What the Riff Next Gen

What the Riff Next Gen

By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John LynchMusicMusic Commentary
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What the Riff Next Gen episodes

  • 1974 - May: Billy Joel ”Piano Man”

    When you think of rock music anchored by piano, there are only a few standouts.  But outside of Elton John, perhaps the best known rock pianist is New York's Billy Joel.  Born in the Bronx and growing up in Long Island, Joel got his start early (at age 4) with piano lessons and dropped out of high school to pursue music full time.  After joining a couple of short-lived bands, Joel started his solo career and released his debut album, "Cold Spring Harbor" in 1971.

    It was his second album which would be remembered as his true nationwide debut.  Piano Man was his first release from Columbia Records, and came out while Joel was still dealing with legal issues from his former label.  Many of the tracks exhibit a story telling approach common in the early 70's.  Although Joel was in his mid-20's when the album was released, it had a maturity about it that made it do well both on the pop and adult contemporary charts.  

    Despite this being his breakthrough album, Joel would struggle to find success in his follow-up albums.  He was in danger of being dropped by the record label when he hit it big once again in 1977 with "The Stranger."  From that time on, Billy Joel would be an A-list performer, capping off a long career with a decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden.

    Wayne takes us through this breakthrough album for this week's podcast.

     

    Piano Man

    The title track was written while Billy Joel was working at The Executive Room piano bar in Los Angeles, and is loosely based on the patrons that came through the bar told from the perspective of the piano player.  It would become both his signature song and synonymous with Joel.  "Son, can you play me a memory...I'm not really sure how it goes, but it's sad, and it's sweet, and I knew it complete when I wore a younger man's clothes."

    You're My Home

    This song was the B-side of the "Piano Man" single, so it did get some air play.  The song has a country feel, and was written for Joel's first wife.  He could not afford to buy her anything while in California between record deals, and he wrote it as a Valentine's present.  

    The Ballad of Billy the Kid

    If the last song was country, this next song is the Western.  This is an epic that pays tribute to a fictionalized Billy the Kid, telling a story of an outlaw in the Wild West.  The last verse switches to modern times, with Billy Joel taking the place of Billy the Kid, looking forward to new exploits.  

    Captain Jack

    An early live radio performance of this song is what got the attention of Columbia Records in the first place.  Joel wrote the song when living in Oyster Bay, Long Island, in an apartment from which he could see drug deals going down.  "Captain Jack" is the local drug dealer, and the song reflects the sadness that comes from a life in the grip of heroin.  

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Gypsy Woman  by Bill Dean (from the motion picture "The Lords of Flatbush")

    This movie starred Henry Winkler and Sylvester Stallone before they became famous for playing The Fonz and Rocky respectively. 

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    For the Love of Money by the O'Jays

    Bruce starts the staff picks with a well known funk tune that went to number 9 on the Billboard Singles chart.  This song takes its title from I Timothy 6:10, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in thier greediness, and pierced themselves through."  It also was Donald Trump's WWE entrance music.

    Benny and the Jets by Elton John

    Lynch brings us another piano artist, singing about a fictional glam-rock band.  "Oh, but they're weird and they're wonderful.  Oh, Bennie, she's really keen.  She's got electric boots, a mohair suit, you know I read it in a magazine."  The lyrics are told from the perspective of a fan at a concert.

    Rikki Don't Lose that Number by Steely Dan

    Rob's staff pick is the lead track to Steely Dan's third album, "Pretzel Logic."  It is also their most commercially successful single, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The inspiration for this jazz-infused rock song was a New York writer and artist named Rikki Ducornet.  Future Eagles alum Timothy B. Schmit provides backing vocals.

    Bad Company by Bad Company

    Wayne features a song that is from the self-titled album AND the self-titled group.  The inspiration for this song was a Clint Eastwood western, and it is both a lament and a celebration.  "Rebel souls, deserters we are called.  Chose a gun, and threw away the sun...".

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Tubular Bells by Mike Oldfield

    We close out to a song that was both a hit at the time, and would be immortalized in the horror film "The Exorcist." 

    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.

    48 min
  • 1987 - June: Elton John ”Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra”

    The mid-80's were a tough time for Elton John.  The singer and pianist who had been a stellar success in the 70's was deep in the clutches of drug addiction, and struggling to perform due to throat issues.  His studio album, "Leather Jackets" had failed to produce a single to reach the top 40.  It seemed that he was finding more controversy in the British tabloids than he was success in the music industry.

    In the midst of this, however, he produced a stellar live album.  Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was John's twenty-eighth official album release, focusing on some of the performers earlier hits.  In the last two months of 1986, Elton John did a series of concerts as a part of his tour of Australia and New Zealand which contained two sets.  The first set was a traditional concert with John and his 14-piece band.  The second set had the band backed by the 88-piece Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with John dressed as Mozart in front of the grand piano.  The Live album captured this symphonic second set.

