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 - November: Bad Religion ”No Control”

    While the late 80's were the high water mark for overproduced hair bands, there was an undercurrent flowing below the mainstream popularity which would surface in the 90's as the punk revival.  Los Angeles-based Bad Religion is a group which would not only benefit from that revival, but many consider the band to be a founder of the movement.  The band formed in 1980 and released a couple of albums before going on hiatus in 1983 and splitting up shortly thereafter.  After a slowly getting back together in 1986, they released their third album entitled "Suffer."  While on tour promoting that album, the band began work on their fourth album, No Control.

    The band for this album was Greg Graffin on lead vocals, Greg Hetson on guitar, Brett Gurewitz on guitar and backing vocals, Jay Bentley on bass and backing vocals, and Pete Finestone on percussion.  Building this album while on tour gave it a fast and high energy feel, with the band reverting to a hardcore punk style.

    While undeniably punk, Bad Religion has a more melodic sound than many of their punk predecessors.  They also exhibit solid, significant lyrics, and utilize three-part vocal harmonies that are not normally associated with the genre.  The idea of this group is to emphasize action, and living in the moment.

    Friend of the show (and John Lynch's better half) Heather Lynch brings us this hallmark of the punk revival because it is the album that introduced her to punk rock.

     

    Change of Ideas

    The lead-off track for the album clocks in at 55 seconds, making it onto Loudwire's top ten list of "Greatest Songs Under One Minute Long."  The concept in Graffin's lyrics is that we need to get away from ideas that trap us in fear and theory.

    Big Bang

    This song was penned by guitarist Brett Gurewitz.  The lyrics are about how folks are searching for something in science or religion without really living their lives.  "Big bang, big crunch.  You know there's no free lunch.  Kneel down and pray, here comes your judgment day."

    No Control

    The title track is a sonic trip to the mosh pit.  We think we have things in hand, but everything fades away very soon, and we are powerless to control it.

    I Want to Conquer the World

    We all have thought at times that the world would be a better place if we could just take over for a while.  Gurewitz reflects on this in this piece, and wonders what we are doing here and now to make things a little better.  "I want to conquer the world.  Give all the idiots a brand new religion, put an end to poverty, uncleanliness and toil.  Promote equality in all of my decisions."

    You

    This is a fast, angry song. "And you! painted my entire world but I don't have the turpentine to clean what you have soiled.  And I won't forget it."

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Two Step Mamau by Wayne Toups & Zydecajun (from the motion picture "Steel Magnolias" )

    This southern film was had an all star cast and showcased the talents of a young Julia Roberts.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Sold Me Down the River by the Alarm

    Wayne's staff pick reminds us of Power Station's "Bang the Gong."  It made it to number 50 on the Billboard charts, but it was prominent on rock stations at the time.  It is about a lovesick guy who got his heart broken.  The Alarm is from Wales, but is often compared to Ireland's U2.

    Let the Day Begin by The Call

    Rob brings us the title track from the Call's sixth studio album.  It is a positive song with a shuffle beat.  It was used as the campaign theme song for Al Gore in 2000.  The band formed in 1980 in Santa Cruz.

    The Living Years by Mike & the Mechanics 

    John Lynch's staff pick is Mike Rutherford's (bassist from Genesis) band, formed in 1985.  The song is a wistful tune about missing the opportunity to truly connect with a father while he was alive.  This is the title track from their second album, released in 1988.

    We Didn't Start the Fire by Billy Joel

    Heather features a song with 118 historical references in this fast-paced song.  The idea of the track comes from a conversation Joel had with Sean Lennon about how difficult it is to be a young person in the times.  Joel thought about how each generation has its issues, and pointed out some of the troubles from earlier decades.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Proliferous Souls by Pestilence

    We haven't covered this Dutch death metal band, but we remedy that with this instrumental out at the time.

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

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

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

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

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

    33 min
  • 1984 - January: The Nails ”Mood Swing”

    If you are not familiar with The Nails don't feel bad.  They were not a hit on commercial radio, but this punk rock/new wave outfit from Boulder Colorado was much better known on college radio in the mid to late 80's.  Although Mood Swing is their debut album from 1984, the band originally formed in 1976 as a five-piece band.  They moved to New York and built both their musical chops and their following on the club circuit before their major label debut.

    At the time that Mood Swing was released the band consisted of Marc Campbell on vocals, Steve O'Rourke on guitar, George Kaufman on bass, Douglas Guthrie on saxophone, and David Kaufman on keyboards.  Drummer Tommy Cotogna had left the band prior to recording the album, and Dennis McDermott provided the drum work for the album sessions.

    The band produced a sound that included strong musicianship, dark and often deliberately shocking lyrics, but laced with a sense of humor.  Campbell claimed that their music came from “a mystical and sexual area.  I write in a cinematic way, trying to create through language and sound, texture and atmosphere, a specific mood.”  The songs on the album do indeed represent a diversity of mood.

    Wayne relives his days as a college radio DJ as he brings us this new wave group for the podcast, and we are joined by friend of the show Heather Lynch, sitting in for Bruce (and keeping Lynch in line).

