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

  • 1989 - July: The B-52’s “Cosmic Thing”

    Because all of us presenters live in Georgia it is hard for us to believe that Cosmic Thing, the fifth studio album from The B-52's was the international breakthrough album.  We had been listening to “Rock Lobster” and “Private Idaho” for about a decade before this album came out.  But much of the B-52's discography was confined to college radio stations outside of their home state.  Cosmic Thing would really put the group on the map nationally and internationally.

    This album was also a comeback for the group.  The original group consisted of Fred Schneider on vocals, Kate Pierson on vocals and keyboard, Cindy Wilson on vocals and tambourine, Ricky Wilson on guitars, and Keith Strickland on percussion.  Ricky Wilson died of AIDS in October 1985, and hadn't told the band other than Keith Strickland that he had the then-terminal disease because he didn't want anyone worrying or fussing over him.  His death devastated the group, particularly his sister, Cindy Wilson.  The band did not tour to promote their 1985 album release “Bouncing off the Satellites,” nor did they put out any new music until 1989.

    When they got back together they decided to remain a foursome.  Keith Strickland moved to guitar and they brought in session drummers to fill in.  It took about a year to compose the songs from this album, with the group spending a lot of time working through their grief in the loss of Ricky Wilson.  The resulting album, however, was a tremendous success, with two songs breaking into the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the first songs of the group to do so.

    Bruce brings us this comeback album in this week's podcast.

     

    Love Shack

    This has become the B-52's signature song.  It went to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 - the group's first top 40 hit.  The inspiration for this song was partly an African American club outside Athens, Georgia, called the “Hawaiian Ha-Le.”  It was a place that looked like a shack from the outside, but hosted a great selection of bands.

    Cosmic Thing

    The title track and lead-off song to the album preceded the album by a few months.  It was released on the soundtrack to the film “Earth Girls Are Easy.”  It is also known as “(Shake That) Cosmic Thing.”

    Channel Z

    A deeper cut , this track has a little more political feel.  It discusses the changes happening in the world, along with pollution, radiation, and other concerns.  “Space junk, laser bombs, ozone holes, better put up my umbrella!”  The band never lost their dance connection, with songs leaning more towards party and less towards politics.

    Roam

    The second big hit leads off side 2, and also went to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson duet on this song, making it the only vocal track on the album in which Fred Schneider doesn't have a vocal.  It was the second and final US top-10 hit for the group.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    It Had to Be You by Harry Connick, Jr. (from the motion picture “When Harry Met Sally”)

    Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan star in this romantic comedy, with Harry Connick, Jr. providing most of the soundtrack.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    I'll Be You by the Replacements

    Wayne features a Minnesota band which got their start in the punk genre before moving to alternative rock.  This song plays in the bachelor party in the 1996 comedy “Jerry Maguire.”  The replacements formed in 1979, and it would be 10 years before this song would be their sole entry into the top 100, peaking at number 51.

    Free Fallin' by Tom Petty

    Lynch's staff pick is a big hit off Petty's solo album “Full Moon Fever.”  This song documents the feelings that a guy has after breaking up with his girl.  Petty has ELO founder and fellow Traveling Wilburys member Jeff Lynne joining him on this single, providing synthesizer, bass, acoustic guitar, and backing vocals.

    Lay Your Hands On Me  by Bon Jovi

    Rob brings us an epic rock song from Jon Bon Jovi off the album “New Jersey.” This one hit number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, the fourth single from the album to break into the top 10 on the pop charts.  Dolly Parton covered this single in 2014, rearranged as a gospel song.

    If Dirt Were Dollars by Don Henley

    Bruce closes out the staff picks with a deeper cut off Henley's massive album “End of the Innocence.” Never one to shy away from politics and culture, Henley rails in this track against materialism, hypocrisy, false patriotism, and hubris.  “These days the buck stops nowhere, no one takes the blame.  But evil is still evil in anybody's name.”

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    It Had to Be You by Harry Connick, Jr.

    We double dip on the Entertainment track to end this week's podcast, as Connick did a vocal and instrumental version of this classic song. 

    Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”

    NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.

    Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.

    Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!

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

    43 min
  • 1969 - October: Johnny Cash “Original Golden Hits, Volume I and II”

    Johnny Cash was a prolific hitmaker in the mid 50's to early 60's.  In the late 60's  he released a couple of live albums which had crossover appeal:  "Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison," and "Johnny Cash at San Quentin."  By 1969, Johnny Cash had become an international musical success, selling more records than the Beatles at the time.

