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

  • 1990 - January: They Might Be Giants “Flood”

    They Might Be Giants is an alternative rock band that formed in 1982 by John Flansburgh and John Linnell.  They are known as an absurdist, surreal alternative band popular on modern rock charts and college radio.  They are also known in the DIY music genre and in children’s music.  Flood is their third studio album and has been certified platinum.  It is their best selling album, and considered their signature work. 

    During the 80’s Flansburgh and Linnell started recording their songs onto an answering machine and advertised the phone number in The Village Voice and other newspapers as “Dial-A-Song.”  The answering machine would play one track at a time, sometimes uncompleted work, sometimes mock advertisements.  It became quite popular, but it was an answering machine, so the quality wasn’t great.  One of their slogans was “Always Busy, Often Broken.” It was a local Brooklyn number, so long distance fees applied.  The band advertised it with the line, “Free when you call from work.”

    TMBG have released 23 studio albums, 10 compilations, 10 live albums, 8 EP’s 7 videos and 11 singles.  They have also released five children’s albums – Tiny Toon Adventures exposed them to a younger audience, and they leveraged it to expand their career. They made heavy use of the internet since the early 90’s, creating one of the first artist-owned music stores in 2004, and have made podcasts on a monthly basis from 2005 to 2014.

    Bruce brings us this unusual album.

     

    Istanbul (Not Constantinople) 

    This is a cover originally written in 1953 on the 500th anniversary of the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans.  Lyrics are by Jimmy Kennedy, music by Nat Simon, and performed by the Four Lads.  The TMBG version was featured in the first season of MTV’s Liquid Television and in an episode of "Tiny Toon Adventures."

    Your Racist Friend

    In discussing this song, John Flansburgh told Songfacts, “You can’t confront every person who’s making an ass of themselves.  But there are times when you want to.  So it’s really about a subtler idea than over-the-top expressions of race hate.  It’s more just about the culture.”

    Somebody Keeps Moving My Chair

    I think we can all identify with the premise of this song, that there’s a lot of unpleasantness that we have to deal with, and we can do that for the most part.  But when somebody keeps moving your chair that is beyond the pale. 

    Theme from Flood

    This brief piece starts off the album and leads into “Birdhouse In Your Soul.”  It seemed like a good addition to include, since most of the songs are short.

    Birdhouse In Your Soul 

    This is the lead single from the album, and is their highest charting single in both the US and the UK, hitting number 3 on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 6 on the UK singles chart.  The lyrics are narrated from the perspective of a blue nightlight shaped like a canary.  We found it fascinating that there are 18 key changes in this song!

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    "The Simpsons Theme" by Danny Elfman (from the television series "The Simpsons”)

    Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie made their TV series debut in this month in 1990, though they had shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show prior to that.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    I Remember You by Skid Row

    Brian starts off this week's staff picks with an acoustic/power pop hair ballad from the band fronted by Sebastian Bach.  Bassist Rachel Boland and guitarist Dave “The Snake” Sabo penned this song which was their third single from their debut album.  It is about the girl from days gone by that you just can't forget. 

    Fly High Michelle by Enuff Z'nuff

    Rob's staff pick was inspired by a tragedy caused by a drug overdose.  Donnie Vie wrote this song in remembrance of a friend who had passed, and it was the biggest hit of the group's career.  The band takes their name from their bassist, Chip Z'nuff.

    Pure by The Lightning Seeds 

    Wayne features this track from Liverpool's The Lightning Seeds.  The group is the product of producer Ian Broudie, and is really more of a solo project with musicians brought in to create a touring band.  The name comes from a misheard lyric from Prince's “Raspberry Beret.”

    Girl Like You by The Smithereens

    Bruce's staff pick is the first single from the Smithereens third album,  appropriately (?) named 11.  Madonna was supposed to sing the harmony vocals but didn’t show up for the recording session.  The band got Maria Vidal to do the vocals. It hit number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the US Mainstream Rock charts.

     

    NOVELTY TRACK:

    Swing the Mood by Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers

    This mashup of swing and early rock songs was on the charts in January 1990.

    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
  • 1968 - March: The Electric Flag “Long Time Comin’”

    The Electric Flag was the brainchild of guitarist Mike Bloomfield, and Long Time Comin' was their debut studio album.  The core of the band was formed by Mike Bloomfield on guitar, Barry Goldberg on keyboards, and Buddy Miles (soon to be with Jimmy Hendrix's Band of Gypsies) on drums.  Additionally, Nick Gravenites would sing lead on several tracks.

