Riff Revolution

Welcome to a very special edition of Riff Revolution. We've officially reached Episode #50—our Golden Episode—and I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than by featuring what I believe is the greatest album ever recorded: The Beatles' Abbey Road, released in September of 1969. After we take a deep dive into this legendary farewell from the Fab Four, we'll roll into my favorite part of the show, Staff Picks. Since I already covered The Year That Was 1969 back in Episode #21, we'll head straight into the closing and call to action. So, do what I always ask you to do—sit back in the way back machine and let me take you on a journey back to 1969 for a little rock and roll history. Here we go...

On this episode, I’ve got my old friend and returning co-host Dave Ramsey back in the chair, and he actually got me to break my own rule about covering albums only from 1940 to 2005. Today we’re diving into Whiskey Myers’ debut record Firewater, released in April 2011 — easily the newest album I’ve ever featured, and one we had an absolute blast unpacking together. After the featured album, we roll right into my favorite part of the show: staff picks. From there, I’ll take you through the year that was 2011 before wrapping things up with my closing and call to action. So sit back in the way back machine and let me take you not-too-far back for some damn good Whiskey Myers.

Episode 66 fires up the way-back machine and heads straight to 1979 as we dive into AC/DC and their legendary album Highway to Hell, released in July of that year. We’ll break down what makes this record one of the most iconic hard rock albums ever recorded and why it still hits just as hard today. After that, we roll into the most interesting part of the show—Staff Picks—before wrapping things up without revisiting the year, since that ground was already covered back in Episode 40. So sit back, crank it up, and ride with me back to 1979… “No stop signs, speed limit—nobody gonna slow me down.”

Episode #65 dives into the music of my all-time favorite band, The Beatles, as I break down their legendary ninth studio album The Beatles (White Album), released in November 1968 as a groundbreaking double LP and my second-favorite Beatles record. We’ll explore the songs, stories, and creativity behind one of the most fascinating albums in rock history. After the featured album, we roll straight into my favorite part of the show Staff Picks before wrapping things up with The Year That Was, where I take a look at the culture and music of 1968. So hop into the way-back machine and join me for a psychedelic ride back to one of the most unforgettable years in music history

Episode 64 dives into one of my all-time favorites : Def Leppard and their monster 1983 release, Pyromania. Dropped in January of ’83, this is the record that launched them into the global stratosphere and turned British hard rock into a full-blown takeover. After we break down the album, we roll straight into my always-interesting “Staff Picks” segment before wrapping it up with the closing and call to action. I already covered the year itself back in Episode 11, so this time we fire up the way-back machine and head straight into 1983 for a blast of pure British rock ’n’ roll.

Episode 63 closes the loop as we complete the rock ’n’ roll circle with Aerosmith and their 1989 comeback powerhouse, Pump. We break down what makes this record a defining statement at the end of the 80s. Then we roll straight into the most unpredictable and entertaining part of the show — Staff Picks — where the shit gets real and sometimes funny. We’ve already covered the year that was 1989, so no detours this time . So settle in, fire up the way-back machine, and let’s head straight to 1989.

Episode #62 is going to be a little different around here. Joining me is my part-time co-host Dave Ramsey as we sit down and have an old-school conversation about one of the darkest and greatest albums ever recorded, Alice In Chains' Dirt, released in September of 1992. No deep dive into the year that was and no usual format—just two guys talking music and breaking down the songs that made this album a grunge masterpiece. So, do what I always ask you to do: take a seat in the way back machine and let us take you back to 1992, when grunge was king and Alice In Chains ruled them all.

Episode 61 takes us back to March 2003 as I spotlight Evanescence and their massive debut album Fallen. We’ll break down the hits, the depth, and why this album still matters more than two decades later. After the feature, we roll straight into my favorite part of the show, Staff Picks, because you know I’ve always got a few more tracks up my sleeve. No revisiting “the year that was” this time — we’ve already handled that — so once Staff Picks wraps, I’ll head right into the closing and call to action. Fire up the way-back machine and let’s head back to 2003.

Episode 60 is here, and I’m heading back to Athens, Georgia to shine a light on Dreams So Real and their June 1988 release Rough Night In Jericho — one of my all-time favorite records and, I’m convinced, a hidden gem most folks have never spun or heard of. This one carries a little extra nostalgia for me, the kind that only certain albums can. After we break down the featured record, we roll straight into the always unpredictable and entertaining Staff Picks. No revisiting “the year that was 1988” this time — I’ve already handled that — so once Staff Picks wraps, I’ll head right into the closing and call to action. So settle in, fire up the way-back machine, and let’s head back to 1988 one more time.

Episode #59 steps outside the usual format for something heavier — a full tribute to the artists who helped shape Rock ’n’ Roll and left us far too soon as members of the infamous 27 Club. From 1938 all the way to 2011, we’re tracing the influence, the music, and the legacy of voices that still echo decades later. This isn’t just a history lesson — it’s a reminder of how deeply these artists changed the game before their time ran out. So strap in, fire up the way-back machine, and let’s honor the legends before heading straight into the closing and call to action.