What the Riff?!?

Aretha Franklin got her start at an early age in Gospel music.  As the granddaughter of Gospel great Mahalia Jackson and the daughter of a prominent Baptist preacher, Franklin was heard on her father's "gospel caravan" tours at the age of twelve.  By the time she became an adult in 1960 she had decided that she wanted to go into more pop music, and moved to New York for this purpose.  She signed a deal with Columbia Records, in 1960, but her career would not really take off until moving to Atlantic Records in 1966.  By 1968 she was considered by many to be the most successful singer in the nation, and already crowned the "Queen of Soul."Franklin toured outside the US for the first time in late April 1968 through May 1968.  She performed in Paris on May 7, 1968, and this concert would be released as the live album Aretha in Paris in the fall of 1968.  It was Franklin's second live album, and the first for Atlantic Records where most of her hits were recorded.Some have criticized the backing band as not up to the task of supporting Franklin.  However, this album captures Franklin at the top of her game at a time when she was cranking out some of the biggest hits of her career.  It would be difficult for any supporting band to keep up, particularly one assembled for an overseas tour.  Regardless, this is a great album to explore as a snapshot of Aretha Franklin at the height of success.Lynch brings us a high energy live soul album from the Queen of Soul in her prime for today's podcast. (I Can't Get No) SatisfactionThis Rolling Stones cover is the lead-off track to the album and to the concert.  The Stones had released this song in 1965, and it had become their first number 1 song in the States.  Franklin takes the tempo up for this cover.(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural WomanCarole King and Gerry Goffin wrote this song for Franklin based on an idea from producer Jerry Wexler.  It originally appeared on Franklin's album "Lady Soul", and went to number 8 on the U.S. charts.  It would make history when it hit the UK charts a week after Franklin's death in 2018, 51 years after the single was first released. (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been GoneThe original single for this live song was released on the "Lady Soul" album, and reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.  This song was written by Franklin and her then-husband Teddy White. The studio version of this song utilized the talents of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, who were flown in from Alabama to record in a New York City studio.Chain of FoolsSongwriter Don Covay wrote this song in his youth, and presented it to producer Jerry Wexler as a song for Otis Redding.  Wexler decided to have Franklin record it instead of Redding.  It was a big hit, taking the number 1 slot on the R&B charts for four weeks, number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and delivering Franklin a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Theme from the television comedy show “Laugh In”This sketch comedy show would capture a lot of American counter-culture of the time from Tiny Tim to "sock it to me!" STAFF PICKS:Ride My See Saw by the Moody BluesWayne kicks off the staff picks with a psychedelic song from the second Moody Blues album, "In Search of the Lost Chord."  The song is about leaving school and finding that the world isn't what you thought it would be.  On the album, the song is preceded by a spoken word introduction called "Departure."Harper Valley PTA by Jeannie C. RileyRob's staff pick is a storytelling song written by Tom T. Hall about a widow named Mrs. Johnson and her tangle with the PTA.  When her teenage daughter received a note from the Harper Valley PTA criticizing the way she is living, Mrs. Johnson attends the next meeting and reveals some indiscretions of the other PTA members.Light My Fire by Jose FelicianoBruce features an acoustic cover of the Doors hit single with a Latin twist.  Jose Feliciano is best known for the Christmas song "Feliz Navidad," but this Puerto Rican artist also had a hit with this cover that peaked at number 3 on in late summer 1968.  His album "Feliciano!" is a selection of acoustic cover songs, and his most successful one.  He won "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance" at the 1969 Grammy Awards for this cover.Son of a Preacher Man by Dusty SpringfieldLynch closes out the staff picks with a song that writers John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins wrote with Aretha Franklin in mind.  When Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler heard it, he thought it would be a good fit for Dusty Springfield who was recording her "Dusty in Memphis" album at the time.  INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:And I Love Her by Jose FelicianoWe double up on the Latin acoustic stylings of Feliciano as this Beatles cover takes us out of this week's podcast.   Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

Many mark the start of the singer-songwriter genre to have begun when Carole King released her second studio album, the iconic Tapestry. As would be expected from a singer-songwriter, all of the songs on the album were either written or co-written by King.  Tapestry is considered one of the greatest albums of all time in the soft rock genre.Born Carol Joan Klein in Manhattan, King began piano lessons at four years of age.  Her upbringing included friendship with Paul Simon and dating Neil Sedaka.  In the 50's at the age of 17 she met and married Jerry Goffin with whom she would team up on songwriting through the 60's - King writing the music and Goffin writing the lyrics.  They had several successful songs during the 60's including "Pleasant Valley Sunday" (The Monkees), "I'm Into Something Good" (Herman's Hermits), and "Up On the Roof" (the Drifters).  King and Goffin divorced by 1968, and King moved to Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles to re-start her recording career.Tapestry features both new and old songs of Carole King's catalog.  Several new friends from the Laurel Canyon area appear on the album, including James Taylor and Joni Mitchell.  Fellow songwriter Toni Stern co-wrote two of the songs, including the hit "It's Too Late."The album was a hit, spending 313 weeks on the Billboard Charts (second only to "Dark Side of the Moon" in time on the chart).  It also was a critical success, taking the Grammy for Album of the Year at the 1972 Grammy awards.  King announced her retirement from music in May 2012, but has done a few things since then, including a live performance of Tapestry in Hyde Park in 2016.  Friend of the show Greg Lyon sits in for Wayne while Bruce presents this soft rock album for this week's podcast.TapestryThe title track to the album is a look back on life as a colorful combination of threads woven into a picture or pattern, but not one intended to last.  This is a deeper cut which was not released as a single.Where You LeadSeveral songs became hits for other artists while the album was still on the charts, including this one.  Barbara Streisand recorded this song for her 1971 album, and it reached number 40.  The song takes its inspiration from the book of Ruth in the Bible.  It was also the theme song for the television series "Gilmore Girls."  Toni Stern collaborated with King to write this song.  You've Got a FriendThis is another song which became a hit for another artist.  James Taylor did this on his 1971 album, "Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon," making it to number 1 on the US charts.  The two albums were being produced concurrently, and Taylor, Joni Mitchell, and Danny Kortchmar perform on both King's version and on Taylor's version.  King has said the song is a response to the line in James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" which says "I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend."  So Far AwayJames Taylor is on acoustic guitar for this piece, and King is on piano.  It went to number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was on the charts in September 1971.  It starts with a focus on the physical distance between lovers, then moves on to emotional distance.  ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Main theme from the serial Danger Island (from the television series “The Banana Splits Adventure Hour”) This live action 10-minute adventure short appeared as a part of "The Banana Splits Adventure Hour," which concluded this month. STAFF PICKS:Ain't No Sunshine by Bill WithersLynch leads off the staff picks with Withers' breakthrough single from his debut album, "Just As I Am."  The inspiration for this song was the 1962 film "Days of Wine and Roses," which portrays two characters who were alcoholics.  The idea is that someone may not be right for you, but you miss them regardless.  Signs by Five Man Electrical Band"And the sign said 'long haired freaky people need not apply!"  Rob brings us a signature song from a Canadian band.  The song originally appeared as a B-side to a less successful song called "Hello Melinda Goodbye," but became successful on its own.  Frontman Les Emerson wrote this song after seeing so many billboards in Los Angeles which obscured the natural scenery.Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get by The DramaticsGreg features the title song from the debut album of R&B group The Dramatics.  This song contrasting the fakeness of people with the authenticity of the singer went to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the R&B chart.  It fuses a Motown feel with a Latin undertone.Thin Line Between Love and Hate by The PersuadersBruce brings us a cautionary tale about a guy who comes home late at night, finding his girl smiling and ready to cook him some dinner.  He learns his lesson when he wakes up in the hospital, beaten to within an inch of his life.  This song by a New York R&B group made it to number 15 on the US charts.  INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:The Rock by Atomic RoosterWe close out with an instrumental from a British rock band originally co-formed by prog rock organist Vincent Crane and percussionist Carl Palmer. 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.

U2 released a part-live, part studio album in October 1988 called Rattle and Hum.  This album accompanied a filmed “Rockumentary” of the band which was filmed in Denver and Arizona.  Originally intended to be entitled  “U2 in the Americas,” the album and film instead take their name from lyrics in the song “Bullet the Blue Sky' from their album “The Joshua Tree.” Studio sessions for Rattle and Hum included time at Sun Studio in Memphis, and include collaborations with other musicians including Bob Dylan and B.B. King.  The intent of Rattle and Hum was to explore more American blues rock, and folk, and roots music of the 50's and 60's, and includes both original and cover songs.  Critics were divided on the album at the time of its release.  Some felt that U2 was not celebrating blues rock and artists as much as they were attempting to insert themselves into higher echelons of rock celebrity.  Over time the criticisms of egotism would fade, as U2 has indeed proven to be a major force in the Rock pantheon.  In retrospect, both Bono and The Edge have found Rattle and Hum to be a bit of a side excursion for the band, more of a “scrapbook” than a true direction.  The new direction of U2 would be set beginning with their next studio album, “Achtung Baby” in 1991.  Regardless, Rattle and Hum is a great album, well worth a listen.  The collaboration with other artists is worth special attention, as is its examination of the way that modern rock finds its roots in the delta blues.Friend of the show Greg Lyon sits in for Wayne, while Rob brings us this hybrid album for today's podcast.Angel of HarlemThe second single from the album is an original studio release which was written as an homage to Billie Holiday.  Songwriting took place during the tour for ”The Joshua Tree,” and the lyrics take inspiration form various landmarks around New York City.  The track reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 9 on the UK Singles chart.  When Love Comes to TownRecorded in Sun Studios, this U2 original song features collaboration with blues guitarist B.B. King. Live performances included B.B. King and his band during the “Lovetown Tour” in 1989.  U2 would discontinue playing the song in concert over time, but revived it in 2015 as a tribute to B.B. King after his death.  King plays lead on this song written by The Edge, who takes on rhythm guitar for this track.All Along the WatchtowerThis live cover is of a song written by Bob Dylan and made famous by Jimi Hendrix.  The lyrics are of a conversation between a joker and a thief, and several lines echo lines of scripture from the book of Isaiah in the Bible.  U2 performed this live cover in San Francisco at the “Save The Yuppie Free Concert.”  Some of the lyrics were altered, which irritated Dylan. Pride (In the Name of Love)A live version of the studio song from the 1984 album The Unforgettable Fire, this was recorded in Denver.  The popularity of this song can be heard in the audience call-and-response.  The lyrics were inspired by elements of the civil rights movement, particularly the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Iko Iko by The Belle Stars (from the motion picture “Rain Man”)Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman turned in stellar performances in this dramatic film exploring autism. STAFF PICKS:Kiss by Art of Noise featuring Tom JonesBruce leads off the staff picks with a cover of a Prince song performed by an unusual pairing of art rock group the Art of Noise with Vegas crooner Tom Jones.  This became the biggest hit for the Art of Noise to that point, reaching number 5 on the UK charts and number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100.  She Drives Me Crazy by Fine Young CannibalsLynch brings us the most successful single from the British pop trio, off their second and final album, “The Raw & the Cooked.” The band formed from two previous bands, one Ska, and one Punk.  The track was composed at Prince's Paisley Park Studios in Minneapolis.Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Great WhiteGreg features a rocker.  Great White covered a song originally written and performed by Ian Hunter in 1975.  This song went to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Great White had a more blues-oriented sound than many of the hair metal bands of the late 80's.  Lead singer Jack Russell passed after a battle with Lewy body dementia in August 2024.What I Am by Edie Brickell & New BohemiansRob closes out the staff picks with the signature song off Edie Brickell & New Bohemians' debut album, "Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars."  The inspiration for the song was Brickell's frustration with the dogma exhibited in a world religions class in college.  Brickell would meet her husband and fellow musician, Paul Simon, when she performed this song on Saturday Night Live. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Sunset Road by Bela Fleck & the FlecktonesThis jazz fusion piece with an unusual banjo lead was on the group's debut album, and takes us out for this episode. 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.

Every Picture Tells a Story is a great name for Rod Stewart's third solo studio album.  The songs consist of solid storytelling, using mixture of original  and cover tracks to paint a mosaic of life, love, and loss.  This album would mark the transition of Stewart from a solid rock vocalist to an A-list performer.  Every Picture Tells a Story hit the top of the album charts in both the US and the UK, and its blend of rock, blues, and folk music would have a staying power over the decades. Supposedly the album was compiled on a shoestring budget, and consists of a number of songs paired with extended jams.Stewart compiled this album during his tenure as front man for the Faces, and all five members of that group appear on the album.  Because of contractual obligations at the time, the personnel listing on each track is a bit vague, but it is possible that all five members were on the recording of "(I Know) I'm Losing You."  The first single released from the album was "Reason to Believe," which was a cover of Tim Hardin's 1966 song.  But the B-side of that album would be the one that would cause Rod Stewart to become a breakthrough success.  That song, written by Rod Stewart and Martin Quittenton, was "Maggie May."  The album would top the charts, and would be a noticeable success on the year-end charts of the Billboard 200 albums in 1971 (#35) and 1972 (#65), while taking the number 2 spot for the UK album charts in 1971.  Not bad for a soccer player who wasn't able to go pro!Rob brings us the bluesy album for this week's podcast. (I Know) I'm Losing YouThis Motown hit originally recorded by The Temptations in 1966 is a lament of a relationship going bad.  Stewart's cover went to number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Motown rock group Rare Earth had a cover of this song a year earlier in 1970.  Rod Stewart has several members of the Faces playing on this track.That's Alright/Amazing GraceAnother outstanding cover, this one is of the debut single from Elvis Presley in 1954.  However, the original goes back to blues singer Arthur Crudup in 1946.  But even that long time period is dwarfed by the pairing of the traditional hymn "Amazing Grace" which dates back to 1772.  This deep cut shows some of the diversity of the album.  Every Picture Tells a StoryThe lead-off and title track to the album was an original co-written by Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood.  The lyrics are told from the perspective of a musician on tour who finds adventure with women in multiple cities before returning home to think back on his travels.  The lyrics are more free-form in this song, not following a consistent pattern of rhymes. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Main theme from the television comedy "Green Acres"This sit-com featuring city dwellers who move to the country went off the air this month in 1971. STAFF PICKS:Don't Pull Your Love by Hamilton, Joe Frank & ReynoldsBruce starts out the staff picks with a song often attributed to Elvis Presley.  After performing with the T-Bones and having an instrumental hit with the song "No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach's In)" based on a popular jingle from an Alka-Seltzer TV commercial, this group went to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Don't Pull Your Love."It's Too Late by Carole KingLynch brings us a song with music by Carole King and lyrics penned by songwriter Toni Stern.  This breakup song is considered to be a feminist song by many, given that the woman is breaking up with the man.  Stern completed the lyrics in a single day after her breakup with fellow singer songwriter James Taylor.  This track would top the Billboard Hot 100, and would win the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1972.Charity Ball by FannyWayne's staff pick is the single release and title track from Fanny's second studio album.  Fanny was one of the first all-female rock bands playing their own instruments, and the first to record an entire album.  They got their start in Sacramento after sisters June and Jean Millington (guitar and bass) moved there from the Philippines.  The group was completed with Nickey Barclay on keyboards and Alice de Buhr on drums.If Not for You by Olivia Newton JohnRob features a cover originally penned by Bob Dylan.  Olivia Newton John would make this her first international release and her breakthrough song.  Her cover closely follows George Harrison's cover, including prominent use of the slide guitar.  Olivia Newton John took this track to number 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and to number 7 on the UK singles chart. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Milky Way by Weather ReportThis Avant-garde jazz instrumental takes us out of this week's podcast.   Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

Guns N' Roses had established themselves as top tier Rock artists in the mid through late 80's, and it had been three years without an album release by the time we rolled around to 1991.  The band got its start in 1985 when members of the band L.A. Guns and Hollywood Rose decided to combine.  They released their debut album, "Appetite for Destruction" in 1987, which originally received disappointing sales, but which built over the next year to mainstream success.  Their second album, "G N" R Lies" was a short album released at the end of 1988 which combined an earlier E.P. with some acoustic tracks.The anticipation for Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II was incredibly high by the time these albums dropped simultaneously in September 1991.  Over 500,000 copies of the albums were sold in the first two hours of their release.  With each album having a run time of over 70 minutes, the quantity of material dwarfs that of their previous 33-minute album.  Use Your Illusion I is generally considered the heavier rocking album of the two, as guitarist Izzy Stradlin contributed more of the songwriting to that album than to Use Your Illusion II.Many speculate that the two albums were recorded and released simultaneously because the band was on the verge of falling apart at any time, and it was important to get the material out quickly before the band "blew up."  Whether this was true or not, the band certainly did have their share of problems staying together.  They would release an album of punk covers in 1993 called "The Spaghetti Incident?" before much of the band - including Slash and Izzy Stradlin - would depart.  Lynch brings us a double helping of Guns N' Roses with these simultaneously-released albums for today's podcast. November RainAxl Rose wrote this epic symphonic power ballad which appears on the "Use Your Illusion I" album.  Clocking in at 8:57, it was the longest song to enter the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 at the time, peaking at number 3.  The song was divisive, with most of the band not wanting to pursue it, and with both Slash and bassist Duff McKagan particularly opposed to the drift towards symphonic pieces.Knockin' On Heaven's DoorThis Bob Dylan cover had been performed by the group before landing on the "Use Your Illusion II" album.  The 1987 "Welcome to the Jungle" 12" single had a live version of this song on its B-side, and a studio version of "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" was released on the soundtrack to the film "Days of Thunder" in 1990.  You Could Be MineThis track was originally used in the soundtrack for the mega-hit movie "Terminator 2:  Judgment Day."  It was the first single released from "Use Your Illusion II," and came out in June 1991.  The video features an Arnold Schwarzenegger T-800 Terminator sent from the future to kill the band members.  At the end of the video the Terminator concludes that killing the band would be a "waste of ammo."Don't CryThis power ballad appears on both "Use Your Illusion I" and "Use Your Illusion II" in slightly different versions with different lyrics.  This song reached number 8 on the UK charts and number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 US chart.  Stradlin and Rose wrote the song back in March 1985, and Axl Rose claims that it was the first song ever written for Guns N' Roses. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Theme from the motion picture “The Addams Family”This catchy riff from the cartoon television sitcom of the 60's also appeared in the dark comedy motion picture of the same name, which came out in 1991. STAFF PICKS:The Only One I Know by The Charlatans UKWayne kicks off the staff picks with the Manchester sound.  This song is the one that truly started the career of the band, including their use of the Hammond organ as a central part of the sound.  The organ riff in this song was heavily inspired by Deep Purple's 1968 song, "Hush."  The lyrics reflect the feelings a guy has for a girl, while the girl might or might not know that the guy exists.Why Should I Cry for You? by StingBruce brings us a track from Sting's third album, "The Soul Cages."  Sting encountered writers block after the death of his father in 1987, and this is the song that broke through that block.  Sting had a difficult relationship with his father, and the lyrics of the song articulate the struggles he had with the grieving process, along with images from his childhood home of Newcastle.  Texarkana by R.E.M.Rob features an unusual song from the Athens group, because front man Michael Stipe is not singing lead on it.  Bassist Mike Mills takes lead singing lyrics on this song for which he was the primary songwriter and lyricist.  It went to number 4 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart despite not being released as a single.Into the Great Wide Open by Tom Petty & The HeartbreakersLynch closes out the staff picks with a story about Eddie, a rocker who moves to L.A., gets a girlfriend, and lands an album.  He always has with high hopes the record company "don't hear a single."  The video starred a young Johnny Depp as Eddie, Faye Dunaway as Eddie's manager, and Petty as a roadie named Bart, reporter, and tattoo artist.  INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Trademark by Eric JohnsonThis instrumental piece from guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson was the fourth single released from his second studio album "Ah Via Musicom."  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.