    With "Long Time Comin'" Bloomfield wanted to create a sound that would feature what he called "American music."  He would draw inspiration from many sources including traditional country, gospel, and R&B, and the result would be a fusion of rock, jazz, R&B, and an early use of a horn section.  The sound would be described as an "eclectic approach toward American musical."  Critics would complement the group's sound on this album, though it would be somewhat of a failure commercially on the charts.

    The Electric Flag would put out two albums in 1968, but would break up shortly before their second album was released.  Drug use affected the group's ability to perform, and Bloomfield would later admit that heroin caused his playing to fall apart.

    Wayne brings us this classic of southern rock.

     

    Wine

    The full name for this song is actually "Drinking Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee," and is a traditional boogie-woogie blues song about a famous and not very good wine called Thunderbird ("the word is Thunderbird").  It was a creation of E & J Gallo Winery, made cheap with a high alcohol content.

    Texas 

    Buddy Miles sings lead on this blues track.  This sound would find traction with later groups like ZZ Top and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Bloomfield's playing was inspired by groups he heard in Chicago, and he would become known as one of the premier guitarists in rock music.  "I Wouldn't be an American, If it wasn't for Texas."

    Killing Floor 

    This is an updated take on the Howlin' Wolf blues classic.  It has a blues feel but with an upbeat tempo.  The Electric Flag would cover this long before Led Zeppelin would make it the basis for "The Lemon Song."  Jimmy Hendrix would play this at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival.

    Groovin' Is Easy 

    This is the "hit single" from the album.  The sound is different from the other blues-based tracks, and is a bit more time stamped for the age.  "Groovin's so easy, baby, if you know how.  You don't have to keep yourself forever slavin' - go out an chase whatever you're cravin'."

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    main theme from the animated series “Speed Racer”

    While it would become a staple of after school and Saturday morning cartoons in the United States, this animated series was crossing the finish line of its run in Japan in this month.  

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Summertime Blues by Blue Cheer

    Rob starts off our staff picks with a cover of Eddie Cochran's song from 1958.  Blue Cheer was a psychedelic band out of San Francisco, and considered a precursor to the heavy metal band.  Many consider this song to be the first heavy metal song to chart in the U.S.  They were considered the loudest group in concert at the time.

    I Thank You by Sam & Dave 

    Bruce takes a soulful turn with the final Sam & Dave release on Stax records, as Stax ended a distribution deal with Atlantic Records (from which Sam & Dave were on loan).  It hit number 3 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart.  ZZ Top would cover this song later on, and it would be their second top 40 hit after "Tush."

    (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay  by Otis Redding 

    Brian's staff pick is another song from Stax records, and the last single from Otis Redding.  Redding died in a plane crash 3 days after recording this song.  It was Redding's biggest hit, and the first posthumous release in the U.S.  It hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

    Are You Gonna Be There (At the Love In) by The Chocolate Watchband

    Wayne closes out the staff picks in fine hippie style with  this band out of Los Altos, California.  The Chocolate Watchband started in 1965 and would break up by 1970.  Supposedly Jerry Garcia plays guitar on this track. The story is that when the band's guitarist was too high to play, Garcia was in another studio in the same building, and sat in.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay by King Curtis & the Kingmakers

    "Dock of the Bay" was so popular that it featured both Redding and this instrumental version on the 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.

    33 min
  • 1983 - April: Zebra “Zebra”

    Zebra is one of the great underrated bands of the 80's.  Randy Jackson (lead vocals, guitars, synthesizers, piano), Felix Hanemann (bass, keyboards, backing vocals) and Guy Gelso (percussion, backing vocals) formed Zebra in 1975 in New Orleans before moving to Long Island.  They were originally a cover band, playing rock with a prog rock bent from groups like Led Zeppelin, Yes, and Jethro Tull.  The band took the name Zebra after seeing a Vogue magazine cover featuring a model riding a zebra.  

    It would be eight years from their founding before this eponymously named album would be their debut.  Zebra the album would become one of the fastest selling debut albums in Atlantic's catalogue, peaking at number 29.  Jackson's high vocals paired with both acoustic and electric guitars, supplemented with synthesizers and special effects would create a commercial success straddling the hard rock and prog rock genres.

