What the Riff Next Gen

What the Riff Next Gen

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

  • 1974 - January: Bachman-Turner Overdrive “II”

    Randy Bachman left The Guess Who in 1970 after experiencing lifestyle differences with the other band members.  After exploring a number of alternatives, Bachman formed a group with his brothers Tim Bachman (guitars, vocals), and Robbie Bachman (percussion), and with Fred Turner (bass, vocals).  The group took the name Bachman -Turner Overdrive, often shortened to BTO.  Although their self-titled first album did not produce a single, it was regionally successful, and the band made the most of it with a heavy touring schedule.  

    It was their second studio album, Bachman-Turner Overdrive II, which would bring the band significant success.  The album would go to number 4 on the Billboard 200 chart, and number 6 on the charts in their native Canada.  Powered by bluesy guitar riffs and infectious choral hooks, BTO-II would become a staple of classic rock radio, and demonstrate the signature rock sound of the early 70's.

    Tim Bachman would be replaced by Blair Thornton prior to their third and most successful studio album, "Not Fragile."  This lineup would produce a further three studio albums before founder Randy Bachman's departure in 1979.  The band would continue on until 2005 before calling a hiatus.  A number of reunions would follow starting in 2009.

    Rob features this influential group who maintained a guitar-led hard rock sound during a time when soft rock, glam, and disco were on the rise.

     

    Takin' Care of Business

    Randy Bachman originally developed this song while a member of The Guess Who, and it's working title was "White Collar Worker."  The Guess Who turned it down because they thought it was too similar to The Beatles' "Paperback Writer," so Bachman rearranged it for BTO as "Takin' Care of Business."  Randy Bachman is on lead vocals for this anthem.

    Blown

    The lead track to the album is a deeper cut that describes a long-ago day when smoking drugs led to a collapse and a time "when they locked me up."  It has a great hook in the chorus and a fast pace.  "I was blown (woo woo) ran and jumped and screamed.  I was blo-o-own right inside a dream."

    Welcome Home

    This is a quirky song has an alternating acoustic Latin verse and heavier chorus, with a jazzy finish.  The lyrics talk about life on the road and how good it feels to go back home, drive your own car and sleep in your own bed.  It could not be confirmed that Animal from The Muppet Show was an uncredited contributor to this track.

    Let It Ride

    Fred Turner is on lead vocals for the first BTO single to crack the US Top 40 (at number 23).  The inspiration for the song was a time when the band was on a highway in their tour bus and got boxed in by a couple of trucks.  When the band confronted the truckers about it at a truck stop, they were told to settle down and just let it ride.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Opening theme from the television series "The Six Million Dollar Man"

    This is where we learned about "Steve Austin.  Astronaut.  A man barely alive."  The weekly exploits of the Bionic Man would have us running in slow motion on the playground to simulate his 60-mph dashes. 

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Seasons In the Sun by Terry Jacks 

    Wayne brings us a song adapted from a Belgian tune called "The Dying Man."  The lyrics portray a dying man's farewell to his loved ones.  It was a worldwide hit that went to number 1, becoming the largest-selling Canadian single in history at the time.  Jacks rewrote the lyrics to reflect a life that acknowledges rights and wrongs of his life as he passes away peacefully.

    Living for the City by Stevie Wonder  

    Lynch features a song on which Wonder plays all the instruments and performs all the vocals.  The lyrics tell of a young kid from Mississippi who moves to New York City.  While down south he had hardships, but was surrounded by caring people.  In the city, people take advantage of him, and he is caught with drugs and sentenced to 10 years in jail.

    Let Me Be There by Olivia Newton-John 

    Bruce's staff pick is Newton-John's first top 10 hit in the US, peaking at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.  This would also be the start of a more country direction for the singer, and would continue for the next couple of albums.  Olivia Newton-John would win a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocalist for this upbeat tune.

    Mind Games by John  Lennon

    Rob finishes off the staff picks with a single originally released in 1973 from Lennon's album of the same name.  It made it to number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Lennon started writing this in 1969 under the working title "Make Love, Not War."  That phrase had been overused by the early 70's, and he took inspiration from a book title for the change to "Mind Games."

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Space Race  by Billy Preston 

    Long time Beatles collaborator Billy Preston wrote this instrumental sci fi funk number.

    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
  • 1989 - October: Aerosmith “Pump”

    Aerosmith is a band in two acts.  They were a highly successful group in the 70's, but arguments and drugs left the band a shade of its former self by 1980.  A second chance was presented when the crossover collaboration between Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C. on "Walk this Way" became a number 4 US hit in 1986.  The bad went into drug rehab at the insistence of manager Tim Collins, and had a major hit with their ninth studio album "Permanent Vacation."

    Aerosmith demonstrated that their second act was not just a fluke with their tenth studio album, Pump, which was even more successful than Permanent Vacation.  This was a significant comeback, re-establishing the band as one of rock's premier acts.  The album was polished and energetic, combining a gritty hard rock sound with pop sensibilities.  The album was not only a commercial success, peaking at number 5 on the US charts and being certified 7x platinum by 1995, but was also a critical success, landing Aerosmith their first Grammy for "Janie's Got a Gun."  Pump was the fourth best-selling album of the year 1990.

