Every week, “WHAT THE RIFF?!?” takes a look at a ROCK AND ROLL album that debuted or peaked on the U.S. Billboard charts during a random month between 1965-1995. Four friends discuss the artists and 4 tracks from the album as it plays in the background. Then we riff on 4 “staff picks” of other artists that were also in the charts during that month and year. You’ll hear some familiar tunes as well as some deeper cuts and entertainment tracks as we share a little look into the culture and happenings of that day— having fun recalling that “old time rock and roll.”
We hope to bring back memories for you — and we encourage you to find and purchase the tracks and albums from iTunes, Spotify or your other favorite music service.
You’ll find each episode with a short blog on this site. Please subscribe so you don’t miss any release! We also invite you to follow us and learn more about us @whattheriffpodcast on Facebook.
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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.
Fugue We 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 Beginning This 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 Sheriff Keith 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.
Hoedown Immediately 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 Styx Bruce 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 Glitter Rob 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 Glass It 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 Preston Wayne'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 Stars This 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.
1980 - February: Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band "Against the Wind"
Épisode 328
lundi 16 septembre 2024 • Durée 42:53
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 Strut While 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 Wind Bob 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.
1972 - July: Leon Russell “Carney”
Épisode 319
lundi 15 juillet 2024 • Durée 33:20
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.
Rocking Halloween - A What the Riff Rabbit Hole
Épisode 229
lundi 24 octobre 2022 • Durée 51:25
Our Christmas Rabbit Hole Episodes rank among the highest. This special episode features classic rock songs and theme songs which feature a spooky theme. We hope you enjoy this first “Halloween” special from What The Riff?!?
Theme from the television series “The Walking Dead” This post-apocalyptic zombie series ran for 11 seasons, from 2010 until 2022. It was based on a comic book of the same name and sparked multiple spin-offs. The minor key and strings set the mood well for this horror series.
Theme from the television series “The Munsters” A television classic that surprisingly only ran for two seasons, from 1964 until 1966, in black-and-white. Some say the ratings drop that resulted in cancellation of the show was due to competition from "Batman."
Run Like Hell by Pink Floyd This track from “The Wall” features music from David Gilmour and lyrics from Roger Waters, the last collaboration to date from these two. The song represents the turn to violence in the life of Pink as he orders his thugs to attack the “riff-raff.”
Bark at the Moon by Ozzy Osbourne The first single from the 1983 album of the same name tells of a creature who terrorized a town, was killed, and then returns from the dead. The song featured the first Ozzy music video.
Heaven and Hell by Black Sabbath The title track to the 1980 album of the same name features new front man Ronnie James Dio on vocals, taking over for Ozzy Osbourne in the band. Dio is also the source of the lyrics for the track.
Spirits in the Material World by the Police Sting wrote this opening track to the Police October 1981 album “Ghost in the Machine.” It is a psychological and philosophical piece, discussing man's existence and the failure of the institutions around him.
Witchy Woman by the EaglesOne of the early Eagles songs, this track was the only song on the debut album for which Don Henley would have a writing credit. The inspiration was an amalgam of women Henley had met, but the primary inspiration was Zelda Fitzgerald, the muse and wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald.
1989 - August: Bad English “Bad English”
Épisode 228
lundi 17 octobre 2022 • Durée 43:37
Bad English is a supergroup composed of members of Journey and The Babys. From The Babys comes John Waite on lead vocals, Rick Phillips on bass, and Jonathan Cain on keyboards. From Journey comes Neal Schon in lead guitar, and Jonathan Cain, the common thread between the two groups. Deen Castronovo is on drums and would later join Journey. The band was initially formed by Cain, Schon, and Waite. The name Bad English comes from a term in the game of pool. John Waite missed a shot, and Jonathan Cain made a comment on how bad his English was.
The group was attempting to sound original and not too much like either of their previous groups or Waite's solo work. They were also being pulled by the record producers towards a highly produced sound common with the hair metal groups of the time. The group wrote about 40 songs in six months for the debut album, eponymously named Bad English, but Waite stated that “a lot of them weren't very good.” There were enough good songs to create a hit album, however, as this debut went to number 21 on the Billboard 200 charts.
Bad English would produce one other album after this debut, but it wasn't very successful. Shortly thereafter the group disbanded with Waite continuing solo work, and with some other members re-joining Journey.
