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

  • 1982 - October: Squeeze “Singles - 45 and Under”

    Squeeze came out of the mid-70's New Wave scene in the UK, but would cross genres into Rockabilly, R&B, and Psychedelia by the early 80's.  In 1982 they released Singles - 45's and Under as a compilation album of their biggest hits.  Squeeze was led by two singer songwriters, Chris Dilford (rhythm guitar and vocals) and Glenn Tilbrook (keyboards, lead guitar, vocals) who composed most of their material.  At the time of the release of this “greatest hits” album, the band had broken up, leaving only Dilford and Tilbrook as a duet.  The pair would normally work with Dilford writing the lyrics and Tilbrook writing and singing the music.  

    Squeeze was inspired by the Kinks, the Beatles, David Bowie, and Elvis Costello (who co-produced their breakthrough album, East Side Stories).  They started when Dilford stole money from his mom's pocketbook to place an ad for a guitarist "for his band," which didn't exist.  Tilbrook was the only one who responded, and the rest, as they say, was history.

    The group wove stories with their songs, usually lighthearted, with a healthy sense of humor.  

    While Wayne and Bruce are away, friends of the show Todd Hendricks and Bill Cook join Rob and Brian for this album feature.

     

    Tempted

    The first commercial breakthrough comes from their fourth studio album, “East Side Story.” It is unusual because it features Paul Carrack on lead vocals rather than Glenn Tilbrook or Chris Dilford.  The sound was inspired by The Temptations, and the lyrics were inspired from Dilford's experiences in touring North America.

    Up the Junction

    This deeper cut was originally released in 1979 on their second album "Cool for Cats."  Glenn Tilbrook takes on his normal role as lead singer.  This is a little bit of working class humor about a man living with a woman who becomes pregnant.  The song is unusual in that it doesn't have a chorus, but tells the story in a "stream of consciousness" style.

    Pulling Mussels (from the Shell)

    Originally released on their third studio album, Argybargy, this track is an audio snapshot of a British budget holiday camp by the sea.  It did not hit the US charts, but got airplay on College radio stations.  "Pulling Mussels" is British slang for sex.  There are lots of humorous lyrics in this story.

    Black Coffee in Bed

    The first single from the fifth Squeeze album, "Sweets from a Stranger," and was a hit on the US Mainstream Chart - the only song to chart from that album.  Elvis Costello and Paul Young sing backing vocals on this track about a lost love.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Main Theme from the television series "St. Elsewhere”

    This hospital-centered show debuted in October 1982.  The stories centered around a Catholic hospital named Saint Eligius.  Howie Mandel would get his big break as a member of this cast.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Jack & Diane by John Cougar

    Brian brings us a famous “little ditty” about high school romance by John Cougar before he took on his real last name.  Though some thought it was autobiographical, John Mellencamp has said that it is a story about what he observed in small town America.  Mellencamp didn't like the song at first and didn't want to release it, but was fortunately convinced to do so by others.

    Abracadabra by the Steve Miller Band

    Bill Cook (aka “Lil‘ Wayne”) features a hit from Miller's 12th studio album.  Though we're not convinced that this is Miller's best work (and the video is horrible), the “breathy synthesizer” and pop sensibilities gave it significant airplay on both pop and rock stations. The lyrics were inspired by Diana Ross.

    Somebody's Baby by Jackson Browne

    Special guest Todd Hendricks' staff pick was the last Jackson Browne song to chart.  It didn't appear on any Browne album until years later on a "Greatest Hits" album.  It was released on the soundtrack from "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."  Browne was originally known as a songwriter before he rolled out his solo work.

    When the War Is Over by Cold Chisel

    Rob's closes out the staff picks with a track recommended by Mark Whyte, a friend of the show from Australia.  Cold Chisel is a very popular band in Australia, but is not well known in the United States. This is off their 1982 album, "Circus Animals" and features multiple singers taking turns on lead vocals.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Spunky by Bob James

    This week's podcast closes out with a jazz instrumental from James' 1982 album "Hands Down."

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

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

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

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

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

    45 min
  • Christmas Songs that Rock IV - A What the Riff Rabbit Hole
    Episode Notes

    Yes indeed, folks, Christmas time is here again!  We at What the Riff!?! want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, and here are a few rocking songs of the season for you to put on your playlist.

    “Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)” by the Ramones

    The founders of the punk movement offer this take on a Christmas song, with the rapid tempo and rough lyrics we've come to know and love as a classic Ramones style.  Christmas is a time to be together with family,  but some families are a little less together than others!

    “Little Saint Nick” by the Beach Boys

    A little bit more sand than snow, this well-known Christmas classic takes inspiration from the surfin' genre of the Beach Boys in songs like "Little Deuce Coupe".

    “I Believe in Santa Claus” by REO Speedwagon

    REO Speedwagon produced an album of Christmas standards in 2009.  The re-release in 2010 included three bonus tracks, one of which was this original song penned by Cronin and Hall.

    “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” by  Thurl Ravenscroft

    Ravenscroft's bass voice is iconic for this classic song from the animated special, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas."  He also contributed his voice to Tony the Tiger for Kellogg's Frosted Flakes commercials.