     

    Every Time I Touch You

    The distinctive bass line followed by the screaming guitar leads into this song about being lost in a mix of love and lust, though we're not certain that this is a match made in heaven.  Love is a fire which can be explosive and tear the lovers apart.   And you never can go wrong with a sax!

    Let It All Hang Out

    This is a cover from a 1967 song by the Hombres, and a “southern-fried parody” of Bob Dylan's “Subterranean Homesick Blues.” A number of other artists also covered this song, including Cream, John Cougar Mellencamp, and Wheezer.  It's a fun song.

    88 Lines About 44 Women 

    If the Nail had a “hit” this was it.  This single peaked at number 46 on the US dance chart, and was laid out on a new Casio keyboard.  The Nails had released several versions of this song previously on independent labels.  Lead singer Campbell says that the song pays tribute to the power and glory of sex, drugs, rock and roll...and love.  It is dedicated to the women in my life to did their best to keep me human."

    Home of the Brave

    This song has a Warhol-esque feel to it.  “Hectic madness of city living where the whores are dancing on the table tops and the juke box plays Apocalyptic bebop.” 

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Theme from the television series “Night Court”

    We were introduced to Judge Harry T. Stone and the eclectic characters that pass through his courtroom on this sitcom that premiered in January 1984.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Say it Isn't So by Hall & Oates

    Lynch starts of the staff picks with one of two new singles released on Hall & Oates compilation album "Rock 'n Soul Part 1."  It was stuck at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, behind Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney's "Say Say Say" for several weeks before finally taking the number 1 slot.  It is about the downside of fame, and the oddness of everyone seeming to know them. 

    The Politics of Dancing by The Re-Flex

    Rob's staff pick hits all the hallmarks of mid-80's music, including the keyboards, drum machine, spoken lyrics, and low tones.  This song went to number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100.  This is the title song from the debut album by The Re-Flex.  The band stopped working together by 1985, but members often collaborated on each other's solo projects.

    Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder 

    Heather Lynch brings us a reggae-infused tune that hit number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song lyrics reflect a man smitten by a woman from whom he must move on, but it also reflects Wilder's struggles with delivering a hit that the record label would take.

    Holy Diver by Dio

    Wayne features heavy metal virtuoso Ronnie James Dio in a solo outing.  It was from his debut solo album of the same name.  The lyrics are about a Christ-figure on another planet who sacrifices himself for his people.  This song was one on Clear Channel's “inappropriate to play” songs after the attacks on 9/11.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    1984 by Van Halen

    This short instrumental leads off Van Halen'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.

    38 min
  • 1990 - March: Michael Penn “March”

    Most people are familiar with the actor, Sean Penn.  His older brother, Michael Penn went in a more musical direction, becoming a singer, songwriter, and producer.  His debut album, March, would achieve both critical and commercial success, peaking on the US album charts at number 31.  This would be his most successful album commercially, though his follow-up albums were received positively by the  critics.

    Manhattan native Michael Penn was the first son of actor/director Leo Penn and actress Eileen Ryan.  He began his musical journey in junior high school, and joined the Los Angeles band Doll Congress before embarking on a solo career.  He appeared as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live in 1987 when his younger brother Sean was the host.  He would garner attention, however in 1989 with his debut album, March.  It would earn him the 1990 MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist, and its first single "No Myth" would rise to number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.  

    Michael Penn would go on to marry singer-songwriter Aimee Mann (who fronted the new wave group 'Til Tuesday) in 1997.  The couple are still together and living in Los Angeles.  

    Rob brings us this singer-songwriter because he has created interesting songs with clever lyrics, and his underrated status may indicate that our listeners haven't heard his music beyond his first single.  We hope you enjoy this artist and perhaps discover some music from the late 80's that you haven't heard before - or haven't heard in a while.

     

    No Myth

    This is the first and most successful single from the album.  It made it to number 5 on the Mainstream Rock charts and number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It is about a guy who is rejected by a girl even though he knows he could make her happy.  “We said goodbye before hello, my secrets she will never know, and if I dig a hole to China I'll catch the first junk to Soho.”

    Half Harvest

    The second song on the album is an understated deeper cut that sounds like a break-up song, or a tune about faded romance. “So move out of your bed of roses, now. I'm putting in a bed of nails.”

    Brave New World

    This is a jangle pop, rockabilly song with great harmonies and fast-paced lyrics.  It ends with a jazz jam and we feel it has a road trip feel in the lyrics as the singer drives into the brave new world.

    This & That

    This single hit number 10 on the Modern Rock charts, and also has a quick lyric cadence.  “I'll do this and I'll do that, I'll be burning canyons for you.  I'll do this and I'll do that and I will wait forever if you'll be there.”

