What the Riff Next Gen

By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John LynchMusic Music Commentary

What the Riff Next Gen episodes

August 12, 2024 1980 - April: Styx “Cornerstone”
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.
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.
41 min
August 05, 2024 1987 - December: Def Leppard “Hysteria”
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.
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
July 29, 2024 1974 - August: Little Feat “Feats Don’t Fail Me Now”
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.
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.
38 min
July 22, 2024 1990 - November: Megadeth “Rust In Peace”
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.
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.
49 min
July 15, 2024 1972 - July: Leon Russell “Carney”
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.
34 min
July 08, 2024 1981 - November: Rick James “Street Songs”
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.
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.
37 min
July 01, 2024 1971 - August: The Who “Who’s Next”
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.
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.
46 min
June 24, 2024 1965 - October: The Beatles ”Rubber Soul”
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.
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.
29 min
June 17, 2024 1992 - March: The Cure “Wish”
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.
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
June 10, 2024 1970 - August: Creedence Clearwater Revival ”Cosmo’s Factory”
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.
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

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.

Share What the Riff Next Gen

Sign up to save your podcasts

What the Riff Next Gen

What the Riff Next Gen episodes

About What the Riff Next Gen

More shows like What the Riff Next Gen

Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia