Articles by: Nick DeRiso

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Yes, “Heart of the Sunrise” from Like It Is (2015): One Track Mind

As the bracing news of Yes bassist Chris Squire’s serious illness continues to reverberate, we dig into a new take on one of his most brilliant performances.

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Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, “India” from ‘GOASTT Stories’ (2015): One Track Mind

Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger return in the same fanciful trance, and it’s like finding something that should have been lost in the Watergate era.

Paul McCartney's guileless, but oft-criticized 'Ram' was a handmade gem

Paul McCartney’s guileless, but oft-criticized ‘Ram’ was a handmade gem

Released this week in May 1971, Paul McCartney’s ‘Ram’ was initially knocked for everything that makes it sound unexpectedly bold today.

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Amy Helm, “Rescue Me” from Didn’t It Rain (2015): One Track Mind

This, quite clearly, is a labor of love, and every element speaks to Amy Helm’s steely focus on making the album she always wanted to make.

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Pete Townshend, “Guantanamo,” from Truancy (2015): One Track Mind

Free of big concepts and the heavy legend of the Who’s songbook, Pete Townshend shows he hasn’t lost his writer’s spark, or his angry voice.

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Cash Box Kings – Holding Court (2015)

The Cash Box Kings’ ‘Holding Court’ isn’t music that builds off the post-war blues tradition. It advances that sound, reconstituted, into a new age.

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Steve Robinson + Ed Woltil, “Love Somebody” from Cycle (2015): One Track Mind

Steve Robinson’s “Love Somebody” sounds like XTC doing Bob Dylan. No, really. It features ex-sidemen with both Dylan acolyte Roger McGuinn and XTC.

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Why ‘Brothers’ Was the Best Showcase of Black Keys’ Genre-Jumping Genius

‘Brothers,’ released on May 18, 2010, stands as the Black Keys’ best-ever attempt at hybridizing black music into modern rock.

Paul McCartney's clunky 'McCartney II' couldn't tap into new-wave zeitgeist

Paul McCartney’s clunky ‘McCartney II’ couldn’t tap into new-wave zeitgeist

Paul McCartney’s synthy solo effort ‘McCartney II,’ released on May 16, 1980, didn’t pass for innovation back then – and it doesn’t today, either.

Danny Seraphine and Bill Champlin Defend 'Chicago 17': 'Biggest Album We Ever Had'

Danny Seraphine and Bill Champlin Defend ‘Chicago 17’: ‘Biggest Album We Ever Had’

‘Chicago 17,’ released on May 14, 1984, was a multi-million-selling smash. And Danny Seraphine and Bill Champlin aren’t about to apologize for it.