In the 1970s Nick Lowe carved out a place on the thoughtful side of punk and pop in England, landing “Cruel To Be Kind” on the charts with his band Rockpile, but doing so much more besides.
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He produced Elvis Costello’s first five albums and wrote the anthem “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding?” In the late 90s, he reinvented himself with a new focus on his mellifluous voice, starting a run of songwriting that’s up there with anybody’s. And it was all based in a passion for American roots, from Tin Pan Alley to country to rock and roll. Lowe has recently released another EP in a stretch of work with the band Los Straitjackets. Also this hour, the emotionally charged and luxurious roots pop of Dylan LeBlanc.