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Hymn to Red October (from the motion picture The Hunt for Red October)

    Sean Connery takes the lead in the first of the Tom Clancy books to hit the big screen.  The idea of a defecting Soviet sub was a compelling concept in the late 80's, well before the communist government fell apart.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Cuts You Up by Peter Murphy 

    Bruce's staff pick went to number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100, but dominated the then-new Billboard Alternative Songs chart, spending seven weeks at number 1 on that chart.  Peter Murphy was the lead singer of the group Bauhaus, which gave us the song “Bela Lugosi's Dead.”  Murphy and guitarist Paul Statham wrote this song which is about how the path of self-knowledge and discovery will ruin your assumptions, keeping you from getting arrogant.

    I Go to Extremes by Billy Joel

    Lynch reminds us that things tend to go awry when musician Billy Joel writes a song for his wife.  Indeed Joel's relationship with Christie Brinkley would come to an end in 1994 after it inspired this song that was a single from his album Stormfront. The idea of this song is a recognition that Joel can be compared to a roller coaster of emotion.  

    Up All Night by Slaughter 

    Wayne brings us a hair band hit from the peak of “big hair.”  Las Vegas, based Slaughter is named after vocalist and guitarist Mark Slaughter who formed the band in 1988 with bassist Dana Strum.  The band is completed by guitarist Tim Kelly and drummer Blas Elias.  The song is pretty much the anthem of the hair bands - up all night, sleep all day. 

    Baby, It's Tonight by Jude Cole 

    Rob finishes the staff picks with singer-songwriter, manager, and producer Jude Cole.  He has a sound similar to John Waite, and started with the band Lifehouse.  Cole also started a record label called Iron Works with actor Kiefer Sutherland.  This song made it to number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.

     

    COMEDY TRACK:

    As Kosher As They Wanna Be  by 2 Live Jews 

    Oy Vey!  I hope we don't get cancelled for this comedy track which was on the charts at the time.

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

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

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

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

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

    41 min
  • 1991 - August: Metallica ”Metallica (the Black Album)”

    Metallica  was a big deal well before the release of this album.  Singer and guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich had formed the band a decade prior to this fifth studio release, technically called Metallica but most commonly referenced as The Black Album due to its all-black cover.  Hetfield and Ulrich, together with lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Jason Newsted were successful commercially and critically on the strength of previous albums, particularly their third (Master of Puppets) and fourth (...And Justice for All) studio releases.  However The Black Album would be their most successful album release, and the second longest-charting traditional title release in history, behind only Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon."

     Metallica is one of the founding bands of thrash metal, and had a reputation for musicianship that was both fast and complex.  The Black Album saw the band developing a slower, more refined sound with singles that were shorter and tighter, making them more accessible to a general audience.  Hetfield also sought to create songs with a less "scream-heavy" vocalization.  The result of their efforts was both their first number one album on the charts, and an album filled with some of their most well-known singles.  The album is more heavy metal than their previous releases, but still retains a thrash metal edge.

    Metallica would go on from success to success, never really seeing their international fame fade.  This album marks the point where the band had learned to master both their musical craft and their stage craft.  

    John Lynch brings us this landmark heavy metal album.

     

    Enter Sandman

    This track was the first single, the first song written for the album, and the last to receive lyrics.  Hammett wrote the primary guitar riff after being inspired by Soundgarden's Louder than Love album.  The original lyrics were much darker, referencing sudden infant death syndrome, and Lars Ulrich and producer Bob Rock encouraged Hetfield to rework them .

    Sad But True

    The fifth and final single from the album was originally written in the key of E.  When the producer pointed out that every song on the album was written in E, the band tuned down to D for this track.  The idea for the lyrics about blind faith were inspired by the 1978 film "Magic" in which a ventriloquist is controlled by his puppet. 

    The Unforgiven

    The second single is a heavy power ballad about the struggles of the individual against an all-powerful machine-like force holding him captive.  It has a softer style than most Metallica songs, and allows Hetfield's vocal musicianship to shine through.  Two sequel songs would be released on future albums.

    Nothing Else Matters

    Hetfield did not intend to release this song, but wrote it for himself when feeling homesick on tour.  Ulrich encouraged him to include it in the album, and it is one of their biggest hits.  While originally written about a girlfriend, the song has become a reference to Metallica's fans on tour.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Lets Work Together by The Kentucky Headhunters (from the motion picture “Harley Davidson & the Marlboro Man”) 

    This movie was a biker film with Don Johnson and Mickey Rourke in a Western style.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    She's So High by Blur

    Wayne is well known for his affinity to the Manchester psychedelic sound.  However, this group with the Manchester sound is actually from London.  While the song would appear to be about drugs, it is actually a reference to a girl who is out of the singer's league.  Blur hit number 48 on the UK single's chart with this release.

    Straight to Your Heart by Bad English

    Rob's staff pick was written by Jonathan Cain for this supergroup formed from members of Journey and The Babys.  John Waite's distinctive voice is clear on this hit from their second and final album, but it also maintains the rock sound. 

    Face the Music by RTZ 

    Bruce shares his take on this group formed by Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau, originally founding members of the group Boston, along with Brian Maes on keyboards, Tim Archibald on bass, and David Stefanelli on drums.  This single is off RTZ's debut album "Return to Zero."  While this song only went to number 49 on the US pop charts, the success of RTZ would convince Delp to leave Boston, only to return to the group a couple of years later.