    The album was a success, hitting number 24 on the Billboard 200 and certifying gold by January 1988.

    This concert also marked a change.  It was the last in which Elton John appeared in his elaborate stage costumes.  He also underwent throat surgery in January 1987 which - while successful - permanently altered his voice.  His next few albums would be somewhat more successful, but he would sober up in the early 90's and release his highly successful "The One" album in 1992.

    Bruce presents this live symphonic hit for this week's podcast.

     

    Burn Down the Mission

    This song is the concluding track of John's third album, "Tumbleweed Connection."  That was a concept album with the theme of Western Americana.  The lyrics  are a bit vague, but the story tells of a poor community oppressed by some kind of powerful force.  The singer has taken direct action to remedy the situation, and is defending his action of burning down the mission as the only way to defend his family.  

    Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word

    Hailing from his "Blue Moves" studio album, this sad song is characterized by lyricist Bernie Taupin as "that whole idealistic feeling people get when they want to save something from dying when they basically know deep down inside that it is already dead."  

    Take Me to the Pilot

    Originally from John's self-titled second album, this song contains lyrics which both John and Taupin admit are nonsensical, but just contain words that sound good together.  Six of the 14 tracks on this live album are from Elton John's second album. 

    Candle In the Wind

    This song from the "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album was never released as a single in the US until it was released in this live version.  Taupin used Marilyn Monroe as an archetype of the famous artist cut down in the prime of life.  He was initially inspired by hearing Clive Davis using the phrase "candle in the wind" in tribute to Janis Joplin.  

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Theme from the motion picture Spaceballs

    Mel Brooks is at it again, this time with his classic spoof on Star Wars.  May the Schwartz be with you!

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Throwing It All Away by Genesis

    Lynch kicks off the staff picks with this single from the Invisible Touch album that went to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford wrote the song and lyrics.  The upbeat music is quite different from the melancholy lyrics about a love who is leaving the singer.

    Don't Let Me Die Young by Andy Taylor

    Rob brings us a solo single from Duran Duran's guitarist.  The video for the song depicts at-risk youth engaged in dangerous activities at night from crime and cars to drugs.  Taylor's album "Thunder" came out in the midst of the hair metal band's height. This single also features Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols.

    Alone Again Or by The Damned

    Wayne features a cover song originally recorded in 1967 by the group Love.  The Damned began as a punk group, and moved to post-punk, somewhat goth rock over time.  Love was an inspiration for the Damned, which encouraged them to cover this song.  The horns give the track a Spanish feel.

    Housequake by Prince

    Bruce closes out the staff picks with a party song from the double album "Sign O' The Times."  It was the B-side for the single "U Got the Look."  Prince used pitch-shifted vocals to create a higher, more feminine voice for this track.  It was originally going to be on an androgynous alter persona album called "Camille" before it was folded into this double album.  

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    21st Century Common Man, Pt. 1 by Tangerine Dream

    This jazz group closes out our podcast 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.

    42 min
  • Christmas Songs that Rock Part VII!

    What the Riff!?! delves once again into the great (and not so great) Christmas songs to add a little cheer as you rock around the Christmas tree this year. WSB Radio host Eric Von Haessler joins us for the fun!

    “The Holly and the Ivy” by Jon Anderson

    Jon Anderson's fourth solo album came out in 1985, and was a mixture of traditional Christmas carols and original material.  This is a traditional British folk Christmas carol.  Though it can't be traced any further back than the 1800's, the association between holly and Christmas dates back to medieval times.

    “Please Come Home for Christmas” by the Eagles

    Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and the rest of the Eagles put out this popular sad Christmas track in 1978, though it was a cover originally performed by blues pianist Charles Brown in 1960, and co-written by Brown and Gene Redd.

    “The First Noel” by Crash Test Dummies

    Front man Brad Roberts puts his distinctive bass voice to work on this traditional Christmas tune.  This carol originated in Cornwall, England and dates back to at least the early 1800's, using the French "Noel" as a synonym for the Christmas season

    “The 12 Days of Christmas” by  Straight, No Chaser

    This acapella group from Indiana University puts some comedic musicianship to work on this Christmas round.  We know you'll like it, sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus from the Serengeti.  

    “Nut Rocker” by Emerson, Lake & Palmer

    ELP puts a prog rock spin on the classic Nutcracker Suite.  Russian composer Tchaikovsky wrote the original Nutcracker as a two-act ballet in 1892, and is a fantasy taking place at the foot of a Christmas tree.

    “Christmas All Over Again” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

    This original song was penned by Tom Petty on a ukulele in 1992.  It was used in the motion picture "Home Alone 2:  Lost in New York," and also appeared in "Jingle All the Way."  Jeff Lynne co-produced the song, played bells, bass, timpani, sang background vocals, and wishes for a Chuck Berry Songbook in the song.

    “The Christmas Song” by Weezer

    This is not the one you're familiar with.  The more famous "The Christmas Song" was first performed by the Nat King Cole trio in 1946.  Weezer did this introspective original song with the same name in 2000 on a fan club Christmas LP.

    “Minnie and Santa” by Cyndi Lauper

    Lauper released this light hearted Christmas song in 1998 which tells of a fling that Minnie (not the mouse!) had with old Kris Kringle.  This may sound like a cover of a classic song, but it is an original written by Lauper and Jan Pulsford.

    “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra

    You can't go wrong with Old Blue Eyes and a crooner Christmas classic.  This song originated in 1943 and was in the musical "Meet Me in St. Louis," where it was sung by Judy Garland.

    “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen/We Three Kings”  by Barenaked Ladies

    This Christmas medley also features fellow Canadian singer-songwriter Sara McLachlan joining in with the Barenaked Ladies.

    “Listen, The Snow is Falling” by Yoko Ono & the Plastic Ono Band

    Hear us out - this is an Ono piece that is actually quite good!  It was released in 1971 as the B-side to the better known "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," sung by John Lennon.

    “If It Doesn't Snow On Christmas” by Joe Pesci

    Chasing Macaulay Culkin isn't the only association Pesci has with Christmas.  He put this cover of an old Gene Autry song out on his 1998 album "Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just for You."

    (and there might be a bonus ending related to the Beatles...)

    We at What the Riff?!? wish every one a blessed and Merry Christmas!

    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.

    50 min
  • 1969 - June: Blind Faith “Blind Faith”

    Blind Faith was a supergroup formed from Cream members Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker, Traffic founder Steve Winwood, and Family bassist/violinist Ric Grech.  Cream collapsed after increasing strife between members, particularly Baker and bassist Jack Bruce.  Traffic went on hiatus, and Winwood began jamming with Clapton in his basement.  Baker sat in on a session shortly after they moved to Traffic's rehearsal space in Berkshire, and was added to the lineup after some reluctance from Clapton was overcome.  Finally, Grech was invited to join, and  left the Family in the middle of a U.S. tour, creating understandable grievances.  

    The group created blues-oriented and psychedelic rock for their eponymously named Blind Faith debut album.  A summer tour was launched, but it was a challenging thing.  Clapton didn't want to do long jam sessions on the tour, but their single album was not a lot of material for a concert.  As a result, they wound up playing a significant amount of Cream and Traffic songs.  This delighted the audience, but irritated and distanced Clapton.  

    Despite great buzz from critics and fans alike, the group was destined to only last a few months.  Clapton began drifting away while on tour, spending more time with opening act Delaney & Bonnie.  He would eventually join that group prior to launching Derek & the Dominos.  Ginger Baker would move on to form Ginger Baker's Air Force, bringing in Winwood and Grech for a short stint before Winwood rejoined Traffic.  

    Rob brings us this short-lived supergroup in this week's podcast. 

    Had to Cry Today

    The title track dispenses with the 3-minute single format in favor of a long form jam written by Steve Winwood.  The lyrics are ambiguous, and could reference a dying relationship, or perhaps a friend drifting away.

    Can't Find My Way Home

    Winwood also wrote this well-known single from the album, covered by a number of artists including Joe Cocker, Alison Krauss, and Bonnie Raitt.  Winwood has been asked about the meaning of the lyrics, but has said that discussing song lyrics is a little like explaining a joke - it doesn't add anything to the experience.  Clapton leaves his electric guitar in favor of a rare acoustic one for this song.

    Well All Right

    This track is the only one not written by members of Blind Faith.  Buddy Holly, Norman Petty, Jerry Allison, and Joe B. Mauldin wrote this song, and Holly sang it in 1958.  Clapton takes lead vocal duties on this song.

    Sea of Joy

    A piece of Winwood's writing also leads off side two of the album.  While some believe the song references hallucinogens, a simpler meaning would be simply the joy of being on the water.  “And I'm feeling close to when the race is run.  Waiting in our boats to set sail.  Sea of joy.”

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Pfft You Were Gone (from the variety show “Hee Haw”)

    This country comedy and music show premiered on CBS in this month.  Buck Owens and Roy Clark led an ensemble of regulars and guests in this variety show.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    These Eyes by The Guess Who

    Wayne starts out the staff picks with a song co-written by lead singer Burton Cummings and lead guitarist Randy Bachman.  This was their breakout song, with lyrics that describe the devastating feeling in the days following a long relationship break-up.

    Badge by Cream

    Lynch reminds us that while Cream may have disbanded by this time, their music was still on the charts.  Eric Clapton and George Harrison wrote this song.  It was supposed to be called "Bridge," but was named "Badge," due to a misreading of the handwritten title.  George Harrison plays rhythm guitar, credited as "D'Angelo Misterioso" to avoid contractual issues.

