Articles by: Jimmy Nelson

Why ‘Red Rose Speedway’ Ended Up Fracturing Paul McCartney and Wings

Why ‘Red Rose Speedway’ Ended Up Fracturing Paul McCartney and Wings

Denny Seiwell and Henry McCullough joined us to discuss Paul McCartney and Wings’ ‘Red Rose Speedway,’ released 50 years ago this month.

How Pink Floyd Came to a Grinding Halt with Didactic ‘Final Cut’

How Pink Floyd Came to a Grinding Halt with Didactic ‘Final Cut’

Released 40 years ago this week, ‘The Final Cut’ presented Pink Floyd songs as nothing more than infrastructure for Roger Waters’ narratives.

Why the Beach Boys’ ‘Sail On, Sailor’ Pointed to So Many Unrealized Triumphs

Why the Beach Boys’ ‘Sail On, Sailor’ Pointed to So Many Unrealized Triumphs

Released 50 years ago, “Sail On, Sailor” was a highlight of a Beach Boys era marked by seismic change, both musically and visually. It wouldn’t last.

I Don’t Understand Styx’s ‘Mr. Roboto,’ But I Can’t Get Enough of It

I Don’t Understand Styx’s ‘Mr. Roboto,’ But I Can’t Get Enough of It

Secret, secret – I’ve got a secret: Styx’s “Mr. Roboto” arrived 40 years ago today as a nonsensical band-busting hit. I turn it up every time.

When the National Anthem Was Simply Terrible: Gimme Five

When the National Anthem Was Simply Terrible: Gimme Five

Let’s hope whoever sings the National Anthem at tonight’s Super Bowl does better than this. They almost have to, right?

How Velvet Underground Created the DIY Movement With ‘White Light / White Heat’

How Velvet Underground Created the DIY Movement With ‘White Light / White Heat’

The Velvet Underground released ‘White Light / White Heat’ 55 years ago this week. Lou Reed later rightly described it as “the Statue of Liberty of punk.”

Martin Luther King Songs by Stevie Wonder, Queen + U2, Others: Gimme Five

Martin Luther King Songs by Stevie Wonder, Queen + U2, Others: Gimme Five

Commemorate this special day with Martin Luther King songs from Stevie Wonder, Queen, Marvin Gaye, U2 and others.

Neil Young ’80s Songs That Aren’t Terrible: Gimme Five

Neil Young ’80s Songs That Aren’t Terrible: Gimme Five

‘Trans,’ the weirdest album from Neil Young’s weirdest period, arrived 40 years ago this week. But these five songs prove the ’80s weren’t all bad.

How Bob Dylan’s ‘Tempest’ Taught Us Something New About Fate

How Bob Dylan’s ‘Tempest’ Taught Us Something New About Fate

Released 10 years ago, Bob Dylan’s ‘Tempest’ tells stories in which nobody is saved – or maybe even forgiven. Yet in the end, there were tender mercies for those who made it this far.

In Defense of the Long-Ignored Yes Album ‘Open Your Eyes’

In Defense of the Long-Ignored Yes Album ‘Open Your Eyes’

Released 25 years ago this week, ‘Open Your Eyes’ ended up as one of Yes’ late-period orphans. It’s time to open your ears.