Nick DeRiso is UCR's assistant managing editor, and author of 'Journey: Worlds Apart.' He has been named columnist of the year five times by the Associated Press, Louisiana Press Association, and Louisiana Sports Writers Association, and previously oversaw a daily newspaper section that was named Top 10 in the nation by the AP.
Nick DeRiso
35 Years Ago: ‘Less Than Zero’ Soundtrack Confronts Music’s New Landscape
Newer, more aggressive sounds were pushing aside so-called classic rock, and Rick Rubin was standing at the nexus of it all.
November 2022 New Music Releases
Another Record Store Day brings exciting new releases, but November has lots more to offer.
How 100 of Rock’s Biggest Acts Got Their Names
Certain trends emerge as you explore how rock's 100 biggest bands got their names.
40 Years Ago: ‘Back on the Chain Gang’ Gives Purpose to Grieving Pretenders
They'd just been forced to fire their bassist when the band's guitarist died.
50 Years Ago: The Band Boldly Reshapes With ‘Rock of Ages’
If it all sounded a little nervy and off the cuff, that's because it was.
Journey Albums Ranked Worst to Best
Some Journey lineups were respected but low-selling, while others were bestsellers who got critically ignored. But which one was best?
35 Years Ago: ‘The Lost Boys’ Resets the Vampire Genre
Joel Schumacher's film smashed Hollywood's tired Transylvanian tropes with a dirt biker's chortle.
50 Years Ago: Paul McCartney’s Next Band Takes Flight on Wings Over Europe Tour
His main goal was to slip out from behind the Beatles' long shadow.
Jeff Beck Announces Album-Length Collaboration With Johnny Depp
"This Is a Song for Miss Hedy Lamarr" advances 13-track LP.
June 2022 New Music Releases
Look for a massive new album series and some equally massive reissue packages.
50 Years Ago: David Bowie Gives ‘All the Young Dudes’ to Mott the Hoople
"I told them I'd write them a hit single," he later said, "and I did."
50 Years Ago: Billy Preston Pioneers Rock Shows at Radio City Music Hall
Rising crossover star was moving to the world's biggest stages after working with the Beatles and Rolling Stones.
40 Years Ago: Clash Tour Postponed After Joe Strummer Vanishes
He was having a typical rock star's day, even doing a promotional interview for upcoming shows in Scotland.
50 Years Ago: Electric Light Orchestra Debut, Then Splinter
Issues included costs, the sound and the fragile creative partnership between Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne.
40 Years Ago: Toto ‘IV': Beyond ‘Africa’
Their lone chart-topper remains a concert sing-along staple and their signature song. But there's more to the LP.
40 Years Ago: Rolling Stones Punch Back With ‘Hang Fire’
Single boasted a hard-eyed relevance that was worlds away from their most recent work.
April 2022 New Music Releases
Record Store Day is returning to full throttle.
40 Years Ago: ‘Beatles Movie Medley’ Cashes in on Two Crazes
Single was deleted just two years later and has never reappeared on compact disc, vinyl, download or streaming platforms.
Steely Dan Drop Aimee Mann From Opening Slot on 2022 Tour
Donald Fagen is refuting her assertion that the decision was made based on gender.
Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel Albums Ranked Worst to Best
They led Genesis through their most celebrated eras. Here's what happened next.