Nick DeRiso
@nickderiso.bsky.social
Author of 'Journey: Worlds Apart,' Amazon best-selling rock band + pop artist biography. Next: Exploring Bob Dylan and the Band. 17th Ward, New Orleans. www.nickderiso.com
The justifiably lauded ‘Dirt Farmer’ peaked on the charts this week in 2007, as Levon Helm returned to songs with the gravity and meaning of his best work with the Band. Here’s my look back at the true follow-up to his terrific1978 solo debut: nickderiso.substack.com/p/the-look-b...
November 18, 2025 at 7:50 PM
The justifiably lauded ‘Dirt Farmer’ peaked on the charts this week in 2007, as Levon Helm returned to songs with the gravity and meaning of his best work with the Band. Here’s my look back at the true follow-up to his terrific1978 solo debut: nickderiso.substack.com/p/the-look-b...
Issued 45 years ago today, John Lennon's 'Double Fantasy' has a complicated legacy. It was released to mixed reviews, but then became the last completed blockbuster in his lifetime. Here's my ranked look back at Lennon's songs from 'Double Fantasy':
ultimateclassicrock.com/john-lennon-...
ultimateclassicrock.com/john-lennon-...
November 17, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Issued 45 years ago today, John Lennon's 'Double Fantasy' has a complicated legacy. It was released to mixed reviews, but then became the last completed blockbuster in his lifetime. Here's my ranked look back at Lennon's songs from 'Double Fantasy':
ultimateclassicrock.com/john-lennon-...
ultimateclassicrock.com/john-lennon-...
What if someone released an impassioned twin-guitar genius record and nobody cared? That's initially what happened with the only album from Derek and the Dominos. My retro review of 'Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs,' issued 55 years ago this week:
ultimateclassicrock.com/derek-and-th...
ultimateclassicrock.com/derek-and-th...
November 13, 2025 at 7:54 PM
What if someone released an impassioned twin-guitar genius record and nobody cared? That's initially what happened with the only album from Derek and the Dominos. My retro review of 'Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs,' issued 55 years ago this week:
ultimateclassicrock.com/derek-and-th...
ultimateclassicrock.com/derek-and-th...
With Black Friday's edition of Record Store Day in the rearview mirror, the music industry's engines will inevitably begin to slow next month. Thankfully, there are still a few cool things set to arrive before the end of the year. Here's a look ahead:
ultimateclassicrock.com/december-202...
ultimateclassicrock.com/december-202...
November 12, 2025 at 6:15 PM
With Black Friday's edition of Record Store Day in the rearview mirror, the music industry's engines will inevitably begin to slow next month. Thankfully, there are still a few cool things set to arrive before the end of the year. Here's a look ahead:
ultimateclassicrock.com/december-202...
ultimateclassicrock.com/december-202...
With its sweet harmonies and deftly twinned guitars, 'Eagles Live' plays like a peaceful easy feeling. But the LP, released 45 years ago this week, tells a more complex story of a relentless attention to detail and an ugly initial split. My new retro review: ultimateclassicrock.com/eagles-live-...
November 11, 2025 at 1:21 PM
With its sweet harmonies and deftly twinned guitars, 'Eagles Live' plays like a peaceful easy feeling. But the LP, released 45 years ago this week, tells a more complex story of a relentless attention to detail and an ugly initial split. My new retro review: ultimateclassicrock.com/eagles-live-...
Before the advent of the streaming playlist era, creating a big finish for your LP was a big deal. It's clear that the Eagles understood the assignment. Here's a ranked look back:
ultimateclassicrock.com/eagles-album...
ultimateclassicrock.com/eagles-album...
November 4, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Before the advent of the streaming playlist era, creating a big finish for your LP was a big deal. It's clear that the Eagles understood the assignment. Here's a ranked look back:
ultimateclassicrock.com/eagles-album...
ultimateclassicrock.com/eagles-album...
Released 55 years ago this week, the character-driven 'Tumbleweed Connection' doesn't sound anything like the sleek soundtrack work that Elton John devolved into by the '90s. It hardly sounds like his peak '70s stuff, either. Here's my retro review: ultimateclassicrock.com/elton-john-t...
November 3, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Released 55 years ago this week, the character-driven 'Tumbleweed Connection' doesn't sound anything like the sleek soundtrack work that Elton John devolved into by the '90s. It hardly sounds like his peak '70s stuff, either. Here's my retro review: ultimateclassicrock.com/elton-john-t...
Ready for a preview of the Biggest Rock Tours Announced for 2026 (So Far)? Look for huge reunions, a notable farewell, and lots (and lots) of Vegas shows. Here's my complete rundown for next year: ultimateclassicrock.com/2026-rock-to...
October 28, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Ready for a preview of the Biggest Rock Tours Announced for 2026 (So Far)? Look for huge reunions, a notable farewell, and lots (and lots) of Vegas shows. Here's my complete rundown for next year: ultimateclassicrock.com/2026-rock-to...
Paul Simon could have continued trading on the outsized successes of 1986's 'Graceland.' But instead he started from scratch again on the following 'Rhythm of the Saints,' released 35 years ago this month. Here's a look back at my favorite Paul Simon LP: ultimateclassicrock.com/paul-simon-r...
October 27, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Paul Simon could have continued trading on the outsized successes of 1986's 'Graceland.' But instead he started from scratch again on the following 'Rhythm of the Saints,' released 35 years ago this month. Here's a look back at my favorite Paul Simon LP: ultimateclassicrock.com/paul-simon-r...
Joe Walsh's influence on the Eagles will never be defined simply by songs. It was really about the vibe. He'd eventually become a symbol of their lasting resiliency. Here's a ranked look back at all of Walsh's Eagles songs: ultimateclassicrock.com/joe-walsh-ea...
October 22, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Joe Walsh's influence on the Eagles will never be defined simply by songs. It was really about the vibe. He'd eventually become a symbol of their lasting resiliency. Here's a ranked look back at all of Walsh's Eagles songs: ultimateclassicrock.com/joe-walsh-ea...
Lead singers tend to become the focal point. (Think Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones.) And yet, legendary frontmen have regularly handed the mic to someone else. Here's a ranked look back at 35 classic rock songs that weren't sung by the lead singer: ultimateclassicrock.com/rock-songs-n...
October 16, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Lead singers tend to become the focal point. (Think Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones.) And yet, legendary frontmen have regularly handed the mic to someone else. Here's a ranked look back at 35 classic rock songs that weren't sung by the lead singer: ultimateclassicrock.com/rock-songs-n...
November 2025's new music includes Beatles-related projects, new releases from Aerosmith and Cheap Trick, and the return of Record Store Day. The Black Friday edition features exclusives from Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac and Alice Cooper. My new rundown:
ultimateclassicrock.com/november-202...
ultimateclassicrock.com/november-202...
October 15, 2025 at 12:49 PM
November 2025's new music includes Beatles-related projects, new releases from Aerosmith and Cheap Trick, and the return of Record Store Day. The Black Friday edition features exclusives from Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac and Alice Cooper. My new rundown:
ultimateclassicrock.com/november-202...
ultimateclassicrock.com/november-202...
The too-often-overlooked Bernie Leadon released a very rare solo album this week, the terrific 'Too Late to Be Cool.' Here's where it ranks all time among Eagles solo albums:
ultimateclassicrock.com/eagles-solo-...
ultimateclassicrock.com/eagles-solo-...
October 11, 2025 at 3:55 PM
The too-often-overlooked Bernie Leadon released a very rare solo album this week, the terrific 'Too Late to Be Cool.' Here's where it ranks all time among Eagles solo albums:
ultimateclassicrock.com/eagles-solo-...
ultimateclassicrock.com/eagles-solo-...
Jonathan Cain is leaving Journey – after one final tour. He's also talking about what's next:
ultimateclassicrock.com/jonathan-cai...
ultimateclassicrock.com/jonathan-cai...
October 10, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Jonathan Cain is leaving Journey – after one final tour. He's also talking about what's next:
ultimateclassicrock.com/jonathan-cai...
ultimateclassicrock.com/jonathan-cai...
He may have been just a singer in the rock 'n' roll band, but the #MoodyBlues legend John Lodge will be missed. Today's tribute:
ultimateclassicrock.com/moody-blues-...
ultimateclassicrock.com/moody-blues-...
Moody Blues' John Lodge Dies 'Suddenly and Unexpectedly'
Moody Blues legend John Lodge died 'suddenly and unexpectedly' at age 82 in October 2025
ultimateclassicrock.com
October 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM
He may have been just a singer in the rock 'n' roll band, but the #MoodyBlues legend John Lodge will be missed. Today's tribute:
ultimateclassicrock.com/moody-blues-...
ultimateclassicrock.com/moody-blues-...
John Lennon would've turned 85 today. He was slow to reveal himself through music. Once he decided to get real, however, the floodgates opened. His songs became as frank, emotional and self-critical as any in rock history. Here's my all-eras look back: ultimateclassicrock.com/top-john-len...
October 9, 2025 at 2:35 PM
John Lennon would've turned 85 today. He was slow to reveal himself through music. Once he decided to get real, however, the floodgates opened. His songs became as frank, emotional and self-critical as any in rock history. Here's my all-eras look back: ultimateclassicrock.com/top-john-len...
Bernie Leadon was never thought of as cool, but the culture kept moving toward him. The rootsy vibe he helped create holds far more resonance into a new century than rock music does. Same with the former Eagles star's 'Too Late to Be Cool,' due on Friday: ultimateclassicrock.com/bernie-leado...
October 8, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Bernie Leadon was never thought of as cool, but the culture kept moving toward him. The rootsy vibe he helped create holds far more resonance into a new century than rock music does. Same with the former Eagles star's 'Too Late to Be Cool,' due on Friday: ultimateclassicrock.com/bernie-leado...