    “Santa Claus is Comin' to Town'” by Bruce Springsteen

    How we missed this song in the first three Christmas episodes is a mystery, but Springsteen's rendition of this Christmas standard has been heard on rock radio stations everywhere since the mid-70's.  This rendition has made lists of both the best and the worst Christmas songs of all time.

    “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley

    Brian wouldn't let us get through another episode without taking on this iconic song.  Doye O'Dell may have recorded this sad Christmas tune in 1948, but Presley's version is without a doubt the most famous one.

    “Mele Kalikinaka” by Bing Crosby & The Andrews Sisters

    The name of this song is a phonologic translation of the word "Merry Christmas" into the Hawaiian language.  Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters sang this song in 1950, but it made us think of its appearance in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."

    “Up on the Housetop” by Gene Autry

    While Autry sang this classic in 1953, it actually originated much earlier.  Benjamin Hamby wrote it in 1864, and it is the second-oldest secular Christmas song, after "Jingle Bells."   

    “I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas” by Gayla Peevey

    Bruce thought this was sung by Bernadette Peters, but it was actually performed by then 10-year-old child prodigy Gayla Peevey in 1953.  The song inspired a fundraiser which resulted in the Oklahoma City Zoo acquiring a baby hippo named Matilda..

    “Soulful Christmas”  by James Brown

    While it is definitely a Christmas song, it is also a song of Thanksgiving, with the Godfather of Soul expressing his thanks for his fans coming to his shows and buying his albums.

    “Another Lonely Christmas” by Prince

    Prince penned this original Christmas song during his "Purple Rain" days, and it appeared as the B-side to the single "I Would Die 4 U."  The initial recording took place on February 18th, 1984 when Prince was essentially operating solo, and it tells the story of a man whose lover died on Christmas Day.

    “The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole

    Robert Wells and Mel Torme wrote this standard in a hot July, and it had its beginnings as a psychological way for Bob Wells to think of cold things during the heat wave.  Nat King Cole recorded the most famous version of this song in 1946, adding a small string section over the objections  of Capitol Records.

    “'Zat You Santa Claus” by Buster Poindexter & His Banshees of Blue

    Poindexter and his band cover this lesser-known Christmas tune originally sung by Louis Armstrong and the Commanders in 1953.  It tells the story of a guy frightened by a knock on his door while hanging up his stocking.

    “Another Christmas Song” by Stephen Colbert

    Ingrid brings us a track by comedian Stephen Colbert, who parodies a Christmas song with the intention of becoming rich off its popularity.

    “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” by Burl Ives

    This song was featured in the Rankin-Bass Christmas Special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."  Ives provides the voice for Sam the Snowman, the narrator of the show.  This song finishes off that special, and also finishes off our special podcast.

    Merry Christmas, y'all!

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

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

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

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

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

    46 min
  • 1977 - August: Billy Joel “The Stranger”

    By the time Billy Joel released The Stranger, his fifth studio album, he was at risk of being dropped by Columbia Records.  His second album, Piano Man, had been a surprise success, but the follow-up third and fourth studio albums had met with disappointing commercial appeal.   

    Joel had a solid band that had toured with him for his previous album, Turnstiles, and he wanted to keep that band for the next album.  He first considered Beatles producer George Martin to be his producer for this album, but decided against him when Martin wanted to use session players instead of Joel's band for the album.  Instead, Joel turned to Phil Ramone (co-founder of A&R Recording) to produce The Stranger.  The album would produce four singles, all hits, and would be a commercial and critical success.  It would also be Columbia Records best selling album release, and Joel's best selling non-compilation album.

    Bruce and Wayne are out, and for the first time ever, TWO friends of the show Bill Cook and Todd Hendricks join in for this podcast.

     

    The Stranger

    This title track examines the way we all hide aspects of ourselves, projecting one image to the public while a stranger lurks deep inside.  Joel had originally intended the whistling to be a wind instrument, but when he demonstrated it to producer Phil Ramone, Ramone determined that his whistling was perfect.

    Movin' Out (Anthony's Song)

    The opening track to the album was also the first single, and is a commentary on those in working class ethnic communities around New York who put in long hours for the appearances of success.  "Anthony works in a grocery store, saving his pennies for someday."  A Broadway musical featuring the music of Billy Joel took the name of this song as well.

    Only the Good Die Young

    The third single from the album was quite controversial at the time, because it is about a boy encouraging a religious Catholic girl to have premarital sex with him, though she considers it sinful.  The name Virginia comes from a high school crush of Joel's named Virginia Callahan.  As is often the case, attempts to ban the song only made it more popular.

    Scenes from an Italian Restaurant

    Although not released as a single, this epic medley received significant airplay on AOR stations at the time, and is one of Billy Joel's favorites.  This 7-plus medley is in three parts, the longest of which is "The Ballad of Brenda and Eddie," two high school sweethearts and their journey through life.  

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Main Theme from the television series “Soap”

    This parody of the television soap operas premiered in September 1977.  It would be highly controversial throughout its four year run, drawing criticism from the Moral Majority, the Roman Catholic Church, and a number of gay organizations.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Whatcha Gonna Do? by Pablo Cruise

    Rob kicks off the staff picks with a band named after a non-existent person (think Pink Floyd or Jethro Tull).  "Pablo" represents a down-to-earth individual and "Cruise" represents an easy-going approach to life.  The song cautions against taking a good relationship for granted.   

    Handyman  by James Taylor

    Bill Cook's staff pick was actually a cover originally recorded by the Sparks of Rhythm in 1953.  Jame's Taylor's version hit number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned him his second Grammy award.  

    Smoke from a Distant Fire by the Sanford Townsend Band

    John WayneTownsend and Ed Sanford head up the band that takes their name, and Todd Hendricks brings us this one-hit wonder.  Although the band recorded and worked out of Mussel Shoals, worked with a number of acts, and opened for bands like Fleetwood Mac and Foreigner, they never made the charts beyond this hit.

    I'm In You by Peter Frampton

    Brian brings us the title track from the follow-up studio album to his amazingly popular live album "Frampton Comes Alive."  A&M Records put a lot of pressure on Frampton to have another hit after the live album, and this was his biggest-selling single, though the album was a let-down to the company.  This acoustic version highlights his guitar talents.   

       

    TRIBUTE TRACK:

    Memories by Elvis Presley

    This is the month that Elvis died, and this song is our tribute to the King.

    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
  • 1994 - February: Green Day “Dookie”

    Although Dookie is the third studio album by Green Day, it is their first release on a major label.  This may explain some of their seemingly overnight stardom.  The trio consisted of Billie Joe Armstrong on vocals and lead, Mike Dirnt on bass and backing vocals, and Tre Cool on percussion, and they had been in the underground scene in the San Francisco Bay area since before 1988 (Tre Cool replaced original drummer John Kiffmeyer in 1990).  The band changed their original name from Sweet Baby to Green Day, a slang phrase for spending the day smoking cannabis.  

    Dookie was recorded in three weeks, and was a major commercial success, helped along by extensive airplay of the band's videos on MTV. It was also a critical success, and the group won a Grammy for Best Alternative Album in 1995.  Dookie remains Green Day's best selling album.

    The music is considered punk revivalist or "power punk", and you can see the influence of early punk groups like the Ramones and the Clash.  However, the band has also cited bands like the Who and Cheap Trick as influences as well.  Green Day is considered one of the groups that made punk go mainstream in the 1990's.  

    Billie Joe Armstrong wrote most of the tracks on the album, following themes from his personal history including anxiety, sex, and even boredom.  Consistent with the punk genre, most songs are quite short and very fast.

     

    Longview

    The first single off the album is about boredom and lack of motivation.  It is about a day spent sitting around the house, doing nothing of importance.  "I sit around and watch the tube, but nothing's on."

    She

    A deeper cut, this track was released as the fifth and final single.  The song is about Armstrong's former girlfriend who showed him a feminist poem with an identical title.  Armstrong then wrote the lyrics of "She" and showed them to her, though she dumped him later on.  The song is notorious for a concert where Armstrong performed the song nude.

    Welcome to Paradise

    The song was originally on their second album, but re-recorded for this album.  The song is about a runaway who is living on the streets.  Armstrong temporarily moved into a rat-infested warehouse in a bad neighborhood, but the rent was a low $50 per month.  Much of his experience in that dump was the inspiration for this track. 

    When I Come Around

    This was the fourth and biggest-selling single from the album, though more mellow than most.  It is about Armstrong knowing a girlfriend is mad and wants to break up, and Armstrong deciding to just staying away from the drama until it blows over.  He would go on to marry her in real life.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    All For Love by Bryan Adams, featuring Sting and Rod Stewart (from the motion picture "The Three Musketeers")

    Three musical stars team up to provide this theme for the motion picture "The Three Musketeers."

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Spinning Around Over You by Lenny Kravitz

    Rob starts us with a groovy staff pick from Lenny Kravitz' third studio album.  Kravitz was born in New York City to a TV producer dad and actress mom.  His home was a mixture of black and white, Christian and Jewish.  The family moved to L.A. when his Roxie Roker (his mom) landed a role in "The Jeffersons" 

    Rock 'N' Roll Dreams Come Through by Meat Loaf

    Bruce's staff pick is the third single from the album "Bat Out of Hell II:  Back Into Hell."  Jim Steinman wrote it and released it on his album "Bad for Good" in 1981.  Both the Steinman version and the Meat Loaf version were top 40-hits, with Steinman's version going to number 32 and the Meat Loaf version going to number 13.  It is a rock anthem about how rock and roll gets you through tough times.

    Having a Party by Rod Stewart

    Brian brings us an unplugged cover from Sam Cook.  Ronnie Wood (the Rolling Stones, Faces, the Jeff Beck group) is playing guitar on this track.  Stewart sticks quite faithfully to the original, and he would continue to focus on a crooner style in his later days.

    Laid by James

    Wayne finishes us off with the Manchester sound.  The song is about a ruinous relationship that the guy just can't give up.  "My therapist said not to see you no more.  She said you're like a disease without any cure.  She said I'm so obsessed that I'm becoming a bore, oh no!"

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Sabrosa by Beastie Boys

    We finish off with a tasty, jazzy instrumental from the Beastie Boys.  "Sabrosa" means "tasty" in Spanish.

    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
  • 1967 - January: The Monkees ”More of the Monkees”

    This second studio album from The Monkees was number 1 on the Billboard 200 for 18 weeks, displacing their debut album to get there.  More of the Monkees has been certified quintuple platinum, was the first pop/rock album to be the best selling album of the year in the U.S. – and the third best-selling album of the 60’s.It is also the one that Monkee Michael Nesmith said was “probably the worst album in the history of the world."

    The Monkees were originally Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, and Davy Jones.  The group was conceived for the TV series “The Monkees” which aired from 1966 to 1968, and the band members primarily contributed lead vocals and only limited roles in the studio, as they were expected to spend their time filming the television series.  Michael Nesmith composed and produced some songs, and Peter Tork did some guitar work, but it was mainly session musicians.  The Candy Store Prophets were the studio band for the first album, and other session musicians including The Wrecking Crew were involved in the second album. 

    Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider had the idea for the show.  They interviewed musicians for the job, first recruiting Davy Jones, who had been working in Broadway.  The instruments played were driven by what looked good on camera rather than what they actually played.  Davy Jones was the only one with experience playing drums, but he was considered too short so Dolenz was assigned to the drums.  Nesmith was on guitar, Tork on bass, and Jones was the front man.  The more natural lineup for concerts would be Jones on drums, Tork on guitar, Nesmith on bass and Donlenz as front man.

    The show was a hit, but the music was a bigger hit, with album sales outstripping Nielsen ratings.  That pushed the producers to pay more attention to the music.  It also encouraged the studio to send the Monkees out to play live concerts.  These guys were recording the TV show by day, recording songs by night, and doing special appearances on the weekend, then they had to figure out how to rehearse for live performances.  It was all very confusing for the “band,” with Nesmith shocked to see the first album presenting them as an actual band.  That was October 1966.  But the second album was released while they were on tour as a real band in January of 1967.  They hadn’t selected the songs, and it went out without their permission or knowledge.  They weren’t even given a copy, but had to buy it in a record store.  The album cover was a picture of the band originally taken for a JC Penny commercial.  This would eventually lead to the band being able to take creative control, and Don Kirshner being dismissed.  

    Despite the controversy, this is quite a good album, and quite representative of the music at the time.

     

    (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone

    This track was written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, and Micky Dolenz is on lead.  Paul Revere & the Raiders originally recorded it, but the Monkees' version is the best known.  It was also the first song from the Monkees' to chart as a B-side.

    Mary, Mary

    Also featuring Micky Dolenz on lead, this track was written by Michael Nesmith.  It was originally recorded by The Butterfield Blues Band in 1966, and in the summer of the same year Nesmith produced and recorded the song for The Monkees with Dolenz on lead and the Wrecking Crew on backing instruments.  It was never released as a single in the U.S., but was given away as a cut-out cereal box prize in 1969.

    When Love Comes Knockin' (At Your Door)

    Davy Jones takes lead duties here, and the song was written by Carole Bayer Sager and Neil Sedaka. 

    I'm A Believer

    This is the big hit from the album.  Micky Dolenz returns to lead, and the song was written by Neil Diamond.  It hit number 1 for the week ending December 31st, 1966, and would be the biggest selling single for all of 1967.  It went gold within two days of its release because of advance orders.  

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Main theme from the television series The Green Hornet)

    This was the last month for a short-lived series was famous for co-starring Bruce Lee as Kato.  It also had a crossover with the Batman TV series.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Happenings Ten Years Time Ago by the Yardbirds

    Brian's brings us the psychedelic sensibilities of the Yardbirds.  The singer is looking back on the time from a perspective of reincarnation.  This song has participation from both Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page.  John Paul Jones also contributed the bass lines for this one.   

    Look What You've Done by Pozo-Seco Singers

    Rob features a folk-oriented piece from Don Williams before his solo career.  Williams would go on to have 17 number one country hits.  His hits would be covered by everyone from Eric Clapton to Pete Townshend...to Telly Savalas.

    (We Ain't Got) Nothin' Yet by The Blues Magoos

    Wayne's staff pick returns to the psychedelic genre.  This is the best known song for The Blues Magoos.  While not very successful commercially as a band, the Blues Magoos was a big influence on many bands including Pink Floyd.

    Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys

    Bruce brings us the high water mark song of The Beach Boys' discography.  Good Vibrations was the costliest single ever recorded.  Brian Wilson recorded a bunch of short musical modules with his bandmates and with session musicians at four different Hollywood studios.  He had more than 90 hours of tape to make this 3.5-minute single.  Wilson's mother was the inspiration for this song.

     

    COMEDY TRACK:

    Snoopy vs. The Red Baron by The Royal Guardsmen

    A novelty song inspired by the comic serial "Peanuts," in which Snoopy often daydreams of fighting the Red Baron in his doghouse - re-envisioned as a Sopwith Camel.

    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.