Neil Young's most successful solo album is also considered his signature album.  Harvest was Young's fourth solo studio album, and it topped the Billboard 200 chart in the US for two weeks while also spawning two top 40 singles.  Young grew up in Winnipeg, Canada, and began playing and songwriting there in several groups.  His first success as a songwriter came for a song he wrote for The Guess Who which made it to the top 40 in Canada.  He was in the Mynah Birds, a Toronto group fronted by a young Rick James.  The Mynah Birds were attempting to get signed by Motown when James was arrested for being AWOL from the Navy reserves. Shortly after this, Neil Young and bassist Bruce Palmer sold the group's equipment, bought a hearse, and used it to move to Los Angeles.  He then worked as a session musician and a member of Buffalo Springfield before striking out on his own solo work while also joining Crosby, Stills & Nash.Harvest was written after an acoustic tour the previous year, a tour prompted by a back injury Young sustained that required him to play sitting down for an extended time.  The album contains significant acoustic elements, as several tracks he played on that tour would appear on the album.  Many of the lyrics are related to Young's growing relationship with actress Carrie Snodgress.  Young was a success before recording this album, and was able to bring in a number of session musicians on several tracks including Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, and the London Symphony Orchestra.Surprisingly, the album met mixed reviews when released, though over time the critics' assessments would turn much more positive.  The album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2015.Wayne brings us this California country-tinged album for this week's podcast. Heart of GoldOne of the tracks that arose from Neil Young's acoustic tour, this song topped the charts in the United States and Canada, and went to number 10 in the UK.  Despite its success, Young had mixed feelings about the popularity he gained from the song.  Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor provided backing vocals on this track.  The lyrics talk about a man who may be overthinking life, searching for something just beyond his grasp.Old ManThe origin of this song was an encounter that Neil Young had with the caretaker of the Broken Arrow Ranch, which Young purchased in 1970.  The old caretaker was not pleased with the young (literally) hippie-looking Young purchasing the place, and this song's lyrics talk about how the two of them were not that different.AlabamaA continuation of a diatribe from Young's “Southern Man,” this track condemns the racism of the white people in Alabama specifically, and the southern United States in general.  Neil Young would eventually come to see the lyrics as too accusatory, and too easy to misconstrue as a general condemnation of all Southerners.The Needle and the Damage DoneThe inspiration for this song was a number of musicians whom Young had observed as they fell apart due to heroin addiction.  More specifically, Young wrote this song about bandmate Danny Whitten, whom Young had to let go from his tour due to his heroin use. Whitten would die of an overdose shortly thereafter.ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Cabaret by Liza Minnelli (from the motion picture “Cabaret”)Minnelli stars in this period musical drama based on the Broadway show, set in Germany before World War II. STAFF PICKS:Mother and Child Reunion by Paul SimonRob leads off the staff picks with a one of the earlier rock songs with reggae influences.  The song was written in response to a Jimmy Cliff song in which a mother receives a letter that her son had been killed in battle in Vietnam.  It was also inspired by Simon's loss of his dog.  The title was inspired by a menu item in a Chinese restaurant in New York - chicken and eggs - entitled “Mother and Child Reunion.”I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing (In Perfect Harmony) by the New SeekersBruce brings us a hit song which originally appeared as a commercial jingle.  Coca-Cola produced an ad called “hilltop” featuring young people of various races coming together over a Coke.  The success prompted a rewrite of the jingle into a full-length song, dropping the product references.  It became a big hit for both the New Seekers who recorded the radio jingle, and the Hillside Singers who recorded the television commercial.Let's Stay Together by Al GreenLynch features the song which hit the top of the US singles charts, and was named number one R&B song on the Billboard Year-end chart for 1972.  It has been covered by a number of artists, with Tina Turner being the most prominent.  It was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. Do You Know What I Mean by Lee MichaelsWayne's closes out the staff picks with a song about a girl that a guy lost to his best friend after taking her for granted.  It reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Lee Michaels came out of the San Francisco music scene, originally as a surf band before moving into a more "blue eyed soul" direction.  Van Halen opened for Lee Michaels at the Whiskey a Go Go in 1977. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Joy (feat. Tom Parker) by Apollo 100This jazz instrumental covers the baroque chorale "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by J.S. Bach.  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.

Nothing Like the Sun, or as it is written on the album, "...Nothing Like the Sun,"  is the second solo studio album by former Police bassist and front man Sting.  The title comes from Shakespeare's sonnet number 130 which contains the lines, "My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun."  Sting was met on the street one evening, who asked him, "How beautiful is the moon?"  Sting responded with this line from the sonnet.  Two events play a lot of influence on this album.  First, Sting's mother died in 1986, inspiring the lyrics to the opening track, "Lazarus Heart."  Second Sting joined the Conspiracy of Hope tour for Amnesty International, and through this tour was exposed to victims of government oppression in Latin America.  He was particularly moved by people in Chile for whom loved ones had "disappeared" in government actions, and wrote "They Dance Alone" as a description of the mourners who would dance the traditional Cueca by themselves with a picture of their loved ones pinned to their clothes.Sting's first solo album leaned into jazz.  This second album continues to have a jazz influence but reaches across a number of other genres including reggae, funk, acoustic rock, soft rock, and world music.  He brought in a number of solid musicians into the recording sessions including Gil Evans, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Branford Marsalis, and even his fellow Police alumnus Andy SummersSting would continue to further success after this album, which peaked at number 9 on the Billboard 200 chart.  In the UK, ...Nothing Like the Sun debuted and peaked at number 1 on the UK albums chart.Bruce presents this adult contemporary album for this week's podcast. Be Still My Beating HeartThis second single from the album went to number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The lyrics are quite mature, describing the head telling the heart to settle down in the midst of an intense romance.  The title was likely inspired by a 19th Century poem from Mary Elizabeth Coleridge.  Andy Summers is playing guitar on this track.  Little WingMost of this album is original music written by Sting, but this one is a deeper cut and a cover.  Jimi Hendrix wrote "Little Wing" in 1967, and it appears on his "Axis" album.  Gil Evans did a jazz arrangement of this piece in 1974, and provided this arrangement and backing with his orchestra for this cover.  Sting's version runs just over 5 minutes, giving it a run time just over double that of the original Hendrix version.  Rock SteadyAnother deep cut, this song is Stings humorous look at a couple who have volunteered to join a cruise, and later find out that they are joining Noah on the Ark.  "Life may be tough, but we're sailing with the Lord."  FragileThis is the fourth single from the album, and is a gorgeous acoustic piece.  This anti-war song was likely inspired by Sting's work with Amnesty International. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:That's Amore by Dean Martin (from the motion picture “Moonstruck”) This romance comedy starring Cher and Nicolas Cage delivered a Best Actress Oscar to Cher and a Best Supporting Actress Oscar to Olympia Dukakis.  STAFF PICKS:The Promise by When In RomeRob starts this week's staff picks with the only hit from a British new wave trio.  This track went to number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, and became a popular song to play at weddings later on.  It gained a revival in popularity when it was used in the soundtrack to "Napoleon Dynamite" in 2004.  Got My Mind Set On You by George HarrisonLynch brings us a cover of a song originally written by Rudy Clark and recorded by James Ray in 1962.  It is off Harrison's comeback album, "Cloud Nine."  Harrison worked with Jeff Lynne on the album because he wanted a producer who wouldn't be intimidated by working with a Beatle.  The teamwork went well, and the two would go on to form "The Traveling Wilburys" supergroup shortly thereafter.Dude (Looks Like a Lady) by AerosmithWayne features one of many hits from Aerosmith's monster "Permanent Vacation" album.  The lyrics tell the tale of a man finding out that the "girl" he has bee pursuing at a club was a man dressed up as a woman.  The idea for the song came from Motley Crue singer Vince Neil being mistaken frequently for a woman with long blonde hair.Mission by RushBruce closes out the staff picks with a song which arose from a conversation between Neal Peart and Geddy Lee about the perception people have that the rich and famous have easier lives.  The lyrics reflect how every life has its own difficulties, and perhaps those who are highly successful would often wish for a more plain and settled life at times.   INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Bailando/Aquatic Park by Carlos SantanaGuitar virtuoso Carlos Santana takes us out this week with a track from his solo album, "Blues for Salvador." 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.

1990 is an odd time for a hard rock band from the late 70's to make a comeback.  Hair metal was declining rapidly, and music that would form the grunge movement was percolating up in the pacific northwest.  But that is exactly what AC/DC did with their album The Razors Edge.  The album reached number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 4 on the UK albums chart, and it would become AC/DC's third highest selling album behind “Back in Black” and “High Voltage.”After concluding their 1988 world tour the band had some changes and interruptions.  Drummer Simon Wright left the group to join Dio, and was replaced by Chris Slade who would be with the group until 1994.  Front man and songwriter Brian Johnson took some time off to finalize his divorce, which left brothers Malcolm Young (rhythm guitar and backing vocals) and Angus Young (lead guitar) to write all the songs for the album.  They would continue to be the songwriters for the band through 2020.Critical reviews of the album were mixed, with negative comments revolving around the idea that this album was nothing new for the band. With the benefit of hindsight it may be that the consistency with AC/DC's previous works is actually a strength of the album.  In a period of big shifts in rock music, AC/DC provided a point of stability and a return to hard rock origins.Friend of the show Julie Doran joins us to bring us this high energy hard rock masterpiece with Rob. Are You ReadyThe anthem that leads of side 2 of the album reached number 16 on the US charts, and became the band's only number 1 hit in New Zealand.  It is used in a number of sports events and is also familiar as the official theme for WWE SmackDown on Fox.ThunderstruckThe lead off track and lead single to the album is a signature song for the band.  It started as a "little trick" Angus Young played on guitar, and Malcolm built the rhythm guitar behind that riff.  It has been performed in almost every live show the band has performed since its release. MoneytalksThis track reached number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the first top 40 hit for AC/DC since Back in Black in 1981.  Interestingly, the song has not been performed live since the band toured The Razors Edge.   Part of the appeal of AC/DC on this album could have been the downturn in the economy at the time, striking a cord with blue collar employment struggles.  If so, money really does talk!The Razors EdgeWhile this song is the title track it was not released as a single.  This dark track talks about the fine line between success and failure, good and evil, life and death.  "You're running out of lives, and here comes the razor's edge." ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Mel Torme (from the motion picture "Home Alone")This Christmas classic saw its debut from Judy Garland in the motion picture "Meet Me in St. Louis".  Mel Torme's version was used in the Christmas movie "Home Alone" which was in theaters in 1990. STAFF PICKS:Keep On Loving Me Baby by Colin JamesWayne starts out the staff picks with a Canadian blues singer-songwriter.  This cover from James' second album, Sudden Stop, is a high energy cover of a tune originally written by Otis Rush in 1958.  James benefitted from the blues revival of the time, as well as the soon-to-come swing revival in the early- to mid-90's.Chain of Fools by Little CaesarLynch brings us another cover originally performed by Aretha Franklin and written by Don Covay in 1967.  Little Caesar is a hard rock band formed in the late 80's which had a short career before problems with their label, and the eclipsing of hard rock by grunge contributed to their decline.  This cover from their debut single was their most memorableDiabolic Tastemaker by the Cherry Poppin' DaddiesBruce's staff pick is a deep cut off the Daddies' debut album "Ferociously Stoned."  This horn-heavy track first appeared on their 1989 demo tape before it was added to their album.  The band  at the time was an amalgam of punk, funk, jazz, ska, and swing at the time, thought future albums would move heavily towards swing.If You Needed Somebody by Bad Company Julie features the second single off Bad Company's ninth studio album, Holy Water.  It was their first top 40 hit since “Rock and Roll Fantasy” back in 1979.  The rock ballad hails from BadCo's days with Brian Howe as the front man, as Paul Rodgers had left the group in 1982 and was performing solo at the time.  Been Caught Stealing by Jane's Addiction Rob finishes off the staff picks with the third single from Ritual de lo Habitual, and the biggest single, topping the Billboard Modern Rock charts for four weeks.  The dog barking is Perry Farrell's pet Annie, who was brought to the studio.  The barking was not planned, but the coincidence was included on the track. COMEDY TRACK:Do the Bartman by The SimpsonsBart Simpson closes us out this week with this lost epic.   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.

By the mid-70's the Beach Boys appeared to be a band that had been left behind.  Sales had been only moderate for their previous albums, and the band was struggling to determine their direction musically.  In the summer of 1973 the movie "American Graffiti" featured several Beach Boys songs, creating nostalgia for the earlier surfing music.Between the revived interest sparked by "American Graffiti" and the success of the Beatles "Red" and "Blue" compilation albums, the Beach Boys released a collection of hits from their early 60's catalogue called Endless Summer.  This featured songs from their Capitol Records days, 1962-1965.  It was a near-instant success reaching the top of the charts in the United States four months after its release, and becoming their second number 1 album on the US charts.  After the success of Endless Summer, the Beach Boys would reposition themselves as an oldies act, continuing in this vein for many years.  Brian Wilson would pen one further Beach Boys studio album in 1977 which would meet with meager sales.  Afterwards the band would focus on their classics until seeing a resurgence in the late 80's generated from another popular film, Tom Cruise's "Cocktail" Wayne brings us this surfin' themed compilation for this week's podcast. Catch A WaveA true surfing song, this tune is about being on a surfboard, waiting for the right wave to come along.  This song was originally released on the 1963 album "Surfer Girl," and a rewritten version was recorded by Jan and Dean as "Sidewalk Surfin."Little Deuce CoupeThis track is about a 1932-vintage Ford model 18 hot rod used in drag racing on the streets of California.  "American Graffiti" had featured the deuce coupe prominently, along with the Beach Boys song.  The lyrics were written by local radio DJ Roger Christian.Shut DownAnother song about drag racing, "shut down" means you are about to beat the person in the race.  The phrase "tach it up" may have lost some meaning in the era of automatic transmission, but the tachometer would run high for a drag race.  The song is told from the perspective of the driver of a 1963 Corvette Sting Ray in a race against a 1962 Dodge Dart.Fun, Fun, FunThe inspiration for this song was a story the Beach Boys heard during a radio interview.  The station owner described his daughter "borrowing" his 1963 Thunderbird to go to a drive-in hamburger shop.  The opening riffs were inspired by Chuck Berry's "Johnny B. Goode."   ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Uptown Saturday Night by Dobie Gray (from the motion picture “Uptown Saturday Night”)Sidney Poitier starred in and directed this action comedy which co-starred Bill Cosby, Harry Belafonte, Richard Pryor, and Flip Wilson. STAFF PICKS:The Joker by the Steve Miller BandLynch leads off the staff picks with a well known song from Steve Miller.  The names in the first line reference several of Miller's previous songs, as well as the made-up word "pompatus."  It barely cracked the top 40 in the US, hitting 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Miller borrowed some lyrics from the song "Lovey Dovey" when he talks about wanting to "shake your tree."The Air that I Breathe by the HolliesRob brings us a slow burning but iconic ballad that the Hollies covered.  The original was from Albert Hammond, and previously covered by Phil Everly.  The Hollies version was the most successful, going to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Alan Parsons was the engineer on this song.Hollywood Swinging by Kool & the GangBruce's staff pick is the first number 1 R&B Single from Kool & the Gang.  It was a crossover hit as well, going to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Rick Westfield is the keyboardist for it and sings lead.  The song is a true story of the keyboardist wanting to become "a bad piano-playing man" with the group. Rock and Roll Heaven by The Righteous BrothersWayne's features an ode to the rock stars who had died at an early age. This song is another example of a song that was covered, and did better than the original.  Climax performed this song in 1973 but did not chart, while the Righteous Brothers took it to the top 10 in the United States.  Lyric would be added in the years to come as more rock stars passed. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Chameleon by Herbie HancockThis jazz funk instrumental track closes out the podcast for the week.  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.

Folks, we're stretching a bit on this one.  Lynch noticed that Roger Waters performed "The Wall" at the Berlin wall in this month, and used that as an excuse to feature A Momentary Lapse of Reason, which was the latest studio album by Pink Floyd. Since that originally came out in 1987, we're asking you to squint a bit to see it's relevance to the summer of 1990.  That being said...A Momentary Lapse of Reason is the first Pink Floyd album released after bassist and primary songwriter Roger Waters left the band.  Waters had expected that Pink Floyd would simply disband, and was surprised when David Gilmour and Nick Mason decided to continue without him.  Acrimony and lawsuits appeared, but in the end a Water-less Pink Floyd continued on.Unlike many prior Pink Floyd albums, this one is not playing off a single concept.  Instead, it is a more traditional collection of songs.  Gilmour presented the album as a return to earlier Pink Floyd material, which was perhaps a reaction to common critiques of their previous album "The Final Cut" as a Roger Waters solo effort masquerading as a Pink Floyd album.  There are a number of well-known session musicians that participated in the making of this album.The album was a commercial success, debuting at number 3 on both the US and UK albums charts.  The US tour was the most successful of the year, selling out almost every venue it played in the States.  Roger Water's lawsuits would be overcome, and a settlement was reached between Waters and the band by the end of 1987.Lynch brings us this Pink Floyd reboot album for today's podcast and we're joined by guest host Julie Doran joins us on this episode. On the Turning AwayThis power ballad was co-written by Gilmour and British experimental composer Anthony Moore.  It is an anti-war song, one of the more political Pink Floyd songs written since the departure of Waters. It begins with a solemn Gilmour vocal supported by understated keyboards, then builds to an almost orchestral conclusion.  Learning to FlyA surprisingly upbeat song for the group, the inspiration for this first single is David Gilmour's experience learning to fly airplanes.  At the time he would do practice flights in the mornings and work in the studio in the afternoons.  It is also a metaphor for the band coming back together after splitting with Roger Waters.One SlipThe fourth US single discusses the long-term consequences of a one-night stand, and contains the lyrics that would become the title to the album as a whole.  Gilmour co-wrote this song with Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera.  Fans of bassist Tony Levin may recognize his work on a Chapman Stick in the instrumentation for this track.  ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Real Wild Child by Iggy Pop (from the motion picture “Problem Child”)This dark comedy starring John Ritter follows the trials of Ben Healy Jr. as he adopts a less-than-model child from a questionable adoption agency.   STAFF PICKS:Stop by Jane's AddictionWayne leads off the staff picks with a college radio hit off the "Ritual De Lo Habitual" album.  Lead singer Perry Farrell warns about apathy towards environmental disaster, telling people to turn off the smokestacks.  "And the water will run, come a day, the water will run, no man will stand for things he had done."Brave New World by Michael PennRob brings us a jangly deeper cut with a song with rapid fire lyrics off Penn's "March" album.  The song reflects confusion in where the singer is going, perhaps making a commentary on society as it heads into a "brave new world."  "This may not be my best day, but this ain't no golden age.  You looked pretty on the freeway.  Let's drive into the brave new world."Give It Up by Hothouse FlowersBruce features a s song from an Irish group off their second album, "Home."  This song that went to number 2 on the US Modern Rock chart is summed up in the lyrics, "Well, this song's inspired by a good man and his tune doing good for others, sing 'Amazing Grace' for you." Rub You the Right Way by Johnny GillJulie's staff pick is an upbeat hip hop song, and Gill's first single after he left New Edition earlier in the year.  Despite the lyrics, Gill was the son of a minister and got his start in gospel music.  He signed with Motown as a teenager.  Gill had become very accustomed to performing live, and had a difficult time switching to studio work.  Blue Sky Mine by Midnight OilLynch closes out the staff picks with the first single off Midnight Oil's seventh studio album.  The inspiration for the song was the experience of workers in the Wittenoom asbestos mines in western Australia, where they contracted a variety of asbestos-related diseases.  The "blue" in the title refers to "blue asbestos," a form of the mineral considered most hazardous. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Erotic Nightmares by Steve VaiGuitar virtuoso Steve Vai carries us out of this week's podcast. Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

