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New Albums by Three Ragged Singer-Songwriters

Rock critic Ken Tucker says critical darlings David Berwald and John Hiatt are striving for a commercial sound, but their new, dolorous albums fall flat. On the other hand, Steve Earle's The Hard Way -- the latter half at least -- delivers the goods.

06:56
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Other segments from the episode on July 19, 1990

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, July 19, 1990: Interview with Frank Friel; Review of albums by David Berwald, John Hiatt, and Steve Earle; Interview with Weird Al Yankovic; Review of the film …
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24:11

Frank Friel Brings Down the Philadelphia Mob

Frank Friel was the co-director and chief investigator of the Philadelphia Police/FBI Organized Crime Task Force, which dismantled the Nicodemo Scarfo-led mafia in the 1980s. The gang's violent acts terrorized the Philadelphia area; they also infiltrated Atlantic City's casinos. Friel has a new book about that time, called Breaking the Mob.

Interview
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03:38

Arachnophobia is a Mild Fright

Fear of spiders -- and the infestation of rain forest arachnids in a small California town -- drive the new Frank Marshall horror film. Film critic Stephen Schiff says that it captures producer Stephen Spielberg's charm and humor -- but also his blandness.

Review

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22:14

Songwriter John Hiatt Tries for a Hit of His Own

Artists like Bonnie Raitt and Bob Dylan had hits with songs by John Hiatt. Despite Hiatt's success as a songwriter, he hasn't yet topped the charts as a performer. He joins Fresh Air to talk about his career, quitting drinking, and his new album, Stolen Moments.

Interview
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22:00

Songwriter John Hiatt Tries for a Hit of His Own.

Musician and songwriter John Hiatt. Hiatt spent years writing country tunes for other performers. In the past few years he's come into his own as a performer, with several critically-acclaimed albums. His latest is called "Stolen Moments," on A&M Records.

Interview

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