Bruce brings us this supergroup.
Best of What I Got This is the opening track to the album, and was the fifth of seven singles released - though this one was only released on US rock charts. It hit number 9 on the Mainstream Rock charts. It was also featured in the credits to the buddy cop film "Tango & Cash."
Lay Down A deeper track written by Waite, Schon, and Cain, this track was not released as a single. It is a bid more rocking, with lyrics about coming back from a trip and getting together with your girl.
Forget Me Not The first single from the album was a darker song written by Waite, Cain, and Mark Spiro, a songwriter and record producer who worked with a number of musicians. Spiro collaborated on this and four other tracks from the album. The inspiration for these lyrics are Anne Rice's vampire novels. The lyrics deal with possession, lust, and a longing that goes on throughout eternity.
1972 - April: Deep Purple “Machine Head”
Épisode 227
lundi 10 octobre 2022 • Durée 42:19
Machine Head is the sixth and most commercially successful studio album Deep Purple ever produced. The band was coming off a two-year tour, and wanted to capture a sound closer to their live shows on the next studio effort. They booked the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio for the recording and booked time at the Montreux Casino. However, just before their studio time was to begin, a fire was started during a concert for Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, and the casino burned to the ground. They then attempted to record at a nearby theater, but this had to be abandoned due to noise complaints. Finally, they were able to secure time at the Grand Hotel in Montreux which had been closed for the winter, and recorded the album. The band did not set up in a ballroom, but at the end of a hallway, and had to communicate with the mobile studio via closed circuit TV.
The album was both a critical and commercial success, topping the charts in many countries and landing at number 7 on the Billboard 200. It also produced many of the iconic Deep Purple songs and riffs.
Wayne brings us this forerunner of prog rock and heavy metal.
Highway Star The opening track to the album is a killer anthem live and features the Hammond organ prominently. The guitar solo would gain notoriety, and the readers of Guitar World voted it number 15 on their list of "100 Greatest Guitar Solos."
Smoke on the Water The opening riffs are amongst the most famous guitar riffs of all time. This song tells the story of the band's experience where they almost recorded at the Montreux Casino, but instead watched the building burn to the ground after a flare gun was shot off at the Mothers of Invention concert. The smoke was from the casino burning down, and the water was Lake Geneva.
Pictures of Home This deeper cut describes the sights and images of the local area around Montreux, far away from home for Deep Purple.
Space Truckin' This space themed anthem was inspired by the music from the 1960's "Batman" television series. The lyrics themselves are nonsense, but the riffs and the sci-fi vibe make this rocker a favorite. William Shatner covered this song on his album "Seeking Major Tom."
1987 - November: Bruce Springsteen “Tunnel of Love”
Épisode 226
lundi 3 octobre 2022 • Durée 38:21
After the overwhelming success of his “Born to Run” album, Bruce Springsteen's next studio album would take a dramatically different approach. First, Tunnel of Love would be a solo project, and the E. Street Band was not credited as a contributor, though many members of the E. Street Band would be credited individually. Springsteen plays many of the instruments himself, and made use of drum machines and synthesizers on the tracks. Second, the lyrics look inward as Springsteen explores aspects of lost love. Springsteen was reacting to his troubled marriage to actress Julianne Phillips from whom he would receive divorce papers the following year. The divorce was finalized in 1989.
Tunnel of Love was a critical and commercial success. Critics would praise the originality of the material and its introspective nature. The album would receive a Grammy award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo at the 1988 Grammy awards. Commercially the album would hit number 1 on the Billboard 200 charts and go triple platinum. Five singles would be released from the album, three of which cracked the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Brian brings us this album for today's podcast.
Two Faces This deeper cut explores how there is a lighter side and a darker side within each of us, and how we can come to hurt the ones we love. The singer prays that the “our love will make the other man go away,” but that other man is a part of us.
Brilliant Disguise This was the first single released from the album, and it went to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart. It reflects doubt, first in the singer's lover, and later in the singer himself. The question is whether either has become a stranger to the other.
One Step Up This third single from the album was only released as a single in the U.S. Unlike much of the album, this song was not recorded in Springsteen's home studio, but at A&M Studios in Los Angeles. The song reflects the troubles in Springsteen's marriage. Although Springsteen played all instruments, E Street Band member Patti Scialfa sings backup. Scialfa would marry Springsteen in 1991.