The Young Rascals were one of the early groups which would define the genre of "blue eyed soul."  For a period of two to three years, this group would generate hit after hit.  Their third album, Groovin', would close out the era in which they were known as “The Young Rascals,” because follow-up albums would see them using simply the name "The Rascals."  Felix Cavaliere was a classically trained pianist, and joined a band called the Starliters, where he met David Brigati and his younger brother Eddie.  Cavaliere convinced Eddie Brigati and guitarist Gene Cornish to leave the Starliters and form a band, recruiting jazz drummer Dino Danilli to flesh out the band.  They called themselves "Them" until they found out that a group out of the UK was already using that name (Van Morrison's band).  They settled on "The Young Rascals" when comedian Soupy Sales used them as his back-up band when he toured the college circuit in 1965.Much of this album is a collection of singles rather than a cohesive piece of music.  Eight of the eleven songs are either A-side or B-side single releases.The Rascals moved into a more psychedelic direction after this album, and they would be largely done by the early 70's.  They were early inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, receiving that honor in 1997.Bruce presents this soulful album for this week's podcast.Groovin'This signature song from the group almost didn't make it as a single.  Atlantic Records pushed back on this track because it was very different from the sound of their other songs, having a more Latin influence.  The inspiration for the lyrics was Cavaliere's girlfriend Adrienne Buccheri.  He only got to see her on Sundays because he was so occupied with the group, music, and touring on other days. You Better RunMany listeners who grew up in the 80's will be more familiar with Pat Benatar's cover of this song than the Young Rascals' original.  It was released a year before the album as a single, in May 1966.  The song has more of a garage band feel than other songs on the album.A Girl Like YouThis is the lead-off song for the album, and went to number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Upbeat, feel good, this is the opening song of new love.  It starts off subdued with piano and vocals, then builds into the horns and percussion.  If You KnewThis song was released as the B-side to the single "I've Been Lonely Too Long" from their previous album called Collections.  It is the only song on the album to be listed as written by all member of the band.  Most songs were written by Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati.  ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Mrs. Robinson by Simon and Garfunkel (from the motion picture “The Graduate”) Dustin Hoffman's got his breakthrough role in this coming of age film.  STAFF PICKS:Green Tambourine by the Lemon PipersRob leads off the staff picks with the best known song from a short-lived Ohio band.  Unfortunately the success of this song would cause the record company to pigeonhole the group into doing more songs in the psychedelic genre.  The group was unenthusiastic about this direction, and would leave the label in 1969, dissolving shortly thereafter.Sunshine of Your Love by CreamLynch brings us a signature song from the original supergroup.  The song arose out of a bass riff that Jack Bruce created after seeing Jimi Hendrix for the first time.  Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton take turns with vocals while Ginger Baker utilizes a tribal beat on percussion.I Can See for Miles by The WhoWayne features the only single from the Who album “The Who Sell Out.“  Although it went to number 9 on the US charts, guitarist and writer Pete Townshend expected it to do much better.  The Who made use of the studio as an instrument on this heavier, psychedelic song, using techniques similar to the Beach Boys and the Beatles at the time.I Second That Emotion by Smokey Robinson & the MiraclesBruce closes out the staff picks with a song that originated from a trip Smokey Robinson and Al Cleveland took to a Detroit department store in search of a gift for Robinson's wife Claudette.  When Robinson told the salesman of a set of pearls, "I sure hope she likes them," Cleveland accidentally said "I second that emotion," rather than "I second that motion."  The two laughed about it and wrote this song which would go to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967.   INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Hip Hug-Her by Booker T. & the M.G.'sWe close out with a funky instrumental which was on the charts at the time.   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.

When it comes to hair metal of the mid to late 80's, no band discussion would be complete without bringing Poison into the mix.  The band consisted of front man Bret Michaels, guitarist C.C. DeVille, bassist Bobby Dall, and Rikki Rockett on drums.  Poison is a band out of Pennsylvania.  Originally named Paris when formed in 1980, the band drew a good following in local bars in Pennsylvania, but decided opportunities would be greater in Los Angeles.  The band moved there in 1983 and changed their name to Poison.  They attracted a lot of attention with their stage show, and saw surprising success with their debut album, "Look What the Cat Dragged In," released in 1986.However, Poison's most successful release would be their second studio album, Open Up and Say... Ah!, released in April 1988.  It would sport four hit singles, including their sole number 1 single "Every Rose Has Its Thorn."  The album itself would hit number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.  It would also stir controversy with its cover, a picture of a demonic female with an extremely long tongue.  An alternate cover was designed to address concerns which showed only the eyes of the model.Poison would see further success in the late 80's and early 90's, though their popularity would wane as the grunge movement took over music in the 90's.  However, Poison has seen a resurgence of popularity as a "classic" band, and front man Bret Michaels has achieved success both as a celebrity personality and as a solo artist.Lynch brings us this glam rock album for today's podcast, and friend of the show Mike Fernandez joins us in Bruce's absence. Fallen AngelWhile the lyrics describe a young girl moving from Ohio to Los Angeles to try to make it as an actress, the song is really more autobiographical of the path the band took from Pennsylvania.  This second single from the album went to number 16 on the Hot 100.Nothin' But a Good Time"The first single from the album reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is one of their best known songs.  It was built off a guitar riff by C.C. DeVille and a chorus penned by Michaels.  DeVille was largely selected for the band based on his cool riffs and party attitude.Your Mama Don't DancePoison take the 1972 Loggins and Messina song and makes it their own in this fourth single released from the album.  The song's lyrics highlighting the generation gap of the 50's and 60's between parents and their rebellious teenagers was a perfect fit for Poison's image.Every Rose Has Its ThornThis ballad is Poison's sole number 1 hit.  The inspiration for it came when Bret Michaels called his girlfriend from a laundromat and heard a male voice in the background.  He was crushed, but went back into the laundromat and wrote the song right then.  ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Pump Up the Volume by MARRS (from the motion picture “My Stepmother Is an Alien”)This comedy starring Dan Aykroyd, Jon Lovitz, and Kim Bassinger may have been a flop, but the song was quite popular. STAFF PICKS:Mystify by INXSRob leads off the staff picks with the fifth and final single from the "Kick" album.  Backed by a honky tonk-style piano and prominent finger-snapping, the song starts with a bluesy riff followed by a more straightforward rock sound.  INXS originally was comprised of three Farriss brothers, but they were down to Andrew and Tim Farriss by this time.  I'm an Adult Now by Pursuit of HappinessWayne's staff pick is a hidden gem from Canada.  This humorous single alternates between spoken verses and a sung chorus that capture the worries that plague the singer as he deals with becoming an adult and embracing adult problems.  It peaked at number 6 on the alternative music charts.   Wild Wild West by Escape ClubMike brings us an English band with a song written by eight different people, including Stevie Wonder and Bootsy Collins.  This song has the distinction of being the only British band to have a number 1 hit in the US without charting in the UK.  "Headin' for the nineties, living in the wild, wild west."Where Is My Mind by PixiesLynch closes out with a signature song from the Pixies.  The inspiration for this grunge song began with an underwater diving experience, and the lyrics convey disconnection.  The Pixies were reintroduced to fans after this song appeared in "Fight Club." INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Silhouette by Kenny G.Bruce sneaks a soft sax piece from Kenny G. onto the playlist to exit this week's podcast.   Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

Sticky Fingers is considered by many to be the greatest studio album the Rolling Stones ever created.  This ninth studio album represented a return to a more basic sound for the Stones after several albums with less conventional instrumentation.  It was also known for its cover artwork from Andy Warhol which featured a man in jeans with a working zipper.  The album won a Grammy for “Best Album Cover” for this innovative design.This was the first album that was released on their own label, Rolling Stones Records.  It was also the first album the group produced without Brian Jones, who had died two years earlier.  The members of the band were Charlie Watts on drums, Bill Wyman on bass, Mick Taylor on guitar, Keith Richards on guitar and backing vocals, and Mick Jagger on lead vocals and some guitar and percussion.  There were a number of session musicians and frequent collaborators involved in the album, including Bobby Keys on sax, and Billy Preston and Ian Stewart on keyboards.Sticky Fingers was the band's first album to reach number 1 on album charts in both the US and the UK.  It has since reached triple platinum status, and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.    The album was also the first album to utilize the now-iconic “mouth”  for which the group would be known.Friend of the show Mike Fernandez joins us in Bruce's absence, while Rob brings us this amazing album from one of the giants of the rock world in this week's podcast. Wild HorsesThis softer song with a country bent was first released in 1970 by the Flying Burrito Brothers, and subsequently recorded by the Stones after originally thinking the demo wasn't worth recording.  It was originally recorded over a three-day period at Muscle Shoals Studio in Alabama in 1969.  The lyrics are about being on the road, and not being where you really want to be.Brown SugarThe opening track to the album was also the lead single, and reached the top of the charts in the US and Canada, while reaching number 2 on the UK singles chart.  The song sounds like a strong rocking one, but the lyrics discuss slavery and rape, a much more serious topic than most realized the lyrics covered.BitchThis track which leads off side two of the album was the B-side to the single “Brown Sugar.”  It has a strong brass section — the song originated in a jam, and features Bobby Keys on sax and Jim Price on trumpet.  The lyrics are describing love as a bitch but the title probably didn't help the band in its problems with women's groups.  Can't You Hear Me KnockingThis is the longest song on the album, clocking in at over seven minutes.  The central part of the song lasts for 2:43, with an extended jam following.  The entire track was captured in one take, and the band continued with the jam, thinking that the recording was complete.   ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:One Tin Soldier (from the motion picture “Billy Jack”)This counterculture song was a prominent part of the soundtrack to the action drama "Billy Jack" a part Navajo Green Beret and Vietnam War veteran defending his Freedom School students from angry townspeople. STAFF PICKS:Get It On by ChaseWayne starts out the staff picks with a high energy song from an artist known for his jazz trumpet.  Bill Chase brought together a band including three other trumpet players, a rock rhythm section, and front man Terry Richards on lead vocals.  This jazz fusion rock piece peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100.Let's Get It On by Marvin GayeLynch brings us a track that has taken on a life of its own as the ultimate romance song.  Backed by the Funk Brothers, it is the most successful song Gaye produced on Motown Records.  It reached number 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and the US Hot Soul Singles chart.Love Her Madly by the DoorsMike features the first single from the album “L.A. Woman,” the sixth studio album from the Doors, and the final album with Jim Morrison before his untimely death.  Guitarist Robby Krieger wrote this song while experimenting with a 12-string guitar.  It Don't Come Easy by Ringo Starr Rob finishes the staff picks with a non-album single from the drummer of the recently-disbanded Beatles.  Fellow Beatle George Harrison produced the single and helped Starr write the song which peaked at number 4 on the US and UK singles charts. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Main Theme from the motion picture “The Summer of 42”We exit this week's podcast with the signature song from this Academy Award nominee and coming-of-age movie in the theaters in April 1971. 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.

By the time that Led Zeppelin was releasing their sixth studio album, they were solidly on top of the rock pantheon.  They had just switched to Swan Song Records, their own label, and had plenty of time to create this double album work, Physical Graffiti.  They had three sides-worth of new songs largely recorded at Headley Grange in Hampshire in early 1974, and they expanded it to a double album by including unreleased tracks from sessions for their previous three albums.  Physical Graffiti went to number 1 on the UK chart and number 3 on the US charts immediately.  They had planned to release the album in November 1974, but delays in producing the album's sleeve design pushed it back to February 1975.  Demand was so strong that it became the first album to go platinum on advance orders alone.The album itself reflects a diversity that runs from hard rock to prog rock to funk - even country and honky-tonk get represented.  The group never seemed too interested in creating single-friendly compositions, so many tracks run well over 6 minutes, along with some shorter instrumental numbers.  Led Zeppelin was considered the biggest rock band on tour during this time, and Physical Graffiti was the album that wrapped up this period.  Robert Plant was in a serious car accident with his wife in August 1975, and the group went on hiatus from touring until 1977.  Many consider this album to be the high water mark for the Led Zeppelin discography.  Bruce presents this monster double album for this week's podcast. KashmirThis is one of Led Zeppelin's signature songs.  It started as an instrumental recording from Jimmy Page and John Bonham.  Robert Plant wrote the lyrics while vacationing in southern Morocco (not Kashmir, as no band members had been there when this song was written).  John Paul Jones plays mellotron and added the orchestration which was played by session musicians.  All members of the band consider it one of their best tracks, and it has played in almost every concert since its debut.Trampled Under FootThis is a funk piece largely created by John Paul Jones.  The beat was inspired by Stevie Wonder's “Superstition,” and the lyrics are drawn largely from Robert Johnson's “Terraplane Blues.” Jones originally created this in the soul genre, but John Bonham convinced the group to add a more funky feel. The Wanton SongMany Led Zeppelin songs have a title which does not appear in the lyrics, and this is one of those.  Jimmy Page developed the riff in 1973 and brought it to the Physical Graffiti sessions.  Page uses a backward echo on this, where the echo appears before the note.  It was played during the 1975 tour but was dropped from the setlist thereafter, making it perhaps a deeper cut.  Houses of the HolyThis track is one of the unreleased tracks from previous sessions.  It was intended as the title track from their fifth album, but was considered too similar to other songs on the album and was dropped.  Led Zeppelin never played this song live.   ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Movin' On Up (Theme from the television series “The Jeffersons”) This sitcom was a spinoff from “All In the Family” which got its start in January 1975.  STAFF PICKS:Any Major Dude Will Tell You by Steely DanLynch kicks off the staff picks with the B-side from “Rikki Don't Lose That Number.” Donald Fagen says that the inspiration was hearing a lot of people using the term “dude” after they moved to L.A., finding the phrase funny and deciding to include it in a song.  The idea is that times will get better, and hope is around the corner.Cat's In the Cradle by Harry ChapinRob brings us a folk rock story about a father who finds the tables turned.  He didn't have time for his son as he was growing up, and his son doesn't have time for his father when he is older.  The lyrics were inspired by a poem written by Chapin's wife regarding her first husband's strained relationship with his father.Angie Baby by Helen ReddyWayne features another storytelling song, this one with some spookiness.  Angie is a girl of questionable sanity who lives in her own world at home with her parents.  When a neighborhood boy decides to make advances on her when her parents are gone, Angie causes him to disappear into the music of her radio…  It was a number 1 hit song.Changes by David BowieBruce closes out the staff picks with a song that largely flopped when originally released as a single in 1971.  Bowie's “Hunky Dory” album did not do well until it got a second look after his 1972 release “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.”  It was re-released in 1975 as a single and went to number 1 in the UK.   INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Bron-Yr-Aur by Led ZeppelinWe close out with some double dipping from Physical Graffiti for this acoustic instrumental.   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.

Soundgarden emerged as a pioneering force in the Seattle grunge scene, bringing elements of heavy metal and alternative rock into what would come to be known as the Seattle sound.  The group originally found lead singer and primary songwriter Chris Cornell singing from behind a drum set where he was the group's percussionist, but it became clear that this would not work well in live concerts, so Cornell switched to vocals and rhythm guitar while turning over percussion work to Matt Cameron.  Badmotorfinger, the third studio album, finds the group just before it's breakout into grunge superstardom, an event that would occur with the release of their next album.  Taking its name from a spoof on a popular Montrose song, Badmotorfinger sports a strong heavy metal sound, but with tighter songwriting, and a bit of complexity in time signatures and tunings.  It would become the band's highest charting album to date, peaking at number 39 on the Billboard 200 chart, and going double platinum by 1996.  It was also considered a success by critics, and was nominated in 1992 for a Grammy award for Best Metal Performance.While the album definitely has grunge elements in it, as a whole it may be considered more alternative, heavy metal, or hard rock. The band's development makes this album more difficult to pin down into a single genre, and perhaps this makes for a more interesting listening experience.We hope you enjoy this foray into the roots of the grunge movement as Lynch brings us the album for today's podcast. Rusty CageThe opening track to the album was the third single released, and reflects a longing for freedom and a breaking out of the “rusty cage” that life can be.  The guitars are tuned down significantly, giving the riffs a jangling sound.  Johnny Cash would cover it a few years later, turning the song into a country anthem.  OutshinedThis track combines themes of self-doubt and internal struggle with appearances of external success and confidence, creating a clash within the singer.  Cornell creates depth and passion through his vocals.  “Show me the power, child.  I'd like to say that I'm down on my knees today.”Jesus Christ PoseUnlike many tracks, this first single released from the album is credited to all four band members.  The lyrics are a rant against the hypocrisy of religious leaders who turn belief into a means of acquiring power.  This track is an example of a Soundgarden song that is more metal than grunge at this point.Slaves & BulldozersThis song is often described as “doom metal,” and utilizes drop-tuned guitars to create a slow burn, darker sound.  The lyrics encourage the listener to consider how their situation may be turning them into either an obedient slave or a nihilistic bulldozer.  It was the last song Soundgarden played live before Chris Cornell's death in 2017. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Theme from the television series “The Cosby Show”This staple of 80's sitcom had their final episode and went off the air in April 1992.   STAFF PICKS:I Want to Touch You by Catherine WheelWayne kicks off the staff picks with the Manchester sound.  This post-psychedelic song deals with the raw emotions of a shy guy who is infatuated with a particular woman.  “It would really make my day if you'd only move away, 'cause I'm scared that if you stay, I'll want to touch you.” Just Take My Heart by Mr. BigRob brings us a power ballad that peaked at number 16.  It was the fourth single from the second album by Mr. Big entitled “Lean Into It.”  The song features some excellent finger picking on an electric guitar toned down to an almost acoustic consistency.  Eric Martin is the lead singer and co-writer of the song.Cold Day in Hell by Gary MooreBruce features a guitar virtuoso from Northern Ireland.  Gary Moore got his start in an Irish band called Skid Row in the late 1960's but is better known as a member of Thin Lizzy.  This lead-off track to his ninth solo studio album called “After Hours” is a straightforward announcement that the man and his lover would never be getting back together. Silent Lucidity by QueensrycheLynch closes out the staff picks with beautiful and epic piece off the Empire album.  Chris DeGarmo, guitarist and primary songwriter for the group, was inspired to write this song after reading a book about lucid dreams.  The first iteration of the song was acoustic guitar and vocals only, and instrumentation was added later. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:The Simpsons by Danny GattonA rock/blues guitar cover of the main theme of “The Simpsons” takes us out for today's session.   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.