The best songs challenge assumptions while searching for answers in an often-confusing world. Many pose their questions right in their name. But not everything is so serious, as shown in this new ranking of Top 30 Songs With a Question in the Title: ultimateclassicrock.com/songs-with-q...
Top 30 Songs With a Question in the Title
A ranked look back at songs with a question in their titles.
ultimateclassicrock.com
October 6, 2025 at 4:03 PM
The best songs challenge assumptions while searching for answers in an often-confusing world. Many pose their questions right in their name. But not everything is so serious, as shown in this new ranking of Top 30 Songs With a Question in the Title: ultimateclassicrock.com/songs-with-q...
I broke out the rock-related releases set to arrive on the Black Friday edition of Record Store Day in late November. Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Alice Cooper and Van Halen are among the highlight exclusives.
Here's the complete list:
ultimateclassicrock.com/record-store...
Here's the complete list:
ultimateclassicrock.com/record-store...
October 2, 2025 at 7:26 PM
I broke out the rock-related releases set to arrive on the Black Friday edition of Record Store Day in late November. Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, Alice Cooper and Van Halen are among the highlight exclusives.
Here's the complete list:
ultimateclassicrock.com/record-store...
Here's the complete list:
ultimateclassicrock.com/record-store...
Any discussion of Pink Floyd's longest songs ends up as a love letter to the musical partnership of David Gilmour and Richard Wright. The material tended to become shorter and more novelistic as erstwhile bandmate Roger Waters' influence grew. My look back: ultimateclassicrock.com/pink-floyd-l...
October 1, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Any discussion of Pink Floyd's longest songs ends up as a love letter to the musical partnership of David Gilmour and Richard Wright. The material tended to become shorter and more novelistic as erstwhile bandmate Roger Waters' influence grew. My look back: ultimateclassicrock.com/pink-floyd-l...
Robert Plant's 'Saving Grace' has arrived. Let's talk about where it ranks among his solo albums. Along the way, there have been dizzying summits, disappointing blind alleys, thrilling moments of homecoming and surprising times when he's backtracked:
ultimateclassicrock.com/robert-plant...
ultimateclassicrock.com/robert-plant...
September 27, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Robert Plant's 'Saving Grace' has arrived. Let's talk about where it ranks among his solo albums. Along the way, there have been dizzying summits, disappointing blind alleys, thrilling moments of homecoming and surprising times when he's backtracked:
ultimateclassicrock.com/robert-plant...
ultimateclassicrock.com/robert-plant...
Summer has always been the traditional time for big tours, but that doesn't mean the stage lights are turned off as the weather changes to fall. Quite the opposite, in fact. Some of rock's biggest acts will be visiting a live music venue near you. More here: ultimateclassicrock.com/fall-2025-to...
September 26, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Summer has always been the traditional time for big tours, but that doesn't mean the stage lights are turned off as the weather changes to fall. Quite the opposite, in fact. Some of rock's biggest acts will be visiting a live music venue near you. More here: ultimateclassicrock.com/fall-2025-to...
Paul McCartney's Wings era somehow remains underrated, but they made their own very rich contributions to his legacy in the decade after the Beatles. Here's my ranked look back at Paul McCartney's 30 best songs with Wings: ultimateclassicrock.com/paul-mccartn...
September 24, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Paul McCartney's Wings era somehow remains underrated, but they made their own very rich contributions to his legacy in the decade after the Beatles. Here's my ranked look back at Paul McCartney's 30 best songs with Wings: ultimateclassicrock.com/paul-mccartn...
Southern Rock's big bang, 'Idlewild South' also heralded the arrival of the Allman Brothers Band's savior. Gregg Allman wrote most of the songs, and Duane Allman provided signature guitar. But this LP arrived 55 years ago as Dickey Betts' coming-out party: ultimateclassicrock.com/allman-broth...
September 23, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Southern Rock's big bang, 'Idlewild South' also heralded the arrival of the Allman Brothers Band's savior. Gregg Allman wrote most of the songs, and Duane Allman provided signature guitar. But this LP arrived 55 years ago as Dickey Betts' coming-out party: ultimateclassicrock.com/allman-broth...
Journey fans tend to play the expected hits. In most cases, the album's biggest single is also the song that's streamed the most on Spotify. They represent undeniable high points.
But which songs are skipped the most? Here's a look: ultimateclassicrock.com/journey-most...
But which songs are skipped the most? Here's a look: ultimateclassicrock.com/journey-most...
September 22, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Journey fans tend to play the expected hits. In most cases, the album's biggest single is also the song that's streamed the most on Spotify. They represent undeniable high points.
But which songs are skipped the most? Here's a look: ultimateclassicrock.com/journey-most...
But which songs are skipped the most? Here's a look: ultimateclassicrock.com/journey-most...