Elton John — “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” September, 1973
Elton John's seventh studio release is considered his best by many. The double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road contains many well known hits including the title track, the Marilyn Monroe-inspired “Candle in the Wind,” and the 11-minute epic “Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding.” Elton John initially intended to record this album in Jamaica, but political instability and the upcoming Frazier/Foreman boxing match caused the production to be moved to Chateau d'Herouville in France.
Friend of the Show John Lynch returns to help us showcase this monster rock album from 1973.
All the Girls Love Alice This deeper cut in a minor key deals with prostitution and lesbianism. Tempo changes between the verses and chorus with a groovy fuzzy guitar distortion give this track its distinctive sound. Liberty music was originally trying to get John and writer/partner Bernie Taupin to write songs for other artists, but they decided to write it for themselves.
Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting This well-known track was inspired by Taupin's experience in local pubs as a lad — it was banned on a number of radio stations because of fears that it would inspire violence. At age 15, Elton John was actually playing in pubs.
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road The title track hearkens to a simpler childhood time, removed from celebrity and high society. Reginald Kenneth Dwight would change his name to Elton John inspired by two blues players he liked.
Grey Seal Another deeper track from the album is driven by piano riffs and interesting key and tempo changes. If you don't understand the lyrics to this song, you're in good company - Elton John doesn't understand the lyrics either!
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: Super Friends Theme Song This staple of Saturday morning cartoons featured DC superheroes...“Meanwhile, back in the Halls of Justice...”
1982 - May: 38 Special “Special Forces”
Épisode 225
lundi 19 septembre 2022 • Durée 40:14
We've covered a number of underrated bands and albums, but perhaps the most underrated band of the 80's is 38 Special. Formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1974 by Donnie Van Zandt and Don Barnes, 38 Special had a string of hits in the late 70's through the 80's including "Hold On Loosely," "Rockin' Into the Night," and "If I'd Been the One." Special Forces is their fifth and most successful studio album, hitting number 10 on the Billboard 200.
In addition to Van Zandt and Barnes, 38 Special's lineup for this album included Jeff Carlisi on guitar, Larry Junstrom on bass, Steve Brookins on drums, and Jack Grondin on drums. A number of songs on this album were co-written by Jim Peterik, singer-songwriter and founder of the group Survivor.
Given the connection to Lynyrd Skynyrd (Donnie was the brother of original Skynyrd lead singer, Ronnie Van Zandt, and Junstrom was one of the founding members of Lynyrd Skynyrd), it is not surprising that their sound has its roots in Southern Rock. However, 38 Special tended towards a more mainstream hard rock sound.
The name of the group comes from an incident where the police were called on the band during a late night practice session. The door was padlocked, and the police broke the lock by shooting it out ... with a 38 Special.
Caught Up In You This is the first single and the big hit from the album, reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Mainstream Rock charts. Don Barnes sings lead on this track. The lyrics are self-explanatory, extolling a girl with whom the singer is completely entranced.
You Keep Runnin' Away Barnes has the lead duties from this song again. The lyrics describe a girl who has been burned in past relationships and has decided never to trust another man. The singer encourages her to not give up, that "someday, someway, somewhere love is gonna find you."
Back Door Stranger A deeper cut from the album, the lyrics describe a serial rapist sneaking around, and what will happen to him if the singer catches up with him. "Take my chances, rather go to jail than see the eyes of a coward runnin' loose and well." The guitar has a great wah-wah sound, and Donnie Van Zandt takes his turn on lead vocals for this track.
1990 - January: They Might Be Giants “Flood”
Épisode 224
lundi 12 septembre 2022 • Durée 35:05
They Might Be Giants is an alternative rock band that formed in 1982 by John Flansburgh and John Linnell. They are known as an absurdist, surreal alternative band popular on modern rock charts and college radio. They are also known in the DIY music genre and in children’s music. Flood is their third studio album and has been certified platinum. It is their best selling album, and considered their signature work.
