1985 - August: R.E.M. “Fables of the Reconstruction”

5 feb · What the Riff?!?

00:37:41

The year 1985 would find the band R.E.M. in transition between college band success and the mainstream powerhouse they were to become in future years. The quartet of Michael Stipe on vocals, Mike Mills on bass and vocals, Peter Buck on guitar, and Bill Berry on percussion and backing vocals were moving towards a greater variety of instrumentation and a bit more experimentation with their third studio album, Fables of the Reconstruction.

The album actually has two names, as "Fables of the Reconstruction" was the name if you held the cassette or album with one side up, and if you flipped it over the name appeared as "Reconstruction of the Fables." The suggestion of the name "Reconstruction" came from Michael Stipes' father who was a carpenter. It is also a loaded term in the American South from which the Athens, Georgia band hails — “Reconstruction” is the period of time immediately following the American Civil War when the South was being brought back into the Union. The songs on the album have a darker sound than earlier works, and the lyrics draw from Southern Gothic works. This was the first album recorded outside the U.S., as the band traveled to London to work at Livingston Studios with producer Joe Boyd.

While the singles from the album would not be considered hits in the United States, the album reached number 28 on the US Billboard 200 chart, and number 35 on the UK Albums Chart. It would feature two singles, “Driver 8’ and“Can't Get There from Here,” which would become well known over time.

Rob brings us this transitional album for today's podcast

Driver 8
The second single released from the album refers to the Southern Crescent train line. It ran under the Southern Railway until 1979 when Amtrak bought them out, and continues as the Amtrak Crescent today. “And the train conductor says take a break, Driver 8.”

Green Grow the Rushes
This deeper cut was written as a pact between Michael Stipe and Natalie Merchant of 10,000 Maniacs, relating to the poor treatment of indigenous peoples and migrant workers. “Green grow the rushes, go. The compass points the workers home.”

Maps and Legends
Inspired by preacher and Southern folk artist Howard Finster, this song uses the reading of a map as a metaphor for reading a person. Like the map reveals stories in little symbols on it, people are the accumulation of their experiences and stories.

Can't Get There from Here
This song was the lead single from the album and peaked at number 10 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart - meaning it peaked at about 110 in US popularity. It is the first R.E.M. song to have a horn section. You can sense the Soul inspiration in it. The lyrics about “Philomath” refer to an unincorporated community just outside of Athens, Georgia.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Weird Science by Oingo Boingo (from the motion picture “Weird Science”)
Two geeky high school students create the perfect woman in this sci-fi comedy partly based on Frankenstein, and largely based on the 1951 comic “Made of the Future” by Al Feldstein.

STAFF PICKS:

Drive by The Cars Lynch brings us a version of the Cars single from the 1985 Live Aid concert. Bassist Benjamin Orr takes on the lead vocal duties for this ballad which was written by frequent front man Ric Ocasek. The studio version appeared on their 1984 album Heartbeat City, and became one of the bands biggest hits.

Take On Me by a-ha
Bruce features the first US hit by a Norwegian band. While a-ha released the song twice before without it becoming a hit, the third release with its video combining pencil sketch animation and live performance would propel it to the number 1 slot in the U.S. Its 2 1/2 octave-spanning chorus makes it one of the hardest songs to sing.

Summertime Girls by Y & T
Wayne's staff pick is a hair band rocker, the first and only hit by Y&T. It went to number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100, but was played frequently on the television series “Baywatch.” The Band Y&T was originally known as "Yesterday & Today," and although they don't have many hits they have sold over 4 million albums worldwide, and were an inspiration for Lars Ulrich of Metallica to become a musician.

Dancing in the Street by David Bowie and Mick Jagger
Rob closes out the staff picks with a cover originally recorded by Martha and the Vandellas in 1964 (but we all agreed that the Van Halen cover is the best there is).Jagger and Bowie's version made it to number 7 on the US chart and number 1 on the UK chart. This collaboration was their contribution to the Live Aid charity movement.

NOVELTY TRACK:

Tequila by The Champs
We close out this week's podcast with the tune that helped Pee Wee Herman avoid catastrophe at the hands of a biker gang in “Pee Wee's Big Adventure.”

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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