    26 min
  • 1988 - September: Metallica “...And Justice For All”

    Metallica got its start back in 1981, but their 1988 album ...And Justice for All would be the one to bring them mainstream success.  Today Metallica has an international celebrity status as a founding band of thrash metal, but at the time they were much less well known and considered inaccessible to mainstream listeners.  The band also saw a lineup change for this album, as their previous bassist Cliff Burton had been killed in a bus accident while on tour in Sweden.  Newcomer Jason Newsted would be the bassist to join Lars Ulrich on drums, Kirk Hammett on lead guitar, and front man and guitarist James Hettfield.

    ...And Justice for All was quite complex for a metal album, and a comparison to prog rock would not be out of line.  The lyrics are also deeper than the typical metal faire, focusing on the theme of injustice through corruption, censorship, and of course, war.  Musicianship had to be tight, as much of the work was fast, meriting the title "thrash metal."  While overall critical reception was quite good, the bass for the entire album seemed downplayed.  This is unfortunate, as the Newsted's bass work is very good.  However, the drums are quite powerful.

    The album was an unqualified commercial success, hitting number 2 on the Billboard 200, and charting for 83 weeks.  Metallica received a Grammy nomination for the album in 1989, controversially losing out to Jethro Tull.  Some of this commercial success is undoubtedly from a feel of competition the band experienced with the success of Guns 'N' Roses' "Appetite for Descruction."  Lars Ulrich did not want Guns 'N' Roses to be perceived as "harder" than Metallica.

    Metallica would go on to be one of the best recognized performers for decades to come, and are still touring to sold-out audiences today.

    Friend of the show John Lynch joins us to bring this album.

     

    ...And Justice for All

    This title track takes its title from the last four words from The Pledge of Allegiance.  The song chronicles justice miscarried, with lyrics like "justice is lost, justice is raped, justice is gone.  Pulling your streams, justice is done."  Much of the album is political, but the lyrics center around freedom of speech, freedom from war, and, well, justice for all.

    Blackened

    A distinctive intro builds into this highly complex lead track from the album.  It is a protest against environmental catastrophe and/or war.  Musically it is straight out of prog rock, with multiple time changes and tempo alterations. 

    One

    This well known song and video tells the tragedy of a man horribly wounded in war who is left with no connection to the outside world as he exists in pain and is kept alive by machines in a hospital ward.  The video uses cuts from a 1971 film entitled "Johnny Got His Gun."  The band bought the rights to the film rather than continually paying royalty fees.

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Ornithology by Charlie Parker (from the motion picture Bird)

    This biographical film was about Charlie "The Bird" Parker, directed by Clint Eastwood. 

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Smooth Up in Ya' by Bullet Boys

    Wayne kicks off the staff picks with a hair metal glam metal band musically looking for a no-attachments one night stand.  This song would not make the top 40, but would be seen on MTV's "Head Banger's Ball." 

    Love Bites by Def Leppard

    Rob's staff pick is off the hugely successful album "Hysteria."  This was Def Leppard's only number 1 single in America up until this time.  Their producer, Robert John "Mutt" Lange, write this tune intending it as a country song.  However, Def Leppard decided to record it as a rock song.  Lange sings backing vocals on this track as well.

    Time and Tide by Basia 

    Bruce's staff pick is a slower adult contemporary piece from Polish singer Barbara Stanislawa Trzetrzelewska, better known as Basia.  The song is about her unfulfilled love for her songwriting collaborator Danny White during a time when they both were in relationships with others.

    Simply Irresistible by Robert Palmer

    John closes out the staff picks with a song heavily played in 1988.  The video was well known - though simple - for its use of guitar-playing and dancing girls with short skirts and tightly pulled back hair.  It was...well...simply irresistible!  "She's so fine, there's not telling where the money went."

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Good Lovin' by Bobby McFerrin

    Actually an anti-instrumental cover of The Rascals piece finishes off the episode, as McFerrin performs all vocals an instruments either with voice or slaps on his body.

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

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

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

    50 min
  • 1977 - January: KC & the Sunshine Band “Part 3”

    Alright, folks, break out your platform shoes and your dance clothes, because What the Riff is headed down to the club!  KC and the Sunshine Band was playing in all the disco dance studios in 1977, but they were particularly prominent in the Miami market, near their home town of Hialeah, Florida.  We're riffing on Part 3, unexpectedly the fourth studio album from the group (though there was a bit of a reset with their second album being self-titled and the first album having only moderate success).

    Harry Wayne Casey was a part time employee at TK Records in Hialeah when he formed the band, originally called KC & the Sunshine Junkanoo Band.  Casey worked with Richard Finch, engineer for TK Records, to produce the albums, including Part 3.  Additional musicians joined, including Jerome Smith on guitar, Robert Johnson on drums, and numerous others to complete the horn section.  KC and the Sunshine Band would find a virtuous cycle, as Casey and Finch would write songs inspired by what they saw at the discos, then would see their songs played at those same clubs.

    KC and the Sunshine Band were often featured as guests on FM pop powerhouse Y-100, and this exposure contributed to their success.  The first big hit was their second and self-titled album released in 1975, which produced the hits “Get Down Tonight” and “That's the Way (I Like It)”  Part 3 would continue their funk/disco dominance.  The band would continue to see success through their sixth studio album released in 1979.  Shortly thereafter styles would change, and the disco sound would not continue into the 1980's.  That, and a falling out between Casey and Finch would end the band for a while.