    Oh Happy Day by the Edwin Hawkins Singers

    Bruce features the first gospel song to hit the charts, reaching number 4 on the US singles chart.  Edwin Hawkins took a hymn originally written by Phillip Doddridge in 1755, and updated it with a piano introduction inspired by Sergio Mendes and lyrical improvisations influenced by James Brown. 

    See by The Rascals 

    Rob finishes the staff picks with the fuzzy lead off and title track to the Rascals sixth studio album.  Between 1966 and 1968, the Rascals released a number of soul-inspired singles.  This album marked a change in the band's focus from blue-eyed soul to psychedelic rock.

     

    COMEDY TRACK:

    Gitarzan by Ray Stevens

    One of the earliest comedy singles from Stevens closes out our podcast 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.

    43 min
  • 1988 - November: Bon Jovi ”New Jersey”

    Bon Jovi took the rock world by storm with their massive third album, "Slippery When Wet."  A big tour followed, and afterwards the band was anxious to demonstrate that they were not a one (album) hit wonder.  They got into the studio at Vancouver, BC in May of 1988 and quickly recorded their fourth studio album entitled New Jersey.  Originally going under the working title "Sons of Beaches," the band would settle on their home state as the name of the album.  Bon Jovi wanted to make a double album, but the record label balked, fearing that the higher price tag of a double album would impact sales.  The album still clocked in at close to an hour of play length, not uncommon during a time when CD's were beginning to stretch the length of albums past the more common album play times.

    The result was a stellar success, debuting on the Billboard 200 albums chart at number 8, before moving to the top spot a week later, where it would remain for four weeks.  Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora wrote most of the songs on the album, with some assistance from songwriter Desmond Child.  Five singles from the album went into the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with two topping that chart.

    Bon Jovi would go on to an unusual achievement - remaining one of rock music's A-listers for decades.  Bon Jovi would continue to sell out arenas, a feat limited to groups such as U2, Metallica, Elton John, and the Rolling Stones.  

    Friend of the show Julie Doran brings us this stellar album.  We are also joined by friend of the show Steve Hardin as we cover for the absence of both Wayne and Lynch this week. In addition, fan of the Show Christian joins us to help Rob bring his Staff Pick. 

     

    Bad Medicine

    Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora collaborate with Desmond Child in the writing of this song which went to number 1 on the US charts.  The lyrics are pretty straightforward, comparing love to a drug.  "There ain't no doctor that can cure my disease."  The video features hand-held cameras provided to fans at the concert providing their "point of view" at the concert.

    Living In Sin

    The fifth single from the album still broke into the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100.  This power ballad has lyrics that explore love being more powerful than the expectations of society.  Bon Jovi is singing about his high school sweetheart, whom he would marry in Las Vegas while on the New Jersey Syndicate tour.

    Born to Be My Baby

    This single is another example for the collaboration with Desmond Child, and peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song has a lot of similarities with Springsteen, with lyrics about a couple of working class lovers facing the world together.  The video took the opposite direction from many highly produced videos of the time, opting for low budget black-and-white.

    I'll Be There For You

    The big hit from the album was this number 1 power ballad.  With a runtime of 5:43, this song is the longest song to hit number 1 on the charts in 1989.  The lyrics describe a guy desperately seeking to get his girl back, this time forever.  

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Put a Little Love in Your Heart by Al Green and Annie Lennox (from the motion picture “Scrooged”)

    Bill Murray stars in this retelling of "A Christmas Carol."

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Armageddon It by Def Leppard

    Rob starts off the staff picks with the sixth single from the multi-platinum album, "Hysteria."  High School Student and Fan of the Show, Christian, assists with his thoughts on the band. By the time this song hit number 3 on the US charts, the album had been out for well over a year.  The lyrics are a play on words - “Hey, but are you gettin' it?  Armageddon it.”

    Desire by U2

    Julie's staff pick has a blues feel and a Bo Diddley beat.  The song is both a critique of the glitzy televangelist making money off his followers, and the ambition and glitz surrounding a successful rock band.  It won a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group in 1989. 

    I'm Sorry by Hothouse Flowers

    Bruce features a long lost hit from a Dublin group that combines Irish music with an eclectic mix of soul, gospel, and rock influences.  You know, we all have times when we're "sitting back on our deep pile reclining chair" thinking about our lives and “looking over our misdemeanors, misgivings, misfortunes, and Miss Whatever her name is," and say "I'm sorry.”

    Never Tear Us Apart by INXS

    Steve closes out the staff picks this week.  INXS lead singer Michael Hutchence wrote the lyrics that describe a couple with an instant, almost karmic connection when they first meet.    This is the fourth single off the album "Kick" and went to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

     

    COMEDY TRACK:

    Wild Thing by Sam Kenison

    The sultry sounds of Sam Kenison take us out with this angry cover of the Troggs classic. 

    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.

    44 min
  • 1967 - April: Beatles ”Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”

    A reasonable case can be made that the eighth studio album by the Beatles is the most important album in all of Rock and Roll.  Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band creates a dividing line between 60's rock and what Rock and Roll would become in the 70's.  Incorporating elements of eastern mysticism, psychedelic music and art, counter-culture sensibilities, and complex orchestration, Sgt. Peppers was a groundbreaking demonstration of what an album could be.

    Sgt. Peppers is one of the first concept albums - taking a theme and incorporating it into the entirety of the record.  The Beatles adopted personas for this album, becoming the fictional "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."  This allowed the band members to experiment with styles they either hadn't previously explored, or had not fully developed.  The studio also became an instrument for the band, and they incorporated techniques like multitracking, variable speed recording, and the use of sound effects to create complex soundscapes.

    Lyrics vary from social commentary to whimsy, to surrealism.  While many songs remain lighthearted, others take a more somber tone, mirroring the cultural upheaval that was happening in the late 60's counterculture.  The album also brings visual art into the mix, with psychedelic cover art rather than simple photographs.

    Sgt. Peppers tops many "best albums" lists, and has sold over 32 million copies worldwide.

    Friend of the show Steve Hardin presents this monster album this week, and we're joined by friend of the show Julie Doran as Wayne and Lynch are out of town for today's podcast.

     

    Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

    The opening track introduces us to the alter ego of the band, including an intro of a pit orchestra warming up and a transitional brass band in the middle of the song.  Paul McCartney acts as the carnival barker introducing the band, reunited after 20 years.  Lennon then takes over, thanking the audience for their attendance.  

    With A Little Help from My Friends

    Drummer Ringo Starr takes lead vocal duties on this song that has a more intimate touch.  In contrast to the bombastic start, Starr shows vulnerability as he asks what would happen if he sang out of tune, and leans on his friends for support.  Ringo Starr didn't write the music like Lennon and McCartney, but typically would sing lead on one song on each album.

    Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!

    The track that finishes side 1 was inspired by an old circus poster from 1943 that Lennon had purchased in an antique store.  The song is a collage of circus images, complete with calliope.  It returns to the theme of the first song, but this time focusing on circus performers rather than the band. 

    Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)/A Day in the Life

    The concluding album tracks are often played together.  The reprise of the opening track is faster paced, and more rock oriented.  The concluding track alternates between a dream sequence and the rush of an ordinary day.  It concludes with four pianos simultaneously sounding an E-major chord.  

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Casino Royale by Herb Alpert (from the motion picture “Casino Royale”)

    Not your ordinary James Bond fare, this film was a comedic spoof on the popular spy franchise starring David Niven, Peter Sellers, and Ursula Andress.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    For What Its Worth by Buffalo Springfield

    Bruce's staff pick peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Stephen Stills was inspired to write the song by the Sunset Strip curfew riots in Los Angeles.  Buffalo Springfield got a close look at the riots as the house band at the Whiskey a Go Go, when young people rebelled against a strict 10:00 p.m. curfew successfully advocated by local residents, annoyed with club goers clogging the streets late at night.  

    The Loser (with a Broken Heart) by Gary Lewis and the Playboys

    Rob brings us a jangle pop hit from the son of Jerry Lewis. Gary Lewis and the Playboys cultivated a "boy next door" image and had a string of hits in the late 60's.  Lewis was drafted into the army in 1967, and though some songs previously recorded (like this one) continued to be successful, the band began to diminish in popularity.

    I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) by Aretha Franklin

    Julie features a soulful song from the iconic Queen of Soul.  This is off Franklin's tenth studio album.  The first nine were jazz oriented, and much less successful than this influential album.  This album was recorded in Mussel Shoals where an altercation resulted in an abrupt change of venue to New York.

    Strawberry Fields Forever by the Beatles

    It might appear that Steve is double dipping on this staff pick, but this well known Beatles song was a non-album single popular at the time.  The song was the result of multiple takes spliced together.  Lennon was inspired by a memory of a strawberry field where he played as a child.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Wade In the Water by Herb Alpert

    Alpert had a TV special this month on which he played his jazzy rendition of this gospel standard. 

    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.

    34 min
  • 1989 - September: Mötley Crüe ”Dr. Feelgood”

    It is a little surprising that we have gotten this far into the podcast without featuring an album by Mötley Crüe.  This is a group that practically defined the hair metal genre of the mid to late-80's.  The band formed in 1981 in Hollywood, and featured both a party-oriented lifestyle and an androgynous look.  The core and classic members of the band were Nikki Sixx on bass and keyboards, Mick Mars on lead guitar and backing vocals, Tommy Lee on drums and backing vocals, and Vince Neil as front man.  Many other musicians would be brought in for sessions, and the group itself would change personnel over the years.  

    However, the classic lineup was still in place for their fifth studio album, Dr. Feelgood.  At the time, the group was facing conflicts that caused Producer Bob Rock to have each member record their parts separately.  This was also the first album recorded after the group started a quest to get sober and go through rehab.  Additionally, recording took place in Vancouver, getting the band out of the familiar (and seductive) L.A. scene.