Lynyrd Skynyrd was a success with their debut album, and continued to build a fan base when they opened for The Who on their Quadrophenia tour.  Many of the songs on their debut album were staples of their concerts in Jacksonville, Florida, where they had built their style over the years since the 60's.  Therefore it was not a sure thing that they would be able to sustain their success over time.  Those concerns were put to rest when they released their second album.Second Helping, a southern colloquialism for getting more of the same thing at the dinner table, cemented Lynyrd Skynyrd as the flag bearer for the Southern Rock genre.  At a time when a number of British artists - most notably the Rolling Stones - were digging into the rock and blues music of the American South, Lynyrd Skynyrd was the real thing.  They rode the power of their triple guitar set and the wit of Ronnie Van Zandt's lyrics to a commercial success, with the album going to number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart and certified as gold by September 1974.  While contemporary critics were more lukewarm, those reviews have been revised way upward over time.  Second Helping also contains the biggest hit of the group as well, the Southern anthem "Sweet Home Alabama."Lynyrd Skynyrd would go on to produce many more hit songs and records in the southern rock genre before tragedy took front man Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines in October 1977.  But Second Helping is the album that solidified their standing as an internationally successful band.Wayne takes us through this album for this week's podcast, and Brian Dickhute joins us in Bruce's absence. The Needle and the SpoonThis song would not be the only anti-drug track in the Skynyrd discography.  The lyrics describe a man coming out of rehab, and makes use of a wah wah pedal effect that was not common to most of Skynyrd's music, but fit with the heroin subject of the song.  Swamp MusicAlthough not released as a single, this song got plenty of air play on FM radio, as did most of the tracks on this album.  This fast -paced track describes life in the Florida swamps.  The members of Lynyrd Skynyrd were well acquainted with outdoor life, fishing for catfish, hunting, and other "redneck" activities.Sweet Home AlabamaEveryone knows this anthem of Southern rock.  This song was written in response to Neil Young's "Southern Man," in which the band felt like the entire Southern United States was blamed for slavery.  Between the hook of the leading riff and the catchy lyrics, this song has become a staple of classic rock. This is Skynyrd's only top 10 hit, as it went to number 8 on the US charts.  Interestingly, none of the band members are from Alabama.Don't Ask Me No QuestionsGary Rossington and Ronnie Van Zandt wrote this song during a fishing trip.  Many think this is about a relationship, but it was a message to the record managers who were apathetic towards the band during the early days, but who turned demanding after they were a success.   ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: Main theme from the television series, "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C."In this sitcom spin-off from "The Andy Griffith Show," Jim Nabors plays the lovable but naive Gomer Pyle, now enlisted into the Marine Corp.  Frank Sutton, who played Sergent Carter in this series, passed away in June 1974. STAFF PICKS:Help Me by Joni MitchellRob starts the staff picks with a single from Mitchell's sixth studio album, "Court and Spark."  This track is Mitchell's biggest single, and her only song to crack the top 10 in the US, going to  number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The lyrics describe a singer who knows she is falling for the wrong man, but is either powerless to stop it or doesn't want to call things off.Dancing Machine by the Jackson 5Brian brings us a song that hit number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 after a multi-year dry spell.  The Jackson 5 appeared on "Soul Train" performing this song, and Michael Jackson introduced the world to "the robot" dance routine.  The Jackson 5 had a Saturday morning cartoon which kept the group in the public conscious.Waterloo by ABBALynch features the song that made ABBA a household name when the Swedish group won the 1974 Eurovision Song contest singing this tune.  The lyrics compare falling in love to Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo.  The name "ABBA" comes from the first letter of each of the singers' names.Tell Me Something Good by RufusWayne presents a funky song from a group featuring Chaka Kahn as lead vocalist.  Rufus is a one-hit wonder, with this song peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Stevie Wonder wrote this song about a woman looking for a deeper relationship, not just a one night stand.  It was the first hit song that utilized the vocoder.  INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Dance with the Devil by Cozy PowellWe close out with a drum instrumental based on Jimi Hendrix' "Third Stone from the Sun."  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.

The Talking Heads is known as one of the more quirky bands of the 70's and 80's, and terribly innovative in their approach to both music and performance.  Consisting of Tina Weymouth on bass, Chris Frantz on drums, Jerry Harrison on keyboards and guitar, and fronted by David Byrne on vocals and guitar, the Talking Heads helped to shape the landscape of alternative and new wave rock through the 80's and 90's.  They really hit mainstream consciousness with their fifth album called "Speaking in Tongues" in 1983.  They followed this up with the live album "Stop Making Sense," which showcased the elaborate stage setups and their visual presence, complete with Byrne's iconic "big suit" fashion wear.Little Creatures was their sixth studio album and the best selling album of the group's career.  The Talking Heads toned down their experimental tendencies on this one in favor of a more stripped-down, accessible approach.  While there are still elements of art music and new wave present in the tracks, they play a more whimsical role.  The songs blend in pop, folk, and country influences as well, giving the album a bright, catchy feel in addition to the wit and quirkiness for which the group was known.The album cover was created by artist Howard Finster, and incorporates themes of Americana and everyday life.  This complemented the songs well, and was selected by Rolling Sone magazine as the album cover of the year.The group would go on to produce two more studio albums before disbanding in 1991.  They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.Show co-founder Brian Dickhute is back to present this album in Bruce's absence for today's podcast.  The Lady Don't MindThere's a certain amount of weirdness that is difficult to explain in the lyrics of just about every Talking Heads song, and this is no exception.  This reggae-tinged song talks about a lady who is hard to pin down or figure out.  "Last time she jumped out the window, well, she only turned and smiled.  You might think she would say something, but you'd have to wait a while."  Perfect WorldWhile most songs were written by David Byrne, this one features lyrics composed years earlier by drummer Chris Frantz.  It is a deeper cut, and a mini-love story. Stay Up LateThis track was the fourth single released from the album.  It is a song about Byrne's sister's baby, and describes an adult keeping the baby up late despite the consequences, just to have fun and enjoy this new life.  Road to NowhereThis song was released as a single, and went to number 25 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.  Byrne describes it as "a song that presented a resigned, even joyful look at doom."  The gospel choir that leads off the track was added after the song was concluded to complete what is essentially a two-chord song. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Soul Finger by the Bar-Kays (from the motion picture Spies Like Us)Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd star in this spy comedy where novice spies are sent into the Soviet Union.STAFF PICKS:West End Girls by Pet Shop BoysLynch starts the staff picks with a song about class and pressures of city life in London, inspired by a T.S. Eliot poem.  It was released twice as a single, once in April 1984 when it became a club hit, and this version as a re-recorded single in October 1985.  It went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.It's Not Love by DokkenWayne takes us in a more hair metal direction with a head banger tune from Dokken's third album, "Under Lock and Key."  This was the third single released from the album.  The video contains scenes where the band is playing from a flat bed truck, and was actually recorded on the road.  They received several tickets during the process, despite having permission to film.Magic Power by TriumphRob features a Canadian power trio from their live double album, “Stages.”  Originally recorded on their studio album, “Allied Forces,” the song describes the healing power of music.  It is one of the group's signature songs, and the live  format gives a good sense of the band's chemistry on stage.Tonight She Comes by The CarsBrian closes out the staff picks with a previously unreleased song from the Cars' Greatest Hits album, released in October 1985.  Ric Ocasek wrote the song, and originally intended it for his solo album, but brought it to the group instead.   It was their fourth and last single to be a top 10 hit. NOVELTY TRACK:Strokin' by Clarence CarterWe find out how Clarence Carter makes love in this concluding track from this week's podcast.   Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

It's not every day that we at What the Riff?!? review a rap album, but the Beastie Boys aren't your every day rap group either.  Hailing from New York City, Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz, Adam “MCA” Yauch, and Michael “Mike D” Diamond came out of an experimental hardcore punk band (think “punk” but faster) called The Young Aborigines.  After changing their name to the Beastie Boys, they saw some local success from a comedy hip hop single based on a prank call to a Carvel Ice Cream franchise.  They then began to incorporate more rap and hip hop into their sets, and ended up connecting with Rick Rubin, who formed Def Jam Recordings with Russell Simmons.Many of their songs were locally distributed, and led to uncomfortable situations when three white guys would show up to perform for a mostly black audience that had heard their music but never saw the group.  Their courage and live performance skills won the audience over.Shortly after supporting Madonna as an opening act on the Virgin Tour in 1985, the band recorded their debut studio and breakthrough album, Licensed to Ill.  It was released by Def Jam and Columbia Records, and became one of Columbia Records' fastest-selling debut records, and had shipped over ten million copies in the United states by 2015.  It was also a critical success, and was selected as one of "The Source's 100 Best Rap Albums."  It was hailed for hits stylized rapping, and its combination of hip hop and punk sensibilities.The Beastie Boys would go on to greater heights of stardom in the mid to late 90's as they moved in a more alternative direction, but this is where it all started.Lynch brings us this illin' record for today's podcast. No Sleep Till BrooklynThe song that opens side 2 is inspired by an exhausting tour, and it chronicles many of the events that wear the band out along with their determination to not rest until they get back home to Brooklyn.  It is often the closing song at their concerts.  It also features a solo guitar riff by Kerry King of the heavy metal band Slayer.  Paul RevereThis song is a fictionalized account of how the Beastie Boys met.  It was inspired by an incident when they encountered Joseph Simmons aka "Run" of Run-D.M.C. in a recording studio.  It features a reversed beat from an 808 drum machine.Hold It Now, Hit ItThis was the first single to be released from the album, and was ranked number 27 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of Hip Hop.  The video switches between concert footage, and the band lip synching in front of a fish-eye lens.  Brass MonkeyThis is a later-produced song that takes its name from an alcoholic drink by the Heublein Company.  It samples Wild Sugar's “Bring It Here” in the song. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:If I Only Had A Brain by Ray Bolger and Judy Garland (from the motion picture “The Wizard of Oz”)Actor, dancer, and singer Ray Bolger who played the scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz” died in January of 1987. STAFF PICKS:Still In Hollywood by Concrete BlondeWayne kicks off the staff picks with the debut single from American alternative rock group Concrete Blonde's first and self-titled album.  This post-punk sound was bubbling up in the LA street scene at the time, and the lyrics portray a life in Hollywood where the town drags you down.  Right Next Door (Because of Me) by Robert CrayBruce's staff pick is a song off Robert Cray's fifth studio album, “Strong Persuader.” The lyrics chronicle an infidelity breaking up a marriage as told from the man who had an affair with the next door wife.  Cray played with a number of artists, and was at the final concert with Stevie Ray Vaughan before his death in a helicopter crash. Too Hot to Stop by Benjamin OrrRob brings us a solo single from the second vocalist of The Cars.  This keyboard-heavy piece was off Orr's only solo album entitled “The Lace.”  After they released their Greatest Hits album in 1985, The Cars briefly split up to pursue solo projects, and both Orr and Ocasek hit the charts.Land of Confusion by GenesisLynch closes out the staff picks with a rare political track from Genesis that questions global leadership and the threat of nuclear war during the cold war era.  It is famous for its video which uses puppets from Peter Fluck and Roger Law caricaturing political figures of the time, and the band members themselves. COMEDY TRACK:Ronnie's Rap by Ron and the DC CrewRonald Reagan was a hot commodity for comedy in 1987, as this satirical rap shows.   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.

Echoes of the trajectory of the Beatles still reverberate through music today, and they loomed quite large over the rock scene in the early 70's.  In 1972 a bootleg 4-album set of Beatles songs was produced called "Alpha Omega" which sold well when marketed on TV.  In response - in addition to suing - Apple and EMI/Capitol Records produced an authorized collection in two double albums.  The first was called 1962-1966, also known as the Red Album, while the second was called 1967-1970, also known as the Blue Album.    The Blue Album was a compilation of Lennon-McCartney original songs, avoiding many of the successful cover songs the early group had recorded.  Unfortunately it also did not contain any George Harrison compositions from this time period.  The Red Album did not contain any covers, as the Beatles were immensely popular on their own by this time.  However, it did contain songs from George Harrison and Ringo Starr along with the numerous Lennon-McCartney originals.The album covers are notable, as they are similar photos of the group at different points in life.  The cover to the Red Album used an image of the group looking down over the stairwell inside EMI's London headquarters.  This was a photograph taken for the group's 1963 debut LP.  The Beatles had recreated that shot in 1969 for their planned "Get Back" album, but did not use the image when the album was released in 1970 as "Let It Be."The compilation project was a success, and convinced other groups to release similar retrospective compilations.  It is also a terrific way to see the progression of the band in seven short years of their activity.  WSB Radio's Eric Von Haessler joins us to highlight these two influential albums in this week's podcast. Love Me DoThe very first single released by the Beatles was this track and the lead-off track from the Red album.  John Lennon and Paul McCartney provide duet vocals on this song, and Lennon is the harmonica player.  While it is credited as a Lennon-McCartney song, John Lennon provides the bridge, and has stated that it was a McCartney song before they began working together.Tomorrow Never KnowsThe concluding track from "Revolver" is the concluding track for the Red album, and shows how far the Beatles have taken their music in four short years.  They are utilizing techniques like looped drums, reverse guitar, and processed vocals that were new to the music scene at the time.Strawberry Fields ForeverThis track opens the blue album.  The inspiration for this song was a park in which Lennon played as a child, and evokes a childlike innocence.  The music style was a departure from the Beatles' previous style, and is considered the introduction of the psychedelic genre.Let It BeA profound piece after the psychedelic period, "Let It Be" is often considered the swan song for the Beatles, because it was the final single released before McCartney announced his intention to leave the band.  The  inspiration of the song was a dream Paul McCartney had about his mother. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Knocking on Heaven's Door by Bob Dylan (from the motion picture “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid”)This western movie had a revisionist history and starred a number of celebrities, including James Coburn, Kris Kristofferson, and Bob Dylan himself.  STAFF PICKS:Kodachrome by Paul SimonBruce starts out the staff picks with the lead single from Simon's third studio album "There Goes Rymin' Simon." While it did well in the US, it received little airplay in the UK due to strict rules the BBC had in place regarding product endorsements.  The idea of the song is that we fit our memories to our worldviews like we frame shots in a camera.Money by Pink FloydRob brings us the lead single from the monster album "Dark Side of the Moon."  A rare song in 7/4 time with a 4/4 guitar bridge, the lyrics describe the desire and material trappings that cause people to chase after riches. Peaceful Easy Feeling by the EaglesLynch features an iconic song from the Eagles.  It was written long before this time by Jack Tempchen, a prolific singer-songwriter, but appeared on the Eagles debut album. Glen Frey is on lead vocals, and the harmonies are provided by Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner. Right Place, Wrong TIme by Dr. John Eric finishes the staff picks with a funky tune from New Orleans-influenced Dr. John.  It was the first single from "In the Right Place," Dr. John's sixth studio album, and was also his biggest commercial hit, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. COMEDY TRACK:The Cover of "Rolling Stone" by Dr. Hook & the Medicine ShowWayne presents the comedy single this week, as Dr. Hook seeks validation by appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. 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.

When you think of rock music anchored by piano, there are only a few standouts.  But outside of Elton John, perhaps the best known rock pianist is New York's Billy Joel.  Born in the Bronx and growing up in Long Island, Joel got his start early (at age 4) with piano lessons and dropped out of high school to pursue music full time.  After joining a couple of short-lived bands, Joel started his solo career and released his debut album, "Cold Spring Harbor" in 1971.It was his second album which would be remembered as his true nationwide debut.  Piano Man was his first release from Columbia Records, and came out while Joel was still dealing with legal issues from his former label.  Many of the tracks exhibit a story telling approach common in the early 70's.  Although Joel was in his mid-20's when the album was released, it had a maturity about it that made it do well both on the pop and adult contemporary charts.  Despite this being his breakthrough album, Joel would struggle to find success in his follow-up albums.  He was in danger of being dropped by the record label when he hit it big once again in 1977 with "The Stranger."  From that time on, Billy Joel would be an A-list performer, capping off a long career with a decade-long residency at Madison Square Garden.Wayne takes us through this breakthrough album for this week's podcast. Piano ManThe title track was written while Billy Joel was working at The Executive Room piano bar in Los Angeles, and is loosely based on the patrons that came through the bar told from the perspective of the piano player.  It would become both his signature song and synonymous with Joel.  "Son, can you play me a memory...I'm not really sure how it goes, but it's sad, and it's sweet, and I knew it complete when I wore a younger man's clothes."You're My HomeThis song was the B-side of the "Piano Man" single, so it did get some air play.  The song has a country feel, and was written for Joel's first wife.  He could not afford to buy her anything while in California between record deals, and he wrote it as a Valentine's present.  The Ballad of Billy the KidIf the last song was country, this next song is the Western.  This is an epic that pays tribute to a fictionalized Billy the Kid, telling a story of an outlaw in the Wild West.  The last verse switches to modern times, with Billy Joel taking the place of Billy the Kid, looking forward to new exploits.  Captain JackAn early live radio performance of this song is what got the attention of Columbia Records in the first place.  Joel wrote the song when living in Oyster Bay, Long Island, in an apartment from which he could see drug deals going down.  "Captain Jack" is the local drug dealer, and the song reflects the sadness that comes from a life in the grip of heroin.   ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Gypsy Woman  by Bill Dean (from the motion picture "The Lords of Flatbush")This movie starred Henry Winkler and Sylvester Stallone before they became famous for playing The Fonz and Rocky respectively.  STAFF PICKS:For the Love of Money by the O'JaysBruce starts the staff picks with a well known funk tune that went to number 9 on the Billboard Singles chart.  This song takes its title from I Timothy 6:10, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in thier greediness, and pierced themselves through."  It also was Donald Trump's WWE entrance music.Benny and the Jets by Elton JohnLynch brings us another piano artist, singing about a fictional glam-rock band.  "Oh, but they're weird and they're wonderful.  Oh, Bennie, she's really keen.  She's got electric boots, a mohair suit, you know I read it in a magazine."  The lyrics are told from the perspective of a fan at a concert.Rikki Don't Lose that Number by Steely DanRob's staff pick is the lead track to Steely Dan's third album, "Pretzel Logic."  It is also their most commercially successful single, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The inspiration for this jazz-infused rock song was a New York writer and artist named Rikki Ducornet.  Future Eagles alum Timothy B. Schmit provides backing vocals.Bad Company by Bad CompanyWayne features a song that is from the self-titled album AND the self-titled group.  The inspiration for this song was a Clint Eastwood western, and it is both a lament and a celebration.  "Rebel souls, deserters we are called.  Chose a gun, and threw away the sun...". INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Tubular Bells by Mike OldfieldWe close out to a song that was both a hit at the time, and would be immortalized in the horror film "The Exorcist."  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.

The mid-80's were a tough time for Elton John.  The singer and pianist who had been a stellar success in the 70's was deep in the clutches of drug addiction, and struggling to perform due to throat issues.  His studio album, "Leather Jackets" had failed to produce a single to reach the top 40.  It seemed that he was finding more controversy in the British tabloids than he was success in the music industry.In the midst of this, however, he produced a stellar live album.  Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was John's twenty-eighth official album release, focusing on some of the performers earlier hits.  In the last two months of 1986, Elton John did a series of concerts as a part of his tour of Australia and New Zealand which contained two sets.  The first set was a traditional concert with John and his 14-piece band.  The second set had the band backed by the 88-piece Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with John dressed as Mozart in front of the grand piano.  The Live album captured this symphonic second set.The album was a success, hitting number 24 on the Billboard 200 and certifying gold by January 1988.This concert also marked a change.  It was the last in which Elton John appeared in his elaborate stage costumes.  He also underwent throat surgery in January 1987 which - while successful - permanently altered his voice.  His next few albums would be somewhat more successful, but he would sober up in the early 90's and release his highly successful "The One" album in 1992.Bruce presents this live symphonic hit for this week's podcast. Burn Down the MissionThis song is the concluding track of John's third album, "Tumbleweed Connection."  That was a concept album with the theme of Western Americana.  The lyrics  are a bit vague, but the story tells of a poor community oppressed by some kind of powerful force.  The singer has taken direct action to remedy the situation, and is defending his action of burning down the mission as the only way to defend his family.  Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest WordHailing from his "Blue Moves" studio album, this sad song is characterized by lyricist Bernie Taupin as "that whole idealistic feeling people get when they want to save something from dying when they basically know deep down inside that it is already dead."  Take Me to the PilotOriginally from John's self-titled second album, this song contains lyrics which both John and Taupin admit are nonsensical, but just contain words that sound good together.  Six of the 14 tracks on this live album are from Elton John's second album. Candle In the WindThis song from the "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album was never released as a single in the US until it was released in this live version.  Taupin used Marilyn Monroe as an archetype of the famous artist cut down in the prime of life.  He was initially inspired by hearing Clive Davis using the phrase "candle in the wind" in tribute to Janis Joplin.   ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Theme from the motion picture SpaceballsMel Brooks is at it again, this time with his classic spoof on Star Wars.  May the Schwartz be with you! STAFF PICKS:Throwing It All Away by GenesisLynch kicks off the staff picks with this single from the Invisible Touch album that went to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford wrote the song and lyrics.  The upbeat music is quite different from the melancholy lyrics about a love who is leaving the singer.Don't Let Me Die Young by Andy TaylorRob brings us a solo single from Duran Duran's guitarist.  The video for the song depicts at-risk youth engaged in dangerous activities at night from crime and cars to drugs.  Taylor's album "Thunder" came out in the midst of the hair metal band's height. This single also features Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols.Alone Again Or by The DamnedWayne features a cover song originally recorded in 1967 by the group Love.  The Damned began as a punk group, and moved to post-punk, somewhat goth rock over time.  Love was an inspiration for the Damned, which encouraged them to cover this song.  The horns give the track a Spanish feel.Housequake by PrinceBruce closes out the staff picks with a party song from the double album "Sign O' The Times."  It was the B-side for the single "U Got the Look."  Prince used pitch-shifted vocals to create a higher, more feminine voice for this track.  It was originally going to be on an androgynous alter persona album called "Camille" before it was folded into this double album.   INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:21st Century Common Man, Pt. 1 by Tangerine DreamThis jazz group closes out our podcast this week.   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!?! 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 AndersonJon 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 EaglesDon 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 DummiesFront 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 ChaserThis 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 & PalmerELP 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 HeartbreakersThis 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 WeezerThis 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 LauperLauper 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 SinatraYou 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 LadiesThis 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 BandHear 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 PesciChasing 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.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.

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 TodayThe 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 HomeWinwood 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 RightThis 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 JoyA 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 WhoWayne 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 CreamLynch 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 SingersBruce 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 StevensOne of the earliest comedy singles from Stevens closes out our podcast this week. 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.

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 MedicineJon 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 SinThe 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 BabyThis 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 YouThe 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 LeppardRob 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 U2Julie'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 FlowersBruce 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 INXSSteve 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 KenisonThe sultry sounds of Sam Kenison take us out with this angry cover of the Troggs classic.  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 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 BandThe 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 FriendsDrummer 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 LifeThe 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 SpringfieldBruce'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 PlayboysRob 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 FranklinJulie 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 BeatlesIt 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 AlpertAlpert 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.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.

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. FeelgoodThis 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 HeartDo 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 HipWayne 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 BonhamIf 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 CooperLynch 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 HymasWe 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.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.

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 StreetThis 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 WindWhile 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 BluesA 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 JonesRob 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 GayeLynch 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 PresleySpecial 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 LitterWayne 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 GenerationThis 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.  BatteryThis 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 PuppetsCocaine 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 BluesRob 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 FearsBruce'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 RevolutionJulie 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 PalmerLynch 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 HomeThis 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.DesireA 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 NowhereThe 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 TearsThis 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 WilderWayne 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 JamLynch 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 RaittBruce 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 YesWe 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 AmericaThis 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 WindThe 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 WindThe 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 FirefallWayne 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 HeartRob 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 AmbrosiaBruce'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.

There were few rock albums in the 80's which achieved the popularity levels of Born In the U.S.A., the seventh studio album by Bruce Springsteen.  Songs for this album were recorded with the E. Street Band over a two-year period from 1982 until 1984, the totality of songs far outstripping the available space on the album.  Somewhere between 70 and 90 songs were created during those sessions, some being released as B-sides  Ultimately twelve songs landed on the album, seven of which were released as singles.  All seven singles reached the top 10 in the United States.The songs reflect Springsteen's blue collar sensibilities, but also have more pop influence musically than some of his earlier works.  Springsteen made more prominent use of synthesizers in these pieces, and the shorter, more radio-friendly tracks surely contributed to the success of the album.  “Born In the U.S.A.” was the biggest selling album of 1985, and remains Springsteen's most successful studio album.  The album's success also catapulted Bruce Springsteen's fame to stratospheric levels, a consequence which he considered a mixed blessing.While the music is pop oriented and lively, the lyrics are often darker, reflecting the aftermath of the Vietnam war and struggles of blue collar life.  It may be a strange juxtaposition, but it worked.Born In the U.S.A. was released in 1984, but singles from the album were still being released in 1985, the last of which was released in November.Lynch brings us this monster album of 80's heartland rock in this week's podcast Glory DaysThe fifth single released from the album was inspired by an encounter Springsteen had with an old friend and star high school baseball player in a bar in 1973.  It reflects on the passage of time and the way we look back on the days of our youth with nostalgia.    Dancing In the DarkThis track was born out of frustration.  Springsteen's manager was pushing for him to write a hit single, and the lyrics reflect the pressire Springsteen felt to write a hit.  Interestingly the song became Springsteen's biggest hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The video is famous for a scene where Springsteen pulls a fan - the actress Courtney Cox before her fame on the TV show “Friends” - on stage to dance.  I'm On FireSpringsteen developed this song in early 1982 while experimenting with a slow Johnny Cash rhythm.  The lyrics are built around sexual tension for a seemingly unavailable love.  The video portrays Springsteen as an auto mechanic working on a Thunderbird for an unseen female who brings the car in frequently and always asks for him to do the work.Born In the U.S.A.The title track and opening song to the album is a protest song disguised as a patriotic song.  It was inspired by Ron Kovic, a Vietnam War veteran and wheelchair-bound anti-war activist who wrote the memoir “Born on the Fourth of July.” Despite its protest origins, it became associated with Ronald Reagan's optimistic 1984 campaign due to its strong chorus. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Living In America by James Brown (from the motion picture “Rocky IV”)Brown makes a cameo in this Rocky movie when Balboa's antagonist turned friend Apollo Creed fights an exhibition against Soviet athlete Ivan Drogo in Las Vegas. STAFF PICKS:She Sells Sanctuary by the CultWayne gets the staff picks rolling with the first big hit from the Cult.  The lyrics reflect the feeling of safety that the singer receives when being around a particular woman.  Front man Ian Astbury has stated that "...plain and simple.  It's about sex."  This group channels a bit of goth rock and a bit of fuzzy psychedelia.To Live and Die in L.A. by Wang ChungRob brings us a deeper cut from the film noir "To Live and Die in L.A."  Director William Friedkin liked the group and asked them to compose the entire soundtrack.  This piece is the title track for the soundtrack, and gives off the neo-noir feel of the thriller.Overjoyed by Stevie WonderBruce features a hit song of the twentieth studio album from Stevie Wonder, "In Squared Circle."  The song was written back in 1979 for the album "Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants," but didn't make that album.  It was first performed live on Saturday Night Live in 1983.  Jazz guitarist Earl Klugh contributes on this song.  Running Up that Hill (A Deal with God) by Kate BushLynch finishes the staff picks with a song that got new life from the series "Stranger Things."  Bush's unusual lyrics reflect a desire to make a deal with God to trade places with her husband for a time so she would better understand him.   INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Where's the Walrus? by The Alan Parson's ProjectWe finish off today's podcast with an instrumental from The Alan Parson's Project album "Stereotomy."  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.

We covered the big commercial hit album "Brothers In Arms" back in episode 154, but many afficianados of Dire Straits consider their finest work to be the album that preceeded this one.  Love Over Gold is their fourth studio album, released in late September 1982 and on the charts in June 1983.  For this album, prime mover and lead vocalist Mark Knopfler, bassist John Illsley, and percussionist Pick Withers are joined by new members Hal Lindes on guitars and Alan Clark on keyboards.  The songs on this album are longer than your standard single, particularly the majestic 14-minute "Telegraph Road."  Despite their length, "Private Investigations" was released as a single in the UK and reached number 2on the charts.  The shortest song, "Industrial Disease" (still clocking in at 5:50) was released as a single in the US.  It would reach number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100, but would be a staple of rock radio stations at the time.A number of songs were written and recorded during the "Love Over Gold" sessions, but subsequently discarded from album release.  Amongst these was the song "Private Dancer," which was instead provided to Tina Turner for her comeback album of the same name.   Turner would take this song to number 7 on the US charts, and see her career reinvigorated by the success of her "Private Dancer" album."Love Over Gold" was a number 1 album on a number of charts, including Australia, Austria, and the UK, and reached number 19 on the US Billboard 200 albums chart.Rob brings us this outstanding, deep, and thought-provoking album for this week's podcast.Telegraph RoadThis lengthy masterpiece was inspired while Knopfler was riding in his tour bus down the 70-mile road of the same name.  The song narrarates the development and history along the road as the decades roll past.  It is easy to describe this song as prog rock, but it also contains one of the best guitar solo riffs you will hear. Industrial DiseaseGoodness me, goodness me!  We have to highlight the US single from the album.  The title comes from a term for work-related illness, and the term in this song references both individual work illness and the decline of British industry in general.  The reference to Dr. Parkinson is a British professor and satirist who is famous for the phrase "work expands to fill the time available for its completion." ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Overture to the Marriage of Figaro by Mozart (from the motion picture “Trading Places”)Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd star in this comedy about a yuppie and a homeless man who are forced to trade places as the result of a bet by two rich stock brokers.   STAFF PICKS:Murder By Numbers by The PoliceBruce initiates the staff picks with a dark song about becoming a serial killer.  This Police song appears on the cassette and CD version of the album "Synchronicity," but was left off the vinyl due to lack of space.  It was written by Sting and Andy Summers, the only collaborative song on the album, and was recorded in a single take.  Rock of Ages by Def LeppardLynch brings us a huge song from Def Leppard's "Pyromania" album.  Producer Mutt Lange counts off the nonsensical "Gunter Glieben Glauten Globen," to open the song, and the lyrics form an anthem suitable for arena show openers.  Joan Jett's "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" was an inspiration to the creation of this anthem.Don't Pay the Ferryman by Chris deBurghWayne's staff pick takes a fantasy approach to the story of Charon and the crossing of the river Styx, advising not to pay until the trip is done.  Irish artist Chris deBurgh broke into the US top 40 with this song, peaking at number 34.  Lines from Shakespeare's play "The Tempest" can be heard in the bridge to the song.The Walls came Down by The Call Rob finishes the staff picks with a song that is inspired by the Biblical tale of the fall of Jericho.  Lead singer Michael Been would pull biblical references into his lyrics, including this song.  The Call formed in 1980 in California, and blended rock, New Wave, and post-Punk.  U2 and Simple Minds both consider The Call an influence in their music. COMEDY TRACK:My Bologna by "Weird Al" YankovicWe close out with Weird Al's meaty take on "My Sharona by" the Knack. 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.

If you are exploring the rise of prog rock, it doesn't take long until you encounter the power trio of Emerson, Lake & Palmer.  This progressive rock band is actually a supergroup.  Keyboardist Keith Emerson came from The Nice, vocalist and guitarist Greg Lake was in King Crimson, and percussionist Carl Palmer was from Atomic Rooster.  Emerson, Lake & Palmer formed in 1970 and would make their mark as a prog rock band which adapted classic and symphonic music into the rock genre, with elements of jazz, acoustic, and art rock coming into play.  Most ELP songs are long and complicated, not making any attempt to stay within the confines of the “hit single” pop track.Trilogy is the trio's third studio album, following their eponymously named debut, their second studio album entitled “Tarkus,” and their live album, Pictures at an Exhibition.  Trilogy continues a tradition of combining original material with adaptations of classical music.  It was also a challenging album for the group to make, utilizing more overdubs than previous albums.  The upside is a great sounding, polished album.  The downside is that the music was difficult to duplicate live, causing a number of the songs from Trilogy to be minimally used in set lists.The album was considered both a critical and commercial success, reaching number 2 on the UK albums chart, and number 5 on the US Billboard 200 chart.ELP would continue as a force in the 70's, breaking up in 1979.  Both partial and full reunions would continue through the 1980's and 1990's, with their final performance being held in 2010.  Both Keith Emerson and Greg Lake died in 2016.Wayne takes us through this prog rock masterpiece for this week's podcast. FugueWe open with an instrumental featuring Keith Emerson on keyboards.  A fugue is a style of music involving counterpoint, popular in the Baroque musical era of the 1600's.  You will get exposure to a lot of serious musical compositions and style listening to this group.From the BeginningThis is the "hit" from the album, if you think of Emerson, Lake & Palmer in terms of popularity.  It went to number 29 on the US charts, and is the highest charting US single.  Greg Lake wrote the music and lyrics, and plays the acoustic guitar for this ballad.  The lyrics take on a philosophical sone, emphasizing the importance of the present moment, while not missing past mistakes and missed opportunities.  The SheriffKeith Emerson wrote the music and Greg Lake wrote the lyrics to this western-themed track.  It tells the story of an innocent man fleeing the law, encountering the law in the form of the Sheriff, then taking the Sheriff's place after shooting him.  It ends with a great honkytonk piano solo.HoedownImmediately following “The Sheriff” on the album, the group creates an adaptation of Aaron Copeland's iconic “Hoe-Down,” written for his classic ballet entitled “Rodeo” in 1942.  This tune became well known after being used in advertisements by America's Beef Producers.   ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Main theme from the motion picture “Super Fly”Curtis Mayfield created this song for the black-oriented crime drama film of the same name. STAFF PICKS:Best Thing by StyxBruce leads off the staff picks with the first single from Styx's first album.  Dennis DeYoung and James Young wrote the song and trade off on lead vocals.  It peaked at number 82 on the Billboard Hot 100.  This is a great tune to hear and grasp what the early days of Styx sounded like.  Rock and Roll, part 2 by Gary GlitterRob brings us a glam rock anthem made famous today by its use in sports stadiums nation wide.  This single off “Glitter,” the debut album by Gary Glitter, is the only one of his singles to crack the U.S. top 10.  Both “Rock and Roll” part 1 and part 2 peaked at number 2 on the UK singles chart.Brandy (You're A Fine Girl) by Looking GlassIt is a mystery how Lynch was able to pick up this well-known classic of yacht rock this late in the podcasts.  This track tells the story of a waitress who gives her love to a sailor, knowing that he would never be on shore for long.  Will It Go Round in Circles by Billy PrestonWayne's staff pick is a funky tune from the man often known as the fifth Beatle.  Preston played with a number of musicians, including Ray Charles, Little Richard, Sam Cook, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, Joe Cocker, and of course the Beatles.  This soulful tune sold over a million copies and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Walk In the Night by Junior Walker & the All StarsThis jazz-infused (largely) instrumental track closes out the podcast for the week.  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.

If you're looking for great Heartland Rock, a great choice would be the album Against the Wind.  Depending on how you count it, it could be considered Bob Seger's eleventh studio album, but it is the third album of the iteration known as Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band.  Seger is joined by Drew Abbott on guitar, Chris Campbell on bass, and David Teegarden on drums.  The band became the Silver Bullet Band a bit by accident.  They were arguing about what to call themselves, and the manager got tired of it.  When they got paid the manager wrote the name "Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band" on the paycheck and the name stuck.  Against the Wind was an immediate success.  It went to number 2 on the Billboard 200 charts in its third week, and it sat there for 5 weeks, kepts out of the top slot by Pink Floyd's monster hit album, "The Wall."  Finally, it topped "The Wall" to take the number 1 slot and remained there for six weeks, making it Bob Seger's most successful album in his career.There are a number of well known hits on this album, and an excellent collection of musicians as well.  In addition to the Silver Bullet Band, Seger makes use of session musicians out of Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, and is joined by backing vocals from members of the Eagles as well.Seger retired at the end of 2019, but he performed in 2023 at Patty Loveless's induction in to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, so we hold out hope that there will be some occasional performances still to come.Bruce presents this folksy heartland singer songwriter for this week's podcast.. Her StrutWhile not released as a single, this song received some airplau as the B-side to "The Horizontal Bop."  Seger has been criticized for his adolescent humor in this song, but he claims that the inspiration for it was feminist activist Jane Fonda and her appearance before the Campaign for Economic Democracies.Against the WindBob Seger has written a number of songs about looking back on life, and the title track is an example of this.  Seger was a cross country runner in high school, and he uses running as a metaphor for growing old.  This song went to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and he is joined by his friend and Eagles alumnus Glenn Frey for backing vocals.Fire LakeThis track is about taking risks, risking love, and just heading off with a bunch of wild people.  Seger recorded this one at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios.  If the backing vocals sounds a lot like the Eagles, there is a reason for it - those backing vocalists are Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Timothy B. Schmit.  You'll Accomp'ny MeThis ballad is a little more country, with lyrics that basically say, "look, you may be playing the field now, but we both know in the end we'll be together."  Little Feat co-founder Bill Payne joins Seger on this track to provide organ, synth, and piano parts.  It hit number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Sleepless Nights by Gram Parsons (from the motion picture "Cruising")Al Pacino starred in this crime thriller about a serial killer targeting gay men.   STAFF PICKS:I Like to Rock by April WineWayne rocks out to start the staff picks with this Canadian band.  April Wine formed in 1969, and have released over 20 albums.  This song may be time stamped in the early 80's but it rocks out, and you can't beat lyrics like, "journey to the stars, Rock N Roll guitars!" Take the Long Way Home by SupertrampRob brings us one of the hits off Supertramp's multi-platinum album, "Breakfast in America."  The lyrics to this one depict a couple growing apart as the husband starts staying away from home due to feeling like he's being ignored.  It can also be a reflection of missed opportunities to live in alignment with your heart, and not being at peace with yourself.Rock With You by Michael JacksonLynch features a hit from MJ's disco album, "Off the Wall."  Original lyrics were a bit more suggestive, but these were toned down to fit Jackson's wholesome image at the time.  Rod Temperton wrote "Rock with You" as his first song for Jackson, setting the stage for more collaborations, including the iconic "Thriller." I Wanna Be Your Lover by PrinceBruce's staff pick is the lead single from Prince's self-titled second album, and his first major hit, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1980.  Prince performs lead and backing vocals, and plays all instruments on this hit.  The end of the track includes an extended instrumental jam which is edited out for the single. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Give It All You Got by Chuck Mangioni Flugelhorn player Mangioni wrote this song for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.   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.

This week we are taking an opportunity to explore some songs which would normally be outside our time frame by following the soundtrack to the movie “Goodfellas.”  This Martin Scorsese film is a mafia story told from the view of Henry Hill in his book “Wiseguy:  Life In a Mafia Family.”The movie follows Henry Hill as he looks back on his life beginning during a time when he looked up to the Wise Guys and gangsters who ran his neighborhood.  Hill starts his narrative as a child in 1955 and continues until 1980 when Hill becomes an FBI informant on the Luccese crime family and enters the witness protection program.The songs from that film provide the backdrop of different times in Hill's life.  Rat Pack hits reflect scenes with the gangsters, while songs from the Who and Cream reflect more disjointed times.Hill was paid $480,000 for his contribution to the movie.  Hill passed away in 2012.Wayne takes us through this time spanning soundtrack this week on our podcast, because this gives us the opportunity to cover some songs which are not normally in our album "window," while still giving us a window into a popular film and into the happenings of the early 90's. Rags to Riches by Tony BennettThis crooner song is used as the backdrop when Henry Hill reflects on his childhood and states, "As far as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster - being a ganster is better than being the President of the US."  This sets the table for the remainder of the film.Then He Kissed Me by The CrystalsPhil Spector co-wrote this song and was instrumental in increasing the popularity of the Crystals before he moved on to work with The Ronnettes.  This track is used as the backdrop of a long take where Hill and his date go to the Copacabana restaurant through the back door to a table set on the dance floor for them.Ain't That a Kick In the Head by Dean MartinRat Pack member and ultra-cool crooner known for his roasts and singing with a martini glass, Martin's song is the perfect fit to a montage of mob life.  Henry's wife Karen narrarates this montage.  The inspiration for the song may have been a film starring Martin and Frank Sinatra, in which Sinatra's character says, "ain't that a kick in the head." during a poker game.Magic Bus by the WhoThis Who song is used in the movie during a scene of frantic, intoxicated driving where Hill believes that he is being tracked by the Feds. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Main theme from the motion picture “Troll 2”This film may be one of the best "worst" movies made, but it was in the theaters at the time, so we thought we'd brush off the theme and trot it out this week.STAFF PICKS:Cradle of Love by Billy IdolRob kicks off our staff picks this week with a single off Idol's fourth studio album "Charmed Life."  Idol was in a near-fatal motorcycle accident earlier in the year, and his appearances in the David Fincher video include head shots and close-ups from the waist up, obscuring the fact that he was still recovering from his leg injuries. Praying for Time by George MichaelLynch features the lead single from Michael's second solo album, "Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1."  This somber, contemplative tone is a departure from his more pop-oriented hits.  Michael addresses poverty, injustice, and the human condition, concluding that some things can only be healed with time.Tick Tock by The Vaughan BrothersBruce's staff pick is off "Family Style," the only studio album featuring brother Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan.  The song lyrics about the need to recognize that time is short are more poignant, given that the album was released a month after Stevie Ray Vaughan died in a helicopter crash.Waiting for the Angels by The DarksideWayne brings us one of his Manchester sound groups.  The Darkside is out of central England and have a neo-psychedelia sound with heavily distorted guitar and synthesizers.  The song lyrics are about a guy seeing lots of women in life, but not making a connection.  He's waiting for angels to bring the right one his way. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Guitar Voodoo by The DarksideWe finish up this week's podcast by double-dipping on the Manchester sound with this instrumental.   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.

Rage Against the Machine recorded their eponymously named debut album in May-June of 1992 and released it in November 1992.  The Los Angeles-based group consisted of Zack de la Rocha on vocals, Tom Morello on guitar, Tim Commerford on bass, and Brad Wilk on drums.  The group was known for their anti-establishment and politically charged lyrics.  Rage Against the Machine combined a lot of genres of music into a single hard-hitting sound.  The influence of hard rock and metal is clear, and elements of rap, funk, hip hop, and punk rock are clearly infused into the sound.This group was not just political in nature, every song is laced with revolutionary rants.  The group draws inspiration from mondern revolutionary groups such as the IRA and the Black Panthers, and is highly critical of the policies of the United States, both foreign and domestic.  RATM's debut album is largely based on their demo tape released a year before, which contained seven of the ten songs appearing on the album.  That demo tape was recorded prior to the group's first live show, and was used as a means to build awareness of the group in the days before their signing with Epic Records.The album was a quick critical success and a slower commercial success.  The group began to really take off on the strength of the single "Killing In the Name," and after their performance at the Lollapaloosa festival in mid 1993.Lynch brings us this high energy album in this week's podcast. BombtrackThe opening track starts with a strong guitar riff, and deals with themes of social injustice and resistance against oppression.    Bullet In the HeadMedia manipulation and control of information are the issues dealt with in this track, which became a staple of the band's live shows.  "Just victims of the in-house drive-by / They say jump, you say how high."Wake UpThis song will be familiar to fans of the 1999 film "The Matrix," as it is used at the conclusion when Neo calls the Matrix announcing he will reveal their existence.  They lyrics are a critique of racism, the CIA and government corruption.Killing In the NameThe big single from the album addresses police brutality and institutional racism.   ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Face to Face by Siouxie & the Banshees (from the motion picture “”)This movie based on the Stephen King novel starring James Caan and Kathy Bates would win Bates an Oscar for Best Actress. STAFF PICKS:Empress of Pop by Insane JaneWayne starts the staff picks with an underrated local Georgia band.  This song is a screed against Sinead O'Conner.  Insane Jane produced two albums, the first called "Each Finger," and the second (which contains this song) entitled "Green Little Pill."Let's Get Rocked by Def LeppardDuring a time when hard rock was on the downswing, it is nice to hear a solid rocker which would have been at home on any of Def Leppard's 80's albums.  Rob's staff pick shows that there was still some solid rock music going on in the midst of the grunge movement.57 Channels (and Nothin' On) by Bruce SpringsteenBruce features a Springsteen song which reflects the proliferation of cable television, but not necessarily good content on the tube.  While Springsteen considers this sone a bit of a "playful misfire," the song did go to number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 6 on the Mainstream Rock charts.Would? by Alice In ChainsLynch closes out the staff picks with a song written as a tribute to Andrew Wood, the late lead singer of Mother Love Bone, who died of a heroin overdose in 1990.  The lyrics deal with the aftermath of rehab and the uncertainty of the future. NOVELTY TRACK:Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray CyrusLong before his daughter began her career in "Hannah Montana," Billy Ray Cyrus was all over the charts with this cheesy country song. 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.

While Devo is known as an early 80's new wave synth pop band, their history goes back to 1973.  The classic lineup of Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh, Gerald Casale, Bob Casale, and Alan Myers developed the name Devo from "De-evolution," the idea that mankind is regressing to a herd mentality.  This was a bit of a joke idea that Gerald Casale and co-founder Bob Lewis formed while at Kent State University.  The band gained some local fame in 1976, and were signed to Warner Brothers in 1978 with recommendations from David Bowie and Iggy Pop.Freedom of Choice is Devo's third studio album and their breakout commercial success.  While their first two albums had generated some following, the commercial success was not at the level Warner Brothers sought, and the third album was considered a "make or break," one with the studio ready to drop the group.  Success did follow this album, with Devo exploiting the upcoming popularity of new wave while drifting a little bit towards R&B and funk sensibilities within their synth-pop framework.The album was recorded and mixed in six weeks, with bass, guitars, and drums being recorded together live, and with synthesizers and vocals being overdubbed later.   The album peaked at number 22 on the Billboard 200, and the big single, "Whip It," reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.Rob brings us this synthisizer-driven new wave album for this week's foray into the early 80's.Freedom of ChoiceThie post-punk title song initially sounds like it is about freedom of choice.  However, it is really about people not really having freedom of choice.  Consumerism - choosing between green sneakers and blue sneakers for example - isn't really choice at all.  "Freedom of choice is what you got.  Freedom from choice is what you want."Whip ItEveryone knows this signature Devo song.  Mark Mothersbaugh has stated that the song was written as a subtle Dale Carnegie-esque message to Jimmy Carter, saying "you can do it."  The song benefitted greatly from airplay on the fledgling cable channel MTV, where their strange video involving a guy knocking the clothes off a girl with a bullwhip received continual play.Gates of SteelThe lead song from side 2 is a bit of a commentary on the mechanization of humanity.  No matter how much we believe mankind has accomplished, we're not far removed from the ape.  "A man is real, not made of steel."Girl U WantThis was the first single released from the album, though it did not chart well.  The song was supposedly inspired by The Knack, though the track reminds us more of The Cars.  "She's just the girl, she's just the girl, the girl you want." ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Fame by Irene Cara (from the motion picture “Fame”)Irene Cara sings the theme song and stars in this teen musical drama about students auditioning to study at the High School of Performing Arts. STAFF PICKS:Crazy Little Thing Called Love by QueenLynch's staff pick is a song inspired by Elvis Presley.  Freddie Mercury wrote the song lyrics in about 10 minutes, and the band created the song in about 30 minutes.  Mercury played lead guitar for the original stuido recording.  It was the first number 1 hit that Queen had on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.  Cars by Gary NumanWayne brings us the signature song from Gary Numan.  It was inspired by an incident of road rage Numan experienced in London, where he had to lock his doors and drive on the sidewalk to avoid getting attacked.  He was safe in his car, and inspired to write a song in about 30 minutes.  It is a signature song of the New Wave genre, and there are no guitars in this track.Two Headed Dog (Red Temple Prayer) by Roky EricksonBruce features a strange hard rock song with lyrics inspired by Soviet scientist Vladimir Demikhov.  Demikhov's research focusted on organ transplants, and he conducted dog head transplants in the 1950's.  This song is off Erickson's debut album with his band the Aliens, and is considered a cult classic.  Call Me by Blondie Rob finishes the staff picks with a hit that feaured in the film "American Gigolo."  It went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, the biggest hit of Blondie's career.  Lead vocalist Debbie Harry wrote the lyrics from the perspective of the main character in the film, a male prostitute.   INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Airlane by Gary NumanWe close out with a double dip on new wave synth artist Gary Numan this week. 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.

Sylvester Stewart was born in Dallas, Texas, but moved to the Bay area of California before becoming a multi-instrumentalist and changing his name to Sly Stone - the primary driver of the group Sly and the Family Stone.  This was one of the first integrated groups, and one that crossed many genres.  They played what would become known as psychedelic soul, but you can trace the origins of funk, soul, and psychedelic music through Sly and the Family Stone.The first Family Stone album was called “A Whole New Thing,” and it caught good critical coverage.  Unfortunately it was a commercial failure.  Clive Davis asked for a more pop friendly sound, and Sly Stone created an approach to their second album, Dance to the Music, which followed a formula.  Each lead singer would take turns on lead vocals or sing together in unison, the songs would feature a prominent solo for the instrumentalists, and the lyrics would appeal to a wide audience even though they would still focus on peace, love, and opposition to racism.  The group really did not care for the formulaic approach of this album, but it worked when it came to commercial appeal.  “Dance to the Music” became a top 10 pop hit, and it inspired several groups to gravitate towards psychedelic soul, including the Temptations, the Impressions, and the Four Tops.Sly Stone is the primary driver of the group, writing almost all of their songs, serving as a multi-instrumentalist, and as a primary vocalist.  His borhter Freddie Stone is on vocals and guitar, and his sister Rose Stone joins the group for the first time on this album.  Other members are Larry Graham on vocals and bass, Cynthia Robinson on trumpet and vocals, Jerri Martini on saxophone, Greg Errico on drums, and backing vocals by Little Sister (Vet Stone, Mary McCreary, and Elva Mouton).Sly and the Family Stone would release a number of songs to hit the top 10 in the Billboard Hot 100 in the years to come.  The follow-up album to this one is called "Stand!," and is considered the band's high water mark, along with their performance in 1969 at Woodstock.  The band would encounter instability and drug problems as time went on, with the original group dissolving in 1975.  Sly Stone would continue to record as "Sly and the Family Stone" for many years afterwards using rotating musicians, until drug problems basically forced him to retire by 1987.Bruce brings the early funk for this week's podcast. Are You ReadyThis song is an expression of opposition to racism with lyrics like "Don't hate the black, don't hate the white, of you get bit, just hate the bite.  Make sure you heart is beatin' right."Ride the RhythmThis song starts off side two of the album.  It is a straightforward dance song, and has some obvious comparisons to James Brown.  It has a nice mix of horns and "wah wah" guitar.Don't Burn BabyScat was an early precursor to rap music, and this track is a good example of a rapid rhyme scat.  The eastern feel is also reminiscent of George Harrison.  "Don't burn, baby, burn.  Just learn, baby, learn."Dance to the MusicHere is the big hit off the album, and the first Sly and the Family Stone single to reach the top 10 on the Billboard Charts, peaking at number 8.  It is a straight up party record, but was also one of the most influential songs of the late 60's.  The formula used by Sly Stone to make the songs on this record are clear here, even though he and the group did not like that approach. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Shape of Things to Come by Max Frost and the Troopers (from the motion picture Wild In the Streets)This dystopian comedy-drama became a cult hit of 1960's counterculture.  Max Frost and the Troopers was a fictional rock band in the film. STAFF PICKS:Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing by Marvin Gaye and Tammi TerrellLynch starts out the staff picks with a smooth grooving song off the soul duo's album “United.”  Ashford & Simpson wrote and produced this song, which became a hit within a week of its release, going to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Hot Soul Singles chart.Anyone for Tennis by CreamRob brings us the theme song for the 1968 film “The Savage Seven,” an outlaw biker exploitation movie.  Eric Clapton's lyrics depict a callous disregard for all the turmoil going on in the world, with the singers discussing going out for a game of tennis while everything disintegrates around them.She's A Heartbreaker by Gene PitneyWayne features an early 60's crooner who turns to a Motown sound for this go-go hit.  It peaked at number 16 at the time.  It is about a guy who is continually drawn to a woman who breaks his heart every time.  Love Is All Around by The TroggsBruce's staff pick is probably most familiar to fans of the Christmas movie "Love Actually," where an old rocker converts it to a cheesy Christmas song called "Christmas Is All Around."  The Troggs' lead singer Reg Presley wrote it in about 10 minutes, inspired by a broadcast of the Salvation Army Band performing an evangelical song called "Love That's All Around." NOVELTY TRACK:The Unicorn by The Irish RoversThe Irish story of how the unicorn missed its appointment with Noah's Ark was on the charts in 1968, and closes out our podcast this week.  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.

Styx is approaching the height of their popularity and a bit of a turning point when they released their ninth studio album, Cornerstone.  Keyboardist and vocalist Dennis DeYoung, and lead guitarist and vocalist Tommy Shaw take the lion's share of the songwriting duites, with one or both developing all tracks save one.  The lead vocalist duties also alternate between DeYoung and Shaw, again with the sole exception being a song written and sung by guitarist James "JY" Young.This album finds the group shifting from a more prog rock sound to a pop rock orientation.  This transition would create a commercial success, with Cornerstone becoming the groups first top 5 album on the US charts - peaking at number 2.  The album would produce the groups first and only number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in the power ballad "Babe."  It would also be a critical success, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group.  Not bad for a self-produced album.The successes, however would be tempered with the first fractures appearing between the group's primary singers and songwriters.  Dennis DeYoung wanted to see the group move in a more pop direction, while Tommy Shaw preferred the rock orientation of previous albums.  James Young sided with Shaw in this dispute.  It would eventually cause a rift in the band in the mid-80's, with Shaw and DeYoung splitting up.Friend of the show Steve Hardin presents this classic rock and pop sensation in today's podcast. Borrowed TimeThe third single from the album was the lead track to side 2.  The song is a political one, portraying a United States in trouble, but oblivious to its decline.  DeYoung and Shaw co-wrote this song, and Dennis DeYoung takes lead vocal duties on this high energy track.Boat on the RiverThis more folk-oriented tune was a charting single in the UK and hit number 5 on the German charts, but was not released as a single in the US.  Tommy Shaw wrote and sings lead on this track, as well as playing mandolin.  It began as an experiment when Shaw first acquired a mandolin, but the band thought it sounded good enough to make it on the album.Why MeThe second single was a compromise choice.  Originally DeYoung wanted the power ballad "First Time" to be released as the second single, but when Tommy Shaw objected so strenuously to releasing two ballads in a row that he threated to leave the band over it, "Why Me" became the single.  Also written and sung by DeYoung, it is about feeling depressed even in the midst of success.  BabeThe band's sole number 1 single is a ballad about having to leave the one you love for a period of time.  Dennis DeYoung wrote it as a birthday present for his wife Suzanne.  Despite its success, it was not originally intended to appear on the album.  Tommy Shaw and James Young convinced DeYoung to put it on the album. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Rawhide by the Blues BrothersThe band performs behind a protective fence in a country bar in one scene, and this is the single song from the Country AND Western genre they can play. STAFF PICKS:Mystery Train by UFOWayne launches the staff picks with a cover of a song originally recorded by Junior Parker in 1953.  UFO were an English rock band originally formed in 1968.  This song is off their eighth studio album which was produced by George Martin of Beatles fame. Love Stinks by the J. Geils BandLynch's staff pick is a description of a love triangle in which no one gets what they want.  Lead Singer Peter Wolf was married to actress Faye Dunaway at the time, and was headed towards a divorce which may have inspired the lyrics.  Many will remember this song from Adam Sandler's performance in "The Wedding Singer."Even It Up by HeartRob brings us the first single from Heart's fifth studio album, "Bebe le Strange."  It features the Tower of Power horn section in the instrumentation.  The lyrics call for reciprocity in a relationship, and also a subtle rant against the obstacles women face in the rock world.Run Like Hell by Pink FloydSteve Hardin wraps up the staff picks with a song written by David Gilmour and Roger Waters.  The song is used in the film "The Wall" to depict rock anti-hero Pink as a fascist dictator turning the audience into a lynch mob.   INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Seduction by Giorgio MoroderThis instrumental love theme from the movie "American Gigolo" was on the charts at the time. 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.

Hysteria is the album that should not exist.  Def Leppard's fourth studio album was plagued with delays and tragedy.  Despite this fact, the album would become one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time. The band wrapped up their Pyromania tour in early 1984, and started writing their next album shortly thereafter.  Producter John "Mutt" Lange began working with them to arrange the songs, but was suffering from burnout and couldn't commit to producing the album.  Jim Steinman (of Meatloaf's "Bat Out of Hell" fame).  The fit was not good, and the band parted ways with Steinman by the fall.  They began self-producing, but it was slow work.  Then in December tragedy struck, as drummer Rick Allen crashed his Corvette, losing his left arm in the accident.  The band stuck with him as he returned to the drums, using a combination of acoustic and electronic drums and MIDI pedals to trigger sounds for parts ordinarily played with the left arm.  Self-production was continued until Mutt Lange was able to rejoin in mid-1985.  Final recording sessions occurred in early 1987, and the finished product finally was released in August 1987.Def Leppard's goal with the album, was amazingly aggressive:  they wanted to create a rock album similar to Michael Jackson's "Thriller," such that every track on the album could potentially be a hit single.  This goal was largely achieved, as seven of the albums tracks were released as singles, an unpresidented achievement for a rock band at the time.  This would also produce controversy with Def Leppard fans, as the group was perceived by some as selling out to commercial "hair metal" sensitivities popular at the time. Friend of the show Steve Hardin joins us in Bruce's absence, and Lynch brings us this monster album of heavy metal (or hair metal, depending on your perspecitve) for week's podcast. HysteriaThe title track was the fourth single from the album, and the group's first top 10 single in the US.  Drummer Rick Allen came up with the name for this slow rocker.  "'Cause it's a miracle, oh say you will, ooh babe.  Hysteria when you're near."AnimalThis fast paced song was the second release in the US and the first single in the UK where it broke into the top 10.  It was one of the more difficult songs for the group to write, going through multiple iterations with multiple producers before arriving in the style used on the album.RocketThis track was almost created as an instrumental, but morphed into a tribute song, referencing many of the influential groups of the 60's and 70's.  It also features a backwards masking vocal from another song on the album (Gods of War) which says, "we're fighting with the gods of war."  Pour Some Suger On MeOften considered Def Leppard's signature song, this track was a last-minute addition to the album.  It came out of an acoustic jam developed by lead singer Joe Elliott.  Producer Mutt Lange liked the tune and pushed for its development despite the album being behind schedule.  It was created in about 2 weeks, and would reach number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.   ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:I Get Around by The Beach Boys (from the motion picture “Goor Morning, Vietnam”)This movie starred Robin Williams as an Armed Forces Radio Service DJ who is popular with the troops, but problemmatic to the bureaucrats. STAFF PICKS:Say You Will by ForeignerRob starts the staff pick with a song that hit number 6 on the charts.  Foreigner evolved their sound in the late 80's to meet the aesthetic of the day, with heavier use of the synthesizer and less guitar riffs.  It is the first single from their sixth studio album, "Inside Information."No New Tale to Tell by Love and RocketsWayne's staff pick is an alternative rock sound with an unusual flute instrumentation from a group out of the UK underground.  This was their first US hit, going to number 18 on the US Mainstream Rock chart.  It is from their third album, "Earth, Sun, Moon," and they would release another four albums before breaking up in 1989,Big River by the Beat FarmersFriend of the show Steve Hardin brings an unusual song with a country/rocakabilly slant.  The lyrics discuss following a girl down the Mississippi.Faith by George MichaelLynch finishes the title track from George Michael's debut solo album.  This song with a Bo Diddley beat on an acoustic rhythm guitar went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Michael wrote the song because he needed faith in his own abilities after leaving the band Wham! to go solo. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Complexity by Front Line AssemblyThis Canadian industrial band released their first full-length album in 1987. 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.

This week we are delving into one of the greats of Southern Rock.  Well, they are southern rock if you count southern California.  Little Feat took its name from a comment Frank Zappa made to his band member Lowell George regarding his having little feet. George would become a founder and driving force behind Little Feat, providing guitar and vocals.  Other members were Paul Barrere on guitar and vocals, Sam Clayton on percussion and vocals, Kenny Gradney on bass, Richie Hayward on drums and vocals, and Bill Payne on keyboards and vocals.Feats Don't Fail Me Now is the band's fourth studio album, and it went to number 36 on the US Top LP's chart.  It is hard to go wrong when, in addition to the regular band members you have the Tower of Power on horns, and backing vocals from Emmylou Harris and Bonnie Raitt.  The album was recorded at Blue Seas Recording Studio in Maryland, and it provided two advantages.  First, it had just opened and needed a band for their "shakedown cruise," letting Little Feat record on the cheap.  Second, it was far away from their home base in Los Angeles, which kept Lowell George away from many familiar temptions of drugs and women.While Lowell George would soon begin to deteriorate in health (he died of a heart attack in 1979), this album shows him and his band at the height of their artistic prowess.  The surviving members of Little Feat would regroup in 1987, and the band continues to perform today.Wayne takes us through this little feat of southen rock for this week's podcast. Feats Don't Fail Me NowThe title track received significant airplay on FM radio and it leads off side two of the album.  That driving bass line and funky drumbeat is sometimes called Country Funk Boogie.  The message of the song is one of perseverance and determination to get back the girl the singer loves.Oh AtlantaIf you were living in the metro-Atlanta area in the 70's or 80's, you definitely are familiar with this song.  Billy Payne takes lead vocal duties on this track, and it features Bonnie Raitt and Emmylou Harris on backing vocals.  "Well, you can drop me off on Peachtree, I got to feel that Georgia sun.  And the women there in Atlanta, they make you awfully glad you come."Spanish MoonThis track was written by Lowell George and features the Tower of Power horn section.  This is a deeper cut, but it has a latin groove while maintaining both a bluesy and funky sound.  The origin of the song is a dream George had of a dangerous nightclub in New Orleans called the Spanish Moon.Rock and Roll DoctorThe song considered the hit off the album is an anthem to the healing power of music.  "Two degress in bebop, a PhD in swing, he's a master of rhythm, he's a rock and roll king."   ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Main theme from the motion picture “Together Brothers”The Love Unlimited Orchestra provided this title track to STAFF PICKS:Radar Love by Golden EarringLynch's starts our staff picks this week with a Dutch rock band originally formed in 1961.  Lead vocalist Barry Hay and guitarist George Kooymans wrote this single that reached number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.  The lyrics describe a man driving a long way to be with his love, and communicating with her through a mystical bond he calls "radar love."Keep on Smilin' by Wet WillieBruce features the title track from Wet Willie's third studio album.  It is their biggest hit, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song itself is rather stoic, encouraging the listener to keep smiling through the difficulties and pain of life.The Night Chicago Died by Paper LaceRob's staff pick is a story telling song that topped the US chart for one week in 1974.  The lyrics describe a shoot-out between the Chicago Police and Al Capone's gangsters, and worries from the wife of a police officer that her husband wouldn't make it home.  The song ends on a positive note when her husband walks through the door.Beach Baby by The First ClassWayne brings us a British band made up of all session players.  They call themselves "the first class" because they considered themselves to be a kind of supergroup of the UK music session set.  This song would be a one-hit wonder, reaching number 4 in the US, but other singles would not see the same level of success. NOVELTY TRACK:Rub It In by Billy "Crash" CraddockThis novelty song hit the top of the country charts.  It may be more familiar as the jingle from Glade air fresheners, where they sing, "plug it in." 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.

Who's up for some thrash metal?Megadeth is one of the founding bands of the thrash metal genre, and considered one of the "big four" of U.S. thrash metal (along with Anthrax, Metallica, and Slayer).  The heart of the band, primary songwriter, and sole constant member of the band throughout the years is Dave Mustaine.  The formation of the band is well known as a revenge effort on Mustaine's part.  He was fired from his role as lead guitarist of Metallica just prior to the recording of their debut album due to personal issues with James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, and due to drug abuse problems.  The name of the group was inspired by a political pamphlet from Alan Cranston that read "The arsenal of megadeath can't be rid no matter what the peace treaties come to."  Mustaine took the word out of that pamphlet and adjusted the spelling.Rust In Peace is the group's fourth studio album, released in late September but featured in November as it was gaining traction with fans at the time.  The album name came from a bumper sticker Mustaine saw that read, "May all your nuclear weapons rust in peace."  It was the first album to feature Marty Friedman on guitar and Nick Menza on drums.  Dave Mustaine is on guitars and lead vocals, and long time collaborator David Ellefson completes the quartet on bass and backing vocals.The album takes on a number of topics including religion, plitics, warfare, and personal issues Dave Mustaine was dealing with such as drug and alcohol addiction.  Mustaine explored a number of religious expressions over his life, and became a born again Christian after attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and focusing on his Christian faith.  Lynch brings us this hallmark album of thrash metal in this week's podcast Holy Wars...the Punishment DueThe opening track starts fast, shifts to a slower acoustic bridge, and finishes at a higher speed.  The lyrics discuss religious conflict with particular attention being paid to the situations in Israel and Northern Ireland.  The subtitle "the Punishment Due" is a reference to the Marvel comic book character called the Punisher.  It was the first single released from the album  Hangar 18The second single is the second track from the album, and was inspired by the Roswell alien conspiracy theory.  Hangar 18 is supposedly located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and was believed to be the location where an alien spacecraft and/or bodies were stored.Tornado of SoulsThis is a somewhat deeper cut since it was never released as a single, but it is considered a staple of the band's discography.  Marty Friedman's guitar solo in this piece is considered one of the best metal solos of all time, and one of the hardest to play.  Bassist David Ellefson co-wrote the lyrics, making it one of the few songs on the album not written by Mustane alone.Rust in Peace...PolarisThe concluding song reflects the album title.  It is written from the perspective of a Polaris nuclear weapon, and reflects the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare.   ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Shotgun by Junior Walker & The All Stars (from the motion picture “Misery”)This movie based on the Stephen King novel starring James Caan and Kathy Bates would win Bates an Oscar for Best Actress. STAFF PICKS:Full Circle by the Jeff Healey BandRob starts the staff pick with this blues-infused pick which is the lead track to the Jeff Healey Band's second album, "Hell to Pay."  Bobby Whitlock, a member of the supergroup Derek and the Dominos is playing the Hammond organ on this piece.  Jeff Healey, blind since an early age, was known for holding his guitar in his lap while playing.Vigilante Man by Hindu Love GodsWayne's staff pick is a bit of a super group.  Warren Zevon got together with the members of REM minus Michael Stipe to create this single album on a lark.  The group recorded old standards for the album, and this one was originally done by Woody Guthrie in 1940.  The song itslef is about hired thugs who would chase away migrants trying to escape the Dust Bowl by moving to California.Traveling Riverside Blues by Led ZeppelinBruce features another cover song, this one written by Robert Johnson in 1937.  Led Zeppelin recorded it in 1969, but it was not released until 1990, over ten years after "Fool in the Rain," their last single.  It hit number 7 on the Billboard Top Rock Tracks chart in November 1990.Blaze of Glory by Jon Bon JoviLynch finishes the staff picks with a rock ballad containing elements of country and western, written for the motion picture "Young Guns II."  It won the Golden Globe award for Best Original Song, and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of Bon Jovi's most successful solo hits. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Theme from the motion picture "Dances with Wolves" by the Royal Scots Dragoon GuardsThis cinematic piece accompanied the Kevin Costner Western which was out in 1990. Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

One of the great underappreciated singer-songwriters of the rock era was Tulsa, Oklahoma native Claude Russell Bridges, better known as Leon Russell.  Russell was a musician and songwriter with records spanning rock, folk, country, gospel, bluegrass, and blues who began playing piano at the age of four.  He went to the same high school as David Gates (from Bread), and the two collaborated as a group called The Fencemen early on.  Russell went to Los Angeles and worked as a studio musician.  The list of folks he worked with is huge, including Jan and Dean, the Beach Boys, George Harrison, Eric Clapton, the Byrds, Barbara Streisand, Bob Dylan, and the Rolling Stones.  He was a big part of the group Delaney and Bonnie, and was a primary inspiration to a then-upcoming pianist who went by the name Elton John.Russell was born with cerebral palsy, which produced some paralysis on his right side.  He walked with a limp, and he was bullied as a kid over it.  He also developed a piano playing style that favored his left hand, and keyboardists will recognize that as unusual since the right hand typically plays the melody on songs.We are looking at the third solo studio album from Leon Russell called Carney.  This is Russell's most successful album in the United States, and comes when he was at his height as both a musician and a performer.  It went to number 2 on the Billboard Album chart.  Carney is organized with a first side that tends toward folk or roots rock, and a side two that is more psychedelic.  Russell was quite the start at this time, and he found that fame had some downsides.  Carney contains observations about the rock star lifestyle, and compares it two the performers at a carnival midway.  Russell's fame as a solo performer would fall off about three years after this album when he would trend in a more country direction.  He remained a force in the studio and as a songwriter throughout his life.  Leon Russell passed in his sleep in 2016 at home while recovering from heart surgery.Bruce presents this icon of the singer-songwriter era in today's podcast, as previous host Brian Dickhute sits in this week in Lynch's absence. Manhattan Island SerenadeWe're leading off with a deeper cut from the album.  It's lyrics are told from the perspective of a guy broken down on the side of the road, thinking about a long lost love as the rain falls and the cars drive by.TightropeThis is the big hit off the album.  It went to number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.  This song encapsulates the theme of the album well, comparing the rock performer to a tightrope walker, with all the risks and the joys of performing stunts in front of the crowd.  If the Shoe FitsRussell takes on the groupies and hangers-on in this song.  It's a little like Pink Floyd's “Have a Cigar,” but instead of focusing on managers taking advantage of the band, this song looks at the parasitical elements of the press and the fans.  It maintains a light, satirical feel despite the pessimism embedded in the lyrics.This MasqueradeWhile never a hit for Russell, this song received some airplay as the B-side to “Tightrope.”  It would also be covered by a number of artists including Helen Reddy and the Carpenters, but it's most successful cover iteration would be from George Benson on this “Breezin'” album. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Dueling Banjos (from the motion picture Deliverance)Burt Reynolds stars in this action/horror film about a group of rafters who encounter strange back woods locals while rafting in Georgia. STAFF PICKS:I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny NashWayne gets us rolling on the staff picks with an optimistic song which went to number 1 in 1972.  The inspiration was an eye surgery that Nash had undergone which left him temporarily blind.  The song reflects the hope and joy when he was able to see again, and inspires hope during times of adversity. You Don't Mess Around with Jim by Jim CroceRob brings us one of Croce's signature lyrical stories.  Jim Walker was the baddest pool hustler around until Slim showed up at the pool hall and cut Jim to ribbons in a fight. “You don't tug on Superman's cape, you don't spit into the wind, you don't pull the mask of the old Lone Ranger, and you don't mess around with Jim.” Too Late to Turn Back Now by the Cornelius Brothers & Sister RoseBrian features  a family soul singing group out of Florida formed in the 60's as a gospel group before adding Sister Rose in 1970. Carter, Eddie and Rose Cornelius released this single as a follow-up to their hit “Treat Her Like a Lady.”  The follow-up was even more successful than the former hit, going to number 2 in the Billboard Hot 100, while the previous hit went to number 3.  I Wanna Be Where You Are by Michael JacksonBruce's staff pick is the third single off MJ's debut solo album.  It went to number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Leon Ware and Arthur “T-Boy” Ross wrote this song, and Arthur Ross is the brother of Diana Ross.  Michael Jackson was producing solo work while continuing as a member of the Jackson 5, and his brothers are singing backup on this song. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Outta Space by Billy PrestonWe close out this week's podcast with a little sci-fi funk. 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.

Let's get this out of the way up front:  when you think of rock albums, Rick James is not the artist that immediately comes to mind.  But when former founding podcaster Brian Dickhute comes back and wants to do the album, we find it difficult to deny him.James Ambrose Johnson, Jr. was born in Buffalo where he was in a number of groups and bands as a teenager.  He joined the US Navy Reserves to avoid being drafted, then moved to Toronto in 1964 where he formed the rock band “The Minah Byrds.”  Unfortunately he failed to let Uncle Sam know of his change of address, and would spend a few months in jail on charges of desertion.  Shortly after his release he moved to California where he honed his craft in a number of rock and funk bands.  He became a bigger hit and better known after signing with Gordy Records in 1977.  Street Songs is Rick James' fifth solo studio album, and his most successful.  It was an immediate success and went to number 3 on the US pop charts, while also spending 20 weeks at the number 1 spot on the US R&B chart.James would go on to be a successful producer and songwriter.  His personal life would be unstable, and a hard life including drug abuse contributed to his early death in 2004.  WTR Host Lynch is out this week, so former founding host Brian Dickhute comes back with his funk on for this podcast. Give It To Me BabyThe lead single and lead-off track to the album went to number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the US R&B chart.  It is a big dance song with a strong horn section, and the lyrics are pretty straightforward.  Surprisingly, this is the best selling single from the album, even better than “Super Freak,” though that song would have more longevity. Ghetto LifeThis deeper cut was released as the third single from the album, though it barely missed cracking the Billboard charts when it reached number 102.  The lyrics in this funk song depict life in a depressed Buffalo inner city, where hustles were needed to make ends meet.Super FreakHere is the single that would become Rick James' signature song.  This ode to “a very kinky girl” reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, and features background vocals from the Temptations.  James would get further benefit when the song was used by MC Hammer as the foundation for his hit single “U Can't Touch This.”Below the Funk (Pass the J)Another deeper cut, this funky track is somewhat autobiographical, describing how James grew up on the street as the child of a single mother “on the corners hangin' out with all the hoodlums.”  Rick James would struggle with drug addiction throughout his life. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Maybellene by Chuck Berry (from the motion picture “Porky's”)This is the movie that started the teen sex genre, with practical jokes and run-ins with corrupt authority figures. STAFF PICKS:Blood Stains by Agent OrangeWayne opens the staff picks with a heavy metal power punk trio.  The group takes its name from both the defoliant used by the military in Vietnam and the county in metro Los Angeles from which the group hails.  The song is considered “skate punk,” and was used in Tony Hawk's pro skater video game.Alien by the Atlanta Rhythm SectionBruce brings us the sole single from ARS's tenth studio album Quinella.  The lyrics are about feeling out of place and away from home.  This keyboard-heavy song peaked at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was the last top 40 hit by the group.Winning by SantanaRob features a song originally written and performed by Russ Ballard, and covered by Santana with Alex Ligertwood singing lead.  It went to number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, one of Santana's biggest hits.  It is a positive song about overcoming difficulties.Say Goodbye to Hollywood by Billy JoelBrian closes out the staff picks with this song paying homage to Ronnie Spector.  While this track premiered several years prior on the Turnstyles album, the live version from the Songs In the Attic album came out in 1981.  It was recorded in the Milwaukee arena, and was more successful as a live song than as a studio song. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Hooked on Classics by the Royal Philhormonic Orchestra and Louis ClarkThis instrumental mosaic of well known classics from the symphony was a hit on the charts in 1981. 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.

Pete Townshend intended the fifth studio album from The Who to be a science fiction rock opera called “Lifehouse,” as a follow up to the rock opera “Tommy” released in 1969.  After conflicts with their band manager and issues just managing the complexity of what Townshend envisioned the project to be, the rock opera was shelved, and the follow-up was made into a more traditional album entitled Who's Next.The group began recording the album at Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger's house, using the Stones' mobile recording studio, then moved to a more traditional studio in London.  Most of the album is made up of songs originally intended for the Lifehouse project.  Who's Next would see the Who make significant use of synthesizers and other keyboard sounds on this album, making the synthesizers a more integrated part of the songs than on previous albums.  Drummer Keith Moon's style was also more formalized than before, and the overall album was focused on a good sound where previous albums were perhaps tilted toward a sonic projection of the image of the band.Who's Next would contain some of the most iconic songs that the band produced, and retrospectively is considered by many to be the best album The Who ever produced.  The album would reach number 1 on the UK charts, and number 4 on the US charts.Rob brings us this iconic album for today's podcast, and friend of the show Mike Fernandes sits in for Bruce this week.MobileThis lighter song is a celebration of life on the open road.  Roger Daltrey steps aside as Pete Townshend takes over lead vocal duties.  Daltrey actually was not present at the recording of this song, leaving Keith Moon (drums), John Entwistle (bass), and Townshend (vocals, guitar, keyboards) to record it as a power trio.A BargainOften misconstrued as a love song to a woman, this track actually is about a relationship with God.  It contends that sacrificing everything for a relationship with God is not a sacrifice at all, but a bargain.  Much of Pete Townshend's work is inspired by eastern mysticism.Won't Get Fooled AgainThe last track on the album is an 8 1/2-minute epic.  It was originally intended as a closing number to the "Lifehouse" rock opera.  The lyrics offer a critique of both government and revolutionary change, summarized in the phrase "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss."  Townshend was inspired to write this song after chasing Abbie Hoffman off the stage at Woodstock.Baba O'Riley The title of the lead track to the album is a combination of two of Townshend's mentors, Indian spiritualist Meher Baba and American Composer Terry Riley.  The repeated phrase "teenage wasteland" was inspired by Townshend's observations of youths at Woodstock strung out on acid. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:The Beat Goes On by Sonny & Cher (from the television variety show “Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour”)The singing duo Sonny and Cher started this sketch comedy and music show in 1971.  It would run for 3 years until their divorce. STAFF PICKS:Sweet City Woman by The StampedersWayne brings us a banjo-laden hit from a Canadian trio.  The lyrics were inspired by an encounter with a girl with wild eyes who came from the prairie to start life in the big city.  It hit number 8 on the US charts and number 1 in Canada.  It also won a number of Juno awards in 1972.  You may remember it from an episode of "Better Call Saul."Take Me Home, Country Roads by John DenverLynch keeps the banjo hits coming with a signature song from John Denver.  It went to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and would become one of four official state songs for West Virginia.  Denver recorded this song in only two hours.Nobody by the Doobie Brothers Mike brings us a lost song from the first album by the Doobie Brothers.  Neither this song nor the album charted when it was released, but it displays a number of riffs and styles which would become staples of Doobie Brothers songs.  It was re-released in 1974 after the group had achieved success, and it reached number 58 on the Billboard Hot 100.Maggie May by Rod Stewart Rob closes out the staff picks with a hit single off Stewart's third solo album "Every Picture Tells a Story."  The lyrics describe the contradictory feelings of a boy in a relationship with an older woman.  The inspiration was a true encounter Stewart had with a woman at the 1961 Beaulieu Jazz Festival.  The song went to number 1 in Australia, the US, the UK, and Canada. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Orchid by Black SabbathWe close out with a surprisingly soft instrumental from an ordinarily more heavy hitting band. 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.