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Episodi

1972 - August: Emerson, Lake & Palmer “Trilogy”
23 set· What the Riff?!?
If you are exploring the rise of prog rock, it doesn't take long until you encounter the power trio of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. This progressive rock band is actually a supergroup. Keyboardist Keith Emerson came from The Nice, vocalist and guitarist Greg Lake was in King Crimson, and percussionist Carl Palmer was from Atomic Rooster. Emerson, Lake & Palmer formed in 1970 and would make their mark as a prog rock band which adapted classic and symphonic music into the rock genre, with elements of jazz, acoustic, and art rock coming into play. Most ELP songs are long and complicated, not making any attempt to stay within the confines of the “hit single” pop track.
Trilogy is the trio's third studio album, following their eponymously named debut, their second studio album entitled “Tarkus,” and their live album, Pictures at an Exhibition. Trilogy continues a tradition of combining original material with adaptations of classical music. It was also a challenging album for the group to make, utilizing more overdubs than previous albums. The upside is a great sounding, polished album. The downside is that the music was difficult to duplicate live, causing a number of the songs from Trilogy to be minimally used in set lists.
The album was considered both a critical and commercial success, reaching number 2 on the UK albums chart, and number 5 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
ELP would continue as a force in the 70's, breaking up in 1979. Both partial and full reunions would continue through the 1980's and 1990's, with their final performance being held in 2010. Both Keith Emerson and Greg Lake died in 2016.
Wayne takes us through this prog rock masterpiece for this week's podcast.
Fugue
We open with an instrumental featuring Keith Emerson on keyboards. A fugue is a style of music involving counterpoint, popular in the Baroque musical era of the 1600's. You will get exposure to a lot of serious musical compositions and style listening to this group.
From the Beginning
This is the "hit" from the album, if you think of Emerson, Lake & Palmer in terms of popularity. It went to number 29 on the US charts, and is the highest charting US single. Greg Lake wrote the music and lyrics, and plays the acoustic guitar for this ballad. The lyrics take on a philosophical sone, emphasizing the importance of the present moment, while not missing past mistakes and missed opportunities.
The Sheriff
Keith Emerson wrote the music and Greg Lake wrote the lyrics to this western-themed track. It tells the story of an innocent man fleeing the law, encountering the law in the form of the Sheriff, then taking the Sheriff's place after shooting him. It ends with a great honkytonk piano solo.
Hoedown
Immediately following “The Sheriff” on the album, the group creates an adaptation of Aaron Copeland's iconic “Hoe-Down,” written for his classic ballet entitled “Rodeo” in 1942. This tune became well known after being used in advertisements by America's Beef Producers.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the motion picture “Super Fly”
Curtis Mayfield created this song for the black-oriented crime drama film of the same name.
STAFF PICKS:
Best Thing by Styx
Bruce leads off the staff picks with the first single from Styx's first album. Dennis DeYoung and James Young wrote the song and trade off on lead vocals. It peaked at number 82 on the Billboard Hot 100. This is a great tune to hear and grasp what the early days of Styx sounded like.
Rock and Roll, part 2 by Gary Glitter
Rob brings us a glam rock anthem made famous today by its use in sports stadiums nation wide. This single off “Glitter,” the debut album by Gary Glitter, is the only one of his singles to crack the U.S. top 10. Both “Rock and Roll” part 1 and part 2 peaked at number 2 on the UK singles chart.
Brandy (You're A Fine Girl) by Looking Glass
It is a mystery how Lynch was able to pick up this well-known classic of yacht rock this late in the podcasts. This track tells the story of a waitress who gives her love to a sailor, knowing that he would never be on shore for long.
Will It Go Round in Circles by Billy Preston
Wayne's staff pick is a funky tune from the man often known as the fifth Beatle. Preston played with a number of musicians, including Ray Charles, Little Richard, Sam Cook, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, Joe Cocker, and of course the Beatles. This soulful tune sold over a million copies and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Walk In the Night by Junior Walker & the All Stars
This jazz-infused (largely) instrumental track closes out the podcast for the week.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1980 - February: Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band "Against the Wind"
16 set· What the Riff?!?
If you're looking for great Heartland Rock, a great choice would be the album Against the Wind. Depending on how you count it, it could be considered Bob Seger's eleventh studio album, but it is the third album of the iteration known as Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band. Seger is joined by Drew Abbott on guitar, Chris Campbell on bass, and David Teegarden on drums. The band became the Silver Bullet Band a bit by accident. They were arguing about what to call themselves, and the manager got tired of it. When they got paid the manager wrote the name "Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band" on the paycheck and the name stuck.
Against the Wind was an immediate success. It went to number 2 on the Billboard 200 charts in its third week, and it sat there for 5 weeks, kepts out of the top slot by Pink Floyd's monster hit album, "The Wall." Finally, it topped "The Wall" to take the number 1 slot and remained there for six weeks, making it Bob Seger's most successful album in his career.
There are a number of well known hits on this album, and an excellent collection of musicians as well. In addition to the Silver Bullet Band, Seger makes use of session musicians out of Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, and is joined by backing vocals from members of the Eagles as well.
Seger retired at the end of 2019, but he performed in 2023 at Patty Loveless's induction in to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, so we hold out hope that there will be some occasional performances still to come.
Bruce presents this folksy heartland singer songwriter for this week's podcast..
Her Strut
While not released as a single, this song received some airplau as the B-side to "The Horizontal Bop." Seger has been criticized for his adolescent humor in this song, but he claims that the inspiration for it was feminist activist Jane Fonda and her appearance before the Campaign for Economic Democracies.
Against the Wind
Bob Seger has written a number of songs about looking back on life, and the title track is an example of this. Seger was a cross country runner in high school, and he uses running as a metaphor for growing old. This song went to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and he is joined by his friend and Eagles alumnus Glenn Frey for backing vocals.
Fire Lake
This track is about taking risks, risking love, and just heading off with a bunch of wild people. Seger recorded this one at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios. If the backing vocals sounds a lot like the Eagles, there is a reason for it - those backing vocalists are Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Timothy B. Schmit.
You'll Accomp'ny Me
This ballad is a little more country, with lyrics that basically say, "look, you may be playing the field now, but we both know in the end we'll be together." Little Feat co-founder Bill Payne joins Seger on this track to provide organ, synth, and piano parts. It hit number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Sleepless Nights by Gram Parsons (from the motion picture "Cruising")
Al Pacino starred in this crime thriller about a serial killer targeting gay men.
STAFF PICKS:
I Like to Rock by April Wine
Wayne rocks out to start the staff picks with this Canadian band. April Wine formed in 1969, and have released over 20 albums. This song may be time stamped in the early 80's but it rocks out, and you can't beat lyrics like, "journey to the stars, Rock N Roll guitars!"
Take the Long Way Home by Supertramp
Rob brings us one of the hits off Supertramp's multi-platinum album, "Breakfast in America." The lyrics to this one depict a couple growing apart as the husband starts staying away from home due to feeling like he's being ignored. It can also be a reflection of missed opportunities to live in alignment with your heart, and not being at peace with yourself.
Rock With You by Michael Jackson
Lynch features a hit from MJ's disco album, "Off the Wall." Original lyrics were a bit more suggestive, but these were toned down to fit Jackson's wholesome image at the time. Rod Temperton wrote "Rock with You" as his first song for Jackson, setting the stage for more collaborations, including the iconic "Thriller."
I Wanna Be Your Lover by Prince
Bruce's staff pick is the lead single from Prince's self-titled second album, and his first major hit, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1980. Prince performs lead and backing vocals, and plays all instruments on this hit. The end of the track includes an extended instrumental jam which is edited out for the single.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Give It All You Got by Chuck Mangioni
Flugelhorn player Mangioni wrote this song for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1990 - October: Various Artists, Soundtrack for “Goodfellas"
9 set· What the Riff?!?
This week we are taking an opportunity to explore some songs which would normally be outside our time frame by following the soundtrack to the movie “Goodfellas.” This Martin Scorsese film is a mafia story told from the view of Henry Hill in his book “Wiseguy: Life In a Mafia Family.”
The movie follows Henry Hill as he looks back on his life beginning during a time when he looked up to the Wise Guys and gangsters who ran his neighborhood. Hill starts his narrative as a child in 1955 and continues until 1980 when Hill becomes an FBI informant on the Luccese crime family and enters the witness protection program.
The songs from that film provide the backdrop of different times in Hill's life. Rat Pack hits reflect scenes with the gangsters, while songs from the Who and Cream reflect more disjointed times.
Hill was paid $480,000 for his contribution to the movie. Hill passed away in 2012.
Wayne takes us through this time spanning soundtrack this week on our podcast, because this gives us the opportunity to cover some songs which are not normally in our album "window," while still giving us a window into a popular film and into the happenings of the early 90's.
Rags to Riches by Tony Bennett
This crooner song is used as the backdrop when Henry Hill reflects on his childhood and states, "As far as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster - being a ganster is better than being the President of the US." This sets the table for the remainder of the film.
Then He Kissed Me by The Crystals
Phil Spector co-wrote this song and was instrumental in increasing the popularity of the Crystals before he moved on to work with The Ronnettes. This track is used as the backdrop of a long take where Hill and his date go to the Copacabana restaurant through the back door to a table set on the dance floor for them.
Ain't That a Kick In the Head by Dean Martin
Rat Pack member and ultra-cool crooner known for his roasts and singing with a martini glass, Martin's song is the perfect fit to a montage of mob life. Henry's wife Karen narrarates this montage. The inspiration for the song may have been a film starring Martin and Frank Sinatra, in which Sinatra's character says, "ain't that a kick in the head." during a poker game.
Magic Bus by the Who
This Who song is used in the movie during a scene of frantic, intoxicated driving where Hill believes that he is being tracked by the Feds.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the motion picture “Troll 2”
This film may be one of the best "worst" movies made, but it was in the theaters at the time, so we thought we'd brush off the theme and trot it out this week.
STAFF PICKS:
Cradle of Love by Billy Idol
Rob kicks off our staff picks this week with a single off Idol's fourth studio album "Charmed Life." Idol was in a near-fatal motorcycle accident earlier in the year, and his appearances in the David Fincher video include head shots and close-ups from the waist up, obscuring the fact that he was still recovering from his leg injuries.
Praying for Time by George Michael
Lynch features the lead single from Michael's second solo album, "Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1." This somber, contemplative tone is a departure from his more pop-oriented hits. Michael addresses poverty, injustice, and the human condition, concluding that some things can only be healed with time.
Tick Tock by The Vaughan Brothers
Bruce's staff pick is off "Family Style," the only studio album featuring brother Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The song lyrics about the need to recognize that time is short are more poignant, given that the album was released a month after Stevie Ray Vaughan died in a helicopter crash.
Waiting for the Angels by The Darkside
Wayne brings us one of his Manchester sound groups. The Darkside is out of central England and have a neo-psychedelia sound with heavily distorted guitar and synthesizers. The song lyrics are about a guy seeing lots of women in life, but not making a connection. He's waiting for angels to bring the right one his way.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Guitar Voodoo by The Darkside
We finish up this week's podcast by double-dipping on the Manchester sound with this instrumental.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1992 - June: Rage Against the Machine "Rage Against the Machine"
2 set· What the Riff?!?
Rage Against the Machine recorded their eponymously named debut album in May-June of 1992 and released it in November 1992. The Los Angeles-based group consisted of Zack de la Rocha on vocals, Tom Morello on guitar, Tim Commerford on bass, and Brad Wilk on drums. The group was known for their anti-establishment and politically charged lyrics. Rage Against the Machine combined a lot of genres of music into a single hard-hitting sound. The influence of hard rock and metal is clear, and elements of rap, funk, hip hop, and punk rock are clearly infused into the sound.
This group was not just political in nature, every song is laced with revolutionary rants. The group draws inspiration from mondern revolutionary groups such as the IRA and the Black Panthers, and is highly critical of the policies of the United States, both foreign and domestic.
RATM's debut album is largely based on their demo tape released a year before, which contained seven of the ten songs appearing on the album. That demo tape was recorded prior to the group's first live show, and was used as a means to build awareness of the group in the days before their signing with Epic Records.
The album was a quick critical success and a slower commercial success. The group began to really take off on the strength of the single "Killing In the Name," and after their performance at the Lollapaloosa festival in mid 1993.
Lynch brings us this high energy album in this week's podcast.
Bombtrack
The opening track starts with a strong guitar riff, and deals with themes of social injustice and resistance against oppression.
Bullet In the Head
Media manipulation and control of information are the issues dealt with in this track, which became a staple of the band's live shows. "Just victims of the in-house drive-by / They say jump, you say how high."
Wake Up
This song will be familiar to fans of the 1999 film "The Matrix," as it is used at the conclusion when Neo calls the Matrix announcing he will reveal their existence. They lyrics are a critique of racism, the CIA and government corruption.
Killing In the Name
The big single from the album addresses police brutality and institutional racism.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Face to Face by Siouxie & the Banshees (from the motion picture “Batman Returns”)
This movie finds Michael Keaton reprising his role as the caped crusader, facing Danny DeVito's "Penguin" and Michelle Pfeiffer's "Catwoman."
STAFF PICKS:
Empress of Pop by Insane Jane
Wayne starts the staff picks with an underrated local Georgia band. This song is a screed against Sinead O'Conner. Insane Jane produced two albums, the first called "Each Finger," and the second (which contains this song) entitled "Green Little Pill."
Let's Get Rocked by Def Leppard
During a time when hard rock was on the downswing, it is nice to hear a solid rocker which would have been at home on any of Def Leppard's 80's albums. Rob's staff pick shows that there was still some solid rock music going on in the midst of the grunge movement.
57 Channels (and Nothin' On) by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce features a Springsteen song which reflects the proliferation of cable television, but not necessarily good content on the tube. While Springsteen considers this sone a bit of a "playful misfire," the song did go to number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 6 on the Mainstream Rock charts.
Would? by Alice In Chains
Lynch closes out the staff picks with a song written as a tribute to Andrew Wood, the late lead singer of Mother Love Bone, who died of a heroin overdose in 1990. The lyrics deal with the aftermath of rehab and the uncertainty of the future.
NOVELTY TRACK:
Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus
Long before his daughter began her career in "Hannah Montana," Billy Ray Cyrus was all over the charts with this cheesy country song.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!
**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1980 - May: Devo “Freedom of Choice”
26 ago· What the Riff?!?
While Devo is known as an early 80's new wave synth pop band, their history goes back to 1973. The classic lineup of Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh, Gerald Casale, Bob Casale, and Alan Myers developed the name Devo from "De-evolution," the idea that mankind is regressing to a herd mentality. This was a bit of a joke idea that Gerald Casale and co-founder Bob Lewis formed while at Kent State University. The band gained some local fame in 1976, and were signed to Warner Brothers in 1978 with recommendations from David Bowie and Iggy Pop.
Freedom of Choice is Devo's third studio album and their breakout commercial success. While their first two albums had generated some following, the commercial success was not at the level Warner Brothers sought, and the third album was considered a "make or break," one with the studio ready to drop the group. Success did follow this album, with Devo exploiting the upcoming popularity of new wave while drifting a little bit towards R&B and funk sensibilities within their synth-pop framework.
The album was recorded and mixed in six weeks, with bass, guitars, and drums being recorded together live, and with synthesizers and vocals being overdubbed later. The album peaked at number 22 on the Billboard 200, and the big single, "Whip It," reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
Rob brings us this synthisizer-driven new wave album for this week's foray into the early 80's.
Freedom of Choice
Thie post-punk title song initially sounds like it is about freedom of choice. However, it is really about people not really having freedom of choice. Consumerism - choosing between green sneakers and blue sneakers for example - isn't really choice at all. "Freedom of choice is what you got. Freedom from choice is what you want."
Whip It
Everyone knows this signature Devo song. Mark Mothersbaugh has stated that the song was written as a subtle Dale Carnegie-esque message to Jimmy Carter, saying "you can do it." The song benefitted greatly from airplay on the fledgling cable channel MTV, where their strange video involving a guy knocking the clothes off a girl with a bullwhip received continual play.
Gates of Steel
The lead song from side 2 is a bit of a commentary on the mechanization of humanity. No matter how much we believe mankind has accomplished, we're not far removed from the ape. "A man is real, not made of steel."
Girl U Want
This was the first single released from the album, though it did not chart well. The song was supposedly inspired by The Knack, though the track reminds us more of The Cars. "She's just the girl, she's just the girl, the girl you want."
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Fame by Irene Cara (from the motion picture “Fame”)
Irene Cara sings the theme song and stars in this teen musical drama about students auditioning to study at the High School of Performing Arts.
STAFF PICKS:
Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen
Lynch's staff pick is a song inspired by Elvis Presley. Freddie Mercury wrote the song lyrics in about 10 minutes, and the band created the song in about 30 minutes. Mercury played lead guitar for the original stuido recording. It was the first number 1 hit that Queen had on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
Cars by Gary Numan
Wayne brings us the signature song from Gary Numan. It was inspired by an incident of road rage Numan experienced in London, where he had to lock his doors and drive on the sidewalk to avoid getting attacked. He was safe in his car, and inspired to write a song in about 30 minutes. It is a signature song of the New Wave genre, and there are no guitars in this track.
Two Headed Dog (Red Temple Prayer) by Roky Erickson
Bruce features a strange hard rock song with lyrics inspired by Soviet scientist Vladimir Demikhov. Demikhov's research focusted on organ transplants, and he conducted dog head transplants in the 1950's. This song is off Erickson's debut album with his band the Aliens, and is considered a cult classic.
Call Me by Blondie
Rob finishes the staff picks with a hit that feaured in the film "American Gigolo." It went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, the biggest hit of Blondie's career. Lead vocalist Debbie Harry wrote the lyrics from the perspective of the main character in the film, a male prostitute.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Airlane by Gary Numan
We close out with a double dip on new wave synth artist Gary Numan this week.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!
**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1968 - May: Sly and the Family Stone “Dance to the Music”
19 ago· What the Riff?!?
Sylvester Stewart was born in Dallas, Texas, but moved to the Bay area of California before becoming a multi-instrumentalist and changing his name to Sly Stone - the primary driver of the group Sly and the Family Stone. This was one of the first integrated groups, and one that crossed many genres. They played what would become known as psychedelic soul, but you can trace the origins of funk, soul, and psychedelic music through Sly and the Family Stone.
The first Family Stone album was called “A Whole New Thing,” and it caught good critical coverage. Unfortunately it was a commercial failure. Clive Davis asked for a more pop friendly sound, and Sly Stone created an approach to their second album, Dance to the Music, which followed a formula. Each lead singer would take turns on lead vocals or sing together in unison, the songs would feature a prominent solo for the instrumentalists, and the lyrics would appeal to a wide audience even though they would still focus on peace, love, and opposition to racism. The group really did not care for the formulaic approach of this album, but it worked when it came to commercial appeal. “Dance to the Music” became a top 10 pop hit, and it inspired several groups to gravitate towards psychedelic soul, including the Temptations, the Impressions, and the Four Tops.
Sly Stone is the primary driver of the group, writing almost all of their songs, serving as a multi-instrumentalist, and as a primary vocalist. His borhter Freddie Stone is on vocals and guitar, and his sister Rose Stone joins the group for the first time on this album. Other members are Larry Graham on vocals and bass, Cynthia Robinson on trumpet and vocals, Jerri Martini on saxophone, Greg Errico on drums, and backing vocals by Little Sister (Vet Stone, Mary McCreary, and Elva Mouton).
Sly and the Family Stone would release a number of songs to hit the top 10 in the Billboard Hot 100 in the years to come. The follow-up album to this one is called "Stand!," and is considered the band's high water mark, along with their performance in 1969 at Woodstock. The band would encounter instability and drug problems as time went on, with the original group dissolving in 1975. Sly Stone would continue to record as "Sly and the Family Stone" for many years afterwards using rotating musicians, until drug problems basically forced him to retire by 1987.
Bruce brings the early funk for this week's podcast.
Are You Ready
This song is an expression of opposition to racism with lyrics like "Don't hate the black, don't hate the white, of you get bit, just hate the bite. Make sure you heart is beatin' right."
Ride the Rhythm
This song starts off side two of the album. It is a straightforward dance song, and has some obvious comparisons to James Brown. It has a nice mix of horns and "wah wah" guitar.
Don't Burn Baby
Scat was an early precursor to rap music, and this track is a good example of a rapid rhyme scat. The eastern feel is also reminiscent of George Harrison. "Don't burn, baby, burn. Just learn, baby, learn."
Dance to the Music
Here is the big hit off the album, and the first Sly and the Family Stone single to reach the top 10 on the Billboard Charts, peaking at number 8. It is a straight up party record, but was also one of the most influential songs of the late 60's. The formula used by Sly Stone to make the songs on this record are clear here, even though he and the group did not like that approach.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Shape of Things to Come by Max Frost and the Troopers (from the motion picture Wild In the Streets)
This dystopian comedy-drama became a cult hit of 1960's counterculture. Max Frost and the Troopers was a fictional rock band in the film.
STAFF PICKS:
Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Lynch starts out the staff picks with a smooth grooving song off the soul duo's album “United.” Ashford & Simpson wrote and produced this song, which became a hit within a week of its release, going to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Hot Soul Singles chart.
Anyone for Tennis by Cream
Rob brings us the theme song for the 1968 film “The Savage Seven,” an outlaw biker exploitation movie. Eric Clapton's lyrics depict a callous disregard for all the turmoil going on in the world, with the singers discussing going out for a game of tennis while everything disintegrates around them.
She's A Heartbreaker by Gene Pitney
Wayne features an early 60's crooner who turns to a Motown sound for this go-go hit. It peaked at number 16 at the time. It is about a guy who is continually drawn to a woman who breaks his heart every time.
Love Is All Around by The Troggs
Bruce's staff pick is probably most familiar to fans of the Christmas movie "Love Actually," where an old rocker converts it to a cheesy Christmas song called "Christmas Is All Around." The Troggs' lead singer Reg Presley wrote it in about 10 minutes, inspired by a broadcast of the Salvation Army Band performing an evangelical song called "Love That's All Around."
NOVELTY TRACK:
The Unicorn by The Irish Rovers
The Irish story of how the unicorn missed its appointment with Noah's Ark was on the charts in 1968, and closes out our podcast this week.
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NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1980 - April: Styx “Cornerstone”
12 ago· What the Riff?!?
Styx is approaching the height of their popularity and a bit of a turning point when they released their ninth studio album, Cornerstone. Keyboardist and vocalist Dennis DeYoung, and lead guitarist and vocalist Tommy Shaw take the lion's share of the songwriting duites, with one or both developing all tracks save one. The lead vocalist duties also alternate between DeYoung and Shaw, again with the sole exception being a song written and sung by guitarist James "JY" Young.
This album finds the group shifting from a more prog rock sound to a pop rock orientation. This transition would create a commercial success, with Cornerstone becoming the groups first top 5 album on the US charts - peaking at number 2. The album would produce the groups first and only number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in the power ballad "Babe." It would also be a critical success, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group. Not bad for a self-produced album.
The successes, however would be tempered with the first fractures appearing between the group's primary singers and songwriters. Dennis DeYoung wanted to see the group move in a more pop direction, while Tommy Shaw preferred the rock orientation of previous albums. James Young sided with Shaw in this dispute. It would eventually cause a rift in the band in the mid-80's, with Shaw and DeYoung splitting up.
Friend of the show Steve Hardin presents this classic rock and pop sensation in today's podcast.
Borrowed Time
The third single from the album was the lead track to side 2. The song is a political one, portraying a United States in trouble, but oblivious to its decline. DeYoung and Shaw co-wrote this song, and Dennis DeYoung takes lead vocal duties on this high energy track.
Boat on the River
This more folk-oriented tune was a charting single in the UK and hit number 5 on the German charts, but was not released as a single in the US. Tommy Shaw wrote and sings lead on this track, as well as playing mandolin. It began as an experiment when Shaw first acquired a mandolin, but the band thought it sounded good enough to make it on the album.
Why Me
The second single was a compromise choice. Originally DeYoung wanted the power ballad "First Time" to be released as the second single, but when Tommy Shaw objected so strenuously to releasing two ballads in a row that he threated to leave the band over it, "Why Me" became the single. Also written and sung by DeYoung, it is about feeling depressed even in the midst of success.
Babe
The band's sole number 1 single is a ballad about having to leave the one you love for a period of time. Dennis DeYoung wrote it as a birthday present for his wife Suzanne. Despite its success, it was not originally intended to appear on the album. Tommy Shaw and James Young convinced DeYoung to put it on the album.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Rawhide by the Blues Brothers
The band performs behind a protective fence in a country bar in one scene, and this is the single song from the Country AND Western genre they can play.
STAFF PICKS:
Mystery Train by UFO
Wayne launches the staff picks with a cover of a song originally recorded by Junior Parker in 1953. UFO were an English rock band originally formed in 1968. This song is off their eighth studio album which was produced by George Martin of Beatles fame.
Love Stinks by the J. Geils Band
Lynch's staff pick is a description of a love triangle in which no one gets what they want. Lead Singer Peter Wolf was married to actress Faye Dunaway at the time, and was headed towards a divorce which may have inspired the lyrics. Many will remember this song from Adam Sandler's performance in "The Wedding Singer."
Even It Up by Heart
Rob brings us the first single from Heart's fifth studio album, "Bebe le Strange." It features the Tower of Power horn section in the instrumentation. The lyrics call for reciprocity in a relationship, and also a subtle rant against the obstacles women face in the rock world.
Run Like Hell by Pink Floyd
Steve Hardin wraps up the staff picks with a song written by David Gilmour and Roger Waters. The song is used in the film "The Wall" to depict rock anti-hero Pink as a fascist dictator turning the audience into a lynch mob.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Seduction by Giorgio Moroder
This instrumental love theme from the movie "American Gigolo" was on the charts at the time.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1987 - December: Def Leppard “Hysteria”
5 ago· What the Riff?!?
Hysteria is the album that should not exist. Def Leppard's fourth studio album was plagued with delays and tragedy. Despite this fact, the album would become one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time.
The band wrapped up their Pyromania tour in early 1984, and started writing their next album shortly thereafter. Producter John "Mutt" Lange began working with them to arrange the songs, but was suffering from burnout and couldn't commit to producing the album. Jim Steinman (of Meatloaf's "Bat Out of Hell" fame). The fit was not good, and the band parted ways with Steinman by the fall. They began self-producing, but it was slow work. Then in December tragedy struck, as drummer Rick Allen crashed his Corvette, losing his left arm in the accident. The band stuck with him as he returned to the drums, using a combination of acoustic and electronic drums and MIDI pedals to trigger sounds for parts ordinarily played with the left arm. Self-production was continued until Mutt Lange was able to rejoin in mid-1985. Final recording sessions occurred in early 1987, and the finished product finally was released in August 1987.
Def Leppard's goal with the album, was amazingly aggressive: they wanted to create a rock album similar to Michael Jackson's "Thriller," such that every track on the album could potentially be a hit single. This goal was largely achieved, as seven of the albums tracks were released as singles, an unpresidented achievement for a rock band at the time. This would also produce controversy with Def Leppard fans, as the group was perceived by some as selling out to commercial "hair metal" sensitivities popular at the time.
Friend of the show Steve Hardin joins us in Bruce's absence, and Lynch brings us this monster album of heavy metal (or hair metal, depending on your perspecitve) for week's podcast.
Hysteria
The title track was the fourth single from the album, and the group's first top 10 single in the US. Drummer Rick Allen came up with the name for this slow rocker. "'Cause it's a miracle, oh say you will, ooh babe. Hysteria when you're near."
Animal
This fast paced song was the second release in the US and the first single in the UK where it broke into the top 10. It was one of the more difficult songs for the group to write, going through multiple iterations with multiple producers before arriving in the style used on the album.
Rocket
This track was almost created as an instrumental, but morphed into a tribute song, referencing many of the influential groups of the 60's and 70's. It also features a backwards masking vocal from another song on the album (Gods of War) which says, "we're fighting with the gods of war."
Pour Some Suger On Me
Often considered Def Leppard's signature song, this track was a last-minute addition to the album. It came out of an acoustic jam developed by lead singer Joe Elliott. Producer Mutt Lange liked the tune and pushed for its development despite the album being behind schedule. It was created in about 2 weeks, and would reach number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
I Get Around by The Beach Boys (from the motion picture “Goor Morning, Vietnam”)
This movie starred Robin Williams as an Armed Forces Radio Service DJ who is popular with the troops, but problemmatic to the bureaucrats.
STAFF PICKS:
Say You Will by Foreigner
Rob starts the staff pick with a song that hit number 6 on the charts. Foreigner evolved their sound in the late 80's to meet the aesthetic of the day, with heavier use of the synthesizer and less guitar riffs. It is the first single from their sixth studio album, "Inside Information."
No New Tale to Tell by Love and Rockets
Wayne's staff pick is an alternative rock sound with an unusual flute instrumentation from a group out of the UK underground. This was their first US hit, going to number 18 on the US Mainstream Rock chart. It is from their third album, "Earth, Sun, Moon," and they would release another four albums before breaking up in 1989,
Big River by the Beat Farmers
Friend of the show Steve Hardin brings an unusual song with a country/rocakabilly slant. The lyrics discuss following a girl down the Mississippi.
Faith by George Michael
Lynch finishes the title track from George Michael's debut solo album. This song with a Bo Diddley beat on an acoustic rhythm guitar went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Michael wrote the song because he needed faith in his own abilities after leaving the band Wham! to go solo.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Complexity by Front Line Assembly
This Canadian industrial band released their first full-length album in 1987.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1974 - August: Little Feat “Feats Don't Fail Me Now”
29 lug· What the Riff?!?
This week we are delving into one of the greats of Southern Rock. Well, they are southern rock if you count southern California. Little Feat took its name from a comment Frank Zappa made to his band member Lowell George regarding his having little feet. George would become a founder and driving force behind Little Feat, providing guitar and vocals. Other members were Paul Barrere on guitar and vocals, Sam Clayton on percussion and vocals, Kenny Gradney on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and vocals, and Bill Payne on keyboards and vocals.
Feats Don't Fail Me Now is the band's fourth studio album, and it went to number 36 on the US Top LP's chart. It is hard to go wrong when, in addition to the regular band members you have the Tower of Power on horns, and backing vocals from Emmylou Harris and Bonnie Raitt. The album was recorded at Blue Seas Recording Studio in Maryland, and it provided two advantages. First, it had just opened and needed a band for their "shakedown cruise," letting Little Feat record on the cheap. Second, it was far away from their home base in Los Angeles, which kept Lowell George away from many familiar temptions of drugs and women.
While Lowell George would soon begin to deteriorate in health (he died of a heart attack in 1979), this album shows him and his band at the height of their artistic prowess. The surviving members of Little Feat would regroup in 1987, and the band continues to perform today.
Wayne takes us through this little feat of southen rock for this week's podcast.
Feats Don't Fail Me Now
The title track received significant airplay on FM radio and it leads off side two of the album. That driving bass line and funky drumbeat is sometimes called Country Funk Boogie. The message of the song is one of perseverance and determination to get back the girl the singer loves.
Oh Atlanta
If you were living in the metro-Atlanta area in the 70's or 80's, you definitely are familiar with this song. Billy Payne takes lead vocal duties on this track, and it features Bonnie Raitt and Emmylou Harris on backing vocals. "Well, you can drop me off on Peachtree, I got to feel that Georgia sun. And the women there in Atlanta, they make you awfully glad you come."
Spanish Moon
This track was written by Lowell George and features the Tower of Power horn section. This is a deeper cut, but it has a latin groove while maintaining both a bluesy and funky sound. The origin of the song is a dream George had of a dangerous nightclub in New Orleans called the Spanish Moon.
Rock and Roll Doctor
The song considered the hit off the album is an anthem to the healing power of music. "Two degress in bebop, a PhD in swing, he's a master of rhythm, he's a rock and roll king."
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the motion picture “Together Brothers”
The Love Unlimited Orchestra provided this title track to
STAFF PICKS:
Radar Love by Golden Earring
Lynch's starts our staff picks this week with a Dutch rock band originally formed in 1961. Lead vocalist Barry Hay and guitarist George Kooymans wrote this single that reached number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The lyrics describe a man driving a long way to be with his love, and communicating with her through a mystical bond he calls "radar love."
Keep on Smilin' by Wet Willie
Bruce features the title track from Wet Willie's third studio album. It is their biggest hit, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song itself is rather stoic, encouraging the listener to keep smiling through the difficulties and pain of life.
The Night Chicago Died by Paper Lace
Rob's staff pick is a story telling song that topped the US chart for one week in 1974. The lyrics describe a shoot-out between the Chicago Police and Al Capone's gangsters, and worries from the wife of a police officer that her husband wouldn't make it home. The song ends on a positive note when her husband walks through the door.
