What the Riff Next Gen

By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John LynchMusic Music Commentary

What the Riff Next Gen episodes

December 21, 2020 1969 - November: Santana ”Santana”
One of the biggest, longest running, and commercially successful bands of the rock era was founded by Carlos Santana, the only consistent member of the band throughout the years. That band of course is simply named Santana, and their debut album was also known as Santana.
Santana has always been about fusion, and you get that with this debut as well. There's jazz, Latin, calypso, funk, and soul in there, all held together by the guitar virtuosity of Mexican-American Carlos Santana. The debut album provides a lot of opportunity to take in Santana's guitar work with about half the songs being instrumentals. Santana came to prominence with their live shows, and of course would be propelled to the top with their concert at Woodstock.
The lineup for this iteration of Santana would of course include Carlos Santana on guitar and backing vocals. Greg Rolie would be on lead vocals and piano, as Carlos Santana usually had someone else on lead vocals in all the different iterations of his band. Rolie would go on to found the band Journey, as would a future Santana member, Neal Schon. Other band members were David Brown on bass, Michael Schrieve on drums, Michael Carabello, Jose "Chepito" Areas, and Marcus Malone on congas and percussion.
The band was formed in San Francisco in 1966 as the Santana Blues Band. Promoter Chet Helms told the band that they couldn't be successful with Latin-infused rock, and recommended that Santana "keep his day job" as a dishwasher at Tick Tock's Drive-In. Time would prove how wrong Helms' advice was. Santana has sold over 43 million albums in the US, and perhaps 100 million worldwide.
Friend of the show Vann Mathis joins us for this podcast.

Soul Sacrifice
If you have seen the documentary about the August 1969 Woodstock music festival you may have heard this instrumental song. This one had three screens projecting, one of the band and the other two scanning people at the concert.
Persuasion
A deeper cut sung by frontman and keyboardist Greg Rolie about a woman that his "put a spell" on a guy, and he can't think of anyone but her. "Like the devil in disguise, something about you baby. You're one, you're one of a kind."
Savor
This is a hard driving instrumental. One thing you get from Santana other than the excellent guitar riffs is a lot of congas.
Evil Ways
This was Santana's second single the band's first hit, topping out at number 9 on the Billboard charts. This song was a cover originally recorded by jazz percussionist Willy Bobo in 1967. It has a great guitar solo.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The theme from the television series “Sesame Street”
The Sesame Street Kids sing this well-known children's television theme which debuted in November of 1969.

STAFF PICKS:
Sugar, Sugar by The Archies
Brian's staff pick was performed by the cartoon band “The Archies.” Don Kirshner heard it and decided that it needed to be released. After persuading radio stations to play it, the song took off and became the biggest single hit of the year.
Suspicious Minds by Elvis Presley
Mark James wrote this and recorded it in 1968, but Elvis would make it successful in 1969. It was his 18th and last number 1 single. The song itself is inspired by James' relationship with his first wife. He still had feelings for his childhood girlfriend, and his wife had suspicions about that.
Undun by The Guess Who
Rob's staff pick is from Winnipeg's own The Guess Who. Randy Bachman wrote this about a girl he dated who went into a coma after doing drugs. It is Bachman's favorite song done with the band. It was actually the B-side of a song called “Laughing.”
Space Cowboy by the Steve Miller Band
Wayne finishes us off with a song from Steve Miller's third album, Brave New World. It has a psychedelic feel. The main guitar riff borrows heavily from "Lady Madonna" by the Beatles. Steve Miller played at the Monterrey Pops Festival.

INSTRUMENTAL/COMEDY TRACK:
Yakety Sax From The Benny Hill Show
The song was first used on The Benny Hill Show in November 1969. It was composed by James Q. “Spider” Rich and Boots Randolph.
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
December 14, 2020 1979 - March: Supertramp “Breakfast In America”
While Supertramp had been on the rock scene for many years at this point (we already featured "Crime of the Century" on an earlier podcast), this sixth studio album would be the one that would make them superstars.
Breakfast in America was originally going to be entitled "Hello Stranger" and explore the conflicts between founders Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson, but decided to take a lighter tone instead. In addition to Davies and Hodgson, Supertramp included John Helliwell on saxophone and other woodwinds, Dougie Thomson on bass, and Bob Siebenberg on percussion. The album cover is iconic, with an image of the New York skyline, and a diner waitress in the place of the Statue of Liberty. Several songs express thoughts or critiques of life in America at the time, but Davies and Hodgson insist that there was no attempt to create an album satirizing the U.S.
There is really not a bad song on this album, and this contributed to its success both commercially and critically. The album was number one on the Billboard 200 album chart for six weeks and was Supertramp's best selling album. It also won two Grammys in 1980 and was nominated for best album of the year.
Hodgson and Davies wrote all the songs on this album, though they did not initially collaborate. Instead they wrote their songs separately and would come together to arrange the songs with the band. These founders were growing increasingly apart in their lifestyles, and Hodgson would leave the group after 1983.
The hits from this album are timeless and well known, so we're going deep on this one. We hope you enjoy it!