    The result of these sessions was impressive.  Dr. Feelgood was the groups most successful album to date, and went to the top of the Billboard 200 album chart, the only Crüe album to do so.  It was also reviewed positively by critics, receiving the award for "Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album of the Year" at the American Music Awards in 1991.

    Friend of the show Greg Lyon sits in for Bruce and brings us this excellent glam metal album of the late 80's for this week's podcast.

    Dr. Feelgood

    This title track peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Mötley Crüe's most successful single to date.  The song about a drug dealer chronicles the connection between LA Rock and drug use.  It has an infectious funky riff and a more sophisticated production which departs from earlier Mötley Crüe efforts.

    Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)

    The softer approach of this power ballad song are betrayed by its adolescent lyrics.  Bassist Nikki Sixx was inspired by a movie line to make this sarcastic song. It's tongue in cheek lyrics and reference to earlier Crüe songs make it a favorite at their live shows.  like fire, don't you ever take my name in vain."

    Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.)

    This fifth single released from the album tells a comedic story of a boy meeting two girls, and by the end of the song the boy has been passed over while the two girls end up together.  Many of  Mötley Crüe's songs had lighter, humorous lyrics, which contributed to their appeal.

    Kickstart My Heart

    Do not play this song when driving through a speed trap!  The song is not about a relationship, but about Nikki Sixx's heroin overdose.  Sixx was clinically dead, requiring the paramedic to inject adrenaline into his heart to get it beating again.  This single reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100.   

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Welcome Home by Willie Nelson (from the motion picture “Welcome Home”)

    This film starred Kris Kristofferson as a Vietnam War vet returning to his family after a 20-year absence.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    New Orleans Is Sinking by the Tragically Hip

    Wayne turns to the college rock genre to start off our staff picks.  The Tragically Hip is better known in their native Canada than in the US, but their music is well worth a listen.  This song was recorded in Memphis, and has a delta blues feel, almost rockabilly.  The song was temporarily removed from radio playlists after hurricane Katrina broke the levies and flooded New Orleans.  

    Wait for You by Bonham

    If you think that this song sounds like Led Zeppelin, you aren't the only one.  Rob features Jason Bonham's band.  Jason Bonham was the son of the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham.  Jason Bonham has a playing style very similar to his father, and recruited Daniel McMaster to the band on vocals - a singer with a sound very similar to Zeppelin front man Robert Palmer.  This is the main single from the debut album, "The Disregard of Timekeeping." 

    Poison by Alice Cooper

    Lynch brings us a song from Cooper's eighteenth album, "Trash."  This song was a major comeback single for Cooper, his first top 10 single in the US in 12 years.  The song tells the story of a guy entrapped by a girl that he knows is wrong for him, but also someone he can't let go.

    Down Boys by Warrant 

    Greg finishes the staff picks with another hair metal band.  This is the debut single from Warrant's debut album, "Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich."  It reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.  

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Stand On It by Jeff Beck with Terry Bozzio and Tony Hymas

    We close out with a guitar instrumental from guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck, accompanied by drummer Terry Bozzio and keyboardist Tony Hymas.

    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.

    45 min
  • 1967 - March: Bob Dylan “Bob Dylan’s Greatest Hits”

    One of the greatest songwriters of the 60's, Bob Dylan had released seven solo albums between 1962 and 1966.  Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits compiles many of the singles from this period along with some of the songs Dylan wrote for other musicians.  The compilation went to number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, number 3 on the UK album chart, and has been certified five times platinum by the RIAA.

    In the summer of 1966, Dylan crashed his motorcycle near his home, and took off time to recover.  The record company was anxious to follow up Dylan's successful "Blonde on Blonde" album, but had no new recordings available, and no clarity on how long Dylan would be out of the studio.  Thus the decision to release a Greatest Hits album was an easy one for them.  

    Born Robert Allen Zimmerman in Duluth, Minnesota, the stage name comes from the poet Dylan Thomas.  Bob Dylan rose out of the Beatnik coffee houses, and he took inspiration from a wide variety of sources including Woodie Guthrie, Hank Williams, and blues artists like Robert Johnson.  He has the unusual distinction of having won a Nobel Prize in Literature. 

    Wayne takes us through this iconic folk rock compilation album, and friend of the show Greg Lyon joins us in Bruce's absence for this week's podcast.

     

    Positively 4th Street

    This non-album single was released in 1965 between the "Highway 61 Revisited" album and the "Blonde on Blonde" album, and reached the top 10 on charts in both the US and the UK.  The lyrics are laden with bitterness, as the singer laments the lack of compassion in a person who "has a lot of nerve to say you are my friend."  An inspiration for this song could have been the reaction Dylan received from folk artists and fans when he "went electric."

    Blowin' in the Wind

    While Dylan released this as a single in 1963, the most successful version of this song was the cover by Peter, Paul and Mary in the same year.  This well-known protest song asks a number of questions in its lyrics, most focused on issues of peace and freedom.  Whether an answer "blowin' in the wind" is obvious or difficult to grasp is left deliberately ambiguous.  

    The Times They Are a-Changin'

    This is the title track to Dylan's 1964 album.  It is iconic today as a commentary on society in general and 1960's society in particular.  The number of groups that have covered this song is vast, including such diverse names as Joan Baez, the Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Burl Ives.

    Subterranean Homesick Blues

    A number of things make this song famous, from the early video style to the rapid lyric pace, to the inspiration for the name of the domestic terrorist group of the 70's, the Weather Underground ("you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows").  Dylan claims inspiration from Chuck Berry and the scat songs of the 1940's in the creation of this track.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Sitting There Standing by the Chocolate Watchband (from the motion picture "Riot on the Sunset Strip")

    This counterculture movie came out during this time, sporting a soundtrack that may be better than the film itself.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Detroit City by Tom Jones

    Rob starts the staff picks with a slow blues number originally written by Mel Tillis.  Jones cover of this country song originally released by Bobby Bare is about being lonely and homesick on the road.  Jones' version went to number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100.  

    I'll Be Doggone by Marvin Gaye

    Lynch brings us an upbeat tune which is the first song on which he collaborated with Smokey Robinson.  The lyrics tell the singer's girlfriend that if she cheats on him he'll be (dog)gone.  This was a big time for the Motown sound.

    Can't Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley

    Special guest Greg's staff pick is an iconic ballad by the King.  Recorded for the movie "Blue Hawaii" in 1961, it was on the charts in 1962, but has been popular ever since.  Elvis was a great inspiration for Greg's life and musicianship.

    Action Woman by the Litter

    Wayne features an early garage band with a fuzzy feel.  It is a good early example of psychedelic music, and chronicles a man's search for a woman of action - a more active girlfriend.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Music to Watch Girls By by the Bob Crewe Generation

    This is a great song title with which to finish off the podcast - or ride in an elevator! 

    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.

    31 min
  • 1986 - April: Metallica ”Master of Puppets”

    A number of bands seem to turn a corner with their third album, and Master of Puppets is no exception.  Metallica's third album would achieve both critical and commercial success, crossing out of the new thrash metal sub-genre of hard rock to achieve multi-platinum recognition.  Lead singer and rhythm guitarist James Hetfield collaborated with drummer Lars Ulrich as the principal songwriters, creating riffs that were assembled and reassembled over time until they formed a song.  The band would then be called in to create a tile and topic for the song, at which point Hetfield would create the lyrics.

    Master of Puppets peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.  Although glam metal was on the rise, the band avoided the over-produced, synth-laden sound popular in the era, and stuck to their signature thrash metal sound with political lyrics.  The resulting album would consolidate the thrash metal scene, and bring the sound into a more mainstream audience.

    Unfortunately, the album would also be the last one for which bassist Cliff Burton would be featured.  Burton died in September 1986 while the band was on tour in Sweden, and their bus was involved in an accident.

    Metallica would become a huge group from the late 80's onward, and this album shows the strength of the group in those years when they were just coming into the consciousness of the commercial world.

    Lynch brings us this highly influential thrash metal album.  Fans of the Show Julie Doran and son Zack join us in Wayne's absence for today's podcast.

     

    Welcome Home (Sanitarium)

    The song that concludes side 1 of the album was inspired by Ken Kesey's novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."  The lyrics portray the thoughts of a mental patient incorrectly institutionalized in an asylum.  The track starts slow and picks up steam as it goes.  

    Battery

    This title could be a reflection of the charge of assault and battery, or it could be inspired by the military hardware of an artillery battery.  There is also a connection to the original San Francisco thrash scene, centered on the Old Waldorf club on Battery Street.  Control of violent urges is a connection that runs through the piece regardless of the original inspiration.

    Master of Puppets

    Cocaine addiction is the master of puppets referenced in this title track.  Hetfield had friends experiencing drug addiction, and wrote this track from the perspective of the drug itself, taking over the lives of people.  This will be a familiar song to fans of "Stranger Things."

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Loved By the Sun by Jon Anderson and Tangerine Dream (from the motion picture “Legend”)

    This fantasy film starring Tom Cruise and Mia Sara was in the theaters at this time.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Your Wildest Dreams by the Moody Blues

    Rob starts off the staff picks with a song that singer and guitarist Justin Heyward wrote while thinking back on his first love.  It hit number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, making this song the biggest commercial success for the Moody Blues since "Knights in White Satin."