    Unfortunately, their debut album would also be their high water mark.  Zebra would produce a follow-up album which would hit the charts at number 84, then two more which would not chart.  Zebra took a brief hiatus in the early 90's, but the power trio would get back together and are still touring as of this podcast.

    Rob brings us this album.

     

    Who's Behind the Door

    This single hit number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 10 on the US Rock charts.  The lyrics question death and what may lie beyond.  It starts with an amazing 12-string acoustic riff and ends with an epic space-aged wall of sound.  Jackson's high tenor parts are prominent.

    When You Get There

    This deeper cut takes a humorous approach to infidelity and a one-night stand.  “You wake up in the morning and you’re not feeling quite the same.  You feel a gentle hand upon you, but you seem to have forgotten her name.”

    The La-La Song 

    This song goes back many years to their touring days.  It has a distinctive prog rock feel. 

    Tell Me What You Want

    In our minds, this opening track from the album is reminiscent of the Alan Parson's Project or Def Leppard.  Its minor key and angst-filled lyrics depict the struggles a boy has with a girl to whom he gives everything and finds it is not enough. 

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Maniac by Michael Sembello (from the motion picture “Flashdance”)

    This dance movie starring Jennifer Beals hit the screen in 1983.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Never Gonna Let You Go by Sergio Mendes 

    Bruce starts off the staff picks with a ballad that Rick Beato calls "the most complex pop song of all time."  Originally written in 1982 by Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann and recorded by Dionne Warwick, there are 7 key changes by the time the chorus is reached.  Sergio Mendes would take this song to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

    Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey  

    Brian brings us the first single off the "Frontiers" album.  It is a break-up song written by Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry while they were on the road.  It was inspired by band members going through difficult divorces, and was premiered during the "Escape" tour.  The video...well, it leaves something to be desired.

    Say What You Will  by Fastway

    Wayne rocks out with a one-hit wonder from their debut self-titled album.  Fastway is a heavy metal band from Britain, and band members have connections to Motorhead and UFO.  The name comes from the combination of guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke and bassist Pete Way.  Dave King is on lead, and would move on to the Irish band Flogging Molly.

    True by Spandau Ballet

    Rob's staff pick is a staple of the 80's.  PM Dawn sampled this song, and gave the original a second life.  The lyrics were written as a tribute to Marvin Gaye - "Listen to Marvin all night long.  This is the sound of my soul."  This was the 6th biggest selling single of 1983 and Spandau Ballet's biggest hit.

     

    COMEDY TRACK:

    Intro to Monty Python's The Meaning of Life

    The third Monty Python motion picture “The Meaning of Life” is great just because it had something to offend everyone.

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

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

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

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

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

    45 min
  • 1972 - March: Jethro Tull “Thick as a Brick”

    For it's fifth studio album, Jethro Tull decided to satirize the concept album which was popular amongst prog rock acts like themselves, Yes, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.  Thick as a Brick is a single piece of music spread across two album sides, and takes inspiration from Monty Python, poking fun at the critics, the audience, and the band itself.  Ian Anderson wrote much of the album, but the entire band contributed to the songs.  

    The "concept" of this concept album is that the lyrics are written by an 8 year-old genius named Gerald Bostock, and the album is a musical adaptation of Bostock's poem.  The cover art continues the spoof, as it forms a 12-page English newspaper with both articles and advertisements that might be found in a small town paper.  

    Contemporary critical reviews of the album were mixed, but retrospective reviews would all be positive.  Commercially the album was a success, hitting number 1 in the US, Canada, and Australia, and hitting number 5 in the UK.  

    Brian brings us this prog rock spoof-turned-classic.

     

    Thick as a Brick, part 1

    This is the entire album side 1.  Most Jethro Tull fans will recognize the first few minutes as the radio cut of "Thick As a Brick," though most FM stations would truncate it as it drifts into the next movement of the suite.  Although it is one continuous piece of music, the movements are actually three- to five-minute songs stitched together to form a continuous whole.  

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    The main theme from the motion picture “The Godfather”  

    The ultimate mob movie was released this month, and was an offer we couldn't refuse!

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    A Horse With No Name by America

    Rob's staff pick was America's first and most successful single off their self-titled debut album.  The song was originally entitled "Desert Song," and was inspired by prints by Salvador Dali and M.C. Escher.  One unusual thing about this song is that it is built on only two chords.