    Crazy by Seal

    Lynch's staff pick is about the days when the Soviet Union was collapsing and the Berlin wall came down.  English singer songwriter Seal brings a haunting, smooth sound.  “In a sky full of people only some want to fly, isn't that crazy?”

       

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Sunshine by Timbuk 3

    The group best known for “The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades” penned this steel drum-laden instrumental.

    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.

    47 min
  • 1980 - March: Molly Hatchet ”Flirtin’ with Disaster”

    Many folks know that the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd came out of Jacksonville, Florida.  But they weren't the only big southern rock band to arise from that city.  Molly Hatchet was another southern rock band from Jacksonville, also sporting three guitars.  The band formed in 1971 and shares a lot of the inspiration and influence of Skynyrd.  their best selling album was their second one, Flirtin' with Disaster, which peaked at number 19 and became a 2x platinum seller in the United States.  

    The name of the band comes from the legend of a Salem-era prostitute who supposedly mutilated and decapitated her clients.  The band was not only famous for its music, but for its album cover art.  Fantasy artist Frank Frazetta created the cover, depicting a Viking-like warrior with a winged helmet and battle axe.  Personnel for Flirtin' with Disaster included Danny Joe Brown on vocals, guitarists Dave Hlubek, Steve Holland, and Duane Roland, Banner Thomas on bass, and Bruce Crump on drums. 

    While Flirtin' with Disaster is the band's most successful album, they also found considerable success with the eponymous debut album released prior to Flirtin' and the third album, “Beatin' the Odds,” released with new front man Jimmy Farrar who replaced Danny Joe Brown who left for a number of reasons including diabetes.  The band would not achieve similar success with its future albums, though Brown would return to the band by their fifth album.  Molly Hatchet remained a popular touring band, though today all the original members have died.  

    Friend of the show Craig Dale joins us as Wayne brings us this Southern rock classic for the podcast. 

     

    Let the Good Times Roll

    While this may be considered a deeper cut, the track which closes out the album did receive significant airplay on rock stations when the album came out.  “Give me wine, women, whiskey and rock 'n' roll and let me sleep my days away.”  

    Flirtin' with Disaster

    This is the timeless classic from the album, the title track, and the opening song for side two.  Although this is considered their breakout hit and highest charting, it only went to number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song has been used in a number of films and television shows including Suspect Zero, Straw Dogs, My Name is Earl, and King of the Hill.

    Good Rockin'

    This deep cut is one in which all band members share writing credits.  It was not released as a single but did appear as a B-side to their second single, “It's All Over Now.”  It is simply a straightforward rock party song - “So if you're feeling good, if you feel alright we're going to have a rock 'n' roll time tonight.”

    Whiskey Man

    The leading track from the album is a well-known Molly Hatchet song, though it failed to chart.  It is an anti-drinking song in which the lyrics discuss the hazards of alcohol.  “You start to get straight, then you get weak, can't you see you're on a losing streak?”

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Coal Miner's Daughter by Loretta Lynn (from the motion picture “Coal Miner's Daughter”)

    Sissy Spacek won the Academy Award for her portrayal of Loretta Lynn in this biographical drama. 

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Back On My Feet Again by The Babys

    Bruce brings us the number 33 hit by John Waite and the Babys - their fourth and final top 40 hit.  This is off their album “Union Jacks.”  They opened for Journey on tour, and their keyboardist, Jonathan Cain, would wind up joining Journey when the Babys broke up.  

    What I Like About You by The Romantics

    Rob presents a party song that got a lot of airplay with a 50's/60's feel.  It was written in 1979 and it came out on the debut album from the Romantics.  The lead singer, Wally Palmar, is the drummer for the group.  The song only made it to number 49 on the US charts, but its garage band feel and party credentials have given it a timeless quality that fares better the longer it is around.

    Magic by Olivia Newton John

    Lynch tests Wayne's patience with this number 1 hit from Australia's own Olivia Newton John.  It was recorded for the soundtrack to the 1980 musical fantasy film “Xanadu” and was released as its lead single.  The song was written by John Farrar who wrote a number of Olivia Newton John's hits.

    Goodbye Blue Sky by Pink Floyd

    Friend of the show Craig Dale brings us a haunting tune from the Pink Floyd album “The Wall.”  This track reveals how the horror of war and the blitz formed a brink in the wall of isolation the protagonist forms in his descent into madness.  The child speaking at the front of the song is actually band member Roger Waters' son, Harry.

    Rockin' Heaven Down by Heart

    Wayne closes out this week's podcast with his favorite Heart song from the album “Bebe Le Strange.”  The track features Nancy Wilson starting the song on a 12-string electric guitar, and Nancy Wilson's fierce vocals.  “Hoot into the night, that look from eye to eye, a flash gets passed around, a band of wild angels rockin' heaven down.”