During the 80’s Flansburgh and Linnell started recording their songs onto an answering machine and advertised the phone number in The Village Voice and other newspapers as “Dial-A-Song.” The answering machine would play one track at a time, sometimes uncompleted work, sometimes mock advertisements. It became quite popular, but it was an answering machine, so the quality wasn’t great. One of their slogans was “Always Busy, Often Broken.” It was a local Brooklyn number, so long distance fees applied. The band advertised it with the line, “Free when you call from work.”
TMBG have released 23 studio albums, 10 compilations, 10 live albums, 8 EP’s 7 videos and 11 singles. They have also released five children’s albums – Tiny Toon Adventures exposed them to a younger audience, and they leveraged it to expand their career. They made heavy use of the internet since the early 90’s, creating one of the first artist-owned music stores in 2004, and have made podcasts on a monthly basis from 2005 to 2014.
Bruce brings us this unusual album.
Istanbul (Not Constantinople) This is a cover originally written in 1953 on the 500th anniversary of the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans. Lyrics are by Jimmy Kennedy, music by Nat Simon, and performed by the Four Lads. The TMBG version was featured in the first season of MTV’s Liquid Television and in an episode of "Tiny Toon Adventures."
Your Racist Friend In discussing this song, John Flansburgh told Songfacts, “You can’t confront every person who’s making an ass of themselves. But there are times when you want to. So it’s really about a subtler idea than over-the-top expressions of race hate. It’s more just about the culture.”
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Fire Lake This 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 Me This 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 Wine Wayne 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 Supertramp Rob 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 Jackson Lynch 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 Prince Bruce'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.
Tightrope This 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 Fits Russell 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 Masquerade While 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 Nash Wayne 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 Croce Rob 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 Rose Brian 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 Jackson Bruce'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 Preston We 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.
Hells Bells by AC/DC The lead-off track to the album “Back in Black” starts with the tolling of a 2,000 pound bronze bell. Today it is used in multiple sports events, as well as being a fantastic Halloween song.
Friend of the Devil by the Grateful Dead This folk rock track appeared on the Dead's fifth studio album, “American Beauty,” from 1970. It is one of the most covered Dead songs in their catalog.
Feed My Frankenstein by Alice Cooper While this song was originally recorded by British group Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction, it is more famous in its cover version which Cooper performed in a cameo in the movie “Wayne's World.” The cover also has guest appearances itself, including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Nikki Sixx, and Elvira.
Superstition by Stevie Wonder This funky song came out in October 1972 and hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973. Wonder chronicles a number of superstitions in the lyrics, and warns against the negative effects of being superstitious.
Thriller by Michael Jackson No Halloween song list would be complete without the seventh single from Michael Jackson's sixth studio album of the same name. Thriller was not originally intended to be a single, but became that in an attempt to boost the album sales. The video would be scarily expensive, and would be called "the most famous music video of all time" by the Library of Congress. The tactic worked, as album sales doubled after Thriller's release as a single.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
When I See You Smile This is the big hit single which went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Diane Warren, an American songwriter and hitmaker for many artists from Celine Dion to Milli Vanilli, wrote this hit. Ironically it would create a rift within the group as they struggled with whether to seek hits on the next album or to create their own material.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter by Iron Maiden (from the motion picture "A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Dream Child”) Freddy Kruger continues his rampage in this fifth installment of the horror franchise.
STAFF PICKS:
Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Great White Brian starts off this week's staff picks with the biggest hit from LA hair band White Snake. This song is a cover from a 1975 single from Ian Hunter, and appropriate for the title of their fourth album, "...Twice Shy." The lyrics reflect life on the road and learning from bad relationship experiences. The group lived on the road, touring for years.
Love Song by The Cure Wayne's staff pick goes goth with a surprisingly positive song from a notoriously dark group. Robert Smith, The Cure's lead singer, wrote this song as a wedding gift for his bride, Mary Theresa Poole. Smith and Poole married in 1988, though they had known each other since they were 14.
Closer to Fine by the Indigo Girls Rob features an Atlanta based indie rock duo. This single is off their platinum selling self-titled second album. Amy Ray and Emily Saliers are joined on this album by multiple Georgia artists, including members of R.E.M. Amy and Emily met in elementary school, began performing together as high school students, and took the title of Indigo Girls in college.
Something to Hold on To by Trevor Rabin Bruce brings us a single from Yes alumnus Trevor Rabin's fourth solo album. This single went to number 3 on the Mainstream Rock chart, and the video got a Grammy nomination for Best Short Form Music Video. Rabin would later re-join seven other Yes alumni for the Union album in 1991.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Chinese Torture by Queen Queen's thirteenth studio album provides this instrumental which closes out this week's podcast.
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NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the motion picture “The French Connection” Gene Hackman starred in this crime thriller which won the Oscar for Best Picture at the 44th Academy Awards in April, 1972.
STAFF PICKS:
Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll by Blue Oyster Cult Bruce's staff pick is the debut single from the debut self-titled Blue Oyster Cult album. While it did not chart, it would become one of their most famous anthems. Drummer Albert Bouchard is on vocals, and the lyrics explore the aftermath of nuclear war, using rock and roll as a metaphor for destruction.
You Could Have Been a Lady by April Wine Rob brings us the leading single from the Canadian band's album "On Record." This is a cover originally released in 1971 by the British soul band Hot Chocolate. It would be April Wine's first hit, charting at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Back off Boogaloo by Ringo Starr Brian's staff pick is a non-album single Ringo Starr released in March 1972. Former bandmate George Harrison produced and helped write this song, and played guitar on the single. It was recorded shortly after Harrison and Starr appeared in the Concert for Bangladesh. Many consider it an attack on Paul McCartney's solo work at the time.
Jambalaya (On the Bayou) by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Wayne features a Cajun cover originally written by Hank Williams in 1952. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band was a country rock group from Long Beach, California, and this cover appears on their sixth studio album.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Afro Strut by the Nite Liters We close out this week's podcast with this funk and soul instrumental.
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NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
Valentine's Day The last song on the album takes a surprisingly upbeat look at relationships, as the singer longs for his love. It's quite a contrast with the other songs on the album. “So hold me close honey say you're forever mine, and tell me you'll be my lonely valentine.”
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Mess Around by Ray Charles (from the motion picture “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”) With the abundance of Christmas movies, this is an unusual Thanksgiving comedy starring Steve Martin and John Candy trying to get home during the Holiday rush.
STAFF PICKS:
Time Stand Still by Rush Bruce leads off the staff picks with the first single from Rush's 12th studio album “Hold Your Fire.” The lyrics were inspired by Neal Peart's time in the band as he reflects on the things he missed while spending time on the road. 'Til Tuesday's lead singer and bassist Aimee Mann contributes backing vocals on this song.
Hazy Shade of Winter by The Bangles Wayne brings us a cover with a much faster beat than the original Simon and Garfunkel version. This song appeared on the soundtrack for the motion picture “Less Than Zero.” The Bangles had covered this song since 1983, and offered it to the movie rather than writing a new piece. The Bangle's version peaked at number 2 on the charts.
Give to Live by Sammy Hagar The Red Rocker was still under contract for a solo album despite joining Van Halen, and Rob features this single off the album that fulfilled his commitment. Tidbit: Eddie Van Halen plays bass on this album.
Little Lies by Fleetwood Mac Brian finishes off the staff picks with a hit from the album “Tango In the Night.” Keyboardist Christine McVie takes her turn on lead with this song written by her and her husband at the time, Eddy Quintela. The idea is that sometimes little lies are easier to take than the truth.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Midnight by Joe Satriani This is an instrumental selection from Satriani's album “Surfing With the Alien,” released in 1987.
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NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
STAFF PICKS:
Looking Glass - “Jimmy Love Mary-Anne” Wayne brings us the yacht rock this week. If you think this sounds like "Brandy," there's a reason for it. This is their follow-up top-40 hit. Story songs like this were popular in the early '70's.
The Edgar Winter Group - “Free Ride” Bruce's staff pick brings the boogie from the debut album from The Edgar Winter Group. Ronnie Montrose and Rick Derringer were also on this album.
Jim Croce - “Bad Bad Leroy Brown” Special Guest Host stepping in for Brian, John Lynch introduces another storytelling song with amazing lyrics like, "badder than old King Kong, and meaner than a junkyard dog." Unfortunately, Croce would die in a plane crash in this month.
Chicago - “Just You 'n' Me” Rob takes the tempo down with a horn-driven hit. This was the second single released from "Chicago VI." The song was inspired by an argument that trombone player James Pankow had with his girlfriend - shortly thereafter his wife.
LAUGH TRACK:
Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt Kickers - “Monster Mash” Ahead of Halloween 1973, this song was moving up the charts. Originally released in 1962, the song was re-released in 1973.
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NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
Chain Lightnin' The thunder sound is striking as both the intro and the outro for this iconic song. There's a little bit of a Pink Floyd echo to add to the mystery. "And it's hotter than hell in the heavens tonight." "And it's so tough when the satisfaction is greater than the risk."
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Ain't Got No Home by Clarence “Frogman” Henry (from the motion picture “Diner”) This novelty song was featured in the comedy-drama starring Steve Guttenberg and Kevin Bacon.
STAFF PICKS:
Big Bad Bill (Is Sweet William Now) by Van Halen Bruce begins the staff picks with a deeper cut off the Diver Down album. This cover was originally recorded in 1924, and came to the band's attention when David Lee Roth recorded it off a late night AM radio station. Jan Van Halen, Eddie and Alex's father, is featured in this song playing clarinet.
Did It in a Minute by Hall & Oates Brian features a hit off the "Private Eyes" album from duo Darryl Hall and John Oates. It was the third single from the album. The upbeat song is about finding love almost instantaneously. Hall wrote this with his girlfriend Sara Allen and her sister Janna, who came up with the chorus.
Find Another Fool by Quarterflash Wayne gets a second chance to feature Portland's own Quarterflash. This rocking minor-key song peaked at number 16 on the charts, and is a break-up song after the girl has had it with her ex-boyfriend's cheating ways. The name comes from an Australian slang phrase, "a quarter flash, three parts foolish." Quarterflash is the husband and wife team of Rindy and Marv Ross
More Than This by Roxy Music Rob's staff pick is the first single off Roxy Music's last album, "Avalon." Bryan Ferry began writing the songs for Avalon while on the west coast of Ireland, and the music reflects the melancholy feel of the location. The song has an unusually long synth-driven outro.
COMEDY TRACK:
Piss On the Wall by the J. Geils Band Sometimes you just must be going. However, we do recommend that you find a toilet first!
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
Somebody Keeps Moving My Chair I think we can all identify with the premise of this song, that there’s a lot of unpleasantness that we have to deal with, and we can do that for the most part. But when somebody keeps moving your chair that is beyond the pale.
Theme from Flood This brief piece starts off the album and leads into “Birdhouse In Your Soul.” It seemed like a good addition to include, since most of the songs are short.
Birdhouse In Your Soul This is the lead single from the album, and is their highest charting single in both the US and the UK, hitting number 3 on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and number 6 on the UK singles chart. The lyrics are narrated from the perspective of a blue nightlight shaped like a canary. We found it fascinating that there are 18 key changes in this song!
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
"The Simpsons Theme" by Danny Elfman (from the television series "The Simpsons”) Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie made their TV series debut in this month in 1990, though they had shorts on The Tracey Ullman Show prior to that.
STAFF PICKS:
I Remember You by Skid Row Brian starts off this week's staff picks with an acoustic/power pop hair ballad from the band fronted by Sebastian Bach. Bassist Rachel Boland and guitarist Dave “The Snake” Sabo penned this song which was their third single from their debut album. It is about the girl from days gone by that you just can't forget.
Fly High Michelle by Enuff Z'nuff Rob's staff pick was inspired by a tragedy caused by a drug overdose. Donnie Vie wrote this song in remembrance of a friend who had passed, and it was the biggest hit of the group's career. The band takes their name from their bassist, Chip Z'nuff.
Pure by The Lightning Seeds Wayne features this track from Liverpool's The Lightning Seeds. The group is the product of producer Ian Broudie, and is really more of a solo project with musicians brought in to create a touring band. The name comes from a misheard lyric from Prince's “Raspberry Beret.”
Girl Like You by The Smithereens Bruce's staff pick is the first single from the Smithereens third album, appropriately (?) named 11. Madonna was supposed to sing the harmony vocals but didn’t show up for the recording session. The band got Maria Vidal to do the vocals. It hit number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the US Mainstream Rock charts.
NOVELTY TRACK:
Swing the Mood by Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers This mashup of swing and early rock songs was on the charts in January 1990.
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NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