    Chelsea Girls  by Spirit

    Bruce brings us a deep cut in the leading track from Spirit's fifth album called Feedback.  This is the only Spirit album to feature John and Al Staehely as band members, and to not feature Randy California as a band member.  This album is a little more California country rock than the prog rock/psychedelic rock for which Spirit is better known.

    30 Days In the Hole by Humble Pie 

    Wayne presents the version of Humble Pie with guitarist Steve Marriott on lead vocals, as Peter Frampton had left the group.  This is off their fifth and most successful album, “Smokin.’”  This would become Humble Pie's best known song, despite the fact that it did not do well on the charts.

    Stay With Me by the Faces

    Rod Stewart's voice is hard to miss in Brian's staff pick.  This song chronicles the stereotypical one night stand of a band member on the tour.  Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood co-wrote this song, and  it is off their album "A Nod Is As Good As A Wink...To A Blind Horse."

       

    COMEDY TRACK:

    Taurus by Dennis Coffey

    This rock instrumental was on the charts in this month.

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

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

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

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

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

    47 min
  • 1985 - January: Tears for Fears “Songs From the Big Chair”

    Tears for Fears comes from Bath, England, and were formed by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith.  Their first album, "The Hurting" was released in 1983 and was successful with songs like "Mad World" and "Pale Shelter."  However, their second album entitled Songs from the Big Chair, a title taken from the motion picture "Sybil" would be the one to propel them to super-stardom.  It peaked at number 2 in the UK and number 1 in the US.  In addition to Orzabal and Smith, Ian Stanley is on keyboards, and Manny Elias is on drums and drum arrangement.

    Orzabal and Smith were inspired by electronic and synth-pop bands like Depeche Mode, Soft Cell, and Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark.  They started off as a duo initially called History of Headaches.  The name Tears for Fears comes from primal therapy, a psychological treatment developed by Arthur Janov.

    Shortly after their follow-up third album ”The Seeds of Love,” Orzabal and Smith had a big falling out, breaking up the band in 1991.  They would get back together in 2000, and are still touring and releasing albums today.

     

    Everybody Wants to Rule the World

    This is the signature song from the album.  Bassist Curt Smith takes the lead vocals, and the lyrics are about the desire for power and about corruption.  It was a last minute addition to the album and was recorded in two weeks as the final track to be laid down.  

    Shout

    The lead-off track and second single to the album features Orzabal on lead vocals.  While many think this is about primal scream theory, Orzabal has said it is actually more about political protest.

    Broken

    This is a short piece with lyrics that have an angst-ridden declaration that we are all broken.  It is also commonly played in concert just in front of the next piece which also reprises Broken at the end.  

    Head Over Heels

    This is your classic “boy obsesses over girl” song.  It was released as the fourth single from the album, but it had been bouncing around for about 2 years along with Broken.  Orzabal takes vocal lead on this one.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Neutron Dance by The Pointer Sisters (from the motion picture "Beverly Hills Cop”)

    Eddie Murphy's Beverly Hills Cop propelled both his career and this song originally appearing on a 1983 album to the top.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    If I Had A Rocket Launcher by Bruce Cockburn

    Wayne launches the staff picks with a protest song from Canada's own Bruce Cockburn.  The song lyrics tell the story from the perspective of the villagers experiencing warfare but being powerless to do anything about it.

    Valotte by Julian Lennon

    Rob brings us the title track from Julian Lennon's debut studio album.  The resemblance between Julian and his father are obvious.  Many think the river referenced is the Tennessee River near Muscle Shoals where portions of the album were recorded.

    I Can't Hold Back by Survivor

    Brian demonstrates that Survivor wasn't a one-hit wonder after all.  It starts with a nice acoustic guitar and builds quickly.  This single reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.  This is the first album with Jimi Jamison on lead vocals.

    Sunset Grill by Don Henley

    Bruce finishes off the staff picks with the ex Eagles’ single that hit number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The Sunset Grill is a hamburger restaurant on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles.  The Austrian restaurant owner didn't know that his frequent visitor was Don Henley until after the song came out, making their hole-in-the-wall burger joint famous.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Listen by the Tears for Fears

    We do a little double-dipping with this (almost) instrumental from "Songs From the Big Chair." 

