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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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

One of the 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 Serenade
We'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.

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.

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 Eagles  One 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.  

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

RECAST:  ( Episode #45) 

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...”

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.

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.

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.

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?!?” 

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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.

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.”

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.

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.

The Electric Flag was the brainchild of guitarist Mike Bloomfield, and Long Time Comin' was their debut studio album.  The core of the band was formed by Mike Bloomfield on guitar, Barry Goldberg on keyboards, and Buddy Miles (soon to be with Jimmy Hendrix's Band of Gypsies) on drums.  Additionally, Nick Gravenites would sing lead on several tracks.

With "Long Time Comin'" Bloomfield wanted to create a sound that would feature what he called "American music."  He would draw inspiration from many sources including traditional country, gospel, and R&B, and the result would be a fusion of rock, jazz, R&B, and an early use of a horn section.  The sound would be described as an "eclectic approach toward American musical."  Critics would complement the group's sound on this album, though it would be somewhat of a failure commercially on the charts.

The Electric Flag would put out two albums in 1968, but would break up shortly before their second album was released.  Drug use affected the group's ability to perform, and Bloomfield would later admit that heroin caused his playing to fall apart.

Wayne brings us this classic of southern rock.

Wine
The full name for this song is actually "Drinking Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee," and is a traditional boogie-woogie blues song about a famous and not very good wine called Thunderbird ("the word is Thunderbird").  It was a creation of E & J Gallo Winery, made cheap with a high alcohol content.

Texas 
Buddy Miles sings lead on this blues track.  This sound would find traction with later groups like ZZ Top and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Bloomfield's playing was inspired by groups he heard in Chicago, and he would become known as one of the premier guitarists in rock music.  "I Wouldn't be an American, If it wasn't for Texas."

Killing Floor 
This is an updated take on the Howlin' Wolf blues classic.  It has a blues feel but with an upbeat tempo.  The Electric Flag would cover this long before Led Zeppelin would make it the basis for "The Lemon Song."  Jimmy Hendrix would play this at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival.

Groovin' Is Easy 
This is the "hit single" from the album.  The sound is different from the other blues-based tracks, and is a bit more time stamped for the age.  "Groovin's so easy, baby, if you know how.  You don't have to keep yourself forever slavin' - go out an chase whatever you're cravin'."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

main theme from the animated series “Speed Racer”
While it would become a staple of after school and Saturday morning cartoons in the United States, this animated series was crossing the finish line of its run in Japan in this month.  

STAFF PICKS:

Summertime Blues by Blue Cheer
Rob starts off our staff picks with a cover of Eddie Cochran's song from 1958.  Blue Cheer was a psychedelic band out of San Francisco, and considered a precursor to the heavy metal band.  Many consider this song to be the first heavy metal song to chart in the U.S.  They were considered the loudest group in concert at the time.

I Thank You by Sam & Dave 
Bruce takes a soulful turn with the final Sam & Dave release on Stax records, as Stax ended a distribution deal with Atlantic Records (from which Sam & Dave were on loan).  It hit number 3 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart.  ZZ Top would cover this song later on, and it would be their second top 40 hit after "Tush."

(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay  by Otis Redding 
Brian's staff pick is another song from Stax records, and the last single from Otis Redding.  Redding died in a plane crash 3 days after recording this song.  It was Redding's biggest hit, and the first posthumous release in the U.S.  It hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Are You Gonna Be There (At the Love In) by The Chocolate Watchband
Wayne closes out the staff picks in fine hippie style with  this band out of Los Altos, California.  The Chocolate Watchband started in 1965 and would break up by 1970.  Supposedly Jerry Garcia plays guitar on this track. The story is that when the band's guitarist was too high to play, Garcia was in another studio in the same building, and sat in.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay by King Curtis & the Kingmakers
"Dock of the Bay" was so popular that it featured both Redding and this instrumental version on the charts.

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.

Zebra is one of the great underrated bands of the 80's.  Randy Jackson (lead vocals, guitars, synthesizers, piano), Felix Hanemann (bass, keyboards, backing vocals) and Guy Gelso (percussion, backing vocals) formed Zebra in 1975 in New Orleans before moving to Long Island.  They were originally a cover band, playing rock with a prog rock bent from groups like Led Zeppelin, Yes, and Jethro Tull.  The band took the name Zebra after seeing a Vogue magazine cover featuring a model riding a zebra.  

It would be eight years from their founding before this eponymously named album would be their debut.  Zebra the album would become one of the fastest selling debut albums in Atlantic's catalogue, peaking at number 29.  Jackson's high vocals paired with both acoustic and electric guitars, supplemented with synthesizers and special effects would create a commercial success straddling the hard rock and prog rock genres.

Unfortunately, their debut album would also be their high water mark.  Zebra would produce a follow-up album which would hit the charts at number 84, then two more which would not chart.  Zebra took a brief hiatus in the early 90's, but the power trio would get back together and are still touring as of this podcast.

Rob brings us this album.

Who's Behind the Door
This single hit number 61 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 10 on the US Rock charts.  The lyrics question death and what may lie beyond.  It starts with an amazing 12-string acoustic riff and ends with an epic space-aged wall of sound.  Jackson's high tenor parts are prominent.

When You Get There
This deeper cut takes a humorous approach to infidelity and a one-night stand.  “You wake up in the morning and you’re not feeling quite the same.  You feel a gentle hand upon you, but you seem to have forgotten her name.”

The La-La Song 
This song goes back many years to their touring days.  It has a distinctive prog rock feel. 

Tell Me What You Want
In our minds, this opening track from the album is reminiscent of the Alan Parson's Project or Def Leppard.  Its minor key and angst-filled lyrics depict the struggles a boy has with a girl to whom he gives everything and finds it is not enough. 

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Maniac by Michael Sembello (from the motion picture “Flashdance”)
This dance movie starring Jennifer Beals hit the screen in 1983.

STAFF PICKS:

Never Gonna Let You Go by Sergio Mendes 
Bruce starts off the staff picks with a ballad that Rick Beato calls "the most complex pop song of all time."  Originally written in 1982 by Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann and recorded by Dionne Warwick, there are 7 key changes by the time the chorus is reached.  Sergio Mendes would take this song to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey  
Brian brings us the first single off the "Frontiers" album.  It is a break-up song written by Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry while they were on the road.  It was inspired by band members going through difficult divorces, and was premiered during the "Escape" tour.  The video...well, it leaves something to be desired.

Say What You Will  by Fastway
Wayne rocks out with a one-hit wonder from their debut self-titled album.  Fastway is a heavy metal band from Britain, and band members have connections to Motorhead and UFO.  The name comes from the combination of guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke and bassist Pete Way.  Dave King is on lead, and would move on to the Irish band Flogging Molly.

True by Spandau Ballet
Rob's staff pick is a staple of the 80's.  PM Dawn sampled this song, and gave the original a second life.  The lyrics were written as a tribute to Marvin Gaye - "Listen to Marvin all night long.  This is the sound of my soul."  This was the 6th biggest selling single of 1983 and Spandau Ballet's biggest hit.

COMEDY TRACK:

Intro to Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
The third Monty Python motion picture “The Meaning of Life” is great just because it had something to offend everyone.

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.

For it's fifth studio album, Jethro Tull decided to satirize the concept album which was popular amongst prog rock acts like themselves, Yes, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.  Thick as a Brick is a single piece of music spread across two album sides, and takes inspiration from Monty Python, poking fun at the critics, the audience, and the band itself.  Ian Anderson wrote much of the album, but the entire band contributed to the songs.  

The "concept" of this concept album is that the lyrics are written by an 8 year-old genius named Gerald Bostock, and the album is a musical adaptation of Bostock's poem.  The cover art continues the spoof, as it forms a 12-page English newspaper with both articles and advertisements that might be found in a small town paper.  

Contemporary critical reviews of the album were mixed, but retrospective reviews would all be positive.  Commercially the album was a success, hitting number 1 in the US, Canada, and Australia, and hitting number 5 in the UK.  

Brian brings us this prog rock spoof-turned-classic.

Thick as a Brick, part 1
This is the entire album side 1.  Most Jethro Tull fans will recognize the first few minutes as the radio cut of "Thick As a Brick," though most FM stations would truncate it as it drifts into the next movement of the suite.  Although it is one continuous piece of music, the movements are actually three- to five-minute songs stitched together to form a continuous whole.  

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The main theme from the motion picture “The Godfather”  
The ultimate mob movie was released this month, and was an offer we couldn't refuse!

STAFF PICKS:

A Horse With No Name by America
Rob's staff pick was America's first and most successful single off their self-titled debut album.  The song was originally entitled "Desert Song," and was inspired by prints by Salvador Dali and M.C. Escher.  One unusual thing about this song is that it is built on only two chords.

Chelsea Girls  by Spirit
Bruce brings us a deep cut in the leading track from Spirit's fifth album called Feedback.  This is the only Spirit album to feature John and Al Staehely as band members, and to not feature Randy California as a band member.  This album is a little more California country rock than the prog rock/psychedelic rock for which Spirit is better known.

30 Days In the Hole by Humble Pie 
Wayne presents the version of Humble Pie with guitarist Steve Marriott on lead vocals, as Peter Frampton had left the group.  This is off their fifth and most successful album, “Smokin.’”  This would become Humble Pie's best known song, despite the fact that it did not do well on the charts.

Stay With Me by the Faces
Rod Stewart's voice is hard to miss in Brian's staff pick.  This song chronicles the stereotypical one night stand of a band member on the tour.  Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood co-wrote this song, and  it is off their album "A Nod Is As Good As A Wink...To A Blind Horse."

COMEDY TRACK:

Taurus by Dennis Coffey
This rock instrumental was on the charts in this month.

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.

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 Baby
The 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 Life
This 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 Freak
Here 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 Orange
Wayne 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 Section
Bruce 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 Santana
Rob 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 Joel
Brian 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 Clark
This 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.

Tears for Fears comes from Bath, England, and were formed by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith.  Their first album, "The Hurting" was released in 1983 and was successful with songs like "Mad World" and "Pale Shelter."  However, their second album entitled Songs from the Big Chair, a title taken from the motion picture "Sybil" would be the one to propel them to super-stardom.  It peaked at number 2 in the UK and number 1 in the US.  In addition to Orzabal and Smith, Ian Stanley is on keyboards, and Manny Elias is on drums and drum arrangement.

Orzabal and Smith were inspired by electronic and synth-pop bands like Depeche Mode, Soft Cell, and Orchestral Manoeuvers in the Dark.  They started off as a duo initially called History of Headaches.  The name Tears for Fears comes from primal therapy, a psychological treatment developed by Arthur Janov.

Shortly after their follow-up third album ”The Seeds of Love,” Orzabal and Smith had a big falling out, breaking up the band in 1991.  They would get back together in 2000, and are still touring and releasing albums today.

Everybody Wants to Rule the World
This is the signature song from the album.  Bassist Curt Smith takes the lead vocals, and the lyrics are about the desire for power and about corruption.  It was a last minute addition to the album and was recorded in two weeks as the final track to be laid down.  

Shout
The lead-off track and second single to the album features Orzabal on lead vocals.  While many think this is about primal scream theory, Orzabal has said it is actually more about political protest.

Broken
This is a short piece with lyrics that have an angst-ridden declaration that we are all broken.  It is also commonly played in concert just in front of the next piece which also reprises Broken at the end.  

Head Over Heels
This is your classic “boy obsesses over girl” song.  It was released as the fourth single from the album, but it had been bouncing around for about 2 years along with Broken.  Orzabal takes vocal lead on this one.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Neutron Dance by The Pointer Sisters (from the motion picture "Beverly Hills Cop”)
Eddie Murphy's Beverly Hills Cop propelled both his career and this song originally appearing on a 1983 album to the top.

STAFF PICKS:

If I Had A Rocket Launcher by Bruce Cockburn
Wayne launches the staff picks with a protest song from Canada's own Bruce Cockburn.  The song lyrics tell the story from the perspective of the villagers experiencing warfare but being powerless to do anything about it.

Valotte by Julian Lennon
Rob brings us the title track from Julian Lennon's debut studio album.  The resemblance between Julian and his father are obvious.  Many think the river referenced is the Tennessee River near Muscle Shoals where portions of the album were recorded.

I Can't Hold Back by Survivor
Brian demonstrates that Survivor wasn't a one-hit wonder after all.  It starts with a nice acoustic guitar and builds quickly.  This single reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.  This is the first album with Jimi Jamison on lead vocals.

Sunset Grill by Don Henley
Bruce finishes off the staff picks with the ex Eagles’ single that hit number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The Sunset Grill is a hamburger restaurant on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles.  The Austrian restaurant owner didn't know that his frequent visitor was Don Henley until after the song came out, making their hole-in-the-wall burger joint famous.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Listen by the Tears for Fears
We do a little double-dipping with this (almost) instrumental from "Songs From the Big Chair." 

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.

Atlanta, Georgia's own The Georgia Satellites released their debut and self-titled album in 1986.  Dan Baird was their primary songwriter and lead vocalist on most songs.  Guitarist Rick Richards, bassist Rick Price, and dummer Mauro Magellan complete the band.  Originally formed as Keith and the Satellites in 1980, the band saw a number of personnel changes and a name change to The Georgia Satellites soon thereafter.  They honed their craft playing at a Buckhead bar called Hedgens on Monday nights.

The Georgia Satellites signed with Elektra Records in 1986 and released this debut album to significant commercial success.  The single "Keep Your Hands To Yourself" saw significant airplay on MTV, and went to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, denied the number 1 spot by Bon Jovi's "Livin' On a Prayer."  The band featured a southern rock sound with a boogie slant, and this debut would be certified Platinum by the RIAA.

The Georgia Satellites would produce two albums of original material and a third with both new and re-released tracks after this debut, but would not see the popularity return to the level of this first album.  Dan Baird left the band in 1990 and the band went on hiatus for a few years, but the remaining members would return to touring by 1993 and still perform today.

Wayne brings us this classic of southern rock.

Railroad Steel
This track is the third single from the album.  It did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100 but made it to number 34 on the Billboard Rock Charts.  The lyrics are about a guy who is cold, but whose heart can be melted by a particular woman.

Keep Your Hands To Yourself
"She said, 'Don't hand me no lines, and keep your hands to yourself!'"  This is the big hit from the album, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It is about a woman that will not give in to a guys pleading until they get married.  "You see, I wanted her real bad and I was about to give in.  Oh, that's when she started talking about true love, started talking about sin."

Battleship Chains
Though it didn't make the top 40, this was an entry into the Billboard Hot 100 at number 86.  It also features guitarist Rick Richards on lead vocals. This song was written by Terry Anderson and recorded by his band The Woods out of North Carolina.  The Georgia Satellites heard the band and recorded their own version.

Red Light
This is a deep cut, and is a song about a woman who is angry at her partner.  "Got Van Halen wailin' on the stereo  eight track.  Watch out baby that's what I said.  There's a red light, road block, bridge out ahead."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Dentist! by Steve Martin (from the motion picture “Little Shop of Horrors”)
This movie based on the musical of the same name starred Rick Moranis and a psychotic plant living off human blood.  Steve Martin has a cameo as a sadistic dentist.

STAFF PICKS:

Ship of Fools by World Party
Rob starts off our staff picks with a British group which was basically a solo project for lead man Karl Wallinger.  While his band was a one-hit wonder, Wallinger collaborated with other artists like Sinead O'Connor and Robbie Williams, and was the musical director for the films “Clueless” and “Reality Bites.”  The concept of the lyrics is that there will be a price to pay from the way you are living today.  

The Way It Is by Bruce Hornsby and the Range
Bruce's staff pick is a piano driven soft rock song about civil rights and not getting complacent.  It hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.   "That's just the way it is - ah, but don't you believe them."

