Every episode of “WHAT THE RIFF NEXT GEN” brings a ROCK AND ROLL album that debuted on the U.S. Billboard charts during a random month between 1995 and 2005. Four Classic Rock fans discuss the artist and 4 tracks from the album as it plays in the background. Then we riff on 3 additional “staff picks” of other artists that were also on the charts during that month and year. You’ll hear Classic Rock bands that were still producing new work, as well as some newer Alternative and Grunge bands that were gaining momentum during this Millennium Y2K Period. We encourage you to find and purchase the tracks and albums from Apple Music, Spotify or your other favorite music service. Please subscribe so you don’t miss any release! In addition to “Next Gen” you can search our ORIGINAL “What the Riff?!?” episodes (1-373) covering 1965 - 1995. We also invite you to follow us and learn more about us @whattheriff on Facebook.
Disclaimer:What the Riff?!? is a music commentary and review podcast that highlights classic rock music through historical context, personal insights, and artist appreciation. We do not claim ownership of the songs featured, which remain the property of the original artists and rights holders. All music is used under the Fair Use doctrine for purposes of criticism, commentary, and education. We encourage our listeners to support the artists by purchasing and streaming their music legally.
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1996 - November: Matchbox 20 “Yourself or Someone Like You”
Season 8 · Episode 406
Monday, September 8, 2025 • Duration 30:00
Lynch riffs on the debut studio album from Matchbox 20 “Yourself or Someone Like You” on the charts in November of 1996 (3AM / Push / Real World / Long Day).
STAFF PICKS: “Big Chair” by Reacharound — Wayne. “Rewind” by Better than Ezra — Rob. "When You Love a Woman” by Journey— Clint Barrett.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: “Space Jam” by Quad City DJ's (from the motion picture "Space Jam").
**(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.)
2003 - September: Jet "Get Born"
Season 8 · Episode 405
Monday, September 1, 2025 • Duration 29:38
Wayne riffs on the debut studio album by Jet, Get Born, released in September 2003 (Rollover DJ /Are You Gonna Be My Girl / Get Me Outta Here / Cold Hard Bitch).
STAFF PICKS: Weak and Powerless by A Perfect Circle — Lynch. In Da Club by 50 Cent — (Fan of the Show )Clint Barrett. One Big Holiday by My Morning Jacket — Rob.
INSTRUMENTAL/ENTERTAINMENT/LAUGH TRACK:
Main theme from the motion picture Once Upon a Time in Mexico.
Disclaimer: What the Riff?!? is a music commentary and review podcast that highlights rock music through historical context, personal insights, and artist appreciation. We do not claim ownership of the songs featured, which remain the property of the original artists and rights holders. All music is used under the Fair Use doctrine for purposes of criticism, commentary, and education. We encourage our listeners to support the artists by purchasing and streaming their music legally.
1990 - June: Poison ”Flesh & Blood”
Season 1 · Episode 366
Monday, June 9, 2025 • Duration 42:23
Flesh & Blood, the third studio album by Poison, finds the group at the top of their form. The team of Bret Michaels on lead vocals, C.C. DeVille on lead guitar, Bobby Doll on bass, and Rikki Rockett on drums had been quite successful in the glam metal genre of the mid-80's, and had developed a reputation for a "work hard, play hard" mentality. While they had a legendary stage presence, they also were plagued with fights both within and outside of the band. A number of lawsuits in various cities were predicated on Michaels' tendency to get into fights at parties and other events. Despite these issues - or perhaps because of them - their reputation only grew over time.
Flesh & Blood is an album that is more challenging musically than the earlier ones. The band is toning down their glam metal persona and taking on more serious lyrical themes. Songs cover a wide range from sex and motorcycles, to struggles with long term relationships, to frustration with the struggles seen in society. The band would drop the excessive makeup of their earlier career, and found the songs on a more blues-oriented rock. More piano work is included, with keyboardist John Webster contributing to the album sessions.
The result was a success, reaching triple platinum status by 1991. The album peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 3 on the UK albums chart.
This album would be a kind of high water mark for the group, as the industry was moving away from the metal sound of the late 80's and into the grunge sound of the mid-1990's. However, the group would go on to record and tour into the new millennium, and Bret Michaels would become both a solo act and a celebrity with his MTV reality show "Rock of Love with Bret Michaels."
Lynch brings us a look at a somewhat more mature Poison on this week's for today's podcast.