Beach Baby by The First Class
Wayne brings us a British band made up of all session players. They call themselves "the first class" because they considered themselves to be a kind of supergroup of the UK music session set. This song would be a one-hit wonder, reaching number 4 in the US, but other singles would not see the same level of success.
NOVELTY TRACK:
Rub It In by Billy "Crash" Craddock
This novelty song hit the top of the country charts. It may be more familiar as the jingle from Glade air fresheners, where they sing, "plug it in."
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1990 - November: Megadeth “Rust In Peace”
22 lug· What the Riff?!?
Who's up for some thrash metal?
Megadeth is one of the founding bands of the thrash metal genre, and considered one of the "big four" of U.S. thrash metal (along with Anthrax, Metallica, and Slayer). The heart of the band, primary songwriter, and sole constant member of the band throughout the years is Dave Mustaine. The formation of the band is well known as a revenge effort on Mustaine's part. He was fired from his role as lead guitarist of Metallica just prior to the recording of their debut album due to personal issues with James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, and due to drug abuse problems. The name of the group was inspired by a political pamphlet from Alan Cranston that read "The arsenal of megadeath can't be rid no matter what the peace treaties come to." Mustaine took the word out of that pamphlet and adjusted the spelling.
Rust In Peace is the group's fourth studio album, released in late September but featured in November as it was gaining traction with fans at the time. The album name came from a bumper sticker Mustaine saw that read, "May all your nuclear weapons rust in peace." It was the first album to feature Marty Friedman on guitar and Nick Menza on drums. Dave Mustaine is on guitars and lead vocals, and long time collaborator David Ellefson completes the quartet on bass and backing vocals.
The album takes on a number of topics including religion, plitics, warfare, and personal issues Dave Mustaine was dealing with such as drug and alcohol addiction. Mustaine explored a number of religious expressions over his life, and became a born again Christian after attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and focusing on his Christian faith.
Lynch brings us this hallmark album of thrash metal in this week's podcast
Holy Wars...the Punishment Due
The opening track starts fast, shifts to a slower acoustic bridge, and finishes at a higher speed. The lyrics discuss religious conflict with particular attention being paid to the situations in Israel and Northern Ireland. The subtitle "the Punishment Due" is a reference to the Marvel comic book character called the Punisher. It was the first single released from the album
Hangar 18
The second single is the second track from the album, and was inspired by the Roswell alien conspiracy theory. Hangar 18 is supposedly located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and was believed to be the location where an alien spacecraft and/or bodies were stored.
Tornado of Souls
This is a somewhat deeper cut since it was never released as a single, but it is considered a staple of the band's discography. Marty Friedman's guitar solo in this piece is considered one of the best metal solos of all time, and one of the hardest to play. Bassist David Ellefson co-wrote the lyrics, making it one of the few songs on the album not written by Mustane alone.
Rust in Peace...Polaris
The concluding song reflects the album title. It is written from the perspective of a Polaris nuclear weapon, and reflects the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Shotgun by Junior Walker & The All Stars (from the motion picture “Misery”)
This movie based on the Stephen King novel starring James Caan and Kathy Bates would win Bates an Oscar for Best Actress.
STAFF PICKS:
Full Circle by the Jeff Healey Band
Rob starts the staff pick with this blues-infused pick which is the lead track to the Jeff Healey Band's second album, "Hell to Pay." Bobby Whitlock, a member of the supergroup Derek and the Dominos is playing the Hammond organ on this piece. Jeff Healey, blind since an early age, was known for holding his guitar in his lap while playing.
Vigilante Man by Hindu Love Gods
Wayne's staff pick is a bit of a super group. Warren Zevon got together with the members of REM minus Michael Stipe to create this single album on a lark. The group recorded old standards for the album, and this one was originally done by Woody Guthrie in 1940. The song itslef is about hired thugs who would chase away migrants trying to escape the Dust Bowl by moving to California.
Traveling Riverside Blues by Led Zeppelin
Bruce features another cover song, this one written by Robert Johnson in 1937. Led Zeppelin recorded it in 1969, but it was not released until 1990, over ten years after "Fool in the Rain," their last single. It hit number 7 on the Billboard Top Rock Tracks chart in November 1990.
Blaze of Glory by Jon Bon Jovi
Lynch finishes the staff picks with a rock ballad containing elements of country and western, written for the motion picture "Young Guns II." It won the Golden Globe award for Best Original Song, and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of Bon Jovi's most successful solo hits.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Theme from the motion picture "Dances with Wolves" by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
This cinematic piece accompanied the Kevin Costner Western which was out in 1990.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1972 - July: Leon Russell “Carney”
15 lug· What the Riff?!?
One of the great underappreciated singer-songwriters of the rock era was Tulsa, Oklahoma native Claude Russell Bridges, better known as Leon Russell. Russell was a musician and songwriter with records spanning rock, folk, country, gospel, bluegrass, and blues who began playing piano at the age of four. He went to the same high school as David Gates (from Bread), and the two collaborated as a group called The Fencemen early on. Russell went to Los Angeles and worked as a studio musician. The list of folks he worked with is huge, including Jan and Dean, the Beach Boys, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, the Byrds, Barbara Streisand, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones. He was a big part of the group Delaney and Bonnie, and was a primary inspiration to a then-upcoming pianist who went by the name Elton John.
Russell was born with cerebral palsy, which produced some paralysis on his right side. He walked with a limp, and he was bullied as a kid over it. He also developed a piano playing style that favored his left hand, and keyboardists will recognize that as unusual since the right hand typically plays the melody on songs.
We are looking at the third solo studio album from Leon Russell called Carney. This is Russell's most successful album in the United States, and comes when he was at his height as both a musician and a performer. It went to number 2 on the Billboard Album chart. Carney is organized with a first side that tends toward folk or roots rock, and a side two that is more psychedelic. Russell was quite the start at this time, and he found that fame had some downsides. Carney contains observations about the rock star lifestyle, and compares it two the performers at a carnival midway.
Russell's fame as a solo performer would fall off about three years after this album when he would trend in a more country direction. He remained a force in the studio and as a songwriter throughout his life. Leon Russell passed in his sleep in 2016 at home while recovering from heart surgery.
Bruce presents this icon of the singer-songwriter era in today's podcast, as previous host Brian Dickhute sits in this week in Lynch's absence.
Manhattan Island Serenade
We're leading off with a deeper cut from the album. It's lyrics are told from the perspective of a guy broken down on the side of the road, thinking about a long lost love as the rain falls and the cars drive by.
Tightrope
This is the big hit off the album. It went to number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song encapsulates the theme of the album well, comparing the rock performer to a tightrope walker, with all the risks and the joys of performing stunts in front of the crowd.
If the Shoe Fits
Russell takes on the groupies and hangers-on in this song. It's a little like Pink Floyd's “Have a Cigar,” but instead of focusing on managers taking advantage of the band, this song looks at the parasitical elements of the press and the fans. It maintains a light, satirical feel despite the pessimism embedded in the lyrics.
This Masquerade
While never a hit for Russell, this song received some airplay as the B-side to “Tightrope.” It would also be covered by a number of artists including Helen Reddy and the Carpenters, but it's most successful cover iteration would be from George Benson on this “Breezin'” album.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Dueling Banjos (from the motion picture Deliverance)
Burt Reynolds stars in this action/horror film about a group of rafters who encounter strange back woods locals while rafting in Georgia.
STAFF PICKS:
I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash
Wayne gets us rolling on the staff picks with an optimistic song which went to number 1 in 1972. The inspiration was an eye surgery that Nash had undergone which left him temporarily blind. The song reflects the hope and joy when he was able to see again, and inspires hope during times of adversity.
You Don't Mess Around with Jim by Jim Croce
Rob brings us one of Croce's signature lyrical stories. Jim Walker was the baddest pool hustler around until Slim showed up at the pool hall and cut Jim to ribbons in a fight. “You don't tug on Superman's cape, you don't spit into the wind, you don't pull the mask of the old Lone Ranger, and you don't mess around with Jim.”
Too Late to Turn Back Now by the Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose
Brian features a family soul singing group out of Florida formed in the 60's as a gospel group before adding Sister Rose in 1970. Carter, Eddie and Rose Cornelius released this single as a follow-up to their hit “Treat Her Like a Lady.” The follow-up was even more successful than the former hit, going to number 2 in the Billboard Hot 100, while the previous hit went to number 3.
I Wanna Be Where You Are by Michael Jackson
Bruce's staff pick is the third single off MJ's debut solo album. It went to number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100. Leon Ware and Arthur “T-Boy” Ross wrote this song, and Arthur Ross is the brother of Diana Ross. Michael Jackson was producing solo work while continuing as a member of the Jackson 5, and his brothers are singing backup on this song.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Outta Space by Billy Preston
We close out this week's podcast with a little sci-fi funk.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!
**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1981 - November: Rick James “Street Songs”
8 lug· What the Riff?!?
Let's get this out of the way up front: when you think of rock albums, Rick James is not the artist that immediately comes to mind. But when former founding podcaster Brian Dickhute comes back and wants to do the album, we find it difficult to deny him.
James Ambrose Johnson, Jr. was born in Buffalo where he was in a number of groups and bands as a teenager. He joined the US Navy Reserves to avoid being drafted, then moved to Toronto in 1964 where he formed the rock band “The Minah Byrds.” Unfortunately he failed to let Uncle Sam know of his change of address, and would spend a few months in jail on charges of desertion. Shortly after his release he moved to California where he honed his craft in a number of rock and funk bands. He became a bigger hit and better known after signing with Gordy Records in 1977.
Street Songs is Rick James' fifth solo studio album, and his most successful. It was an immediate success and went to number 3 on the US pop charts, while also spending 20 weeks at the number 1 spot on the US R&B chart.
James would go on to be a successful producer and songwriter. His personal life would be unstable, and a hard life including drug abuse contributed to his early death in 2004.
WTR Host Lynch is out this week, so former founding host Brian Dickhute comes back with his funk on for this podcast.
Give It To Me Baby
The lead single and lead-off track to the album went to number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the US R&B chart. It is a big dance song with a strong horn section, and the lyrics are pretty straightforward. Surprisingly, this is the best selling single from the album, even better than “Super Freak,” though that song would have more longevity.
Ghetto Life
This deeper cut was released as the third single from the album, though it barely missed cracking the Billboard charts when it reached number 102. The lyrics in this funk song depict life in a depressed Buffalo inner city, where hustles were needed to make ends meet.
Super Freak
Here is the single that would become Rick James' signature song. This ode to “a very kinky girl” reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, and features background vocals from the Temptations. James would get further benefit when the song was used by MC Hammer as the foundation for his hit single “U Can't Touch This.”
Below the Funk (Pass the J)
