PLAY: Nick Lowe, “The Old Magic”

At 62 years old, English rocker Nick Lowe is a certifiable veteran of the business. Like his musical traveling companion Elvis Costello, Lowe has crafted a career out of timeless songwriting and nostalgia. “The Old Magic” isn’t as pub-worthy as Lowe’s earlier work, but it’s appropriate to its time and place. He’s still got the classy defiance of his punk days, admitting at one point that he never expected to live half as long as he has. But make no mistake: there’s wisdom in age, and Lowe doesn’t let it go to waste. The man is an institution. More folks should come under his spell.

WATCH Nick Lowe play a live set for NPR, including “House for Sale” from his new album.