Gone Hollywood
The opening track to the album describes a guy who dreams of making it in Hollywood. It starts out bleak, but the protagonist actually makes it. Rick Davies takes the lead on this song which he wrote, and John Helliwell's saxophone work is prominent in this piece.
Oh Darling
This song closes out the first album side. You can see the keyboard-driven approach to this composition which is prominent in this track. Rick Davies authored this piece as well. "I'll make you mine. I'll love you come what may. I'm going to catch you lady, catch you lady."
Lord Is It Mine
Roger Hodgson takes the lead and wrote this sweet, spiritual ballad. Hodgson wrote this piece. "I never cease to wonder at the cruelty of this land, but it seems a time of sadness is a time to understand. Is it mine? Oh Lord, is it mine?"
Casual Conversations
Davies penned this one, and it takes a decidedly lighter tack than the ballad we just played. Casual conversations - how they bore me!

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from the motion picture "Phantasm"
This horror flick premiered in March 1979. The tall man turns the dead into dwarf zombies, but what you remember is the killer floating ball in the mortuary.

STAFF PICKS:
“Lay It On the Line” by Triumph
Wayne's staff pick is from the Canadian power trio led by Rik Emmitt, and is off their third studio album. It demands an answer in a relationship - make up your mind, don't waste my time. "I don't ask for much, the truth'll do just fine."
“Tragedy” by the Bee Gees
Rob puts us in a conundrum with his pick. Is this a disco song? It is a bit more rocking than the typical dance song. Disco or not, it was at the top of the charts at the time. The Bee Gees were made famous from the songs they wrote for the movie "Saturday Night Fever," which they created over a weekend.
“Every Time I Think of You” by The Babys
John Waite fronts Brian's staff pick from The Baby's third studio album. This song goes through a variety of tempos and dynamics. This song went to number 8 on the Cashbox 100. Waite would repeat the title of this song in the opening lyrics to his solo hit "Missing You."
“Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits
Bruce rounds out the staff picks this week with the first hit off Dire Strait's debut album. The lyrics were inspired by a jazz band performance playing in the corner of an almost-empty pub in South London. The name of the jazz group was the Sultans of Swing.

LAUGH TRACK:
"Rubber Biscuit" by The Blues Brothers
Saturday Night Live originated this blues band headed by Jake and Elwood Blues aka Dan Akroyd and John Belushi.
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
December 07, 2020 1991 - January: Jesus Jones ”Doubt”
A little alternative rock, a little electronica, the UK's Jesus Jones had a hit on their hands with their second studio album, Doubt. It was recorded in 1990 and released in January 1991.
The band got their name when founders Mike Edwards (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Jerry DeBorg (guitar), and Ian Baker (keyboards) decided to form the band while vacationing in Spain. They realized while sitting on the beach that they were three "Joneses" surrounded by a bunch of people named Jesus.
Jesus Jones achieved some success with their debut album, but things really took off with this second effort on the strength of the hit “Right Here, Right Now.” The album was written in the days of the fall of the Warsaw Pact, between the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. These were incredibly optimistic times, and the music of the album reflects that positivity.
Doubt reached number 25 on the US Billboard top 200, and it topped the UK charts.
Jesus Jones is still touring today, and all the original members are still together.
Join us on this exploration of a time when the future was bright and there was no other place we'd rather be.
Real Real Real
This dance song was the first single off the album. “Do you feel real? If so, I'd like to know.” The track takes its inspiration from a conversation that Edwards had questioning whether you can know if you are real or not. The song peaked at number 4 and was a staple of dance clubs at the time.
Trust Me
You might want to watch your speed if you're driving when this manic deeper cut comes on! “Trust me, I know what I'm doing. I don't do anything in half measures.” Jump in the mosh pit!
Right Here Right Now
This is the single that truly launched Jesus Jones into the stratosphere. It was the most played song on college radio in 1991, and hit number 2 on the Billboard charts. “I saw the decade in, when it seemed the world could change at the blink of an eye.” The track epitomizes the feeling of optimism as communism ended and we were “watching the world wake up from history.”
International Bright Young Thing
Get your dance shoes on. This was the third single released from the album after “Real Real Real” and “Right Here Right Now.” The track chronicles the band finding all these positive people around the world with similar thoughts about the future. It was a top 10 hit in Britain.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The theme from the television series “Twin Peaks”
The cult classic mystery series from David Lynch was on television in 1991.