    The band lineup for this album had Steven Tyler on vocals, keyboards, and harmonica, Joe Perry on guitar and backing vocals, Brad Whitford on guitar, Tom Hamiilton on bass, and Joey Kramer on drums.  Guitarist Brad Whitford explained the album title on a 1989 MTV special by saying "now that we're off drugs, we're all pumped up."  

    John Lynch brings us this stellar rock and pop sensation this week.

     

    Water Song/Janie's Got a Gun

    A 10-second instrumental called "Water Song" precedes the song written by Steven Tyler and Tom Hamilton.  The second single from the album went to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It describes the revenge of a young woman for the childhood abuse she experienced.  Aerosmith won the 1990 Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for this song.

    Dulcimer Stomp/The Other Side

    Another song with a brief instrumental lead-in, this was the fourth single released from the album.  It was written by Jim Vallance and Steven Tyler, with Holland-Dozier-Holland receiving songwriting credit after threatening to file suit over similarities between this and their song "Standing in the Shadows of Love."  The lyrics are about a turbulent relationship, with the singer wanting to get past the emotional roller-coaster. 

    Monkey on My Back

    It is difficult to find a deep cut on this album, but this is one that was not released as a single.  Tyler and Perry wrote this track about the band's struggles with addiction.  It was the first song that Tyler and Perry wrote for the album, and it was composed in November 1988 prior to the end of their Permanent Vacation tour.

    Going Down/Love In an Elevator

    A double entendre-laden skit leads in this double entendre-laden song.  Tyler and Perry wrote this piece, and it was inspired by an actual experience Steven Tyler had where he was making out with a woman in an elevator and the doors opened.  It was nominated for a Grammy in 1990 for Best Hard Rock Performance, but Aerosmith lost out to Living Colour on that one.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Theme from the television music performance and dance program “American Bandstand” 

    Dick Clark's music show which premiered in March 1952 had its final show on October 7, 1989.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Sowing the Seeds of Love by Tears for Fears

    Bruce brings us a Beatles-esque song from the third Tears for Fears album, "Seeds of Love."  It was written by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, and hit number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, their fourth and final entry into the top 10.  Orzabal considers it to be the most overtly political song Tears for Fears had written at the time.  

    Big Talk by Warrant

    Rob's staff pick is a rocking tune from glam metal band Warrant's first album, "Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich."  This third single from the album made it to number 30 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, though it only made it to number 93 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The album went to number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart.

    Pictures of Matchstick Men by Camper Van Beethoven 

    Wayne brings us a cover of the first hit single by Status Quo, released in 1968.  This rendition combines elements of pop, ska, punk, folks, alternative, and country.  the "Matchstick men" reference is to the paintings of L.S. Lowry, and English painter who depicted Salford, Manchester, and other industrial scenes in his works.

    It's Not Enough by Starship

    Lynch's staff pick is the second single released off Starship's third album, the first album after Grace Slick left the band.  It went to number 12 on the Billboard charts, the final top 40 hit for the band.  This is the sound that most typified the produced sound of the late 80's.

       

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Flying In a Blue Dream by the Joe Satriani

    The title track to Satriani's third studio album 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.

    46 min
  • 1978 - February: Jimmy Buffett — “Son of a Son of a Sailor”

    This podcast goes out to all the Parrot heads out there.  Son of a Son of a Sailor is the eighth studio album by Jimmy Buffett, and is the follow-up to his breakout album “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes.”  This is Buffett's highest charting album of the 70's, peaking at number 10 in the U.S. 

    Jimmy Buffett was born on Christmas Day, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.  He lived in Mobile and Fairhope, Alabama growing up, and began playing guitar at Auburn.  He recorded a country album and went to work at Billboard Magazine in Nashville briefly after college, then moved to Key West to serve as the first mate on the Petticoat III yacht.  He would also develop what would become his genre of music while in Key West amongst the sea going vessels.

    Buffett discovered the profit in touring early, and his focus would turn to live shows as well as other business ventures.  Jimmy Buffett is supposedly worth around $550 million today, making him one of the richest musicians in the world.

    If you're wondering where the term “Parrot Head” comes from, Buffett made a comment in a 1985 concert in Cincinnati about the fans wearing Hawaiian shirts and parrot hats who returned to his concerts again and again.  A member of the Coral Reefer Band coined the term "Parrot Head" as a nod to the Dead Heads who followed the Grateful Dead on tour and the name stuck.

    Bruce brings this Caribbean-infused music this week.

     

    Son of a Son of a Sailor

    This title track opens the album, and was inspired by Buffett's grandfather, James Delaney Buffett.  Jimmy Buffett saw a picture of his grandfather standing on the docks in Nova Scotia where his grandfather grew up.  He settled as an adult in Mobile, Alabama, and hadn't returned to Nova Scotia until he was 84.  The picture showed him looking at an old ailing schooner, and the lyrics reflect looking back on a sailing life and family.

    Mañana

    Supposedly this song is about things Buffett did in a week he spent living on his boat in the British Virgin Islands.  Mañana means “tomorrow” in Spanish, and can be a term for putting things off indefinitely.

    Livingston Saturday Night

    This is a song about going for a night on the town.  It was used in a movie called “Rancho Deluxe,” released in 1975 starring Jeff Bridges and Sam Waterston playing cattle rustlers in Livingston Montana.  It also appeared in the 1978 movie "FM."

    Cheeseburger in Paradise

    Here's the big hit from the album.  It reached number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is the lead song from Buffett's greatest hits album.  The lyrics describe a guy trying to eat healthy, but who can't resist the temptation of the cheeseburger.  The song itself was inspired by an event where Buffett was caught out in the Caribbean on a boat with a broken icebox, where he had to live for several days off canned food and peanut butter.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Theme to the motion picture “Which Way Is Up?” by Stargard

    This comedy starring Richard Pryor was a remake of an Italian comedy from 1972 called “The Seduction of Mimi.”

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Psycho Killer by The Talking Heads 

    Wayne's staff pick is straight from the CBGB club in Now York City, and is the first "hit" from the Punk/Alternative/New Wave band.  While it didn't make it into the top 40, it did crack the top 100.  The lyrics represent the thoughts of a serial killer who has already killed and probably will not stop.

    What's Your Name by Lynyrd Skynyrd

    Rob features a song written by Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington inspired by a time when the band was drinking at a hotel bar, got kicked out, and went to a hotel room instead while trying to pick up a groupie.  The incident did not happen in Boise, however.  Lynyrd Skynyrd had been tragically affected by a plane crash by the time this song was released.

    Serpentine Fire by Earth, Wind & Fire

    Lynch brings us some 70's funk and horns.  The name "serpentine fire" comes from a yoga pose.  The song hit number 1 on the R&B charts and number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Earth, Wind & Fire is known for hits upbeat, positive funk.

    Lovely Day by Bill Withers

    Bruce redeems another great song from Big Pharma.  Before Astra Zeneca used this to advertise their drug Farxiga, it was a hit from Bill Withers' 1977 album "Menagerie."  Withers wrote this song with Skip Scarborough, and it went to number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 6 on the Billboard R&B Chart.  Withers holds a note for 18 seconds, the longest held note for any top 40 singe.

     

    NSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Main Theme from the motion picture “Don” by Kalyanji-Anandji

    We finish up this week's podcast with an Indian composer duo writing for a Bollywood film..

    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
  • 1974 - December: Montrose “Paper Money”

    Montrose was considered to be America's answer to Led Zeppelin in the early 70's.  Founder Ronnie Montrose had played with a number of musicians including Van Morrison, Boz Scaggs, and with Edgar Winter on the hit singles “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride.”  He formed the band bearing his name with bassist/keyboardist Alan Fitzgerald, drummer Denny Carmassi, and front man Sammy Hagar.  Paper Money is the group's second album, and was the band's highest-charting release, reaching number 65 on the Billboard 200 chart.  

    This follow-up to their self-titled debut album took on a broader style, with a stronger range of rhythm and dynamics while downplaying the heavy metal feel of the first album.  Ronnie Montrose thought that the heavier music was a passing thing.  However Montrose was just ahead of its time, and heavy metal was about to explode.  Ronnie Montrose had a strict no-drug use policy for concerts, as he wanted all the members to be in top shape on their instruments and vocals for the show.

    The sessions for Paper Money were often marred by the deteriorating relationship between Montrose and Hagar.  Soon after this album release, Sammy Hagar would leave the band for a solo career and eventual duties as the front man for Van Halen. Fitzgerald would go on to play for Night Ranger, and as an offstage keyboard player for Van Halen in the 90's.  Carmassi would play for a number of artists including Heart, Whitesnake, Al Stewart, Kim Carnes, and Joe Walsh, as well as his own solo work, placing him on more recorded albums than Sammy Hagar.

    Wayne features this rocking album for today's podcast.

     

    Starliner

    We start this podcast with an instrumental with a space theme — prior to Star Wars.  This song is the final track for side 1 of the album.  

    Spaceage Sacrifice

    Another space themed song, this one was written by Hagar and Montrose.  Although considered “sci-fi rock,” the song itself is a bit critical of the effort and money spent to go to the moon when troubles remained unsolved on Earth.  "Don't think twice spaceage sacrifice.  Well, let's go back when it all was starting.  A man on the moon and people were starving."

    Paper Money 

    This track is a critique of the monetary system in a time of inflation.  “Take away all my silver, take away my gold, and hand me a stack of paper, paper money don't hold.”  This one is the first single from the album, and the concluding track.

    I've Got the Fire

    Wayne saves his favorite track for last.  It is a hard-driving song with explosive energy.  This one may benefit from the concealed tension between Montrose's edgy tone and Hagar's vocal virtuosity.  It would be the last one the band recorded before Hagar left the band to pursue a solo career.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Puttin' On the Ritz by (from the motion picture “Young Frankenstein”)

    Mel Brooks' black and white comedy classic featured Dr. Frankenstein (pronounced FRAHNK-en-steen) and the monster in Broadway-styled number.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet by Bachman Turner Overdrive

    Rob get's the staff picks rolling with a Canadian band's number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song was intended as a joke for Randy Bachman's brother Gary, who had a stutter.  It was used as a “work track” to set up the mics and amps in the studio, but it wound up being a hit after it was included on their “Not Fragile” album.

    Killer Queen by Queen

    Bruce's staff pick is the first U.S. hit from Queen.  It went to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is off their third album “Sheer Heart Attack.”  It is the first Queen song to incorporate the cabaret-style and harmonies that we know today as the quintessentially Queen sound.  The lyrics are about a high class call girl.

    Longfellow Serenade by Neil Diamond 

    Lynch brings us a song inspired by an incident in school where Diamond used the poetry of Henry W. Longfellow to woo a girl.  It went to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Adult Contemporary charts.  It is off Diamond's ninth studio album, "Serenade."

    I've Got the Music In Me by Kiki Dee and the Kiki Dee Band

    Wayne wraps up the staff picks on a positive note.  The lyrics describe how the singer will not be deterred because they have the music in them.  Kiki Dee is best known in the U.S. for her duet with Elton John, but is better known in England as a singer of "blue eyed soul."  She was the first white British artist to be signed by Motown.

     

    NOVELTY TRACK:

    Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglas

    Interest in martial arts in the early 70's inspired this song which would go to number 1 on the US, UK, Canadian, and Australian charts.

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

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

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

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

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

    42 min
  • 1968 - October: Marvin Gaye “In the Groove”

    Although one of the most successful artists and songwriters of the 60's, Marvin Gaye had not released a solo studio album for two years prior to In the Groove, his eighth studio album.  Instead he had been releasing duet performances with artists like Kim Weston and Tammi Terrell.  Gaye was one of the primary artists shaping what would become the Motown sound, first as a session player, then as a solo artist and songwriter.  

    Gaye formed a vocal quartet called The Marquees shortly after leaving the Air Force in the late 50's.  The Marquees performed in the D.C. area, connecting with Bo Diddley who co-wrote their first (and only) single, "Wyatt Earp."  The group disbanded in 1960, and Marvin Gaye relocated to Detroit, connected with Barry Gordy around Christmas of 1960, and signing with Tamla, a Motown subsidiary.  By 1962 Gaye was a success as a singer, session musician, and writer.

    In the Groove was released in August of 1968, and would see its third single, I Heard It Through the Grapevine released in October.  This single would become Gaye's first number 1 hit.  October would also bring tragedy, when his vocal duet partner Tammi Terrell collapsed from exhaustion into Gaye's arms, later being diagnosed with a brain tumor which would eventually claim her life.  

    After the monster international success of I Heard It Through the Grapevine, the entire album would be re-released under that title.  The album was both a critical and commercial success.

    John Lynch brings us this soulful selection.

     

    I Heard It Through the Grapevine

    Although one of Gaye's most successful songs, he was not the first artist to record or release the song.  It was intended to be released by Gladys Knight & the Pips, who did so in September 1967.  The Miracles also recorded the song and released it in 1968.  Gaye's version would become the classic rendition.

    You

    This was the first single from the album, released in December of 1967, months before the album.  The song was about a man wanting to keep his relationship with a woman secret, because she was upper class and he was working class.  It featured a rougher Gaye vocal part than was typical of his previous songs, and  went to number 34 on the pop charts.

    Chained

    The second single would be released in August 1968, the same month as the album release.  Frank Wilson wrote and produced this song which went to number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The lyrics are about a man pining for a woman he lost and wants back.

    Some Kind of Wonderful

    This deeper cut was not released as a single.  The Drifters originally released this song in 1961, and it was written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King.  Many artists would cover this one, including Carole King and most recently Michael Bublé. 

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Barbarella by The Bob Crewe Generation (from the motion picture “Barbarella”) 

    Jane Fonda's cult classic of bad science fiction films would appear in the theaters in October 1968.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    On the Road Again by Canned Heat 

    Bruce starts the staff picks with a blues and harmonica jam off Canned Heat's second album “Boogie with Canned Heat.”  The group takes its name from a 1928 Tommy Johnson song entitled "Canned Heat Blues."  Canned Heat's lead vocalist was Bob "The Bear" Hite, but Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson takes the lead for this song.  

    Chewy Chewy by Ohio Express

    Rob features a happy bubblegum pop number from Mansfield, Ohio.  Ohio Express consisted of session musicians who put out the music for Super K Productions.  The group had a previous hit in "Yummy, Yummy, Yummy."

    Sunshine Help Me by Spooky Tooth 

    Wayne brings us an acid rock deep cut written by Gary Wright of “Dream Weaver” fame.  The song itself is about letting the sunshine clear the singer's mind.  Spooky Tooth was a blues/psychedelic band from England active between 1967 and 1974.  This song was not a hit, but did appear on their greatest hits album.

    Hey Jude by The Beatles

    Lynch's staff picks is  one of the Beatles' biggest hits, though it was not released on a studio album at the time. It is also the longest single in the Beatles' catalog, running 7:11, the longest single ever released at the time.  It was written by Paul McCartney for John and Cynthia Lennon's son Julian when John and Cynthia were going through a divorce.  

       

    NOVELTY TRACK:

    Mr. Tambourine Man by the William Shatner

    Somehow Shatner was able to put this song in the hopper while simultaneously starring as Captain Kirk in the original run of the TV show, Star Trek.  We'll let you decide whether he missed his calling as a rock star.

    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.

    36 min
  • 1993 - July: Candlebox “Candlebox”

    Candlebox had a seemingly immediate success with their self-titled debut album in July 1993.  The group had formed in November of 1990, with lead singer Kevin Martin, guitarist Peter Klett, bassist Bardi Martin, and drummer Scott Mercado as the founding members.  They performed in clubs around Seattle, a musical mecca at the time that benefitted from the grunge movement, and released an EP that got the attention of the new Maverick Records.  Maverick would sign Candlebox, and the group would be the studio's successful act.  

    While grunge was still king in Seattle and on the air waves at the time, Candlebox does not neatly fit into that category.  Some of the band's work has a grunge feel, but it tends towards a more mainstream hard rock sound in general.  The debut album Candlebox would peak at number 7 on the Billboard album charts, and would see a number of singles hit both the radio and video charts.  The strength of their songs would land them as openers for Rush and Metallica, and they would be headlining their own tours by the end of 1994.

    Despite the rapid success, the popularity of Candlebox was a slower burn at the time.  The album did not enter the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart until August of 1994, and initial reviews were mixed.  However, the album would remain on the chart for 104 weeks, and would be certified 4x platinum in the United States.

    Candlebox would release three albums with Maverick Records before running into disputes, and they disbanded in 2000.  A revised lineup would reappear in 2006, and a new album would be released in 2007.  As of this podcast Candlebox has released seven albums and is still performing today.

    Rob brings us this debut album for this week's podcast.

     

    You

    The second single was inspired by the time that lead singer Kevin Martin gave up drug dependency.  He had seen Midnight Oil in concert and dedicated himself to becoming a rock singer.  The single peaked at number 78 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 6 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks charts.  The song in 6/8 time alternates between a heavy rock feel on the chorus and a softer portion in the verses.

    Don't You

    This song leads off the album, and is a deeper cut that was not released as a single.  It really rocks from the start.  “And I could break your heart down as I tell you that you've burned out.  Don't you?  You want to let it go, yeah - you want to let it go, yeah.”

    Rain

    Another deeper cut with a very bluesy feel at the start that continues for several minutes before picking up the pace.  The lyrics are about a woman leaving the singer, and the regret the singer feels at the loss.  About three minutes in, it changes to a more rocking jazz section with a staccato scat meter in the lyrics.

    Far Behind

    The third single would be the big hit from the album.  Their most commercially successful song went to number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the Album Rock chart.  It was written as a tribute to Andrew Wood, a singer from the Seattle group Mother Love Bone, who died of a heroin overdose in 1990.  The lyrics are written from the perspective of the drug that killed him.  

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Saturday Night by Ned's Atomic Dustbin (from the motion picture “So I Married an Axe Murderer”)  

    The Mike Myers dark comedy featured this cover of the Bay City Rollers' song on its soundtrack.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Long Day In the Universe by Darling Buds 

    Wayne opens up the staff picks with a deeper cut, and one that also appeared on the soundtrack to “So I Married an Axe Murderer.”  The Darling Buds are from South Wales, forming in 1986 and disbanding in 1993.  Andrew Lewis, the lead singer, tells about a woman that misses her man so much she can't wait for him to come home. 

    Dream All Day by The Posies  

    Bruce's staff pick is another Seattle band.  This song hit number 4 on the Modern Rocks Chart and number 17 on the Mainstream Rocks chart.  Band members and songwriters Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow wrote this about dreaming of accomplishing things that the singer either can't or won't achieve. 

    Have I Told You Lately by Rod Stewart 

    Rock legend Rod Stewart begins his crooner phase with this cover of the Van Morrison classic from 1989.  Lynch brings this staff pick which hit number 5 on the US and UK charts.  Morrison originally wrote these lyrics inspired by spirituality and religious conviction.   

    Zooropa by U2

    Rob reminds us just how big U2 was at the time with his staff pick.   The “Zoo TV Tour” was a huge production, highlighting the commercialism of the time.  “Be a winner, eat to get slimmer.”  This song takes the form of a suite of three movements.  The album of the same name was produced by Brian Eno.

     

    COMEDY TRACK:

    Achy Breaky Song by “Weird” Al Yankovic 

    We close out today's podcast with Weird Al's parody of the Billy Ray Cyrus country hit which was constantly played at the time.

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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.

    45 min
  • 1985 - March: Howard Jones ”Dream Into Action”

    Welcome to the middle of the second British Invasion!  John Howard Jones was born in Southampton, in southern England to Welsh parents.  He grew up in Wales, moved to Canada when he was a teenager, and returned to the UK in the mid 70's where he attended the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.  The was the oldest of four boys, all of which became musicians, and started piano at the age of 7.  

    Dream Into Action is Howard Jones' second studio album, and was released in this month.  It went to number 10 on the Billboard 200, and number 2 on the UK albums chart.  Rupert Hine was the producer, who also produced albums for Rush.  Howard's brother Martin Jones plays bass on this album, and he has the group Afrodiziak as backing vocals on a number of tracks.  Jones had a successful debut release in 1984 called "Human Lib," and "Dream Into Action" would be an even bigger hit.  

    Howard Jones has a piano and keyboards-driven sound, and his lyrics are quite positive.  Jones believes that his positivity and depth tends to create a negative perception in the media, stating that "what's 'cool' is often very shallow and transient." 

    Jones is still putting out albums today.  He released an album called Transform in 2019, and one called Dialogue in 20222.

    Bruce brings this synth-heavy 80's album to the podcast.

     

    Like to Get to Know You Well

    This track preceded the album by over six months.  It came out as a single in August of 1984 as the Summer Olympics were kicking off in Los Angeles, and was dedicated to "the original spirit of the Olympic Games."  It was included in a remix album called "the 12" Album" in November 1984 before being included in this studio album.

    Assault and Battery

    This is a deeper cut which was played on an episode of Miami Vice.  The lyrics are about the horrors of eating meat - Jones was a vegetarian at the time, and is a vegan today.  This songs reminds us of Styx and Elton John with the keyboard work.  

    Life In One Day

    The third single from the album (or fourth, depending upon how you count "Like to Get to Know You Well") went to number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The lyrics are about not rushing through life, but taking time to enjoy the place where you are.  The British vocal group Afrodiziak can be heard contributing backing vocals to this song. 

    Things Can Only Get Better

    The first single from the album is the big hit.  It went to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Afrodiziak contributes backing vocals to this track as well.  It is a very deliberately positive song, encouraging the listener who is down on his luck to keep going, and to keep looking for better days ahead.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Theme to the from the television series "Moonlighting" by Al Jarreau

    Bruce Willis launched his career in this detective romance comedy that starred Willis and Cybill Shepherd.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Don't Come Around Here No More by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers

    Rob features a song written by Tom Petty and Dave Stewart (from the Eurythmics).  This was the main hit from the sixth studio album "Southern Accents."  It is a break-up song partially inspired by a conversation Stewart overheard between Joe Walsh and Stevie Nicks.  The Alice In Wonderland-themed video is a must-see.

    We Are the World by U.S.A. for Africa

    Lynch brings us the ultimate supergroup.  This was a benefit single for victims of famine in Africa, and raised over $60 million.  The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and Quincey Jones produced it.  Musicians appearing in the band were a veritable "who's who" in the music world, including performers as diverse as Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, Steve Perry, and Ray Charles.

    White Lies by Jason & the Scorchers 

    Wayne's staff pick is off the group's first full length album, "Lost and Found."  Jason & the Scorchers' high energy and country twang led them to be described as "cowpunk."  The lyrics describe a couple in a bad relationship.  "Take these chains and set me free, release me from this misery.  Now, don't you waste my time with your alibis 'cause your heart can't hide what I see in your eyes."

    One Night in Bangkok by Murray Head

    Bruce goes to the theater for his staff pick.  This song is from a concept album and musical called "Chess," written by Benny Andersson and  Bjorn Ulvaeus (formerly of ABBA).  The musical is about a Cold War-era chess tournament between two grandmasters, one American and one Soviet.  Murray Head performs the spoken verse and Anders Glenmark sings the chorus.

     

    COMEDY TRACK:

    I'm Kissin' You Goodbye by Ray Stevens

    We finish up this week's podcast with a break-up song in a style only Ray Stevens can deliver.

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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.

    44 min
  • 1965 - March: Ike & Tina Turner “Live! The Ike & Tina Turner Show”

    Although Ike & Tina Turner had been performing since 1960 and were well known for the energy of their performances, it wasn't until 1965 and the release of Live!  The Ike & Tina Turner Show that they received national recognition.  This album featured the best live performances of the previous year.

    Tina Turner was born Martha Nell Bullock (aka Anna Mae Bullock), and was given the name Tina Turner as a stage name when she toured as a feature with Ike Turner in 1960.  They were not married at the time, and Ike Turner had the name "Tina Turner" trademarked, so that he could use another singer performing under the same name if the singer we now know as Tina Turner ever left the band.  Ike and Tina would be married after the birth of their son in 1960.  Ike Turner had been married 5 times before meeting Tina.

    Most of this album features Tina Turner on lead vocals with Ike performing guitar on stage, and a full band behind them including a horn section (The Kings of Rhythm) and backup singers (The Ikettes).  Ike Turner has lead vocals on a few songs, but Tina Turner was the real draw.  

    Ike and Tina Turner had their infamous divorce in 1978.  Tina retained songwriter royalties from songs she had written, two Jaguar cars, furs and jewelry, and - perhaps most importantly - her stage name.

    Wayne features this high energy live album for today's podcast.

     

    Something's Got a Hold On Me

    The song that leads off side 2 of the album is a cover originally performed by Etta James in 1962.  James co-wrote the song along with Leroy Kirkland and Pearl Woods, and the original went to number 4 on the Billboard Hot R&B Sides chart.

    Finger Poppin'

    Ike Turner wrote this original song which leads off the album.  The name refers to snapping fingers.  While the rest of the album is either covers or songs written by other people, this is the only one with writing credits for Ike Turner.

    Tight Pants (High Heel Sneakers)

    This track is a cover originally written and performed by Tommy Tucker (aka Robert Higginbotham) in 1963  This blues classic was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as a "classic of blues recording" in 2017.  Many musicians covered this one in addition to Ike & Tina Turner, including Johnny Rivers, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, and even David Cassidy.

    To Tell the Truth

    Ray Charles penned this high energy song, which concludes the album.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    The Sound of Music by Julie Andrews (from the motion picture “The Sound of Music”)

    This musical starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer was set in Salzburg, Austria, loosely based on the von Trapp Family Singers.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    People Get Ready by The Impressions

    Bruce takes us to church with this gospel-based hit.  The Impressions formed in 1958 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  Front Man Curtis Mayfield wrote this song, which went to number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It reflects both gospel and politics, as Mayfield was becoming politically active at the time.  A number of covers have been performed of this song, perhaps most famously by Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck.

    This Diamond Ring by Gary Lewis & the Playboys

    Rob's staff pick features the son of comedian Jerry Lewis.  Gary Lewis & the Playboys were funded by Gary's mother, and got their start in a gig at Disneyland.  This song about a broken relationship was on the charts for 12 weeks.

    Ain't That Peculiar by Marvin Gaye 

    Lynch's features Gaye's second US million seller.  It was written by Smokey Robinson in London with Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, specifically for Marvin Gaye as a follow-up to his previous hit "I'll Be Doggone."  This song is about the torment of a painful relationship.

    Tired of Waiting for You by The Kinks 

    Wayne wraps up the staff picks with this single which went to number 1 in the UK and number 6 in the US.  It is the group's highest-charting single in the US - tied with "Come Dancing" which would not reach this level on the charts until 1983.  The song chronicles the woes of a boy being strung along by a girl who has him under her spell.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Apache '65 by Davie Allan & the Arrows

    This close out this week's podcast with a surfing instrumental.

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

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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
  • 1994 - October: Weezer “Blue Album”

    Weezer released their debut studio album in May of 1994, often known as the Blue Album due to its blue cover.  The band formed in Los Angeles in 1992 as grunge was on its ascendency.  Despite a sound that we identify with grunge today, singer/guitarist Rivers Cuomo, drummer Patrick Wilson, guitarist Jason Cropper, and bassist Matt Sharp struggled to find an audience in the midst of the grunge movement.  They were signed to A&R after recording a demo late in 1992, and would find success in the alternate scene by the time their debut was released.  Cuomo had asthma when he was younger, and his dad jokingly called him “Weezer,” which became the name of the band.

    Cars alumnus Ric Ocasek produced the album after Weezer had been persuaded not to self-produce.  While recording the album, guitarist Jason Cropper found out that his girlfriend was pregnant.  This led to difficulties and erratic  behavior that led to Cuomo firing him.  Guitarist Brian Bell was brought in as a replacement, and almost all of Croppers guitar parts were re-recorded after the album was already completed.  

    It only took seven months for this album to be certified gold by the RIAA, and it was also a critical success.  Many consider the “Blue Album” to be one of the best albums of the 1990's.  You may call it grunge, or alternative, or even geek rock, but it is great music.

    Founder Rivers Cuomo struggled with the fame of the group, and it took a long time for him to reconcile his antipathy toward the “rock lifestyle” with the success of the band and its music.

    Rob features this quirky album for the podcast.

     

    Undone - The Sweater Song

    The first single was originally going to have a number of sound clips sampled into the song, but the group went a different direction after considering the licensing costs.  Although it was envisioned as a sad song, fans found it hilarious.  “The Sweater Song” was added to the title when fans began referring to it by that name. 

    Buddy Holly

    Many will recall this song from the iconic video involving the band being inserted into an episode of the 70's sitcom “Happy Days.”  It was released as the second single on September 7, 1994, which would have been Buddy Holly's 58th birthday.  It went to number 2 on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart.  Songwriter Rivers Cuomo didn't want to include this track on the album at first, thinking it was not representative of the Weezer sound.

    In The Garage

    This deeper cut has a deliberately fuzzy “garage” feel.  Rivers Cuomo and the band got its start in the garage, and the lyrics reflect time spent in the garage with nerd culture including Dungeons and Dragons, comics, and rock bands like Kiss.

    Say It Ain't So

    The third and final single from the album was inspired by an incident in high school where Cuomo found a bottle of beer in the refrigerator at his home.  He believed alcoholism had broken up his parents' marriage, and was afraid that the same would happen with his mother and step-father. 

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Bustin' Surfboards by The Tornadoes (from the motion picture “Pulp Fiction”)  

    John Travolta showed us he still has the moves long after "Saturday Night Fever" in this Quentin Tarantino film.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Am I Wrong by Love Spit Love 

    Bruce starts this week's staff picks with the Psychedelic Furs’ alumni Richard and Tim Butler in a new band.  Guitarist Richard Fortus and drummer Frank Ferrer completed the band.  The name comes from a 1991 performance art exhibit protesting government censorship.  The song itself is a bittersweet reflection on an ended relationship.

    Wild Night by John Mellencamp  

    Lynch brings us a fast-paced cover of Van Morrison's classic.  Mellencamp is joined on this piece by singer/songwriter, bassist, and rapper Meshell Ndegeocello, who contributed the female harmonies.  This single from his album “Dance Naked” would see Mellencamp reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

    Tomorrow by Silverchair 

    Wayne features a second wave grunge act.  The song is about a rich man who takes his easy life for granted until a streak of bad luck forces him to endure an overnight stay in a sketchy old hotel.  The lead singer of this group was 15 years old at the time that this Australian group hit the charts with this song. 

    Get Over It by The Eagles

    Rob finishes off the staff picks with the comeback hit from the Eagles.  After a 14-year hiatus, the group came back together to release the part-live, part-studio album Hell Freezes Over.  This song reflects the frustration of seeing so many people take a victim mentality. 

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    The Good, The Bad and The Ugly  by Blues Traveler 

    We close out today's podcast with an instrumental number off the Blues Traveler album, "four."

    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.

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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
  • 1987 - September: Various Artists “The Lost Boys: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack”

    Long before the Twilight books and movies made vampires cool, the motion picture The Lost Boys was a hit.  This dark comedy/action drama centers around Michael and Sam Emerson and their experiences with a biker gang who are secretly vampires living in the California beach town of Santa Carla.  When Michael is drawn into the influence of the vampires, he must make a choice between becoming a vampire himself or fighting the conversion by killing the head vampire.  The name comes from the Peter Pan stories, because much like the lost boys in that tale, vampires never grow up.  The cast included Kiefer Sutherland, Jason Patric, Corey Haim, and Corey Feldman, and was a box office hit.

    The film also created a hit with The Lost Boys:  Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.  Featuring a number of notable rock stars and groups including INXS, Foreigner's Lou Gramm, Echo & the Bunnymen, and The Who's Roger Daltrey, it spawned multiple singles.  The soundtrack contains both original songs and covers, all either alluding to events in the movie or to what could be considered “vampire culture” - lostness, staying up at night, and similar characteristics.  

    The film is credited for changing the perception of vampires to a more youthful and appealing monster.  Subsequent adaptations of the vampire genre which would be inspired by the film include movies as diverse as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and the mockumentary film “What We Do in the Shadows.”

    John Lynch was up all night “staking his claim” on this podcast feature.

     

    Cry Little Sister by Gerard McMann

    Singer-songwriter Gerard McMahon wrote this anthem under the pseudonym Gerard McMann.  It would be considered the theme for the movie, and was specifically written for the film.  McMann was thinking of a Gotham-like image in which you have to turn to faith in order to escape the doom in the night.

    Lost in the Shadows by Lou Gramm

    Gramm steps out from the shadows of his group Foreigner for this solo effort.  The video for this song would feature clips from the film.  Fuzzy guitar distortion and harmonica drive this deep cut, and was also written specifically for the movie.  

    Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me by Roger Daltrey

    The Elton John hit is covered by Who front man Daltrey, and the allusion to vampires is pretty clear to see.  The film ends with morning breaking and the sun coming up, and Daltrey is singing this song as the credits roll.

    I Still Believe by Tim Cappello

    The Call's song is covered by saxophonist Cappello, who also makes a cameo where he is playing the song on the boardwalk.  The lyrics are about the 40 days of fasting that Jesus undertook at the start of His ministry, and the reference to belief plays into the theme of faith versus giving into darkness that runs through this film.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Once Upon a Time...Storybook Love by Mark Knopfler (from the motion picture “The Princess Bride”) 

    It would be inconceivable for us to pass up this theme from the Rob Reiner movie which was in the theaters in the fall of 1987. 

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    One Slip by Pink Floyd 

    After the departure of Roger Waters, Pink Floyd released the album "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" with only David Gilmour and Nick Mason listed as members.  Bruce brings us this staff pick which was co-written by Gilmour and Phil Manzanera of Roxy Music.  It is about unintended consequences of impulsive action, in this case an unintended pregnancy. 

    Hourglass by Squeeze

    Rob features the debut single from Squeeze's seventh album, “Babylon and On.”  The fast-paced chorus is distinctive and catchy.  Songwriters Chris Dilford and Glenn Tilbrook typically wrote the lyrics and music respectively in separate sessions (much like Bernie Taupin and Elton John), but collaborated in the same room on this song.  The memorable video is full of surrealism and optical illusions.

    Luka by Suzanne Vega 

    Wayne takes an uncharacteristically softer and slower pick with singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega's song about child abuse.  The song was actually written prior to Vega's first album but didn't make its studio debut until her second album, “Solitude Standing."” The name comes from a boy who played in front of Vega's building and stood apart from the other children.  

    Bad by Michael Jackson

    Lynch brings us the title track to Michael Jackson's massively successful follow-up album to “Thriller.”  Jackson wrote this song in an attempt to change his persona to a tough guy.  The video was directed by Martin Scorsese, and Prince auditioned for the video.  He departed as soon as he read the line, "your butt is mine," and Wesley Snipes would take the role.

       

    NOVELTY TRACK:

    Wipeout by the Fat Boys featuring The Beach Boys

    We finish off with this unlikely pairing of beatbox rappers of the 80's and beach music founders of the 60's. 

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

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

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

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

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

    46 min

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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