What the Riff Next Gen

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

What the Riff Next Gen episodes

November 06, 2023 1988 - May: Cinderella ”Long Cold Winter”
One of the big acts on the 80's glam metal scene was Cinderella. Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tom Keifer and bassist Eric Brittingham formed the band in suburban Philadelphia. Gene Simmons of Kiss tried to get the band a deal with PolyGram, but was unsuccessful at getting the label to take interest. Jon Bon Jovi was more successful with getting them a contract with Mercury/Polygram Records. Keifer and Brittingham added guitarist Jeff LaBar and drummer Jim Drnec to the band. Their debut album entitled Night Songs was released in 1986, and it achieved triple platinum status. Shortly after the recording of that album, Jim Drnec left the group.
This, their follow-up album Long Cold Winter, would continue the band's progression in the glam metal genre, but would see a subtle shift towards more blues rock. It would also see the introduction of Fred Coury as drummer for the group, though this would come after the album was recorded utilizing percussionist Cozy Powell for almost all tracks on the album. This second studio album would be a commercial success as well, reaching number 10 on the US charts and achieving double platinum status before the end of the year. The album included the rock ballad “Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone),”which would reach number 12 on the Billboard charts, the highest charting single for the band. Video was a significant factor in the success of the band, and they released a video compilation in 1990 called “Tales from the Gypsy Road” featuring their promo videos and live medleys.
Cinderella would be predominantly an opening band through the late 80's and early 90's, touring with Poison, Bon Jovi, and David Lee Roth. Unfortunately the band would decline by the mid 90's due to various setbacks and drama with personnel as well as shifting popularity in the music industry. Their last performance was in 2014.
Break out the hair spray as Wayne leads us through this album.

Bad Seamstress Blues/Fallin' Apart at the Seams
The leading track to the album starts with an acoustic blues number paired with a heavier blues song, complete with slide guitar and harmonica. The lyrics are of a life that has come full circle. No regrets, but a mixture of success and sorrow. “Look in the mirror at what I found, It's just the past and it's over now.”
Gypsy Road
These lyrics discuss perseverance to achieve success, but also the loneliness and doubt that come with realizing that dream. The song is a composite of a life on the road, complete with hotel rooms and overnight rides on the tour bus. This song hit number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Take Me Back
The final song on the album features blues instrumentation including the slide guitar and more cow bell! The lyrics reflect on a younger life from a distance. The singer reminisces about how he was raised and wanting to be reminded of what he left behind.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Axel F (Main Theme from the motion picture “Beverly Hills Cop”)
This movie from the mid-80's made its debut on network TV this month.

STAFF PICKS:
Electric Blue by Icehouse
Lynch gives us a cool start to the staff picks with Australian band Icehouse's biggest US hit. The lyrics tell the tale of a man pursuing the love of a woman who seems above his station. “Icehouse” is an Aussie slang term for an insane asylum. This song was written by lead singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Iva Davies, and Jon Oates of Hall & Oates fame.
Heaven Tonight by Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force
Bruce features neoclassical metal guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen paired with the vocals of former Rainbow and Deep Purple front man Joe Lynn Turner. This is off Malmsteen's fourth studio album, “Odyssey.” This album went to number 40 on the Billboard 200 charts, the highest charting Malmsteen album to date.
Wait by White Lion
Rob brings us a power ballad that peaked at number 8 on the US charts in May 1988. It was originally released in June 1987, but did not enter the charts until February 1988, based on the strength of their video on MTV. The video featured Christie Muhaw who died at the age of 24 in a car accident less than a year after the video was released.
Damn Good by David Lee Roth
Wayne's staff pick continues the blues focus with a power ballad from Roth and 12-string work by virtuoso Steve Vai. The lyrics were inspired by an encounter Roth had with an old high school friend who had some high school pictures. It is a wistful song remembering friends and good times from the past.

NOVELTY TRACK:
Killer Klowns by The Dickies
We close out this week's podcast with a track of punk rock's The Dickies. This is off their EP and the movie "Killer Klowns from Outer Space. "
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.
39 min
October 30, 2023 1989 - December: Nine Inch Nails ”Pretty Hate Machine”
The industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails is the creation of singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Trent Reznor. While living in Cleveland in 1987, Reznor worked as an assistant engineer and janitor at Right Track Studios. He had free access to the studio between bookings, and took inspiration from Prince to play all instruments himself to produce his material. The name Nine Inch Nails comes from a quote by Al Jourgensen, lead singer of the metal band Ministry - "Listening to Ministry is like having a nine inch nail hammered into your head like a hole."
The debut studio album entitled Pretty Hate Machine was released by TVT Records in October 1989. It has an industrial synth feel, with dark lyrics driven by angst, despair, and betrayal. Unlike much of the industrial rock of the time, songs on Pretty Hate Machine feature catchy riffs and hooks, and the song structure employs a traditional verse and chorus approach rather than continually repeating electronics. The result would prove to be both a commercial and critical success, reaching number 75 on the US album charts.
Although Reznor produced and performed all the instrumentation on the album, he soon found himself in need of a touring band, particularly when he was brought in to open for Guns N' Roses on their European Tour. Many musicians have been brought into the Nine Inch Nails over the years, but Reznor remained the only permanent member until his frequent collaborator, Atticus Ross, was brought in as a member in 2016.
Lynch brings us this pioneering industrial rock album for this week's podcast.

