What the Riff!?! delves once again into the great (and not so great) Christmas songs to add a little cheer as you rock around the Christmas tree this year. WSB Radio host Eric Von Haessler joins us for the fun!

“The Holly and the Ivy” by Jon Anderson
Jon Anderson's fourth solo album came out in 1985, and was a mixture of traditional Christmas carols and original material.  This is a traditional British folk Christmas carol.  Though it can't be traced any further back than the 1800's, the association between holly and Christmas dates back to medieval times.

“Please Come Home for Christmas” by the Eagles
Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and the rest of the Eagles put out this popular sad Christmas track in 1978, though it was a cover originally performed by blues pianist Charles Brown in 1960, and co-written by Brown and Gene Redd.

“The First Noel” by Crash Test Dummies
Front man Brad Roberts puts his distinctive bass voice to work on this traditional Christmas tune.  This carol originated in Cornwall, England and dates back to at least the early 1800's, using the French "Noel" as a synonym for the Christmas season

“The 12 Days of Christmas” by  Straight, No Chaser
This acapella group from Indiana University puts some comedic musicianship to work on this Christmas round.  We know you'll like it, sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus from the Serengeti.  

“Nut Rocker” by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
ELP puts a prog rock spin on the classic Nutcracker Suite.  Russian composer Tchaikovsky wrote the original Nutcracker as a two-act ballet in 1892, and is a fantasy taking place at the foot of a Christmas tree.

“Christmas All Over Again” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
This original song was penned by Tom Petty on a ukulele in 1992.  It was used in the motion picture "Home Alone 2:  Lost in New York," and also appeared in "Jingle All the Way."  Jeff Lynne co-produced the song, played bells, bass, timpani, sang background vocals, and wishes for a Chuck Berry Songbook in the song.

“The Christmas Song” by Weezer
This is not the one you're familiar with.  The more famous "The Christmas Song" was first performed by the Nat King Cole trio in 1946.  Weezer did this introspective original song with the same name in 2000 on a fan club Christmas LP.

“Minnie and Santa” by Cyndi Lauper
Lauper released this light hearted Christmas song in 1998 which tells of a fling that Minnie (not the mouse!) had with old Kris Kringle.  This may sound like a cover of a classic song, but it is an original written by Lauper and Jan Pulsford.

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra
You can't go wrong with Old Blue Eyes and a crooner Christmas classic.  This song originated in 1943 and was in the musical "Meet Me in St. Louis," where it was sung by Judy Garland.

“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen/We Three Kings”  by Barenaked Ladies
This Christmas medley also features fellow Canadian singer-songwriter Sara McLachlan joining in with the Barenaked Ladies.

“Listen, The Snow is Falling” by Yoko Ono & the Plastic Ono Band
Hear us out - this is an Ono piece that is actually quite good!  It was released in 1971 as the B-side to the better known "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," sung by John Lennon.

“If It Doesn't Snow On Christmas” by Joe Pesci
Chasing Macaulay Culkin isn't the only association Pesci has with Christmas.  He put this cover of an old Gene Autry song out on his 1998 album "Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just for You."

(and there might be a bonus ending related to the Beatles...)

We at What the Riff?!? wish every one a blessed and Merry Christmas!

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.

Blind Faith was a supergroup formed from Cream members Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker, Traffic founder Steve Winwood, and Family bassist/violinist Ric Grech.  Cream collapsed after increasing strife between members, particularly Baker and bassist Jack Bruce.  Traffic went on hiatus, and Winwood began jamming with Clapton in his basement.  Baker sat in on a session shortly after they moved to Traffic's rehearsal space in Berkshire, and was added to the lineup after some reluctance from Clapton was overcome.  Finally, Grech was invited to join, and  left the Family in the middle of a U.S. tour, creating understandable grievances.  

The group created blues-oriented and psychedelic rock for their eponymously named Blind Faith debut album.  A summer tour was launched, but it was a challenging thing.  Clapton didn't want to do long jam sessions on the tour, but their single album was not a lot of material for a concert.  As a result, they wound up playing a significant amount of Cream and Traffic songs.  This delighted the audience, but irritated and distanced Clapton.  

Despite great buzz from critics and fans alike, the group was destined to only last a few months.  Clapton began drifting away while on tour, spending more time with opening act Delaney & Bonnie.  He would eventually join that group prior to launching Derek & the Dominos.  Ginger Baker would move on to form Ginger Baker's Air Force, bringing in Winwood and Grech for a short stint before Winwood rejoined Traffic.  

Rob brings us this short-lived supergroup in this week's podcast. 

