Articles by: Jimmy Nelson

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.

The Neil Young Album That Blew Apart the Last of Hippie Nostalgia

The Neil Young Album That Blew Apart the Last of Hippie Nostalgia

Released 10 years ago today, Neil Young’s ‘Psychedelic Pill’ was a fiery ’60s requiem that also charted the path away from its crushing disappointments.

How Bruce Springsteen's 'Tunnel of Love' Dug Deeply to Find Hard Truths

How Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Tunnel of Love’ Dug Deeply to Find Hard Truths

Albums like Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Tunnel of Love,’ released 35 years ago this week, are the dark but needed respites before his E Street Band roars back to life.

'Fanatic' Rocked All the Way Out, But Still Had Plenty of Heart

‘Fanatic’ Rocked All the Way Out, But Still Had Plenty of Heart

‘Fanatic’ arrived 10 years ago today as the heaviest thing Heart had ever produced. At the same time, however, it was a deeply confessional recording.

When Peter Gabriel Suddenly Decided to Open Up on 'Us'

When Peter Gabriel Suddenly Decided to Open Up on ‘Us’

Peter Gabriel returned 30 years ago this week with a heart-rending ‘So’ follow up that surveyed the wreckage of two past relationships.