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

  • 1973 - March: Pink Floyd ”The Dark Side of the Moon”

    Arguably the biggest album of the entire rock era, Pink Floyd's eighth studio album would propel them to superstardom.  The Dark Side of the Moon is one of the most acclaimed records in history, and it is commercially unmatched in its longevity.  It topped the US Billboard Top LP's and Tape chart, and charted for 962 weeks in total!

    Pink Floyd at this time was David Gilmour on guitar and vocals, Roger Waters on bass and vocals, Richard Wright on keyboards, and Nick Mason on percussion.

    The Dark Side of the Moon was envisioned as a concept album focusing on different types of pressure like greed, conflict, and death.  It also included examination of mental health issues - as would much of Pink Floyd's discography - inspired by the problems experienced by former front man Syd Barrett.  While singles were released, we strongly recommend listening to the album in totality to get the best experience out of it.

    Bruce brings us this monster album, and friend of the show Mike Fernandez joins us in Wayne's absence.

     

    Time

    This was released in the US as the second single from the album (after Money).  Roger Waters wrote the lyrics.  David Gilmour and Richard Wright share lead vocals - unusual for Richard Wright.  The sounds of clocks were recorded by Alan Parsons in an antique store as a quadrophonic test, but the sounds fit so well with the theme of this track that the band included it.  All four principal members were credited with songwriting, and this would be the last time this would happen in the band's history.

    The Great Gig in the Sky

    This track follows Time, and is basically an instrumental with some spoken words at the front.  The band went around the studio asking people questions and Gerry O'Driscal's response is recorded on this track.  Female vocalizations are provided by Clare Torry, a session vocalist that Alan Parsons brought in.  She wasn't really told what to sing, but was told, "There's no lyrics.  It's about dying - have a bit of a sing on that, girl."  

    Brain Damage

    Roger Waters is on lead in this song, with Gilmour providing backing vocals.  This and other insanity-themed lyrics are based on Syd Barrett.  The lyric, "And if the band you're in starts playing different tunes" has a historical basis, as Barrett would play a different song than the rest of the band on more than one occasion toward the end of his tenure with the band.  

    Eclipse

    This final track is actually a different song from Brain Damage, but is commonly played with it on rock radio stations because there is no break between the two on the album.  The song reflects the ying and yang of life - good and bad, life and death, light and dark.  "And everything under the sun is in tune, but the sun is eclipsed by the moon."

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Theme to the television game show $10,000 Pyramid

    Dick Clark would serve as the initial host of this game show which started in March 1973.  

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Crocodile Rock by Elton John

    Brian initiates the staff picks with the first number 1 song in the U.S. for Elton John.  The song has a 50's throwback sound, with lyrics that tell about a time when the singer danced the Crocodile Rock with Susie.  It was inspired by Australian band Daddy Cool and their song “Eagle Rock.”

    The Cisco Kid by War

    Rob's staff pick is from War's 1972 album, “The World is a Ghetto.” It made it to number 2 on the charts.  There's a reggae feel, a little funk, and a little ZZ Top.  The song is about two cowboys, Cisco and Poncho, and their adventures.  The band wanted their music to spread brotherhood and harmony to displace greed, racism, hunger, and gangs.

    Stuck in the Middle With You by Stealers Wheel 

    Friend of the show Mike Fernandez brings us one of the classic lines in rock music - “clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am, stuck in the middle with you.”  Gerry Rafferty  is the founder and principal songwriter for the group.  This is Stealers Wheel's biggest hit.

    Danny's Song by Anne Murray

    Bruce wraps up the staff picks with a song Kenny Loggins wrote for his brother Danny at the birth of his son Colin.  It was first performed by a group called Gator Creek in 1970, then by Loggins and Messina in 1972.  This cover by Canadian country-pop singer Anne Murray would go to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Also Sprach Zarathustra by Deodato

    This funky take on the Richard Strauss piece famous for its use in "2001:  A Space Odyssey" was on the charts in March 1973.

    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
  • 1981 - January: the Who ”Face Dances”

    Face Dances is the ninth studio album from the Who, and the first release after the death of drummer Keith Moon three years earlier.  During those three years the Who would release the film Quadrophenia and the concert retrospective film The Kids Are Alright.  Front man Roger Daltry would try out acting, and Pete Townshend would release his second solo studio album.  When the group got back together for Face Dances, Phil Collins expressed an interest in joining the band.  However, Kenny Jones (Small Faces, Faces) had already been asked to join.  John “Rabbit” Bundrick also contributed keyboard work on this album, and would eventually join as a full time member of the Who.  These joined previous members Daltry, Townshend, and bassist John Entwistle.  

    The album was highly anticipated, and was a commercial success, reaching number 4 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and number 2 on the UK Albums chart.  Critical reviews were mixed at the time, and the band has expressed some friction with producer Bill Szymczyk who conducted the final mixing without the full band's input.  Regardless, the album is a staple of early 80's rock and many of the songs have achieved a timelessness about them.

    Brian brings us this album for today's podcast.

     

    You Better You Bet

    The first single and lead-off track to the album was a staple of the new cable station - MTV.  It was the Who's last top 20 single, reaching number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Townshend developed the song during a period of clubbing with the daughter of a friend.  The video was a black and white studio session.  

    Don't Let Go the Coat

    This deeper cut was the second single, and was inspired by Townshend's guru Meher Baba and his statement that his followers “hang fast to the hem of my robe,” meaning to stay true to his teachings.  It also may have been inspired by Townshend's parents who would pick him up after his binges on drugs and alcohol.

    The Quiet One

    Bassist John Entwistle takes an unusual turn as lead singer on this self-referential deep cut.  It was the B-side of the single “You Better You Bet.”  Entwisle said it was a song trying to explain that he wasn't really quiet, but that he started being quiet and got stuck in the pigeon hole of that label.

    Another Tricky Day

    “This is no social crisis, just another tricky day for you...fella!”   John Bundrick inspired this song, and it claims that what we're going through is nothing unique, but is just another tricky day.  The song is the final track on the album, and the video is in the same style as the first single - a black and white studio session.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Main theme from the television series “Dynasty” 

    John Forsythe, Linda Evans, and Joan Collins starred in this prime time soap opera.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Skateaway by Dire Straits 

    Bruce brings us a song about a girl who skates around the city, ticking off the drivers, weaving in and out of traffic, and listening to the local rock and roll station on her headphones.  This is the lead single from the Dire Straits album Making Movies,  and the album title is pulled from the lyrics of this song.

    Precious to Me  by Phil Seymour

    Drummer, singer-songwriter, and guitarist Phil Seymour wrote this song with a throwback doo-wop feel.  This is the first single from his first solo album.  It hit number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Seymour also contributed backing vocals to Tom Petty's “American Girl” and “Breakdown.”

    He Can't Love You by the Michael Staley Band 

    Wayne features a one hit wonder featuring saxophonist and E. Street Band member Clarence Clemons.  It made it to number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was the 40th song played on MTV.  The Michael Stanley Band is big regionally in Ohio.

    I Love a Rainy Night by Eddie Rabbit

    Brian's staff pick is a crossover country hit.  It hit the top of both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country charts.  It describes the feeling that comes from a good rain at night.  Rabbit started writing the song in the 60's, but didn't develop it until this album.

       

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Toccata by Sky

    This prog rock group covers the classical piece "Toccata and Fugue in D minor" by J.S. Bach made it on the British singles 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.

    39 min
  • 1978 - October: Styx “Pieces of Eight”

    Styx released their eighth studio album, Pieces of Eight, after achieving breakthrough success with 1977's “The Grand Illusion.”  This album would also achieve significant critical and commercial success with this album.  Two singles would break into the top 40, and one would land just outside it at number 41.  All of these were written and sung by Tommy Shaw who had joined the group for the Equinox album in 1975.  

    In addition to guitarist and lead singer Tommy Shaw, other members of the band were Dennis DeYoung on lead vocals and keyboards, James "JY" Young on guitars and vocals, Chuck Panozzo on bass, and John Panozzo on percussion.

    Pieces of Eight marks a transition for the band, as many consider this album to be the last Styx effort with significant prog rock elements.  The band would turn to a more hard rock and pop ballad format on future albums, though their popularity would only grow greater.  Pieces of Eight is also considered a concept album, as the band explored how money and materialism affects the pursuit of greater ideals and dreams.

    Brian brings us this album for today's podcast.

     

    Sing for the Day

    The second single released from the album narrowly missed the top 40 as it peaked at number 41.  It has a joyful waltz feel, and references “Hannah,” which is an amalgam of all the female fans of the band.  

    Pieces of Eight

    The majestic title track is a deeper cut which was not released as a single. Dennis DeYoung wrote and sings lead on this song.  It was inspired by how money can't buy everything, and the regret faced in looking back over a life occupied by the pursuit of wealth while sacrificing love, dreams, and freedom.

    Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)

    This first single was released in August of 1978 just ahead of the album.  Tommy Shaw was inspired to write it after a friend was laid off from the railroad and experienced frustration standing in line at the unemployment office.  The song hit number 21 in the United States charts.

    Renegade

    The last single would become a staple for Styx tours and remains popular today.  It tells of a Western outlaw who has been caught and is about to face execution by hanging.  Tommy Shaw claims that the song basically wrote itself.  “Hangman is coming down from the gallows and I don't have very long.”

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Ease on Down the Road #1 by Diana Ross and Michael Jackson (from the motion picture “The Wiz”)  

    The Broadway Play “The Wiz” hit the screens with Diana Ross playing Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Who Are You by The Who 

    Rob starts off the staff picks with the title track from the Who album of the same name, released 1 month before Keith Moon's death.  Pete Townshend wrote this song after passing out drunk in a doorway in SoHo.  He was feeling like a sellout after signing a big contract and experiencing an identity crisis.  That's Rod Argent from the Zombies you hear on keyboards. 

    Feelin' Satisfied  by Boston

    Bruce's staff pick is the third single from “Don't Look Back.”  It hit number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It is an ode to Rock and Roll with a positive feel and a clapping in the chorus which brings on audience participation in concerts. 

    Milk and Alcohol by Dr. Feelgood 

    Wayne brings us a boogie rock song with a punk feel from an English pub rock band.  The song was inspired by blues guitarist John Lee Hooker who the band members often saw in concert drunk on Kahlua and alcohol.  Nick Lowe of “Cruel to be Kind” fame wrote this song.

    Reminiscing by the Little River Band

    Brian finishes off the staff picks with a bit of yacht rock from down under.  This is the second single from their fourth studio album, “Sleeper Catcher.”  It went to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song was inspired by the romantic era of black and white movies and the songs of Glen Miller and Cole Porter.  John Lennon considered it one of his favorite songs.

       

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Two Rapid Formations by Brian Eno

    This instrumental is from Eno's seventh solo album, "Music for Films."  

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

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

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

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

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

    44 min
  • 1981 - December: Joan Jett & the Blackhearts “I Love Rock-n-Roll”

    I Love Rock 'n Roll is the first album by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and the second solo album by Joan Jett.  Born as Joan Marie Larkin, Joan Jett got her start in the music industry as a teenager when her family moved to the Los Angeles area and divorced shortly thereafter.  She was a founding member of the all-girl band The Runaways at the age of 16.

    Jett began her solo career in England in 1979, where she recorded songs with some of the members of the Sex Pistols.  Later that year she returned to Los Angeles where she connected with a songwriter and producer named Kenny Laguna.  Laguna would relocate Jett to Long Beach, New York, and assist her with both her first solo album and the formation of the Blackhearts.

    The group spent a year touring and building up a following in the New York Area before releasing I Love Rock 'n Roll.  This album would be a mixture of original songs and covers, and the title track would spend 7 weeks at the top of the U.S. charts.  The album was a commercial success, selling 10 million copies, and is Jett's most successful album to date.

     

    (I'm Gonna) Run Away

    Rob starts us off with the second track on the album, a deeper cut, and an original song written by Jett and Laguna.  It has a punk feel, as does much of the album, and the lyrics reflect a break-up.

    Crimson and Clover

    This cover of a song originally performed by Tommy James and the Shondells alternates between a slow and fast tempo, but maintains a hard rock edge throughout, unlike the more psychedelic aspects of the original.  Jett was questioned about her choice not to change the pronouns in the lyrics from female to male, and she commented simply that the change in lyrics would make the song not rhyme.

    Summertime Blues 

    Eddie Cochran co wrote and performed this song in 1958.  Joan Jett & the Blackhearts speed this one up and give it a punk edge.  It was not originally on the album, but appeared as the B-side to a single from Jett's prior solo album “Do You Wanna Touch Me  (Oh Yeah).”  It would appear on the album as a bonus track when released on CD.  

    I Love Rock 'n Roll

    This title track is the big hit, and is also a cover originally performed by The Arrows in 1975.  Jett first heard the song while touring with The Runaways, and she recorded an early version of the song with members of the Sex Pistols in 1979.  It was the number 3 song on the U.S. charts for the year of 1982.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Street Life by Randy Crawford (from the motion picture “Sharkey's Machine”)

    This action film featured a stunt involving a plunge out of the Peachtree Plaza hotel, the tallest building in Atlanta at the time.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Jealous Lover by Rainbow 

    Bruce starts off the staff picks with the lead-off track from a 4-song EP of the same name.  Frontman Joe Lynn Turner and guitarist Ritchie Blackmore wrote this song.  Turner wrote the lyrics in about 5 minutes, inspired by an argument he had with Blackmore, which made him think about a fight he'd recently had with his girlfriend.  “And it's hard to discover you're like any other jealous lover.”

    Young Turks by Rod Stewart  

    Brian features the first US single from Stewart's eleventh album, Tonight I'm Yours. The song tells the story of two young lovers who run away from their parents to make their own way.  Interestingly the phrase “young turks” never appears in the lyrics.  The video included an early example of break dancing.

    Marie Marie  by The Blasters

    Wayne brings us a rockabilly song, or as The Blasters would describe it, “R&B in cowboy boots.”  The song tells the story of a guy who is told to leave a family's daughter alone, and so he sings to her as he is leaving.  

    I Love You by Climax Blues Band

    Rob's staff pick is a soft rock hit.  It tells the story of a guy who is rescued by the love of his wife.  It is the second biggest hit by the Climax Blues Band after  Couldn't Get It Right.  It hit number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    September Fifteenth by Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays

    This jazz instrumental was a feature of "Jazz Flavors" on radio station 94Q in Atlanta in December of 1981.

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

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

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

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

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

    35 min
  • Rocking Halloween - A What the Riff Rabbit Hole

    Our Christmas Rabbit Hole Episodes rank among the highest. This special episode features classic rock songs and theme songs which feature a spooky theme.  We hope you enjoy this first “Halloween” special from What The Riff?!?

    Theme from the television series “The Walking Dead”  This post-apocalyptic zombie series ran for 11 seasons, from 2010 until 2022.  It was based on a comic book of the same name and sparked multiple spin-offs.  The minor key and strings set the mood well for this horror series.

    Theme from the television series “The Munsters”  A television classic that surprisingly only ran for two seasons, from 1964 until 1966, in black-and-white.  Some say the ratings drop that resulted in cancellation of the show was due to competition from "Batman."

    Run Like Hell by Pink Floyd  This track from “The Wall” features music from David Gilmour and lyrics from Roger Waters, the last collaboration to date from these two.  The song represents the turn to violence in the life of Pink as he orders his thugs to attack the “riff-raff.”

    Bark at the Moon by Ozzy Osbourne  The first single from the 1983 album of the same name tells of a creature who terrorized a town, was killed, and then returns from the dead.  The song featured the first Ozzy music video.

    Heaven and Hell by Black Sabbath  The title track to the 1980 album of the same name features new front man Ronnie James Dio on vocals, taking over for Ozzy Osbourne in the band.  Dio is also the source of the lyrics for the track.

    Spirits in the Material World by the Police  Sting wrote this opening track to the Police October 1981 album “Ghost in the Machine.”  It is a psychological and philosophical piece, discussing man's existence and the failure of the institutions around him. 

    Witchy Woman by the Eagles  One of the early Eagles songs, this track was the only song on the debut album for which Don Henley would have a writing credit.  The inspiration was an amalgam of women Henley had met, but the primary inspiration was Zelda Fitzgerald, the muse and wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald.

    Hells Bells by AC/DC  The lead-off track to the album “Back in Black” starts with the tolling of a 2,000 pound bronze bell.  Today it is used in multiple sports events, as well as being a fantastic Halloween song.

    Friend of the Devil by the Grateful Dead  This folk rock track appeared on the Dead's fifth studio album, “American Beauty,” from 1970.  It is one of the most covered Dead songs in their catalog.    

    Feed My Frankenstein by Alice Cooper  While this song was originally recorded by British group Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction, it is more famous in its cover version which Cooper performed in a cameo in the movie “Wayne's World.”  The cover also has guest appearances itself, including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Nikki Sixx, and Elvira. 

    Superstition by Stevie Wonder  This funky song came out in October 1972 and hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973.  Wonder chronicles a number of superstitions in the lyrics, and warns against the negative effects of being superstitious. 

    Thriller by Michael Jackson  No Halloween song list would be complete without the seventh single from Michael Jackson's sixth studio album of the same name.  Thriller was not originally intended to be a single, but became that in an attempt to boost the album sales.  The video would be scarily expensive, and would be called "the most famous music video of all time" by the Library of Congress.  The tactic worked, as album sales doubled after Thriller's release as a single.

    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.

    52 min
  • 1989 - August: Bad English “Bad English”

    Bad English is a supergroup composed of members of Journey and The Babys.  From The Babys comes John Waite on lead vocals, Rick Phillips on bass, and Jonathan Cain on keyboards.  From Journey comes Neal Schon in lead guitar, and Jonathan Cain, the common thread between the two groups.  Deen Castronovo is on drums and would later join Journey.  The band was initially formed by Cain, Schon, and Waite.  The name Bad English comes from a term in the game of pool.  John Waite missed a shot, and Jonathan Cain made a comment on how bad his English was.

    The group was attempting to sound original and not too much like either of their previous groups or Waite's solo work.  They were also being pulled by the record producers towards a highly produced sound common with the hair metal groups of the time.  The group wrote about 40 songs in six months for the debut album, eponymously named Bad English, but Waite stated that “a lot of them weren't very good.”  There were enough good songs to create a hit album, however, as this debut went to number 21 on the Billboard 200 charts.  

    Bad English would produce one other album after this debut, but it wasn't very successful.  Shortly thereafter the group disbanded with Waite continuing solo work, and with some other members re-joining Journey.

    Bruce brings us this supergroup.

     

    Best of What I Got

    This is the opening track to the album, and was the fifth of seven singles released - though this one was only released on US rock charts.  It hit number 9 on the Mainstream Rock charts.  It was also featured in the credits to the buddy cop film "Tango & Cash."

    Lay Down

    A deeper track written by Waite, Schon, and Cain, this track was not released as a single.  It is a bid more rocking, with lyrics about coming back from a trip and getting together with your girl. 

    Forget Me Not

    The first single from the album was a darker song written by Waite, Cain, and Mark Spiro, a songwriter and record producer who worked with a number of musicians.  Spiro collaborated on this and four other tracks from the album.  The inspiration for these lyrics are Anne Rice's vampire novels.  The lyrics deal with possession, lust, and a longing that goes on throughout eternity. 

    When I See You Smile

    This is the big hit single which went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Diane Warren, an American songwriter and hitmaker for many artists from Celine Dion to Milli Vanilli, wrote this hit.  Ironically it would create a rift within the group as they struggled with whether to seek hits on the next album or to create their own material.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter by Iron Maiden 

    (from the motion picture "A Nightmare on Elm Street:  The Dream Child”)
    Freddy Kruger continues his rampage in this fifth installment of the horror franchise.  

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Great White

    Brian starts off this week's staff picks with the biggest hit from LA hair band White Snake.  This song is a cover from a 1975 single from Ian Hunter, and appropriate for the title of their fourth album, "...Twice Shy."  The lyrics reflect life on the road and learning from bad relationship experiences.  The group lived on the road, touring for years.  

    Love Song by The Cure

    Wayne's staff pick goes goth with a surprisingly positive song from a notoriously dark group.  Robert Smith, The Cure's lead singer, wrote this song as a wedding gift for his bride, Mary Theresa Poole.  Smith and Poole married in 1988, though they had known each other since they were 14.

    Closer to Fine by the Indigo Girls 

    Rob features an Atlanta based indie rock duo.  This single is off their platinum selling self-titled second album.  Amy Ray and Emily Saliers are joined on this album by multiple Georgia artists, including members of R.E.M.  Amy and Emily met in elementary school, began performing together as high school students, and took the title of Indigo Girls in college.

    Something to Hold on To by Trevor Rabin

    Bruce brings us a single from Yes alumnus Trevor Rabin's fourth solo album.  This single went to number 3 on the Mainstream Rock chart, and the video got a Grammy nomination for Best Short Form Music Video.  Rabin would later re-join seven other Yes alumni for the Union album in 1991.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Chinese Torture by Queen

    Queen's thirteenth studio album provides this instrumental which 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.

    44 min
  • 1972 - April: Deep Purple “Machine Head”

    Machine Head is the sixth and most commercially successful studio album Deep Purple ever produced.  The band was coming off a two-year tour, and wanted to capture a sound closer to their live shows on the next studio effort.  They booked the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio for the recording and booked time at the Montreux Casino.  However, just before their studio time was to begin, a fire was started during a concert for Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, and the casino burned to the ground.  They then attempted to record at a nearby theater, but this had to be abandoned due to noise complaints.  Finally, they were able to secure time at the Grand Hotel in Montreux which had been closed for the winter, and recorded the album.  The band did not set up in a ballroom, but at the end of a hallway, and had to communicate with the mobile studio via closed circuit TV.

    The album was both a critical and commercial success, topping the charts in many countries and landing at number 7 on the Billboard 200.  It also produced many of the iconic Deep Purple songs and riffs.

    Wayne brings us this forerunner of prog rock and heavy metal.

     

    Highway Star

    The opening track to the album is a killer anthem live and features the Hammond organ prominently.  The guitar solo would gain notoriety, and the readers of Guitar World voted it number 15 on their list of "100 Greatest Guitar Solos."  

    Smoke on the Water 

    The opening riffs are amongst the most famous guitar riffs of all time.  This song tells the story of the band's experience where they almost recorded at the Montreux Casino, but instead watched the building burn to the ground after a flare gun was shot off at the Mothers of Invention concert.  The smoke was from the casino burning down, and the water was Lake Geneva.

    Pictures of Home  

    This deeper cut describes the sights and images of the local area around Montreux, far away from home for Deep Purple.  

    Space Truckin' 

    This space themed anthem was inspired by the music from the 1960's "Batman" television series.  The lyrics themselves are nonsense, but the riffs and the sci-fi vibe make this rocker a favorite.  William Shatner covered this song on his album "Seeking Major Tom."

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Main theme from the motion picture “The French Connection”

    Gene Hackman starred in this crime thriller which won the Oscar for Best Picture at the 44th Academy Awards in April, 1972.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll by Blue Oyster Cult

    Bruce's staff pick is the debut single from the debut self-titled Blue Oyster Cult album.  While it did not chart, it would become one of their most famous anthems.  Drummer Albert Bouchard is on vocals, and the lyrics explore the aftermath of nuclear war, using rock and roll as a metaphor for destruction.  

    You Could Have Been a Lady by April Wine 

    Rob brings us the leading single from the Canadian band's album "On Record."  This is a cover originally released in 1971 by the British soul band Hot Chocolate.  It would be April Wine's first hit, charting at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100.

    Back off Boogaloo by Ringo Starr 

    Brian's staff pick is a non-album single Ringo Starr released in March 1972.  Former bandmate George Harrison produced and helped write this song, and played guitar on the single.  It was recorded shortly after Harrison and Starr appeared in the Concert for Bangladesh.  Many consider it an attack on Paul McCartney's solo work at the time.

    Jambalaya (On the Bayou) by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

    Wayne features a Cajun cover originally written by Hank Williams in 1952.  The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was a country rock group from Long Beach, California, and this cover appears on their sixth studio album.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Afro Strut by the Nite Liters

    We close out this week's podcast with this funk and soul 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.

    43 min
  • 1987 - November: Bruce Springsteen “Tunnel of Love”

    After the overwhelming success of his “Born to Run” album, Bruce Springsteen's next studio album would take a dramatically different approach.  First, Tunnel of Love would be a solo project, and the E. Street Band was not credited as a contributor, though many members of the E. Street Band would be credited individually. Springsteen plays many of the instruments himself, and made use of drum machines and synthesizers on the tracks.  Second, the lyrics look inward as Springsteen explores aspects of lost love.  Springsteen was reacting to his troubled marriage to actress Julianne Phillips from whom he would receive divorce papers the following year. The divorce was finalized in 1989.

    Tunnel of Love was a critical and commercial success.  Critics would praise the originality of the material and its introspective nature.  The album would receive a Grammy award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo at the 1988 Grammy awards.  Commercially the album would hit number 1 on the Billboard 200 charts and go triple platinum.  Five singles would be released from the album, three of which cracked the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

    Brian brings us this album for today's podcast.

     

    Two Faces

    This deeper cut explores how there is a lighter side and a darker side within each of us, and how we can come to hurt the ones we love.  The singer prays that the “our love will make the other man go away,” but that other man is a part of us.

    Brilliant Disguise

    This was the first single released from the album, and it went to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart.  It reflects doubt, first in the singer's lover, and later in the singer himself.  The question is whether either has become a stranger to the other.

    One Step Up

    This third single from the album was only released as a single in the U.S.  Unlike much of the album, this song was not recorded in Springsteen's home studio, but at A&M Studios in Los Angeles.  The song reflects the troubles in Springsteen's marriage.  Although Springsteen played all instruments, E Street Band member Patti Scialfa sings backup.  Scialfa would marry Springsteen in 1991.

    Valentine's Day 

    The last song on the album takes a surprisingly upbeat look at relationships, as the singer longs for his love.  It's quite a contrast with the other songs on the album.  “So hold me close honey say you're forever mine, and tell me you'll be my lonely valentine.”

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Mess Around by Ray Charles (from the motion picture “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”)  

    With the abundance of Christmas movies, this is an unusual Thanksgiving comedy starring Steve Martin and John Candy trying to get home during the Holiday rush. 

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Time Stand Still by Rush 

    Bruce leads off the staff picks with the first single from Rush's 12th studio album “Hold Your Fire.”  The lyrics were inspired by Neal Peart's time in the band as he reflects on the things he missed while spending time on the road.  'Til Tuesday's lead singer and bassist Aimee Mann contributes backing vocals on this song. 

    Hazy Shade of Winter  by The Bangles

    Wayne brings us a cover with a much faster beat than the original Simon and Garfunkel version.  This song appeared on the soundtrack for the motion picture “Less Than Zero.” The Bangles had covered this song since 1983, and offered it to the movie rather than writing a new piece.  The Bangle's version peaked at number 2 on the charts.

    Give to Live by Sammy Hagar 

    The Red Rocker was still under contract for a solo album despite joining Van Halen, and Rob features this single off the album that fulfilled his commitment.  Tidbit: Eddie Van Halen plays bass on this album.

    Little Lies by Fleetwood Mac

    Brian finishes off the staff picks with a hit from the album “Tango In the Night.”  Keyboardist Christine McVie takes her turn on lead with this song written by her and her husband at the time, Eddy Quintela.  The idea is that sometimes little lies are easier to take than the truth.  

       

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Midnight by Joe Satriani

    This is an instrumental selection from Satriani's album “Surfing With the Alien,” released in 1987.

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

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

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    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
  • RECAST 1973 - SEPT - Elton John “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”

    RECAST:  ( Episode #45) 

    Elton John — “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”

    September, 1973

    Elton John's seventh studio release is considered his best by many. The double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road contains many well known hits including the title track, the Marilyn Monroe-inspired “Candle in the Wind,” and the 11-minute epic “Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding.” Elton John initially intended to record this album in Jamaica, but political instability and the upcoming Frazier/Foreman boxing match caused the production to be moved to Chateau d'Herouville in France.

    Friend of the Show John Lynch returns to help us showcase this monster rock album from 1973.

    All the Girls Love Alice

    This deeper cut in a minor key deals with prostitution and lesbianism. Tempo changes between the verses and chorus with a groovy fuzzy guitar distortion give this track its distinctive sound. Liberty music was originally trying to get John and writer/partner Bernie Taupin to write songs for other artists, but they decided to write it for themselves.

    Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting

    This well-known track was inspired by Taupin's experience in local pubs as a lad — it was banned on a number of radio stations because of fears that it would inspire violence. At age 15, Elton John was actually playing in pubs.

    Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

    The title track hearkens to a simpler childhood time, removed from celebrity and high society. Reginald Kenneth Dwight would change his name to Elton John inspired by two blues players he liked.

    Grey Seal

    Another deeper track from the album is driven by piano riffs and interesting key and tempo changes. If you don't understand the lyrics to this song, you're in good company - Elton John doesn't understand the lyrics either!

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Super Friends Theme Song
    This staple of Saturday morning cartoons featured DC superheroes...“Meanwhile, back in the Halls of Justice...”

    STAFF PICKS:

    Looking Glass - “Jimmy Love Mary-Anne”  

    Wayne brings us the yacht rock this week. If you think this sounds like "Brandy," there's a reason for it. This is their follow-up top-40 hit. Story songs like this were popular in the early '70's.

    The Edgar Winter Group - “Free Ride” 

    Bruce's staff pick brings the boogie from the debut album from The Edgar Winter Group. Ronnie Montrose and Rick Derringer were also on this album.

    Jim Croce - “Bad Bad Leroy Brown”

    Special Guest Host stepping in for Brian, John Lynch introduces another storytelling song with amazing lyrics like, "badder than old King Kong, and meaner than a junkyard dog." Unfortunately, Croce would die in a plane crash in this month.

    Chicago - “Just You 'n' Me”

    Rob takes the tempo down with a horn-driven hit. This was the second single released from "Chicago VI." The song was inspired by an argument that trombone player James Pankow had with his girlfriend - shortly thereafter his wife.

    LAUGH TRACK:

    Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt Kickers - “Monster Mash”

    Ahead of Halloween 1973, this song was moving up the charts. Originally released in 1962, the song was re-released in 1973.

    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
  • 1982 - May: 38 Special “Special Forces”

    We've covered a number of underrated bands and albums, but perhaps the most underrated band of the 80's is 38 Special.  Formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1974 by Donnie Van Zandt and Don Barnes, 38 Special had a string of hits in the late 70's through the 80's including "Hold On Loosely,"  "Rockin' Into the Night," and "If I'd Been the One."  Special Forces is their fifth and most successful studio album, hitting number 10 on the Billboard 200.

    In addition to Van Zandt and Barnes, 38 Special's lineup for this album included Jeff Carlisi on guitar, Larry Junstrom on bass, Steve Brookins on drums, and Jack Grondin on drums.  A number of songs on this album were co-written by Jim Peterik, singer-songwriter and founder of the group Survivor.  

    Given the connection to Lynyrd Skynyrd (Donnie was the brother of original Skynyrd lead singer, Ronnie Van Zandt, and Junstrom was one of the founding members of Lynyrd Skynyrd), it is not surprising that their sound has its roots in Southern Rock.  However, 38 Special tended towards a more mainstream hard rock sound.

    The name of the group comes from an incident where the police were called on the band during a late night practice session.  The door was padlocked, and the police broke the lock by shooting it out ... with a 38 Special.

     

    Caught Up In You

    This is the first single and the big hit from the album, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Mainstream Rock charts.  Don Barnes sings lead on this track.  The lyrics are self-explanatory, extolling a girl with whom the singer is completely entranced.

    You Keep Runnin' Away

    Barnes has the lead duties from this song again.  The lyrics describe a girl who has been burned in past relationships and has decided never to trust another man.  The singer encourages her to not give up, that "someday, someway, somewhere love is gonna find you."

    Back Door Stranger 

    A deeper cut from the album, the lyrics describe a serial rapist sneaking around, and what will happen to him if the singer catches up with him.  "Take my chances, rather go to jail than see the eyes of a coward runnin' loose and well."  The guitar has a great wah-wah sound, and Donnie Van Zandt takes his turn on lead vocals for this track.

    Chain Lightnin' 

    The thunder sound is striking as both the intro and the outro for this iconic song.  There's a little bit of a Pink Floyd echo to add to the mystery.  "And it's hotter than hell in the heavens tonight."  "And it's so tough when the satisfaction is greater than the risk."

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Ain't Got No Home by Clarence “Frogman” Henry (from the motion picture “Diner”)

    This novelty song was featured in the comedy-drama starring Steve Guttenberg and Kevin Bacon.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now) by Van Halen 

    Bruce begins the staff picks with a deeper cut off the Diver Down album.  This cover was originally recorded in 1924, and came to the band's attention when David Lee Roth recorded it off a late night AM radio station.  Jan Van Halen, Eddie and Alex's father, is featured in this song playing clarinet.

    Did It in a Minute by Hall & Oates  

    Brian features a hit off the "Private Eyes" album from duo Darryl Hall and John Oates.  It was the third single from the album.  The upbeat song is about finding love almost instantaneously.  Hall wrote this with his girlfriend Sara Allen and her sister Janna, who came up with the chorus.

    Find Another Fool  by Quarterflash

    Wayne gets a second chance to feature Portland's own Quarterflash.  This rocking minor-key song peaked at number 16 on the charts, and is a break-up song after the girl has had it with her ex-boyfriend's cheating ways.  The name comes from an Australian slang phrase, "a quarter flash, three parts foolish."  Quarterflash is the husband and wife team of Rindy and Marv Ross

    More Than This by Roxy Music

    Rob's staff pick is the first single off Roxy Music's last album, "Avalon."  Bryan Ferry began writing the songs for Avalon while on the west coast of Ireland, and the music reflects the melancholy feel of the location.  The song has an unusually long synth-driven outro.

     

    COMEDY TRACK:

    Piss On the Wall by the J. Geils Band

    Sometimes you just must be going.  However, we do recommend that you find a toilet first!

    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

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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