Had to Cry Today
The title track dispenses with the 3-minute single format in favor of a long form jam written by Steve Winwood.  The lyrics are ambiguous, and could reference a dying relationship, or perhaps a friend drifting away.

Can't Find My Way Home
Winwood also wrote this well-known single from the album, covered by a number of artists including Joe Cocker, Alison Krauss, and Bonnie Raitt.  Winwood has been asked about the meaning of the lyrics, but has said that discussing song lyrics is a little like explaining a joke - it doesn't add anything to the experience.  Clapton leaves his electric guitar in favor of a rare acoustic one for this song.

Well All Right
This track is the only one not written by members of Blind Faith.  Buddy Holly, Norman Petty, Jerry Allison, and Joe B. Mauldin wrote this song, and Holly sang it in 1958.  Clapton takes lead vocal duties on this song.

Sea of Joy
A piece of Winwood's writing also leads off side two of the album.  While some believe the song references hallucinogens, a simpler meaning would be simply the joy of being on the water.  “And I'm feeling close to when the race is run.  Waiting in our boats to set sail.  Sea of joy.”

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Pfft You Were Gone (from the variety show “Hee Haw”)
This country comedy and music show premiered on CBS in this month.  Buck Owens and Roy Clark led an ensemble of regulars and guests in this variety show.

STAFF PICKS:

These Eyes by The Guess Who
Wayne starts out the staff picks with a song co-written by lead singer Burton Cummings and lead guitarist Randy Bachman.  This was their breakout song, with lyrics that describe the devastating feeling in the days following a long relationship break-up.

Badge by Cream
Lynch reminds us that while Cream may have disbanded by this time, their music was still on the charts.  Eric Clapton and George Harrison wrote this song.  It was supposed to be called "Bridge," but was named "Badge," due to a misreading of the handwritten title.  George Harrison plays rhythm guitar, credited as "D'Angelo Misterioso" to avoid contractual issues.

Oh Happy Day by the Edwin Hawkins Singers
Bruce features the first gospel song to hit the charts, reaching number 4 on the US singles chart.  Edwin Hawkins took a hymn originally written by Phillip Doddridge in 1755, and updated it with a piano introduction inspired by Sergio Mendes and lyrical improvisations influenced by James Brown. 

See by The Rascals 
Rob finishes the staff picks with the fuzzy lead off and title track to the Rascals sixth studio album.  Between 1966 and 1968, the Rascals released a number of soul-inspired singles.  This album marked a change in the band's focus from blue-eyed soul to psychedelic rock.

COMEDY TRACK:

Gitarzan by Ray Stevens
One of the earliest comedy singles from Stevens closes out our podcast this week.

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

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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.

Bon Jovi took the rock world by storm with their massive third album, "Slippery When Wet."  A big tour followed, and afterwards the band was anxious to demonstrate that they were not a one (album) hit wonder.  They got into the studio at Vancouver, BC in May of 1988 and quickly recorded their fourth studio album entitled New Jersey.  Originally going under the working title "Sons of Beaches," the band would settle on their home state as the name of the album.  Bon Jovi wanted to make a double album, but the record label balked, fearing that the higher price tag of a double album would impact sales.  The album still clocked in at close to an hour of play length, not uncommon during a time when CD's were beginning to stretch the length of albums past the more common album play times.

The result was a stellar success, debuting on the Billboard 200 albums chart at number 8, before moving to the top spot a week later, where it would remain for four weeks.  Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora wrote most of the songs on the album, with some assistance from songwriter Desmond Child.  Five singles from the album went into the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with two topping that chart.

Bon Jovi would go on to an unusual achievement - remaining one of rock music's A-listers for decades.  Bon Jovi would continue to sell out arenas, a feat limited to groups such as U2, Metallica, Elton John, and the Rolling Stones.  

Friend of the show Julie Doran brings us this stellar album.  We are also joined by friend of the show Steve Hardin as we cover for the absence of both Wayne and Lynch this week. In addition, fan of the Show Christian joins us to help Rob bring his Staff Pick. 

Bad Medicine
Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora collaborate with Desmond Child in the writing of this song which went to number 1 on the US charts.  The lyrics are pretty straightforward, comparing love to a drug.  "There ain't no doctor that can cure my disease."  The video features hand-held cameras provided to fans at the concert providing their "point of view" at the concert.

Living In Sin
The fifth single from the album still broke into the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100.  This power ballad has lyrics that explore love being more powerful than the expectations of society.  Bon Jovi is singing about his high school sweetheart, whom he would marry in Las Vegas while on the New Jersey Syndicate tour.