    KC and the Sunshine Band has seen a resurgence with the popularity of retro bands, and still tours today. 

     

    Wrap Your Arms Around Me

    The fifth single from the album is a little bit of a deeper cut and features the horns prominently with a funky groove.

    (Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty

    You can't go wrong with a dance song that tells you to shake your booty!  Although this first single from the album was number 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Soul Singles Chart, there was some controversy attached to it, with speculation that it had a stronger sexual connotation than simply dancing.

    I'm Your Boogie Man

    This song written by Casey and Finch also hit number 1 on the Hot 100.  Finch said that the song was written about a DJ named Robert W. Walker, who was the first to play their song “Get Down Tonight.” 

    Keep It Comin’ Love

    A little softer than some, this song nevertheless was still successful.  However, it only reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, being kept out of the number 1 slot by Meco's “Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band,” and the big hit of the 70’s, Debbie Boone's “You Light Up My Life.”

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Main Theme from the television series “Fantasy Island”

    Headlined by Ricardo Montalban as Mr. Roarke and Herve Villechaize as his right hand man, Tattoo, this show would feature a stream of actors and actresses playing one-off characters chasing their dreams on the island.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder

    Bruce leads off the staff picks with what feel is one of the most positive songs you will ever hear.  Wonder celebrates the birth of his daughter Aisha Morris on this song that opens side three of his double album, “Songs in the Key of Life.”  All instrumentation in the song is played by Wonder except for a few of the keyboard parts which were furnished by Greg Phillganes. 

    Hard Luck Woman  by Kiss

    Rob's staff pick sounds a lot like Rod Stewart for good reason — it was written by Paul Stanley for Stewart.  Though Stanley thought it sounded like “You Wear It Well,” his band Kiss decided it would be a good follow up to their successful ballad, “Beth.”  The song made it to 15 on the charts, and is a rare ballad.  Drummer Peter Criss sings lead on this song, as he did on “Beth.”

    Red by Sammy Hagar

    Wayne brings us the Red Rocker, Sammy Hagar, with an anthem off his second solo album.  This is also the album and song which gave him the name “the Red Rocker.”  A fan called him the Red Rocker when getting a picture, and Hagar liked the name.  The album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios.

    I Never Cry by Alice Cooper

    Brian wraps up the staff picks with a mellow ballad from the not-normally mellow Alice Cooper.  This is from the album “Alice Cooper Goes to Hell,” a concept album inspired by his visit to rehab.  Many of his fans were disappointed with this softer side of Cooper, but his performances never suffered for the presence of a ballad or two.  

       

    COMEDY TRACK:

    In The Mood by Henhouse Five Plus Too

    It appears that we need to close this podcast out before it goes to the birds!

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

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

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

    39 min
  • 1974 - April: Paul McCartney and Wings ”Band On the Run”

    Band on the Run would be the turning point for Paul McCartney's post-Beatles career.  After completing two solo albums, McCarney formed Paul McCartney and Wings, with the Wings name being inspired by a time of prayer at the hospital while his wife Linda was having serious complications delivering their second child.

    Wings had already produced two albums which had met with mixed reviews.  McCartney had picked an exotic locale of Lagos, Nigeria as the recording spot for "Band on the Run," and just before heading out, guitarist Henry McCullough and drummer Denny Selwell left the band.  That left Paul, his wife Linda, and former Moody Blues alum Denny Laine to complete the album.

    Nigeria might have been exotic, but it was a horrible choice as a recording location.  The country was run by a corrupt military dictatorship, was in the midst of a cholera epidemic, and the studio was in very poor shape.  Despite all these problems,the band would turn in a spectacular critical and commercial success.

    The album has a theme of escape and freedom.  It was being put together at the same time as George Harrison, John Lennon, and Ringo Starr all were in litigation against Allen Klein, a hardnosed business manager appointed to run Apple Records in 1969.  McCartney had strongly opposed Klein's appointment at the time, and some of the confidence that comes through in the album may come from a sense of being proven right about Klein.

    McCartney insisted on recording with Linda despite her lack of previous experience as a musician because he didn't want them to be apart while he was on tour.  Linda McCartney would be a part of the band from the beginning of Paul McCartney's post-Beatles career.

     

    Band on the Run

    The opening track and title song is a medley of three songs that all reflect freedom and escape.  The lyric, "if we ever get out of here" was inspired by George Harrison in one of the Beatles' business meetings.  The original demo recording for "Band on the Run" was stolen at knife-point in Lagos, and the band had to basically re-record it from memory.

    Mamunia

    This deep cut, gets its name from the Mamounia Hotel where the McCartneys stayed in Marrakesh, Morocco in 1973.  Mamounia means "safe haven" in Arabic, and McCartney considered it a metaphor for rebirth, continuing the "freedom" theme that would permeate the album.  It was the first song recorded for the album.

