Greil Marcus

Music critic and cultural historian Greil Marcus takes on the short-lived yet explosive band behind hits like “Break on Through (To the Other Side)” and “Light My Fire” in his new book: “The Doors: A Lifetime of Listening to Five Mean Years.” He joins us in the studio to explain why.

Earlier this week, Wall Street Journal reporter John Jurgensen joined us to ask a provocative question from his recent story: Should Bob Dylan retire? Today: Jurgensen returns with cultural critic (and Dylan expert) Greil Marcus to revisit the issue -- and responses from our listeners.

The rock critic has listened to Van Morrison’s seminal Astral Weeks more than any other album. He discusses his new book on the singer-songwriter's life.

In 1975, music critic Greil Marcus published Mystery Train, which for the first time placed rock 'n' roll within the context of American cultural archetypes, from "Moby-Dick" to Jay Gatsby. Thirty-three years later, the book remains a benchmark of criticism and has inspired countless music scribes. He joins us on ...

In the first half of the 20th century, songs carried news of the day, especially the gory stuff. The new box set "People Take Warning! Murder Ballads and Disaster Songs, 1913-1938" compiles songs about floods, fires, train wrecks, and the big one: murder. We talk with the collection's producer, Christopher ...