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

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

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

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

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

    47 min
  • 1986 - December: The Georgia Satellites “Georgia Satellites”

    Atlanta, Georgia's own The Georgia Satellites released their debut and self-titled album in 1986.  Dan Baird was their primary songwriter and lead vocalist on most songs.  Guitarist Rick Richards, bassist Rick Price, and dummer Mauro Magellan complete the band.  Originally formed as Keith and the Satellites in 1980, the band saw a number of personnel changes and a name change to The Georgia Satellites soon thereafter.  They honed their craft playing at a Buckhead bar called Hedgens on Monday nights.

    The Georgia Satellites signed with Elektra Records in 1986 and released this debut album to significant commercial success.  The single "Keep Your Hands To Yourself" saw significant airplay on MTV, and went to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, denied the number 1 spot by Bon Jovi's "Livin' On a Prayer."  The band featured a southern rock sound with a boogie slant, and this debut would be certified Platinum by the RIAA.

    The Georgia Satellites would produce two albums of original material and a third with both new and re-released tracks after this debut, but would not see the popularity return to the level of this first album.  Dan Baird left the band in 1990 and the band went on hiatus for a few years, but the remaining members would return to touring by 1993 and still perform today.

    Wayne brings us this classic of southern rock.

     

    Railroad Steel

    This track is the third single from the album.  It did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100 but made it to number 34 on the Billboard Rock Charts.  The lyrics are about a guy who is cold, but whose heart can be melted by a particular woman.

    Keep Your Hands To Yourself

    "She said, 'Don't hand me no lines, and keep your hands to yourself!'"  This is the big hit from the album, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It is about a woman that will not give in to a guys pleading until they get married.  "You see, I wanted her real bad and I was about to give in.  Oh, that's when she started talking about true love, started talking about sin."

    Battleship Chains

    Though it didn't make the top 40, this was an entry into the Billboard Hot 100 at number 86.  It also features guitarist Rick Richards on lead vocals. This song was written by Terry Anderson and recorded by his band The Woods out of North Carolina.  The Georgia Satellites heard the band and recorded their own version.

    Red Light

    This is a deep cut, and is a song about a woman who is angry at her partner.  "Got Van Halen wailin' on the stereo  eight track.  Watch out baby that's what I said.  There's a red light, road block, bridge out ahead."

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Dentist! by Steve Martin (from the motion picture “Little Shop of Horrors”)

    This movie based on the musical of the same name starred Rick Moranis and a psychotic plant living off human blood.  Steve Martin has a cameo as a sadistic dentist.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Ship of Fools by World Party

    Rob starts off our staff picks with a British group which was basically a solo project for lead man Karl Wallinger.  While his band was a one-hit wonder, Wallinger collaborated with other artists like Sinead O'Connor and Robbie Williams, and was the musical director for the films “Clueless” and “Reality Bites.”  The concept of the lyrics is that there will be a price to pay from the way you are living today.  

    The Way It Is by Bruce Hornsby and the Range

    Bruce's staff pick is a piano driven soft rock song about civil rights and not getting complacent.  It hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.   "That's just the way it is - ah, but don't you believe them."

    Everybody Have Fun Tonight by Wang Chung

    Brian brings us a song originally conceived as a ballad, but adapted to a faster pace and dance orientation by producer Peter Wolf.  The self-referential verb "Wang Chung" is a nonsensical but catchy phrase.

    (I am) Superman by R.E.M.

    Wayne's staff pick is actually a cover song originally recorded by a band called The Clique.  Bassist Mike Mills sings lead on this song because Michael Stipe wasn't very enthusiastic about it.  When Stipe sings backup vocals in live performances, he holds his arms up and out as if he is Superman flying.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Walter's Theme by R.E.M.

    We wrap up this week's podcast with an instrumental track off R.E.M's album "Dead Letter Office."

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

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

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

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

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

    37 min
  • 1972 - May: Uriah Heep “Demons and Wizards”

    Formed in London in 1969, Uriah Heep released their fourth and (to this point) most successful album, Demons and Wizards in May 1972.  This album would also see the debut of what is considered the classic lineup of Uriah Heep as bassist Gary Thain and drummer Lee Kerslake joined vocalist David Byron, guitarist Mick Box, and keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter Ken Hensley to form the group for this album.  While the album cover and title suggest medieval fantasy, Hensley has stated that it was just a collection of songs, not a concept album.  It is hard to deny the prog rock feel, however.