    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
  • 1970 - May: Van Morrison ”Moondance”

    Moondance is the album that established Van Morrison as a solo artist.  However, he was an accomplished musician before this, first as a multi-instrumentalist in Irish show bands of the late 50's, then as the lead singer of the band Them.  Moondance is either Morrison's second or third solo album…depending upon how you count it.  The first album entitled “Blowin' Your Mind!” was put out without Morrison's permission — or even knowledge, and he does not consider it to be a proper album.  However, he had signed a contract with Bang! Records without paying much attention to the details, and gave up much of his rights.  Nevertheless, this first album did contain Morrison's first solo pop single, “Brown-Eyed Girl,” which is one of this most popular today.

    After considerable wrangling and the death of producer Bert Berns, Morrison was able to put out an album on his own terms for Warner Brothers entitled “Astral Weeks.”  While this album would be praised in the future, it was considered a failure at the time, producing no singles and not receiving much promotion.

    Moondance is where it all comes together for Morrison.  It was more deliberately designed to have more accessible songs than the previous album, and it benefitted from the rising popularity of FM radio.  Morrison's growing confidence in his own abilities and his sense of independence from the producers also were beneficial on this album.  The result is an iconic album with a number of standards of 70's music.

    Bruce brings us this inspired album for this week's podcast.

     

    And It Stoned Me

    This track leads off the album.  The song reminisces about days being a kid, going fishing, drinking stream water from a jar, and just being high on life.  The lyric about Jelly Roll may refer to jazz musician Jelly Roll Morton, an artist whom Morrison listened to with his father as a child.  Van Morrison's dad had one of the biggest record collections in the area.

    Into the Mystic

    This track is about a spiritual quest.  According to Wikipedia, Morrison says the song “is just about being part of the universe.”  While it was not released as a single when the album was released it has become one of Morrison's most popular song, the second most streamed song on Spotify behind “Brown Eyed Girl.”

    Glad Tidings

    A deeper cut, this track is the final song on the album and the final song recorded for the album.  The inspiration for the title was a letter Morrison received from a friend in London who had written on the envelope, “Glad Tidings from London.”  When Morrison wrote back he also included “Glad Tidings from New York” on the envelope.  The lyrics appear to address some of the issues Morrison had with Bert Berns and Bang! Records.

    Moondance

    As iconic as this song has become, it was not released as a single until September of 1977, seven-and-a-half years after the album.  Morrison developed it while living in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  He considers it a sophisticated song, one that Frank Sinatra could be seen singing. 

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    The Love Theme (from the motion picture "Airport" )

    This film was one of the first disaster movies that would form its own genre in the 1970's.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Friends by Feather

    Wayne gets the staff picks started with a pop group from Los Angeles.  Feather had a commercially oriented prog rock sound, with close harmonies and a bit of a country flavor.  “Friends” was on the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks, with its highest position at number 79.  However, they did get a chance to showcase their song on Dick Clark's American Bandstand.

    Reflections of My Life by Marmalade

    Rob brings us a Scottish band that started in 1961 as the Gaylords.  This is their biggest hit making it to number 10 in the U.S.  The epic feel employs acoustic guitars and horns, and a guitar solo which employs studio effects that play the solo guitar riff backwards.

    Kentucky Rain by Elvis Presley 

    Lynch's staff pick was recorded during Presley's landmark two-week sessions at American Sound Studio in Memphis.  These sessions produced two hit albums in 1969, but this song didn't make the cut for either album.  The single was on the charts during this month, rising as high as number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, and features Ronnie Milsap on piano.

    Mississippi Queen by Mountain

    Bruce brings us a rocker to wrap up the staff picks.  This hard rock group was active primarily from 1969 through 1972, and this single went to number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The opening cowbell originated when drummer Corky Laing got tired of the numerous retakes and just started using the cowbell to count off the song.  Bassist Felix Pappalardi liked the sound and kept it in the completed track. 

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Viva Tirado (part 1) by El Chicano

    This Latin-jazz instrumental number was based on an original song about a bullfighter by Gerald Wilson.

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    **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
  • 1978 - August: REO Speedwagon ”You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish”

    Aside from having a terrific title, the seventh studio album by REO Speedwagon would be the one which would bring them mainstream success.  You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish was the first album to be co-produced by guitarist Gary Richrath and lead singer Kevin Cronin, and was the first to break into the top 40 on the Billboard 200 album charts in the US, peaking at number 29.  It also was the first on which Bruce Hall was a part of the group, replacing Gregg Philbin on bass.  The rest of the group was Nel Doughty on keyboards and Alan Gratzer on drums.   Doughty and Gratzer were college students when the band was founded, and Doughty was inspired to create the name of the group when he saw it written on the board of his “History of Transportation” class.

    This album trends toward melodic rock and power ballads, which perhaps explains the broader appeal they received.  Richrath's guitar hooks blended well with Cronin's strong vocals, and the result was a polished sound that worked well for both rock anthems and more pensive ballads.  The energy of the studio album also seemed to finally catch the essence and energy of their live performances.