Born to Be My Baby
This single is another example for the collaboration with Desmond Child, and peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song has a lot of similarities with Springsteen, with lyrics about a couple of working class lovers facing the world together.  The video took the opposite direction from many highly produced videos of the time, opting for low budget black-and-white.

I'll Be There For You
The big hit from the album was this number 1 power ballad.  With a runtime of 5:43, this song is the longest song to hit number 1 on the charts in 1989.  The lyrics describe a guy desperately seeking to get his girl back, this time forever.  

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Put a Little Love in Your Heart by Al Green and Annie Lennox (from the motion picture “Scrooged”)
Bill Murray stars in this retelling of "A Christmas Carol."

STAFF PICKS:

Armageddon It by Def Leppard
Rob starts off the staff picks with the sixth single from the multi-platinum album, "Hysteria."  High School Student and Fan of the Show, Christian, assists with his thoughts on the band. By the time this song hit number 3 on the US charts, the album had been out for well over a year.  The lyrics are a play on words - “Hey, but are you gettin' it?  Armageddon it.”

Desire by U2
Julie's staff pick has a blues feel and a Bo Diddley beat.  The song is both a critique of the glitzy televangelist making money off his followers, and the ambition and glitz surrounding a successful rock band.  It won a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group in 1989. 

I'm Sorry by Hothouse Flowers
Bruce features a long lost hit from a Dublin group that combines Irish music with an eclectic mix of soul, gospel, and rock influences.  You know, we all have times when we're "sitting back on our deep pile reclining chair" thinking about our lives and “looking over our misdemeanors, misgivings, misfortunes, and Miss Whatever her name is," and say "I'm sorry.”

Never Tear Us Apart by INXS
Steve closes out the staff picks this week.  INXS lead singer Michael Hutchence wrote the lyrics that describe a couple with an instant, almost karmic connection when they first meet.    This is the fourth single off the album "Kick" and went to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

COMEDY TRACK:

Wild Thing by Sam Kenison
The sultry sounds of Sam Kenison take us out with this angry cover of the Troggs classic. 

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

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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.

A reasonable case can be made that the eighth studio album by the Beatles is the most important album in all of Rock and Roll.  Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band creates a dividing line between 60's rock and what Rock and Roll would become in the 70's.  Incorporating elements of eastern mysticism, psychedelic music and art, counter-culture sensibilities, and complex orchestration, Sgt. Peppers was a groundbreaking demonstration of what an album could be.

Sgt. Peppers is one of the first concept albums - taking a theme and incorporating it into the entirety of the record.  The Beatles adopted personas for this album, becoming the fictional "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."  This allowed the band members to experiment with styles they either hadn't previously explored, or had not fully developed.  The studio also became an instrument for the band, and they incorporated techniques like multitracking, variable speed recording, and the use of sound effects to create complex soundscapes.

Lyrics vary from social commentary to whimsy, to surrealism.  While many songs remain lighthearted, others take a more somber tone, mirroring the cultural upheaval that was happening in the late 60's counterculture.  The album also brings visual art into the mix, with psychedelic cover art rather than simple photographs.

Sgt. Peppers tops many "best albums" lists, and has sold over 32 million copies worldwide.

Friend of the show Steve Hardin presents this monster album this week, and we're joined by friend of the show Julie Doran as Wayne and Lynch are out of town for today's podcast.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
The opening track introduces us to the alter ego of the band, including an intro of a pit orchestra warming up and a transitional brass band in the middle of the song.  Paul McCartney acts as the carnival barker introducing the band, reunited after 20 years.  Lennon then takes over, thanking the audience for their attendance.  

With A Little Help from My Friends
Drummer Ringo Starr takes lead vocal duties on this song that has a more intimate touch.  In contrast to the bombastic start, Starr shows vulnerability as he asks what would happen if he sang out of tune, and leans on his friends for support.  Ringo Starr didn't write the music like Lennon and McCartney, but typically would sing lead on one song on each album.

Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!
The track that finishes side 1 was inspired by an old circus poster from 1943 that Lennon had purchased in an antique store.  The song is a collage of circus images, complete with calliope.  It returns to the theme of the first song, but this time focusing on circus performers rather than the band. 

Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)/A Day in the Life
The concluding album tracks are often played together.  The reprise of the opening track is faster paced, and more rock oriented.  The concluding track alternates between a dream sequence and the rush of an ordinary day.  It concludes with four pianos simultaneously sounding an E-major chord.  

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Casino Royale by Herb Alpert (from the motion picture “Casino Royale”)
Not your ordinary James Bond fare, this film was a comedic spoof on the popular spy franchise starring David Niven, Peter Sellers, and Ursula Andress.