    Uriah Heep is considered a forerunner of hard rock, heay metal, and progressive rock.  They have developed quite the cult following over the years, having released 24 studio albums, 20 live albums, and 41 compilation albums.

    Roger Dean created the cover art, as he did for a number of prog rock groups including Yes and Asia.

    The name Uriah Heep comes from a character from Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield"

    Brian is featuring this album.  Friend of the show Bill Cook joins us in Bruce's place for this episode.

     

    The Wizard

     Former bassist Mark Clarke and Ken Hensley wrote this song, the opening track to the album and the first single released from the album.  The lyrics are about a wanderer who meets "the Wizard for a thousand kings."  It would be the first Uriah Heep song to be made into a video.

    Easy Livin'

    The second single off the album would be the only one to chart in the United States, making it to number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Surprisingly it did not chart in the UK.  This is a common cover for party bands, though it was intended to be taken ironically.

    Circle of Hands

    This is a deeper cut from the album, starting strong with the Hammond Organ.  With lyrics like "Circle of hands, cold spirits' plan, searching the land for an enemy,"  it is hard to not see a thread of fantasy running through the track.

    Rainbow Demon

    This track leads off side 2 of the album.  "There rides the rainbow demon on his horse of crimson fire.  Black shadows are following closely on the heels of his desire."  This slow anthem continues with the strong organ work and combines it with a fuzzy guitar sound.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Sitting Pretty (from the motion picture "Cabaret")  

    Liza Minnelli and Michael York starred in this movie based on the Broadway show.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    I Saw the Light by Todd Rundgren

    Rob's staff pick was the lead-off track from Rundgren's third album, "Something/Anything?" and was placed there via inspiration from Motown's history of putting the hit songs first.  Multi-instrumentalist Rundgren wrote the track in 20 minutes and credits the use of stimulants like Ritalin for his prolific songwriting at the time.  

    Run Run Run  by JoJo Gunne

    Bill Cook brings us a shuffle beat number by Los Angeles based JoJo Gunne, a band formed by Jay Ferguson and Mark Andes after they left the band Spirit.  "We're all just papers in the wind."  

    Sweet Hitch-Hiker by Creedence Clearwater Revival 

    Wayne presents an underplayed swamp rock song from CCR.  This is off their last album with John Fogerty.  A restaurant called the Greasy King is referenced in the song, and that restaurant is in El Cerrito, the home town of the band members.

    Baby Blue by Badfinger

    Brian finishes off the staff picks with a song from an album produced by Todd Rundgren.  Badfinger was the first group signed to The Beatles' Apple Records.  This is the last top 40 hit in the US for the group.  

       

    COMEDY TRACK:

    Troglodyte (Cave Man) by The Jimmy Castor Bunch

    This is a funk novelty song hit number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song is the introduction of a character called Bertha Butt, who would recur in other songs from the Jimmy Castor Bunch.

    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
  • 1987 - February: Steve Winwood “Back in the High Life”

    Steve Winwood was a well known vocalist and guitarist throughout the rock era due to his contributions to the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, and Blind Faith.  His solo career would hit its high water mark with his fourth studio album, Back in the High Life.  It was originally released in June 1986, and we are featuring it in February 1987 when the last single, “The Finer Things” was released and was headed up the charts.

    Winwood had seen success as a soloist previously, but his last US album hit had been in 1980 when “Arc of a Diver” hit number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart.  For this new album Winwood  turned to Ron Weisner as manager, who had worked with Madonna and Michael Jackson.  Weisner encouraged him to record in New York, away from his home where Winwood was having marital difficulties.  He also encouraged Winwood to sing from the front of the stage rather than from behind the keyboards, positioning him as more of a front man than keyboardist.

    To say the result was a success would be an understatement.  Five of the eight songs would be released as singles.  Winwood would become a household name with this album, crossing over to find success in pop rock and adult contemporary genres.

    Rob brings us this album, and friend of the show Bill Cook joins us while Bruce is out.

    The Finer Things

    This song went to number 8 on the charts.  This synth-driven piece encourages people to take time to enjoy the moment.  While finer things are often thought to be luxury goods, Winwood instead portrays "finer things" in terms of relationships.  