Head Like a Hole
The opening track to the album was the second and most commercially successful single, reaching number 28 on the US Alternative Airplay charts. It also took inspiration from the quote from Al Jourgensen of Ministry. The song is about the control that money has over people and the pain and suffering associated with it.
Terrible Lie
This song reflects the anger and despair of a person going through a bad time in their life and blaming it on God. "(Hey god) why are you doing this to me? Am I not living up to what I'm supposed to be? Why am I seething with this animosity? (Hey god) I think you owe me a great big apology."
Sin
When we give in to our darker impulses, perhaps driven by desire or betrayal, we can find ourselves in a spiral of self-destruction and sabotage. The song is about the pain and destructiveness that can lurk below the surface.
Down In It
This is the debut single from the album. During the making of the video, a camera attached to a weather balloon became detached and flew 200 miles away. When found in a farmer's field the FBI was called in to investigate what appeared to be a gang or cult slaying of Reznor.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the motion picture "Christmas Vacation 3"
The success of "Christmas Vacation" inspired a number of sequels.

STAFF PICKS:
Higher Ground by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
Rob's staff pick is a cover of a song Stevie Wonder originally released in 1973. While the original went to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, the energetic remake by the Red Hot Chili Peppers also achieved commercial success, reaching number 26 on the US Mainstream Rock chart. It was the first RHCP song to chart.
Bad Love by Eric Clapton
Bruce brings us the second single from Clapton's eleventh solo studio album. This is a comeback album, as Clapton had recently become sober after dealing with alcoholism. It hit number 16 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. This song features Phil Collins on percussion and backing vocals. and would be awarded the Grammy for Best male Rock Vocal Performance in 1990.
Good Work by the BoDeans
Wayne features a rockabilly party song from a Wisconsin group. The BoDeans have been called roots rock, heartland rock, and alternative, but their retro 50's sound and driving live performance makes them a great band to see. They performed extensively with U2 on The Joshua Tree tour, and remain popular in the US Midwest.
The Last Worthless Evening by Don Henley
Lynch closes out the staff picks with a hit from Henley's album "The End of the Innocence" that went to number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The lyrics are a plea from an ex to just move on.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Pacific 202 by 808 State
This Manchester electronic music group takes its name from the Roland TR 808 drum machine.
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
October 23, 2023 Rocking Halloween II - A What the Riff Rabbit Hole
What The Riff?!? makes another "stab" at Halloween with these theme songs, movie and TV music, and rock songs with a bent towards the macabre. We hope you enjoy this second "Halloween" special!
Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran This is the breakthrough song off Duran Duran's Rio album. It was inspired by the Big Bad Wolf in the Little Red Riding Hood story. It is also wone of the first times where video popularity drove the success of the band, with Duran Duran on constant play for the new MTV station.
Dead Man's Party by Oingo Boingo Danny Elfman fronted this new wave band before he became famous for his work on film scores. It also appeared in the comedy film "Back to School" starring Rodney Dangerfield.
This Is Halloween by Marilyn Manson Oingo Boingo wrote this track for "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and shock rocker Marilyn Manson takes on this cover.
Theme from the "Harry Potter" film series The Wizarding world of Harry Potter has been an enduring franchise, and this music draws us into that world from the first few notes.
Pet Sematary by The Ramones Steven King was a big fan of the Ramones, and invited the band to his place in Maine. While there Dee Dee Ramone wandered into the basement with a copy of King's "Pet Sematary" and returned an hour later with the lyrics to this song.
Bad Things by Jace Everett "True Blood" is a series on HBO based on a novel called "The Southern Vampire Mysteries," and the show portrays vampires in a campy, dark comedy style. Country singer-songwriter Jace Everett provided the intro music to this series.
Werewolf Bar Mitzvah by Donald Glover and Tracy Morgan A skit in the television series "30 Rock" would produce this song. Originally a 7-second clip from a skit, it was turned into a full fledged Halloween novelty song due to popular demand.
Witch Doctor by David Seville The origins of this song go back to 1958, where Seville tells the story of how a guy learned to talk to girls from a witch doctor friend. It has become a well known novelty song covered by a number of artists.
Devil in Disguise by Elvis Presley The King dropped this single in 1963 about a girl who uses her charm to manipulate people to get what she wants. It peaked at number 3 on the Billboard singles chart.
You're Dead by Norma Tanega Singer-songwriter and experimental musician Norma Tanega was better known for writing songs for Dusty Springfield. However, this song which she penned in 1966 was picked up for use in the vampire satire "What We Do In the Shadows" in 2014.
Devil Went Down to Georgia by the Charlie Daniels Band Folks, don't bet your soul against the Devil. But if you do, make sure you're the best fiddler that there has ever been. Charlie Daniels would peak at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 with this song.
Runnin' with the Devil by Van Halen The first album that Van Halen produced was a monster in itself, and this track was the first one on the album. It is a great introduction to the band, not only for Eddie Van Halen's guitar work, but also for David Lee Roth's screams, Michael Anthony's high harmonies, and Alex Van Halen's percussion work.
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
October 16, 2023 1987 - April: Whitesnake ”Whitesnake”
While the album Whitesnake may not be the debut album from the band Whitesnake, this self-titled seventh studio album might as well be a debut, as only two members were present from the previous album. Known in the UK as 1987, and in Japan as Serpens Albus, this album featured returning members John Sykes on guitars and backing vocals, and David Coverdale on lead vocals. Additionally Neil Murray was on bass, Aynsley Dunbar was on percussion, and Don Airey was on keyboards.
David Coverdale was the lead singer for Deep Purple, and left the group in 1976. He did a couple of solo albums, the first of which was named “White Snake.” He formed the band Whitesnake as his backing band in 1978. They had a lot of success in the UK, Europe, and Japan with their early albums, but Coverdale wanted to break through in North America by the mid-80's. He started moving from a blues/hard rock sound to a more glam metal sound, starting with the album "Slide It In" in 1984, and fully embraced the heavy metal sound and hair band image with this album.
Whitesnake would get significant airplay, with two singles going to number 1 (Here I Go Again) and number 2 (Is This Love?) on the Billboard US charts. Their videos would be staples of MTV, with prominent exposure of Tawny Kitaen, Coverdale's girlfriend and soon-to-be wife.
The band would be broken up shortly after the album was complete, leaving David Coverdale as the sole member by the time they went on tour. This was despite the fact that John Sykes co-wrote all but two of the songs on the album.
Get your hair metal on as Bruce puts his metal hair on, presenting this week's album.