STAFF PICKS:
Remember My Name by House of Lords
Brian starts off our staff picks with a power ballad from Connecticut-based House of Lords. Gene Simmons discovered this band — former Angel members. The band featured a number of guest musicians on this second album entitled “Sahara.”
Rocket O Love by The Knack
In case you thought The Knack had finished their run in 1979…Bruce dispels the thought with this single from their fourth album “Serious Fun.” It was a top 10 hit for them in 1991. Unfortunately they wouldn't get much more commercial or critical success, and A&R decided the shelve their second single.
The Ballad of Jenny Ledge by Toy Matinée
Rob's staff pick takes a deep and prog rock turn from a short-lived group — and one of his favorites. The song is loosely based on the girlfriend of Toy Matinée front man Kevin Gilbert. Jenny Ledge enjoyed music as just another pleasure, but her boyfriend wanted her to take it more seriously. Ledge winds up running off with an Elvis impersonator.
More by The Sisters of Mercy
Wayne finishes us off with a hard rocking 8-minute epic. UK-native The Sisters of Mercy started in 1980 and has a Billy Idol feel with a "club" twist. The group uses a drum machine instead of a drum set. The Sisters of Mercy still tour and produce new music, but they don't release new music - you have to attend the concert to hear the new works.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Righteous by Eric Johnson
This podcast concludes on another positive note with instrumentalist and guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson.
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
November 30, 2020 Christmas Songs That Rock (III)!
Believe it or not, we've made it to the Christmas season 2020 - and for some of us, its about time! We hope your Christmas is a good one, and hope you get a chance to listen to some of these Christmas Songs that Rock on this Rabbit Hole episode!
“Step Into Christmas” by Elton John
This original song by John and Taupin has become a standard since it was originally released in 1973 as a single, and as a bonus track on the Caribou album.
“Gabriel's Message” by Sting
A cover of an obscure Basque folk carol based on the Annunciation by the archangel Gabriel that Mary would be the mother of Jesus— sung as only Sting could.
“Christmas/Sarajevo 12/24” by Trans Siberian Orchestra
You know Wayne will bring us a rocking song and this instrumental number by former members of Savatage is no exception.
“Sock It To Me Santa” by Bob Seger and The Last Heard
This rocking Christmas tune from the 60's reminds us that Bob Seger has been in the music business for quite a while.
“Merry Xmas Everybody” by Slade
This non-album release in 1973 from Slade may not be that well known in the United States, but it is amazingly popular year after year in the UK.
“Christmas Is the Time to Say 'I Love You'” by Billy Squier
Squier dropped this original Christmas hit in 1981, and launched a video on MTV using many of the MTV VJ's of the day in starring roles.
“Back Door Santa” by Jet
Let the double entendres roll with this blues-based rocker.
“Christmas on the Bayou” by Lonnie Brooks
We drift into the bayou blues with this New Orleans-style cut from Alligator Records.
“Christmas Fais Do Do” by Marcia Ball
And we're staying on the Bayou for this zydeco tune. A Fais Do Do is a Cajun dance party. A Christmas tradition in Louisiana is building bonfires on the levees.
“Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin'” by Tinsley Ellis
Bruce brings this cover of Albert King's 1974 blues Christmas riff. Atlanta's own Tinsley Ellis performs this version. Bill Murray and George Clooney performed an interesting version of it that you can catch on youtube as well.
“Don't Believe in Christmas” by The Sonics
Rob brings us this tune by the Tacoma, Washington-based group The Sonics. It was developed back in 1965 - in less than 24 hours when they were asked to do a live show with other rockers.
“Christmas in Dixie” by Alabama
This has become almost a Christmas standard in the South. Fort Payne, Alabama's finest call out a number of locations around the US, and especially focusing on locations in the southeast in this 1982 original.
“I'll Be Home For Christmas” by the Carpenters
This 1978 cover goes back to Bing Crosby in 1943, when it was written to honor servicemen away from home during World War II. We hope that if you aren't able to make it home for whatever reason, you will know that you are home in your dreams, and in the dreams of your loved ones.
LAUGH TRACK(s):
“O Holy Night” by Eric Cartman
And this is the point where we ruin your memories of a classic Christmas hymm by taking you to the South Park version.
“The Chimney Song” by Bob Rivers & Twisted Radio
"There's something stuck up in the chimney and it doesn't move around, and it's been a week since Christmas..."
“Silver Bells” by Paul Simon, Billy Joel, and Steve Martin
Rob closes us out with this rare item spontaneously created by Joel, Simon, and Martin. I'm not sure how Paul Simon and Billy Joel kept going when Steve Martin gets going on his monologue about what Christmas means.
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.
48 min
November 23, 2020 1986 — February: The Outfield “Play Deep”
The tight, well produced sound of Play Deep would make you think that this is the third or fourth album from The Outfield, but this was their debut studio album, and it went triple platinum in the United States. Percussionist Alan Jackman, guitarist/keyboardist (and songwriter) John Spinks, and bassist/lead vocalist Tony Lewis had worked together since the late 70's, and were in a band called The Baseball Boys when Columbia Records signed them in 1984. Their manager suggested that the name was a little too "tacky," and this prompted the shift to The Outfield.
The band was signed largely on their being an “American sounding” group in England. This would lead to a successful US debut. Unfortunately, they would suffer for that in their home country, and The Outfield would never have a hit album in the UK.
Some refer to their sound as power pop, or pop rock. The Outfield would have been heard more on pop stations than on rock stations in the 80's. There's a little new wave mixed in, and it is very well produced.
John Spinks passed away in 2014 of liver cancer, and unfortunately Tony Lewis passed away a few weeks before the release of this podcast. So in a way, this is a tribute to a great “All American Sounding” band. RIP boys.

I Don't Need Her
This deeper cut reminds us of Big Country or U2, with rich harmonies and a distinctive echo. "I'm so glad that I don't need her and I'm too tired of trying to please her, but in the end I just can't leave her. Can't leave her tonight."
61 Seconds
You will definitely notice the mid-80's sound of this upbeat track. It is a song for the nameless worker in a large business. "61 seconds is all it takes for the 9-to 5-man to be more than one minute late." It's so hard to think of work as 9-to-5 anymore.
All the Love
This track was one of the singles from the album. It went to number 14 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart. Most of the songs on this album have a similar sound, with high harmonies, prominent echo, and well-produced effects overall.
Your Love
It is amazing how big this song became. This track made it to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, and is a completely fictional story about “Josie.” It took the group about 20 minutes to write the song - apparently inspired by The Who - and the band was shocked with how well it did.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“Pretty in Pink” by The Psychedelic Furs
The "Brat Pack" were prominent in this John Hughes film. The soundtrack to "Pretty in Pink" is a who's-who of mid-80's new wave bands.

STAFF PICKS:
Rock Me Amadeus by Falco
Wayne leads off with Austrian musician Falco's song with the distinction of being the only German language song to hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. It was inspired by the Oscar award-winning movie "Amadeus."
Life in a Northern Town by the Dream Academy
Bruce's staff pick is the biggest hit for The Dream Academy, and features some unusual instruments for the rock genre, including tympani and oboe. It is an elegy to Nick Drake who died in 1971, and parts of the song were composed on Drake's guitar.
Kyrie by Mr. Mister
Brian's pick was inspired by a portion of the Catholic/Orthodox mass by way of the Episcopal church. Kyrie Eleison means "Lord have mercy." This track was a follow up to Mr. Mister's hit "Broken Wings."
Manic Monday by The Bangles
Rob's staff pick was actually written by Prince. He originally intended it for Apollonia 6, but would be a hit for The Bangles. It reflects the travails of a working woman going to the office every week.
COMEDY TRACK:
The Super Bowl Shuffle by The Chicago Bears "Shuffling Crew"
The Chicago Bears put out a rap video in the midst of their quest for a Super Bowl win. They would indeed win the Super Bowl, and this song peaked at number 41 in February 1986.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!
**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
40 min
November 16, 2020 1983 - November: Billy Idol ”Rebel Yell”
Did the artists make MTV, or did MTV make the artists? There is no doubt about the complementary relationship between the then-new music video channel and rocker Billy Idol. He had exploded on the scene with his debut solo album featuring hits such as "White Wedding" and "Dancing With Myself." His popularity would continue with his second studio album, Rebel Yell.
Born as William Michael Albert Broad, Billy Idol found his studio name in a schoolteacher's derogatory description of him as "idle." Billy Idol got his start in the punk scene. He started performing with a retro-rock band called Chelsea in 1976, but quit after a few weeks to co-found a punk band called Generation X. While the music was punk, the image Idol created was more 1950's Elvis-styled rocker with a dash of glam rock thrown in.
Billy Idol was a prominent member of the "second British invasion" on MTV in the early 80's, and would see mainstream success with Rebel Yell. Singles like the title track and "Eyes Without a Face" got heavy airplay on rock stations in the US. Idol's iconic look and "whiplash smile" was especially appealing to the new media of music videos shown prominently on MTV but also on other stations both on cable TV and the airwaves.
If you enjoyed music videos back in the day, this episode will leave you saying "more, more more!"

Daytime Drama
This slower and deeper cut was the second track on the album and was not released as a single. It compares life and relationships to a soap opera. "Beautiful star of my daytime drama...you're my hope for a future."
Blue Highway
A faster rocking song, this track was also not released as a single. However it was the B-side to the single "Flesh for Fantasy," and it did get significant airplay on rock stations at the time.
Flesh for Fantasy
This track was the third single from the album and a significant hit, peaking at 29 on Billboard's Hot 100. It is heavily produced, and while a rock song it also was played in dance clubs as well. "Face to face and back to back, you see and feel my sex attack. Sing it!"
Catch My Fall
Perhaps less popular than other album singles, this was the fourth single from the album. It has a new wave feel as well, and continues to have a dance beat. The saxophone is played by Mars Williams.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
"Bob's Major Award" (from the motion picture “A Christmas Story")
This now-classic Christmas movie was surprisingly not that successful as a first run movie in 1983. This song gets its title from the "leg lamp."

STAFF PICKS:
“The Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats
Rob's staff pick spent 4 weeks at number 3 on Billboard's hot 100, and was another big hit from MTV. The song was meant to be a statement about people "pogoing" - flailing around on the dance floor in a way that could cause people to get hurt.
“Mean Streak” by Y&T
Wayne features a heavy metal song from a group originally known as "Yesterday & Today." Y&T formed in 1974 in Oakland, and opened for a number of bands like Wild Cherry and Kiss. The lead singer is still performing with the group, but unfortunately all other members have died. Lars of Metallica credits Y&T with inspiring him to become a musician.
“Mama” by Genesis
Bruce's staff pick is the opening track to Genesis' self-titled album. This dark song is about a young man with a mother fixation towards an older prostitute. Mike Rutherford wrote the electric drum machine parts that start the song and continue throughout the piece.
“This Time” by Bryan Adams
Brian closes out the staff picks with the lead track from Adam's "Cuts Like a Knife" album. Bryan Adams was another beneficiary of MTV's influence, and this album was his breakthrough hit.

LAUGH TRACK:
Jim Carrey premieres on Johnny Carson
This month marked the first time Canadian Jim Carrey appeared on American television on "The Tonight Show." He would go on several years later to fame after his stint on the television show "In Living Color"
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
November 09, 2020 1981 - June: Billy Squier ”Don’t Say No”
This second studio album is the one that would put Billy Squier at the top of the arena rock world in 1981. Don't Say No would produce Squier's first breakthrough single, “The Stroke,” a critique of the music industry, and the album would continue to contribute singles and AOR hits as it remained on the Billboard album charts for over 2 years.
Billy Squier got his start in the Boston music scene in the late 60's, playing in locally successful groups through the 70's, and releasing a moderately successful solo album in the spring of 1980. Squier approached Brian May of Queen about producing his second album, but May had scheduling conflicts that kept him from working with Squier. However, Brian May suggested Squier work with Reinhold Mack who had produced “The Game” for Queen. Billy Squier would later continue his connection with Queen, opening for the band during their 1982 tour.
Billy Squier wrote his own songs and was a multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar, piano, and percussion.
Squier left the music scene in the early 90's with the advent of grunge, but he often tours with Ringo Star as a part of his All Star Band. He also does one-off concerts for charity, but spends much of his time in New York City with his wife.
Are you ready for some early 80's arena rock? Don't Say No!

In the Dark
This song was the second single from the album, and the lead song for the album. Some think that this song is about lovers keeping their cheating relationships secret. This album is considered to bridge the hard rock sounds of the 70's with heavy metal of the 80's. It has a Zeppelinesque feel to it.
Don't Say No
The title track is the last song on the album, and a deeper cut that was never released as a single. It has an interesting “fade in” effect to kick it off.
My Kind of Lover
While this third single narrowly missed the top 40 (it made it to number 45), it was heavily played at the time. It has a pop sentiment to it, but is a pretty straightforward song about sex and chasing a woman.
Lonely Is the Night
Surprisingly, this song was not released as a single, and did not make Squier's greatest hits album. It's about a guy watching streetwalkers. It was the B-side of “In the Dark,” and received heavy air play on rock radio.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The theme to “Raiders of the Lost Ark”
This classic adventure film starring Harrison Ford as Dr. Indiana Jones made its debut in the summer of 1981. This iconic tune is instantly recognizable today.

STAFF PICKS:
I Missed Again by Phil Collins
Rob's staff pick is from “Face Value,” Phil Collins' debut solo album. The original name of the song was "I miss you, babe," but the band convinced him to change the name and lighten it up. "Would you say if I was wasting my time or did I miss again? ...I think I missed again."
All Those Years Ago by George Harrison
This tribute to John Lennon was originally intended as a song for Ringo Starr, but George Harrison brought it back to himself after the death of Lennon the previous winter. Brian brings us his favorite Beatle. Ringo, John and Linda McCartney played on this song, the first time they all appeared on a song together since 1970.
Snowblind by Styx
Bruce's staff pick features baritone James Young and tenor Tommy Shaw trading lead singer duties in this song about the dangers of cocaine. It also created a stir when some groups insisted that there were backward masking messages from the devil embedded in the track. This upset the band, who would make an entire concept album about censorship with their next effort, “Kilroy Was Here.”
Nether Street by Bodast
Wayne finishes us off with a song recorded by a prog rock group that broke up in 1969 when guitarist Steve Howe joined Yes. You'll recognize the riff because it is embedded in Yes's “Starship Trooper.” The album was not released until June 1981.

LAUGH TRACK:
The Spanish Inquisition by Mel Brooks
The comedy “History of the World, Part I” by Mel Brooks brought us one of the most politically incorrect musical numbers ever penned. "The Inquisition! What a show!"
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
November 02, 2020 1975 - August: Bruce Springsteen “Born to Run”
Born to Run was Bruce Springsteen's third studio album, and the first unarguably successful commercial album. While he had previously achieved critical success with many industry insiders comparing him with Bob Dylan, his two prior albums had been more of a regional hit. With Born to Run, Springsteen had both time and money to make the album, and went for a “wall of sound” approach. Wikipedia mentions that he wanted it to sound like “Roy Orbison singing Bob Dylan, produced by Phil Spector.” With regard to the lyrics, Springsteen said this album was “the album where I left behind my adolescent definitions of love and freedom - it was the dividing line.”
To call this commercially and critically successful is an understatement. Born to Run is a giant of an album. It produced two singles, "Tenth Avenue Freeze-out" and "Born to Run," and these are timeless rock classics. But almost the entire album can be heard on classic rock stations regularly.
The songs were all composed on piano instead of guitar, and the songs tend to reflect this in their introductory instrumentation. Each album side starts with a song about escape (Thunder Road, Born to Run), and ends with a song about defeat (Backstreets, Jungleland). And of course you get not only the monster sounds and lyrics of Springsteen, but also the instrumental virtuosity of the E. Street Band. This is another example of an album that should be heard from cover to cover to get the full experience of it.
Alright, folks, it's time to run with The Boss!

Jungleland
This isn't really a song, but more of an opera or an epic tragedy. This track closes out the album and tells the tale of Magic Rat and the barefoot girl. It's got scenes of life on the streets and in the gangs in New Jersey in the city they call Jungleland. It was 19 months from the first rehearsal of this song until it's completion. Saxophonist Clarence Clemons' solo supposedly took 16 hours alone to record, and takes up 3 minutes of this 9+ minute song. That length is why we're only profiling three songs from the album this week.
She's the One
This is a deeper cut with a Bo Didley Beat. It is the B-side of "Tenth Avenue Freeze-out" and got a bit of air play on rock stations as a consequence. "There's this angel in her eyes that tells such desperate lies and all you want to do is believe her."
Thunder Road
Bruce (the one profiling this album, not the songwriter) thinks this may be the song with the finest lyrics top-to-bottom that Springsteen ever wrote. It tells of a visit to Mary's house, and uses automobile and motorcycle imagery to describe a plea from the suitor for Mary to run off with him “if you're ready to take that long walk from your front porch to my front seat. The door's open, but the ride ain't free.”

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The Time Warp (from the motion picture “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”)
Yes, that timeless classic from the midnight movies had its origin this summer. It's just a jump to the left, and then a step to the right!

STAFF PICKS:
Man on the Silver Mountain by Rainbow
Wayne features the distinctive guitar riff of Ritchie Blackmore and Ronnie James Dio's vocals from Rainbow, Blackmore's group after leaving Deep Purple. The original vinyl release was a gated gold sleeve, but the record company reduced it to a single sleeve.
Por Amor Viviremos by The Captain and Tennille
Rob brings us the Spanish version of "Love Will Keep Us Together." The Captain and Tennille had both the English language and Spanish language versions on the charts this month. "Love Will Keep Us Together" was originally done by Neil Sedaka in 1973, but this cover became identified with The Captain and Tennille.
I'm Not In Love by 10cc
Brian's staff pick incorporates the backing of a wordless choir, with 256 voices overdubbed. The song itself is about expressing love without saying "I love you." The song was almost discarded, but when they heard the secretary and window cleaner singing it they decided to keep it. The whispered voice was from the secretary at Strawberry Studios.
How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by James Taylor
Bruce finishes on a lighter note with this cover of Marvin Gaye's original 1965 hit. Taylor would take this one to number 1, and it would be the most successful remake of the song (the original went to number 3). Taylor's then-wife Carly Simon is on harmony vocals, and David Sanborn joins on saxophone.

LAUGH TRACK:
I Like Beer by Tom T. Hall
We finish off this week with a cold one in a polka genre.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!
**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
42 min
October 26, 2020 1966 - June: The Association “And Then...Along Comes The Association”
The Association released their debut (and most successful) album, And Then...Along Comes The Association in June 1966. They had received some success with non-album releases prior to this, but the album itself would become one of the best selling albums of the year.
The Association was known as sunshine pop, which incorporated elements of both folk rock and psychedelic music. The group was formed originally by Jules Alexander (guitar) and Terry Kirkman (wind instruments, percussion) who met in Hawaii in 1962, then reconnected in Los Angeles in the mid-60's. They joined with Russ Giguere (rhythm guitar, percussion), Brian Cole (bass, woodwinds), Ted Bluechel, Jr. (drums, rhythm guitar, bass), and Jim Yester (rhythm guitar, keyboards) to make this album. All group members contributed to vocals, and the group was known for their harmonies.
The Association was first known as The Men, and played as the house band for The Troubadour where they would play with musicians such as Mama Cass Elliot and David Crosby. The Association would continue touring for decades, though with over 20 members throughout the time.

Enter the Young
This deep cut is the lead song from the album. It gives a good sense of the harmonies of the group. The lyrics are an ode to the younger generation. "Enter the young, yeah. Yeah, they've learned how to think. Enter the young, yeah. More than you think they think."
Your Own Love
Another deep cut seems representative of the sounds typical of television shows of the time. Russ Giguere takes the lead vocal duties on this one.
Along Comes Mary
This is a hit from the album. The phrase itself was somewhat controversial, because "Mary" was a euphemism for marijuana, though the band never confirmed this. Either way, Mary improves the life of the singer - "When we met I was sure out to lunch, now my empty cup tastes as sweet as the punch." Jim Yester was on lead vocals for this hit.
Cherish
A ballad would be the biggest hit off the album, and would have decades-long staying power. Kirkman and Giguere share lead vocal duties. The single runs 3 minutes and 13 seconds, but it was listed as "3:00" because radio programmers discouraged songs over the 3-minute limit.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from the television series “The Dick Van Dyke Show”
This comedy would end its run in June 1966.

STAFF PICKS:
“Opus 17 (Don't You Worry "Bout Me)” by The Four Seasons
Bruce features the Jersey Boys in their prime. This is the second single released after the title song from the album "Working My Way Back to You." The song was written by Sandy Linzer and Denny Randell, who also wrote "Let's Hang On." There are 5 key changes in this 2-1/2 minute song.
“Dirty Water” by The Standells
Wayne's staff pick mocks the city of Boston, Massachusetts and it's then infamously polluted Charles River and Boston Harbor. Some elements of this song from the Los Angeles garage band were inspired by a Mugging of their producer, the women's curfew at Boston University, and even a mention of the Boston Strangler. Fans of the Bruins and Red Sox will recognize this tune from hockey and baseball games.
“Red Rubber Ball” by The Cyrkle
Rob's staff pick was written by Paul Simon and Bruce Woodley, and reached number 2 on the charts. Simon offered the song to the band when they were opening for Simon and Garfunkel on tour. It’s a fun, positive song - "The morning sun is rising like a red rubber ball."
“Kicks” by Paul Revere & the Raiders
Brian finishes off the staff picks with a minor key song. This is the first anti-drug song of the rock era. It was written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil as a warning to a friend about the dangers in drug use.

COMEDY TRACK:
“You Can't Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd” by Roger Miller
This comedy track finishes off our session this week. Stay away from those buffalo herds, but you can be happy if you want to!
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
October 19, 2020 1979 - September: Blondie “Eat to the Beat”
Blondie had already established mainstream success by the time they released Eat to the Beat, their fourth studio album. Their previous album featured the hit singles “One Way or Another” and “Heart of Glass.” While not duplicating the commercial success of its predecessor, Eat to the Beat would nevertheless showcase Blondie's diversity while continuing to draw a mainstream audience led by the hit song “Dreaming.”
Blondie was an American band formed in 1974 by guitarist Chris Stein and vocalist (and former Playboy Bunny) Debbie Harry. The name of the group was originally called “Angel and the Snake,” but they changed the name to Blondie based on catcalls Harry often heard from truck drivers on the road. Blondie was a six person band for Eat to the Beat, with Harry and Stein joined by Frank Infante on guitar, Nigel Harrison on bass, Jimmy Destri on keyboards, and Clem Burke on drums.
The band came out of the punk and new wave genre originally, but had already achieved crossover appeal (and accusations of selling out) with the disco-influenced “Heart of Glass.” Eat to the Beat would see further diversity in genre and sound bringing rock, reggae, and disco-influenced tracks complementing the synth-heavy new wave sensibilities.
If your familiarity with Blondie is limited to the hits played on top 40 radio, you will be impressed with the variety of sounds and genres represented on this single album..
Dreaming
This song was written by Harry and Stein, and was inspired by ABBA. There is a lot of energy in this song, and the drums are a big part of that. The drummer, Clem Burke, was "blowing through the song," and deliberately overplaying it on this fast-paced take — they ended up using this one for the track.
The Hardest Part
The funky sound of this deep cut characterizes the diversity in the album. The song itself is about a heist. “The hardest part of the armored guard...big man of steel behind the steering wheel.”
Shayla
Led by a synth prelude, this song depicts a woman who works in a factory. There's an alternative, almost “coffee shop” feel to this one, and it truly showcases Debbie Harry's range in vocal talents.
Atomic
We're getting a western or surf music-influenced sound with this fourth track. Destri and Harry were attempting something similar to “Heart of Glass,” and there is a definite dance feel to the song. The bass solo in the middle of the song is a nice touch.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The theme from the animated television series “Scooby-Doo”
The character "Scrappy-Doo" was introduced to the Scooby-Doo lineup...beginning the start of a long line of mediocre to horrible cartoons.

STAFF PICKS:
Pop Muzik by M
Wayne leads off the staff picks with a one hit wonder from a new wave and synthpop music project from London. M was musician Robin Scott, his brother Julian bass, and his wife Brigit on backing vocals and other backing musicians known as "The Factor." It is sung from the perspective of a disc jockey spinning records at a dance club..
Lonesome Loser by the Little River Band
Brian brings us the distinctive harmonies of the Little River Band. While the band is from Australia, the founding members were from the UK. The song is about a guy who is "unlucky in love," but keeps trying rather than taking a hard look at himself and realizing that he won't find love without getting himself right first.
Sail On by The Commodores
Bruce's pick features the close harmonies and excellent piano work of Lionel Richie and company from The Commodores and their seventh studio album. The song itself is a break-up song, but it is more resigned than angry or sad. "It was plain to see that a small town boy link me just-a wasn't your cup of tea, I was wishful thinking."
Goodbye Stranger by Supertramp
Rob's staff pick is off Supertramp's sixth and fantastically successful studio album “Breakfast In America.” Surprisingly, this song did not do well in the UK, but made it to number 15 in the States. "And I will go on shining, shining like brand new, and when I look behind me my troubles will be few." Davies and Hodgson wrote the songs, and wrote separately.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Regatta de Blanc by The Police
Stewart Copeland, Andy Summers, and Sting make their third appearance as our instrumental track with the title track to their second studio album.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!
**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
40 min

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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