    Cash had left his original label, Sun Records, back in 1958.  However, he had left an extensive catalogue of songs with Sam Phillips at Sun.  Given his success and the upcoming Johnny Cash TV show, Sun Records decided it would be a good time to release a compilation of his earlier hits from 1954 through 1958.  This compilation was released on two albums, "Original Golden Hits, Volume I" and "Original Golden Hits, Volume II," which reached numbers 4 and 3 on the US Country charts respectively.  

    Cash would go on to fame in TV and film in the 70's, and would continue recording up until his death in 2003.

    While not strictly rock music, the Man in Black was an icon of American music and an inspiration for many in country, rock, and pop genres.  It is also a special memory for Wayne, as he listened to this  8-track as he traveled with his father out of California to Alabama.

    Wayne takes us through this greatest hits album for today's podcast.

     

    Home of the Blues

    The inspiration for this song was the "Home of the Blues" record shop on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee.  The store which was open from the late 40's until the mid 70's was a place he used to hang out, buy records, and meet other musicians. 

    Hey Porter

    This is Cash's first recorded song.  The setting is just after World War II, and the song focuses on a man returning home from overseas who feels elated to be returning to his native South, the last leg of which is by train.  Note that there is no percussion in this song, but Cash played his guitar with dampened strings to acquire a percussive effect.

    I Walk the Line

    Johnny Cash's first number 1 hit on the Billboard country charts eventually crossed over to the US pop charts, reaching number 17 and selling over 2 million copies in the United States.  The lyrics reflect temptations and the need to be accountable for your actions.  The frequent key changes make this song distinctive.

    Get Rhythm

    This was the B-side to "I Walk the Line."  It was re-released in 1969 as an A-side, and went to number 60 on the Billboard pop chart.  

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Main theme from the television series “Fat Albert”

    The origin of Bill Cosby's animated series was an animated primetime television special that first aired on NBC on November 12, 1969. 

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Birthday by Underground Sunshine

    Rob starts off the staff picks with a cover of the Beatles song by a group from Wisconsin.  The band had been around for a few years, but this cover helped them attain greater success.  Their cover made it to number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100.  

    Down on the Corner by Credence Clearwater Revival

    Lynch's staff pick is one of the best known songs by CCR.  The song talks about a band called "Willy and the Poor Boys" playing in the street for spare change.  It went to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 by the end of 1969.  

    I Can't Get Next to You by The Temptations 

    Bruce gets us all moving with the number 1 single from David Ruffin, Melvin Franklin, Otis Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and Paul Williams - better known as The Temptations.  This was the second of four number 1 hits from the group, and was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong for the Motown label. 

    I'm Tired by Savoy Brown

    Wayne's staff pick charted at number 74 on the top 100, and has a very heavy electric blues feel.  Three members of this group out of London would go on to form Foghat.  The group's name came from American Blues label Savoy Records - a name that had an elegant sound.  "Brown" was added as an extremely plain word that contrasted nicely with the elegance of "Savoy."

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Treat by Santana

    Santana would produce a number of excellent instrumental hits during his decades in the rock scene, and this one is from his debut album.

    Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”

    NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.

    Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.

    Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!

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

    28 min
  • 1979 - June: Journey “Evolution”

    We've already covered a couple of Journey albums.  Episode 250 profiled "Infinity," the introduction of Steve Perry to the group.  And episode 26 delved into arguably the high water mark for Journey, the album "Escape."  Here we take a look at the band as they are in their transition into one of the world's biggest rock bands.

    The appropriately-titled album Evolution is Journey's fifth studio album.  Here we find Steve Perry settling in as front man while still sharing lead vocal duties with keybaordist Gregg Rolie.  They have also replaced drummer Aynsley Dunbar with Steve Smith, previously with Ronnie Montrose's band.  The band is continuing to explore a more radio-friendly sound.  The lineup for this band includes Perry, Rolie, and Dunbar, along with Neil Schon on guitar, and Ross Valory on bass.

    At the time, "Evolution" was the band's most successful album, and it reached number 20 on the Billboard 200 chart.  It also featured their first single to enter the top 20.  The album was actually released in March of 1979, but was recorded in the fall of 1978.  We're featuring it in January of 1979 because - well - that's where we were able to fit it in.

    Brian rejoins us in todays podcast to sub for an absent Wayne, and to profile this album. 

    Too Late

    A deeper cut written by Perry and Schon, this song was written about a friend from Steve Perry's hometown who was wrestling with addiction to drugs.  It was a plea to get out of town and the surroundings that fed his addiction before it was too late to break the chains of addiction.

    Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'

    The biggest hit from the album is a slow rocker with a shuffle beat.  It hit number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November of 1979, the group's first foray into the top 20.  The song is based on a true story about a cheating woman who finds out that turnabout is fair play - and that cheating on a songwriter can result in your being memorialized in a song.

    City of the Angels

    While they were known as a San Francisco band, this album track pays homage to Los Angeles.  It was written by Perry, Schon and Rolie.  On the album, "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" immediately leads into this track, and you will occasionally hear these played together on album-oriented stations and satellite radio.

    Just the Same Way

    This single finds Gregg Rolie taking turns with Perry on lead vocals.  It was written by Rolie, Schon, and Ross Valory, making it the only song on the album not written or co-written by Steve Perry.  It is an infatuation song, with a great call-and-answer in the chorus between Rolie and Perry.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    The Pink Panther Theme by Henry Mancini

    The Saturday morning cartoon show with a silent protagonist, "The Pink Panther," ended its run after 10 years.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Gold by John Stewart

    Lynch's staff pick is a top 5 hit from John Stewart's album "Bombs Away Dream Babies," his first solo top 40 hit.  Both Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks contributed to the album, and Nicks provides backing vocals on this song.  The vocals describe the dark, cynical side of the recording industry.

    Planet Claire by The B-52's

    Rob brings us a musical interpretation of a B-rated sci-fi movie.  Once the instrumental and sound-effects - with a Peter Gunn-inspired beat - give way to Fred Schneider's vocals, we find that the girl is from Planet Claire, drives a Plymouth Satellite, and "some say she's from Mars, or one of the seven stars that shine after 3:30 in the morning.  Well, she isn't!"

    Dance the Night Away by Van Halen 

    Bruce features the first US top 20 hit by Van Halen.  This song is unusual because it is the only song on the "Van Halen II" album that originated in the studio rather than as a song the group had honed on tour for a long time.  It also downplays Eddie Van Halen's guitar virtuosity and brings up the vocal harmonies.  Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" was an inspiration for this single.

    Rock n Roll Fantasy by Bad Company

    Brian's staff pick was written by Bad Co. front man Paul Rogers, and reflects the truth that Rock music is escapism, a fantasy to take you away from the stress of the everyday world for a bit.  It was the lead single from the album "Desolation Angels."  While not their highest charting single, it is their best selling single.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Main Theme from the motion picture "Alien"

    The disturbing soundtrack was one element of what made this sci-fi horror film so creepy.

    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
  • 1982 - February: Duran Duran ”Rio”

    Did MTV make Duran Duran, or did Duran Duran make MTV?  Perhaps a little of both.  What is beyond doubt is that Rio, the band's second studio album, would propel Duran Duran into a worldwide new wave and dance phenomenon, and would be a major offensive of the Second British Invasion in the United States.

    Duran Duran had found success in the UK with their self-titled debut album in 1981, and expectations were high for the group.  Rio would find the band leaning heavily on upbeat tracks, a couple of synth-heavy ballads, and more experimentation with musical sounds and instruments than their first album.  Many tracks also had accompanying videos, leaning into the MTV market.  The photogenic appeal of the band also bolstered the popularity of their videos.

    Critics were neutral to negative on the album when released, but the commercial appeal was stunning.  Duran Duran would dominate American charts from the back half of 1982 throughout 1983, and the band would become an icon of 1980's music.

    The album was released in May of 1982, but was recorded in January through March of 1982, resulting in our placement of the album in this month. 

    Brian joins us in Wayne's absence, while Rob brings us this iconic New Wave album for today's podcast

    Rio

    The title track was the third single released from the album.  Bassist John Taylor came up with the title, reflecting optimism and an exotic feel for the album.  Sounds at the start of the song were created by throwing small metal rods onto the strings of a grand piano.  Andy Hamilton is the saxophone soloist on this track.

    New Religion

    This deeper cut leads off side two of the album, and is a dialogue between the ego and the alter-ego, featuring conflicting voices in the chorus.  The song is a bit darker than others on the album.  "I'm talking for free, I can't stop myself - It's a new religion.  I've something to see, I can't help myself - It's a new religion."

    Last Chance  on the Stairway

    Another deeper cut, the lyrics to this song talk about taking chances and testing limits.  "And please don't say leave till later, I've had my last chance on the stairway."

    Save a Prayer

    This ballad was Duran Duran's biggest hit in the UK at the time, though not originally released as a single in the US.  The lyrics depict two strangers falling into a one-night stand, living in the moment and letting the consequences wait for a later time.  The synthesizers create a beautiful but haunting sonic landscape.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Main Theme from the motion picture “The Thing”

    Not to be confused with the Fantastic Four character, this John Carpenter film depicts a research team in Antarctica encountering a hostile extraterrestrial who can assimilate then imitate humans.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Leather and Lace by Don Henley and Stevie Nicks 

    Brian brings us a duet from alumni of the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac.  Stevie Nicks wrote this song about a relationship between two very different individuals, based on her own experiences in relationships with both Don Henley and fellow Fleetwood Mac member Lindsey Buckingham.

    Love is Like a Rock by Donnie Iris

    Bruce features the second single from Iris's second album, "King Cool."  It has an infectious riff.  It went to number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song originated as an instrumental jam, with lyrics added afterwards.

    Physical by Olivia Newton-John 

    While Lynch takes some grief for bringing such a pop song into this rock broadcast, the single was a monster hit in the 80's.  While the video would portray scenes of exercise in the gym, the lyrics were considered much more sexual and controversial at the time.

    Addicted by Le Roux 

    Rob closes out the staff picks with a rocking hit lost in time.  Le Roux is a band from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  Roux is a cajun thickening base for gumbo.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    I Advance Masked by Andy Summers & Robert Fripp

    Police guitarist Andy Summers and long time King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp had this instrumental rock track out on which we end the 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
  • 1979 - February: “Saturday Night Fever” Soundtrack

    OK, it isn't rock music, but the Soundtrack to "Saturday Night Fever" was a tremendously successful album both commercially and critically, and it had a major impact in popular culture of the later 70's.  The theatrical release of the movie actually went back to December of 1977, but it was the winner of the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in February 1979, one of only three soundtrack albums to do so.  Composed by the Bee Gees and prominently featuring that band, this soundtrack is the second-best selling of all time behind "The Bodyguard."  

    The Bee Gees actually didn't get involved with the film until it was in post-production.  John Travolta was dancing to Stevie Wonder and Boz Scaggs when the scenes were filmed.  Columbia Records refused legal clearance for Scaggs material because they were pursuing another disco movie at the time, and the Bee Gees were commissioned to write the songs for the film.  The brothers Gibb wrote the songs primarily in a single weekend.  

    The resulting success would change the trajectory of both the Bee Gees and actor John Travolta.  The Bee Gees would become a group often compared to the Beatles in the late 70's.  Travolta, already well known for his role in the television series "Welcome Back, Kotter," would become an A-list celebrity and a household name.

    In 2013 the album was added to the National Recording Registry in the Library of Congress for preservation.

    Lynch is responsible for this travesty, as the other participants do so under protest.  Support your local rock band, folks!

     

    Night Fever

    This song was originally called "Saturday Night," but Robin Gibb was concerned about that name because of the number of songs already bearing the name.  "Night Fever" was inspired by Percy Faith's "Theme from 'A Summer Place'", and it spent 8 weeks at the top of the Billboard charts.

    How Deep Is Your Love

    This pop ballad was released in September of 1977, ahead of the movie.  It had hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 by Christmas Day of 1977, remained there for 3 weeks, and spent 17 total weeks in the top 10.  Barry Gibb has commented that this is his favorite Bee Gees song.  It won Best Pop Performance by a Group at the February 1978 Grammy awards.

    You Should Be Dancing

    Prior to their involvement with the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack, the Bee Gees first released this track on their album "Children of the World" in 1976.  This is the song playing when Travolta takes over the disco dance floor. 

    Jive Talkin'

    Here is another song that had been previously issued before the soundtrack was released.  The lead single from the album "Main Course" was released in May 1975, long before "Saturday Night Fever."  The song was originally called "Drive Talking," and the rhythm was inspired by the sound the band's car made crossing the Julia Tuttle Causeway as they traveled to the studio in Miami.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Dancing Queen by ABBA

    A mockumentary called "ABBA:  The Movie" was in the theatres at this time in the U.S.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Is She Really Going Out with Him by Joe Jackson

    Wayne gets the staff picks going with a song that asks why good looking women date horrible men.  Joe Jackson is often confused with Elvis Costello, another artist releasing albums at the time.  This is Jackson's debut single from his debut album, "Look Sharp."

    The Gambler by Kenny Rogers

    Bruce brings us Kenny Roger's signature song.  Songwriter Don Schlitz wrote this song in 1976 and it was recorded by several musicians including Johnny Cash before Rogers took it to number 1 on the country charts and number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The gambler looks through life through the lens of poker, knowing "every hand's a winner, and every hand's a loser," and of course "you've got to know then to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em."

    Stumblin' In by Chris Norman and Suzi Quatro

    Rob's staff pick is the sole top 40 hit by female rock pioneer Suzi Quatro, and Norman's only hit outside of his previous band, Smokie.  This duet made it to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Both singers have a smoky vocal sound.

    Do You Think I'm Sexy? by Rod Stewart

    Lynch notes Stewart's ability to surf the waves of popularity with this staff pick.  While Rod Stewart honed his craft in the rock genre, he achieved both popularity and notoriety with his polarizing choice of embracing disco music in the late 70's.  Today this song remains one of his most popular tunes.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Pegasus by The Allman Brothers Band

    The Allman Brothers were decidedly NOT a disco band in this instrumental jam.

    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
  • 1970 - December: Three Dog Night “Naturally”

    By the end of 1970 Three Dog Night was in the middle of their most prolific and successful period of their career.  The group would land 21 Billboard Top 40 hits between 1969 and 1975 with three of these taking the top slot.  The group was formed by three vocalists in 1967 - Chuck Negron, Cory Wells, and Danny Hutton.  The other members of the band for this album are Mike Allsup on guitar, Joe Schermie on bass, Jimmy Greenspoon on keyboards, and Floyd Sneed on drums.  All of the instrumentalists in the band also provide backing vocals on at least one of the songs from the album.

    Naturally is the fifth album from the band and the second released in 1970.  Three singles from the album entered the Billboard top 20, with "Joy to the World" topping the charts.  As with contemporaries like the Beach Boys and Crosby, Stills, and Nash, you get an abundance of vocal harmonies with Three Dog Night.  Given the origins with three vocalists, perhaps this is not surprising.

    Three Dog Night takes its name from the Australian Outback, and how the Aborigines would keep warm at night by sleeping with a dingo - dogs native to the continent.  A very cold evening would be known as a three-dog night.  While the group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2000, they have not yet been inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Much of their work was composed by others, and this has been used as an excuse for their lack of recognition.

    Three Dog Night continues to produce music today, though Danny Hutton is the only original member still with the group.  

    Wayne takes us through this album for today's podcast.

     

    One Man Band

    The first single released from the album went to number 19 on the Billboard charts.  The lyrics describe a man who wants to be the only one for his lover - her one man band.  There are great close harmonies and work on the Hammond organ in this one.

    Joy to the World

    The big hit from the album went to number 1 on the Billboard charts and remained there for six weeks.  It was not expected to be a hit, but was instead expected to just be a "filler" song for the album with nonsensical but catchy lyrics.  Singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor Hoyt Axton wrote the song.  Chuck Negron is the lead singer on this hit.

    Liar

    Russ Ballard of Argent wrote this song, and released it as Argent's first single off their self-titled album.  While that version did not chart, the Three Dog Night rendition went to number 7 on the Billboard charts, benefitting from its release after their number 1 hit with "Joy to the World."  The haunting lyrics describe a relationship in trouble.

    I Can Hear You Calling

    This song leads off the album and appears as the B-side to "Joy to the World," but was never released as a single itself.  The funky grooves feature heavy use of the Hammond organ and a big drum beat.  The lyrics reflect a person who keeps getting called on the phone by a lover he has left behind.  

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Main theme from the television series “H.R. Pufnstuf”

    This odd children's show from Sid and Marty Krofft left the airwaves in October 1970. 

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Fire and Rain by James Taylor

    Rob starts off the staff picks with this soft rock hit.  Taylor wrote the song after the suicide of a friend.  It was the second single from Taylor's second album, "Sweet Baby James."   It peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

    It Don't Matter to Me by Bread

    Bruce brings us another soft hit.  Bread was a soft rock group formed and fronted by David Gates, along with Jimmy Griffin and Rob Royer.  Gates, a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, ran in the same circles as Leon Russell in Tulsa bar bands before moving to California.  The song reflects an openness in the singer's relationship, wanting only the best for his love.

    Knock Three Times by Dawn 

    Lynch features a group which would later be known as Tony Orlando and Dawn.  Orlando was working as an executive at April-Blackwood Music, and released the song without listing his name to protect his position from accusations of a conflict of interest.  The song went to number 1.  The lyrics reflect a secret romance between a man and his neighbor from the floor below.

    Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go by Bettye LaVette

    Wayne's staff pick is a bit of a James Brown song with a female voice.  Bettye LaVette came out of Detroit but was signed by Atlantic Records rather than their competitors in Detroit, Motown Records.  LaVette is a long time singer of blues, soul, and R&B starting in the early 60's and continuing today.  This song is about letting loose and having a good time living in the moment.

     

    COMEDY TRACK:

    Bridget the Midget by Ray Stevens

    We wrap up the podcast with the comedy stylings of Ray Stevens singing about Bridget the Midget, the Queen of the Blues.

    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
  • 1975 - October: E.L.O. “Face the Music”

    The Electric Light Orchestra, also known as E.L.O., was formed in Birmingham in 1970 by multi-instrumentalists Jeff Lynne and Roy Wood, and by percussionist Bev Bevan.  Wood was in a band called the Move in 1968 and had the idea of a new band which would feature classical instruments more prominently than the guitars, hoping to "pick up where the Beatles left off."  He recruited Lynne to the cause in 1970.  Wood would leave the band in 1972 at which point Lynne would be the leader of the band, producing and arranging all the albums and writing most of the songs.

    Face the Music was ELO's fifth studio album, and the one which would be their real worldwide breakthrough.  The album moved away from the large-scale orchestral pieces and contained more single-friendly material.  It would be the first ELO album to go Platinum.   The band at the time consisted of multi-instrumentalist and creative heart Jeff Lynne, Bev Bevan on percussion, Richard Tandy on keyboard, Kelly Groucutt on bass and vocals, Mik Kaminski on violin, Hugh McDowell on cello, and Melvyn Gale on cello.  Louis Clark was the conductor of the orchestra and did some of the orchestral and choral arrangements along with Lynne and Tandy.

    We're catching ELO on their way up with this album.  The band would hit the pinnacle of their success with 1977's double album "Out of the Blue."  In 1986 Lynne would leave the group to pursue other projects, while Bevan would form the group "ELO, part II," eventually renamed "The Orchestra."  Lynne would reform the group as Jeff Lynne's ELO  along with Richard Tandy in 2014.

    Bruce presents this symphonic rock album in this week's podcast.

     

    Fire On High

    The opening track is a largely instrumental piece.  Drummer Bev Bevan is vocalizing the backward lyrics, "The music is reversible but time is not.  Turn back, turn back, turn back, turn back!"  Lynne had received criticism from some fundamentalist groups about backward masking on the El Dorado album, and this is his joking response.  The song's mix of symphony with rock and roll was played at home games for the Atlanta Thrashers hockey team.

    Strange Magic

    This was the second single from the album and features keyboardist Richard Tandy playing the guitar part while Lynne plays a 12-string acoustic fed through a phase shifter.  It went to number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.

    Nightrider

    While this is a deeper cut, it actually was released as a single and just didn't chart.  Bassist Kelly Groucutt takes turns with Jeff Lynne to provide lead vocals on this song.  The title was also the title of Lynne's first major band prior to forming ELO. 

    Evil Woman

    This song about a bad woman is the first single and the big hit off the album.  As seems common with many hit singles, it was originally written as a filler track to give the album a longer runtime with no thought to its being a hit.  Lynne wrote it in about 30 minutes.  It went to number 10 on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK singles charts.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To) (from the motion picture "Mahogany")

    Diana Ross stars in this film about a woman torn between a life in Rome as a fashion designer and life in Chicago with the man she loves.  Ross sane the theme as well.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Fool for the City by Foghat

    Wayne launches the staff picks with this rocking tribute to the city from the Platinum-selling album of the same name.  "I'm ready for the city, air pollution, here I come."  The album cover features the drummer fishing in a manhole in New York City.  New York City policemen on patrol stopped at the scene and jokingly asked if they had a fishing license.  Foghat came out of the remnants of a group called Savoy Brown. 

    They Just Can't Stop It (Games People Play)  by The Spinners

    Rob features a crossover success that hit the number 1 spot on the US Hot Soul Singles chart and number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song was recorded at Philadelphia's Signa Sound Studios, and the female vocals are provided by the studio backing vocal group called Sweethearts of Sigma - Carla Benson, Evette Benton, and Barbara Ingram.  Evette Benton is the lead female voice on the song.

    Lyin' Eyes by the Eagles

    California country is the focus of Lynch's staff pick.  Lyin' Eyes appeared on the Eagles' 1975 album "One of These Nights," and was written by Henley and Frey.  Don Henley took lead vocal duties on this one.  It went to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.  The origin of the song was observing young attractive women in Hollywood dating older rich guys.

    Bad Blood by Neil Sedaka

    Bruce brings us a lost number 1 hit.  Sedaka was better known for his work in the 1950's and early 60's, but had a revival during the mid-70's.  This song about a woman who is trouble also features an uncredited vocal by Elton John.  Sedaka sings and plays piano on this song, while David Foster provides the keyboard work.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Will o' the Wisp by Leon Russell

    We finish off with a brief piano instrumental from singer-songwriter Leon Russell's album of the same name.

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

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

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

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

    Rob brings us this transitional album for today's podcast

    Driver 8

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

    Green Grow the Rushes

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

    Maps and Legends

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

    Can't Get There from Here

    This song was the lead single from the album and peaked at number 10 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart - meaning it peaked at about 110 in US popularity.  It is the first R.E.M. song to have a horn section.  You can sense the Soul inspiration in it.  The lyrics about “Philomath” refer to an unincorporated community just outside of Athens, Georgia.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Weird Science by Oingo Boingo (from the motion picture “Weird Science”)

    Two geeky high school students create the perfect woman in this sci-fi comedy partly based on Frankenstein, and largely based on the 1951 comic “Made of the Future” by Al Feldstein.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

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

    Take On Me by a-ha

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

    Summertime Girls by Y & T 

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

    Dancing in the Street by David Bowie and Mick Jagger 

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

     

    NOVELTY TRACK:

    Tequila by The Champs

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

    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
  • 1985 - April: Toto “Toto IV”

    Yes, you are right - Toto IV was released in March of 1982, not April of 1985.  However, the rock group Toto was a celebrity phenomenon in 1985, particularly in Japan.  In April of 1985 MTV broadcast a special episode showcasing a Toto concert from Japan.

    Toto IV was both a commercial and critical success.  Three of the singles would be top 10 hits, and the album would achieve triple Platinum status as it became known as one of the best albums of the year.  Critically, the group would earn six Grammy awards including Album of the Year, and Record of the Year for the single “Rosanna.”

    The group would spend much of 1982 and 1983 on tour, though there would be some changes in personnel.  Bassist David Hungate left the group shortly after the release of Toto IV, sensing that the success of the album and the fame of the group would negatively impact time with his family.  Lead singer Bobby Kimball was in and out of court fighting prosecution on drug-related charges.  Those charges would eventually be dismissed in late May 1983, but he would be released from the band after missing many recording sessions.

    The album is a soft-rock masterpiece, with balanced synth and keyboard sounds and soaring harmonies.  Songs have a jazzy feel, interspersed with piano-based ballads.

    Lynch has been lobbying for a long time to do this album, and we hope you enjoy it for this week's podcast.

     

    Rosanna

    The biggest hit from the album was often thought to be inspired by actress Rosanna Arquette who was dating keyboardist Steve Porcaro.  However, writer David Paich says the lyrics were based on various girls he had known in the past rather than a single individual.  The shuffle drum pattern is reminiscent of both Bo Diddley rhythms and John Bonham's groove on "Fool in the Rain."

    Make Believe

    This sunny-feeling single hit number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It describes a time of looking back with an old lover, remembering the moments they shared.  It was the second US single from the album.  David Paich wrote the song, and Bobby Kimball is on lead vocals.

    I Won't Hold You Back

    The piano-oriented ballad peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and held the number 1 spot on the US Adult Contemporary chart for three weeks.  It looks back on a failed romance as the singer lets go of what he had.  Guitarist Steve Lukather takes lead vocals duties for this track, and Eagles alumnus Timothy B. Schmidt provides backing vocals in the chorus. 

    Africa

    While this song did well as a single, it has grown into a cultural icon.  It did top the Billboard Hot 100 in 1983, but would see a resurgence in popularity over time, particularly after Weezer's cover in 2018.  The lyrics depict a man struggling between his love for the continent and returning to his relationship elsewhere. 

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Main theme from the motion picture “Ladyhawke”

    This fantasy movie starring Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Matthew Broderick hit the big screen in April of 1985.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves

    Wayne starts us off with a popular and optimistic song that got the band Grammy-nominated for Best New Artist.  It is off their debut and eponymously named album.  It was first released in Canada, though the band was out of England.  It went to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.

    Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams

    Bruce brings us this well-known song from Adams' album "Reckless," which was released in April of 1985.  The original name was going to be "Best Days of My Life," and in the first draft the lyric "summer of '69" only appeared once.  With the name change, "Summer of '69" replaced several appearances of the phrase "best days of my life," in the track.

