Out October 23 · Third Man Records
Best Collection
The definitive anthology from Los Angeles power pop originators The Nerves, marking 50 years since their debut EP. 66 minutes, newly remastered from the original source material.
Digital · CD · Limited-edition 2×LP colored vinyl with liner notes by founding member Peter Case
The Band
Jack Lee, guitar and vocals. He wrote “Hanging on the Telephone” and “Come Back and Stay”. 1952 to 2023. His archive is at jackleearchives.com
Peter Case, bass and vocals. He went on to form The Plimsouls and a long solo career, at petercase.com
Paul Collins, drums and vocals. He went on to form The Beat, also known as Paul Collins’ Beat, at thepaulcollinsbeat.com
Common Questions
Who were The Nerves?
The Nerves were an American power pop trio formed in San Francisco in 1974 and based in Los Angeles, made up of Jack Lee, Peter Case, and Paul Collins. They released only one four-song EP in 1976 before splitting in 1978, yet they became one of the most influential bands in power pop and helped write the DIY playbook by booking their own national tour.
When is The Nerves ‘Best Collection’ released?
The Nerves - Best Collection is released on October 23, 2026 via Third Man Records, marking the 50th anniversary of the band’s 1976 debut EP. It is available digitally, on CD, and as a limited-edition 2xLP colored vinyl with liner notes by founding member Peter Case.
What famous songs did The Nerves write?
The Nerves wrote ‘Hanging on the Telephone,’ composed by Jack Lee and later a hit for Blondie in 1978. Jack Lee also wrote ‘Come Back and Stay,’ a global hit for Paul Young. The Nerves’ lead single ‘When You Find Out’ was written by bassist Peter Case.
What happened to the members of The Nerves?
After The Nerves split in 1978, Peter Case formed The Plimsouls (‘A Million Miles Away’) and went on to a Grammy-nominated solo career, and Paul Collins formed The Beat, also known as Paul Collins’ Beat. Jack Lee continued as a songwriter until his death in 2023, and his catalogue is now held by the Jack Lee Archives.
If you like The Nerves, what else should you listen to?
Fans of The Nerves often enjoy Blondie, Buzzcocks, The Plimsouls, Paul Collins’ Beat, Big Star, The Romantics, and other power pop and early new wave bands.