STAFF PICKS:

For What Its Worth by Buffalo Springfield
Bruce's staff pick peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Stephen Stills was inspired to write the song by the Sunset Strip curfew riots in Los Angeles.  Buffalo Springfield got a close look at the riots as the house band at the Whiskey a Go Go, when young people rebelled against a strict 10:00 p.m. curfew successfully advocated by local residents, annoyed with club goers clogging the streets late at night.  

The Loser (with a Broken Heart) by Gary Lewis and the Playboys
Rob brings us a jangle pop hit from the son of Jerry Lewis. Gary Lewis and the Playboys cultivated a "boy next door" image and had a string of hits in the late 60's.  Lewis was drafted into the army in 1967, and though some songs previously recorded (like this one) continued to be successful, the band began to diminish in popularity.

I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) by Aretha Franklin
Julie features a soulful song from the iconic Queen of Soul.  This is off Franklin's tenth studio album.  The first nine were jazz oriented, and much less successful than this influential album.  This album was recorded in Mussel Shoals where an altercation resulted in an abrupt change of venue to New York.

Strawberry Fields Forever by the Beatles
It might appear that Steve is double dipping on this staff pick, but this well known Beatles song was a non-album single popular at the time.  The song was the result of multiple takes spliced together.  Lennon was inspired by a memory of a strawberry field where he played as a child.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Wade In the Water by Herb Alpert
Alpert had a TV special this month on which he played his jazzy rendition of this gospel standard. 

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.

It is a little surprising that we have gotten this far into the podcast without featuring an album by Mötley Crüe.  This is a group that practically defined the hair metal genre of the mid to late-80's.  The band formed in 1981 in Hollywood, and featured both a party-oriented lifestyle and an androgynous look.  The core and classic members of the band were Nikki Sixx on bass and keyboards, Mick Mars on lead guitar and backing vocals, Tommy Lee on drums and backing vocals, and Vince Neil as front man.  Many other musicians would be brought in for sessions, and the group itself would change personnel over the years.  

However, the classic lineup was still in place for their fifth studio album, Dr. Feelgood.  At the time, the group was facing conflicts that caused Producer Bob Rock to have each member record their parts separately.  This was also the first album recorded after the group started a quest to get sober and go through rehab.  Additionally, recording took place in Vancouver, getting the band out of the familiar (and seductive) L.A. scene.

The result of these sessions was impressive.  Dr. Feelgood was the groups most successful album to date, and went to the top of the Billboard 200 album chart, the only Crüe album to do so.  It was also reviewed positively by critics, receiving the award for "Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album of the Year" at the American Music Awards in 1991.

Friend of the show Greg Lyon sits in for Bruce and brings us this excellent glam metal album of the late 80's for this week's podcast.

Dr. Feelgood
This title track peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Mötley Crüe's most successful single to date.  The song about a drug dealer chronicles the connection between LA Rock and drug use.  It has an infectious funky riff and a more sophisticated production which departs from earlier Mötley Crüe efforts.

Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)
The softer approach of this power ballad song are betrayed by its adolescent lyrics.  Bassist Nikki Sixx was inspired by a movie line to make this sarcastic song. It's tongue in cheek lyrics and reference to earlier Crüe songs make it a favorite at their live shows.  like fire, don't you ever take my name in vain."

Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.)
This fifth single released from the album tells a comedic story of a boy meeting two girls, and by the end of the song the boy has been passed over while the two girls end up together.  Many of  Mötley Crüe's songs had lighter, humorous lyrics, which contributed to their appeal.

Kickstart My Heart
Do not play this song when driving through a speed trap!  The song is not about a relationship, but about Nikki Sixx's heroin overdose.  Sixx was clinically dead, requiring the paramedic to inject adrenaline into his heart to get it beating again.  This single reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100.   

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Welcome Home by Willie Nelson (from the motion picture “Welcome Home”)
This film starred Kris Kristofferson as a Vietnam War vet returning to his family after a 20-year absence.

STAFF PICKS:

New Orleans Is Sinking by the Tragically Hip
Wayne turns to the college rock genre to start off our staff picks.  The Tragically Hip is better known in their native Canada than in the US, but their music is well worth a listen.  This song was recorded in Memphis, and has a delta blues feel, almost rockabilly.  The song was temporarily removed from radio playlists after hurricane Katrina broke the levies and flooded New Orleans.  

Wait for You by Bonham
If you think that this song sounds like Led Zeppelin, you aren't the only one.  Rob features Jason Bonham's band.  Jason Bonham was the son of the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham.  Jason Bonham has a playing style very similar to his father, and recruited Daniel McMaster to the band on vocals - a singer with a sound very similar to Zeppelin front man Robert Palmer.  This is the main single from the debut album, "The Disregard of Timekeeping." 

