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
Classic Rock’s 20 Worst Lyrics
Some are bad poetry, while others spark head-scratching confusion. Still others are just plain wrong.
Daryl Hall Has Filed a Sealed Lawsuit Against John Oates
He's said "it's very annoying to be a duo."
Neil Young Leaves Twitter Over Elon Musk’s Controversial Comments
He joins a growing list of boycotters, including Apple and Disney.
Top 40 Classic Rock Lyrics
Some are smart, some are funny. Some even rise to the level of poetry. And some are about getting loaded.
December 2023 New Music Releases
Music industry engines usually begin to idle each December, but this year is a bit different.
Geddy Lee Can’t Decide Which Rush Album Is the Worst
Selecting their best album came easier – as did his favorite project by someone else.
The Hidden Talents of Your Favorite Rock Stars
Their main aptitude is often plainly obvious. The others, not so much.
Classic Rock’s 20 Worst Mistakes
Some mishaps are eventually forgotten over a lengthy career. Others have bigger implications.
The One Great Song on These Terrible Albums
They're unquestionably bad but somehow still have a noteworthy moment to recommend.
40 Years Ago: Bob Dylan Makes a Mainstream Comeback on ‘Infidels’
It may have been even better except for some last-minute tinkering.
Top 10 Beatles Solo No. 1 Singles
Almost 20 chart-toppers followed the band's turn-of-the-'70s demise, but they weren't all created equally.
November 2023 New Music Releases
Black Friday Record Store Day once again returns to anchor the month.
Five Years Ago: Steve Perry Mounts an Amazing Comeback
Former Journey singer's 2018 return was as surprising as it was successful.
Doors, Motley Crue and Faces Top Black Friday Record Store Day
Grateful Dead, Joni Mitchell and Gov't Mule also part of a long list of gift ideas for the holiday season.
15 Years Ago: Pink Floyd Co-Founder Richard Wright Dies
He was a key element in the legendary psych-rock band's musical DNA.
October 2023 New Music Releases
Recent months have been defined by box sets and expanded reissues – but this one is different.
40 Years Ago: A Black Rock Icon Shapes David Bowie’s ‘Modern Love’
Hint: It wasn't Nile Rodgers.
How Rock Music Was Reshaped on the Morning of 9/11
The tragedy cast a long shadow on the rock world and, in the days that followed, that shadow only lengthened.
40 Years Ago: Elvis Costello Breaks in America but Hates It
He wanted a hit. That is until he got one.
33 Famous Rock Star Mug Shots
Are you really a rock star if you haven't been arrested?