Friend of the show, Greg Lyon riffs on the debut album by Disturbed, “The Sickness” from March 2000 (The Sickness / Voices / The Game / Stupify). STAFF PICKS: "Break Stuff” by Limp Bizkit — Wayne. “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down — Rob. "Everything You Want” by Vertical Horizon — Lynch. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: “The Final Destination Suite” from the motion picture "Final Destination". **(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.)

Bruce riffs on the second studio album from Oasis (What's the Story) Morning Glory? on the charts in November 1995 (Champagne Supernova / Wonderwall / Morning Glory / Don't Look Back in Anger). STAFF PICKS: "Name” by Goo Goo Dolls — Wayne. “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette— Lynch. "See You On the Other Side” by Ozzy Osbourne — Rob. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK: “The Memory of Trees” by Enya.

Rob riffs on the 13th studio album from R.E.M. “Around the Sun” from September of 2004 (Leaving New York / Wanderlust / Aftermath / Around the Sun). STAFF PICKS: “1985” by Bowling for Soup — Bruce. "Float On” by Modest Mouse— Lynch.  “I Go Back” by Kenny Chesney — Wayne.  COMEDY TRACK: “Goofy Goober Rock” by SpongeBob SquarePants.

R.E.M. put out a multitude of hits in college, modern, and alternative rock genres in the 80's and 90's.  By the time that Around the Sun, the group's 13th studio album was released, the band was experiencing changes in personnel and struggles with focus.  Drummer Bill Berry retired in 1997 and was replaced by Bill Reiflin.  While Reiflin would be the regular percussionist for the band until their dissolution in 2011, he would not be considered a member of the band like Peter Buck (guitar), Mike Mills (bass, keyboards), or Michael Stipe (vocals).  

From a commercial standpoint the album was a success, going to number 13 on the Billboard 200 in the US, and topping the album chart in the UK.  However, critical reviews were more negative, and the band members would agree over time with Stipe and Mills stating that the album lacked focus.  Peter Buck was more critical, stating that the album shows that the band was bored with the material.  Many consider this the worst R.E.M. studio album the group produced. 

However, with the benefit of hindsight we think this album is due for a second look.  The songs are more adult-oriented than the bands hits from prior decades, yet maintain the distinctive R.E.M. sound.  There is a cleaner production on this album and clearer lyrics.

Rob brings us a great debut folk rock album in this week's podcast.

Leaving New York
The lead off track was also the lead single from the album.  It reached number 5 on the UK singles chart, making it the eleventh and last top-10 REM single in that country.  However, it was not heavily promoted and failed to crack the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the first US single from an REM studio album not to chart since 1985.  It has a somber tone.

Wanderlust
This was the fourth and final single from the album, and utilizes a complex time signature of 4/4 time in the verses and 7/4 in the chorus.  The title references the desire to travel, and not remain in one place for very long.  "I got my signals crossed.  It's overwhelming me because I'm all alone and I cant get back - get back with my wanderlust."

Aftermath
The second single from the album portrays a woman living in a daze after a breakup.  Overwhelmed by ruminations, she overfeeds the cat and underwaters the plants.  It went to number 15 on the US alternative rock chart and number 41 on the UK singles chart.  

around the sun
The album contains a title track - a rarity on REM albums.  It begins with a soft acoustic guitar leading into pensive lyrics.  "Hold on world, 'cause you don't know what's coming.  Hold on world, 'cause I'm not jumping off.  Hold on to this boy a little longer, take another trip around the sun."

STAFF PICKS:

1985 by Bowling for Soup
Bruce starts the staff picks with a song about a middle-aged woman thinking about how things have changed since her glory days in 1985.  It is a cover song originally done by pop punk band SR-71, but made famous by the Bowling for Soup version.  It went to number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 5 on the Adult Top 40.  

Float On by Modest Mouse
Lynch brings us a track that songwriter and band founder Isaac Brock says was consciously written to feel more positive than some of his previous work.  The lyrics are stoic - not getting caught up in the bad things, because good things are around the corner.  "Alright, already, we'll all float on."

I Go Back by Kenny Chesney
Wayne's flips the script on us by bringing a country song into the mix, but with lyrics that talk about listening to rock songs in the past.  With references to the Steve Miller Band, Billy Joel, Sunday church, Sunday lunch, and the death of a High School friend, Chesney recounts days gone by.

COMEDY TRACK:
Goofy Goober Rock by SpongeBob SquarePants
"The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie" was released around this time, and included this parody of a Twisted Sister song.  

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**NOTE: What the Riff?!?NXTGen 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.

Lynch riffs on the third studio album from the Smashing Pumpkins, “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” from October 1995 (1979 / Bullet with Butterfly Wings / Zero / Tonight, Tonight).

STAFF PICKS: “Downtown” by Neil Young — Rob. “Lump” by The Presidents of the United States of America — Wayne. “Hard as a Rock” by AC/DC — Gregg.

L/E/I TRACK: Main Theme from the motion picture "Strange Days". 

The Smashing Pumpkins were one of the most successful bands of the 1990s, both commercially and critically.  Their 30 million album sales worldwide makes a strong case for their importance to the alternative rock movement.  The band was formed in Chicago by guitarist James Iha, bassist D'arcy Wretzky, percussionist Jimmy Chamberlin, and frontman/guitarist Billy Corgan.  Corgan writes much of their material and has been the sole member to be continuously present in the group since their formation.

In 1995, Billy Corgan wrote about 56 songs and wanted to creat a double album.  His vision was for Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness to be "The Wall for Generation X."  The album was intended to be a conceptual piece portraying the cycle of life and death.  The band brought in Flood and Alan Moulder to co-produce the album.  Flood had the band change its routine for this album, having the group start recording in the rehearsal space rather than the studio in order to better capture their live sound.  He also required the band to set aside time in each day for just jamming and song writing in order to keep the process from becoming a grind.

The result of this effort was both a critical and commercial success.  "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" debuted at number 1 on the US Billboard 200, the only Smashing Pumpkins album to do so thus far.  The 28 songs spanning two CD's, and three vinyl LP's earned the band nominations in seven categories at the Grammy Awards, and the band won the Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance with Vocal for the single "Bullet with Butterfly Wings."

Lynch brings us this smashing multi-album for today's podcast.

1979
The second single from the album features loops and samples, more of a synth-pop sound than had been present previously in Smashing Pumpkin songs.  According to Corgan, this song was the last of the 56 songs he wrote for the album.  The lyrics paint a picture of the transition from youth to adulthood, waiting for something to happen just around the corner.

Bullet with Butterfly Wings
The lead single from the album was the band's first top 40 hit in the United States, reaching number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Musically this track has a more grunge vibe than alt rock.  The lyrics are a somewhat overly dramatic portrayal of the pain that comes from being a rock star and the downsides of fame.

Zero
The shortest song on the album relates to a feeling of apathy, and being let down by emotions and spirituality.  "Intoxicated with the madness, I'm in love with my sadness."  Corrigan's signature look is a black shirt with the word "ZERO" printed on the front.

Tonight, Tonight
The symphonic orchestration of this song shows some of the diversity of the tracks on this album.  The inspiration for this song is Corgan's departure from Chicago to pursue his dreams, leaving an abusive childhood behind.  The Chicago Symphony Orchestra participated in the recording with a 30-piece string section.  This song went to number 36 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and number 7 on the UK Singles chart.

STAFF PICKS:

Downtown by Neil Young
Rob open this week's staff picks with a grunge piece from the Godfather of Grunge.  Members of the band Pearl Jam provide the backing instrumentation for this song and the album "Mirror Ball."  The lyrics reference Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page, and hippies doing the Charleston and the Limbo.

Lump by The Presidents of the United States of America
Wayne's staff pick is about a woman who is on the singer's mind like a lump of cancer in his brain.  Clocking in at about 2 minutes, this is more of a punk song than alt rock or grunge.

Hard as a Rock by AC/DC
Gregg brings us the first and most successful single from AC/DC's thirteenth studio album "Ballbreaker."  This album marks the return of drummer Phil Rudd to the band for the first time since 1983.  This song has a more blues-oriented sound than the heavy metal sound more typical of their well-known songs from the 80's.  

LEI (Laugh/Entertainment/Instrumental)  TRACK:

Main Theme from the motion picture "Strange Days"
This science fiction film noir movie starring Ralph Fiennes and Angela Bassett takes us out of this week's podcast.  

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**NOTE: What the Riff?!?NXTGen 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.

What the Riff!?! has finished covering every month from January 1965 to December 1994, and we are thrilled that you have listened with us as we review the great bands, songs, and happenings of this 30-year time span.  In this episode, we bring back Brian Dickhute, one of our co-founders of the podcast, and review what we have learned, experienced, and enjoyed about this period of songs and podcast.  We also feature a number of songs that were either missed in our coverage of the times, or that were important to us individually.

Eruption by Van Halen
Wayne brings us this instrumental by Eddie Van Halen that announced the start of the Van Halen band on their first album.