Bad Boys
A deeper cut, this song is heavy on the rock and light on the significance of the lyrics. “Bad bad boys, getting wild in the street, wild in the city, I see you - you see me.” Much of the album has this heavy rock sound.
Crying In the Rain '87
This track that starts the album is a reworked song originally released by the group in 1982. The original is more bluesy and has a slower tempo than this version. The song was inspired by David Coverdale's divorce.
Give Me All Your Love
This was the fourth single from the album, and it reached number 58 on the US Top 100 charts. By the time the single was released in January 1988 a new guitar solo had been recorded by Vivian Campbell, replacing guitarist and co-writer John Sykes. Campbell would tour with the band but would leave before the next album.
Still of the Night
The first single from the album may have only hit number 79 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it received significant airplay on rock stations and MTV. The comparisons to Led Zeppelin were frequent, not just for the guitar riffs, but also for the heavy drumming and similarity between the vocalizations of Coverdale and Robert Plant. The song is about obsession, maybe a vampire, maybe a stalker.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Love and Marriage by Frank Sinatra (from the television series “Married...With Children”)
This anti-Cosby Show family dystopia followed the antics of shoe salesman Al Bundy and his family.

STAFF PICKS:
Tonight, Tonight, Tonight by Genesis
Lynch gets the staff picks going with a single from Genesis's album Invisible Touch. It went to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 despite being written less as a pop song and more like the prog rock style that Genesis used earlier in the decade. The lyrics are about a conversation with a drug dealer, a fact that must have been missed when Michelob used the song to promote their beer.
Love Removal Machine by The Cult
Wayne's staff pick is the first single from The Cult's third album, Electric. It went to number 15 on the Mainstream Rock charts in the United States. Lead singer Ian Astbury compares this song to getting on your favorite motorcycle. The opening riff is often compared to “Start Me Up” by the Rolling Stones.
Ahead by Wire
Rob features the closest post punk band Wire would get to a pop single. It has a spacey, ethereal sound. Wire had extensive influence over many groups, including Sonic Youth, The Cure, and R.E.M.
First We Take Manhattan by Jennifer Warnes
Bruce closes out the staff picks with a song written by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. Jennifer Warnes originally did this song for a Cohen tribute album, and it features guitarist extraordinaire Stevie Ray Vaughan. The song itself is dark and apocalyptic, with lyrics told from the perspective of a terrorist.