Poison by Alice Cooper
Lynch brings us a song from Cooper's eighteenth album, "Trash."  This song was a major comeback single for Cooper, his first top 10 single in the US in 12 years.  The song tells the story of a guy entrapped by a girl that he knows is wrong for him, but also someone he can't let go.

Down Boys by Warrant 
Greg finishes the staff picks with another hair metal band.  This is the debut single from Warrant's debut album, "Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich."  It reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.  

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Stand On It by Jeff Beck with Terry Bozzio and Tony Hymas
We close out with a guitar instrumental from guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck, accompanied by drummer Terry Bozzio and keyboardist Tony Hymas.

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.

One of the greatest songwriters of the 60's, Bob Dylan had released seven solo albums between 1962 and 1966.  Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits compiles many of the singles from this period along with some of the songs Dylan wrote for other musicians.  The compilation went to number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, number 3 on the UK album chart, and has been certified five times platinum by the RIAA.

In the summer of 1966, Dylan crashed his motorcycle near his home, and took off time to recover.  The record company was anxious to follow up Dylan's successful "Blonde on Blonde" album, but had no new recordings available, and no clarity on how long Dylan would be out of the studio.  Thus the decision to release a Greatest Hits album was an easy one for them.  

Born Robert Allen Zimmerman in Duluth, Minnesota, the stage name comes from the poet Dylan Thomas.  Bob Dylan rose out of the Beatnik coffee houses, and he took inspiration from a wide variety of sources including Woodie Guthrie, Hank Williams, and blues artists like Robert Johnson.  He has the unusual distinction of having won a Nobel Prize in Literature. 

Wayne takes us through this iconic folk rock compilation album, and friend of the show Greg Lyon joins us in Bruce's absence for this week's podcast.

Positively 4th Street
This non-album single was released in 1965 between the "Highway 61 Revisited" album and the "Blonde on Blonde" album, and reached the top 10 on charts in both the US and the UK.  The lyrics are laden with bitterness, as the singer laments the lack of compassion in a person who "has a lot of nerve to say you are my friend."  An inspiration for this song could have been the reaction Dylan received from folk artists and fans when he "went electric."

Blowin' in the Wind
While Dylan released this as a single in 1963, the most successful version of this song was the cover by Peter, Paul and Mary in the same year.  This well-known protest song asks a number of questions in its lyrics, most focused on issues of peace and freedom.  Whether an answer "blowin' in the wind" is obvious or difficult to grasp is left deliberately ambiguous.  

The Times They Are a-Changin'
This is the title track to Dylan's 1964 album.  It is iconic today as a commentary on society in general and 1960's society in particular.  The number of groups that have covered this song is vast, including such diverse names as Joan Baez, the Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Burl Ives.

Subterranean Homesick Blues
A number of things make this song famous, from the early video style to the rapid lyric pace, to the inspiration for the name of the domestic terrorist group of the 70's, the Weather Underground ("you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows").  Dylan claims inspiration from Chuck Berry and the scat songs of the 1940's in the creation of this track.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Sitting There Standing by the Chocolate Watchband (from the motion picture "Riot on the Sunset Strip")
This counterculture movie came out during this time, sporting a soundtrack that may be better than the film itself.

STAFF PICKS:

Detroit City by Tom Jones
Rob starts the staff picks with a slow blues number originally written by Mel Tillis.  Jones cover of this country song originally released by Bobby Bare is about being lonely and homesick on the road.  Jones' version went to number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100.  

I'll Be Doggone by Marvin Gaye
Lynch brings us an upbeat tune which is the first song on which he collaborated with Smokey Robinson.  The lyrics tell the singer's girlfriend that if she cheats on him he'll be (dog)gone.  This was a big time for the Motown sound.

Can't Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley
Special guest Greg's staff pick is an iconic ballad by the King.  Recorded for the movie "Blue Hawaii" in 1961, it was on the charts in 1962, but has been popular ever since.  Elvis was a great inspiration for Greg's life and musicianship.

Action Woman by the Litter
Wayne features an early garage band with a fuzzy feel.  It is a good early example of psychedelic music, and chronicles a man's search for a woman of action - a more active girlfriend.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Music to Watch Girls By by the Bob Crewe Generation
This is a great song title with which to finish off the podcast - or ride in an elevator! 

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.

