Music

Linguist Geoff Nunberg considers the puns in country music.

Pop music critic Ken Tucker reviews two new CDs by artists on the outskirts of country music: "Onward Thru it All" by Jim Lauderdale and "Broken Things" by Julie Miller. Both releases feature work by guitarist, singer and songwriter Buddy Miller.

Singer and actor Kris Kristofferson. He can be seen in the recent John Sayles movie, "Limbo." And he has his first album out in about five years, "The Austin Sessions" (Atlantic). It features a new version of his song (known best for Janis Joplin's version) "Me And Bobby McGee" and teams him up with Jackson Browne and Vince Gill.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Rufus Thomas.

Roy A. Loney was lead singer (1965-1971) of the San Francisco band "Flamin' Groovies." Buddha Records has re-issued their albums "Flamingo" and "Teenage Head" Both out-of-print cult classics. After Loney left the band, he recorded with "Phantom Movers" and currently performs with his new band "Fondellas."

TV critic David Bianculli reviews VH-1's new movie "Ricky Nelson: Original Teen Idol" showing this weekend.

Rock historian Ed Ward has part II of his look at Excello records. A Nashville based blues studio that between 1952 and 1975 released hundreds of records that influenced performers from Elvis Presley to the Rolling Stones.

From the new film "Illuminata," actor/director John Turturro and composer William Bolcom. The film is based on a stage play by Brandon Cole (who also wrote the screenplay with Turturro). Previously the two collaborated on the film "Mac." Bolcom won the Pulitzer Prize in Music in 1988 for his "Twelve New Etudes for Piano."

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers the blues label Excello.

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson. He first became known for his work with "Fairport Convention." He's since gone solo and is known for his dark songs which blend elements of British folk ballads and the blues. He's released a number of solo albums, "Mirror Blue," and "Rumor and Sign". Rykodisc also compiled a retrospective of his work "Watching the Dark: The History of Richard Thompson," . Thompson's newest solo CD is "Mock Tudor" (Capitol)

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the debut album of singer Macy Gray, "Macy Gray On How Life Is."

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "The Indo-Jazz Suite" (Koch) a reissue featuring Joe Harriott and John Mayer.

World music critic Milo Miles offers a tribute to South African singer "Mahlathini". He died last week at the age of 61. Simon Nkabinde Mahlathini (nicknamed "the Lion of Soweto") was best known for his lead vocals for the group Mahlathini and the Mhaotella Queens after emerging on the international stage with the 1985 sampler The Indestructible Beat of Soweto.

Rock historian Ed Ward reviews "On Broadway" (Britain's Westside label) a new collection of lesser-known pop treasures that came out of the Brill Building in the 1950s.

Critic Milo Miles tells us about the work of blues guitarist John Jackson whose latest album is "Front Porch Blues" (Alligator Records). He's also got two vintage collections: "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down" and "Country Blues and Ditties" (Arhoolie Records).

Music critic Ken Tucker reviews the latest CD by country music legend George Jones. Titled "Cold Hard Truth." Jones was involved in a serious car accident in March but is recovering.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Play" the latest release of techno-dance music by Moby.

Milo Miles reviews the tribute album "Bleecker Street: Greenwich Village in the 60s." (Astor Place Label).

Singer and songwriter Loudon Wainwright the Third. He has a new CD, "Social Studies," a collection of topical songs, many which were first featured on NPR's Morning Edition. Loudon Wainwright III grew up in the town of Bedford in wealthy Westchester County north of New York City. He became a folk singer/songwriter in the late '60s, singing humorous and autobiographical songs.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Randy Newman's new release "Bad Love" (on the Dreamworks label).