COMEDY TRACK:
Put Down the Duckie by Hoots the Owl and Ernie
We first learned that we have to put down the duckie if we want to play the saxophone from this skit, which aired on Sesame Street for the first time in April 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.
43 min
October 09, 2023 1975 - May: David Bowie ”Young Americans”
David Bowie would leave the glam rock genre of his previous albums for a more soulful sound with his ninth studio album, Young Americans. This album features blue eyed soul, or what Bowie would refer to as "plastic soul." David Bowie moved to the United States in 1974 during a time when tax concerns were driving many artists out of the UK. He was living in New York City at the time, and starting production on the album in Philadelphia where he worked with guitarist Carlos Alomar. A funk guitarist, Alomar had worked as a session musician at the Apollo Theater and would become a collaborator and band leader for Bowie over the next decade. In addition to Carlos Alomar, Bowie worked on this album with a number of artists including Robin Clark, Ava Cherry, saxophonist David Sanborn, and a new musician named Luther Vandross.
He would also collaborate on this album with ex-Beatle John Lennon who was recording in New York at the same time as Bowie's recording moved there. Bowie and Lennon had met previously at a party hosted by Elizabeth Taylor. Lennon collaborated with Bowie during his "lost weekend" period.
Young Americans contains elements of soul, funk, and R&B, and was a deliberate attempt to garner more success in the U.S. market. It certainly achieved this result, though critics would deliver mixed reviews. The transition from glam rock to blue-eyed soul would not be one which all fans embraced, but David Bowie would follow his own creative muse. It would not be the last time we would see a significant stylistic change from Bowie. It was nevertheless a commercial success, going to number 9 on the US albums chart, remaining on the charts for almost a year.
Rob brings us this funky example of “plastic soul.”

Young Americans
The title track was recorded in Philadelphia, and hit number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, Bowie's second-highest chart success to this date. Then unknown singer Luther Vandross conceived the backing vocal arrangement. The song provides impressions of American life through the eyes of an English man. David Sanborn provides the saxophone work.
Across the Universe
This cover of the Beatles song also found collaboration with Beatles' alumnus John Lennon. Backing vocals and guitar are provided by Lennon, who considered this song a better version than his own. Critics tend to disagree, as reviews on the Bowie version were primarily negative.
Fascination
This track began as a jam by Luther Vandross entitled “Funky Music (Is a Part of Me)” which was performed before the Bowie concerts in 1974. When Vandross was retained from the “Diamond Dogs” tour, the two collaborated to create the song “Fascination.” The song was an homage to the Philadelphia funk sound.
Fame
This single hit number 1 on the US charts, the first Bowie song to do so. Composed by Bowie, Alomar, and Lennon, the high backing “Fame” vocalizations are provided by John Lennon. Bowie would describe it as a “nasty, angry” song directed at management with which he had previous issues.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Ease On Down the Road by Consumer Rapport (from the motion picture The Wiz)
A soulful take on The Wizard of Oz featured Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow.

STAFF PICKS:
Judy Mae by Boomer Castleman
Wayne initiates the staff picks with a controversial song that went to number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics tell of a father to a 17 year-old girl who marries a woman half his age. When an affair ensures between the stepmother and the daughter, the father dies of an accident shortly thereafter. It feels like a racier version of “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.”
Long Haired Country Boy by the Charlie Daniels Band
Brian brings us a song about a guy with a very passive attitude about life. “I ain't asking for nobody for nuthin' that I can't get on my own. If you don't like the way I'm livin' you just leave this long-haired country boy alone.” It was off the second album from the CDB entitled “Fire on the Mountain.”
When Will I Be Loved by Linda Ronstadt
Bruce features Ronstadt doing a cover originally from the Everly Brothers in 1960. While the original peaked at number 8, Ronstadt's cover would go to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song is a vocal trio between Ronstadt, Kenny Edwards, and Andrew Gold.
Trampled Under Foot by Led Zeppelin
Rob finishes the staff picks with a song John Paul Jones claims was inspired by Stevie Wonder's “Superstition.” The lyrics were inspired by blues artist Robert Johnson's “Terraplane Blues” from 1936. A Terraplane was a classic car that serves as a not-so-subtle source for sexual innuendo. It is off the band's double album, “Physical Graffiti.”

COMEDY TRACK:
Bertha Butt Boogie by The Jimmy Castor Bunch
This funk novelty track went to number 16 on the US pop chart and number 22 on the US R&B chart.
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
October 02, 2023 1969 - December: The Rolling Stones “Let It Bleed”
The Rolling Stones released their tenth US studio album (eighth in the UK) entitled Let it Bleed at the end of November, 1969. The band had worked on the material in the studio off and on through most of the year, with recording beginning in earnest back in February of 1969 (though work on "You Can't Always Get What You Want" began in November of the previous year). The album would reach number 3 on the US album chart and number 1 on the UK charts, and would produce some of the best known standards of the Stones' collection.
The band experienced significant turmoil during the recording of this album. Founding member and multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones was rapidly descending into a drug-induced stupor, causing him to be released from the band in the midst of the album's production. Jones would be found dead in his swimming pool a month after leaving the band. His replacement, Mick Taylor, would appear on a couple of songs for the album, but was not involved in the bulk of the recording. Thus the lion's share of all guitar work fell to guitarist Keith Richards, handling both rhythm and lead guitar parts for most tracks.
“Let It Bleed” returns to a blues sound with country and gospel elements, but the lyrics tend towards darker, more gritty themes. Perhaps the album was influenced by the disillusionment of society due to the Vietnam war, racial unrest, and/or protests on college campuses. Certainly the darker side of drug use comes out in many of the songs.
In addition to releasing this album just before December 1969, the Rolling Stones participated in the Altamont Speedway Free Festival, a concert which would feature the Hell's Angels utilized as “security” for the event, and which would be considered one of the darkest days of the Rock era due to the violence, extensive property damage, and death associated with the event. Some consider this to be the sad end to the “summer of love” aesthetic attributed to the rock music of the late 60's.
One of the founding What the Riff?!? hosts, Brian Dickhute returns to sit in for John Lynch, and brings us this iconic album.

