Music

Music critic Ken Tucker reveals his favorite rock, pop and R&B albums of the year. Tucker is TV critic for Entertainment Weekly.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead provides holiday gift suggestions. He reviews two CDs: Count Basie’s America’s #1 Band and MJQ, The Complete Modern Jazz Quartet Prestige and Pablo Recordings, and one combo CD/DVD, Monk in Paris: Live at the Olympia.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the new CD from Randy Newman and the recent re-release from the Beatles Let it Be Naked.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews the third album by the singer Pink.

Pop icon Tom Jones first gained fame with the 1960s hits "It's Not Unusual," "What's New Pussycat?" and "Delilah." In the last 40 years, he has released more than 30 hit singles and several gold and multi-platinum records. In his heyday, he was famous for live performances and the frenzy he caused among his female fans — many threw their underwear onstage and rushed the stage. Jones' name today connotes hipness and romance. His newest release, Reloaded: Greatest Hits, is made up of 19 new and re-mastered tunes.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new collection, Nat King Cole: The Classic Singles

His new book is Skylark: The Life and Times of Johnny Mercer. Furia documents the life of the legendary lyricist whose songs include Moon River, Come Rain or Come Shine and Skylark. From the 1930s to the 1950s, Mercer dominated the popular song charts. Furia is a professor of creative writing at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He's also written biographies of Irving Berlin and Ira Gershwin. The interview continues throughout the entire show.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new reissue of Blossom Dearie's 1959 album, My Gentleman Friend, on Verve records.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Green's new album. The disc marks Green's return to secular music, as well as to his old producer, Willie Mitchell.

John Linnell and John Flansburgh, of They Might Be Giants, have just published a children's book (with companion CD) titled Bed, Bed, Bed. Linnell and Flansburgh have known each other since childhood. They started They Might Be Giants in Brooklyn, where they still have a phone machine called Dial-a-Song. You can call up every day and hear a new, original tune. TMBG has released numerous albums, including Factory Showroom, Mink Car and a children's record entitled No! Their best-of CD is Dial-a-Song: 20 Years of They Might Be Giants.

Rock historian Ed Ward talks about the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, a crazy, influential ensemble that reached its apex of popularity in swinging '60s London.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews In the Zone, the new album from pop star Britney Spears.

Freeman was a favorite photographer of the Beatles. He shot the covers for five of their albums: With the Beatles, A Hard Day’s Night, Beatles for Sale, Help! and Rubber Soul. He has a new collection of photos, The Beatles: A Private View.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the new release by tenor sax player Johnny Griffin and pianist Horace Parlan, Close Your Eyes.

Ken Tucker reviews Come Feel Me Tremble, the new solo album by Paul Westerberg, formerly of the '80s band the Replacements.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews two new CDs by the Art Ensemble of Chicago, The Meeting and Tribute to Lester.

Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews Magic Circles: The Beatles in Dream and History by Devin McKinney.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews Want One, the third album by Rufus Wainwright.

Rock Historian Ed Ward listens to some Uncle Tupelo reissues. The group split up in 1994; its members formed Wilco and Son Volt.

She had several hits in the late '50s and early '60s, including "Mean Mean Man," "Let's Have a Party" and "Fujiyama Mama." In the '70s she kept recording music, mostly gospel. She's 65 now and still touring. She's just released her first studio recording in 15 years, Heart Trouble. Guest musicians, including Elvis Costello and The Cramps, join her for several tracks.