A number of bands seem to turn a corner with their third album, and Master of Puppets is no exception.  Metallica's third album would achieve both critical and commercial success, crossing out of the new thrash metal sub-genre of hard rock to achieve multi-platinum recognition.  Lead singer and rhythm guitarist James Hetfield collaborated with drummer Lars Ulrich as the principal songwriters, creating riffs that were assembled and reassembled over time until they formed a song.  The band would then be called in to create a tile and topic for the song, at which point Hetfield would create the lyrics.

Master of Puppets peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.  Although glam metal was on the rise, the band avoided the over-produced, synth-laden sound popular in the era, and stuck to their signature thrash metal sound with political lyrics.  The resulting album would consolidate the thrash metal scene, and bring the sound into a more mainstream audience.

Unfortunately, the album would also be the last one for which bassist Cliff Burton would be featured.  Burton died in September 1986 while the band was on tour in Sweden, and their bus was involved in an accident.

Metallica would become a huge group from the late 80's onward, and this album shows the strength of the group in those years when they were just coming into the consciousness of the commercial world.

Lynch brings us this highly influential thrash metal album.  Fans of the Show Julie Doran and son Zack join us in Wayne's absence for today's podcast.

Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
The song that concludes side 1 of the album was inspired by Ken Kesey's novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."  The lyrics portray the thoughts of a mental patient incorrectly institutionalized in an asylum.  The track starts slow and picks up steam as it goes.  

Battery
This title could be a reflection of the charge of assault and battery, or it could be inspired by the military hardware of an artillery battery.  There is also a connection to the original San Francisco thrash scene, centered on the Old Waldorf club on Battery Street.  Control of violent urges is a connection that runs through the piece regardless of the original inspiration.

Master of Puppets
Cocaine addiction is the master of puppets referenced in this title track.  Hetfield had friends experiencing drug addiction, and wrote this track from the perspective of the drug itself, taking over the lives of people.  This will be a familiar song to fans of "Stranger Things."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Loved By the Sun by Jon Anderson and Tangerine Dream (from the motion picture “Legend”)
This fantasy film starring Tom Cruise and Mia Sara was in the theaters at this time.

STAFF PICKS:

Your Wildest Dreams by the Moody Blues
Rob starts off the staff picks with a song that singer and guitarist Justin Heyward wrote while thinking back on his first love.  It hit number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, making this song the biggest commercial success for the Moody Blues since "Knights in White Satin."

Mothers Talk by Tears for Fears
Bruce's staff pick was inspired by a mom telling her kids that when they make faces, they will freeze that way.  It is also inspired by an anti-nuclear cartoon called "When the Wind Blows" by Raymond Briggs.  The song was written by Roland Orzabal and Ian Stanley, and first performed in 1983.  It went to number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100. 

Kiss by Prince & the Revolution
Julie features a chart topping hit and lead single from Prince's eighth studio album, "Parade."  The song is more acoustic and stripped down than prior Prince hits, and Warner Bros. didn't want to release it as a single.  However, Prince insisted on both its inclusion on the album and its release as a single.

Addicted to Love by Robert Palmer
Lynch closes out the staff picks with a song that may be more famous for its video featuring models pretending to play the instruments.  Palmer originally wanted to sing this song as a duet with Chaka Kahn, but was prevented from doing so by legal issues.  

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Songbird by Kenny G.
You just can't go wrong with a sax as we close out today's podcast. 

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

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

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

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

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

What The Riff?!? makes another scary trip down the Halloween rabbit hole with these theme songs, movie and TV music, and rock songs with a bent towards the macabre.  We hope you enjoy this third edition of "Halloween" from What the Riff?!? 

Highway to Hell by AC/DC  The opening track to the 1979 album of the same name features Bon Scott on his last album as lead singer of the group before his untimely death.  The name of the song was inspired by the group's gruesome touring schedule.

Shout at the Devil by Motley Crue  The Crue's 1983 breakthrough album of the same name would establish them as one of the most successful metal bands of the 80's.  The song was controversial, with many believing that it encouraged devil worship, though the lyrics themselves do not explicitly do so.

Disarm by The Smashing Pumpkins  Off their breakout album "Siamese Dream," this song references "the killer in me is the killer in you" is inspired by Billy Corgan's contemplation of his negligent parents and suicide.  The lyrics "cut that little child" caused the song to be banned by the BBC.

Demons by Imagine Dragons  This song off Imagine Dragons' major label debut studio album became their second top 10 single.  It is really not about demons in the Halloween sense, but more the tragedies of life like abuse, PTSD, and mental illness.

Voodoo by Godsmack  The third single from Godsmack's self-titled debut album was inspired by Wes Craven's film “The Serpent and the Rainbow.”  This song became Dave Bautista's theme song as Leviathan when he was in the WWE.  