Rubber Soul was the sixth studio ablum released by The Beatles in the US and the UK.  The album was largely recorded in October of 1965 over a four week period, and relesed in December of 1965.  The Fab Four had completed their North American tour by August, and had returned to London to compose this album.  It would be the first album they completed without the pressure of commitments to tour, film, or otherwise make public appearances.  Nevertheless, the band was working under tight timelines, intending to release the album before the Christmas sales cycle.  It would go to the top of the album charts and would be one of the biggest albums of 1966, charting at number 3 in the UK and number 4 in the US for the year.The name of the album is a bit of self deprecation.  The term "plastic soul" was used at the time to describe some artists' attempts to duplicate the sound of black American soul music, and the Beatles recognized their efforts as less-than authentic.  It also has a double meaning, referencing the Wellington boot worn in rural northern England.The album  combines elements of folk rock, soul, progressive rock, and the newly-emerging psychedelic sound.  It would set a new standard with rock groups, encouraging the creation of high quality albums rather than just making a string of singles that were merged onto an LP record.  It also shows the increasing maturity of the group in lyrics and music.  Lynch brings us this classic album from one of the greatest rock bands of all time, and friend of the show Mike Fernandez sits in while Bruce is out. Baby You Can Drive My CarThe opening track was written by Lennon and McCartney.  The lyrics are told from the perspective of a woman who expects to be a big star, and offers the man the opportunity to be her chauffeur.  At the end you find out that she doesn't have a car, but at least now she has a chauffeur.  Norwegian WoodIt really isn't possible to have a deeper cut when you're talking about the Beatles, but this may be as close as we can get.  John Lennon is the primary writer - with some contributions from Paul McCartney - and the lyrics discuss an extramarital affair he had in London.  George Harrison plays sitar on this song, and it is the first use of that instrument recorded in a major release in the rock world. In My LifeThe lyrics from this song were written by John Lennon, and is perhaps the first time he wrote a song inspired from his childhood.  George Martin plays the piano on the bridge, but recorded it at half speed.  This creates the tinny harpsicord feel when the song is run at full speed.MichellePaul McCartney is the primary writer of this song, inspired by the popularity of Parisian "Left Bank" culture, and contains french lyrics despite McCartney's lack of fluency in the language.  The music was partially inspired by chet Atkin's finger picking style.  McCartney began writing the song in 1958, and it went to number 1 in France where it was released ahead of the album. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:The James Bond Theme (from the motion picture “Thunderball”)This was the fourth film in the spy series starring Sean Connery as James Bond.  It was originally planned to be the first film of the series, but was pushed back due to legal disputes. STAFF PICKS:Treat Her Right by Roy Head and the TraitsWayne leads off the staff picks with a short, happy, party song.  While this may have a surf song vibe, the band is from Texas.  The lyrics tell about how a guy is supposed to treat a woman, and the benefits thereof.  The song peaked at number 2, and is the best known song by the group.  Hang On Sloopy by the McCoysRob brings us a song originally recorded by the Vibrations in 1964 with the title "My Girl Sloopy."  A jazz singer in Ohio named Dorothy Sloop inspired the name.  The McCoys version went to number 1 on the pop charts, and would be picked up by a number of garage bands.  Rick Derringer is the front man for the group.California Girls by The Beach BoysMike's staff pick is a well-known song from the album "Summer Days (And Summer Nights!!)" by the group.  Brian Wilson conceived the song during an acid trip, thinking about film scores from Westerns and - of course - girls.Eve of Destruction by Barry McGuireLynch closes out the staff picks with a protest song often covered.  P.F. Sloan wrote this song after the Kennedy assassination, the Gulf of Tompkin military action, and other social upheaval of the early to mid-60's.  American media used this song as an example of what was wrong with youth culture, counterintuitively driving the popularity of the song. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Hole in the Wall by The PackersThis jazz instrumental closes out this week's podcast. Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

We've covered a lot of great bands and artists in our podcasts, but it is a rare occasion when we get to explore a group that has defined an entire rock genre.  The Cure are considered to be the defining band within the goth rock movement.  Formed in 1978 out of the post-punk era, this West Sussex band would grow into an international cult favorite, complete with black wardrobe, smeared lipstick, and wild hair.The Cure is considered to have hit the height of their commercial appeal with Wish, their ninth stuio album.  Personnel for this album were Boris Williams on percussion (his last album appearance with the group), Perry Bamonte on guitars and keyboards (his first appearance as a member of the group), Pori Thompson on guitar (his last appearance with the group for 16 years), Simon Gallop on bass, and Robert Smith on vocals, keyboards, guitar, and bass.  The Cure would see a lot of personnel changes through the years, with Robert Smith being the only consistent member throughout, and the driving force behind the band.Wish was written with a lighter alternative rock sound than their previous albums, making many songs more accessible both to the less devoted fan and to commercial radio.  It went to number 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in the US, and number 1 on the UK albums chart.Bruce presents this monster of goth rock in today's podcast. A Letter to EliseThe third single from the album had its first release prior to the album on a 1991 episode of MTV Unplugged.  It is a song about resignation, of realizing that things are just not going to work out.  It went to number 2 on the US Alternate Airplay charts.HighOne of the more upbeat songs, this is the lead single from the album.  It went to number 1 on the US Modern Tracks, and 42 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It chronicles the feelings of love and infatuation.  Despite their reputation, many Cure songs are not dark and melancholy.  To Wish Impossible ThingsThis is a deeper track, and a darker one.  It is about relationships generally, and more specifically looking back on a relationship that is no more.  The title comes from the idea that selfish wishes do not turn out well when they are granted.Friday I'm In LoveThis was the band's second single and the big hit from the album.  It peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 (the last top 40 hit for the Cure to date), and at number 1 on the Billboard Modern Tracks chart.  This surprisingly happy song about looking foward to Friday has become one of the signature songs from the group. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Yo Cousin Vinny by Joe PesciThe starring actor from "My Cousin Vinny" takes a comedic turn with this song inspired by the movie "My Cousin Vinny." STAFF PICKS:To Be With You by Mr. BigLynch starts off the staff picks with an acoustic rock ballad.  Front man and co-writer Eric Martin provides lead vocals to this song which topped the Billboard Hot 100.  It was a single off the album "Lean Into It," and is considerdd the groups most successful song to date. Black Flag by Kings XRob's staff pick is the lead single off Kings X's self-titled album, their fourth studio album, and the first on Atlantic Records.  Kings X has often been labeled as a Contemporary Christian album, but they have inspired a number of prog rock groups through the years.  Unlike many bands, the core lineup of the band has remained the same for over forty years.The End of Everything by The Charlatans UKWayne brings us a deeper cut from a group from the midlands in England.  This song's lyrics are inspired by a friend feigning an illness so he could leave the army.  The band appended the "UK" at the end of their name to avoid confusion with a 60's American band also called "the Charlatans."Until Your Love Comes Back Around by RTZBruce wraps up the staff picks with a ballad from a short-lived band out of Boston.  Former members of the band Boston, including guitarist Barry Goudreau and vocalist Brad Delp formed RTZ with keyboardist Mrian Maes, percussionist Dave Stefanelli, and bassist Tim Archibald.  This song went to number 26 on the US charts. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Elmira St. Boogie by Danny GattonThis instrumental gets us moving as we close out this week's podcast. Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

Swamp rock afficianados, this is your podcast!Despite forming in California, Creedence Clearwater Revival was known for their Louisiana sound often described as "swamp rock" or later as roots rock.  They tended towards an earlier rock sound during a time when much of their fellow performers were moving in a more psychedelic direction.  But CCR (as the band was known, or Creedence) would find prolific success in the time from 1969 to 1971 when they would produce 14 consecutive top 10 singles and five consecutive top 10 albums.The band featuring front man and multi instrumentalist John Fogerty, brother Tom Fogerty on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, Stu Cook on bass, and Doug Clifford on percussion got their start as a band playing rock standards and instrumentals in 1959 under the name "The Blue Velvets."  They changed their name to "the Golliwogs" in 1964, then became CCR in 1967.  The name Creedence Clearwater Revival comes from three sources - John Fogerty's friend Credence Newball, a beer commercial touting "clear water," and the word "revival" depicting the members' re-commitment to the band.Cosmo's Factory is the band's fifth studio album takes its title from the warehouse in Berkeley where the band practiced in early days.  Doug "Cosmo" Clifford called it "The Factory" because they practiced there almost daily.  This album went to number 1 on the Billboard 200 charts and remained there for nine weeks.  It is one of those albums that appears to be a "greatest hits" album rather than a studio release because of the number of very familiar songs originating on it.The group would be prolific, but short-lived.  Tom Fogerty left the group at the end of 1971 and the rest had an acrimonious falling out shortly thereafter.  But for a few years, CCR produced a gigantic body of work, despite never having a number 1 hit.Wayne takes us through this classic album of swamp rock for this week's podcast. Who'll Stop the RainOften considered a Viet Nam protest song, the inspiration for this track is actually Woodstock, where multitudes of music fans congregated in the rain to hear the music of the age.  It was released as a double A single along with "Travelin' Band," and went to number 2 on the American charts.Run Through the JungleAnother song mistakenly considered to be a Viet Nam protest (and often used that way in films), Fogerty wrote this about the proliferation of guns in the United States, comparing city streets to a jungle.  This was another double A single release, paired with "Up Around the Bend."  It has appeared in multiple films including "Air America," "Rudy," and "Tropic Thunder."Up Around the BendThis track is a more straightforward invitation to a gathering that is, as you might guess, up around the bend.  It went to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and number 3 on the UK singles charts.  John Fogerty wrote this song, as he did most of the original CCR tracks.Travelin' BandThis song draws its inspiration from 1950's rock songs, particularly paying homage to the style of Little Richard.  The lyrics talk about a band on the road.  It's reference to "737 coming out of the sky" - a new passenger plane at the time the song was written - put the song on a list of inappropriate tracks in a post-9/11 memo by Clear Channel. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Main theme from the television series “Dark Shadows”A feature length horro film entitled "House of Dark Shadows" was released in 1970 based on the vampire soap opera.  STAFF PICKS:Tears of a Clown by Smokey Robinson & the MiraclesLynch's staff pick has upbeat music that belies the sad lyrics depicting a man who has to put on a happy front despite facing the loss of his love.  The track was originally recorded in 1966, but not released until 1970.  It topped both the UK charts and the US Billboard Hot 100.  Long Long Time by Linda RonstadtRob's staff pick may not be a rock song in the traditional sense, but it shows off the vocal capabilities of one of the leading female rock figures prior to her breakthrough as a soloist.  The song about a woman's undying love for a guy who will never be hers went to number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100.Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Diana RossBruce features a song written by Ashford and Simpson in 1966, and originally a hit for Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell who took it to number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967.  Diana Ross released this as a solo song with a reworked sound incorporating gospel elements with strings and horns.  It went to number 1 making it Ross's first number 1 solo hit.Vehicle by The Ides of MarchWayne presents a one-hit wonder out of Chicago with a funky sound and a great horns section.  The vocalist and guitarist for The Ides of March would later become a founding member of Survivor.  General Motors used this song extensively in national advertising, and it will tend to get you driving faster! NOVELTY TRACK:Chicken Strut by the MetersThis novelty song inspired a short-lived dance, and wraps up this week's podcast. Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

We've made a few jokes in past episodes about Michael McDonald popping up in unexpected places.  It's an easy joke to make, because McDonald has a distinctive voice and has worked with a lot of artists covering numerous genres.  But the man is talented - both vocally and on the keyboards - and his career has put him at the forefront of rock music for a long time.Sweet Freedom is a compilation album that explores McDonald's work from his first two albums plus a number of collaborations.  The album title is taken from the track he had recently completed for the motion picture soundtrack “Running Scared,” a buddy cop comedy starring Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines.After a troubled youth, McDonald began his music career in earnest as a vocalist and keyboardist for Steely Dan.  After that he was tapped as keyboardist and vocalist for The Doobie Brothers, a position which would eventually lead to his fronting the band and turning it in a more soulful direction.  In 1982 he started a solo career which would combine a soft rock style with his signature “blue eyed soul” sensibilities.Lynch is examining this “greatest hits” album with an eye towards some of the collaborations that have involved Michael McDonald, many of which are signature anthems and ballads of the early 80's soulful catalog that will eventually become known as yacht rock.We hope you enjoy this weeks podcast! Sweet FreedomRod Temperton, known for his work with Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, composed this single.  It is a bit of a departure from McDonald's typical style with its upbeat melody and horns.  It went to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, and of course became the title track for this compilation album.Yah Mo B ThereThis song is a collaboration with the late James Ingram which peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Co-written and produced by Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton, the song was originally a more contemporary Christian song with the title "Yahweh Be There."  Ingram suggested the title change, opening up the lyrics to more ambiguity to fit a wider audience.On My OwnA number 1 song from the Billboard charts in the US, this track finds McDonald paired with Patti LaBelle on a breakup duet.  Interestingly, the two recorded their tracks completely separately, and did not actually meet until they performed the song together on The Tonight Show in 1986.I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)This song peaked at number 4, and was McDonald's first success as a solo artist.  It was a cover originally sung by Chuck Jackson in 1962.  McDonald's version features his sister Maureen providing backup vocals, adding familial harmony to the mix. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Main theme to the television game show “Card Sharks”This game show originally ran on NBC from 1978 to 1981, and returned for a second iteration to CBS in 1986. STAFF PICKS:Too Late by AsiaRob leads off the staff picks this week with a track from Asia's third album, “Astra.”  John Wetton returned to the group after a brief separation in late 1983 when he was replaced by Greg Lake for tour dates.  Steve Howe is replaced by Mandy Meyer for this third Asia album.Goodbye by Night RangerBruce brings us the last top 40 hit (to date) by Night Ranger.  Drummer Kelly Keagy takes lead vocals on this Brian Blades-composed power ballad written after losing his brother to a drug overdose.  “It's hard living life on this memory go-round.”Walk Like An Egyptian by The BanglesWayne's staff pick is the best known song by the group.  Songwriter Liam Sternberg took inspiration for this song from a rough trip across the English Channel, when his fellow passengers were walking carefully with their arms outstretched due to the choppy waters.  It would become a number 1 single, and Billboard's number 1 song in 1987.These Dreams by HeartLynch closes out the staff picks with as song that emerged from a collaboration between Bernie Taupin and Martin Page.  Taupin originally envisioned it as a song for Stevie Nicks, but after she turned it down, the song was restructured for Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart.  Nancy Wilson takes lead on this song dedicated to her friend Sharon Hess, who had lost her battle with leukemia. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Shade Gate by HawkwindThis instrumental appears on Hawkwind's fourteeneth studio album, which was inspired by the works of fantasy novelist Michael Moorcock. 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.

Van Halen's New Era: The Launch of "5150" with Sammy HagarIn 1985, rock legends Van Halen were at a pivotal juncture. Following the departure of charismatic lead vocalist David Lee Roth, the band faced the daunting task of finding a new frontman. After an exhaustive search, Eddie Van Halen connected with a familiar face from the music scene—Sammy Hagar, the dynamic solo artist and former Montrose vocalist. Their reunion sparked a creative resurgence, culminating in the release of "5150" in March 1986, a landmark album that would redefine the band's trajectory."5150" not only marked a major milestone for Van Halen but also drew a clear line in the sand among their global fanbase. While some longtime followers preferred the "Diamond Dave" era, dubbing the new lineup "Van Hagar," the album's overwhelming success spoke volumes. It soared to the top of the Billboard 200, achieving double platinum status by the end of May 1986, despite mixed initial reviews that later turned favorable.The introduction of Sammy Hagar brought notable changes to Van Halen's sound and stage dynamics. Hagar's guitar skills, while distinct from Eddie Van Halen's iconic style, added a new layer of musical flexibility, allowing Eddie to showcase more keyboard talent during live performances. This shift was evident in their tours, which increasingly featured songs from the post-Roth era, adapting to Hagar's vocal and instrumental style.Throughout his tenure, Sammy Hagar helped propel Van Halen to new heights, contributing to three studio albums and a live album. He parted ways with the band in 1996, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and success.Exploring "5150": A Track-by-Track Look"5150": Beyond its chart-topping fame, the title track "5150" delves into the tumult of a romantic impasse, its title drawing from the California legal code for an involuntary psychiatric hold. This code is also the namesake of Eddie Van Halen's recording studio, adding a personal touch to the song's narrative."Summer Nights": This upbeat track captures the essence of youthful summer evenings with just a radio for company. Notably, it was Sammy Hagar's first recording with Van Halen, originating from an impromptu jam session that set the tone for his role in the band."Why Can't This Be Love": Serving as the gateway to the Sammy Hagar era for many fans, this hit single climbed to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, reminiscent of the keyboard-driven vibrancy of "Jump" from their "1984" album."Love Walks In": This power ballad combines profound percussion with a slower, keyboard-oriented sound. Inspired by Sammy Hagar's mystical experiences, the lyrics weave themes of alien encounters and telepathy, showcasing the band's experimental side.Join us on our rock and roll podcast as Rob dives deep into the enduring legacy of Van Halen's "5150," exploring how this album continues to resonate with fans and musicians alike. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:A Kind Of Magic by Queen (from the fantasy motion picture “Highlander”)Queen provides the soundtrack to this fantasy drama about immortals clashing throughout history, because "there can be only one." STAFF PICKS:The Big Money by Rush Bruce starts the staff picks with the leading track from Rush's "Power Windows."  The lyrics explore the power of money, and aspects of power form the theme to the tracks on the album.  There's a better balance on this album between the synthesizers and guitars than on the previous two Rush albums.Don't Want to Know If You Are Lonely by Husker DuWayne brings us a high energy tune from Minnesota's punk/alternative band trio Husker Du.  The song is about a broken up couple who still have feelings for each other, but know it is best to move on.  While not charting, the song would receive significant airplay on college radio.Kyrie by Mr. Mister Lynch's staff pick was inspired by lyricist John Lang's memories of singing in an Episcopal church as a child.  The words "Kyrie Eleison" means "Lord have mercy" in Latin, and forms an important part of the liturgy in both Roman Catholic and Orthodox christian traditions.  This song topped the US charts in March for two weeks.In My Dreams by Dokken Rob picks up the pace as he wraps up the staff picks this week.  The lyrics depict a guy who keeps thinking of his girl as still with him even though the relationship ended long ago.  The band is named after founder and lead vocalist Don Dokken, and got their start in Los Angeles in 1978. COMEDY TRACK:Inside by Van HalenWe double dip this week as Sammy Hagar takes a humorous look at how he was selected for Van Halen, and what he had to do to transform himself into their front man. 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.