Another deeper cut, this funky track is somewhat autobiographical, describing how James grew up on the street as the child of a single mother “on the corners hangin' out with all the hoodlums.” Rick James would struggle with drug addiction throughout his life.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Maybellene by Chuck Berry (from the motion picture “Porky's”)
This is the movie that started the teen sex genre, with practical jokes and run-ins with corrupt authority figures.
STAFF PICKS:
Blood Stains by Agent Orange
Wayne opens the staff picks with a heavy metal power punk trio. The group takes its name from both the defoliant used by the military in Vietnam and the county in metro Los Angeles from which the group hails. The song is considered “skate punk,” and was used in Tony Hawk's pro skater video game.
Alien by the Atlanta Rhythm Section
Bruce brings us the sole single from ARS's tenth studio album Quinella. The lyrics are about feeling out of place and away from home. This keyboard-heavy song peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was the last top 40 hit by the group.
Winning by Santana
Rob features a song originally written and performed by Russ Ballard, and covered by Santana with Alex Ligertwood singing lead. It went to number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, one of Santana's biggest hits. It is a positive song about overcoming difficulties.
Say Goodbye to Hollywood by Billy Joel
Brian closes out the staff picks with this song paying homage to Ronnie Spector. While this track premiered several years prior on the Turnstyles album, the live version from the Songs In the Attic album came out in 1981. It was recorded in the Milwaukee arena, and was more successful as a live song than as a studio song.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Hooked on Classics by the Royal Philhormonic Orchestra and Louis Clark
This instrumental mosaic of well known classics from the symphony was a hit on the charts in 1981.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1971 - August: The Who “Who's Next”
1 lug· What the Riff?!?
Pete Townshend intended the fifth studio album from The Who to be a science fiction rock opera called “Lifehouse,” as a follow up to the rock opera “Tommy” released in 1969. After conflicts with their band manager and issues just managing the complexity of what Townshend envisioned the project to be, the rock opera was shelved, and the follow-up was made into a more traditional album entitled Who's Next.
The group began recording the album at Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger's house, using the Stones’ mobile recording studio, then moved to a more traditional studio in London. Most of the album is made up of songs originally intended for the Lifehouse project. Who's Next would see the Who make significant use of synthesizers and other keyboard sounds on this album, making the synthesizers a more integrated part of the songs than on previous albums. Drummer Keith Moon's style was also more formalized than before, and the overall album was focused on a good sound where previous albums were perhaps tilted toward a sonic projection of the image of the band.
Who's Next would contain some of the most iconic songs that the band produced, and retrospectively is considered by many to be the best album The Who ever produced. The album would reach number 1 on the UK charts, and number 4 on the US charts.
Rob brings us this iconic album for today's podcast, and friend of the show Mike Fernandes sits in for Bruce this week.
Mobile
This lighter song is a celebration of life on the open road. Roger Daltrey steps aside as Pete Townshend takes over lead vocal duties. Daltrey actually was not present at the recording of this song, leaving Keith Moon (drums), John Entwistle (bass), and Townshend (vocals, guitar, keyboards) to record it as a power trio.
A Bargain
Often misconstrued as a love song to a woman, this track actually is about a relationship with God. It contends that sacrificing everything for a relationship with God is not a sacrifice at all, but a bargain. Much of Pete Townshend's work is inspired by eastern mysticism.
Won't Get Fooled Again
The last track on the album is an 8 1/2-minute epic. It was originally intended as a closing number to the "Lifehouse" rock opera. The lyrics offer a critique of both government and revolutionary change, summarized in the phrase "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss." Townshend was inspired to write this song after chasing Abbie Hoffman off the stage at Woodstock.
Baba O'Riley
The title of the lead track to the album is a combination of two of Townshend's mentors, Indian spiritualist Meher Baba and American Composer Terry Riley. The repeated phrase "teenage wasteland" was inspired by Townshend's observations of youths at Woodstock strung out on acid.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The Beat Goes On by Sonny & Cher (from the television variety show “Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour”)
The singing duo Sonny and Cher started this sketch comedy and music show in 1971. It would run for 3 years until their divorce.
STAFF PICKS:
Sweet City Woman by The Stampeders
Wayne brings us a banjo-laden hit from a Canadian trio. The lyrics were inspired by an encounter with a girl with wild eyes who came from the prairie to start life in the big city. It hit number 8 on the US charts and number 1 in Canada. It also won a number of Juno awards in 1972. You may remember it from an episode of "Better Call Saul."
Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver
Lynch keeps the banjo hits coming with a signature song from John Denver. It went to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and would become one of four official state songs for West Virginia. Denver recorded this song in only two hours.
Nobody by the Doobie Brothers
Mike brings us a lost song from the first album by the Doobie Brothers. Neither this song nor the album charted when it was released, but it displays a number of riffs and styles which would become staples of Doobie Brothers songs. It was re-released in 1974 after the group had achieved success, and it reached number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Maggie May by Rod Stewart
Rob closes out the staff picks with a hit single off Stewart's third solo album "Every Picture Tells a Story." The lyrics describe the contradictory feelings of a boy in a relationship with an older woman. The inspiration was a true encounter Stewart had with a woman at the 1961 Beaulieu Jazz Festival. The song went to number 1 in Australia, the US, the UK, and Canada.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Orchid by Black Sabbath
We close out with a surprisingly soft instrumental from an ordinarily more heavy hitting band.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1965 - October: The Beatles "Rubber Soul"
24 giu· What the Riff?!?
Rubber Soul was the sixth studio ablum released by The Beatles in the US and the UK. The album was largely recorded in October of 1965 over a four week period, and relesed in December of 1965. The Fab Four had completed their North American tour by August, and had returned to London to compose this album. It would be the first album they completed without the pressure of commitments to tour, film, or otherwise make public appearances. Nevertheless, the band was working under tight timelines, intending to release the album before the Christmas sales cycle. It would go to the top of the album charts and would be one of the biggest albums of 1966, charting at number 3 in the UK and number 4 in the US for the year.
The name of the album is a bit of self deprecation. The term "plastic soul" was used at the time to describe some artists' attempts to duplicate the sound of black American soul music, and the Beatles recognized their efforts as less-than authentic. It also has a double meaning, referencing the Wellington boot worn in rural northern England.
The album combines elements of folk rock, soul, progressive rock, and the newly-emerging psychedelic sound. It would set a new standard with rock groups, encouraging the creation of high quality albums rather than just making a string of singles that were merged onto an LP record. It also shows the increasing maturity of the group in lyrics and music.
Lynch brings us this classic album from one of the greatest rock bands of all time, and friend of the show Mike Fernandez sits in while Bruce is out.
Baby You Can Drive My Car
The opening track was written by Lennon and McCartney. The lyrics are told from the perspective of a woman who expects to be a big star, and offers the man the opportunity to be her chauffeur. At the end you find out that she doesn't have a car, but at least now she has a chauffeur.
Norwegian Wood
It really isn't possible to have a deeper cut when you're talking about the Beatles, but this may be as close as we can get. John Lennon is the primary writer - with some contributions from Paul McCartney - and the lyrics discuss an extramarital affair he had in London. George Harrison plays sitar on this song, and it is the first use of that instrument recorded in a major release in the rock world.
In My Life
The lyrics from this song were written by John Lennon, and is perhaps the first time he wrote a song inspired from his childhood. George Martin plays the piano on the bridge, but recorded it at half speed. This creates the tinny harpsicord feel when the song is run at full speed.
Michelle
Paul McCartney is the primary writer of this song, inspired by the popularity of Parisian "Left Bank" culture, and contains french lyrics despite McCartney's lack of fluency in the language. The music was partially inspired by chet Atkin's finger picking style. McCartney began writing the song in 1958, and it went to number 1 in France where it was released ahead of the album.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The James Bond Theme (from the motion picture “Thunderball”)
This was the fourth film in the spy series starring Sean Connery as James Bond. It was originally planned to be the first film of the series, but was pushed back due to legal disputes.
STAFF PICKS:
Treat Her Right by Roy Head and the Traits
Wayne leads off the staff picks with a short, happy, party song. While this may have a surf song vibe, the band is from Texas. The lyrics tell about how a guy is supposed to treat a woman, and the benefits thereof. The song peaked at number 2, and is the best known song by the group.
Hang On Sloopy by the McCoys
Rob brings us a song originally recorded by the Vibrations in 1964 with the title "My Girl Sloopy." A jazz singer in Ohio named Dorothy Sloop inspired the name. The McCoys version went to number 1 on the pop charts, and would be picked up by a number of garage bands. Rick Derringer is the front man for the group.
California Girls by The Beach Boys
Mike's staff pick is a well-known song from the album "Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)" by the group. Brian Wilson conceived the song during an acid trip, thinking about film scores from Westerns and - of course - girls.
Eve of Destruction by Barry McGuire
Lynch closes out the staff picks with a protest song often covered. P.F. Sloan wrote this song after the Kennedy assassination, the Gulf of Tompkin military action, and other social upheaval of the early to mid-60's. American media used this song as an example of what was wrong with youth culture, counterintuitively driving the popularity of the song.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Hole in the Wall by The Packers
This jazz instrumental closes out this week's podcast.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1992 - March: The Cure “Wish”
17 giu· What the Riff?!?
We've covered a lot of great bands and artists in our podcasts, but it is a rare occasion when we get to explore a group that has defined an entire rock genre. The Cure are considered to be the defining band within the goth rock movement. Formed in 1978 out of the post-punk era, this West Sussex band would grow into an international cult favorite, complete with black wardrobe, smeared lipstick, and wild hair.
The Cure is considered to have hit the height of their commercial appeal with Wish, their ninth stuio album. Personnel for this album were Boris Williams on percussion (his last album appearance with the group), Perry Bamonte on guitars and keyboards (his first appearance as a member of the group), Pori Thompson on guitar (his last appearance with the group for 16 years), Simon Gallop on bass, and Robert Smith on vocals, keyboards, guitar, and bass. The Cure would see a lot of personnel changes through the years, with Robert Smith being the only consistent member throughout, and the driving force behind the band.
Wish was written with a lighter alternative rock sound than their previous albums, making many songs more accessible both to the less devoted fan and to commercial radio. It went to number 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in the US, and number 1 on the UK albums chart.
Bruce presents this monster of goth rock in today's podcast.
A Letter to Elise
The third single from the album had its first release prior to the album on a 1991 episode of MTV Unplugged. It is a song about resignation, of realizing that things are just not going to work out. It went to number 2 on the US Alternate Airplay charts.
High
One of the more upbeat songs, this is the lead single from the album. It went to number 1 on the US Modern Tracks, and 42 on the Billboard Hot 100. It chronicles the feelings of love and infatuation. Despite their reputation, many Cure songs are not dark and melancholy.
To Wish Impossible Things
This is a deeper track, and a darker one. It is about relationships generally, and more specifically looking back on a relationship that is no more. The title comes from the idea that selfish wishes do not turn out well when they are granted.
Friday I'm In Love
