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28:33

Rock Chronicler and Collector Michael Ochs

Ochs has one of the world's largest private collections of record covers. He has a new book collecting covers from the 1950s to the 1990s, "1000 Record Covers" (Taschen Publishers, Germany). He talks with Terry Gross about his favorite recordings though, and brings them for us to hear.

Interview
29:11

Rock Musician Matthew Sweet Is Far from "Over It"

The music of singer, songwriter, and guitarist Matthew Sweet is a mix of pop and alternative and has been likened to Revolver-era Beatles. His albums have enjoyed international critical and popular success. In his newest album, "Blue Sky on Mars" (Zoo Records), Sweet sings both lead and background vocals, as well as playing most of the guitars, keyboard, and bass.

Interview
05:33

U2 Flirts with Selling Out

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Pop" (Island Records) the newest release by the Irish rock band "U2", their first in four years. It incorporates a lot of techno elements and other contemporary influences.

Review
19:28

Remembering Singer LaVern Baker

Baker, one of America's great rhythm-and-blues singers of the 1950's, died earlier this week. She was 67. The Associated Press says the cause was heart complications. Baker was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. Her hits included "Tweedlee Dee," "Jim Dandy," and "I Cried a Tear." After living in the Philippines during the '70's and '80's, Baker made a comeback in the '90's when she appeared on Broadway in "Black and Blue." (REBROADCAST FROM 3/26/91).

Obituary
04:48

"Endtroducing" the Future of Rap Music

Music critic Ken Tucker reviews the new album "Endtroducing" by DJ Shadow. Tucker says this album signals a shift in hip-hop music away from gangsta rap towards a more instrumental form.

Review
19:12

Singer and Songwriter Amy Rigby on Being a "Mod Housewife"

The 37-year old musician is a former member of the New York bands Last Roundup and the Shams. Her latest album is "Amy Rigby: Diary of a Mod Housewife." Rigby says a mod housewife is "woman being dragged kicking and screaming into adulthood." She also says her favorite subjects for songwriting are: "making a living, having a family, and trying to keep a sense of humor about it all." Most of her album is produced by Elliot Easton, guitarist for the Cars.

Interview
04:49

A New Album of Good Ol' Power Pop

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new album "Fountains of Wayne" (Atlantic) by the band Fountains of Wayne. He says it features "guitar-driven, hooky songs."

Review
05:31

A Rock and Roll Songwriter in His Own Voice

Commentator Milo Miles looks at the singing career of Jesse Stone. Stone helped shape the sound that was to become rock and roll. As chief arranger during the early days of Atlantic records, he guided the company towards a more swinging, urbane sound. A new collection focuses on his own singing career.

Review
20:48

How Rock and Roll Counterculture Became a Business

Freelance journalist and music critic Fred Goodman. In a new book, "The Mansion on The Hill" Goodman chronicles how the record industry has changed rock 'n roll from the music of the counterculture to a billion dollar commercial enterprise. Goodman's past publications have appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, New York, and Spy.

Interview
28:16

Forget the Beatles -- The Rutles are Back

Record produce and songwriter Neil Innes is a member of The Rutles, the band which he and Eric Idle of Monty Python that spoofed the Beatles. The band has recently been reunited and has a new collection called "Archaeology." The Rutles first came to the attention of the public in 1978 when their spoof documentary "All You Need is Cash" aired. Innes also co-founded the comedy group The Bonzo Dog Band.

Interview
06:59

A Sunny California Sound Is Back

Rock historian Ed Ward tells us about surf music. The genre's had a resurgence, in part because of it's use in Quentin Tarantino's film "Pulp Fiction."

Commentary

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