Mommy's Little Monster by Social Distortion  The title track from Social Distortion's debut album tells a horror tale of a kid becoming a punk rocker.  It is another song about dealing with personal demons rather than the supernatural. 

Witch Wolf by Styx  Early in their career Styx put out this song to lead off their third album, “The Serpent is Rising.”  James Young takes lead vocal duties on this song that tells about a person accursed by a creature called the witch wolf, and night rider.

Dragula by Rob Zombie  The lead single from Rob Zombie's debut album may be his biggest hit.  The audio clip at the beginning of the song is taken from the 1960 horror film “The City of the Dead.”  The name comes from the TV sitcom "The Munsters," where Grandpa Munster has a dragster called "Drag-u-la."

The theme to the TV series "Twilight Zone" This menagerie of bizarre tales from the early days of TV still has staying power in our sci-fi culture. 

Sympathy for the Devil by the Rolling Stones  Mick Jagger walks us through a discussion with Old Scratch himself in this well-known classic from the Stones' catalogue.  The idea is a narrative from Satan's point of view as he reviews historical events.

That Old Black Magic by Frank Sinatra  Old Blue Eyes gave us this romantic song with a Halloween bent.  It was a jazz classic originally written in 1942 with lyrics penned by Johnny Mercer.  Love is "that old black magic" in this tune.

Night of the Vampire by Roky Erickson  From this cult classic album "The Evil One," this song is one of a plethora of horror-oriented tracks on the album.  Erickson spent a significant amount of time in mental institutions.

The Kill (Bury Me) by Thirty Seconds to Mars  Jared Leto, front man for the group (and perhaps better known as an actor today), has said this song is about the relationship you have with yourself, and confronting the dark side of who you are.

Take Me to Church by Hozier  This haunting hit song compares falling in love with a kind of death, and compares the lover to a kind of religion.

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.

No More Tears, the sixth solo studio album by Ozzy Osbourne, was released at an interesting time in rock music.  Hair metal acts were in decline, and grunge was about to take off.  Nevertheless, Ozzy hit it big with this album, reaching number 7 on the Billboard 200 charts, and providing Osbourne's only solo top 40 hit.  No More Tears is generally considered his best album since his first two solo albums, "Blizzard of Oz," and "Diary of a Madman," both of which featured the late Randy Rhodes on guitar.  

The songs on the album are largely written by Ozzy, drummer Randy Castillo, and guitarist Zakk Wylde.  Motorhead bassist and front man Lemmy Kilmister wrote the lyrics to four of the tracks on the album.  Additional musicians for this album were Bob Daisley on bass, and John Sinclair on keyboards.  This would be the last Ozzy album to feature Castillo and Daisley.

As became more common in the compact disc era of the 90's, the tracks on this album tend to be longer than the typical single.  None of the tracks clock in at less than 4 minutes, and the longest falls just short of 7 1/2 minutes.  

In addition to boasting Osbourne's first top 40 hit, he also received a Grammy for "Best Metal Performance" for the track "I Don't Want to Chane the World" when released on his "Live & Loud" album in 1994.

Rob brings us this heavy metal throwback for this week's journey back to the 90's.

Mama, I'm Coming Home
This track peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Osbourne's only top 40 solo single.  This power ballad contains lyrics by Lemmy Kilmister, the front man from Motorhead.  The song is about his wife Sharon, who helped turn his life around.

Desire
A crunchy deep cut talks about going for what you want - not changing over time, seeking the same desire.  Osbourne also makes a reference to "Crazy train," his hit from the early 80's.  "It's the same old desire, nothing's changed, nothing's the same.  Burning like fire, don't you ever take my name in vain."

Road to Nowhere
The last song on the album is a reflection on life.  Osbourne had gone sober after 20 years of drugs and alcohol, and he looking at how "the road to nowhere leads to me."  "I was looking back on my life and all the things I've done to me." 

No More Tears
This very dark title track has an epic feel, and despite its length hit number 5 on the US Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, number 71 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 32 on the UK Singles chart.  The lyrics are told from the perspective of a stalker in a red light district seeking a victim to torture.   

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Wayne's World by Aerosmith (from the Saturday Night Live skit “Wayne's World”)
This skit finds Wayne (Mike Myers) and Garth (Dana Carvey) partying in their basement with the band Aerosmith.

STAFF PICKS:

Tough It Out by Webb Wilder
Wayne starts out the staff picks with a deep cut.  Webb Wilder was born John Webb McMurry in Mississippi, and carries a high energy combination of rock, psychedelic, blues, and rockabilly genres in this song that encourages the listener to keep fighting for dreams even when the odds seem stacked against their fruition.  

Alive by Pearl Jam
Lynch brings us a song which evolved from songwriter and front man Eddie Vedder's original intention.  Vedder reflects on the feelings of a boy discovering that he was a stepchild.  While the lyrics were intended as reflecting the curse of an emotional weight from family history, fans interpreted it as an affirmation of life.

I Can't Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt
Bruce takes the energy way down with this soft hit off Raitt's eleventh studio album, "Luck of the Draw."  Bruce Hornsby provides the piano accompaniment.  Nashville writers Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin wrote the song after hearing about a drunk man being sentenced for shooting at his girlfriend's car.  When asked if he had learned anything, he said, "I learned, Your Honor, that you can't make a woman love you if she don't."

Anybody Listening? by Queensryche 
Rob finishes the staff picks with a "prog metal" song off the "Empire" album that questions whether we really are communicating with people, and wondering if we are understood whether by word or deed.  It was an epic with multiple tempos, dynamics, and key changes that finished off the album.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Masquerade by Yes
We close out with a surprisingly short song by the prog rock virtuosos off their "Union" 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.

Kansas was at the height of their prowess and popularity as a prog rock-leaning band in 1978 when they released their first live album, Two for the Show.  Recorded during tours in 1977 and 1978, the double album gives the listener a glimpse into the energy of the band at the time.  The songs span the first five studio albums released by the group, from the eponymously named "Kansas" to the highly successful "Point of Know Return."

Kansas would have a number of personnel changes over time, but this lineup would be the classic one.  Steve Walsh is on keyboards and vocals, Robby Steinhardt is on violins and vocals, Kerry Livgren is on guitars and keyboards, Rich Williams is on guitars, Dave Hope is on bass, and Phil Ehart is on percussion.

In addition to the complex metered songs and excellent harmonies, Kansas also features Robby Steinhardt on violin in most of their songs.  The unusual use of violin in a rock band would create one of the signature sounds of Kansas.  

Kansas would go on to have a number of hits in the 80's.  In 1982 front man Steve Walsh would leave the group and be replaced by John Elfante.  In 1983 both Livgren and Hope would leave the group to form the contemporary Christian band called AD.  Later Elfante would also leave the group to join the Contemporary Christian music genre, replaced by a returning Steve Walsh.

Bruce presents this live prog rock masterpiece for this week's podcast..

Song for America
This long-form masterpiece from the album of the same name was written by Kerry Livgren.  Its 3+ minute instrumental prelude did not make it onto the single release, but was a staple of FM rock stations at the time.  Livgren was inspired to write the song after viewing the country from a plane flight.

Dust In the Wind
The big hit from "Point of Know Return," went to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Livgren originally wrote the music as a guitar exercise, and his wife encouraged him to develop it into a song.  The lyrics for this ballad come from the Bible, where the Preacher from Ecclesiastes says "everything he (man) has accomplished is futile - like chasing the wind." This live version concludes with an acoustic guitar outro performed by Rich Williams.

Lonely Wind
The live version of this song from their debut studio album begins with a piano solo from Kerry Livgren.  Steve Walsh penned this melancholy track about loneliness, with the wind personifying that feeling.  "Cry for me, sigh for me, sad breezes blow.  Stay for me, play for me, the song my friends will know.  My lonely wind must blow."  

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Grease by Frankie Valli (from the motion picture "Grease")
John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John star in this blockbuster musical set in a 50's high school.  50's icon Frankie Valli performs the title song, written by Barry Gibb.

STAFF PICKS:

Strange Way by Firefall
Wayne goes more mellow than normal to start the staff picks.  This was the first track and big hit from the third album by Boulder, Colorado's Firefall.  It talks about a relationship based on relaying sorrow or self-pity, and not being able to move the current relationship forward.  

Straight On by Heart
Rob brings us a well-known song from Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart.  This was the first single off their album "Dog & Butterfly," and became their third top 20 single, hitting number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The lyrics compare love to a game of chance, where you have to take some risks if you want to win.

Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen
"Get on your bikes and ride!"  Lynch features a hit written by Brian May with Freddie Mercury in mind, knowing that Mercury appreciated women of "substantial girth."  It was a part of a double A side release with "Bicycle Race," and the songs reference each other in the lyrics. 

How Much I Feel by Ambrosia
Bruce's staff pick is a soft rock hit that went to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Front man and co-founder David Pack wrote this song about a long-lost love that the singer will never truly get over.  Pack would go on to perform on the Kansas album "Vinyl Confessions" in 1982.

NOVELTY TRACK:

Y.M.C.A. by the Village People 
All skate, everyone skate for this fun throwback that tells a young man where he can go when he's short on the dough.

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.