    Helen Wheels

    This song was not intended to be a part of the album, and does not appear on the British release.  Capitol Records convinced Paul McCartney to include it on the American release of the album.  The track is a road trip song, and takes its name from the nickname of the McCartney's Land Rover, "hell on wheels."  

    Jet

    The first single from the album was actually preceded by Helen Wheels as a non-album single released separately.  It went to number 7 on both the British and American charts at the end of March.  The name is supposedly inspired by the name of the McCartney's Labrador Retriever, though Paul McCartney has also indicated that it was also the name of a pony he owned.  

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Daybreak by Harry Nilsson (from the motion picture Son of Dracula)

    A cult classic movie starring Ringo Starr and Harry Nilsson with Peter Frampton, John Bonham,  Keith Moon, and other rock stars.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo by Rick Derringer

    Wayne features a rock anthem based off a seductive dance from the 1880's.  Derringer originally wrote the song for Johnny Winter, but re-recorded it when he went solo.  In addition to working with Johnny Winter, he also played in Edgar Winter's group on both "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride."  Derringer also plays guitar on Weird Al Yankovic's parody, "Eat It."

    Jungle Boogie by Kool & the Gang

    Rob cranks up the funk with an early Kool & the Gang hit off their fourth album.  The band got their start 10 years prior to this in 1964 after high school.  The scat sound is from a roadie for the band.

    The Loco-Motion by Grand Funk Railroad

    Brian's pick this week is a cover originally performed by Little Eva in 1962.  The song was surprisingly successful despite the unusual choice of a 60's dance song being remade by a hard rock band.

    Already Gone by The Eagles

    Bruce brings us the first single from the third Eagle's album "On the Border."  This song penned by Jack Tempchin and Rob Strandlund is the relational equivalent of a "you can't fire me, I quit" song.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia) by MFSB

    Almost entirely an instrumental, this disco track will take us out of this week's podcast.  MFSB stands for "Mother, Father, Sister, Brother."

    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.

    40 min
  • 1983 - March: Saga “Worlds Apart”

    Canadian prog rock band Saga released their fourth album Worlds Apart in September 1981, but it took some time to catch fire.  By March 1983 their first single was peaking on the charts.   Rupert Hine, producer for Canadian power trio Rush, also produced this album which was both a critical and commercial success.  The band consisted of Steve Negus on percussion, Jim Gilmour on lead synthesizer, Ian Crichton on guitar, Jim Crichton on bass and keyboards, and Michael Sadler on lead vocals.  Sadler and Jim Crichton were the primary songwriters for the band.

    This album seemed to hit a sweet spot between progressive and commercial sensibilities.  It also saw a change in the energy level out of Michael Sadler which is attributed to an interesting intervention by Rupert Hine.  It is said that Hine had Sadler climb to the rafters of the barn where the recording studio for “Worlds Apart” was located, in order to get the right emotion.  The group also toured extensively in the United States where they opened for Billy Squier and Jethro Tull, and they benefitted from airplay on their music video for "On the Loose" and "Wind Him Up"  during MTV's first year.

    Worlds Apart would hit number 3 on the Top Rock Albums chart, and the single "On the Loose" hit number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The album would be certified Gold in 1983, and would help the band win the Juno Award in Canada for "Most Promising Group of the Year."

    This album takes us back to some really good days in 1983, and we hope it does the same for you.

    Friend of the show John Lynch joins us for this album feature.

     

    On the Loose

    The first single from the album benefitted from airplay of its video on the new MTV cable channel.  The song is tight, with heavy synthesizer use, and excellent coordinated runs in the keyboards and guitar.  The song itself is about what it sounds like - cutting loose in the evening.

    Time's Up

    This deeper cut discusses the risk of being a daydreamer and a "man of inaction."  Don't let the time pass you by, wishing your life away.  Note the use of a child's voice and telephone special effects to make the point.      

    The Interview

    Another quintessential 80's sound can be found on this deep track.  The singer is talking to himself through multiple personalities.  The idea is of an individual trying to piece himself together through the internal interview.  "There's one thing I must know, tell me why you can't let go?"

    Wind Him Up

    The second single from the album is well known and energetic.  It is a portrayal of a compulsive gambler who can't break away from the casino.  It breaks into multiple sections as would be expected in a prog rock piece, but it remains accessible.  "Wind him up, he can't stop.  He's wound up tight just like the clock that's winding its second hand down."

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    Main Theme from the television series "Little House On the Prairie”

    This show concluded its run in March 1983.  Michael Landon directed many of the episodes as well as playing Pa Ingalls.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    I Know There's Something Going On by Frida

    Bruce's staff pick is from ABBA alumnae Anni-Frid Lyngstad, going by the name Frida.  Lyngstad recorded her solo album in February 1982 during the last year of ABBA, and wanted to lave a different sound.  The song was written by Russ Ballard of Argent, and was produced by Phil Collins, who also played drums and contributed backing vocals.

    Goody Two Shoes by Adam Ant

    "Don't drink, don't smoke?  What do you do?"  Wayne features this new wave pop hit with a distinctive swing beat.  When he came over to the States, front man Stuart Leslie Goddard shortened the name of his punk band, "Adam and the Ants" and began touring as "Adam Ant."   The song is somewhat autobiographical, as Adam Ant did not drink or do drugs.