    Mothers Talk by Tears for Fears

    Bruce's staff pick was inspired by a mom telling her kids that when they make faces, they will freeze that way.  It is also inspired by an anti-nuclear cartoon called "When the Wind Blows" by Raymond Briggs.  The song was written by Roland Orzabal and Ian Stanley, and first performed in 1983.  It went to number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

    Kiss by Prince & the Revolution

    Julie features a chart topping hit and lead single from Prince's eighth studio album, "Parade."  The song is more acoustic and stripped down than prior Prince hits, and Warner Bros. didn't want to release it as a single.  However, Prince insisted on both its inclusion on the album and its release as a single.

    Addicted to Love by Robert Palmer

    Lynch closes out the staff picks with a song that may be more famous for its video featuring models pretending to play the instruments.  Palmer originally wanted to sing this song as a duet with Chaka Kahn, but was prevented from doing so by legal issues.  

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Songbird by Kenny G.

    You just can't go wrong with a sax as we close out today'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.

    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.

    48 min
  • Rocking Halloween III - A What the Riff Rabbit Hole

    What The Riff?!? makes another scary trip down the Halloween rabbit hole with these theme songs, movie and TV music, and rock songs with a bent towards the macabre.  We hope you enjoy this third edition of "Halloween" from What the Riff?!? 

    Highway to Hell by AC/DC  The opening track to the 1979 album of the same name features Bon Scott on his last album as lead singer of the group before his untimely death.  The name of the song was inspired by the group's gruesome touring schedule.

    Shout at the Devil by Motley Crue  The Crue's 1983 breakthrough album of the same name would establish them as one of the most successful metal bands of the 80's.  The song was controversial, with many believing that it encouraged devil worship, though the lyrics themselves do not explicitly do so.

    Disarm by The Smashing Pumpkins  Off their breakout album "Siamese Dream," this song references "the killer in me is the killer in you" is inspired by Billy Corgan's contemplation of his negligent parents and suicide.  The lyrics "cut that little child" caused the song to be banned by the BBC.

    Demons by Imagine Dragons  This song off Imagine Dragons' major label debut studio album became their second top 10 single.  It is really not about demons in the Halloween sense, but more the tragedies of life like abuse, PTSD, and mental illness.

    Voodoo by Godsmack  The third single from Godsmack's self-titled debut album was inspired by Wes Craven's film “The Serpent and the Rainbow.”  This song became Dave Bautista's theme song as Leviathan when he was in the WWE.  

    Mommy's Little Monster by Social Distortion  The title track from Social Distortion's debut album tells a horror tale of a kid becoming a punk rocker.  It is another song about dealing with personal demons rather than the supernatural. 

    Witch Wolf by Styx  Early in their career Styx put out this song to lead off their third album, “The Serpent is Rising.”  James Young takes lead vocal duties on this song that tells about a person accursed by a creature called the witch wolf, and night rider.

    Dragula by Rob Zombie  The lead single from Rob Zombie's debut album may be his biggest hit.  The audio clip at the beginning of the song is taken from the 1960 horror film “The City of the Dead.”  The name comes from the TV sitcom "The Munsters," where Grandpa Munster has a dragster called "Drag-u-la."

    The theme to the TV series "Twilight Zone" This menagerie of bizarre tales from the early days of TV still has staying power in our sci-fi culture. 

    Sympathy for the Devil by the Rolling Stones  Mick Jagger walks us through a discussion with Old Scratch himself in this well-known classic from the Stones' catalogue.  The idea is a narrative from Satan's point of view as he reviews historical events.

    That Old Black Magic by Frank Sinatra  Old Blue Eyes gave us this romantic song with a Halloween bent.  It was a jazz classic originally written in 1942 with lyrics penned by Johnny Mercer.  Love is "that old black magic" in this tune.

    Night of the Vampire by Roky Erickson  From this cult classic album "The Evil One," this song is one of a plethora of horror-oriented tracks on the album.  Erickson spent a significant amount of time in mental institutions.

    The Kill (Bury Me) by Thirty Seconds to Mars  Jared Leto, front man for the group (and perhaps better known as an actor today), has said this song is about the relationship you have with yourself, and confronting the dark side of who you are.

    Take Me to Church by Hozier  This haunting hit song compares falling in love with a kind of death, and compares the lover to a kind of religion.

    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.

    51 min

About What the Riff Next Gen

From the publisher's feed

Every episode of “WHAT THE RIFF NEXT GEN” brings a ROCK AND ROLL album that debuted on the U.S. Billboard charts during a random month between 1995 and 2005. Four Classic Rock fans discuss the artist and 4 tracks from the album as it plays in the background. Then we riff on 3 additional “staff picks” of other artists that were also on the charts during that month and year. You’ll hear Classic Rock bands that were still producing new work, as well as some newer Alternative and Grunge bands that were gaining momentum during this Millennium Y2K Period. We encourage you to find and purchase the tracks and albums from Apple Music, Spotify or your other favorite music service. Please subscribe so you don’t miss any release! In addition to “Next Gen” you can search our ORIGINAL “What the Riff?!?” episodes (1-373) covering 1965 - 1995. We also invite you to follow us and learn more about us @whattheriff on Facebook.

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