Articles by: Jimmy Nelson

Nancy Wilson, "What Are You Doing New Year's?" (1963): One Track Mind

Nancy Wilson, “What Are You Doing New Year’s?” (1963): One Track Mind

The deeply underrated Nancy Wilson nails the sense of hopeful anxiety that surrounds Dec. 31 every year.

How the Dr. John-Led 'Bluesiana' Sequel Somehow Matched the Original

How the Dr. John-Led ‘Bluesiana’ Sequel Somehow Matched the Original

‘Bluesiana II’ arrived 30 years ago missing a key figure from the band’s all-star lineup in the recently deceased Art Blakey. I didn’t have high hopes.

'Wings Over America' Remains a Pinnacle for Paul McCartney, Warts and All

‘Wings Over America’ Remains a Pinnacle for Paul McCartney, Warts and All

Released 45 years ago today, ‘Wings Over America’ stands as some of the most vital work that Paul McCartney has ever done.

Why the Black Keys' 'El Camino' Was More Continuation Than Breakthrough

Why the Black Keys’ ‘El Camino’ Was More Continuation Than Breakthrough

‘El Camino’ arrived 10 years ago today as an extension of everything the Black Keys accomplished with ‘Brothers’ – just turned up to 11.

Yes, "Damaged World" from 'The Quest' (2021): YESterdays

Yes, “Damaged World” from ‘The Quest’ (2021): YESterdays

This track fits well on an album where Yes attempts to find some sense of purpose in a world beset by climate change and COVID. So why’d they leave it off?

Chicago, "Better" from 'Chicago XXX' (2006): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Better” from ‘Chicago XXX’ (2006): Saturdays in the Park

Like so many goodbyes, nobody knew “Better” would represent Bill Champlin’s last released original recording with Chicago.

Chicago, "Lovin' Chains" from 'Chicago XXX' (2006): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Lovin’ Chains” from ‘Chicago XXX’ (2006): Saturdays in the Park

‘Chicago XXX’ hadn’t lived up to its cross-genre promise – that is, until “Lovin’ Chains” finally offered a fizzy, long-hoped-for combination of mindsets.

Yes, "Sister Sleeping Soul" from 'The Quest' (2021): YESterdays

Yes, “Sister Sleeping Soul” from ‘The Quest’ (2021): YESterdays

“Sister Sleeping Soul” begins as a rather unwelcome return to the kind of soft rock-prog that doomed Yes’ ‘Heaven and Earth.’ Then something great happens.

Yes, "A Living Island" from 'The Quest' (2021): YESterdays

Yes, “A Living Island” from ‘The Quest’ (2021): YESterdays

The Yes lockdown album bides its time, waiting for just the right moment to discuss the COVID-19 shaped elephant in the room.

Yes, "Music to My Ears" from 'The Quest' (2021): YESterdays

Yes, “Music to My Ears” from ‘The Quest’ (2021): YESterdays

With “Music to My Ears,” Yes continues to seesaw between song ideas that clearly sprang from individual members. That leads to an ego-driven mistake.