    High On You by Survivor

    Rob's staff pick is an ode to the intoxication and infatuation of new love.  It is the first top 10 single from their album "Vital Signs," and arose from a jam during touring sound checks.  Mickey Thomas from Jefferson Starship and Peter Wolf from the J. Geils Band are supporting musicians on this track.

    Silent Running by Mike + the Mechanics

    Lynch finishes the staff picks with a synth-heavy song with science fiction lyrics.  The singer is a father who has journeyed into the future and is now communicating back to his son with instructions for mitigating the coming war and catastrophe.  This is the first single released by Mike + the Mechanics, and it went to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Moments In Love by Art of Noise

    This largely instrumental piece is a signature song from the art rock group.

    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
  • 1993 - April: Porno for Pyros “Porno for Pyros”

    If you thought these songs were from Jane's Addiction, it is an understandable mistake.  Porno for Pyros was formed in 1992 after the first break-up of Jane's Addiction by members by lead vocalist Perry Farrell and percussionist Stephen Perkins.  They added Peter DiStefano on guitar and Martyn LeNoble on bass for their eponymously named debut album.  The inspiration for the band's name came from a fireworks advertisement that Perry Farrell saw in a pornographic magazine.  Inspiration was also connected to the 1992 LA riots which occurred in the band's hometown.

    The album Porno for Pyros benefitted from the success of Jane's Addiction and the buzz surrounding the new group.  Porno for Pyros began a nationwide tour to support the band prior to the release of the first album.  By the time the album was released in 1993 there was a pent-up demand for it, causing it to surge to number 3 on the Billboard 200 album chart.  With a blend of punk, psychedelic rock and alternative, the album gained both commercial and critical success.

    The band was impactful on the alternative rock scene, but was short-lived.  They would release a follow-up album in 1996 before disbanding in 1998.  They would have reunions in 2009 and 2020, and the original line-up has recorded new material as of 2023 to be released as an EP in 2024.

    Wayne takes us through this alternative rock album. 

    Cursed Female

    This track was released as the first single as a medley with the song “Cursed Male.”  The lyrics reflect the abuse women face in life.  It reached number 3 on the Modern Rock charts.  “Cursed to be born beautiful, poor, and female, there's none that suffer more.”

    Cursed Male

    Forming a medley with “Cursed Female” for the first single, this song turns to the difficulties males face in life.  “All the guys that really have the money are too old to have a good time with it...Too old to turn the women on, too old to have a fast car and drive it.”

    Pets

    This is the hit from the album.  It deals with dissatisfaction with the human race on the brink of destruction.  The song describes how aliens might take over the world and treat human beings as great pets.  It reached number 1 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.

    Packin' .25

    This track has the LA riots as its inspiration.  It reflects the idea of people carrying a handgun in order to achieve respect.  Interestingly, a 25-caliber pistol is not a very powerful weapon.  “I dreamt all yesterday how I might make a man feel with a gun up to his face!  Show respect to me.  I don't care what you're thinking, I'll wipe that thought away!

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers (from the motion picture “Benny and Joon”)

    Johnny Depp and Mary Stuart Masterson star in this film about two eccentric people falling in love.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Daughter by Pearl Jam

    Lynch gets the staff picks rolling with the second single from Pearl Jam's "Vs." album.  It talks about a girl with severe dyslexia whose mother doesn't understand the condition.  The lack of understanding prompts the mother to abuse the daughter, thinking she is being deliberately lazy and disruptive. 

    Woman by Brother Cane

    Rob features a deeper cut from Alabama band Brother Cane off their debut album.  This grunge-tinted song has a slow, haunting, mournful feel that builds into a faster paced, minor epic by the middle of the song before returning to the slow theme at the end.  The singer discusses an unstable relationship.  “I used to know better, now I don't know what's worse - having it all maybe, or having nothing for sure.”

    Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat) by Digable Planets 

    Bruce brings us the first single from the debut album Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space).” The lyrics are a celebration of hip-hop, the Brooklyn underground scene, jazz, style, and the confidence of the group.  Digable Planets sampled “Stretching” by Art Blakley & the Jazz Messengers for the chorus.

    Lollipop Serenade by Insane Jane

    Wayne's staff pick is from a local Atlanta band with a female lead.  Insane Jane put out two albums, the first called “Each Finger” and the second called “Green Little Pill.” The lead singer was known as “Yellow.”  This may be a song that those outside of Atlanta may not have heard before.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Beer :30 by The Reverend Horton Heat

    Well, it is largely instrumental, if you don't count the occasional “beer” and “get naked” statements thrown 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.

    40 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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