    Split Decision

    Another single with a more rock-oriented feel, this track features Joe Walsh on guitar.  It went to number 3 on the U.S. charts. The lyrics reflect the idea that there are two faces to us - one confident, one not sure.  "One man puts the fire out, the other lights the fuse."

    Take It As It Comes

    This is a deeper cut even though it was released as a single, and features a horn section.  The lyrics take a stoic approach to life, that we need to take the good and the bad as it comes.

    Back In the High Life Again

    A huge hit on both pop and rock stations, this title track starts with Winwood playing a mandolin, and features James Taylor on background vocals.  This song would hit number 1 on the adult contemporary charts and number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.  These lyrics take a more positive tact than "Take It As It Comes," expressing confidence that we'll be back on top soon.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Winner Takes It All by Sammy Hagar (from the motion picture “Over the Top”

    Sylvester Stallone starred in this action movie focused on arm wrestling.  It was released in February 1987.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Stay the Night by Benjamin Orr 

    Brian brings us a solo effort from former Cars bassist Benjamin Orr.  Both Cars front man Ric Ocasek and Orr had successful solo projects at the time.  This synth-heavy piece hit number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was Orr's only venture into the top 40.  

    Will You Still Love Me by Chicago

    Friend of the show Bill Cook features a song off Chicago XVIII, their fifteenth studio album.  It is the second single from the album, and reached number 3 on the U.S. charts.  Jason Scheff, new vocalist and bassist for the band, sings lead in the place of Peter Cetera who had left the band to pursue a solo career. 

    Fight For Your Right by the Beastie Boys

    Wayne's staff pick rocks out with a an anthem from the debut album from the Beastie Boys, "Licensed to Ill."  It hit number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.  This song was intended as a parody of "party" and "attitude" themed songs, but it took on a life of its own as a legitimate "attitude" song.

    Ready Or Not by Lou Gramm

    Rob's finishes the staff picks with the front man from Foreigner.  This is the title track off Gramm's solo album, and it made it to number 7 on the rock charts.  It is the second single from the album.    

     

    NOVELTY TRACK:

    Secret Agent Man/James Bond is Back by Bruce Willis

    Bruce Willis was starring in Moonlighting at the time, and parleyed this into some music singles including this one.

    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.

    49 min
  • 1982 - August: Judas Priest ”Screaming for Vengeance”

    One of the founding groups of heavy metal is Judas Priest, and their eighth studio album entitled Screaming for Vengeance would be their commercial breakthrough album for North America.  In addition to the distincive vocals of Rob Halford, the Judas Priest lineup for this album included K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton on guitars, Ian Hill on bass, and Dave Holland on drums.

    Judas Priest was formed in 1969, but did not issue a record on a major label until 1977 and their third studio album.  Their sixth studio album, British Steel, was the first to feature Dave Holland on drums and is considered their high water mark by most critics.  However, Screaming for Vengeance would find both heavy metal and mainstream rock success 

    Friends of the show Joe Davis and John Lynch join us for this album while Bruce and Brian are away.

     

    The Hellion

    The lead track to the album is this short instrumental that builds to Electric Eye.

    Electric Eye

    This track follows The Hellion on the album and is often the leading song at Judas Priest concerts.  The inspiration comes from George Orwell's 1984 - the electric eye is the camera that the totalitarian government uses to watch over all in the dystopian community.  While not released as a single, this is a well known song played on rock stations at the time.

    Riding the Wind

    A deeper cut, this is everything you would want in a metal song - fast drums, screaming guitars, and high vocals in a minor key. “Tearin' up through life million miles an hour!  Blindin' all in sight, surgin' rush of power!  Well I'm riding, riding on the wind.”

    You Got Another Thing Coming

    The first single released from the album is now one of Judas Priest's signature songs.  It reached number 67 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it is the only Judas Priest song to make that chart.  The song reflects the idea of taking life by the horns, and not letting anything stand between you and your dreams.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Raised on the Radio by the Ravyns (from the motion picture “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”)

    This movie came out in August of 1982, and would be a mainstay of midnight movies throughout the 80's.  This song is the leading track from the motion picture soundtrack album.

    STAFF PICKS:

    Favourite Shirts by Haircut 100

    Rob's staff pick is also known as "Boy Meets Girl."  Haircut 100 is one of the New Wave bands which was a part of the second British Invasion.  It is a fast song with a conga feel.  