Unskinny Bop
Not every song has deep or significant lyrics. This hit single from the album started as a nonsense lyric, a placeholder that stuck. The catchy repetition would make it a crowd favorite at concerts, and it was a top 10, going to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Valley of Lost Souls
A deeper cut, this song lyrics talk about the life of a rock artist struggling to make it in a place without compassion. It is a slower piece, but definitely not a ballad.
1973 - June: Dr. John “In the Right Place”
Episode 276
Monday, September 18, 2023 • Duration 34:24
Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr.,better known by his stage name, Dr. John, was a singer-songwriter who blended funk, R&B and New Orleans blues into a distinctive sound. Dr. John was well known for his stage shows which were inspired by an eclectic mix of medicine shows, voodoo ceremonies, and Mardi Gras costumes. Dr. John got his start as a session musician in the 1950s, and continued doing session work throughout his career playing keyboards for Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, and Van Morrison as a member of "The Wrecking Crew." He recorded thirty studio albums and nine live albums before his death in 2019, including the one we profile today.
In the Right Place is Dr. John's sixth album and his best selling one, peaking at number 24 on the Billboard 200 chart. He is backed up on this album by The Meters, a New Orleans funk band that formed in 1965. The Meters were the house band for Alan Toussaint, who produced, arranged, and played on a number of tracks on the album.
Mac Rebennack's father ran an appliance shop in the East End of New Orleans where, in addition to fixing radios and televisions, he sold records to people from a wide variety of races and cultures. Rebennack was expelled from his Catholic high school when the priests told him he had to either stop playing in the clubs or leave.
The stage name Dr. John was taken from a 19th-century Louisiana voodoo priest. In turn, Dr. John would inspire two other characters - Johnny Fever (from "WKRP in Cincinnati") and Dr. Teeth (from "The Muppet Show").
The future Dr. John started playing guitar and switched to piano after nearly losing a finger during an on-tour gunfight.
It's time for some New Orleans funk as Wayne brings us this album for the podcast. Friend of the show Sean Mooney joins us for this one.
Traveling Mood
You can expect any rock group to eventually put out a song about losing a woman, but it takes Dr. John to make this tragedy whimsical and fun. "Said that she'd never leave me, now she's gone away to grieve me. I was fast asleep, when she begun her midnight creep."
Qualified
This is a social hierarchy song about a guy telling people who think they are better than others that they are not. "Your social life ain't no better than my hot dog stand. Your edu-ma-cation ain't no hipper than what you understand."
1982 - December: Donald Fagen ”The Nightfly”
Episode 275
Monday, September 11, 2023 • Duration 50:02
The Nightfly is the debut solo album from Donald Fagen. Fagen and his Steely Dan partner Walter Becker had released the Gaucho album in late 1980, and Becker was having a lot of trouble. His girlfriend died of a drug overdose in their apartment, and he was sued for several million dollars. Shortly after that he was hit by a taxi, which shattered his leg. Steely Dan disbanded in 1981, and Becker moved to Maui.
Fagen wanted “The Nightfly” to be autobiographical, and without the irony and biting nature of Steely Dan. There is a lot of adolescence and innocence in these songs, reflecting back on Fagen's time growing up. The album is also one of the first to be recorded entirely in digital. Steely Dan had tried this approach fo“Gaucho,” but it didn't work out and they reverted to analog. Audiophiles gravitate to The Nightfly, and EQ Magazine ranks it as one of the top 10 Best Recorded Albums of All Time, up there with The Beatles' “Sergeant Peppers” and The Beach Boys' “Pet Sounds.”
Donald Fagan had problems with depression after recording “The Nightfly,” and largely disappeared from the music scene through the rest of the 80's. Fagan said in 2006 that he hasn't listened to "The Nightfly" since making it. However, he did record two other albums which are considered to form "The Nightfly Trilogy," including Kamakiriad" from 1993 and "Morph the Cat" from 2006. There would also be a reunion of Steely Dan later on.
Bruce presents this jazzy album for this week's episode.
I.G.Y. (What a Beautiful World)
This lead single is also the track that leads off the album. "I.G.Y." stands for International Geophysical Year, which was a project that lasted between July 1957 and December 1958. It encompassed eleven earth science projects and included collaboration between East and West. The song reflects the positivity of that time and collaboration. The song was released in September 1982 and reached number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 at the end of November.