Everybody Have Fun Tonight by Wang Chung
Brian brings us a song originally conceived as a ballad, but adapted to a faster pace and dance orientation by producer Peter Wolf.  The self-referential verb "Wang Chung" is a nonsensical but catchy phrase.

(I am) Superman by R.E.M.
Wayne's staff pick is actually a cover song originally recorded by a band called The Clique.  Bassist Mike Mills sings lead on this song because Michael Stipe wasn't very enthusiastic about it.  When Stipe sings backup vocals in live performances, he holds his arms up and out as if he is Superman flying.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Walter's Theme by R.E.M.
We wrap up this week's podcast with an instrumental track off R.E.M's album "Dead Letter Office."

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.

Formed in London in 1969, Uriah Heep released their fourth and (to this point) most successful album, Demons and Wizards in May 1972.  This album would also see the debut of what is considered the classic lineup of Uriah Heep as bassist Gary Thain and drummer Lee Kerslake joined vocalist David Byron, guitarist Mick Box, and keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter Ken Hensley to form the group for this album.  While the album cover and title suggest medieval fantasy, Hensley has stated that it was just a collection of songs, not a concept album.  It is hard to deny the prog rock feel, however.

Uriah Heep is considered a forerunner of hard rock, heay metal, and progressive rock.  They have developed quite the cult following over the years, having released 24 studio albums, 20 live albums, and 41 compilation albums.

Roger Dean created the cover art, as he did for a number of prog rock groups including Yes and Asia.

The name Uriah Heep comes from a character from Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield"

Brian is featuring this album.  Friend of the show Bill Cook joins us in Bruce's place for this episode.

The Wizard
 Former bassist Mark Clarke and Ken Hensley wrote this song, the opening track to the album and the first single released from the album.  The lyrics are about a wanderer who meets "the Wizard for a thousand kings."  It would be the first Uriah Heep song to be made into a video.

Easy Livin'
The second single off the album would be the only one to chart in the United States, making it to number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Surprisingly it did not chart in the UK.  This is a common cover for party bands, though it was intended to be taken ironically.

Circle of Hands
This is a deeper cut from the album, starting strong with the Hammond Organ.  With lyrics like "Circle of hands, cold spirits' plan, searching the land for an enemy,"  it is hard to not see a thread of fantasy running through the track.

Rainbow Demon
This track leads off side 2 of the album.  "There rides the rainbow demon on his horse of crimson fire.  Black shadows are following closely on the heels of his desire."  This slow anthem continues with the strong organ work and combines it with a fuzzy guitar sound.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Sitting Pretty (from the motion picture "Cabaret")  
Liza Minnelli and Michael York starred in this movie based on the Broadway show.

STAFF PICKS:

I Saw the Light by Todd Rundgren
Rob's staff pick was the lead-off track from Rundgren's third album, "Something/Anything?" and was placed there via inspiration from Motown's history of putting the hit songs first.  Multi-instrumentalist Rundgren wrote the track in 20 minutes and credits the use of stimulants like Ritalin for his prolific songwriting at the time.  

Run Run Run  by JoJo Gunne
Bill Cook brings us a shuffle beat number by Los Angeles based JoJo Gunne, a band formed by Jay Ferguson and Mark Andes after they left the band Spirit.  "We're all just papers in the wind."  

Sweet Hitch-Hiker by Creedence Clearwater Revival 
Wayne presents an underplayed swamp rock song from CCR.  This is off their last album with John Fogerty.  A restaurant called the Greasy King is referenced in the song, and that restaurant is in El Cerrito, the home town of the band members.

Baby Blue by Badfinger
Brian finishes off the staff picks with a song from an album produced by Todd Rundgren.  Badfinger was the first group signed to The Beatles' Apple Records.  This is the last top 40 hit in the US for the group.  

COMEDY TRACK:

Troglodyte (Cave Man) by The Jimmy Castor Bunch
This is a funk novelty song hit number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song is the introduction of a character called Bertha Butt, who would recur in other songs from the Jimmy Castor Bunch.

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.

Steve Winwood was a well known vocalist and guitarist throughout the rock era due to his contributions to the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, and Blind Faith.  His solo career would hit its high water mark with his fourth studio album, Back in the High Life.  It was originally released in June 1986, and we are featuring it in February 1987 when the last single, “The Finer Things” was released and was headed up the charts.

Winwood had seen success as a soloist previously, but his last US album hit had been in 1980 when “Arc of a Diver” hit number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart.  For this new album Winwood  turned to Ron Weisner as manager, who had worked with Madonna and Michael Jackson.  Weisner encouraged him to record in New York, away from his home where Winwood was having marital difficulties.  He also encouraged Winwood to sing from the front of the stage rather than from behind the keyboards, positioning him as more of a front man than keyboardist.

To say the result was a success would be an understatement.  Five of the eight songs would be released as singles.  Winwood would become a household name with this album, crossing over to find success in pop rock and adult contemporary genres.

Rob brings us this album, and friend of the show Bill Cook joins us while Bruce is out.

The Finer Things
This song went to number 8 on the charts.  This synth-driven piece encourages people to take time to enjoy the moment.  While finer things are often thought to be luxury goods, Winwood instead portrays "finer things" in terms of relationships.  

Split Decision
Another single with a more rock-oriented feel, this track features Joe Walsh on guitar.  It went to number 3 on the U.S. charts. The lyrics reflect the idea that there are two faces to us - one confident, one not sure.  "One man puts the fire out, the other lights the fuse."

Take It As It Comes
This is a deeper cut even though it was released as a single, and features a horn section.  The lyrics take a stoic approach to life, that we need to take the good and the bad as it comes.

Back In the High Life Again
A huge hit on both pop and rock stations, this title track starts with Winwood playing a mandolin, and features James Taylor on background vocals.  This song would hit number 1 on the adult contemporary charts and number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.  These lyrics take a more positive tact than "Take It As It Comes," expressing confidence that we'll be back on top soon.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Winner Takes It All by Sammy Hagar (from the motion picture “Over the Top”
Sylvester Stallone starred in this action movie focused on arm wrestling.  It was released in February 1987.

STAFF PICKS:

Stay the Night by Benjamin Orr 
Brian brings us a solo effort from former Cars bassist Benjamin Orr.  Both Cars front man Ric Ocasek and Orr had successful solo projects at the time.  This synth-heavy piece hit number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was Orr's only venture into the top 40.  

Will You Still Love Me by Chicago
Friend of the show Bill Cook features a song off Chicago XVIII, their fifteenth studio album.  It is the second single from the album, and reached number 3 on the U.S. charts.  Jason Scheff, new vocalist and bassist for the band, sings lead in the place of Peter Cetera who had left the band to pursue a solo career. 

Fight For Your Right by the Beastie Boys
Wayne's staff pick rocks out with a an anthem from the debut album from the Beastie Boys, "Licensed to Ill."  It hit number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.  This song was intended as a parody of "party" and "attitude" themed songs, but it took on a life of its own as a legitimate "attitude" song.

Ready Or Not by Lou Gramm
Rob's finishes the staff picks with the front man from Foreigner.  This is the title track off Gramm's solo album, and it made it to number 7 on the rock charts.  It is the second single from the album.    

NOVELTY TRACK:

Secret Agent Man/James Bond is Back by Bruce Willis
Bruce Willis was starring in Moonlighting at the time, and parleyed this into some music singles including this one.

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

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

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

One of the founding groups of heavy metal is Judas Priest, and their eighth studio album entitled Screaming for Vengeance would be their commercial breakthrough album for North America.  In addition to the distincive vocals of Rob Halford, the Judas Priest lineup for this album included K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton on guitars, Ian Hill on bass, and Dave Holland on drums.

Judas Priest was formed in 1969, but did not issue a record on a major label until 1977 and their third studio album.  Their sixth studio album, British Steel, was the first to feature Dave Holland on drums and is considered their high water mark by most critics.  However, Screaming for Vengeance would find both heavy metal and mainstream rock success 

Friends of the show Joe Davis and John Lynch join us for this album while Bruce and Brian are away.

The Hellion
The lead track to the album is this short instrumental that builds to Electric Eye.

Electric Eye
This track follows The Hellion on the album and is often the leading song at Judas Priest concerts.  The inspiration comes from George Orwell's 1984 - the electric eye is the camera that the totalitarian government uses to watch over all in the dystopian community.  While not released as a single, this is a well known song played on rock stations at the time.

Riding the Wind
A deeper cut, this is everything you would want in a metal song - fast drums, screaming guitars, and high vocals in a minor key. “Tearin' up through life million miles an hour!  Blindin' all in sight, surgin' rush of power!  Well I'm riding, riding on the wind.”

You Got Another Thing Coming
The first single released from the album is now one of Judas Priest's signature songs.  It reached number 67 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it is the only Judas Priest song to make that chart.  The song reflects the idea of taking life by the horns, and not letting anything stand between you and your dreams.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Raised on the Radio by the Ravyns (from the motion picture “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”)
This movie came out in August of 1982, and would be a mainstay of midnight movies throughout the 80's.  This song is the leading track from the motion picture soundtrack album.

STAFF PICKS:

Favourite Shirts by Haircut 100
Rob's staff pick is also known as "Boy Meets Girl."  Haircut 100 is one of the New Wave bands which was a part of the second British Invasion.  It is a fast song with a conga feel.  

Everybody Wants You by Billy Squier
Friend of the show Joe Davis features the lead track from Squier's album "Emotions In Motion."  It hit number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent six weeks at number 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.  The lyrics reflect the hazards of leaning on superficial looks.

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
Friend of the show John Lynch brings us the main theme from Rocky III."  It was also the title song from their third album, and the single was released a day before the movie.  Naturally it rapidly climbed the charts and was the number 1 song for the month of August 1982.  

Beyond Belief by Elvis Costello
Wayne's staff pick is a deep cut off Costello's album "Imperial Bedroom."  A very complex and multi-layered song, the lyrics are also quite clever.  "Keep your finger on important issues/ with crocodile tears and a pocketful of tissues."

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Nuevo York by Santana
Santana's distinctive Latin infused guitar licks take us out on 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.

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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.

For their ninth studio album and Sammy Hagar's third album as lead singer, Hagar suggested Van Halen title it F*CK (... only the * was a letter).   Censorship in rock music was a controversial topic at the time, and Hagar wanted to push limits.  The name changed to For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge when Hagar was told by Ray "Boom Boom” Mancini that the vulgarity was actually an acronym for this phrase.  

For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge was intended to be a return to the rock roots of Van Halen after a number of albums featuring more use of synthesizers and a stronger pop feel.  The album took a year to make, as Van Halen was one of the most successful and well-known rock bands at the time, and the members were enjoying the material fruits of that success.  They also had their own recording studio (Eddie Van Halen's 5150 Studios), and money sufficient to not have to worry about rushing an album out.

Critical reception was mixed at best.  Nevertheless, it was a commercial hit, debuting at number 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart.  

We hope you enjoy this album podcast, and the debate on the David Lee Roth/Sammy Hagar eras of Van Halen.

P.S. Wayne is crazy if he doesn't like Sammy.

Guest contributor Joe Davis brings us his favorite Van Halen album. 
 

Judgement Day
This deeper cut is the second track from the album.  It is a fast moving, hard rocking critique of conservative Christianity’s moves to censor words and actions.  This song contains screams from Hagar and Anthony that are some of the loudest notes hit by the two on any Van Halen song.

Pleasure Dome
Joe picked this song because he considers it “the best guitar solo in any Van Halen song.”  Many consider the song to be inspired by Rush's “Xanadu,” and both take inspiration from the Samuel Taylor Coleridge poem “Kubla Kahn.” The lyrics reflect the temptation and trap that is a life focused on pleasure.

The Dream Is Over
This deep cut discusses the disillusionment when the dream of easy money or success following "the system" results in failure.  If a generation can't succeed by the rules of society, then “dream another dream, this dream is over.”

Runaround
Another deep cut, this one starts with a six-stringed bass guitar.  A number of innovations were featured in this album, from this six-string guitar to the use of a drill near the pickups to start "Poundcake."  The lyrics are about a girl who can't get pinned down.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

(Everything I do) I Do It For You by Bryan Adams (from the motion picture "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves")
Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman starred in this rendition of the classic Robin Hood tale.

STAFF PICKS:

It's You That Leaves Me Dry by EMF
Wayne gets the staff picks rolling with the Manchester sound.  This deep cut from the same album that gave us “Unbelievable” was a popular track in dance clubs in the UK.  The lyrics are about a bad relationship where one partner sucks the life out of another.

All the Time in the World by Junkyard
Rob brings us another deep cut with a Motley Crue feel.  Junkyard hails from Los Angeles, and this song went to number 24 on the charts.  The members of Junkyard were fans of the Southern Rock sound, though not fans of Southern Rock culture.

Losing My Religion by R.E.M.
Friend of the show John Lynch brings us one which is definitely not a deep cut!  This mandolin-based song is the lead single off "Out of Time," R.E.M.'s seventh studio album.  Lead singer Michael Stipe has stated that the song is not about religion - despite the title - but more about losing temper, or feelings of desperation.

Man In The Box by Alice In Chains 
Joe finishes off the staff picks with a track loosely about censorship, but more specifically inspired by a discussion about cattle being raised in small boxes with little room.  This also ushers in the start of the grunge era.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Black Napkins by Frank Zappa
The always eclectic Frank Zappa finishes us off this week with a jazzy instrumental piece.

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.

Today Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs is considered Eric Clapton's best work.  However, at the time that this double album debut by Derek and the Dominos came out it was considered both a commercial and critical failure.  Clapton met fellow Derek and the Dominos band members Bobby Whitlock (keyboards), Carl Radle (bass) and Jim Gordon (drums) when working with Delaney & Bonnie.  Whitlock and Clapton got together at Clapton's house and composed most of what would become the original songs on the Layla album.

The name Derek and the Dominos was chosen by Eric Clapton because he was tired of the supergroup approach to music and did not want his fame to overshadow the band.  Derek and the Dominos played a lot of small clubs in England in August, then went to Miami to record the studio album.

The group met up with Duane Allman in Miami, and Allman and Clapton struck up a close friendship from the start.  Allman would record on 11 of the 14 songs on the album.

Most know that the song Layla was inspired by Clapton's infatuation with Pattie Boyd Harrison, George Harrison's wife.  In truth, many of the songs on the Layla album were performed with Pattie Boyd in mind.

Unfortunately this double album is the only record these musicians would make together.  Clapton would struggle with drug addiction and depression for several years afterward, and Allman would die in a tragic accident in 1971.  The reputation of this album would grow over time, however, and is iconic today.

Bell Bottom Blues
This song was the first single, and was written by Clapton and Whitlock.  The inspiration for the song was that Pattie Boyd had asked Clapton to get her a pair of bell-bottom blue jeans while he was in the United States.  

It's Too Late
The album contains five covers including this blues song originally benned by Chuck Willis in 1956.  Clapton and Whitlock trade off on vocals, and guitar work is from Eric Clapton and Duane Allman.  The song would be performed on Derek and the Dominos' only TV appearance, on the Johnny Cash Show in January 1971.

Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad
You can hear a terrific jam between Clapton and Allman on guitar in this song.  It swings from A minor on the verses to D major on the chorus.  Whitlock and Clapton trade off vocal work.

Layla
This signature track was inspired by a 12th century tale called “The Story of Layla and Majnun.”  It is about a young man who falls hopelessly in love with a young girl only to be rebuffed by her father because of his obsession with her.  Clapton of course identified with the story of hopeless love because of his feelings toward Pattie Boyd Harrison.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Main theme from the television series “The Goodies”
This offbeat comedy series premiered in the UK in this month.