    Everybody Wants You by Billy Squier

    Friend of the show Joe Davis features the lead track from Squier's album "Emotions In Motion."  It hit number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent six weeks at number 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.  The lyrics reflect the hazards of leaning on superficial looks.

    Eye of the Tiger by Survivor

    Friend of the show John Lynch brings us the main theme from Rocky III."  It was also the title song from their third album, and the single was released a day before the movie.  Naturally it rapidly climbed the charts and was the number 1 song for the month of August 1982.  

    Beyond Belief by Elvis Costello

    Wayne's staff pick is a deep cut off Costello's album "Imperial Bedroom."  A very complex and multi-layered song, the lyrics are also quite clever.  "Keep your finger on important issues/ with crocodile tears and a pocketful of tissues."

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Nuevo York by Santana

    Santana's distinctive Latin infused guitar licks take us out on 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.

    36 min
  • 1991 - June: Van Halen “For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge”

    For their ninth studio album and Sammy Hagar's third album as lead singer, Hagar suggested Van Halen title it F*CK (... only the * was a letter).   Censorship in rock music was a controversial topic at the time, and Hagar wanted to push limits.  The name changed to For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge when Hagar was told by Ray "Boom Boom” Mancini that the vulgarity was actually an acronym for this phrase.  

    For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge was intended to be a return to the rock roots of Van Halen after a number of albums featuring more use of synthesizers and a stronger pop feel.  The album took a year to make, as Van Halen was one of the most successful and well-known rock bands at the time, and the members were enjoying the material fruits of that success.  They also had their own recording studio (Eddie Van Halen's 5150 Studios), and money sufficient to not have to worry about rushing an album out.

    Critical reception was mixed at best.  Nevertheless, it was a commercial hit, debuting at number 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart.  

    We hope you enjoy this album podcast, and the debate on the David Lee Roth/Sammy Hagar eras of Van Halen.

    P.S. Wayne is crazy if he doesn't like Sammy.

    Guest contributor Joe Davis brings us his favorite Van Halen album. 

     

    Judgement Day

    This deeper cut is the second track from the album.  It is a fast moving, hard rocking critique of conservative Christianity’s moves to censor words and actions.  This song contains screams from Hagar and Anthony that are some of the loudest notes hit by the two on any Van Halen song.

    Pleasure Dome

    Joe picked this song because he considers it “the best guitar solo in any Van Halen song.”  Many consider the song to be inspired by Rush's “Xanadu,” and both take inspiration from the Samuel Taylor Coleridge poem “Kubla Kahn.” The lyrics reflect the temptation and trap that is a life focused on pleasure.

    The Dream Is Over

    This deep cut discusses the disillusionment when the dream of easy money or success following "the system" results in failure.  If a generation can't succeed by the rules of society, then “dream another dream, this dream is over.”

    Runaround

    Another deep cut, this one starts with a six-stringed bass guitar.  A number of innovations were featured in this album, from this six-string guitar to the use of a drill near the pickups to start "Poundcake."  The lyrics are about a girl who can't get pinned down.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    (Everything I do) I Do It For You by Bryan Adams (from the motion picture "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves")

    Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman starred in this rendition of the classic Robin Hood tale.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    It's You That Leaves Me Dry by EMF

    Wayne gets the staff picks rolling with the Manchester sound.  This deep cut from the same album that gave us “Unbelievable” was a popular track in dance clubs in the UK.  The lyrics are about a bad relationship where one partner sucks the life out of another.

    All the Time in the World by Junkyard

    Rob brings us another deep cut with a Motley Crue feel.  Junkyard hails from Los Angeles, and this song went to number 24 on the charts.  The members of Junkyard were fans of the Southern Rock sound, though not fans of Southern Rock culture.

    Losing My Religion by R.E.M.

    Friend of the show John Lynch brings us one which is definitely not a deep cut!  This mandolin-based song is the lead single off "Out of Time," R.E.M.'s seventh studio album.  Lead singer Michael Stipe has stated that the song is not about religion - despite the title - but more about losing temper, or feelings of desperation.

    Man In The Box by Alice In Chains 

    Joe finishes off the staff picks with a track loosely about censorship, but more specifically inspired by a discussion about cattle being raised in small boxes with little room.  This also ushers in the start of the grunge era.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Black Napkins by Frank Zappa

    The always eclectic Frank Zappa finishes us off this week with a jazzy instrumental piece.

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

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

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

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

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

    47 min

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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