The Nightfly
This track imagines a late night DJ named Lester who plays jazz on WJAZ out of Baton Rouge, and also takes calls from conspiracy theorists. is about a spiritual quest. While not released as a single, this song did receive some airplay on FM stations in the 80's.
1965 - May: The Dave Clark Five ”Having a Wild Weekend”
Episode 274
Monday, September 4, 2023 • Duration 23:36
The British Invasion of the mid-60's is best known for The Beatles, but there were more groups than just the boys from Liverpool. In fact, just a month after The Beatles played on Ed Sullivan the Dave Clark Five would take that stage, the first of 12 appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show. The quintet consisted of Dave Clark on drums and backing vocals, Rick Huxley on bass, Mike Smith on vocals and keyboard, Lenny Davidson on lead guitar, and Dennis Payton on Sax, Harmonica, and vocals.
The British Invasion was really a re-introduction of American music, as many of the British acts took inspiration from soul, gospel, and blues music from places like Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, and New Orleans. This re-introduction was accompanied by intriguing accents, strange fashion and hair styles, and a lot of energy and heart.
The sixth American album release from the Dave Clark Five was entitled Having a Wild Weekend, and was the soundtrack to a movie of the same title. This film was originally released as "Catch Us If You Can," in the UK, but was renamed when it was released in the States. It is a light-hearted social drama similar to "A Hard Day's Night" released by the Beatles, and it likewise was used as a vehicle to increase the popularity of the band and their songs.
Unlike the Beatles, the Dave Clark Five never ventured into the psychedelic sound of the late 60's, and their popularity began to wane by 1967. The group would disband in 1967.
John Lynch brings us this classic group and soundtrack for this week's podcast.
Having a Wild Weekend
This single was written by Dave Clark and Mike Smith, and is the lead-off and title track to the album. The premise of the album is that Dinah, a model for an add campaign for meat, runs off with one of the stunt men while shooting a TV commercial. The ad executives use their disappearance to generate more publicity for their client.
New Kind of Love
We're not really sure if this song is about a guy whose girlfriend cheats on him, or about a stalker who like a girl who has no idea that the guy thinks they're dating.
I Said I Was Sorry
When the guy messes up in the relationship, he is left wondering why everything isn't OK now that he has said he was sorry. The lyrics at the time weren't meant to be studied too seriously, were they? At least he said he was sorry, because we would find out from Elton John years later that "sorry" seems to be the hardest word.
1989 - November: Bad Religion ”No Control”
Episode 273
Monday, August 28, 2023 • Duration 32:33
While the late 80's were the high water mark for overproduced hair bands, there was an undercurrent flowing below the mainstream popularity which would surface in the 90's as the punk revival. Los Angeles-based Bad Religion is a group which would not only benefit from that revival, but many consider the band to be a founder of the movement. The band formed in 1980 and released a couple of albums before going on hiatus in 1983 and splitting up shortly thereafter. After a slowly getting back together in 1986, they released their third album entitled "Suffer." While on tour promoting that album, the band began work on their fourth album, No Control.
The band for this album was Greg Graffin on lead vocals, Greg Hetson on guitar, Brett Gurewitz on guitar and backing vocals, Jay Bentley on bass and backing vocals, and Pete Finestone on percussion. Building this album while on tour gave it a fast and high energy feel, with the band reverting to a hardcore punk style.
While undeniably punk, Bad Religion has a more melodic sound than many of their punk predecessors. They also exhibit solid, significant lyrics, and utilize three-part vocal harmonies that are not normally associated with the genre. The idea of this group is to emphasize action, and living in the moment.
Friend of the show (and John Lynch's better half) Heather Lynch brings us this hallmark of the punk revival because it is the album that introduced her to punk rock.
Change of Ideas
The lead-off track for the album clocks in at 55 seconds, making it onto Loudwire's top ten list of "Greatest Songs Under One Minute Long." The concept in Graffin's lyrics is that we need to get away from ideas that trap us in fear and theory.
Big Bang
This song was penned by guitarist Brett Gurewitz. The lyrics are about how folks are searching for something in science or religion without really living their lives. "Big bang, big crunch. You know there's no free lunch. Kneel down and pray, here comes your judgment day."
No Control
The title track is a sonic trip to the mosh pit. We think we have things in hand, but everything fades away very soon, and we are powerless to control it.
1984 - January: The Nails ”Mood Swing”
Episode 272
Monday, August 21, 2023 • Duration 37:26
If you are not familiar with The Nails don't feel bad. They were not a hit on commercial radio, but this punk rock/new wave outfit from Boulder Colorado was much better known on college radio in the mid to late 80's. Although Mood Swing is their debut album from 1984, the band originally formed in 1976 as a five-piece band. They moved to New York and built both their musical chops and their following on the club circuit before their major label debut.
At the time that Mood Swing was released the band consisted of Marc Campbell on vocals, Steve O'Rourke on guitar, George Kaufman on bass, Douglas Guthrie on saxophone, and David Kaufman on keyboards. Drummer Tommy Cotogna had left the band prior to recording the album, and Dennis McDermott provided the drum work for the album sessions.
The band produced a sound that included strong musicianship, dark and often deliberately shocking lyrics, but laced with a sense of humor. Campbell claimed that their music came from “a mystical and sexual area. I write in a cinematic way, trying to create through language and sound, texture and atmosphere, a specific mood.” The songs on the album do indeed represent a diversity of mood.
Wayne relives his days as a college radio DJ as he brings us this new wave group for the podcast, and we are joined by friend of the show Heather Lynch, sitting in for Bruce (and keeping Lynch in line).
Every Time I Touch You
The distinctive bass line followed by the screaming guitar leads into this song about being lost in a mix of love and lust, though we're not certain that this is a match made in heaven. Love is a fire which can be explosive and tear the lovers apart. And you never can go wrong with a sax!
Let It All Hang Out
This is a cover from a 1967 song by the Hombres, and a “southern-fried parody” of Bob Dylan's “Subterranean Homesick Blues.” A number of other artists also covered this song, including Cream, John Cougar Mellencamp, and Wheezer. It's a fun song.
88 Lines About 44 Women
If the Nail had a “hit” this was it. This single peaked at number 46 on the US dance chart, and was laid out on a new Casio keyboard. The Nails had released several versions of this song previously on independent labels. Lead singer Campbell says that the song pays tribute to the power and glory of sex, drugs, rock and roll...and love. It is dedicated to the women in my life to did their best to keep me human."
1990 - March: Michael Penn “March”
Episode 271
Monday, August 14, 2023 • Duration 40:58
Most people are familiar with the actor, Sean Penn. His older brother, Michael Penn went in a more musical direction, becoming a singer, songwriter, and producer. His debut album, March, would achieve both critical and commercial success, peaking on the US album charts at number 31. This would be his most successful album commercially, though his follow-up albums were received positively by the critics.
Manhattan native Michael Penn was the first son of actor/director Leo Penn and actress Eileen Ryan. He began his musical journey in junior high school, and joined the Los Angeles band Doll Congress before embarking on a solo career. He appeared as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live in 1987 when his younger brother Sean was the host. He would garner attention, however in 1989 with his debut album, March. It would earn him the 1990 MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist, and its first single "No Myth" would rise to number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Michael Penn would go on to marry singer-songwriter Aimee Mann (who fronted the new wave group 'Til Tuesday) in 1997. The couple are still together and living in Los Angeles.
Rob brings us this singer-songwriter because he has created interesting songs with clever lyrics, and his underrated status may indicate that our listeners haven't heard his music beyond his first single. We hope you enjoy this artist and perhaps discover some music from the late 80's that you haven't heard before - or haven't heard in a while.
No Myth
This is the first and most successful single from the album. It made it to number 5 on the Mainstream Rock charts and number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is about a guy who is rejected by a girl even though he knows he could make her happy. “We said goodbye before hello, my secrets she will never know, and if I dig a hole to China I'll catch the first junk to Soho.”
Half Harvest
The second song on the album is an understated deeper cut that sounds like a break-up song, or a tune about faded romance. “So move out of your bed of roses, now. I'm putting in a bed of nails.”
Brave New World
This is a jangle pop, rockabilly song with great harmonies and fast-paced lyrics. It ends with a jazz jam and we feel it has a road trip feel in the lyrics as the singer drives into the brave new world.
1991 - August: Metallica ”Metallica (the Black Album)”
Episode 270
Monday, August 7, 2023 • Duration 46:54
Metallica was a big deal well before the release of this album. Singer and guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich had formed the band a decade prior to this fifth studio release, technically called Metallica but most commonly referenced as The Black Album due to its all-black cover. Hetfield and Ulrich, together with lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Jason Newsted were successful commercially and critically on the strength of previous albums, particularly their third (Master of Puppets) and fourth (...And Justice for All) studio releases. However The Black Album would be their most successful album release, and the second longest-charting traditional title release in history, behind only Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon."
Metallica is one of the founding bands of thrash metal, and had a reputation for musicianship that was both fast and complex. The Black Album saw the band developing a slower, more refined sound with singles that were shorter and tighter, making them more accessible to a general audience. Hetfield also sought to create songs with a less "scream-heavy" vocalization. The result of their efforts was both their first number one album on the charts, and an album filled with some of their most well-known singles. The album is more heavy metal than their previous releases, but still retains a thrash metal edge.
Metallica would go on from success to success, never really seeing their international fame fade. This album marks the point where the band had learned to master both their musical craft and their stage craft.
John Lynch brings us this landmark heavy metal album.
Enter Sandman
This track was the first single, the first song written for the album, and the last to receive lyrics. Hammett wrote the primary guitar riff after being inspired by Soundgarden's Louder than Love album. The original lyrics were much darker, referencing sudden infant death syndrome, and Lars Ulrich and producer Bob Rock encouraged Hetfield to rework them .
Sad But True
The fifth and final single from the album was originally written in the key of E. When the producer pointed out that every song on the album was written in E, the band tuned down to D for this track. The idea for the lyrics about blind faith were inspired by the 1978 film "Magic" in which a ventriloquist is controlled by his puppet.
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Life Goes On
C.C. DeVille brought the original draft of this song to the band. The lyrics were inspired by a girlfriend of DeVille who was shot and killed in a California bar fight, and describe the quest for light at the end of a dark period in life.
Something to Believe In
This ballad was the second single released from the album, and went to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Bret Michaels dedicated this song to his friend and bodyguard James Kimo Maano who had died previously. The lyrics reflect the frustration in the failures of society, from poverty, to the treatment of Vietnam veterans, to the hypocrisy of televangelists.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
You're In the Doghouse Now by Brenda Lee (from the motion picture “Dick Tracy”)
This action movie based on the comic series from the 1930's starred Warren Beatty in the title role, along with Al Pacino and Madonna.
STAFF PICKS:
Ball and Chain by Social Distortion
Wayne kicks off the staff picks with a more alternative rock song penned by a punk rock band from their third and self-titled album. The lyrics describe a hard luck story of a man who can't escape his difficulties. It could be about a relationship, a rut in life, or about any vice that holds you down.
Way Down Now by World Party
Rob's staff pick is the first single from World Party's second studio album, "Goodbye Jumbo." If you hear echoes of "Sympathy for the Devil," that is deliberate - though the song is much more upbeat. It reached number 1 on the U.S. Modern Rock Tracks chart. World Party is primarily a one-man project from multi-instrumentalist Karl Wallinger from the Waterboys.
Tie Dye on the Highway by Robert Plant
Bruce brings us a song off plant's fifth studio album "Manic Nirvana." The spoken line, "What we have in mind is breakfast in bed for 400,000." is from Wavy Gravy and the Hog Farm Collective, delivered at the Woodstock festival in 1969 announcing the intention to provide free breakfast to the crowd.
Kool Thing by Sonic Youth
Lynch closes out the staff picks with a song critical of the over-the-top masculinity of LL Cool J. It was the first single from their sixth studio album, "Goo." The track never mentions LL Cool J personally, but references a number of his works. Chuck D. of Public Enemy provides the spoken vocals to the song.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Mildred Pierce by Sonic Youth
We double up on Sonic Youth as we end today's podcast with their instrumental based on a 1945 film noir starring Joan Crawford.
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.
Right Place, Wrong Time
This is the funky hit that peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also Dr. John's only top 40 hit, making him technically a one-hit wonder. "I took the right road but I must have took a wrong turn." "I took a right move, but I made it at the wrong time."
Cold, Cold, Cold
In this song, the man wishes a woman he loves was not also running around with the other guys. There's a pit of a Rolling Stones sound about this one, and maybe a little bit of Randy Newman humor.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Live and Let Die by Wings (from the motion picture “Live and Let Die”)
This song was the theme which first introduced Roger Moore as James Bond. It also reunited Paul McCartney with former Beatles producer George Martin.
STAFF PICKS:
Drift Away by Dobie Gray
Rob drifts into the staff picks with this song originally written by Mentor Williams in 1970, and first performed by swamp rock singer John Henry Kurtz. Soul singer Dobie Gray would produce the rendition we would know best. Gray would land at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, making this song his biggest hit. The lyrical tribute to the power of music would make it a frequent cover by lots of artists.
Daniel by Elton John
Lynch features a song with a story. Daniel is an American soldier injured in Vietnam who, though accepted by his family, receives criticism from the public due to the polarizing nature of that war. Disillusioned by the response, Daniel decides to go away to Spain. Almost all of this storyline was contained in the last verse of the song, which was cut before it was produced.
China Grove by the Doobie Brothers
Friend of the show Sean brings us a song which introduces itself with a great guitar riff and keyboards. It is sung and written by Tom Johnson for the Doobie Brothers third studio album, "The Captain and Me." It went to number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. While Johnson was writing about a fictional town, there are several towns called China Grove in America.
The Free Electric Band by Albert Hammond
Wayne closes out the staff picks with a prog rock hit. Songwriter Hammond has written a number of hits over the years, though this particular one only went to number 48. The lyrics are about a privileged child who decides to move to California to play music despite his parents higher expectations for him.
COMEDY TRACK:
Back When My Hair Was Short by Gunhill Road
This lone hit by Gunhill Road went to number 40, and was produced by Kenny Rogers.
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.
Ruby Baby
Although heavily arranged with close harmonies by Fagen, this is a cover song originally performed by the Drifters in 1956. A number of artists have covered it over time, including Dion (number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962), Billy "Crash Craddock, Del Shannon, Mitch Ryder, and Bobby Darin.
New Frontier
This fun single did not break into the top 40, but it was a frequent video on the then-new MTV channel. The idea of the song is that an adolescent boy is bringing a girl over to his parents' bomb shelter for a good time. "Yes, we're going to have a wing ding..."
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
It Might Be You by Stephen Bishop (from the motion picture "Tootsie" )
Dustin Hoffman stars in this cross-dressing romance comedy about an actor disguising himself as a woman to land a job.
STAFF PICKS:
Steppin' Out by Joe Jackson
Rob starts the staff picks with a song inspired by Jackson's time in New York City. The song reflects the excitement of a drive around town, and hit number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is off the album "Night and Day," which reflects New York City during the day on side 1, and the City during the night on side 2.
Mexican Radio by Wall of Voodoo
Wayne's staff pick is a weird one. This new wave act describes listening to the broadcasts of high-wattage unregulated Mexican radio stations whose signals were strong enough to be picked up in small town U.S.A. Wall of Voodoo's $15,000 video would be on constant repeat on MTV.
Maneater by Hall & Oates
Lynch brings us a big Hall & Oates hit that spent four weeks at number 1 on the charts. The song describes a woman who is bad news, only looking for money. The video features a live panther, that got loose in the rafters of the set at one point, prompting a hasty retreat from Darryl Hall. The sax part is played by Charles "Mr. Casual" DeChant, who also appears in the video during his solo.
She Sheila by The Producers
Bruce finishes up the staff picks with Atlanta's own The Producers. This is the big single off the band's second album "You Make the Heat." It went to number 48 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts, and alternates between an ethereal synth part and a high energy New Wave sound.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Bonzo's Montreux by Led Zeppelin
John Bonham's live drum solo 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.
Catch Us If You Can
Co-written by Dave Clark and Lenny Davidson, this was the title song for the UK version of the album. It leads off side two, and was the hit single from the album, rising to number 4 on the US charts. The finger snapping and guitar leading into the song was a catchy hook.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the television series “Gidget”
The Frederick Kohner novels about a teenager in the surfing culture would lead to films of the late 50's, and a TV show that would begin in 1965 starring Sally Field.
STAFF PICKS:
Just a Little by The Beau Brummels
Bruce's staff pick is one of the groups that is credited with creating the San Francisco sound. The Beau Brummels were Sal Valentino on vocals, Ron Elliott on lead guitar, Declan Mulligan on guitar, Ron Meagher on bass, and John Petersen on drums. This is off their debut album entitled "Introducing the Beau Brummels," which was produced by Sly Stallone
The Train Kept a-Rollin' by Screaming Lord Sutch & the Savages
You may be familiar with the Aerosmith version of this song, but Rob brings you an earlier version of the classic blues track originally recorded by Tiny Bradshow in 1951. Screaming Lord Sutch was known for his Halloween-themed stage shows, complete with knives and coffins, with the lead singer appearing as Jack the RIpper.
The Game of Love by Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders
Wayne features a number 1 hit from the Billboard Hot 100. The group took its name from a British movie, and appeared in the 1967 Sidney Poitier film, "To Sir, with Love." The group broke up at the final concert of a UK tour with The Who, Arthur Brown, and Joe Coker on November 20, 1968.
Count Me In by Gary Lewis and The Playboys
Lynch closes out the staff picks with a group that was originally known as Gary & the Playboys, hiding the relationship that Gary had with his celebrity father, Jerry Lewis. They auditioned and were hired to play at Disneyland, and frequently played to full houses. The group suffered in live performances, because producer Snuff Garrett utilized session musicians heavily on their studio tracks, and the band could not duplicate their studio sound on the stage.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Maiden Voyage by the Herbie Hancock
This instrumental jazz piece that closes out the podcast shows the longevity of Herbie Hancock's career, and was the title track to his album of the same name.
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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.
I Want to Conquer the World
We all have thought at times that the world would be a better place if we could just take over for a while. Gurewitz reflects on this in this piece, and wonders what we are doing here and now to make things a little better. "I want to conquer the world. Give all the idiots a brand new religion, put an end to poverty, uncleanliness and toil. Promote equality in all of my decisions."
You
This is a fast, angry song. "And you! painted my entire world but I don't have the turpentine to clean what you have soiled. And I won't forget it."
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Two Step Mamau by Wayne Toups & Zydecajun (from the motion picture "Steel Magnolias" )
This southern film was had an all star cast and showcased the talents of a young Julia Roberts.
STAFF PICKS:
Sold Me Down the River by the Alarm
Wayne's staff pick reminds us of Power Station's "Bang the Gong." It made it to number 50 on the Billboard charts, but it was prominent on rock stations at the time. It is about a lovesick guy who got his heart broken. The Alarm is from Wales, but is often compared to Ireland's U2.
Let the Day Begin by The Call
Rob brings us the title track from the Call's sixth studio album. It is a positive song with a shuffle beat. It was used as the campaign theme song for Al Gore in 2000. The band formed in 1980 in Santa Cruz.
The Living Years by Mike & the Mechanics
John Lynch's staff pick is Mike Rutherford's (bassist from Genesis) band, formed in 1985. The song is a wistful tune about missing the opportunity to truly connect with a father while he was alive. This is the title track from their second album, released in 1988.
We Didn't Start the Fire by Billy Joel
Heather features a song with 118 historical references in this fast-paced song. The idea of the track comes from a conversation Joel had with Sean Lennon about how difficult it is to be a young person in the times. Joel thought about how each generation has its issues, and pointed out some of the troubles from earlier decades.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Proliferous Souls by Pestilence
We haven't covered this Dutch death metal band, but we remedy that with this instrumental out at the time.
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NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
Home of the Brave
This song has a Warhol-esque feel to it. “Hectic madness of city living where the whores are dancing on the table tops and the juke box plays Apocalyptic bebop.”
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from the television series “Night Court”
We were introduced to Judge Harry T. Stone and the eclectic characters that pass through his courtroom on this sitcom that premiered in January 1984.
STAFF PICKS:
Say it Isn't So by Hall & Oates
Lynch starts of the staff picks with one of two new singles released on Hall & Oates compilation album "Rock 'n Soul Part 1." It was stuck at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, behind Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney's "Say Say Say" for several weeks before finally taking the number 1 slot. It is about the downside of fame, and the oddness of everyone seeming to know them.
The Politics of Dancing by The Re-Flex
Rob's staff pick hits all the hallmarks of mid-80's music, including the keyboards, drum machine, spoken lyrics, and low tones. This song went to number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100. This is the title song from the debut album by The Re-Flex. The band stopped working together by 1985, but members often collaborated on each other's solo projects.
Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder
Heather Lynch brings us a reggae-infused tune that hit number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song lyrics reflect a man smitten by a woman from whom he must move on, but it also reflects Wilder's struggles with delivering a hit that the record label would take.
Holy Diver by Dio
Wayne features heavy metal virtuoso Ronnie James Dio in a solo outing. It was from his debut solo album of the same name. The lyrics are about a Christ-figure on another planet who sacrifices himself for his people. This song was one on Clear Channel's “inappropriate to play” songs after the attacks on 9/11.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
1984 by Van Halen
This short instrumental leads off Van Halen's album of the same name.
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NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
This & That
This single hit number 10 on the Modern Rock charts, and also has a quick lyric cadence. “I'll do this and I'll do that, I'll be burning canyons for you. I'll do this and I'll do that and I will wait forever if you'll be there.”
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Hymn to Red October (from the motion picture The Hunt for Red October)
Sean Connery takes the lead in the first of the Tom Clancy books to hit the big screen. The idea of a defecting Soviet sub was a compelling concept in the late 80's, well before the communist government fell apart.
STAFF PICKS:
Cuts You Up by Peter Murphy
Bruce's staff pick went to number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100, but dominated the then-new Billboard Alternative Songs chart, spending seven weeks at number 1 on that chart. Peter Murphy was the lead singer of the group Bauhaus, which gave us the song “Bela Lugosi's Dead.” Murphy and guitarist Paul Statham wrote this song which is about how the path of self-knowledge and discovery will ruin your assumptions, keeping you from getting arrogant.
I Go to Extremes by Billy Joel
Lynch reminds us that things tend to go awry when musician Billy Joel writes a song for his wife. Indeed Joel's relationship with Christie Brinkley would come to an end in 1994 after it inspired this song that was a single from his album Stormfront. The idea of this song is a recognition that Joel can be compared to a roller coaster of emotion.
Up All Night by Slaughter
Wayne brings us a hair band hit from the peak of “big hair.” Las Vegas, based Slaughter is named after vocalist and guitarist Mark Slaughter who formed the band in 1988 with bassist Dana Strum. The band is completed by guitarist Tim Kelly and drummer Blas Elias. The song is pretty much the anthem of the hair bands - up all night, sleep all day.
Baby, It's Tonight by Jude Cole
Rob finishes the staff picks with singer-songwriter, manager, and producer Jude Cole. He has a sound similar to John Waite, and started with the band Lifehouse. Cole also started a record label called Iron Works with actor Kiefer Sutherland. This song made it to number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
COMEDY TRACK:
As Kosher As They Wanna Be by 2 Live Jews
Oy Vey! I hope we don't get cancelled for this comedy track which was on the charts at the time.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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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 Unforgiven
The second single is a heavy power ballad about the struggles of the individual against an all-powerful machine-like force holding him captive. It has a softer style than most Metallica songs, and allows Hetfield's vocal musicianship to shine through. Two sequel songs would be released on future albums.
Nothing Else Matters
Hetfield did not intend to release this song, but wrote it for himself when feeling homesick on tour. Ulrich encouraged him to include it in the album, and it is one of their biggest hits. While originally written about a girlfriend, the song has become a reference to Metallica's fans on tour.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Lets Work Together by The Kentucky Headhunters (from the motion picture “Harley Davidson & the Marlboro Man”)
This movie was a biker film with Don Johnson and Mickey Rourke in a Western style.
STAFF PICKS:
She's So High by Blur
Wayne is well known for his affinity to the Manchester psychedelic sound. However, this group with the Manchester sound is actually from London. While the song would appear to be about drugs, it is actually a reference to a girl who is out of the singer's league. Blur hit number 48 on the UK single's chart with this release.
Straight to Your Heart by Bad English
Rob's staff pick was written by Jonathan Cain for this supergroup formed from members of Journey and The Babys. John Waite's distinctive voice is clear on this hit from their second and final album, but it also maintains the rock sound.
Face the Music by RTZ
Bruce shares his take on this group formed by Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau, originally founding members of the group Boston, along with Brian Maes on keyboards, Tim Archibald on bass, and David Stefanelli on drums. This single is off RTZ's debut album "Return to Zero." While this song only went to number 49 on the US pop charts, the success of RTZ would convince Delp to leave Boston, only to return to the group a couple of years later.
Crazy by Seal
Lynch's staff pick is about the days when the Soviet Union was collapsing and the Berlin wall came down. English singer songwriter Seal brings a haunting, smooth sound. “In a sky full of people only some want to fly, isn't that crazy?”
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Sunshine by Timbuk 3
The group best known for “The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades” penned this steel drum-laden 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.