STAFF PICKS:

Share the Land by the Guess Who
Brian starts off the staff picks with the title track from the Guess Who's seventh studio album, and the first after the departure of guitarist Randy Bachman.  The lyrics reflect the growing popularity of the environmental movement.  Burton Cummings wrote this song and sings lead.

Cherryhill Park by Billy Joe Royal
Wayne brings us a story song about a young girl named Mary Hill who “was a thrill after dark in Cherryhill Park.”  The thrills end when Mary Hill marries a rich man.  Billy Joe Royal was born in Valdosta, Georgia.

Montego Bay by Bobby Bloom
Rob finds an early reggae-influenced rock song.  Bobby Bloom and Jeff Berry wrote this one-hit wonder.  It made it to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Sadly, Bobby Bloom died in 1974 at the age of 28.

Somebody's Been Sleeping in My Bed by 100 Proof (Aged in Soul)
Bruce's staff pick comes from the songwriting team of Holland-Dozier Holland after they left Motown Records to set up a separate label.  This song about discovering evidence of infidelity went to number 8 on the US pop charts, and was 100 Proof's biggest hit

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Overture by the Who
In the tradition of symphonic music, the Who began their rock opera Tommy with this overture. 

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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.

Some of the most popular songs from The Cult come from Sonic Temple, their fourth studio album.  They garnered some attention in 1985 when the single “She Sells Sanctuary” off their second album hit the US charts, and they had established a solid following as a “post punk” or “goth rock” band, but Sonic Temple would put them over the top with its more hard rock appeal.

The band lineup for this album consisted of Ian Astbury on vocals and percussion, Billy Duffy on guitar, Jamie Stewart on bass and keyboards, and newcomer Mickey Curry on drums.  Prior to Curry, the band had relied on Eric Singer for the first demos, and Chris Taylor for second demos at the drums.

While the critical reception was mixed with some considering the work too conventional, the commercial success was undeniable.  The album shot up to the top 10 in both the UK and the US, and was certified gold in the UK and platinum in the US.

Creative differences would destabilize the group on their fifth studio album and the group would break up after 1998.  However several reunions took place over the years, and the group is back together as of 2022. 

Brian leads the discussion of this album.

Sun King
Astbury and Duffy wrote this song, inspired by Louis XIV.  Known as the Sun King, Louis XIV is the French King who moved the royal court to Versailles.  The track is an explicitly masculine one.  “I’m a sun king, baby, let me take you by the hand.  Sun king, honey, we can rule across the land.” 

 Fire Woman
The first single from the album is this well known track.  As with all the tracks, Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy wrote this hit which peaked at number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks charts.  Astbury has stated that this is a universal symbol, an archetype of the femme fatale.

Edie (Ciao Baby)
Edie Sedgwick is the inspiration for this song.  Sedgwick was an actress and socialite who traveled in Andy Warhol's circles in 1960's New York.  Sedgwick lived fast and died young of a drug overdose.  She was 28 when she died.  Her last film was “Ciao! Manhattan.”  This is not the only song inspired by Sedgwick, as Bob Dylan's “Just Like a Woman” is supposedly inspired by Edie Sedgwick as well.

Sweet Soul Sister
This track was written in Paris, inspired by the Americanization of European culture.  It was the fourth single released from the album.  The song observes the love/hate relationship that comes with both the attraction and resistance experienced as a response to American culture, particularly in France.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The main theme from the television series "Saturday Night Live" 
Mike Myers joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, and original cast member Gilda Radner died in this month in 1989.

STAFF PICKS:

So Alive by Love and Rockets 
Rob begins the staff picks with a group that sounds a bit like INXS.  This single is off the self-titled fourth album from Love and Rockets.  “You're legs are strong and you're so, so long, and you don't come from this town.”  The single made it to number 3 in the U.S., and was considered the number 1 modern rock song in the U.S. for 1989.

Walkin' Shoes  by Tora Tora
Wayne features a rock-blues number from a group out of Memphis, Tennessee.  This underrated song made it to number 47 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the sound reminds us of Motley Crue and Led Zeppelin.  The group won studio time in a Battle of the Bands contest.  Tora Tora is still recording as of 2022.

Dreams In the Dark by Badlands
Bruce's staff pick is a hair band formed by former Black Sabbath members Ray Gillen (vocals) and Eric Singer (drums), former Ozzy guitarist Jake E. Lee, and former Surgical Steel bass player Greg Chaisson.  After Lee was fired from Ozzy's band by Sharon Osborne, he was motivated to form this band.  As mentioned previously Eric Singer had a hand in the demos of The Cult's album, and would go on to join KISS. 

Good Thing by Fine Young Cannibals
Brian  wraps up this week's staff picks with the second big hit from FYC's album, “The Raw & the Cooked.”  Fine Young Cannibals hail from Birmingham, England, formed in 1984 and disbanded in 1992.    

COMEDY TRACK:

Debbie Gibson Is Pregnant with My Two-Headed Love Child  by Mojo Nixon
This boogie-woogie comedy track is a good example of the type of parody song for which Mojo Nixon is famous.

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

One of the earliest examples of a prog rock record was Days of Future Passed, the second studio album by The Moody Blues. Originally a rhythm and blues band, The Moody Blues were in difficult financial straits when they convinced the record company to combine their music with orchestral elements and interludes in a single album.  The group recorded much of their sessions first, then provided these to conductor Peter Knight, who directed the London Festival Orchestra (the house orchestra for Decca Records) in arrangements and orchestral interludes.

The Moody Blues for this album are Justin Hayward on guitar, piano, and vocals, John Lodge on bass and vocals, Mike Pinder on keyboards and vocals, Ray Thomas on flute, piano, and vocals, and Graeme Edge on drums and vocals.

Days of Future Passed is created as a concept around a day in the life of "an everyday man."  It begins with a track appropriately entitled "The Day Begins," and concludes with a piece labeled "The Night," which we know as "Nights in White Satin," and "Late Lament."  

The album was somewhat successful when first released, but would climb in popularity over a long period of time, particularly on the growing strength of "Nights in White Satin" on FM radio in the U.S.  It would eventually peak on the album charts at number 2 in the U.S. - in 1972!

Brian takes us on this day trip.

Dawn:  Dawn Is a Feeling
Keyboardist Mike Pinder wrote this song, the first track sung after the Instrumental overture and spoken recitation.  As the name implies, it represents the start of the day.

Lunch Break
Bassist John Lodge sings lead on this song which he also wrote.  The fast pace is suggestive of the hectic period of lunch hour on a business day.  The song has an orchestral introduction which was recorded separately from the rest of the track.

Tuesday Afternoon 
Also known as "Forever Afternoon" or "Forever Afternoon (Tuesday?)", the song was originally intended to be named "Tuesday Afternoon" but was changed for the album.  It was released as "Tuesday Afternoon" when released as a single.  Justin Hayward wrote the song in Lypiatt Park on a (you guessed it) Tuesday afternoon.

Nights In White Satin/Late Lament
Hayward composed this hit at the age of 19 in Belgium, inspired by a gift of satin bedsheets given by his girlfriend.  The song is about a yearning love from afar.  The strength of this song would provide the success for both the album and The Moody Blues as a whole.  Late Lament was written by drummer Graeme Edge, and is recited by keyboardist Mike Pinder.  This is the only album track on which the band recorded with the London Festival Orchestra rather than separately.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Won't You Be My Neighbor? (the main theme to the children's series Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood)
The television series starring Fred Rogers debuted nationally this month.

STAFF PICKS:

Tomorrow by Strawberry Alarm Clock
Bruce starts us off with a psychedelic and sunshine pop group out of Los Angeles.  This song is the first single off the group's second album, "Wake Up...It's Tomorrow."  It would hit number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, and would be their second and final top 40 hit.  "But right now I am with you, and together we can make it through."

Hey Baby (They're Playing Our Song)  by The Buckinghams
Rob's staff pick continues in the sunshine pop genre with a band out of Chicago.  This is off their album "Portraits," and made it to number 12 on the charts.  "Sunshine Pop" is rooted in easy listening and "advertising jingles."  The Buckinghams got their name in an attempt to channel some of the success of the British Invasion.  They had 5 top 40 hits in 1967. 

Nobody But Me by the Human Beinz
Wayne brings us a well-known cover originally performed by The Isley Brothers.  There are over 100 "no's" in this song and 47 "nobody's," making it quite literally a quite negative song.  While this would be the only entry into the top 10, it would become a staple of Fraternity parties from then on.    

Sunday Mornin' by Spanky & Our Gang
Brian  features Elaine "Spanky" McFarlane as lead woman for the band.  Spanky & Our Gang had a number of hits in the 60's.  This sunshine pop song peaked at number 30 as a single, and preceded the album by several months.  

COMEDY TRACK:

Here Come the Judge by Shorty Long
This funky novelty song was inspired by a skit on Rowan & Martin's "Laugh In," and was Long's biggest hit, rising to number 4 on the charts.

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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.

At a time when most music was coming out of the Seattle grunge scene or the Athens, Georgia college environment, Alabama's own Brother Cane is a reminder that good rock music can originate anywhere.  The band was formed by front man and guitarist Damon Johnson and bassist Glenn Maxey, and they were joined by guitarist Roman Glick and drummer Scott Collier.  Their self-titled debut album would peak at number 14 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart.

Johnson wrote or co-wrote most of the songs on the album, but writing credits would be received by all band members for at least one song on the record.  

Maxey left the group shortly after the debut album was released, after which Glick would switch to bass and the band would bring guitarist David Anderson into the group.  Brother Cane would release three albums before disbanding, though they would reunite over the years, and are reformed as of 2022.

Friend of the show and owner of Monkey Wrench Brewing Wayne Baxter joins us for this podcast.

How Long
This track starts off slow and builds as the song continues.  The entire band receives songwriting credits for this song, as does their producer, Marti Frederiksen.  "How long my brother, can we  turn away?  

Got No Shame
This track is the lead single from the album, and the opening song for the album.  Authentic harmonicast Cooper Price starts the song with a true Southern sound.  This song made it to number 2 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.  Johnson and Frederiksen wrote this upbeat, energetic piece as a "southern version of 'Welcome to the Jungle'."

Hard Act to Follow
A somewhat slower song with similarity to the Black Crowes, the lyrics talk about the difficulty of moving on after a breakup.  "You're a hard act to follow.  Can't find nobody quite like you."

Don't Turn Your Back on Me
The funky organ and heavy "wall of sound" style gives this song a lot of appeal.  We felt that the use of the vocoder hearkens back to Peter Frampton's work as well.  

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The theme from the television series “The Wonder Years”
The series that propelled Fred Savage to stardom finished it's run in 1993.

STAFF PICKS:

Lost In Your Eyes by the Jeff Healy Band
Brian's staff pick hearkens from Canada.  Norman Jeffrey Healy started playing guitar at the age of three.  Blind from a young age due to a rare cancer of the eyes.  Healy often plays guitar with the instrument in his lap.  This ballad was on the charts this month.

Jessie by Joshua Kadison 
Bruce brings us the lead single from Kadison's debut album, "Painted Desert Serenade," released in May 1993.  The songs on this album are ballads and soft rock, but there's more sophistication to them than the average love song.  This one is about a guy who seems constantly drawn back to a girl and her fantastic plans that never seem to work out.  Rod Argent is on keyboards and produced this song.

Who's Gonna RIde Your Wild Horses by U2
Friend of the show Wayne Baxter features the fifth single from the album “Achtung Baby.”  The lyrics are inspired by the pain of divorce, which guitarist The Edge was going through at the time.  A number of versions of this song were created, as the band struggled with the sound they wanted out of this track.

Honest to God by Brad Gillis
Rob's finishes the staff picks with former Night Ranger guitarist Brad Gillis playing with singer, guitarist, and co-writer Gregg Allman.  This has a heavy sound with Allman's distinctive vocals.  

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Instrumental Jam by Emerson, Lake, and Palmer
The prog rock legends from the 70's had a new release in the 90's, and this instrumental piece from that album closes us out.  

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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.

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.

Mobile
This 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 Bargain
Often 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 Again
The 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 Stampeders
Wayne 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 Denver
Lynch 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 Sabbath
We close out with a surprisingly soft instrumental from an ordinarily more heavy hitting band.

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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.

The James Gang originated in Cleveland, Ohio, and is best known as a power trio consisting of Jim Fox on drums, Dale Peters on bass (Tom Kriss on bass for their first album) and Joe Walsh on guitars and lead vocals.  This Greatest Hits album captures work done on the first three James Gang albums where Joe Walsh is the principal songwriter and is front and center of the band.

Walsh joined the group just prior to their signing with a record label.  They produced "Yer' Album" in 1969.  This would be followed by "James Gang Rides Again" and "Thirds."  A live album would also be produced before Joe Walsh would depart the band in favor of solo work, and eventually join the Eagles.

While the group would continue on for several years after Joe Walsh's departure, they could never recapture the sound or hooks that Walsh brought to the band.  The James Gang disbanded completely after 1977, though occasional reunions and tours of the classic lineup have happened since then.

Friend of the show and owner of Monkey Wrench Brewing, Wayne Baxter features this album for this podcast.

Walk Away
Hard rock, funk, and soul can be heard throughout this song.  It was on the Billboard Hot 100, making it to number 51 in July of 1971 when it was out as a single off their third studio album.  It chronicles a rocky relationship in which the girl doesn't really want to keep things going.

Funk #49 
This track was the first single of the James Gang's second album.  The lyrics are about a wild girlfriend, but the core of the song is the instrumental work and Walsh's guitar riffs.  The name follows a previous song, “Funk #48,” which appeared on the first James Gang album.

Midnight Man
Another song off the “Thirds” album, this song has a mellower sound that hearkens back to the 60's.  Mary Sterpka is the female voice brought in as a session musician for this track.  

The Bomber:  Closet Queen/Bolero/Cast Your Fate to the Wind
This complex suite from the second album contains original works and covers from Maurice Ravel and Vince Guaraldi.  Ravel's will stipulated that “Bolero” was only to be played by full orchestras and threatened suit, causing many releases to exclude the “Bolero” section.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The theme from the television series “Mission Impossible”
The original television series made its exit in April of 1973.  

STAFF PICKS:

Space Oddity by David Bowie
Rob's staff pick is the opening track off Bowie's second studio album.  It was released in July 1969 just prior to the Apollo 11 moon landing.  After the success of the “Ziggy Stardust” album, “Space Oddity” was re-released and hit the charts in April of 1973.  

Little Willy by Sweet 
Brian brings us Sweet's biggest hit, peaking at number 3 on re-release as a non-album single.  The writers, Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, wrote a number of rock songs including  many more Sweet songs, Tony Basil's "Mickey," Tina Turner's "Better Be Good to Me," and "Heart and Soul" by Huey Lewis & the News.

Desperado by the Eagles
Bruce features the title track from the Eagles second studio album.  While this may be one of the best known songs from the Eagles, it was never released as a single.  When Linda Ronstadt covered it later in the year, it drew more attention to the group.  This was one of the first songs penned by the songwriting partnership of Don Henley and Glenn Frey.

Hocus Pocus by Focus
Wayne Baxter closes out the staff picks with an instrumental prog rock masterpiece from Dutch group Focus.  You don't hear too many rock songs featuring polka beats and yodeling.  We're doing the shorter U.S. single version, but there's a 10-minute version for those who need even more Focus.

COMEDY TRACK:

Freakin' at the Freakers' Ball by Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show
This novelty song chronicles a trip to a freaky party, and wraps up the podcast for the week. 

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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.

Pet Sounds was the eleventh studio album by the Beach Boys.  The album revolutionized music production, helped establish the album as the dominant form of music, and made the recording studio an instrument.  The Beach Boys at this time are Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Bruce Johnston, Al Jardine, and Mike Love.