    Africa by Toto

    Our Guest filling in for Brian this week is John Lynch. He brings us a song that has had incredible staying power.  Toto's start as session players comes through in the tightness and production value of their songs, with this classic being no exception.  You will also have to search far and wide to find lyrics like "sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti."

    Shock the Monkey by Peter Gabriel

    Rob's staff pick peaked at number 29 on the charts.  The song is a love song about how jealousy can release base, animal instincts.  The video flips between Gabriel in a room dressed in a business suit, and Gabriel as a shaman with his face painted.  It is a nice finish, as Saga front man Michael Sadler considered Peter Gabriel one of his vocal inspirations.

     

    INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

    Rockit by Herbie Hancock

    We finish off this week's podcast with Hancock's instrumental masterpiece.  If you haven't seen this video, you're missing out.

    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.

    46 min
  • 1976 - June: Steve Miller Band “Fly Like an Eagle”

    Believe it or not, Fly Like an Eagle is the ninth studio album by the Steve Miller Band.  Guitarist, lead singer, and founder Steve Miller got his start in Chicago playing the blues.  He formed the Steve Miller Blues Band after moving to San Francisco in 1966, and shortened it to the Steve Miller Band not long after its formation.  The band started with a psychedelic rock feel in their first albums, transitioning to a more straightforward rock sound with the 1973 album  The Joker, and continuing with their 1976 release, Fly Like an Eagle.

    This album was largely written by Miller who also produced it and provided vocals, guitar, and keyboards.  Additional personnel were Lonnie Turner on bass, and Gary Mallaber on percussion.  Miller was not satisfied with the recording studios where he had recorded previous albums, and built his own studio at his home in the Pacific Northwest where he would record his next album.  This also explains the multi-year break between The Joker and Fly Like an Eagle.

    The Steve Miller Band had experienced commercial success with the album The Joker, but Fly Like an Eagle would take that success to a new level with three hit singles.  Fly Like an Eagle would eventually be certified quadruple platinum, and Rolling Stone would declare it the best album of 1976.

    Both this album and the next, 1977's Book of Dreams were recorded at the same time.  However, Miller decided to release the two as separate albums rather than as a double album.  Both would be hits, and would constitute the heart of commercial success from the Steve Miller Band along with 1973's The Joker." 

     

    Take the Money and Run

    The first single from the album tells the story of Billy Joe and Bobby Sue, a Bonnie-and-Clyde set of criminals, and the Texas police officer chasing them.  It is a road trip song, inspired by Miller's trips with family, listening to the radio in the car.

    Wild Mountain Honey

    This song is a slower and deeper cut off the album, and hearkens back to the psychedelic Steve Miller Band days.  "You run for the money but you don't even know about wild mountain honey."  Miller plays the sitar on this track.    

    Serenade

    A serenade from the stars!  Another deep track, the song's message appears to be both local and cosmic.  The guitar has a Spanish feel that gives off a road trip - and trippy - vibe as it switches between major and minor chords.  There's also a bit of a lag between the lyrics and the musical beat which gives it an unusual style.

    Rock'n Me

    The second single from the album hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Miller said he was inspired by Free's "All Right Now," and it was an anthem for large concert venues.  Calling out the cities of the tour was sure to be a crowd pleaser.  

     

    ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

    "Gene Gene, the Dancing Machine from the television series “The Gong Show”

    This show was raw comedy and a staple of syndicated afternoon reruns when we were growing up.  Gene Gene, the Dancing Machine was a technician on the show who would come out and do a dance routine toward the end of the show.  Bad, but in a good way.

     

    STAFF PICKS:

    Fool To Cry by the Rolling Stones

    Brian leads off the staff picks with a mellow number from Mick Jagger and company off the Rolling Stones Black and Blue album.  It was the only song from the album to chart.  In this ballad, Jagger is talking to his daughter at first, then his lover, and both tell him the same thing - "you're a fool to cry, and it makes me wonder why."

    A Trick of the Tail by Genesis

    Bruce's staff pick features the first single from Genesis with Phil Collins taking over vocals.  The song tells about The Beast who leaves his kingdom of gold to enter the human world.  He is captured and put into a carnival freak show, but escapes by convincing his captors that he can take them to his city of gold. 

    Nobody's Fault But Mine by Led Zeppelin

    Wayne rocks out with the hit from Led Zeppelin's Presence album.  Blind Willie Johnson originally recorded this song in 1928.  Page and Plant took credit for writing it originally, but credited Johnson later and downgraded their credits to "arranged by" rather than claiming to have written it.

    Silly Love Songs by Paul McCartney and Wings

    Rob  gets "soppy" with this upbeat number from Wings.  McCartney wrote this in response to John Lennon's critique that McCartney wrote "sentimental slush."  Paul McCartney was not afraid to write love songs, and musically asks "what's wrong with that?" here in this pop hit.  

     

    COMEDY TRACK:

    One Piece at a Time by Johnny Cash and Tennessee Three

    We finish off this week's podcast with a novelty song that would be the last top 40 hit from Johnny Cash.

    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

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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