This was the band's second single and the big hit from the album. It peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 (the last top 40 hit for the Cure to date), and at number 1 on the Billboard Modern Tracks chart. This surprisingly happy song about looking foward to Friday has become one of the signature songs from the group.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Yo Cousin Vinny by Joe Pesci
The starring actor from "My Cousin Vinny" takes a comedic turn with this song inspired by the movie "My Cousin Vinny."
STAFF PICKS:
To Be With You by Mr. Big
Lynch starts off the staff picks with an acoustic rock ballad. Front man and co-writer Eric Martin provides lead vocals to this song which topped the Billboard Hot 100. It was a single off the album "Lean Into It," and is considerdd the groups most successful song to date.
Black Flag by Kings X
Rob's staff pick is the lead single off Kings X's self-titled album, their fourth studio album, and the first on Atlantic Records. Kings X has often been labeled as a Contemporary Christian album, but they have inspired a number of prog rock groups through the years. Unlike many bands, the core lineup of the band has remained the same for over forty years.
The End of Everything by The Charlatans UK
Wayne brings us a deeper cut from a group from the midlands in England. This song's lyrics are inspired by a friend feigning an illness so he could leave the army. The band appended the "UK" at the end of their name to avoid confusion with a 60's American band also called "the Charlatans."
Until Your Love Comes Back Around by RTZ
Bruce wraps up the staff picks with a ballad from a short-lived band out of Boston. Former members of the band Boston, including guitarist Barry Goudreau and vocalist Brad Delp formed RTZ with keyboardist Mrian Maes, percussionist Dave Stefanelli, and bassist Tim Archibald. This song went to number 26 on the US charts.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Elmira St. Boogie by Danny Gatton
This instrumental gets us moving as we close out this week's podcast.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1970 - August: Creedence Clearwater Revival "Cosmo's Factory"
10 giu· What the Riff?!?
Swamp rock afficianados, this is your podcast!
Despite forming in California, Creedence Clearwater Revival was known for their Louisiana sound often described as "swamp rock" or later as roots rock. They tended towards an earlier rock sound during a time when much of their fellow performers were moving in a more psychedelic direction. But CCR (as the band was known, or Creedence) would find prolific success in the time from 1969 to 1971 when they would produce 14 consecutive top 10 singles and five consecutive top 10 albums.
The band featuring front man and multi instrumentalist John Fogerty, brother Tom Fogerty on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Stu Cook on bass, and Doug Clifford on percussion got their start as a band playing rock standards and instrumentals in 1959 under the name "The Blue Velvets." They changed their name to "the Golliwogs" in 1964, then became CCR in 1967. The name Creedence Clearwater Revival comes from three sources - John Fogerty's friend Credence Newball, a beer commercial touting "clear water," and the word "revival" depicting the members' re-commitment to the band.
Cosmo's Factory is the band's fifth studio album takes its title from the warehouse in Berkeley where the band practiced in early days. Doug "Cosmo" Clifford called it "The Factory" because they practiced there almost daily. This album went to number 1 on the Billboard 200 charts and remained there for nine weeks. It is one of those albums that appears to be a "greatest hits" album rather than a studio release because of the number of very familiar songs originating on it.
The group would be prolific, but short-lived. Tom Fogerty left the group at the end of 1971 and the rest had an acrimonious falling out shortly thereafter. But for a few years, CCR produced a gigantic body of work, despite never having a number 1 hit.
Wayne takes us through this classic album of swamp rock for this week's podcast.
Who'll Stop the Rain
Often considered a Viet Nam protest song, the inspiration for this track is actually Woodstock, where multitudes of music fans congregated in the rain to hear the music of the age. It was released as a double A single along with "Travelin' Band," and went to number 2 on the American charts.
Run Through the Jungle
Another song mistakenly considered to be a Viet Nam protest (and often used that way in films), Fogerty wrote this about the proliferation of guns in the United States, comparing city streets to a jungle. This was another double A single release, paired with "Up Around the Bend." It has appeared in multiple films including "Air America," "Rudy," and "Tropic Thunder."
Up Around the Bend
This track is a more straightforward invitation to a gathering that is, as you might guess, up around the bend. It went to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and number 3 on the UK singles charts. John Fogerty wrote this song, as he did most of the original CCR tracks.
Travelin' Band
This song draws its inspiration from 1950's rock songs, particularly paying homage to the style of Little Richard. The lyrics talk about a band on the road. It's reference to "737 coming out of the sky" - a new passenger plane at the time the song was written - put the song on a list of inappropriate tracks in a post-9/11 memo by Clear Channel.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the television series “Dark Shadows”
A feature length horro film entitled "House of Dark Shadows" was released in 1970 based on the vampire soap opera.
STAFF PICKS:
Tears of a Clown by Smokey Robinson & the Miracles
Lynch's staff pick has upbeat music that belies the sad lyrics depicting a man who has to put on a happy front despite facing the loss of his love. The track was originally recorded in 1966, but not released until 1970. It topped both the UK charts and the US Billboard Hot 100.
Long Long Time by Linda Ronstadt
Rob's staff pick may not be a rock song in the traditional sense, but it shows off the vocal capabilities of one of the leading female rock figures prior to her breakthrough as a soloist. The song about a woman's undying love for a guy who will never be hers went to number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Diana Ross
Bruce features a song written by Ashford and Simpson in 1966, and originally a hit for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell who took it to number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967. Diana Ross released this as a solo song with a reworked sound incorporating gospel elements with strings and horns. It went to number 1 making it Ross's first number 1 solo hit.
Vehicle by The Ides of March
Wayne presents a one-hit wonder out of Chicago with a funky sound and a great horns section. The vocalist and guitarist for The Ides of March would later become a founding member of Survivor. General Motors used this song extensively in national advertising, and it will tend to get you driving faster!
NOVELTY TRACK:
Chicken Strut by the Meters
This novelty song inspired a short-lived dance, and wraps up this week's podcast.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1986 - January: Michael McDonald "Sweet Freedom"
3 giu· What the Riff?!?
We've made a few jokes in past episodes about Michael McDonald popping up in unexpected places. It's an easy joke to make, because McDonald has a distinctive voice and has worked with a lot of artists covering numerous genres. But the man is talented - both vocally and on the keyboards - and his career has put him at the forefront of rock music for a long time.
Sweet Freedom is a compilation album that explores McDonald's work from his first two albums plus a number of collaborations. The album title is taken from the track he had recently completed for the motion picture soundtrack “Running Scared,” a buddy cop comedy starring Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines.
After a troubled youth, McDonald began his music career in earnest as a vocalist and keyboardist for Steely Dan. After that he was tapped as keyboardist and vocalist for The Doobie Brothers, a position which would eventually lead to his fronting the band and turning it in a more soulful direction. In 1982 he started a solo career which would combine a soft rock style with his signature “blue eyed soul” sensibilities.
Lynch is examining this “greatest hits” album with an eye towards some of the collaborations that have involved Michael McDonald, many of which are signature anthems and ballads of the early 80's soulful catalog that will eventually become known as yacht rock.
We hope you enjoy this weeks podcast!
Sweet Freedom
Rod Temperton, known for his work with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, composed this single. It is a bit of a departure from McDonald's typical style with its upbeat melody and horns. It went to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, and of course became the title track for this compilation album.
Yah Mo B There
This song is a collaboration with the late James Ingram which peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. Co-written and produced by Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton, the song was originally a more contemporary Christian song with the title "Yahweh Be There." Ingram suggested the title change, opening up the lyrics to more ambiguity to fit a wider audience.
On My Own
A number 1 song from the Billboard charts in the US, this track finds McDonald paired with Patti LaBelle on a breakup duet. Interestingly, the two recorded their tracks completely separately, and did not actually meet until they performed the song together on The Tonight Show in 1986.
I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)
This song peaked at number 4, and was McDonald's first success as a solo artist. It was a cover originally sung by Chuck Jackson in 1962. McDonald's version features his sister Maureen providing backup vocals, adding familial harmony to the mix.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme to the television game show “Card Sharks”
This game show originally ran on NBC from 1978 to 1981, and returned for a second iteration to CBS in 1986.
STAFF PICKS:
Too Late by Asia
Rob leads off the staff picks this week with a track from Asia's third album, “Astra.” John Wetton returned to the group after a brief separation in late 1983 when he was replaced by Greg Lake for tour dates. Steve Howe is replaced by Mandy Meyer for this third Asia album.
Goodbye by Night Ranger
Bruce brings us the last top 40 hit (to date) by Night Ranger. Drummer Kelly Keagy takes lead vocals on this Brian Blades-composed power ballad written after losing his brother to a drug overdose. “It's hard living life on this memory go-round.”
Walk Like An Egyptian by The Bangles
Wayne's staff pick is the best known song by the group. Songwriter Liam Sternberg took inspiration for this song from a rough trip across the English Channel, when his fellow passengers were walking carefully with their arms outstretched due to the choppy waters. It would become a number 1 single, and Billboard's number 1 song in 1987.
These Dreams by Heart
Lynch closes out the staff picks with as song that emerged from a collaboration between Bernie Taupin and Martin Page. Taupin originally envisioned it as a song for Stevie Nicks, but after she turned it down, the song was restructured for Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. Nancy Wilson takes lead on this song dedicated to her friend Sharon Hess, who had lost her battle with leukemia.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Shade Gate by Hawkwind
This instrumental appears on Hawkwind's fourteeneth studio album, which was inspired by the works of fantasy novelist Michael Moorcock.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1986 - March: Van Halen "5150"
27 mag· What the Riff?!?
Van Halen’s New Era: The Launch of "5150" with Sammy Hagar
In 1985, rock legends Van Halen were at a pivotal juncture. Following the departure of charismatic lead vocalist David Lee Roth, the band faced the daunting task of finding a new frontman. After an exhaustive search, Eddie Van Halen connected with a familiar face from the music scene—Sammy Hagar, the dynamic solo artist and former Montrose vocalist. Their reunion sparked a creative resurgence, culminating in the release of "5150" in March 1986, a landmark album that would redefine the band’s trajectory.
"5150" not only marked a major milestone for Van Halen but also drew a clear line in the sand among their global fanbase. While some longtime followers preferred the "Diamond Dave" era, dubbing the new lineup "Van Hagar," the album’s overwhelming success spoke volumes. It soared to the top of the Billboard 200, achieving double platinum status by the end of May 1986, despite mixed initial reviews that later turned favorable.
The introduction of Sammy Hagar brought notable changes to Van Halen’s sound and stage dynamics. Hagar's guitar skills, while distinct from Eddie Van Halen’s iconic style, added a new layer of musical flexibility, allowing Eddie to showcase more keyboard talent during live performances. This shift was evident in their tours, which increasingly featured songs from the post-Roth era, adapting to Hagar’s vocal and instrumental style.
Throughout his tenure, Sammy Hagar helped propel Van Halen to new heights, contributing to three studio albums and a live album. He parted ways with the band in 1996, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and success.
Exploring "5150": A Track-by-Track Look