Long Live Rock by the Who
Wayne's favorite group wrote this anthem to the genre.

Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden
Lynch features a song that front man Chris Cornell wrote in about 15 minutes, inspired by a misheard statement from a TV weatherman.

Creeping Death by Metallica
Lynch brings us the first and only commercial single from Metallica's second album, "Ride the Lightning."

Closer to the Heart by Rush
Of course Bruce is going to feature Rush in this last episode, in this case an anthem encouraging all to strive to live closer to the heart.

Ridin' the Storm Out by REO Speedwagon
Bruce thinks this song should have been featured earlier, and notes that the live version is much better than the studio set.  

Mother by Pink Floyd
One of Brian's favorite groups, this song is selected from "The Wall" album, chronicling Pink's descent into madness. 

Going to California by Led Zeppelin
Brian's second selection this week is a ballad off the legendary fourth album, a song originally inspired by earthquakes in California.

The One Thing by INXS
Rob's selection is the introduction most Americans had to this Australian band in 1982, and one of his favorite songs.

Mr. Blue Sky by ELO
Rob finishes off this celebration with one of the happiest rock songs you will hear, one he wants played at his funeral.

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**NOTE: What the Riff?!?NXTGen 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.

Although this album was the fourth  Elton John studio album, it was also the third album released in 1971.  John had released a film soundtrack album and a live album previously in the year.  Madman Across the Water is a more progressive album than his previous outings, containing nine tracks with all but the final track exceeding four minutes.  Elton John also had Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman sit in on the sessions for two of the tracks, playing Hammond organ.  

Although it went to number 8 on the US Billboard 200 chart, it did not do as well in his native UK.  The mediocre results in England may be partly explained by the song lengths not fitting nicely into the 3-minute span typical of singles.  Nevertheless, the album contains two singles which would prove to be amongst John's greatest hits. 

Contemporary critics had mixed reactions to the prog rock bent of the album, with some finding the lyrics confusing and the album as a whole too deep for new fans.  As with much of the discography of music icons like Elton John, reviews would trend more positive over time. 

Madman Across the Water finds Elton John on the cusp of his ascent to superstardom, when his next several albums would trend towards a glam rock approach and would start regularly topping the charts.

Original host Brian Dickhute returns to "What the Riff" studios to help us finish off our podcast series focusing on the Months from 1965 to 1995.

Tiny Dancer
The lead off track takes its inspiration from two places.  Generally, it is inspired by the spirit of the women Bernie Taupin met in California, and how their styles contrasted with those in the U.K at the time.  More specifically it references Maxine Feibelman, who really was the "seamstress for the band," and supported John's elaborate stage costume style.  Feibelman and Taupin were married in March 1971, with Elton John serving as best man.

Levon
The first single from the album tells the story of Levon, a man who is successful in the family business, but trapped in his lifestyle.  "Levon wears his war wound like a crown."  This symphonic piece uses a backing orchestra written, arranged, and conducted by Paul Buckmaster.  

Madman Across the Water
The title track to the album was originally supposed to be a track on John's previous studio album, but it was rearranged for this album.  The lyrics are about a man in a coastal mental institution who doesn't know if he belongs there or not.  Many have speculated that Taupin wrote this about then President Richard Nixon, speculation to which Taupin responds, "That is genius.  I could never have thought of that."

Indian Sunset
The story about an American Indian warrior on the verge of defeat was inspired by Frederic Remington painting and/or a visit that Bernie Taupin paid to a reservation.  John has stated that the song is not a protest song, but a story.  The opening acapella verse sets the wistful tone of the rest of the song.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Main theme from the children's television series “Electric Company"
"Hey you guys!"  This children's educational show debuted in 1971.  

STAFF PICKS:

Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey by Paul and Linda McCartney
Bruce begins the staff picks with a song from "Ram," the only album attributed to Paul and Linda McCartney.  It reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1971, making it the first post-Beatles McCartney single to top the US charts.  It is actually a compilation of several song fragments assembled by engineer Eirik Wangberg.  The lyric "hands across the water/heads across the sky" refers to Linda and Paul being American and British.

Rain Dance by the Guess Who
Rob brings us a song penned by Burton Cummings and Kurt Winter which was the lead-off track from the Guess Who's eighth studio album, "So Long, Bannatyne."  Randy Bachman had departed the band by this time.  Many of the lyrics reference landmarks or businesses in their native Winnipeg, Canada.  

You Say It by Al Green
Wayne's staff pick is a fusion of funk and soul off Al Green's third studio album.  Green got his start at the age of nine in a gospel quartet. The lyrics from this song discuss the difficulties a guy has in picking up the phone to call his girl.  Al Green became a minister in 1976 and returned to gospel music in the mid-80's.

I'd Love to Change the World by Ten Years After
Lynch features a song that is the sole top-40 single from the British blues rock group in the U.S., peaking at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The lyrics express the frustration of the counter culture movement in wanting to change the world, but realizing that solutions are harder to reach than thought.

Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves by Cher
Brian finishes out the episode with a story from Cher. The lyrics are told from the perspective of a Gypsy girl born to a dancer in a traveling show.  When she is 16, she becomes pregnant from a young stranger who runs off, leaving her to raise a baby girl in the same situation as her mother raised her.

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**NOTE: What the Riff?!?NXTGen 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.

While this album is a bit soft for our typical rock and roll podcast, you just can't talk about music in the early 70's without giving some attention to the Carpenters.  The dual of siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter would have a multitude of hits based on their close harmonies and melodic pop sensibilities.  They began as a jazz group in 1966 when Karen was still in high school, and would eventually sign to A&M Records as the Carpenters in early 1969.  Richard Carpenter was the keyboardist and primary driver behind the Carpenters' sound. Karen began as the groups drummer, and would continue in this role intermittently, though her distinctive vocals demanded her to often be out front on tour with a touring drummer (Hal Blaine) taking her place behind the kit.

A Song for You was the Carpenters fourth studio album.  It featured a mixture of songs written or co-written by Richard Carpenter, and songs from other songwriters adapted to the group by Richard Carpenter.  It reached number 4 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in the US and number 13 on the UK Albums chart.  Six of the 12 songs (plus a reprise of the title track) were released as singles.

The Carpenters were careful in managing their image and maintained a wholesome persona throughout their career.  Richard Carpenter would balk at the "squeaky clean" image that A&M Records, believing that the focus should be more on the music than their image.  Much later the struggles Richard faced with pills would come to light, and Karen's death in 1983 as a consequence of anorexia nervosa would put a much-needed spotlight on the eating disorder affecting countless people.

The Carpenters produced 10 albums over their 14-year career, along with a number of singles and multiple television specials.  

Lynch brings us a look at the softer side of rock for today's podcast.

Goodbye to Love
Richard Carpenter and John Bettis wrote this song.  Carpenter was inspired to write this track after seeing a 1940 Bing Crosby film called "Rhythm on the River."  In the film, the struggling songwriter often refers to his greatest composition being "Goodbye to Love," but the song is never played.  Carpenter took this inspiration and created the song.   

Top of the World
One of the best known songs from the Carpenters today, this track was not originally intended to be a single.  However, after country singer Lynn Anderson had success with a cover, the Carpenters reconsidered and released the song as a single.  It would top the US charts in 1973, one of three Carpenters songs to do so. 

Hurting Each Other
Gary Geld and Peter Udell wrote the original song which was first performed by Jimmy Clanton in 1965.  The Carpenters had the Wrecking Crew as their session musicians on their arrangement which went to number 2 on the U.S. charts.  

A Song for You
The title song from the album was originally written and performed by Leon Russell on his 1970 solo debut.  Though the Carpenters version was not released as a single, it starts and concludes the album, making the whole a concept reflecting on its plea for understanding and forgiveness. 

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Main theme from the television series "The Waltons"
This historical drama set in West Virginia during the depression began in September 1972.

STAFF PICKS:

Saturday in the Park by Chicago
Rob open this week's staff picks with a song penned by Robert Lamm for the album Chicago V.  The inspiration was either a walk in Central Park on July 4, 1970, or a compilation of film shot in Central Park in the early 70's.  The track reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, the highest-charting single from Chicago at the time.

Rock 'N' Roll Soul by Grand Funk Railroad
Wayne's staff pick is the closing anthem from Grand Funk Railroad's sixth studio album, Phoenix.  The lyrics from this Detroit group celebrate the power of rock music as a source of joy, freedom, and self-expression.  "Tell everyone you know, you've got some Rock and Roll soul."

Use Me by Bill Withers
Bruce brings us a song that Withers penned as a funny answer to those who thought he was too nice.  Bill Withers claimed that he wasn't very popular and had a stutter until his late 20's.  This song was basically Withers saying, "OK, you want a nasty boy?  Well here I come!"  It is his second biggest hit in the U.S. behind "Lean on Me," and reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.  

Alone Again (Naturally) by Gilbert O'Sullivan
Lynch closes out the staff picks with an introspective ballad.  Despite the upbeat tempo and melody, the lyrics are quite dark.  The first verse contemplates suicide after a failed attempt at a wedding, while other verses question the existence of God and lament the loss of parents. Irish singer-songwriter O'Sullivan originally did not include this single on his second album, "Back to Front," but included it on re-issues due to its popularity.  It spent six weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Popcorn by Hot Butter
You may not know the name, but you've surely heard this instrumental ditty that went to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and closes out today's podcast.  

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**NOTE: What the Riff?!?NXTGen 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.

We covered the self-titled debut album from Crosby, Stills & Nash in episode 137.  Deja Vu is considered the second Crosby, Stills & Nash album, but it is actually the first album by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, with Canadian songwriter Neil Young turning the trio into a quartet.

While the album continues to feature the signature harmonies associated with Crosby, Stills & Nash, it has a harder, more rocking edge to it. Some of this is undoubtedly due to the addition of Neil Young to the album, but it also reflects the challenges the group members were facing.  Both Stephen Stills and Graham Nash had gone through break-ups in their relationships, and David Crosby tragically had lost his girlfriend Christine Hinton in a car accident.

The album was highly anticipated, generating $2 million in pre-sales before its release.  It became a gold record only 14 days after release, and was on the Billboard 200 album chart for 88 weeks.  Contemporary critics provided mixed reviews, but the album has only grown in stature over time, with many reviews considering it amongst the top albums ever produced.  Deja Vu was inducted into the Grammy Hall of fame in 2012.

After its release, each of the principal members of the group would record solo albums, and the success of Deja Vu contributed to the individual success of these four solo projects.

Crosby, Stills & Nash (and sometimes Young) would continue to produce albums over the decades with their last collaboration occurring in 2015.  The death of David Crosby in 2023 ended the possibility of full reunions.

Wayne brings us this soft rock singer-songwriter live album for this week's podcast.

Carry On
The opening track to the album was penned by Stephen Stills who also provides lead vocals.  It is a medley of two songs edited together with a jam session connector, and came together surprisingly fast during a time when most songs were taking a long time to finish.  The lyrics encourage the band members to keep going through times of struggle in relationships both within and outside the band.

Teach Your Children
Graham Nash wrote this song in 1968 when he was with The Hollies, but had not recorded it with that group at the time.  Nash has associated the song with a photograph exhibit showing a child playing with a toy hand grenade, and the lyrics encourage parents to be careful in how they teach their children.  Neil Young does not play on this song, but the steel guitar is provided by Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. 

Woodstock
Unlike the other tracks on this album, this song was not written by any of the band members, but was penned by Joni Mitchell.  Mitchell had not attended the Woodstock festival, but was inspired to write this song told from the perspective of a concert goer after hearing her then-boyfriend Graham Nash relay the account.  It has become a signature song for the group and a staple of the 60's counter-culture.  

Our House
Graham Nash wrote this song as a description of a day spent with then-girlfriend Joni Mitchell and her two cats in their Laurel Canyon home.  The song was written in an hour on Mitchel's piano.  It went to number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100.  

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the motion Picture "Patton"
This epic starring George C. Scott was playing in the theaters in 1970.  It won seven Academy awards, including Best Picture.

STAFF PICKS:

Let It Be by The Beatles
Lynch starts the staff picks with a song inspired by a dream.  Paul McCartney's mother, Mary Patricia McCartney, died of cancer with Paul was 14.  In the dream, his mother encourages her son by saying, "It's all right, just let it be."  This single and title song from the final Beatles album debuted at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 before topping those charts.

Cecilia by Simon & Garfunkel
Rob brings us the third single from the fifth and final album by Simon & Garfunkel, "Bridge Over Troubled Water."  It was developed in a late night jam when the duo and friends were banging on a piano bench and recording the sound with a tape recorder.  The lyrics depict the heartbreak of a boy delivered from Cecilia his unfaithful lover.

The Rapper by The Jaggerz
Bruce features the most successful single from the band whose guitarist and primary songwriter would go on to be Donny Iris.  The song is a warning to the ladies not to be taken in by a smooth talking man telling them lies.  It went to number 2 on the charts.

Superlungs My Supergirl by Terry Reid
Wayne's closes out the staff picks with a cover originally written by Donovan about a 14-year old groupie.  Terry Reid was Jimmy Page's first pick to be lead singer of Led Zeppelin, but was unavailable at the time due to his touring schedule with Cream and the Rolling Stones.  Reid would acquire the nickname of Superlungs.

NOVELTY TRACK:

Pineapple and the Monkey by The Faces
This instrumental from The Faces debut album takes us out for this week. 

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**NOTE: What the Riff?!?NXTGen 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.