Gimme Shelter
The opening track to the album was initially inspired by Richards’ observations of people running to get out of a rain storm, but the theme broadens to look at how the world seemed to be closing in with tension, war, and violence. American singer Merry Clayton contributes the female vocals to this track.
Let It Bleed
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards penned the honky tonk (country tonk?) title track, which finishes off side 1 of the album. The lyrics contain numerous sexual and drug references, though the theme is more about people providing and finding emotional support in others.
Monkey Men
While it is difficult to call any track from this album a “deeper cut,” we agreed this one is about as close to that as we can find. Jagger and Richards wrote it as a tribute to Italian pop artist Mario Schifano, a contemporary of Andy Warhol whom Jaggar had met when he had a cameo in one of Schifano's movies.
You Can't Always Get What You Want
The first song recorded for the album is the last track on side 2. This iconic song features the London Bach Choir, and features verses covering love, politics, and drugs — common themes of the day. The verses begin with optimism and end with disillusionment, returning to a sense of realism in the chorus. It may be the most popular of all recordings by the Stones.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Come and Get It by Badfinger (from the motion picture “The Magic Christian”)
Honestly folks, I thought this was the Beatles, and had no idea that it was from this movie. Paul McCartney did write this song for Badfinger, and the movie starred Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr.

STAFF PICKS:
Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye by Steam
Long before it became a staple of sports venues, Rob's staff pick was written by Paul Leka, Gary DiCarlo, and Dale Frasheur under what was then a fictitious band name, Steam. The song would hit number 1 on the pop charts, although it was intended as a B-side.
Backfield In Motion by Mel and Tim
Bruce continues the sports theme in the staff picks with this song about a girl who is running around on her man. This song with allusions to penalties in football, baseball, and boxing went to number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the R&B Chart.
I'll Hold Out My Hand by The Clique
Wayne features a positive soul sound from a two-hit wonder. The Clique would see this song top out at number 45 on the US charts. The lyrics urge someone who is turning inward to reach out instead and strive for their full potential. “I’ll be your friend - you don't have to be mine.”
Take a Letter Maria by R.B. Greaves
Brian finishes our staff picks with a sing-song story about a business man who loses his wife while working overtime. He has his secretary take a letter with copies for his wife and his lawyer. By the end of the song he is scheduling a date with his secretary, Maria.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Groovy Grubworm by Harlow Wilcox & the Oakies
We weren't sure if it would be a comedy or an instrumental number, but this instrumental piece was on the charts at the end of 1969, peaking at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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
September 25, 2023 1975 - February: Rush “Fly By Night”
Fly By Night is the album where Rush takes its final form. Original drummer John Rutsey left the group shortly after their eponymously named debut album was released. Health problems related to diabetes made it difficult for Rutsey on tour. He was replaced on bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee's 21st birthday by the soon-to-be legendary percussionist, Neil Peart. Together with guitarist Alex Lifeson, the trio would become icons in the prog rock genre.
Most of the material for this album was written while the band was on tour opening for Uriah Heep and Manfred Mann. Rush went into the studios for about 5 days to record the album, which was mixed by January when the group flew to Winnipeg for a concert on January 15th. Fly By Night would also be the album in which Peart takes over much of the lyrical work with the songs, while Lee and Lifeson compose much of the music. The lyrical styles are noticeably different between the first and second album, complete with literary themes which reflect Peart's habit as an avid reader.
This album is also the one which saw Rush moving in a decidedly prog rock direction. This could be attributed to Neal "The Professor" Peart's lyrics, but the entire band wanted each song to show a different side to their writing and playing, creating a diversity of styles in the tracks.
Friend of the show Sean Mooney stands in for WTR Rush Ambassador, Bruce Fricks to bring us this classic prog rock album.

Anthem
The lead-off track to the album was originally conceived by Lee and Lifeson while Rutsey was still in the band. The name of the track is from an Ayn Rand novella, as do the lyrics. Peart's inspiration by Rand would return when the group penned their fourth album, 2112.
Beneath, Between and Behind
This is the first song to feature Peart's lyrics. It was about the discovery of America and the birth of the United States. The lyrics reference the American dream and growth as well as some darker history like wars and immigration. "Beneath the noble birth between the proudest words behind the beauty, cracks appear. Once with heads held high they sand out to the sky why do their shadows bow in fear?"
Best I Can
One of two tracks written before Peart joined the band, this song's music and lyrics were both penned by Geddy Lee, and the song saw regular performance during Rush's first North American tour. The lyrics have a more rock theme than Peart's more literary efforts. "Don't give me speeches 'cause they're oh so droll. Leave me alone, let me rock and roll."
Fly By Night
The "hit" single from the album leads off side 2, and peaked at number 88 on the Billboard charts. The lyrics reflect Peart's first trip away from home when he traveled from Canada to England. "Fly by night, goodbye, my dear. My ship isn't coming and I just can't pretend."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the motion picture The Stepford Wives
This dystopian sci-fi thriller finds a couple in the town to Stepford, where the women mysteriously transform into submissive domesticated housewives.

STAFF PICKS:
Song for America by Kansas
Wayne leads off the staff picks with the single cut to a 10-minute epic paying tribute to America. It reflects the beauty that can be seen from a jet, but also the ugliness of industrialization. The 5/4 time interspersed in the song marks it as a prog rock masterpiece.
Jackie Blue by Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Rob brings us a cool groove about a woman in pursuit of happiness, but who never stays with anything long enough to find happiness. The original inspiration was a guy they met in Los Angeles who was strung out on drugs. Drummer Larry Lee takes lead duties for this song which made it to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
#9 Dream by John Lennon
Lynch features a song released before he was born from Lennon's "Walls and Bridges" album, which coincidentally went to number 9 on the charts. The song literally came from a dream Lennon had, with no inspiration. The "mystery voice" in the background is Lennon's girlfriend at the time, May Pang. Several of the lyrics are nonsense words.
Adam's Apple by Aerosmith
Sean finishes the staff picks with a deep cut from Aerosmith. The lyrics are inspired by the story of the temptation of Adam and Eve in Genesis chapter 3. It appears on Aerosmith's album "Toys in the Attic," which Steve Tyler wanted to name "Love at First Bite" at one point, a line from this song.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Express by BT Express
We finish off this week's podcast with in instrumental hit from the early disco era.
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
September 18, 2023 1973 - June: Dr. John “In the Right Place”
Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr.,better known by his stage name, Dr. John, was a singer-songwriter who blended funk, R&B and New Orleans blues into a distinctive sound. Dr. John was well known for his stage shows which were inspired by an eclectic mix of medicine shows, voodoo ceremonies, and Mardi Gras costumes. Dr. John got his start as a session musician in the 1950s, and continued doing session work throughout his career playing keyboards for Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, and Van Morrison as a member of "The Wrecking Crew." He recorded thirty studio albums and nine live albums before his death in 2019, including the one we profile today.
In the Right Place is Dr. John's sixth album and his best selling one, peaking at number 24 on the Billboard 200 chart. He is backed up on this album by The Meters, a New Orleans funk band that formed in 1965. The Meters were the house band for Alan Toussaint, who produced, arranged, and played on a number of tracks on the album.
Mac Rebennack's father ran an appliance shop in the East End of New Orleans where, in addition to fixing radios and televisions, he sold records to people from a wide variety of races and cultures. Rebennack was expelled from his Catholic high school when the priests told him he had to either stop playing in the clubs or leave.
The stage name Dr. John was taken from a 19th-century Louisiana voodoo priest. In turn, Dr. John would inspire two other characters - Johnny Fever (from "WKRP in Cincinnati") and Dr. Teeth (from "The Muppet Show").
The future Dr. John started playing guitar and switched to piano after nearly losing a finger during an on-tour gunfight.
It's time for some New Orleans funk as Wayne brings us this album for the podcast. Friend of the show Sean Mooney joins us for this one.

Traveling Mood
You can expect any rock group to eventually put out a song about losing a woman, but it takes Dr. John to make this tragedy whimsical and fun. "Said that she'd never leave me, now she's gone away to grieve me. I was fast asleep, when she begun her midnight creep."
Qualified
This is a social hierarchy song about a guy telling people who think they are better than others that they are not. "Your social life ain't no better than my hot dog stand. Your edu-ma-cation ain't no hipper than what you understand."
Right Place, Wrong Time
This is the funky hit that peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also Dr. John's only top 40 hit, making him technically a one-hit wonder. "I took the right road but I must have took a wrong turn." "I took a right move, but I made it at the wrong time."
Cold, Cold, Cold
In this song, the man wishes a woman he loves was not also running around with the other guys. There's a pit of a Rolling Stones sound about this one, and maybe a little bit of Randy Newman humor.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Live and Let Die by Wings (from the motion picture “Live and Let Die”)
This song was the theme which first introduced Roger Moore as James Bond. It also reunited Paul McCartney with former Beatles producer George Martin.

STAFF PICKS:
Drift Away by Dobie Gray
Rob drifts into the staff picks with this song originally written by Mentor Williams in 1970, and first performed by swamp rock singer John Henry Kurtz. Soul singer Dobie Gray would produce the rendition we would know best. Gray would land at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, making this song his biggest hit. The lyrical tribute to the power of music would make it a frequent cover by lots of artists.
Daniel by Elton John
Lynch features a song with a story. Daniel is an American soldier injured in Vietnam who, though accepted by his family, receives criticism from the public due to the polarizing nature of that war. Disillusioned by the response, Daniel decides to go away to Spain. Almost all of this storyline was contained in the last verse of the song, which was cut before it was produced.
China Grove by the Doobie Brothers
Friend of the show Sean brings us a song which introduces itself with a great guitar riff and keyboards. It is sung and written by Tom Johnson for the Doobie Brothers third studio album, "The Captain and Me." It went to number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. While Johnson was writing about a fictional town, there are several towns called China Grove in America.
The Free Electric Band by Albert Hammond
Wayne closes out the staff picks with a prog rock hit. Songwriter Hammond has written a number of hits over the years, though this particular one only went to number 48. The lyrics are about a privileged child who decides to move to California to play music despite his parents higher expectations for him.

COMEDY TRACK:
Back When My Hair Was Short by Gunhill Road
This lone hit by Gunhill Road went to number 40, and was produced by Kenny Rogers.
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.
35 min
September 11, 2023 1982 - December: Donald Fagen ”The Nightfly”
The Nightfly is the debut solo album from Donald Fagen. Fagen and his Steely Dan partner Walter Becker had released the Gaucho album in late 1980, and Becker was having a lot of trouble. His girlfriend died of a drug overdose in their apartment, and he was sued for several million dollars. Shortly after that he was hit by a taxi, which shattered his leg. Steely Dan disbanded in 1981, and Becker moved to Maui.
Fagen wanted “The Nightfly” to be autobiographical, and without the irony and biting nature of Steely Dan. There is a lot of adolescence and innocence in these songs, reflecting back on Fagen's time growing up. The album is also one of the first to be recorded entirely in digital. Steely Dan had tried this approach fo“Gaucho,” but it didn't work out and they reverted to analog. Audiophiles gravitate to The Nightfly, and EQ Magazine ranks it as one of the top 10 Best Recorded Albums of All Time, up there with The Beatles' “Sergeant Peppers” and The Beach Boys' “Pet Sounds.”
Donald Fagan had problems with depression after recording “The Nightfly,” and largely disappeared from the music scene through the rest of the 80's. Fagan said in 2006 that he hasn't listened to "The Nightfly" since making it. However, he did record two other albums which are considered to form "The Nightfly Trilogy," including Kamakiriad" from 1993 and "Morph the Cat" from 2006. There would also be a reunion of Steely Dan later on.
Bruce presents this jazzy album for this week's episode.

I.G.Y. (What a Beautiful World)
This lead single is also the track that leads off the album. "I.G.Y." stands for International Geophysical Year, which was a project that lasted between July 1957 and December 1958. It encompassed eleven earth science projects and included collaboration between East and West. The song reflects the positivity of that time and collaboration. The song was released in September 1982 and reached number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 at the end of November.
The Nightfly
This track imagines a late night DJ named Lester who plays jazz on WJAZ out of Baton Rouge, and also takes calls from conspiracy theorists. is about a spiritual quest. While not released as a single, this song did receive some airplay on FM stations in the 80's.
Ruby Baby
Although heavily arranged with close harmonies by Fagen, this is a cover song originally performed by the Drifters in 1956. A number of artists have covered it over time, including Dion (number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962), Billy "Crash Craddock, Del Shannon, Mitch Ryder, and Bobby Darin.
New Frontier
This fun single did not break into the top 40, but it was a frequent video on the then-new MTV channel. The idea of the song is that an adolescent boy is bringing a girl over to his parents' bomb shelter for a good time. "Yes, we're going to have a wing ding..."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
It Might Be You by Stephen Bishop (from the motion picture "Tootsie" )
Dustin Hoffman stars in this cross-dressing romance comedy about an actor disguising himself as a woman to land a job.

STAFF PICKS:
Steppin' Out by Joe Jackson
Rob starts the staff picks with a song inspired by Jackson's time in New York City. The song reflects the excitement of a drive around town, and hit number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is off the album "Night and Day," which reflects New York City during the day on side 1, and the City during the night on side 2.
Mexican Radio by Wall of Voodoo
Wayne's staff pick is a weird one. This new wave act describes listening to the broadcasts of high-wattage unregulated Mexican radio stations whose signals were strong enough to be picked up in small town U.S.A. Wall of Voodoo's $15,000 video would be on constant repeat on MTV.
Maneater by Hall & Oates
Lynch brings us a big Hall & Oates hit that spent four weeks at number 1 on the charts. The song describes a woman who is bad news, only looking for money. The video features a live panther, that got loose in the rafters of the set at one point, prompting a hasty retreat from Darryl Hall. The sax part is played by Charles "Mr. Casual" DeChant, who also appears in the video during his solo.
She Sheila by The Producers
Bruce finishes up the staff picks with Atlanta's own The Producers. This is the big single off the band's second album "You Make the Heat." It went to number 48 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts, and alternates between an ethereal synth part and a high energy New Wave sound.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Bonzo's Montreux by Led Zeppelin
John Bonham's live drum solo 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.
51 min
September 04, 2023 1965 - May: The Dave Clark Five ”Having a Wild Weekend”
The British Invasion of the mid-60's is best known for The Beatles, but there were more groups than just the boys from Liverpool. In fact, just a month after The Beatles played on Ed Sullivan the Dave Clark Five would take that stage, the first of 12 appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. The quintet consisted of Dave Clark on drums and backing vocals, Rick Huxley on bass, Mike Smith on vocals and keyboard, Lenny Davidson on lead guitar, and Dennis Payton on Sax, Harmonica, and vocals.
The British Invasion was really a re-introduction of American music, as many of the British acts took inspiration from soul, gospel, and blues music from places like Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, and New Orleans. This re-introduction was accompanied by intriguing accents, strange fashion and hair styles, and a lot of energy and heart.
The sixth American album release from the Dave Clark Five was entitled Having a Wild Weekend, and was the soundtrack to a movie of the same title. This film was originally released as "Catch Us If You Can," in the UK, but was renamed when it was released in the States. It is a light-hearted social drama similar to "A Hard Day's Night" released by the Beatles, and it likewise was used as a vehicle to increase the popularity of the band and their songs.
Unlike the Beatles, the Dave Clark Five never ventured into the psychedelic sound of the late 60's, and their popularity began to wane by 1967. The group would disband in 1967.
John Lynch brings us this classic group and soundtrack for this week's podcast.

Having a Wild Weekend
This single was written by Dave Clark and Mike Smith, and is the lead-off and title track to the album. The premise of the album is that Dinah, a model for an add campaign for meat, runs off with one of the stunt men while shooting a TV commercial. The ad executives use their disappearance to generate more publicity for their client.
New Kind of Love
We're not really sure if this song is about a guy whose girlfriend cheats on him, or about a stalker who like a girl who has no idea that the guy thinks they're dating.
I Said I Was Sorry
When the guy messes up in the relationship, he is left wondering why everything isn't OK now that he has said he was sorry. The lyrics at the time weren't meant to be studied too seriously, were they? At least he said he was sorry, because we would find out from Elton John years later that "sorry" seems to be the hardest word.
Catch Us If You Can
Co-written by Dave Clark and Lenny Davidson, this was the title song for the UK version of the album. It leads off side two, and was the hit single from the album, rising to number 4 on the US charts. The finger snapping and guitar leading into the song was a catchy hook.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the television series “Gidget”
The Frederick Kohner novels about a teenager in the surfing culture would lead to films of the late 50's, and a TV show that would begin in 1965 starring Sally Field.

STAFF PICKS:
Just a Little by The Beau Brummels
Bruce's staff pick is one of the groups that is credited with creating the San Francisco sound. The Beau Brummels were Sal Valentino on vocals, Ron Elliott on lead guitar, Declan Mulligan on guitar, Ron Meagher on bass, and John Petersen on drums. This is off their debut album entitled "Introducing the Beau Brummels," which was produced by Sly Stallone
The Train Kept a-Rollin' by Screaming Lord Sutch & the Savages
You may be familiar with the Aerosmith version of this song, but Rob brings you an earlier version of the classic blues track originally recorded by Tiny Bradshow in 1951. Screaming Lord Sutch was known for his Halloween-themed stage shows, complete with knives and coffins, with the lead singer appearing as Jack the RIpper.
The Game of Love by Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders
Wayne features a number 1 hit from the Billboard Hot 100. The group took its name from a British movie, and appeared in the 1967 Sidney Poitier film, "To Sir, with Love." The group broke up at the final concert of a UK tour with The Who, Arthur Brown, and Joe Coker on November 20, 1968.
Count Me In by Gary Lewis and The Playboys
Lynch closes out the staff picks with a group that was originally known as Gary & the Playboys, hiding the relationship that Gary had with his celebrity father, Jerry Lewis. They auditioned and were hired to play at Disneyland, and frequently played to full houses. The group suffered in live performances, because producer Snuff Garrett utilized session musicians heavily on their studio tracks, and the band could not duplicate their studio sound on the stage.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Maiden Voyage by the Herbie Hancock
This instrumental jazz piece that closes out the podcast shows the longevity of Herbie Hancock's career, and was the title track to his 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.
24 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