    The band would go on to become one of the stars of the arena rock world in the 80's, and this album is where that really started for them.

    Rob brings us this group at the start of their ascent to stardom.

     

    Roll with the Changes

    This infectious rock anthem leads off the album, and is a timeless staple of the band's concerts.  Kevin Cronin was inspired to write this song when he returned to the band in 1976 and relocated from Chicago to Los Angeles.  Changes in his life caused the song to hit him instantly.  He started writing the lyrics on a paper bag in his Ford Pinto while driving to L.A.

    Runnin' Blind

    This deeper cut is the third track on the album.  It has a solid guitar riff and we believe a “Cheap Trick” sound.  The lyrics discuss a lover who is always on the road playing the guitar and leaving someone behind.  “Change is comin' no more runnin'”

    Time for Me to Fly

    Another song written by Kevin Cronin, this ballad was inspired by Cronin's breakup with his high school girlfriend.  Unlike “Roll with the Changes,” this song took Cronin 10 years to write, and had been rejected for previous albums.  While it would peak at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100, it would become one of their best known songs and a timeless ballad.

    Say You Love Me or Say Goodnight

    Another deeper cut that rocks, this one closes out the album.  The lyrics are a call to either make up or split up.  It is a great jam to end the concert or album.  

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Theme from the motion picture The Magic of Lassie

    Jimmy Stewart makes his last appearance in this installment of the film franchise starring the famous collie.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Party by Boston 

    Bruce kicks off the staff picks with the sixth track from Boston's second studio album, “Don't Look Back”  This straight-up party song was co-written by Brad Delp and Tom Scholz, one of only two songs on the album not solely written by Scholz.  While it wasn't released as a single, it received significant airplay on rock stations and appears on Boston's Greatest Hits album.

    Raise a Little Hell by Trooper

    Wayne keeps the energy up with a rocker off Canadian band Trooper's fourth studio album.  Randy Bachman produced this album entitled “Thick as Thieves.”  It appears in the first season of the NETFLIX show “Stranger Things.”  While not having a big hit in the US (this one went to number 59) Trooper was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2023.

    Hot Blooded by Foreigner 

    Lynch brings us a monster hit written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones.  While most people with a fever of 103 would need some rest, the song describes the cure as an after-show rendezvous with the girl he's been checking out.  The song did more than dance up the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 3.

    Runaway by Jefferson Starship

    Rob takes the tempo down to close out the staff picks with the second single from the album “Earth.”  This song made it to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Marty Balin takes vocal duties on this song, alternating between a smooth sound in the verses and a grittier, funky sound in the bridge.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    The Unidentified Flying Tuna Trot by REO Speedwagon 

    This instrumental off “You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish” gives us the opportunity to double dip on the episode's featured album by REO Speedwagon.

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    **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
  • 1980 - June: “The Blues Brothers Original Soundtrack”

    The Blues Brothers Original Soundtrack is a powerhouse collection of rhythm and blues that captures the essence of the iconic film.  It features a blend of classic blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll performed by legendary artists including Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, James Brown, and Cab Calloway.  

    The Blues Brothers originated as a musical comedy act created by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi on the sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” in the late 1970's.  Inspired by their shared love for blues and R&B music, Aykroyd and Belushi created fictional characters, Jake and Elwood Blues, as their alter egos.  The act gained popularity, leading to the release of their self-titled debut album in 1978 and eventually to the creation of the Blues Brothers motion picture in 1980.  

    In the film, parolee Jake Blues is joined by his blood brother Elwood Blues on a “mission from God” to save the Catholic orphanage in which they were raised by reuniting their band and raising the $5000.00 for the property tax bill.  Their quest brings them to a number of characters played by iconic artists including Cab Calloway and James Brown.  The resulting soundtrack stands as a testament to the enduring power of blues music and left an indelible mark on both the film and music industry.

    John Lynch dons his suit and dark sunglasses to bring us this feature.

     

    Minnie the Moocher

    Cab Calloway originally presented Minnie the Moocher back in 1931, and reprises the song for this film.  Calloway was a regular performer at the Cotton Club in Harlem, and a popular vocalist of the swing era.  Calloway plays Curtis in the film, a father figure and mentor to the Blues Brothers, and performs this song as a warm-up to the concert.

    Jailhouse Rock

    As the movie ends with Jake and Elwood back in prison after successfully paying off the tax bill for the orphanage.  The band plays Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock" for the inmates as the credits roll.  Jake Blues (Belushi) takes lead on this upbeat number.

    Think

    Aretha Franklin covers her own song as Mrs. Murphy, trying to persuade her husband Matt Murphy to not join the band.  Franklin had a lot of difficulty lip synching the song and would have preferred to just sing it live.  The Blues Brothers join her on this cover.

    Gimme Some Lovin'

    The Blues Brothers cover this piece originally performed by the Spencer Davis Group and made famous by Steve Winwood.  While the song was a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, in the film it gets a decidedly cooler reception in the honky tonk bar in which it is performed. 

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Lookin' for Love by Johnny Lee (from the motion picture “Urban Cowboy”)

    With the decline of disco, crossover country & western hits became popular.  John Travolta starred in this movie which capitalized on the popularity of country music.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Train in Vain (Stand By Me) by the Clash

    Bruce brings us the third single from the Clash's third album, “London Calling.”  This was a double album, and a post-punk turn by the group.  The song was originally intended to be a giveaway flexi single, but was put on the album at the last minute when that deal fell through.  Mick Jones wrote and sings lead on this song, inspired by his tumultuous relationship with Stiltz guitarist Viv Albertine.

    Free Me Big by Roger Daltrey

    Wayne features the front man for the Who in a solo effort written by Argent guitarist Russ Ballard.  The song is on Daltrey's 1980 solo album “McVicar” It also appears on the soundtrack for the movie "McVicar" in which Daltrey plays John McVicar, an inmate in prison for a number of bank robberies.  The other members of the Who play on this song as uncredited musicians.

    We Live for Love by Pat Benatar

    Rob's staff pick is performed by Benatar, but it is often confused for a Blondie song.  It is a single from Benatar's debut album, “In the Heat of the Night,” and was written by Neil Giraldo, Benatar's then-guitarist and now-husband (and still guitarist).  It was the leading track from side two.

    Ride Like the Wind by Christopher Cross

    Lynch's staff pick went to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, held out of the number 1 slot by Blondie's “Call Me.”  It is Cross's debut single from his Grammy winning 1979 self-titled album.  Cross dedicated the song to Lowell George, formerly of the band Little Feat, who had died in 1979.  Michael McDonald is easy to identify on backing vocals.

       

    NOVELTY TRACK:

    Turning Japanese by the Vapors

    Songwriter and Vapors lead singer David Fenton says this is all the cliches about angst and youth and turning into something you didn't expect to.  This new wave song went to number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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    **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
  • 1978 - April: The Band “The Last Waltz”

    The Band was a Canadian-American rock group formed in the mid 60's as the backing band for Bob Dylan when he made his controversial switch from acoustic to electric.  Originally called “The Hawks,” when they toured as the backing band for Ronnie Hawkins, they toured as “Bob Dylan and the Band” when they joined Dylan.  After leaving Bob Dylan to do their own work, they stuck with the generic name “The Band.”  They combined rock, folks, Americana, and other genres of music to create their own influential sound.

    The Last Waltz is a triple album which documents The Band's farewell concert held on Thanksgiving Day in 1976 at Bill Graham's Winterland Ballroom where The Band debuted back in 1969.  The concert itself was a 5 hour affair for 5,000 spectators and included a Thanksgiving dinner and ballroom dancing.  Over a dozen special guests were involved in the concert including Muddy Waters, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Joni Mitchell.  Martin Scorsese filmed the concert and turned it into what is considered one of the greatest documentary concert films ever produced. 

    The Band influenced many artists in the rock and folk genre including George Harrison, Elton John, and the Grateful Dead.  They were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1989 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.  

    Though the original quintet did not tour after this concert, they did produce a seventh studio album entitled “Islands” to fulfill their record contract.  

    Wayne brings us this iconic live album for the podcast.

     

    The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

    This anti-war song written by Robbie Robertson (and perhaps by Levon Helm as well, though uncredited) hearkens back to the Civil War and the devastation inflicted on the American South.  It would be difficult to make this song today, because the subject is a poor white Southerner suffering during the last year of the Civil War. Nevertheless, a number of artists have covered it including Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, John Denver, and the Black Crowes.  

    Baby Let Me Follow You Down

    Bob Dylan joins The Band onstage on this traditional folk song.  It appeared on Dylan's debut album and was made electric in 1966 with The Band behind him.  In a farewell concert with special guests it would be expected that Bob Dylan would make an appearance due to the connection between him and The Band.

    Mannish Boy 

    The Band is joined by blues legend Muddy Waters on this classic blues track.  This standard was an "answer song" to Bo Diddley's "I'm a Man," which was in turn inspired by Waters' and Willie Dixon's "Hoochie-Coochie Man."  Muddy Waters is known as the "father of modern Chicago blues," and inspired much of what we know as Rock and Roll today.

    Up on Cripple Creek

    One of the best known songs by The Band, this one reached number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Drummer Levon Helm is on lead vocals for this track about a long-haul trucker who gambles, drinks, listens to music, and spends time with "little Bessie" in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Theme from the prime time drama series “Dallas”

    We were introduced to J.R. Ewing and the other members of the oil family on this prime time soap opera which debuted as a mini-series in 1978.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Lay Down Sally by Eric Clapton

    Lynch starts of the staff picks with a hit that went to number 3 in the US and number 39 in the UK.  Marcy Levy, one of Clapton's backup singers, wrote this song with Clapton and sings on it.  It is about staying in bed in the morning rather than leaving quickly.  

    Thank You for Being a Friend by Andrew Gold

    Bruce's staff pick was a hit for Andrew Gold at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 long before Cynthia Fee covered it in her re-recording as the theme song for “The Golden Girls.”  Gold referred to this song as “just this little throwaway thing” that took “about an hour to write.”

    Count on Me by Jefferson Starship 

    Rob brings us the next iteration of Jefferson Airplane, which made it to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Marty Balin is on lead for this song written by composer and flutist Jesse Barish.  It is off Jefferson Starship's fourth album, “Earth.”

    Every Kinda People by Robert Palmer

    Wayne features  Robert Palmer from Yorkshire, England, who lived for a time in Malta where his father worked in British naval intelligence.  This reggae-infused song was Palmer's first top 40 hit in the United States, reaching number 16 on the charts.  The upbeat and positive lyrics remind us that everyone is the same inside regardless of skin color.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Jam #1 by The Band

    We do a little double-dipping on the instrumental this week as we go back to The Last Waltz for this jam.

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

    41 min
  • 1965 - August: The Spencer Davis Group “Their First LP”

    Before his solo work, before Blind Faith, before Traffic, a 14-year old known then as Stevie Winwood joined The Spencer Davis Group as a guitarist and lead singer.  This blues-oriented British band released their first LP, conveniently called Their First LP in June of 1965 to British and European audiences.  We are covering it in August 1965, but the album itself was not released in the United States at the time.  Most of the songs would make it to the US market in compilation albums released years later.

    The Spencer Davis Group was Spencer Davis on vocals, guitar, and harmonica; Steve Winwood on lead vocals, harmonica, guitar, and piano; Muff Winwood (Steve's older brother) on vocals and bass; and Pete York on drums.  Additional personnel included Kenny Salmon on organ for a couple of tracks, and one track found Peter Asher on piano and Millie Small on vocals.

    The album didn't enter the UK albums chart until January 1966, but it would reach number 6 on that chart after a single entitled "Keep On Running" from their second album entered the UK singles charts.  

    "Their First LP" is blues driven, and much of the album consists of covers from blues artists.  However, there are also some original pieces composed by Spencer Davis and by Steve Winwood.  

    Spencer Davis went on to solo and collaborative work after The Spencer Davis Group, eventually becoming an executive for Island Records.  Steve Winwood would of course move on to a storied career as a rock musician.

    Bruce brings this blues-laced proto-rock album to the podcast.

     

    My Babe

    This track leads off the album.  While the Spencer Davis Group did not release this as a single, it reached number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1963 when it was originally released by its writers, Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley.  Hatfield and Medley are better known as The Righteous Brothers.

    Dimples

    This cover was the first single released from the album, preceding the album by almost a year.  The original was written and recorded by blues artist John Lee Hooker in 1956 as an ensemble piece.  It was the first Hooker record to appear on the British record charts, though it would take until 1964 to reach the charts.  While the Hooker single charted, the Spencer Davis Group cover did not chart.

    Sittin' and Thinkin'

    Here is an original song amongst an album dominated by covers.  Spencer Davis wrote this song.  It was released as a single, the fourth from the album, but only in the Netherlands.

    It Hurts Me So

    The closing track to the album was written by Steve Winwood.  It was not released as a single, but it is an example of Winwood's early blues-influenced work. 

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    The Night Before by the Beatles (from the motion picture "Help!" )

    This film showcased the Beatles in a comedy adventure as the group tries to protect Ringo from an eastern cult.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Agent Double-O-Soul by Edwin Starr

    James Bond is the obvious inspiration for Wayne's staff pick.  Edwin Starr was singing with The Bill Dogett Combo when he went to the cinema to watch the Bond feature, "Thunderball."  He wound up watching it 3 times before going back to his hotel room to write this song.  Bill Dogett rejected his pitch to sing solo on this tune, so Starr left the group to become a solo act.

    I Want Candy by The Strangeloves

    Rob brings us a tune by songwriters Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein, and Richard Gottehrer.  They took on the persona of Australian sheep farmer brothers turned band members Giles, Miles, and Niles Strangelove for this group.  This song with a Bo Diddley beat was inspired by dancer Candy Johnson who was seen at the 1964 Worlds Fair.  Bow Wow Wow would have a hit with a cover of this song in the 80's.

    Since I Lost My Baby by The Temptations 

    Lynch's staff pick comes from Motown in the form of a lover's lament written by Smokey Robinson and Warren Moore.  It hit number 17 on the US charts.  The Temptations would be a huge hitmaker in the 60's both with David Ruffin and Dennis Edwards on lead vocals.

    Same Old Song by The Four Tops

    Bruce's staff pick features an American vocal quartet from Detroit who helped to define the Motown sound.  This Holland-Dozier-Holland song hit number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 2 on the Billboard R&B chart.  Lead singer Levi Stubbs was joined by Duke Fakir, Obie Benson, and Lawrence Payton to form the quartet, and they would remain together from 1953 until 1997 without a change in personnel.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    The "In" Crowd by The Ramsey Lewis Trio

    This jazz single hit number 2 on the R&B chart and number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The Ramsey Lewis Trio would receive a Grammy Award for the album of the same name in 1966.

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    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.

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

    29 min

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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