Some consider Pet Sounds to be a Brian Wilson solo project.  He stopped touring with the Beach Boys a year prior to producing this album, and most of the Beach Boys had not heard the songs until they came into the recording session after the tour.  Additionally, the album contained a lot of departures from standard Beach Boys fare.  Wilson had moved them away from the surfing focus over the course of several albums, but this was deeper, more art rock, and inorporated jazz and other genres which just couldn't be duplicated in concert with a standard small rock set used on Beach Boys tours.

Brian Wilson wanted this to be the greatest rock album ever made, and wanted it to be a cohesive work with no filler songs.  Some consider it a concept album, but it is more like a curated art work - the songs hang together but don't focus on a single theme.  While the album has become recognized as one of the greatest rock albums ever written, it was not initially received that way either commercially or critically.  This really hurt Wilson, as he considered it a public rejection of his artistry.  Even later when folks would tell him how great the album was, he didn't want to hear it.  He was already starting to breakdown mentally and psychologically.

Bruce brings us this iconic album.

Wouldn't It Be Nice
The opening track to the album was released as a single in July 1966.  It describes a young couple fantasizing about being older, married, and free.  It peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Brian Wilson and Tony Asher wrote it (with Mike Love getting writing credits after a 1994 court case), and Brian Wilson is on lead vocals.

Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)
The instrumentation here features a string sextet, and is really complex.  The lyrics are about non-verbal communication, and Brian Wilson is the only Beach Boy on the song.  There's a 12 string electric guitar in this song which is played by a session musician named Glen Campbell.

Caroline, No
This really was a Brian Wilson solo song, released as his debut solo record in March 1966.  The lyrics are about an old flame who grows older, or maybe the relationship grows older, and loses a lot of its allure.  There are a lot of jazz chords in this piece..

God Only Knows
This track leads off side two of the album, and was pretty controversial.  At the time it was taboo to have the word “God” in a non-religious song.  The key is somewhat ambiguous, varying between E major and A major in different sections.  Paul McCartney considered it "the greatest song ever written," and it has received numerous accolades from lots of singers and songwriters.  

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Main theme from the television series "Perry Mason"
The now famous detective series completed its 9-season run in May of 1966.

STAFF PICKS:

Time Won't Let Me by the Outsiders
Wayne starts the staff picks with Cleveland's own Outsiders, and the Cleveland Indians used this song when bringing in relief pictures.  It hit number 5 on the charts.  The jingle is used in many commercials, as the message about not waiting carries over well from relationships to commercial applications.

Eight Miles High by the Byrds
Brian brings us an acid rock song - often considered the first acid rock song - inspired by an airplane flight.  At least that was the story the band used to avoid concerns about drug references getting the track banned from radio stations.  The drug concerns were not overcome, causing the song to quickly drop off the charts. 

Twinkle Toes by Roy Orbison
Rob's staff pick is from Orbison's 9th album.  This was Orbison's last top 40 hit, appearing at number 39 on the charts.  Roy Orbison had 22 top 40 hits between 1960 and 1966, and would enjoy more success in the 1980's when several of his songs were covered.  He died at 52 years old in 1988, and his final top 10 single, "You Got It" would appear on the charts posthumously.

Strangers In the Night by Frank Sinatra
Bruce concludes the staff picks with Sinatra's first number 1 hit in 11 years.  While this song would win multiple Grammys and remain on the charts for 15 weeks, Frank Sinatra hated it.  Glen Campbell played rhythm guitar on the studio recording of this song.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Let's Go Away for Awhile by the Beach Boys
We get in a little double-dipping with this instrumental from Pet Sounds, performed by an uncredited group of session musicians later known as the Wrecking Crew. 

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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.

The album that would bring grunge into the mainstream is Nevermind by Nirvana.  While it was Nirvana's second album, it would be their first on a major label.  It would also see the introduction of Dave Grohl to the band as drummer joining Krist Novoselic on bass, and the iconic and troubled Kurt Cobain who was front man, guitarist, and songwriter for the band.

“Troubled” could be a good description of the album as well.  While more polished than their debut album, the songs exhibit a raw emotion, often dark, disturbed, or alienated, but also containing some humor and self-deprecation.  The tracks were more melodic than the first album as well, reflecting Cobain's influences - he was listening to groups like the Pixies and R.E.M. at the time that Nevermind was being recorded.  

The album was a surprising success both commercially and critically.  It was nominated for three Grammy awards across two awards ceremonies.  It hit number 1 on the Billboard 200 list in the U.S., hit number 2 on the Australian charts, and number 7 on the British charts.

Nevermind was released in September 1991, and friend of the show John Lynch is featuring it as our album pick for January 1992 when it was on top of the charts, knocking off Michael Jackson's Dangerous. 

Lithium
Lithium is a drug used to fight depression and bi-polar disorder.  The lyrics discuss a person trying to fight loss of relationships, wide mood swings and feelings, deciding that he needs to find God before he kills himself.  The alteration between soft and loud sections would become known as emblematic of Nirvana's sound.   

Polly
This dark song was inspired by the abduction, torture, and rape of a 14 year-old girl in Tacoma, Washington.   She escaped from her kidnapper at a gas station.  Cobain wrote the lyrics from the perspective of the perpetrator.  Former percussionist Chad Channing is the drummer on this piece.

Something in the Way
This song was inspired by a four-month period of homelessness that Cobain experienced around his hometown of Aberdeen, Washington.  It is one of the few autobiographical songs Cobain wrote, as he more typically wrote lyrics inspired in stores from others.  It is featured in the 2022 film, “The Batman.” 

Come As You Are
This hit single almost resulted in a lawsuit from a band called “The Killing Joke” which had a very similar chord structure.  The lyrics are about the expectations people put on themselves and others, and it encourages people to be themselves.  

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the television comedy series “In Living Color”
This comedy variety production from the Wayan brothers would introduce the world to sketches “Men on Film, “Homey the Clown,” and “Fire Marshal Bill” which launched Jim Carrey’s career.

STAFF PICKS:

There's No Other Way by Blur
Wayne starts us off with London based Blur exhibiting the “Manchester” sound.  The song lyrics highlight the irritation the band felt at having to follow the Manchester trend at the behest of the record company.  “You've taken the fun out of everything.”   This song was Kurt Cobain's favorite song of the year from Britain.

Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me by George Michael and Elton John
Rob brings us George Michael's live cover of Elton John's 1974 hit.  John joins Michael on stage in the second half of the song during this performance in Chicago.  They had originally performed the duet for Live Aid, and Michael liked it so much that he incorporated the cover into his show.  The original version made it to number 2 in the U.S., and this cover made it to number 1.

Diamonds and Pearls by Prince and the New Power Generation
Brian's staff pick is a love song.  It is also the title track to Prince's album with the backing band which was originally named on the 1990 film “Graffiti Bridge.”  The female voice in this song is performed by Rosie Gaines, who tragically suffered from an insulin overdose in 2009, and has experienced a number of diabetic issues over time.

No Son of Mine by Genesis
John Lynch features the final Genesis album with Phil Collins as lead singer, "We Can't Dance."  The lyrics discuss domestic violence.  It is about a man who is a monster to his family.  The song describes a child who runs away from an abusive family situation, and is rejected by his father when he attempts reconciliation later on.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

New Recruit by Eric Clapton
This instrumental track is from the motion picture "Rush."

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

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

Jeff Beck left the Yardbirds in 1966, and recorded several singles in 1967.  In 1968 Beck released his first solo studio album, Truth, which would come to be regarded as one of the first heavy metal albums released.  It would also feature a number of talented artists in his band called The Jeff Beck Group, including Rod Stewart on vocals, Ronnie Wood on bass, and Mickey Waller on drums, all of which would go on to achieve stardom as rock soloists and/or musicians in other groups.

Beck started this group as a means to expand his guitar interests, and the album reflects a lot of diversity.  There are traditional covers and blues songs, heavier rock numbers and instrumentals, and of course a lot of guitar effects.  The tracks for the album were recorded very quickly - within two weeks - and the album would go to number 15 on the U.S. charts.

Jeff Beck has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice - once for his work with the Yardbirds, and once for his solo work.

Wayne brings us this 60's rock album, and friend of the show John Lynch joins us in Bruce's absence for this episode.

Greensleeves
The song that starts side two of the album is a classic - a Tudor classic!  Greensleeves dates back to 1580.  This traditional song would find its way into the Christmas season as "What Child Is This?" with different lyrics.

You Shook Me
American blues musicians Willie Dixon and J.B. Lenoir penned this song that Jeff Beck covers. Led Zeppelin also covered this song on their first album which appeared 5 months after Beck's album.  John Paul Jones is on the Hammond organ for this one.

Beck's Bolero
This piece is considered one of the great Rock instrumentals, and brings in some high caliber session musicians - Jimmy Page on 12-string guitar, Jon Paul Jones on bass, and Keith Moon on drums.  Moon had contractual issues at the time and was credited on the album as "you know who."  

I Ain't Superstitious
Another traditional blues song, this one was originally written by Willie Dixon.  This really shows off Rod Stewart's vocal chops and Beck's fuzzy guitar work.  These effects are done well before the vocoder was available, but Jeff Beck creates a nice facsimile of a vocoder on his own.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The main theme from the motion picture “Hang 'Em High”
This Clint Eastwood western made its appearance in 1968.  It was the first production from Eastwood's own The Malpaso Company.

STAFF PICKS:

Jackson by Johnny Cash
Bruce was out, so guest John Lynch brings us a classic from Johnny Cash, which also features June Carter on duet prior to their marriage.  The song was recorded in 1967 and debuted in 1968.  They would win a Grammy for the Best Country & Western Duet.  The song is about a husband wanting to go to Jackson because of all the women, and the wife wanting to go to Jackson to laugh at the husband for making a fool of himself.

Hitch It To the Horse by The Fantastic Johnny C.
You might think Brian's staff pick is from James Brown, but the Godfather of Soul wasn't the only one doing soul funk fusion in the late 60's.  Johnny Corley came out of a gospel vocal group in Philadelphia, and was persuaded to sing secular songs by producer and songwriter Jesse James.  This is from his sole solo album, “Boogaloo Down Broadway.”

Mr. Businessman by Ray Stevens
Rob's staff pick is a serious song from Stevens, who would become better known for his comedy songs.  This track from his third album cautions Mr. Businessman to take care of the important things in life rather than focusing all his time on his career.

Journey to the Center of the Mind by the Amboy Dukes
Wayne brings us a psychedelic hit from a 19 year-old Ted Nugent in his original group.  This song sounds more like the Moody Blues than the Motor City Madman, but it is a sonic blast.  Nugent was 15 when he formed the Amboy Dukes.  The Amboy Dukes were invited to perform at Woodstock, but they declined because Nugent "didn't like hippies or the promoter."

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Soul Limbo by Booker T and the M.G.'S
You can't go wrong with a little instrumental limbo to finish off this 60's podcast.

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

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

Their eighteenth studio album found The Kinks moving in a different direction than many previous albums.  Low Budget would address many contemporary issues in song, rather than the subtle pieces and nostalgia found on earlier albums.  The Kinks also recorded much of the album in New York rather than London.  The result charted well in the United States, reaching number 11 on the Billboard 200.  It did not do well in their native Britain.

The band members of The Kinks for this album were Ray Davies on guitar, keyboards, and vocals, Dave Davies on guitar and background vocals, Jim Rodford on bass and background vocals, and Mick Avory on drums.  They are joined in the studio by Nick Newall on saxophone and Gordon Edwards (briefly a member of the group) playing piano on the title track.  Ray Davies wrote all the tracks on this album.

The album was more heavily produced than other albums and took a harder edge, which was appropriate for their arena rock phase for the group.  There were a lot of diverse songs as well, led by the disco-infused lead single, "(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman."  

Catch Me Now I'm Falling
The second track from the album uses Captain America as a surrogate for the United States, and criticizes the U.S. as a country fallen on hard times, and its allies as not coming the the need of America despite earlier times when the allies were help by America during and after World War II.  The song was released as a single, but only in the U.S.

Pressure
A high speed deeper cut, this song looks at pressure as a contagious disease, one that can be spread from one person to another, but which also can take over when you're alone.  This song has a decidedly punk flavor.  The call and response sound in the vocals gives it a more manic feel as well.

(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman 
The lead and biggest single from the album reached number 41 on U.S. charts.  Ray Davies was inspired to write the lyrics by the release of "Superman:  The Movie" in the previous year.  The disco feel was difficult for the band to achieve.  The song itself tells of a desire to take on modern problems like Superman, though the protagonist is nothing like the invincible super hero.

Low Budget
The title track leads off the second side of the album.  It describes a man learning to live much more frugally due to hard economic times.  The song was in line with the recessionary malaise of the times, though people could identify with it when living through any recession.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The Main Theme to the motion picture The Amityville Horror
This popular horror show convinced us all to stay away from houses that say, "Get Out!"

STAFF PICKS:

You Can't Change That by Raydio
Bruce leads off the staff picks with an American R&B and Funk band. Raydio is Arnell Carmichael and Darren Carmichael on vocals, Charles Fearing on guitars, Larry Tolbert on percussion, and Ray Parker, Jr. on vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, and primary songwriter.  This song went to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and features Arnell Carmichael on high vocals and Ray Parker, Jr. on low vocals.

Goodbye (Astrid, Goodbye)  by Cold Chisel
Rob's staff pick may not be well known in the U.S., but is a hit from Australia.  In fact, Cold Chisel has been listed as the number 3 favorite Australian band as rated by Australian musicians, behind AC/DC and INXS, but ahead of Midnight Oil and Crowded House.  This rocking song with a boogie beat is about a guy who is hitting the road, and was designed as a set finisher.

I Don't Like Mondays by the Boomtown Rats
Wayne brings us a cult hit that was inspired by a school shooting in California.  The piano-driven piece didn't chart in the U.S. but has had staying power over time.  Front man Bob Geldof heard the original story of the shooting while doing an interview at WRAS radio out of Georgia State.  Geldof regretted doing the song because it made the shooter famous.

Heart of the Night by Poco
Brian  wraps up the staff picks on a mellow note.  This is from the album "The Legend."   Writer Paul Cotton said this song was inspired by his "love and lust for New Orleans,"  and that the song practically wrote itself.  Phil Kinsey, who performed on saxophone on Al Stewart's "Year of the Cat" is featured on alto sax on this song.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Morning Dance by Spyro Gyra
This jazz fusion piece was on the charts in the summer of 1979 and closes out of podcast this week.  

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

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

Nik Kershaw's debut studio album, Human Racing, would also be his most commercially successful album.  He would find more popularity in the UK where his album hit number 3 on the album charts than in the United States, where it would appear at number 70 on the Billboard 200.  Kershaw wrote all the songs, performed lead and backing vocals, bass guitar, guitar, keyboards, and percussion.  Other personnel on the album would include Paul "Wix" Wickens on keyboards, Charlie Morgan on drums, and a slew of session musicians including his wife Sheri Kershaw on backing vocals.

Nicholas David “Nik” Kershaw came from a musical family - his mother was an opera singer and his father was a flautist - and he was a self-taught guitarist at an early age.  Kershaw embarked on a career as a musician and songwriter by 1982, and had significant international success with both this debut album and his second follow-up, “The Riddle.”  He was one of the performers at Live Aid in 1985 at Wembly stadium.

Although his solo career waned after that, he continues to produce albums today, and has collaborated with a number of artists, including Kim Wilde, Tony Banks, Steve Hackett, Elton John, and Michael W. Smith.  

Rob takes us into this 80's phenomenon this week.

Wouldn't It Be Good
This song made it to number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has everything you expect from 80's pop music.  It is about how the lives of others seems so much better.  “Wouldn't it be good to be in your shoes even if it was for just one day?  Wouldn't it be good if we could wish ourselves away?”  Kershaw would perform this song in Live Aid.

Dancing Girls 
The third single from the album is about a guy who is sick of his middle class life.  He wants some excitement in his life - "bring on the dancing girls!"  

Faces 
This song has a different feel than the others.  It is about looking at the people who are taking over your mind.  There's a sense of religious hypocrisy, with lots of different faces provided and instructions on when to use them.  

I Won't Let The Sun Go Down On Me 
While it didn't do well in the States, this was a hit in the UK.  A cold war song, the lyrics are about choosing to live positively despite the risk of nuclear annihilation.  

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The Nerd Theme from the motion Picture “Revenge of the Nerds”
NERDS!!!  A surprise success at the movies in the summer of 1984 was the comedy “Revenge of the Nerds.”

STAFF PICKS:

Little Lady by Duke Jupiter
Wayne starts off the staff picks with a group from Rochester, New York, which may be surprising since the song sounds more like Southern rock than something out of the northeast.  We think it sounds like ZZ-Top. The song is about a woman who is ditching her groom at the altar.   Duke Jupiter had a 13-year career, breaking up in 1986.

Doctor! Doctor! by the Thompson Twins 
Brian's staff pick is a song comparing being in love to a medical state.  The Thompson Twins got their start as a new wave group before moving to more mainstream success as a part of the Second British Invasion.  This song would hit number 11 in the US and number 3 in the UK.

Missing You by John Waite
Bruce's staff pick  was a late edition to Waite's second solo album, "No Brakes."  It was also a huge success that really launched Waite's solo career.  The lyrics were inspired by several relationships Waite was in, primarily his wife with whom he was divorcing at the time.  The melancholy denial of "I ain't missing you at all" paired with the background vocals "missing you" struck a chord with listeners, and the song would be a number 1 hit on the US charts.

Legs by ZZ Top
Rob's closes out with a song more famous for its video than the song itself.  This is the first top 10 hit from ZZ Top from their "Eliminator" album.  A number of people have covered this song, but there's no way to outdo the original.  The video tells a story of a girl transforming from a wilting wallflower to a knockout with the help of a ghostly ZZ Top.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

The Call of Ktulu by Metallica
This week's podcast closes out with an instrumental from Metallica before the band achieved the monster status it would attain by the end of the decade.  

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

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

Running on Empty was the fifth album by Jackson Browne.  The album revolves around the theme of life on the road, and it is a live album, but with a couple of twists.  First, none of these tracks had previously appeared on a Jackson Browne studio album.  Second, while some of the songs were recorded on stage during concerts, others were recorded backstage, or in hotel rooms, or on the tour bus.  This gives the album more of a concept feel than would be present for a typical "live" album.

Browne got his start as a songwriter as a teenager, and joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band shortly after high school.  His early songs were recorded by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Nico, Steve Noonan, Gregg Allman, Joan Baez, Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, The Byrds, and others.  He was a backing musician for Nico in 1967 and wrote three of the songs on her debut album, He co-wrote "Take It Easy," the first hit by the Eagles.

This album is considered one of the most accessible albums Browne created, and is his most successful album.  It reached number 3 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart in 1978, and stayed on the charts for 65 weeks.  It was nominated for Album of the Year in 1979.  The title track would become a staple of classic rock.

Running on Empty
The title track and first single from the album was recorded in concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland.  It hit number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song was inspired by Browne's driving to the studio to make "The Pretender."  It was only a few blocks from his house to the studio, and Browne wouldn't bother to fill up, so he was always literally running on empty.

Nothing But Time
This track is about the boredom of life on the road.  It was written and recorded on the tour bus, a Continental Silver Eagle.  You can hear the bus's engine running in the background, downshifting and accelerating during the bridge.  Browne and Howard Burke (his tour manager) wrote this one.  Russ Kunkel is on percussion, playing snare, hi-hat, and "cardboard box with foot pedal."

The Load Out
This is a well-known track about the folks that put the show together and the fans that come to hear the concert.  "We've got to drive all night and do the show in Chicago - or Detroit, I don't know.  We do so many shows in a row, and these towns all look the same."  It portrays a decidedly unglamorous picture of touring life, with the one exception of the time on the stage.

Stay
Almost always played in series on rock stations with “The Load Out,” this cover of Maurice Williams and the Zodiac's song from 1960 replaces concerns about mom and dad letting the girl stay out with concerns that the roadies, producers, and union letting the band play one more song.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Night Fever by the Bee Gees (from the motion picture "Saturday Night Fever")
The movie that would make John Travolta a household name and disco the music genre of choice across the nation was released in December 1977.

STAFF PICKS:

Mind Bender by Stillwater
Wayne leads off with a band whose name was used for a rock band in the movie "Almost Famous."  This vocoder-laced southern rock piece with a shuffle beat hit the Billboard Hot 100 at number 46.  The song is about a talking guitar called "Mindbender.:  Stillwater is from Warner Robins, Georgia, and plays an annual show in Macon at Christmas time.

She's Not There by Santana
Rob brings us a cover of the Zombie's hit from the 60's.  While the Zombie's version made it to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, Carlos Santana gives it a Latin fusion twist that would hit number 27 on the charts.  Greg Walker is the vocalist on this single, with Santana of course on guitar.

Help Is On Its Way by the Little River Band
Brian's staff pick is from the Australian band known for their harmonies and easy groove.  This is the lead single from their third album, Diamantina Cocktail.  The song has a positive feel, and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Baby Come Back by Player
Bruce's staff pick was written by band members Peter Beckett (lead vocals and guitar) and J.C. Crowley (piano and backing vocals)  after two of the band members had broken up with their girl friends.  This is off their self-titled debut album.  The band would be less successful when they moved from a soul oriented sound to a more rock-oriented sound on their future albums.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

The Dialogue from the motion picture "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"
The distinctive 5-note jingle marked the start of a conversation with aliens in this science fiction movie that debuted in December 1977. 

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

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

The California band Cracker would have its greatest success with its second studio album, Kerosene Hat.  Cracker is David Lowery on lead vocals and guitar, Johnny Hickman on lead guitar and vocals, Davey Faragher on bass and vocals, and Michael Urbano on drums.  The name of the album comes from a time when Lowery and Hickman lived together in an old run-down house whose only heat source was a pair of kerosene heaters.  They had to walk to a nearby gas station to buy more kerosene and would bundle up with a wool cap that came to be known as the kerosene hat.  

While the group considered themselves more drawn to roots rock or country, the album went platinum during the days of grunge as an alternative rock sound.  It definitely does not follow the over produced "hair band" sound that was beginning to wane in the early 90's.  Much of the album was recorded in an abandoned sound stage in Pioneertown, California, in a location so run down that the group had to round up old mattresses from junk yards to provide insulation on colder days. The band holds a music festival there each year. 

Wayne leads this expedition into the early 90's rock scene.

Low
This single only reached number 64 on the US Billboard Hot 100, but it was number 3 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks.  Lowery claimed that the song was not about drugs, and that the lyric is not "like being stoned," but "like being stone."  Other lyrics like "a million poppies gonna make me sleep" make this claim seem a bit more dubious.

Get Off This
The second single from the album is a response to former fans who accused Cracker of selling out to make more mainstream music.  The response is obvious from the chorus:  "So let's get off this, and get on with it.  If you wanna change the world, shut your mouth and start to spin it."

Lets Go for a Ride 
This deeper track is well described by the title - it is a driving song.  "So, drive real fast through the underpass, and if we die or if we crash, well, I'd be flattered to be buried right next to you." 

Euro-Trash Girl 
This is a bit of a "hidden track" on the CD (coming in at #69), and is a favorite of serious Cracker fans.  It was originally released on the EP "Tucson"  It tells the story of a lonely guy in Europe who suffers through a series of break-ups.  The band wrote this as a group, partly based on things the members had experienced, and some made up situations.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

I Can See Clearly Now by Jimmy Cliff (from the motion picture “Cool Runnings”)
The appearance of the Jamaican national team in the bobsled event for the 1988 Winter Olympics inspired this movie staring John Candy.

STAFF PICKS:

Sober by TOOL
Rob brings us a grunge song from the Los Angeles band Tool.  The song is off their debut album, but it was most known for its creepy stop-action video.  Similarities to Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" have prompted a number of mash-ups.  The lyrics were inspired by a friend of the band whose creativity only came out when he was under the influence.

Hey Jealousy by Gin Blossoms
The song Brian features was written by guitarist Doug Hopkins about his former girlfriend.  Hopkins was fired for unreliability associated with his heavy drinking, but the song propelled the Gin Blossoms to success.  Hopkins became depressed and committed suicide in December 1993. 

Perfectly Good Guitar by John Hiatt
Bruce's staff pick is a minor key blues number from a singer-songwriter who has worked with a tremendous amount of artists.  This song from his eleventh studio album laments the way that rock stars get attention by smashing up perfectly good guitars.

Bad Thing by Cry of Love
Wayne's staff pick is a deeper cut.  Cry of Love is out of Raleigh, North Carolina, and has a sound reminiscent of Bad Company.  It was a throwback to solid 70's rock during a time when that genre of music was out of favor.  Band members would go on to perform with other groups including the Black Crowes and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Leave That Thing Alone by Rush
This instrumental from the Counterpoints album is a bit of a continuation of the "Where's My Thing" instrumental from Rush's previous album.

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

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

If Now and Zen, the fourth studio album by Robert Plant, sounds like Led Zeppelin, there's more reason for that than just the fact that Plant was the lead singer for the band.  In addition to continuing use of computerized technology in the album, Plant also incorporated more blues and Middle Eastern elements into his music.  He also had his Led Zeppelin band mate Jimmy Page contributing guitar to a couple of tracks.

Plant wanted to create an album that created electronic music with a more soulful sound than was typical at the time.  He also benefitted from a lot of interest in the Led Zeppelin sound.  Many hair bands at the time were trying to emulate Led Zeppelin, but struggled to do so in the highly produced commercial atmosphere of the late 80's.  The Beastie Boys had even sampled a number of Zeppelin riffs for their album, “License to Ill,” much to Page and Plant's chagrin during the relatively unregulated use of OPM (other people's music) at the time.

The confluence of Plant's direction of combining electronics with blues, and the heightened interest in the Zeppelin sound resulted in the most successful commercial album of Plant's post-Zeppelin career.  The album hit number 6 on the U.S. charts, and was certified triple platinum.  Three singles would be released from the album.

Brian Dickhute brings us this album.

Heaven Knows
This was the opening track and the first single from the album.  The song, written by songwriters Phil Johnstone and David Barratt, is a satirical commentary on the perceived shallowness and lack of attention span of the late 80's.  This is one of two tracks on which guitarist Jimmy Page participates.

Dance On My Own
A deeper cut, this song is about being so happy about the girl on the block that you can't stop dancing.  Phil Johnstone and  Robert Crash co-wrote this song, along with Plant.  Johnstone was the producer and keyboardist for the album.  This track is more timestamped to the 80's than many of the tracks.

Tall Cool One 
This upbeat track is the second one on which fellow Led Zeppelin alumni Jimmy Page contributes guitar work.  It also samples a number of Led Zeppelin songs, including "Whole Lotta Love," "Black Dog," and "The Ocean."  The title comes from an instrumental work from a 50's group called The Fabulous Wailers, although the songs themselves are not the same.

The Way I Feel
"See what I'm driving at and I'm back behind the wheel.  I'm just a little nervous - It's something to do with the way I feel."  This is a continuation of “Big Log” from his previous album “The Principle of Moments.”  

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

I Heard It Through the Grapevine by The California Raisins
The California Raisin Advisory Board caught lightning in a bottle when this claymation commercial with dancing and singing raisins became wildly popular.  This song hit the Billboard Hot 100.

STAFF PICKS:

Get It On by Kingdom Come
Wayne rocks out with this Zeppelinesque track from hair band Kingdom Come.  This is the group's biggest hit off their first album.  The album went to number 12 on the charts.  The similarities in vocals to Kashmir are obvious.  Critics would refer to the band as “Kingdom Clone.”

Endless Summer Nights  by Richard Marx
Rob's staff pick was a big hit on the pop and adult contemporary charts.  Chicago native Richard Marx came up in the music business, and benefitted both from production quality and photogenic looks.  Marx had 14 top 20 hits, three of which were number 1 hits.  And you never can go wrong with a sax!

When We Was Fab by George Harrison
Bruce's staff pick is the last new song Harrison would have to chart in the U.S.  It was written as a playful look back on the Beatles days.  Jeff Lynne co-wrote the song with Harrison, Gary Wright plays piano, and fellow Beatle Ringo Starr plays drums.  The video features a number of cameos, including Paul Simon, Elton John, Jeff Lynne, and Ringo Starr.

What Have I Done to Deserve This by the Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield
Allee Willis, author of “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire, and “Neutron Dance” by the Pointer Sisters, co-wrote Brian's pick with the Pet Shop Boys.  It is about the hopelessness of a person stuck in a dysfunctional relationship whom they don't have the strength to leave.  60's icon Dusty Springfield contributes vocals to this song, and it would be her largest selling single after “Son of a Preacher Man.”

COMEDY TRACK:

Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley
Well before the Rick Roll became a thing, the original was on the charts, and you get the benefit as our podcast closes out! 

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.

Paul Simon was in a slump in the early 80's.  His relationship with Art Garfunkel was at a low point, he was recently divorced from his second wife, Carrie Fisher, and his 1983 album “Hearts and Bones” was considered a commercial failure.  This album would change his fortunes.  Graceland would become his highest charting album in over a decade, his most successful studio album, and would win the 1987 Grammy for Album of the Year.  

Simon lived next door to Lorne Michaels, creator of Saturday Night Live.  Michaels introduced Simon to a singer-songwriter names Heidi Berg, and Simon agreed to produce a record for her.  Berg wanted a sound like the street music from Johannesburg, South Africa, and loaned Simon a bootleg tape.  This inspired Simon to travel to South Africa, meet the musicians, and create an album using these musicians and their native sounds.  Obviously, this fractured the relationship between Simon and Berg. 

The album would also be controversial, because South Africa was under a cultural boycott at the time due to their apartheid policy.  Simon would counter that he was lifting up the music of the indigenous South Africans, even paying three times New York union wages and giving writing credits, but this would not quell the criticism.

Nevertheless, the album would do well both commercially and critically, and introduce American mainstream audiences to world music.

Graceland
The title track was named "Graceland" because the drums reminded him of a traveling rhythm you would hear in a song from Sun Records.  The lyrics reflect taking a road trip to Graceland from Louisiana on Route 61.  Some also consider it a song about using a road trip to get over the pain of divorce.

Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
This song features the South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.  Simon wrote it when he went to South Africa but it was not originally planned for inclusion on Graceland.  That changed when Ladysmith Black Mambazo and several other South African studio musicians were in New York for an episode of Saturday Night Live, and they decided to record it while they were in town.

Under African Skies
This deeper track references two people in the song one is Joseph Shabalala, the leader of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.  The other is Linda Ronstadt who lends her vocals to this track.  Ronstadt's inclusion in the album was particularly controversial because she had performed at Sun City, a South African apartheid resort, three years earlier.

You Can Call Me Al
The hit single from the album only went to number 23 on the charts.  The names came from a party that Simon attended years prior with his first wife Peggy Harper.  French Composer Pierre Boulez, who attended the same party, mistakenly referred to Paul and Peggy as Al and Betty.  Many will remember the video starring Simon and Chevy Chase.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Somewhere Out There by James Ingram and Linda Ronstadt (from the animated film "An American Tail")
This animated motion picture told the story of a family of Jewish mice and their immigration to the United States.

STAFF PICKS:

Goin' Crazy! by David Lee Roth
Wayne leads off the staff picks with former Van Halen frontman, Diamond Dave.  This is his third single from his first full studio solo album "Eat 'em and Smile."  Steve Vai played guitar on this track.  The song was supposed to be the title song from a proposed comedy television production starring Roth entitled "Crazy From the Heat" 

Human by The Human League
Brian brings us one of the most beautiful cheating songs you will hear.  The Human League went to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis in Minneapolis to produce the album.  It was a divisive decision, because the two women in the group did not accompany the other members when this song was recorded in Minneapolis.

Emotion In Motion by Ric Ocasek
Rob's staff pick by the former Cars front man reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.  This is off his second solo studio album, and was his only single to hit the top 40 as a solo artist.  Ric Ocasek died in 2019.

Word Up! by Cameo
Bruce finishes off the staff picks with the highest charting single from funk band Cameo - it hit number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.  "Word Up" was an affirmation used in New York.  Larry Blackmon is the lead singer, and was inspired to use the distinctive vocal monotone you hear in this song by listening to Sly Stallone.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

The Launch by Boston
Boston's long anticipated third album "Third Stage" was released this month, and contained this instrumental lead-in to "Cool the Engines."

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.

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 Car
The 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 Wood
It 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 Life
The 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.

Michelle
Paul 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 Traits
Wayne 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 McCoys
Rob 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 Boys
Mike'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 McGuire
Lynch 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 Packers
This 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.

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

It's our 200th episode!  And to celebrate, we are going to cover a group we reference frequently in other episodes - “all roads lead to Yes.”  The third studio album by Yes was simply entitled The Yes Album, and it was both a critical success, and a much-needed commercial breakthrough, hitting number 40 on the US album charts.  It was the first album not to contain any cover songs, and was also the first album to feature guitarist Steve Howe in the group.  

This iteration of Yes consisted of Jon Anderson on vocals, Chris Squire on bass and vocals, Steve Howe on guitars and vocals, Tony Kaye on keyboards, and Bill Bruford on percussion.  This album would be the last with Kaye on keyboards until the 90125 album in the 80's.  

We're also spending some time talking about the podcast, our experiences over 200 episodes, fans from different places, and more What The Riff trivia.  We hope you enjoy this milestone podcast!

Yours Is No Disgrace
The opening track was written by all five members of the band.  It is a song about the Vietnam War, telling the returning soldier that the war wasn't his fault, and that he had no choice but to fight.

Starship Trooper
Robert Heinlein's novel of the same name inspired the name of this song. The epic consists of three movements, "Life Seeker," primarily written by Jon Anderson, "Disillusion" mostly written by Squire, and "Würm," largely written by Howe. 

I've Seen All Good People
This is another lengthy epic of a song, not uncommon for Yes with it's prog rock sensibilities.  Jon Anderson and Chris Squire wrote this song and it's two movements.  The first movement, "Your Move," uses chess as a metaphor for relationships, and was released as a single which became a top 40 hit.  The second movement, "All Good People," would be re-incorporated into the song when played on FM rock stations at the time.  It references John Lennon in several places.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The theme from the motion picture “Love Story” 
This romantic tragedy starred Ali MacGraw and Ryan O'Neil.  It was released in December 1970 and was a big grossing film in February.

STAFF PICKS:

Temptation Eyes by The Grass Roots
Wayne's staff pick is a California group which charted frequently in the early 70's, including this song which went to number 15.  The band originally was founded by Lou Adler and the songwriting duo of P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri.

If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lightfoot 
Brian's staff pick is the well-known Canadian singer-songwriter.  This song was inspired by Lightfoot's divorce.  It has been recorded over 100 times since Lightfoot wrote it by artists like Liza Minnelli, Barbara Streisand, Glen Campbell, and Johnny Mathis.

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? by Chicago
Bruce brings us the first song the band recorded together on their first album in 1969.  It wasn't released as a single until late 1970 after "Make Me Smile" became a hit.  This encouraged the group to go back to this song and cut it down to single length.  Robert Lamm wrote and sang lead on this song, inspired by a quip he received from a Brooklyn movie theater usher.

What Is Life by George Harrison
Rob's finishes the staff picks with the “quiet” Beatle.  It is off his triple album "All Things Must Pass," and this second single from the album went into the top 10 on the U.S. charts.  Eric Clapton played on this album, and it was produced by Phil Spector.   It is a love song that appears to be directed both at a woman and a deity.

INSTRUMENTALTRACK:

The Clap by Yes
This live instrumental piece was brought to the group by Steve Howe, and appears on The Yes Album.   It was written in celebration of the birth of Howe's son, Dylan.

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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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 they may hail from Jacksonville, Florida, the southern rock group Blackfoot gets its name from the Native American tribe in recognition of the Native American heritage of multiple members of the band.  Strikes was their third studio album, and would go Platinum.  Blackfoot is Rickey Medlocke on lead vocals and guitar, Charlie Hargrett on guitar, Greg T. Walker on bass, keyboards, and vocals, and Jakson Spires on percussion and vocals.  Rickey Medlocke was an early member of Lynyrd Skynyrd where he played drums and contributed vocals.

After touring as the backing band for Ruby Starr, Blackfoot met Al Nalli who was manager for the group Brownsville Station, and he got them a contract with Atco Records.  Nalli also produced Blackfoot Strikes, which would be the groups most commercially successful album.  

Blackfoot would see many lineup changes over the years, with over 40 musicians being listed as former members of the band.  Blackfoot continues to tour today, and released a new studio album in 2016.  Although no original band members are with the band today, Rickey Medlocke occasionally joins the band during concerts.

Train, Train (Prelude)
This short harmonica instrumental features Rickey Medlocke's grandfather, Shorty Medlocke, who was a bluegrass artist and composer of the piece

Train, Train
The biggest hit of the group was written by Shorty Medlocke, Rickey's grandfather, and peaked at number 38 on the charts.  It  was originally a delta blues song, and was the last song that was recorded for the album.  It laments about a woman who dumps her blue collar guy to go to the big city.

Left Turn on a Red Light
A deeper cut in a minor key, this song is about decisions early in life and potential regret.  In this case, the guy realizes that his decision was right.

Highway Song
This was a second single hit from the album, and had an epic quality to it.  The lyrics are similar to "Turn the Page," in that it is about life on the road.  "Well, another day, another dollar after I've sang and hollered.  Oh, it's my way of living, and I can't change a thing."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Main theme from the television series “Starsky & Hutch”
Alright folks, slide across the car hood to hop in that Grand Torino!  The buddy cop series had its final episode this month.

STAFF PICKS:

The Diary of Horace Wimp by E.L.O.
Bruce's staff pick chronicles the week of a shy guy who gets the love of his life with a little help from "a voice from above."  This is a deeper cut from the disco-heavy E.L.O. album "Discovery," though this one has more in common with the Beatles than the Bee Gees. 

Minute By Minute by the Doobie Brothers
Brian features the yacht rock hit from Michael McDonald and the Doobie Brothers.  This is the title track off the album of the same name, and followed their number 1 hit "What a Fool Believes" as s single.  This song hit number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was nominated for a Grammy, losing to their other singe, "What a Fool Believes." 

Sad Eyes by Robert John
Rob's staff pick is a falsetto ballad that debuted in May.  This song hit number 1 on the charts, ending the 6 week reign at number 1 for "My Sharona" by The Knack.  It is about a man telling his mistress that their relationship is over because his wife is coming back.

Shakedown Cruise by Jay Ferguson
Wayne brings us a keyboard heavy song that hit number 31.  Ferguson came out of several groups, including Spirit and Jo Jo Gunne.  Joe Walsh is the guitarist on this song.  "Now if I don't get off alive, it's just as well I'll be waking up in heaven, 'cause I've been through hell."

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Music Box Dancer by Frank Mills
This instrumental was a big hit on the charts this month.

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.

British rock supergroup Cream debuted their first studio album entitled Fresh Cream in January 1967 in the United States, following the December 1966 British release.  Eric Clapton was on guitar and vocals, Jack Bruce was on bass, harmonica, piano, and vocals, and Ginger Baker was on percussion and vocals.  

Clapton had come out of the Yardbirds, and both Baker and Bruce had been in the Graham Bond Organisation together.  Ginger Baker approached Clapton about joining a new band, and Clapton agreed with the condition that Bruce be used as the bassist.  Baker and Bruce had a tumultuous relationship, with Baker at one point threatening Bruce at knifepoint.  However, the two patched things up for the sake of the new group.

The result of the collaboration was a success from the beginning.  Fresh Cream consisted of a mix of original compositions and blues covers, with Jack Bruce writing many of the original songs.  The band would cross rock, blues, and psychedelic genres.

Cream would produce four studio albums before internal tensions would break up the band.

Brian Dickhute takes us on our journey into this supergroup, and fan of the show Joe Davis joins us while Wayne is away.

N.S.U.
The starting track to the album was written by Jack Bruce, and gets its name from the medical condition "non-specific urethritis," a type of venereal disease.  Supposedly Eric Clapton was suffering from N.S.U. at the time the song was written, and Bruce was poking a little fun at him. 

Sweet Wine 
This is a deeper cut that encourages folks to slow down and enjoy life.  "Sweet wine, hay making, sunshine day breaking, we can wait till tomorrow."

Rollin' and Tumblin' 
This fast blues number highlights Eric Clapton's guitar virtuosity.  The song was originally performed by Hambone Willie Newbern in 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia.  It was originally called "Roll and Tumble Blues."  Cream's version is largely based on a version performed by Muddy Waters.

I'm So Glad 
This song is the most recognizable hit from the album, and continues to be played today.  Skip James originally recorded this in 1931, and the band made sure to give James credit for his work.  

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

It's Been Nice (from the television film "Jack and the Beanstalk") 
This mixed live action and animated film starring Gene Kelly was broadcast on NBC in February of 1967.

STAFF PICKS:

98.6 by Keith
Bruce kicks off the staff picks with a celebration of the joys of love.  Barry James Keefer was called Keif when he was in a group called The Admirations, but changed to Keith to avoid having a name that sounded like the Moroccan word for cannabis.  This song his number 7 on the Billboard chart. 

You Got to Me  by Neil Diamond
Rob brings us an early hit from Diamond's second studio album.  Diamond has sold more than 100 million records, and is one of the best selling musicians of all time.  Neil Diamond had ten number 1 singles.  He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in 2011.

Ruby Tuesday by the Rolling Stones
Joe Davis' staff pick is a softer song from the Rolling Stones, and their fourth #1 hit in the United States.  It was supposedly written about one of Keith Richard's ex-girlfriends.  "Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday.  Who could hang a name on you?  When you change with every new day.  Still, I'm gonna miss you."

Words of Love by The Mamas and The Papas
Brian closes out the staff picks with a little honkytonk cabaret number sung by Mama Cass.  This song helped put The Mamas and The Papas back on the charts, and encourages boys to demonstrate love, not rely on words of love to win a girl's heart.

COMEDY TRACK:

Wild Thing by Senator Bobby
This novelty song channels the distinct accent of Bobby Kennedy into the garage band hit by the Zombies for comedic effect.

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

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

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

It is no surprise that Pearl Jam was under intense pressure to follow up their debut album "Ten" with another success.  What may be surprising is that the band's second studio album, Vs. (pronounced "versus") did indeed live up to the success for their debut.  Vs. started at the top of the Billboard 200 album chart, sold almost a million copies in its first five days, and in its first week outperformed all other albums in the top 10 combined.

Pearl Jam did a number of things differently with this album.  First, they recorded the songs one at a time, setting up the band in a similar way to their live concerts, and mixing each song as they went.  Second, the songs created were more raw and powerful than those on their first album.  Front man Eddie Vedder even began sleeping in his truck and in the sauna at the recording studio to keep up the intensity.  Finally, the band deliberately did NOT make videos for any of the songs on this album, preferring to let the listeners visualize the songs rather than have that creativity removed by the presence of a video.

This album also marks a change in the approach the band took to its tours, avoiding the press and focusing directly on the fans.  In addition to refusing to make videos, they dramatically scaled down television appearances, and capped the prices of their tickets to make their concerts more accessible to fans.

Guest contributor Joe Davis brings us this outstanding album.  

Go
Many interpret this first single and lead-off track from the album to be about child abuse, though Eddie Vedder hinted that it was about his truck breaking down on him! 

Animal
The opening lyrics "one, two, three, four, five against one" reflect the originally planned title of the album (Five Against One), and the idea that the five members of the band are up against the machine of the music industry.  The album would eventually be called "Vs." instead.

Glorified G  
Joe picked this song for the first two lines:  "Got a gun, fact I got two.  That's OK, man, 'cause I love God."  The lyrics come from an argument that Eddie Vedder had with drummer Dave Abbruzzese when Dave brought a gun he bought to rehearsal one day.  Dave was from Texas, where guns were more common, while Vedder hated guns.

Rearviewmirror  
Eddie Vedder wrote this song about his stepfather, whom he hated.  It was about leaving him behind without a second thought. This is a fast-paced song, and Joe recommends it for your running playlist.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the BBC television special "Mr. Blobby"
The television Christmas special was on the charts in the UK in November 1993.  It was panned by critics and almost everyone else as it can be found as the WORST theme song ever...yet it topped the UK charts.  

STAFF PICKS:

Everybody Hurts by R.E.M.
Brian begins the staff picks with a slower and positive song from the album “Automatic for the People.”  This track is an anti-suicide song, encouraging people to hold on when things go wrong, because everybody hurts sometimes.

Into Your Arms by The Lemonheads
Rob brings us a hit off the album “Come On, Feel The Lemonheads.”  The band was originally from Boston, with Evan Dando on lead vocals and guitar, Ben Deily on vocals and guitar, and Jesse Peretz on bass.  This album was a follow-up to their hugely successful album ”It's a Shame About Ray.”

Carry On by Angra
Bruce rocks out with a song off the Brazilian heavy metal band's debut album “Angels Cry.”  It encourages you to...well...carry on.  “So carry on, there' a meaning to life which someday we may find.  And carry on, it's time to forget the remains from the past, to carry on.”

The Man Who Sold the World by Nirvana 
Joe finishes off the staff picks with Nirvana's MTV Unplugged  cover of the David Bowie song.  The song lyrics are about a man who is surprised to meet a personality of himself that he thought he had left behind years ago.

COMEDY TRACK:

Bohemian Polka by Weird Al Yankovic
Weird Al stays surprisingly faithful to the original lyrics, but with a polka twist on the music.

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 consider Simon & Garfunkel's third studio album to be the breakthrough album.  The tracks on Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme were written primarily by Paul Simon during his time as a visitor in England in the prior year.  The songs maintain the folk feel of previous albums, and are heavily tilted towards acoustic instrumentation.  

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel met in elementary school in Queens, New York, in 1953.  They had their first minor hit as teenagers in 1957 under the stage name Tom and Jerry.  They began by emulating the sound of The Everly Brothers, but moved towards a folk sound as that genre gained in popularity.  

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme was a follow-up to their second album, which had been a commercial success, but which the duo felt was rushed.  Simon insisted on control of the recording process, and they took nine months to craft and record the album.  The result would be both a critical and commercial success, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Pop Album Chart and eventually achieving Triple Platinum status with the RIAA.

The duet would go on to record five studio albums before growing apart and breaking up in 1971.  The duo would reunite several times afterwards, perhaps most famously for their concert in Central Park in 1981.

Scarborough Fair/Canticle
The opening track originated from an English ballad that had its roots in a Scottish folk song from at least the 1670's.  Simon learned it from Martin Carthy in London, and set it in counterpoint against a song he had previously written in 1963.  It would appear as a single after being featured in the film "The Graduate" in 1968.

Homeward Bound
This song had previously appeared on the UK version of the duo's second studio album before appearing on the this American release.  The single hit number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 earlier in 1966, and was on the charts for 12 weeks.  SImon wrote it after returning from England in 1964. 

The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
The name of this song is from a bridge in New York, also known as the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge.  The theme to the television series "H.R. Pufnstuf" originally considered composed by Sid and Marty Kroft, was found to be too similar to this song, and Paul Simon was given writing credits to this theme after a court suit.

A Simple Desultory Philippic (or How I Was Robert McNamara'd into Submission) 
This song is considered a parody of Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues," which was released the year before.  The lyrics name-drop many contemporary politicians, musicians, and celebrities, including Art Garfunkel.  Robert McNamara was the U.S. Secretary of Defense at the time the album was released.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The theme from the television series "The Saint" 
Roger Moore starred as Simon Templar in this British spy series.  His work in The Saint would propel him to a future role as James Bond in the 007 movie franchise.

STAFF PICKS:

Psychotic Reaction by Count Five
Wayne walks down the psychedelic path to open our staff picks.  The song name came from a professor in the lead singer's college psychology class.  The lyrics are about losing your mind due to heartache.  While this is a one-hit wonder, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame lists this song as one of the "500 Songs That Shaped Rock."

You Keep Me Hangin' On by The Supremes 
Brian's staff pick was written by Holland-Dozier-Holland, authors of the Motown sound.  This song was written specifically for The Supremes, and details the tragedy of a relationship in which a man cannot let go of the woman, but can't commit to her either.  This was one of a string of four number 1 songs by The Supremes.

Walk Away Renee by the Left Bank
Bruce brings us a little baroque pop, complete with harpsicord and strings.  co-writer Michael Brown claims he wrote the song about Renee Fladen-Kamm, who was the girlfriend of The Left Bank bassist Tom Finn, and with whom Michael Brown was infatuated.  Co-writer Tony Sansone contradicts Brown, saying it was a French girl's name selected at random, inspired by the Beatles' song "Michelle."

A Hazy Shade of Winter by Simon & Garfunkel
Rob's closes out the staff picks with a famous Simon & Garfunkel single that was recorded during the studio sessions for the album, and was on the charts at the time, but which did not appear on this album.

COMEDY TRACK:

Boy Wonder, I Love You by Burt Ward
This strange piece is a weird collaboration between Burt Ward (who played Robin in the 60's "Batman" series) and Frank Zappa.  

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.

Welsh band The Alarm formed in 1981 out of a previous punk band called The Toilets.  After extensive touring, the band would release their debut studio album entitled Declaration — released in February 1984 in vinyl and cassette, and the release on then-new compact disc (CD) format was in June of 1984.  The album was on the charts in August when we feature it.

The band consisted of Mike Peters on lead vocals, harmonica, and acoustic guitar, Dave Sharp on backing vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, Eddie MacDonald on bass guitar and vocals, and Twist (aka Nigel Buckle, aka Nigel Twist) on percussion and vocals.  Early on in their career the band members had Peters, Sharp, and Macdonald all playing acoustic guitars, but as the band gained popularity they decided it was in their best interest to differentiate into parts, with Peters on lead, Sharp on guitar, and MacDonald on bass.

The Alarm toured North America in 1984 as the opening act for U2 on the "War" tour, and there is a noticeable similarity between The Alarm and U2.  Declaration dealt with the struggles of teen life from a politically and socially different perspective.  This record sees the world of European youth in the early 1980's, not in black and white, but rather shades of grey and brown.  These are not songs of suburbia, but the inner city filled with smokestacks and the ghetto filled with crying babies and laundry hung from string draped across the street from window sill to window sill.

While the band broke up in 1991, they reformed in 2004 and are both touring and still releasing albums as of 2022.

Declaration
This short song leads off the album, serving as an intro to the next song, the album, and the band.  “Take this song of freedom.  Put it on and arm yourself for the fight.  Our hearts must have the courage to keep on marching on and on.”

Marching On
The punk roots of the band show on this post punk song about youth.  The lyrics encourage the young to not let the world and their circumstances keep them from accomplishing great things.  It is a song with a sense of hope.

The Stand
The Alarm was inspired to write the song from Steven King's book of the same name.  Many of the characters from the novel are mentioned in the song, and it follows the Christian concept of the Rapture, as does the novel.  It is off this album as reprise, but this version is actually from their previous EP.

Sixty-Eight Guns
This hit went to number 17 on the UK singles chart, and reached number 39 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in the United States.  The lyrics were inspired by a book that Peters had read about the 1960's street gangs of Glasgow.  Peters said in a Songfacts interview that it was about young people at a difficult age then "you're too cool for school, but not wise enough or eligible enough for adult life."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Main theme from the motion picture “Red Dawn”
Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, and a well known cast of young actors were featured in this action movie about an invasion of heartland America where local teens form a guerilla force behind enemy lines in their home town.

STAFF PICKS:

Lights Out by Peter Wolf
Brian starts out the staff picks with this solo effort from the front man of The J. Geils Band.  This is the title track to his debut album after Wolf split with The J. Geils Band.  The band wasn't interested in moving in the pop rock direction that Peter Wolf desired.  

Round and Round by Ratt
Bruce features a hard rocking hit from Ratt's album "Out of the Cellar."  This is the band's biggest hit, going to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It re-appeared on the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales Chart at number 18 in 2020 after being used in a Geico commercial.  The video featured Milton Berle, who was the uncle of Ratt's manager, Marshall Berle.

Only When You Leave by Spandau Ballet
Rob's staff pick is from Spandau Ballet's fourth album.  Spandau Ballet had a smooth, almost crooner sound with New Wave roots.  They were the first band that Bob Geldof approached for his Live Aid concert.  Only When You Leave was the band's last song to be a hit in the United States.

Midnite Maniac by Krokus
Wayne rocks out with Swiss metal band Krokus.  AC/DC inspired this band, though they take a little more progressive rock bent.  They hit the Billboard Hot 100 with this song, becoming the first Swiss act to do so.  The name comes from a flower common to much of Europe. 

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

It's More Than You by Stevie Wonder
Wonder closes us out with this instrumental number from the motion picture "The Lady in Red," which was released this month with a soundtrack featuring a number of songs written by Stevie Wonder. 

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.

Damn Yankees is the debut album from the supergroup of the same name.  Damn Yankees features Tommy Shaw of Styx on guitars and vocals, Jack Blades from Night Ranger is on bass and vocals, Ted Nugent is on guitars and vocals, and Michael Cartellone is on percussion and vocals.  Cartellone was a relative unknown musician at the time, but he is now playing drums for the band Lynyrd Skynyrd.  

A&R's John Kalodner is credited with getting the band together.  At the time Shaw was in and out of Styx, Blades was available after Night Ranger dissolved, and Nugent was in a lull in his solo work.  Nugent and Shaw were the first brought together, and this might seem like an unusual pairing given their previous work.  However the two bonded very quickly over their appreciation for R&B, soul, and Motown music.  

Blades and Shaw took the lion's share of lead vocal duties on this album, and the pair complemented each other.  Both had extensive experience harmonizing with others in their previous bands, and this carried over to Damn Yankees.

Their debut album would be successful, led by the rock ballad "High Enough" which would hit number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.  A second album would be released in 1992 which would be less successful than the first.  After this second album Nugent would concentrate on his solo work.  Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades would produce a couple of albums under the name Shaw Blades, but would soon return to their respective groups (Shaw to Styx, Blades to Night Ranger).  

Guest contributor John Lynch joins us for this podcast.

Damn Yankees
This is the title song off the album, and a deeper cut.  You get a lot of Ted Nugent's guitar work on this one.  All songs were a collaborative effort, with Blades, Shaw, and Nugent receiving writing credits.  

Coming of Age
According to Songfacts, Tommy Shaw began plunking out the opening riff on piano when the group was working at Jack Blades House.  Blades came up with the opening lines of lyrics, and the group moved to guitars to jam out the rest organically.  Blades takes lead vocal duties here, with Shaw providing high harmonies.

Runaway
This song is somewhat of a deeper cut, as it was the fourth single from the album.  It is, as the name suggests, a song about a young runaway who lives on the streets of the city.  It hit number 9 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, but did not make the Billboard Hot 100.  

Come Again
Tommy Shaw takes lead vocal duties on this song, and it has a sound reminiscent of some of this work with Styx.  It is about about a girl to whom the guy can't seem to leave behind..  

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the television series "Mission Impossible"
The television series reboot inspired by the Tom Cruise movies ended in February 1990.

STAFF PICKS:

Kickstart My Heart by Motley Crue
Wayne kickstarts the staff picks with The Crue off the album "Dr. Feelgood."  This song was supposedly inspired by an incident when Nikki Sixx overdosed, and the paramedic injected adrenaline into his heart.  This metal song made it to number 27 on the pop charts. 

Dangerous by Roxette
John features Swedish duo Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle.  Both Fredriksson and Gessle were successful solo artists before coming together to join Roxette.  The group toured until 2016 when Fredriksson was diagnosed with brain cancer.  She passed in 2019.

Black Velvet by Alannah Myles
"Mississippi in the middle of a dry spell.  Jimmy Rogers on the Victrola up high."  Rob's staff pick is a sultry blues number with a shuffle beat.  Songwriters Christopher Ward and David Tyson wrote this in homage to Elvis Presley.  Myles' single came out  in December 1989, and Robin Lee's country cover appeared shortly thereafter.

I Wish It Would Rain Down by Phil Collins
Bruce's staff pick is a ballad from Collin's 1989 album "...But Seriously".  Eric Clapton plays lead guitar.  The song is about a lost relationship, though Collins said in an interview that it "is about a frustrated weatherman that regularly predicts rain showers but never gets it right."  We'll let you be the judge on the accuracy of that interpretation.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Cliffs of Dover by Eric Johnson
Guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson takes us out with his big instrumental hit which was on the charts at the time, and would become even more famous on the video game Guitar Hero.

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

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

More Hits by the Supremes is the sixth studio album by Motown's all female group, The Supremes. The album is composed largely of songs already released as singles and their B-sides.

The group was composed of vocalists Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard, and Diana Ross.  The group was renamed Diana Ross & the Supremes in 1967, but at this time they were still known as The Supremes. Originally formed in 1959 as The Primettes after being introduced to Berry Gordy by Smoky Robinson, the group began as a quartet including Betty McGlown.  McGlown was replaced with Barbara Martin in 1960, then became a trio when Martin left in 1962.

Success was slog in coming to The Supremes, and at one time they were known around Motown as "no-hit Supremes."  However, The Supremes became Motown's most commercially successful act, and achieved twelve number 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100.  As part of their appeal the group deliberately embraced a distinctly glamorous feminine image, utilizing high fashion and makeup onstage.  They were also prepared by Maxine Powell, who ran Motown's in-house finishing school, to "perform before kings and queens" as they toured the world.  The result was an appeal to all audiences, domestically and internationally, and all races.  They made 17 appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

John Lynch joins us for this podcast.

Nothing But Heartaches
This hit peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, but was a disappointment for Motown, as the previous five songs by The Supremes went to number 1.  

Back In My Arms Again
The single to this song appeared just before "Nothing But Heartaches," and was a number 1 hit.  

Whisper You Love Me Boy
This ballad was originally recorded by Mary Wells, but her recording was shelved when she abruptly left Motown.  The Supremes recorded it for this album, and it was used as the B-side to the single "Back In My Arms Again." 

Stop!  In the Name of Love
One of The Supremes' most recognized songs, this track was both a number 1 hit and a Grammy-nominee.  The Supremes would be known not just for the song, but for the choreography - one hand on the hip and the other raised in a "stop" gesture.  The lyrics are a plea from a girl to "think it over," before he goes with another girl.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

"A Horse Is a Horse" (from the television series "Mr. Ed")
The famous Mr. Ed,  a talking horse who starred in the sitcom bearing his name, was appearing on CBS during 1965.

STAFF PICKS:

Seventh Son by Johnny Rivers
Bruce's staff pick features Rivers performing an R&B song written by Willie Dixon, originally performed in 1955 by Willie Mabon.  Rivers recorded this as the lead track for his album, "Meanwhile Back at the Whisky a Go-Go."  It's supposed to be lucky to be the seventh son, or seventh sister, or seventh child, and this single went to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words) by Tony Bennett
Rob features crooner Tony Bennett's cover of the song originally entitled "In Other Words," and performed by Kay Ballard in 1954.  The most famous version would be Frank Sinatra's in 1964, which would get some boost in popularity from its association with NASA's Apollo program.  

Down in the Boondocks by Billy Joe Royal
John's staff pick is a story about a guy from the wrong side of town who falls for a girl from the "right" side of time.  Billy Joe Royal was born in Valdosta, Georgia, and raised in Marietta, Georgia, and this would be his biggest hit.

I Like It Like That by The Dave Clark Five
Wayne closes out the staff picks with a "British Invasion" group who were competitors with The Beatles at the time.  While the Beatles would move into the stratosphere of popularity as the sixties moved on, The Dave Clark Five would decline.

COMEDY TRACK:

Wooly Bully by the Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs 
This novelty song became a staple of college frat parties across the land and for decades since its inception.

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

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

One of the staple groups of the early 80's New Wave genre was Missing Persons.  Their debut album with Capital Records was Spring Session M, an anagram of the band's name.

The founding trio was vocalist Dale Bozzio, drummer (and Dale's husband) Terry Bozzio, and guitarist Warren Cuchunullo.  The Bozzio's were working with Frank Zappa and met Cuchunullo when he contributed to a Zappa album.  The trio worked with session musicians, created an EP, and established a successful presence in Los Angeles.  They added bassist Patrick O'Hearn and keyboardist Chuck Wild to the band before producing their debut album.

Spring Session M was a success, riding the New Wave genre to popularity.  Dale Bozzio's makeup and quirky vocals added to that success, as did her photogenic presence in the band's videos on the fledgling cable channel MTV.  Unfortunately, Spring Session M would also be the high water mark for the band, with follow-up albums failing to achieve similar success.  The band broke up in 1986, as did the Bozzio's marriage.  However Dale Bozzio, Cuchunullo, and O'Hearn would continue to work together on solo projects and Mission Persons reunions.  The band tours today, with Dale Bozzio as the only founding member still present.

Windows
This song expresses the idea of watching life from the safety of the windows rather than participating in it.  It was the third of four singles released from the album.  

Words
"What are words for when no one listens?"  The lyrics for this song chronicles the apathy of society and the efforts that people make to be seen and heard:  "Do you hear me?  Do you care?"  "Not only are they deaf and dumb they could be going blind and no one notices.  I think I'll die my hair blue."  This is also a good example of Dale Bozzio's vocal range.

Noticeable One
Although there was some airplay for this song, it was not released as a single.  Continuing the theme of attention or lack of attention, this song calls for the listener to "Notice me!"

Destination Unknown 
The biggest hit (tied with "Words" on the charts) only went to number 42, but spent 13 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.  The synth heavy song was on their 1980 EP, and was released on this album.  It saw heavy airplay in the early days of MTV.  "Life is so strange (destination unknown) when you don't know your destination."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The Imperial March (the Darth Vader Theme from the motion picture “The Empire Strikes Back”)
This movie was re-released (actually the third release) in November 1982 in preparation for the third installment in the trilogy to follow.

STAFF PICKS:

New World Man by Rush
Brian's staff pick is from the album Signals.  "He's noble enough to know what's right but weak enough not to choose it.  He's wise enough to win the world but fool enough to lose it."  Surprisingly this is the highest charting single by Rush hitting number 21 on the Billboard Top 40 - the only Rush song to make the top 40.  The song was a last-minute addition to the album.  

Don't Fight It by Kenny Loggins and Steve Perry
Bruce brings us a song off Kenny Loggin's album "High Adventure."  Loggins and Perry co-wrote this rocker with Dean Pitchford who would go on to write the screenplay for Footloose.  The guitar work is from Neil Giraldo, Pat Benatar's husband and guitarist.  This is one of Perry's furst non-Journey works, and he was looking to connect with other songwriters as he prepared to work on his solo album. 

Halloween by the Dead Kennedys
Wayne features a punk work which encourages people to be themselves each day rather than just putting on masks at Halloween.  The Dead Kennedys formed in 1978, and this song is off their second studio album, "Plastic Surgery Disasters."  They recorded four albums before breaking up in 1986, though they have reformed from time to time ever since.

Crazy by Supertramp
Rob's staff pick is "a little song to make you feel good," a deep cut off the last album with Roger Hodgson.  It is off their studio album "...Famous Last Words..." which was their follow-up to the amazingly successful "Breakfast in America."  The album would reach number 5 on the album charts and contained the hit "It's Raining Again."

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

D. N. A. by A Flock of Seagulls
We close out with an instrumental from New Wave artists A Flock of Seagulls. 

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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.

Texas born Janis Joplin died on October 4, 1970, and Pearl was posthumously released in January.  Producer Paul A. Rothchild created a more polished sound on this album than her previous solo work or her work with other bands.  The Full Tilt Boogie Band, Joplin's touring band at the time, also participated in this studio album.  It would be her best selling album, peaking at number 1 on the Billboard 200, and being certified quadruple platinum.

After leaving Big Brother and the Holding Company at the end of 1968, Joplin moved away from the psychedelic sound towards a more R&B orientation with the Kozmic Blues Band, her backing band at the time.  Although her first album went gold within two weeks of its release, reviews were mixed as critics had trouble with the new soul and blues orientation.  Pearl would continue the blues trend and would receive much more positive reviews, certainly influenced by its posthumous release.

Joplin's struggles with drug abuse were well known, and she died of a heroin overdose towards the end of the recording sessions.

Move Over
Joplin composed the opening track to the album.  It is her take on how men can end a relationship but refuse to move on, but instead drag the woman around long afterwards.

Cry Baby
This is a song written by Bert Berms and Jerry Ragovoy was originally recorded in 1963 by Garnet Mimms and the Enchanters in 1963.  Mimms' rendition went to number 4 on the charts, while Joplin's went to number 42.

Me and Bobby McGee
When most think of Janis Joplin, they think of this single, her most successful.  Kris Kristofferson and Fred Foster penned the song, and it was originally performed by Roger Miller in 1969.  Miller's version hit number 12 on the country charts, but Joplin's would go to number 1 on the Hot 100.  

Mercedes Benz
The second song penned by Joplin, this track was recorded a cappella in one take on October 1, 1970, three days before Joplin's death.  It is a tongue in cheek critique of consumerism.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

I Think I Love You by The Partridge Family
"The Partridge Family" began its 5-year run as a sitcom in the fall of 1970, and this song was on the top of the charts in January 1971.

STAFF PICKS:

Love the One You're With by Stephen Stills
If Rob's staff pick sounds more like Crosby Stills and Nash than a Stills solo effort, that may be because David Crosby and Graham Nash are singing on this track, along with a host of other well known musicians of the time.  Both Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix played on the album.

Stoney End  by Barbara Streisand
Bruce risks the ire of the group by making Streisand his staff pick this week.  The title track to Streisand's 12th studio album was the one that found her successfully making the jump from Broadway music to the pop/rock genre.  The song itself is a story of bad choices with a boy leading down a bad road to a stony end.

Superstar by Murray Head & Choir
Wayne's staff pick is the theme of the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar," and represents a questioning ghost of Judas asking Jesus if he intended for things to happen the way they did.  In addition to the hippie culture of the time, there was also an ascendant Jesus movement happening in culture which this musical successfully tapped.

One Man Band by Three Dog Night
Brian wraps up the staff picks with a harmonic hit from Three Dog Night's album "Naturally."  The song peaked at number 19 in the U.S.  

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Way Back Home by the Jazz Crusaders
This instrumental was on the charts just before the Jazz Crusaders shortened their name to the Crusaders in 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.

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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.

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 Elise
The 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.

High
One 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 Things
This 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 Love
This 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 Pesci
The 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. Big
Lynch 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 X
Rob'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 UK
Wayne 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 RTZ
Bruce 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 Gatton
This 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.

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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.

This is the album that turned heavy metal into pop, or started the hair metal genre of the 80's.  Slippery When Wet was the third studio album by Bon Jovi, and would be their best selling album to date.

The band was David Bryan on keyboards, Tico Torres on percussion, Alec John Such on bass, Richie Sambora on guitar, and Jon Bon Jovi on lead vocals and rhythm guitar.

Bon Jovi deliberately targeted a mainstream audience with this album.  They wrote 30 songs and auditioned them to teenagers in New York and New Jersey.  The album's songs were then ordered based on the opinions of this teenaged focus group.

The band collaborated with Desmond Child, a hall of fame songwriter who wrote songs like "I Was Made for Loving You" by Kiss and Joan Jett's "I Hate Myself for Loving You."  Slippery When Wet would be the top selling album of 1987, and would go 12x platinum.  It would also make Bon Jovi the first glam rock band to have two number 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 with "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "Livin' on a Prayer."

Bon Jovi - the band, and Jon Bon Jovi as a soloist - would never leave the rock pantheon A-list after this album.  

Raise Your Hands
Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora wrote this one.  It was the B-side to "You Give Love a Bad Name," and was not released as a single.  If it sounds familiar you might be remembering it from a scene in the Mel Brooks film "Spaceballs."

You Give Love a Bad Name
This is the first single from the album and would hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1986.  Child, Bon Jovi, and Sambora re-wrote the song which started as a song for Bonnie Tyler called "If You Were a Woman (And I was a Man)"  The video was directed by Wayne Isham, who was also directing videos for Motley Crue at the same time.  Motley Crue felt betrayed that Wayne would direct a Bon Jovi video, since they were competing with each other at the time.

I'd Die for You
This song is a deeper cut with keyboard work reminiscent of the song "Runaway" from their first album.  

Wanted Dead of Alive
This track hit number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, and uses old west imagery to describe the lonely life of a rock star.  Bon Jovi and Sambora would perform an acoustic version of this tune on the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards, and would inspire the network to create their "MTV Unplugged" series.  

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Glory of Love by Peter Cetera (from the motion picture The Karate Kid part II)
This solo song from Chicago front man Peter Cetera was on the charts after being featured in the 1986 summer sequel starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita.

STAFF PICKS:

Wild, Wild Life by Talking Heads
Wayne leads off the staff picks with a critically acclaimed song from the Talking Heads album, "True Stories."  The song was featured in the film "True Stories," a satirical comedy directed by David Byrne, front man for the Talking Heads.  This was the third and last top 40 hit the band would create.

Higher Love by Steve Winwood
Brian's staff pick is Winwood's first number 1 hit in the United States.  Will Jennings wrote the lyrics, inspired by his experience with church in the deep South.  Chaka Khan provides the backing vocals, enhancing the gospel feel of the song - a modern day hymn.

Sweet Freedom by Michael McDonald
Rob's staff pick was featured in the buddy cop movie "Running Scared," starring Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines.  This was the last top 10 hit to date for McDonald.  In addition to his solo work, McDonald has worked with many musicians including Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, and most famously as lead vocalist for the Doobie Brothers, with which he is touring today.

Venus by Bananarama
Bruce finishes the staff picks with a number 7 hit from an English pop group formed by the trio of Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, and Keren Woodward.  The original was released in 1969 by Netherlands group Shocking Blue.  Bananarama began covering this song when they first formed in 1980, but didn't release the single until they had recorded original songs so they would be taken seriously as musicians.

COMEDY TRACK:

Big Fat Blonde by The Rainmakers
The Rainmakers released their debut album in 1986.  One of their fans was horror novelist Stephen King, who quoted the band's lyrics in some of his novels.

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.

Buffalo Springfield was a fusion of Canadian and American musicians, and was also a fusion of folk, country, and psychedelic rock.  The band lineup included Canadians Neil Young, Bruce Palmer, and Dewey Martin, and Americans Stephen Stills and Richie Furay.  While their debut album was recorded quickly, their second album, Buffalo Springfield Again, would be recorded over a period of nine months.  This was due to Young frequently departing from the band, and to bassist Bruce Palmer being deported and having to sneak into the country illegally to record the album.

Young and Stills had met in 1965 in Ontario.  Stills was forming a band in Los Angeles with Richie Furay.  After a band breakup in Toronto, Young and Palmer went in search of Stills, driving from Canada to Los Angeles in a hearse.  After searching for a couple of weeks, the four met up in LA traffic.  Dewey Martin from the Standells was added as drummer.  The group gets its name from a steam-driven manufacturing machine made by the Buffalo Springfield Roller Company.  

Buffalo Springfield would break up in 1968 after one more album, with the band members going on to other projects.  Stephen Stills and Neil Young would both appear in Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young.  Richie Furay would go on to form the group Poco.  Of course Neil Young would have a solo career as well.  

We hope you enjoy this album, one of the founding albums of the West Coast psychedelic sound.

Bluebird
Stephen Stills wrote this multi-part song, and Neil Young is on lead guitar.  Stills wrote this song about his girlfriend, and is on lead vocals.  The jam in the center of the song is a duet with Stephen Stills on acoustic guitar and Neil Young on electric guitar.  You can hear the prototype of the sound that would soon become  Crosby, Stills and Nash in this song. 

Mr. Soul
Neil Young wrote this track about his ambivalent-to-negative feelings about rock stardom.  While it is one of the more famous songs off this album, it was originally released as the B-side to "Bluebird."  Neil Young would record this later as a solo artist in 1982.

Good Time Boy
Richie Furay wrote this deeper cut.  This has a funky, soul sound, reminiscent of James Brown.  "Sock it to me now, groove it on me now, lay it on me now."

Rock & Roll Woman
If this sounds even more like Crosby, Stills, and Nash than the others, there's a reason for it.  Neil Young did not play on this track, and David Crosby was brought in to sing backing vocals.  The rock and roll woman referenced in this song is Grace Slick. 

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The Bare Necessities (from the animated film "Jungle Book")
Disney's animated take on Rudyard Kipling's book would be released this month.  It was the last film to be produced by Walt Disney, who died during its production.

STAFF PICKS:

Ode to Billie Joe by Bobbie Gentry
Rob starts the staff picks with a story telling song.  This gothic tale is about a family discussion of Billy Joe Mcallister, who had committed suicide.  Gentry said that the song is about indifference to suffering of others, and was inspired by the murder of Emmitt Till.  

In the Heat of the Night by Ray Charles
Brian's staff pick is the theme from the motion picture of the same name starring Sydney Poitier.  The score for the movie was created by Quincey Jones, who also composed the song.  Marilyn and Alan Bergman wrote the song for the film to have a backwoods gospel feel.  

Lonely Drifter by Pieces of Eight
Bruce brings us some Carolina beach music.  Originally recorded by The O'Jays in 1963, Pieces of Eight would record this and hit the charts as a one-hit wonder.  The group was formed when Raleigh based group The Tassels joined with two of the Greenwood, South Carolina band The Swinging Medallions.  The name comes from the group being an 8-piece band.

My White Bicycle by Tomorrow
Wayne closes out the staff picks with a psychedelic one-hit wonder.  The guitarist on this is Steve Howe, who would later be a member of the band Yes.  The reference to "white bicycle" was inspired by an early sharing program in Amsterdam where bicycles were painted white and provided to the public for free use.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Title 15 by the Rolling Stones
We close with an instrumental song off the Stones album "Their Satanic Magesties Request."

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 pressure on the Eagles to create an album to follow up their 1976 masterpiece "Hotel California" was intense, and it took 18 months and five different studios to produce The Long Run.  This was their sixth studio album, and their last album before thier 14-year hiatus.  It would mark the introduction of Timothy B. Schmit to the band, who took over bass and high vocal duties from the departing founder, Randy Meisner.

The Long Run was originally intended to be a double album, but the band just didn't have enough songs in their creative arsenal for that.  In fact, the band was completely burned out after a long tour prior to entering the studio.  Don Henley, Glen Frey, and Don Felder were joined by Joe Walsh (who was added to the group on the "Hotel California" album) and Timothy B. Schmit.  Frey and Henley would contribute most of the songs, but Schmit and Walsh would contribute songs they had originated, and frequent collaborator J.D. Souther would add to the tracks.  Bob Segar would contribute as well.

The album would be a hit, going 7x platinum, and would sport multiple number 1 singles, including the Grammy award winning "Heartache Tonight."  Nevertheless, they would receive disappointing critical reviews.  Perhaps this is not surprising given the comparisons to "Hotel California."  

Friend of the show John Lynch joins us in Wayne's absence for this last-of-the millennium album from the Eagles.

The Long Run
The title track is a Memphis blues-inspired tune.  The lyrics are a response to critics who considered the Eagles to be washed up, and unable to compete with the disco and punk sounds prevalent in the late 70's.  Henley and Frey answer, "who is gonna make it?  We'll find out in the long run."

I Can't Tell You Why
This is a song composed primarily by Timothy B. Schmit prior to joining the band, and was loosely based on his own experiences.  The rock ballad would be their third single released from the album.  Uncommonly for Eagles songs, Glen Frey plays lead on this song, and Don Felder is on the organ.

In the City
Joe Walsh originally recorded this song for the soundtrack to the film "The Warriors," and it was re-recorded by the Eagles for this album. Though not released as a single, it got significant airplay on AOR stations at the time.  It has become a staple for band tours.

The Sad Café
While not released as a single, this track would make it onto the Eagles Greatest Hits, volume II.  It was inspired by The Troubadour nightclub in Hollywood where the Eagles had previously played.  The song relays the tale of so many musicians who came through that nightclub, most of whom did not make it big.  David Sandborn provides the saxophone work on this song.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the television series “The Facts of Life”
"The Facts of Life" started its run in this month, and was originally a spinoff from the series "Diff'rent Strokes."

STAFF PICKS:

Hot Summer Night by Night
Bruce's staff pick is from a short-lived band out of Los Angeles, and is a cover of a song originally performed by Walter Egan in 1978.  The lead vocalist for this song is Stevie Vann, who emigrated from Zambia with her then-husband Robert "Mutt" Lange.  The group also had a male lead in Chris Thompson, who would be recognizable as the lead vocalist for Manfred Mann's version of "Blinded By the Light."

Rock Lobster  by The B-52's
Put on your nose guard!  Put on your life guard!  Rob brings us the B-52's signature song, and the one that truly launched their career.  It came off their second studio album, "Wild Planet."  Fred Schneider said the song was inspired by a club called "2001" in Atlanta, which showed slides of puppies, babies, and lobsters on a grill.

All of My Love by Led Zeppelin
John Lynch's staff pick was released in August as a single, and is a softer rock ballad from the late stages of the band.  The song was written in honor of Plant's son Karac, who died while Plant was on tour with the band in 1977.  John Paul Jones plays keyboards on this piece.

I Can't Stand It No More by Peter Frampton
Brian wraps up the staff picks with the first single from Frampton's album "Where I Should Be."  Peter Frampton had just starred in the remake of the movie "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band," which was panned by critics and failed commercially.  He also had a bad auto accident in the Bahamas requiring months of therapy.  The song made it to number 14 on the pop charts.  

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Parisian Thoroughfare by Supersax
You can't go wrong with a sax!  Jazz group Supersax 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.