historian Ed Ward continues his look at the last four decades in rock. Today he turns the clock back to 1962.

In honor of Thanksgiving, rock historian Ed Ward carves up some rock and roll turkeys.

Rapper King Lou (Louis Robinson). He's one half of "The Dream Warriors," a rap duo out of Toronto. Lou and his partner, Capital Q, were both born in the Caribbean, and they bring Caribbean influences to their music. Their latest album is called "And The Legacy Begins." (It's on Island).

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead profiles trombonist Charlie Green who worked with Bessie Smith.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the new and first recording of conductor Benjamin Zander and the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra.