What the Riff Next Gen

Lynch riffs on the debut studio album from Matchbox 20 “Yourself or Someone Like You” on the charts in  November of 1996 (3AM / Push / Real World / Long Day).

**(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.)

Wayne riffs on the debut studio album by Jet, Get Born, released in September 2003 (Rollover DJ /Are You Gonna Be My Girl / Get Me Outta Here / Cold Hard Bitch).

STAFF PICKS: Weak and Powerless by A Perfect Circle — Lynch. In Da Club by 50 Cent — (Fan of the Show )Clint Barrett. One Big Holiday by My Morning Jacket — Rob.

INSTRUMENTAL/ENTERTAINMENT/LAUGH TRACK:

Disclaimer: What the Riff?!? is a music commentary and review podcast that highlights rock music through historical context, personal insights, and artist appreciation. We do not claim ownership of the songs featured, which remain the property of the original artists and rights holders. All music is used under the Fair Use doctrine for purposes of criticism, commentary, and education. We encourage our listeners to support the artists by purchasing and streaming their music legally.

Friend of the show, Greg Lyon riffs on the debut album by Disturbed, “The Sickness” from March 2000 (The Sickness / Voices / The Game / Stupify). STAFF PICKS: "Break Stuff” by Limp Bizkit — Wayne. “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down — Rob. "Everything You Want” by Vertical Horizon — Lynch. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: “The Final Destination Suite” from the motion picture "Final Destination". **(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.)

Bruce riffs on the second studio album from Oasis (What's the Story) Morning Glory? on the charts in November 1995 (Champagne Supernova / Wonderwall / Morning Glory / Don't Look Back in Anger). STAFF PICKS: "Name” by Goo Goo Dolls — Wayne. “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette— Lynch. "See You On the Other Side” by Ozzy Osbourne — Rob. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK: “The Memory of Trees” by Enya.

Rob riffs on the 13th studio album from R.E.M. “Around the Sun” from September of 2004 (Leaving New York / Wanderlust / Aftermath / Around the Sun). STAFF PICKS: “1985” by Bowling for Soup — Bruce. "Float On” by Modest Mouse— Lynch.  “I Go Back” by Kenny Chesney — Wayne.  COMEDY TRACK: “Goofy Goober Rock” by SpongeBob SquarePants.

R.E.M. put out a multitude of hits in college, modern, and alternative rock genres in the 80's and 90's.  By the time that Around the Sun, the group's 13th studio album was released, the band was experiencing changes in personnel and struggles with focus.  Drummer Bill Berry retired in 1997 and was replaced by Bill Reiflin.  While Reiflin would be the regular percussionist for the band until their dissolution in 2011, he would not be considered a member of the band like Peter Buck (guitar), Mike Mills (bass, keyboards), or Michael Stipe (vocals).  

From a commercial standpoint the album was a success, going to number 13 on the Billboard 200 in the US, and topping the album chart in the UK.  However, critical reviews were more negative, and the band members would agree over time with Stipe and Mills stating that the album lacked focus.  Peter Buck was more critical, stating that the album shows that the band was bored with the material.  Many consider this the worst R.E.M. studio album the group produced. 

However, with the benefit of hindsight we think this album is due for a second look.  The songs are more adult-oriented than the bands hits from prior decades, yet maintain the distinctive R.E.M. sound.  There is a cleaner production on this album and clearer lyrics.

Rob brings us a great debut folk rock album in this week's podcast.

Leaving New York
The lead off track was also the lead single from the album.  It reached number 5 on the UK singles chart, making it the eleventh and last top-10 REM single in that country.  However, it was not heavily promoted and failed to crack the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the first US single from an REM studio album not to chart since 1985.  It has a somber tone.

Wanderlust
This was the fourth and final single from the album, and utilizes a complex time signature of 4/4 time in the verses and 7/4 in the chorus.  The title references the desire to travel, and not remain in one place for very long.  "I got my signals crossed.  It's overwhelming me because I'm all alone and I cant get back - get back with my wanderlust."

Aftermath
The second single from the album portrays a woman living in a daze after a breakup.  Overwhelmed by ruminations, she overfeeds the cat and underwaters the plants.  It went to number 15 on the US alternative rock chart and number 41 on the UK singles chart.  

around the sun
The album contains a title track - a rarity on REM albums.  It begins with a soft acoustic guitar leading into pensive lyrics.  "Hold on world, 'cause you don't know what's coming.  Hold on world, 'cause I'm not jumping off.  Hold on to this boy a little longer, take another trip around the sun."

STAFF PICKS:

1985 by Bowling for Soup
Bruce starts the staff picks with a song about a middle-aged woman thinking about how things have changed since her glory days in 1985.  It is a cover song originally done by pop punk band SR-71, but made famous by the Bowling for Soup version.  It went to number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 5 on the Adult Top 40.  

Float On by Modest Mouse
Lynch brings us a track that songwriter and band founder Isaac Brock says was consciously written to feel more positive than some of his previous work.  The lyrics are stoic - not getting caught up in the bad things, because good things are around the corner.  "Alright, already, we'll all float on."

I Go Back by Kenny Chesney
Wayne's flips the script on us by bringing a country song into the mix, but with lyrics that talk about listening to rock songs in the past.  With references to the Steve Miller Band, Billy Joel, Sunday church, Sunday lunch, and the death of a High School friend, Chesney recounts days gone by.

COMEDY TRACK:
Goofy Goober Rock by SpongeBob SquarePants
"The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie" was released around this time, and included this parody of a Twisted Sister song.  

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**NOTE: What the Riff?!?NXTGen 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.

Lynch riffs on the third studio album from the Smashing Pumpkins, “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” from October 1995 (1979 / Bullet with Butterfly Wings / Zero / Tonight, Tonight).

STAFF PICKS: “Downtown” by Neil Young — Rob. “Lump” by The Presidents of the United States of America — Wayne. “Hard as a Rock” by AC/DC — Gregg.

L/E/I TRACK: Main Theme from the motion picture "Strange Days". 

The Smashing Pumpkins were one of the most successful bands of the 1990s, both commercially and critically.  Their 30 million album sales worldwide makes a strong case for their importance to the alternative rock movement.  The band was formed in Chicago by guitarist James Iha, bassist D'arcy Wretzky, percussionist Jimmy Chamberlin, and frontman/guitarist Billy Corgan.  Corgan writes much of their material and has been the sole member to be continuously present in the group since their formation.

In 1995, Billy Corgan wrote about 56 songs and wanted to creat a double album.  His vision was for Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness to be "The Wall for Generation X."  The album was intended to be a conceptual piece portraying the cycle of life and death.  The band brought in Flood and Alan Moulder to co-produce the album.  Flood had the band change its routine for this album, having the group start recording in the rehearsal space rather than the studio in order to better capture their live sound.  He also required the band to set aside time in each day for just jamming and song writing in order to keep the process from becoming a grind.

The result of this effort was both a critical and commercial success.  "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" debuted at number 1 on the US Billboard 200, the only Smashing Pumpkins album to do so thus far.  The 28 songs spanning two CD's, and three vinyl LP's earned the band nominations in seven categories at the Grammy Awards, and the band won the Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance with Vocal for the single "Bullet with Butterfly Wings."

Lynch brings us this smashing multi-album for today's podcast.

1979
The second single from the album features loops and samples, more of a synth-pop sound than had been present previously in Smashing Pumpkin songs.  According to Corgan, this song was the last of the 56 songs he wrote for the album.  The lyrics paint a picture of the transition from youth to adulthood, waiting for something to happen just around the corner.

Bullet with Butterfly Wings
The lead single from the album was the band's first top 40 hit in the United States, reaching number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Musically this track has a more grunge vibe than alt rock.  The lyrics are a somewhat overly dramatic portrayal of the pain that comes from being a rock star and the downsides of fame.

Zero
The shortest song on the album relates to a feeling of apathy, and being let down by emotions and spirituality.  "Intoxicated with the madness, I'm in love with my sadness."  Corrigan's signature look is a black shirt with the word "ZERO" printed on the front.

Tonight, Tonight
The symphonic orchestration of this song shows some of the diversity of the tracks on this album.  The inspiration for this song is Corgan's departure from Chicago to pursue his dreams, leaving an abusive childhood behind.  The Chicago Symphony Orchestra participated in the recording with a 30-piece string section.  This song went to number 36 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and number 7 on the UK Singles chart.

STAFF PICKS:

Downtown by Neil Young
Rob open this week's staff picks with a grunge piece from the Godfather of Grunge.  Members of the band Pearl Jam provide the backing instrumentation for this song and the album "Mirror Ball."  The lyrics reference Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page, and hippies doing the Charleston and the Limbo.

Lump by The Presidents of the United States of America
Wayne's staff pick is about a woman who is on the singer's mind like a lump of cancer in his brain.  Clocking in at about 2 minutes, this is more of a punk song than alt rock or grunge.

Hard as a Rock by AC/DC
Gregg brings us the first and most successful single from AC/DC's thirteenth studio album "Ballbreaker."  This album marks the return of drummer Phil Rudd to the band for the first time since 1983.  This song has a more blues-oriented sound than the heavy metal sound more typical of their well-known songs from the 80's.  

LEI (Laugh/Entertainment/Instrumental)  TRACK:

Main Theme from the motion picture "Strange Days"
This science fiction film noir movie starring Ralph Fiennes and Angela Bassett takes us out of this week's podcast.  

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

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?!?NXTGen 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.

What the Riff!?! has finished covering every month from January 1965 to December 1994, and we are thrilled that you have listened with us as we review the great bands, songs, and happenings of this 30-year time span.  In this episode, we bring back Brian Dickhute, one of our co-founders of the podcast, and review what we have learned, experienced, and enjoyed about this period of songs and podcast.  We also feature a number of songs that were either missed in our coverage of the times, or that were important to us individually.

Eruption by Van Halen
Wayne brings us this instrumental by Eddie Van Halen that announced the start of the Van Halen band on their first album.

Long Live Rock by the Who
Wayne's favorite group wrote this anthem to the genre.

Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden
Lynch features a song that front man Chris Cornell wrote in about 15 minutes, inspired by a misheard statement from a TV weatherman.

Creeping Death by Metallica
Lynch brings us the first and only commercial single from Metallica's second album, "Ride the Lightning."

Closer to the Heart by Rush
Of course Bruce is going to feature Rush in this last episode, in this case an anthem encouraging all to strive to live closer to the heart.

Ridin' the Storm Out by REO Speedwagon
Bruce thinks this song should have been featured earlier, and notes that the live version is much better than the studio set.  

Mother by Pink Floyd
One of Brian's favorite groups, this song is selected from "The Wall" album, chronicling Pink's descent into madness. 

Going to California by Led Zeppelin
Brian's second selection this week is a ballad off the legendary fourth album, a song originally inspired by earthquakes in California.

The One Thing by INXS
Rob's selection is the introduction most Americans had to this Australian band in 1982, and one of his favorite songs.

Mr. Blue Sky by ELO
Rob finishes off this celebration with one of the happiest rock songs you will hear, one he wants played at his funeral.

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

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?!?NXTGen 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.

Although this album was the fourth  Elton John studio album, it was also the third album released in 1971.  John had released a film soundtrack album and a live album previously in the year.  Madman Across the Water is a more progressive album than his previous outings, containing nine tracks with all but the final track exceeding four minutes.  Elton John also had Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman sit in on the sessions for two of the tracks, playing Hammond organ.  

Although it went to number 8 on the US Billboard 200 chart, it did not do as well in his native UK.  The mediocre results in England may be partly explained by the song lengths not fitting nicely into the 3-minute span typical of singles.  Nevertheless, the album contains two singles which would prove to be amongst John's greatest hits. 

Contemporary critics had mixed reactions to the prog rock bent of the album, with some finding the lyrics confusing and the album as a whole too deep for new fans.  As with much of the discography of music icons like Elton John, reviews would trend more positive over time. 

Madman Across the Water finds Elton John on the cusp of his ascent to superstardom, when his next several albums would trend towards a glam rock approach and would start regularly topping the charts.

Original host Brian Dickhute returns to "What the Riff" studios to help us finish off our podcast series focusing on the Months from 1965 to 1995.

Tiny Dancer
The lead off track takes its inspiration from two places.  Generally, it is inspired by the spirit of the women Bernie Taupin met in California, and how their styles contrasted with those in the U.K at the time.  More specifically it references Maxine Feibelman, who really was the "seamstress for the band," and supported John's elaborate stage costume style.  Feibelman and Taupin were married in March 1971, with Elton John serving as best man.

Levon
The first single from the album tells the story of Levon, a man who is successful in the family business, but trapped in his lifestyle.  "Levon wears his war wound like a crown."  This symphonic piece uses a backing orchestra written, arranged, and conducted by Paul Buckmaster.  

Madman Across the Water
The title track to the album was originally supposed to be a track on John's previous studio album, but it was rearranged for this album.  The lyrics are about a man in a coastal mental institution who doesn't know if he belongs there or not.  Many have speculated that Taupin wrote this about then President Richard Nixon, speculation to which Taupin responds, "That is genius.  I could never have thought of that."

Indian Sunset
The story about an American Indian warrior on the verge of defeat was inspired by Frederic Remington painting and/or a visit that Bernie Taupin paid to a reservation.  John has stated that the song is not a protest song, but a story.  The opening acapella verse sets the wistful tone of the rest of the song.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Main theme from the children's television series “Electric Company"
"Hey you guys!"  This children's educational show debuted in 1971.  

STAFF PICKS:

Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey by Paul and Linda McCartney
Bruce begins the staff picks with a song from "Ram," the only album attributed to Paul and Linda McCartney.  It reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1971, making it the first post-Beatles McCartney single to top the US charts.  It is actually a compilation of several song fragments assembled by engineer Eirik Wangberg.  The lyric "hands across the water/heads across the sky" refers to Linda and Paul being American and British.

Rain Dance by the Guess Who
Rob brings us a song penned by Burton Cummings and Kurt Winter which was the lead-off track from the Guess Who's eighth studio album, "So Long, Bannatyne."  Randy Bachman had departed the band by this time.  Many of the lyrics reference landmarks or businesses in their native Winnipeg, Canada.  

You Say It by Al Green
Wayne's staff pick is a fusion of funk and soul off Al Green's third studio album.  Green got his start at the age of nine in a gospel quartet. The lyrics from this song discuss the difficulties a guy has in picking up the phone to call his girl.  Al Green became a minister in 1976 and returned to gospel music in the mid-80's.

I'd Love to Change the World by Ten Years After
Lynch features a song that is the sole top-40 single from the British blues rock group in the U.S., peaking at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The lyrics express the frustration of the counter culture movement in wanting to change the world, but realizing that solutions are harder to reach than thought.

Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves by Cher
Brian finishes out the episode with a story from Cher. The lyrics are told from the perspective of a Gypsy girl born to a dancer in a traveling show.  When she is 16, she becomes pregnant from a young stranger who runs off, leaving her to raise a baby girl in the same situation as her mother raised her.

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

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?!?NXTGen 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.