"5150": Beyond its chart-topping fame, the title track "5150" delves into the tumult of a romantic impasse, its title drawing from the California legal code for an involuntary psychiatric hold. This code is also the namesake of Eddie Van Halen’s recording studio, adding a personal touch to the song’s narrative.
"Summer Nights": This upbeat track captures the essence of youthful summer evenings with just a radio for company. Notably, it was Sammy Hagar’s first recording with Van Halen, originating from an impromptu jam session that set the tone for his role in the band.
"Why Can't This Be Love": Serving as the gateway to the Sammy Hagar era for many fans, this hit single climbed to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, reminiscent of the keyboard-driven vibrancy of "Jump" from their "1984" album.
"Love Walks In": This power ballad combines profound percussion with a slower, keyboard-oriented sound. Inspired by Sammy Hagar’s mystical experiences, the lyrics weave themes of alien encounters and telepathy, showcasing the band’s experimental side.
Join us on our rock and roll podcast as Rob dives deep into the enduring legacy of Van Halen’s "5150," exploring how this album continues to resonate with fans and musicians alike.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
A Kind Of Magic by Queen (from the fantasy motion picture “Highlander”)
Queen provides the soundtrack to this fantasy drama about immortals clashing throughout history, because "there can be only one."
STAFF PICKS:
The Big Money by Rush
Bruce starts the staff picks with the leading track from Rush's "Power Windows." The lyrics explore the power of money, and aspects of power form the theme to the tracks on the album. There's a better balance on this album between the synthesizers and guitars than on the previous two Rush albums.
Don't Want to Know If You Are Lonely by Husker Du
Wayne brings us a high energy tune from Minnesota's punk/alternative band trio Husker Du. The song is about a broken up couple who still have feelings for each other, but know it is best to move on. While not charting, the song would receive significant airplay on college radio.
Kyrie by Mr. Mister
Lynch's staff pick was inspired by lyricist John Lang's memories of singing in an Episcopal church as a child. The words "Kyrie Eleison" means "Lord have mercy" in Latin, and forms an important part of the liturgy in both Roman Catholic and Orthodox christian traditions. This song topped the US charts in March for two weeks.
In My Dreams by Dokken
Rob picks up the pace as he wraps up the staff picks this week. The lyrics depict a guy who keeps thinking of his girl as still with him even though the relationship ended long ago. The band is named after founder and lead vocalist Don Dokken, and got their start in Los Angeles in 1978.
COMEDY TRACK:
Inside by Van Halen
We double dip this week as Sammy Hagar takes a humorous look at how he was selected for Van Halen, and what he had to do to transform himself into their front man.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1989 - March: George Thorogood and the Destroyers "The George Thorogood Collection"
20 mag· What the Riff?!?
Wilmington, Delaware's George Thorogood got his start on acoustic blues. He formed a band called the Delaware Destroyers in 1973, and this would eventually become his band, known as George Thorogood & The Destroyers. He released his first record in 1977, and received more mainstream notice when he opened for the Rolling Stones in 1981. The same year his touring schedule included the “50/50 tour” where George Thorogood & the Destroyers toured all 50 states in 50 days. Thorogood's high energy shows and relentless touring schedule would be a hallmark of the band, creating a dedicated audience worldwide.
The 1980's saw a resurgence in interest in blues rock, and this was a benefit for George Thorrogood. The band would see continued success from their commercial breakthrough album, “Bad to the Bone,” released in 1982. Albums would consist of both original material and covers of classic blues songs. Much of their material has a humorous angle, though the blues style is solid and unapologetic, drawing influence from such artists as Elmore James, John Lee Hooker, and Bo Diddley.
The George Thorogood Collection showcases some of the biggest hits from the band throughout the 70's and 80's. It was released in March 1989, and we will be covering several hits from this album today.
Wayne takes us through this blues boogie greatest hits album for this week's podcast.
I Drink Alone
One of the better known George Thorogood hits, this pun-laden song peaked at number 13 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks, and was an original from Thorogood. “Now every morning just before breakfast, I don't want no coffee or tea. Just me and by good buddy Weiser - that's all I ever need.”
Bad to the Bone
This is the signature song of George Thorogood and the Destroyers. Despite failing to crack the Top 100 in the US, it is universally identifiable from commercials, TV shows, movies, and the song itself. It has been in over 25 films, including the iconic biker scene from “Terminator 2.”
Move It On Over
While this song does not appear on the “Collection,” we had to include it in this look at the band. It is a cover song originally written and recorded by Hank Williams in 1947, and depicts the struggles of a guy who has come home late and found himself - literally - in the doghouse.
Gear Jammer
The deeper cut originally came out in 1985, and has become an anthem of truckers everywhere. It talks about rolling down the road in an 18-wheeler, and looking to make time so the trucker can get home to his baby. You'll find yourself moving at a high speed if you play this song in your car!
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Bad Boys by Inner Circle (from the television series “COPS”)
This reality-based show premiered in 1989, and had an iconic song with a reggae riff.
STAFF PICKS:
You're What You Want to Be by Cruel Story of Youth
Rob launches the staff picks with a deep cut from a lost band. This Wisconsin foursome produced their only album (self-titled) in 1989). The song itself is a good one in the alternative music genre, though it seems overproduced to us.
Girl You Know Its True by Milli Vanilli
Bruce risks cancellation from the show for putting this decidedly non-rock travesty on the picks. Milli Vanilli released the album of the same name, which got them both commercial success and critical recognition via a Grammy award in 1989 despite not singing a note on the album. No musical survey of 1989 would be complete without acknowledging the Milli Vanilli controversy.
Eternal Flame by The Bangles
Lynch brings us a ballad from Susanna Hoffs from the girl group The Bangles. They started their career singing 60's rock songs, then incorporated some 70's punk before hitting it big with their own material. It topped the charts in 9 different countries.
You Got It by Roy Orbison
Wayne closes out the staff picks with a hit posthumously released from Roy Orbison's album "Mystery Girl." It went to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Fellow Traveling Wilburys alumni Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne co-wrote the song with Orbison, and they play on the single along with an uncredited George Harrison.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Ytse Jam by Dream Theater
We close out with a prog rock instrumental from Dream Theater's debut album.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!
**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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1988 - October: The Traveling Wilburys "The Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1"
13 mag· What the Riff?!?
A supergroup is a band made up of musicians who have already achieved fame either as soloists or members of another band. One of the most iconic of supergroups would be formed in 1988 and go by the name of The Traveling Wilburys. In 1987 George Harrison released his album "Cloud Nine" with Jeff Lynne performing a number of instruments and co-producing. They started talking about forming a group during those sessions, with Harrison talking about bringing in Bob Dylan and Lynne talking about bringing in Roy Orbison. Tom Petty joined in when Harrison went to his house to pick up a guitar he had left there previously. The criteria that Harrison had, according to fellow Wilbury Tom Petty, was a group of folks "who you could hang out with." The group bonded over their appreciation for 50's-style rock n' roll, and their love of the Monty Python comedy troupe.
The group took on personas of half-brothers, with George Harrison as Nelson Wilbury, Jeff Lynne as Otis Wilbury, Roy Orbison as Lefty Wilbury, Bob Dylan as Lucky Wilbury, and Tom Petty as Charlie T. Wilbury Jr. Frequent collaborator Jim Keltner provides percussion work and takes on the name of Buster Sidebury. The name Wilbury comes from a running joke between Lynne and Harrison. When some error in the equipment would occur during the production of Harrison's "Cloud Nine" album, Harrison said, “We'll bury 'em in the mix.”
The Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1 had to be done in 10 days, because Dylan and Orbison had upcoming tours and projects. Generally the writing and recording of a song was completed in a single day. The result was a commercial and critical success, and the album won the Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group in 1990.
Bruce presents this supergroup in today's podcast.
Margarita
This track starts with an 80's electronic feel, but quickly moves into a Bo Diddley beat that is more roots rock. A deeper cut, this song was released as the B-side to the single "Handle with Care."
Handle With Care
The big single went to number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 2 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart. This song was the impetus to bringing the group together, as it was originally supposed to be an extra track for a B-side of a European single, but the result was deemed too good for a limited release.
Not Alone Any More
This deeper track finishes off side 1. It was written mainly by Otis Wilbury for the vocal style of Lefty Wilbury, although all members are credited as songwriters. The lyrics reflect themes of loneliness, which were Lefty's signature style back in the 60's.
End of the Line
This was the band's second single. It peaked at number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100, but number 2 on the Album Rock Tracks chart. Roy Orbison died of a heart attack at age 52 after recording the song but before the video was made. The video features a guitar sitting in a rocking chair in memorial to Orbison
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Baby Doll by Devo (from the motion picture “Tape Heads”)
Despite sporting an all-star cast, this comedy movie bombed at the box office.
STAFF PICKS:
Big League by Tom Cochrane and Red Rider
Wayne starts off the staff picks with a bittersweet song. Cochrane tells a tale of a young hockey star destined for the pros until he lost his life in a car crash. It was inspired by a true story told to Cochrane by the boy's father. This song went to number 9 on the American Billboard Rock Tracks chart, and gets frequent airplay on classic rock radio stations in Canada.
Didn't Know It Was Love by Survivor
Rob's staff pick finds the singer looking back at a relationship he missed, and hoping it isn't too late. Survivor had their big splash a few years prior with “Eye of the Tiger,” and this is off their seventh album, “Too Hot to Sleep.” Unfortunately it barely made it onto the Billboard 200 album chart at 187, and the group broke up shortly thereafter.
Kokomo by The Beach Boys
Lynch brings us the first number 1 US hit for the Beach Boys since the 60's. The song was featured in the Tom Cruise movie “Cocktail,” and the song reflects a relaxed tropical vibe. This single reinvigorated the Beach Boys, as fans began to look at their catalogue again.
What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy) by Information Society
Bruce wraps up the staff picks with the signature song from a Minneapolis synth pop trio. This song started as a 10-minute instrumental jam, but received minimalist lyrics reflecting the trouble people have communicating for the single release. It also features sampled lyrics from Star Trek, particularly the repeated "pure energy" lyric from Leonard Nimoy's Mr. Spock.
COMEDY TRACK:
A Nightmare on My Street by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
This single reflects the Halloween vibe as Will Smith aka The Fresh Prince riffs on Freddy Kruger's horror in “A Nightmare on Elm Street.”
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!
**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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Mostra di più

Episodi

1972 - August: Emerson, Lake & Palmer “Trilogy”

1980 - February: Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band "Against the Wind"

1990 - October: Various Artists, Soundtrack for “Goodfellas"

1992 - June: Rage Against the Machine "Rage Against the Machine"

1980 - May: Devo “Freedom of Choice”

1968 - May: Sly and the Family Stone “Dance to the Music”

1980 - April: Styx “Cornerstone”

1987 - December: Def Leppard “Hysteria”

1974 - August: Little Feat “Feats Don't Fail Me Now”

1990 - November: Megadeth “Rust In Peace”

1972 - July: Leon Russell “Carney”

1981 - November: Rick James “Street Songs”

1971 - August: The Who “Who's Next”

1965 - October: The Beatles "Rubber Soul"

1992 - March: The Cure “Wish”

1970 - August: Creedence Clearwater Revival "Cosmo's Factory"

1986 - January: Michael McDonald "Sweet Freedom"

1986 - March: Van Halen "5150"

1989 - March: George Thorogood and the Destroyers "The George Thorogood Collection"

1988 - October: The Traveling Wilburys "The Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1"