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The mid-80's were a tough time for Elton John. The singer and pianist who had been a stellar success in the 70's was deep in the clutches of drug addiction, and struggling to perform due to throat issues. His studio album, "Leather Jackets" had failed to produce a single to reach the top 40. It seemed that he was finding more controversy in the British tabloids than he was success in the music industry.
In the midst of this, however, he produced a stellar live album. Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was John's twenty-eighth official album release, focusing on some of the performers earlier hits. In the last two months of 1986, Elton John did a series of concerts as a part of his tour of Australia and New Zealand which contained two sets. The first set was a traditional concert with John and his 14-piece band. The second set had the band backed by the 88-piece Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with John dressed as Mozart in front of the grand piano. The Live album captured this symphonic second set.
The album was a success, hitting number 24 on the Billboard 200 and certifying gold by January 1988.
This concert also marked a change. It was the last in which Elton John appeared in his elaborate stage costumes. He also underwent throat surgery in January 1987 which - while successful - permanently altered his voice. His next few albums would be somewhat more successful, but he would sober up in the early 90's and release his highly successful "The One" album in 1992.
Bruce presents this live symphonic hit for this week's podcast.
Burn Down the Mission
This song is the concluding track of John's third album, "Tumbleweed Connection." That was a concept album with the theme of Western Americana. The lyrics are a bit vague, but the story tells of a poor community oppressed by some kind of powerful force. The singer has taken direct action to remedy the situation, and is defending his action of burning down the mission as the only way to defend his family.Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word
Hailing from his "Blue Moves" studio album, this sad song is characterized by lyricist Bernie Taupin as "that whole idealistic feeling people get when they want to save something from dying when they basically know deep down inside that it is already dead."Take Me to the Pilot
Originally from John's self-titled second album, this song contains lyrics which both John and Taupin admit are nonsensical, but just contain words that sound good together. Six of the 14 tracks on this live album are from Elton John's second album.Candle In the Wind
This song from the "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album was never released as a single in the US until it was released in this live version. Taupin used Marilyn Monroe as an archetype of the famous artist cut down in the prime of life. He was initially inspired by hearing Clive Davis using the phrase "candle in the wind" in tribute to Janis Joplin.ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from the motion picture Spaceballs
Mel Brooks is at it again, this time with his classic spoof on Star Wars. May the Schwartz be with you!STAFF PICKS:
Throwing It All Away by Genesis
Lynch kicks off the staff picks with this single from the Invisible Touch album that went to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford wrote the song and lyrics. The upbeat music is quite different from the melancholy lyrics about a love who is leaving the singer.Don't Let Me Die Young by Andy Taylor
Rob brings us a solo single from Duran Duran's guitarist. The video for the song depicts at-risk youth engaged in dangerous activities at night from crime and cars to drugs. Taylor's album "Thunder" came out in the midst of the hair metal band's height. This single also features Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols.Alone Again Or by The Damned
Wayne features a cover song originally recorded in 1967 by the group Love. The Damned began as a punk group, and moved to post-punk, somewhat goth rock over time. Love was an inspiration for the Damned, which encouraged them to cover this song. The horns give the track a Spanish feel.Housequake by Prince
Bruce closes out the staff picks with a party song from the double album "Sign O' The Times." It was the B-side for the single "U Got the Look." Prince used pitch-shifted vocals to create a higher, more feminine voice for this track. It was originally going to be on an androgynous alter persona album called "Camille" before it was folded into this double album.INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
21st Century Common Man, Pt. 1 by Tangerine Dream
This jazz group closes out our podcast this week.Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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What the Riff!?! delves once again into the great (and not so great) Christmas songs to add a little cheer as you rock around the Christmas tree this year. WSB Radio host Eric Von Haessler joins us for the fun!
“The Holly and the Ivy” by Jon Anderson
Jon Anderson's fourth solo album came out in 1985, and was a mixture of traditional Christmas carols and original material. This is a traditional British folk Christmas carol. Though it can't be traced any further back than the 1800's, the association between holly and Christmas dates back to medieval times.“Please Come Home for Christmas” by the Eagles
Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and the rest of the Eagles put out this popular sad Christmas track in 1978, though it was a cover originally performed by blues pianist Charles Brown in 1960, and co-written by Brown and Gene Redd.“The First Noel” by Crash Test Dummies
Front man Brad Roberts puts his distinctive bass voice to work on this traditional Christmas tune. This carol originated in Cornwall, England and dates back to at least the early 1800's, using the French "Noel" as a synonym for the Christmas season“The 12 Days of Christmas” by Straight, No Chaser
This acapella group from Indiana University puts some comedic musicianship to work on this Christmas round. We know you'll like it, sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus from the Serengeti.“Nut Rocker” by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
ELP puts a prog rock spin on the classic Nutcracker Suite. Russian composer Tchaikovsky wrote the original Nutcracker as a two-act ballet in 1892, and is a fantasy taking place at the foot of a Christmas tree.“Christmas All Over Again” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
This original song was penned by Tom Petty on a ukulele in 1992. It was used in the motion picture "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," and also appeared in "Jingle All the Way." Jeff Lynne co-produced the song, played bells, bass, timpani, sang background vocals, and wishes for a Chuck Berry Songbook in the song.“The Christmas Song” by Weezer
This is not the one you're familiar with. The more famous "The Christmas Song" was first performed by the Nat King Cole trio in 1946. Weezer did this introspective original song with the same name in 2000 on a fan club Christmas LP.“Minnie and Santa” by Cyndi Lauper
Lauper released this light hearted Christmas song in 1998 which tells of a fling that Minnie (not the mouse!) had with old Kris Kringle. This may sound like a cover of a classic song, but it is an original written by Lauper and Jan Pulsford.“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra
You can't go wrong with Old Blue Eyes and a crooner Christmas classic. This song originated in 1943 and was in the musical "Meet Me in St. Louis," where it was sung by Judy Garland.“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen/We Three Kings” by Barenaked Ladies
This Christmas medley also features fellow Canadian singer-songwriter Sara McLachlan joining in with the Barenaked Ladies.“Listen, The Snow is Falling” by Yoko Ono & the Plastic Ono Band
Hear us out - this is an Ono piece that is actually quite good! It was released in 1971 as the B-side to the better known "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," sung by John Lennon.“If It Doesn't Snow On Christmas” by Joe Pesci
Chasing Macaulay Culkin isn't the only association Pesci has with Christmas. He put this cover of an old Gene Autry song out on his 1998 album "Vincent LaGuardia Gambini Sings Just for You."(and there might be a bonus ending related to the Beatles...)
We at What the Riff?!? wish every one a blessed and Merry Christmas!
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
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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.
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Blind Faith was a supergroup formed from Cream members Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker, Traffic founder Steve Winwood, and Family bassist/violinist Ric Grech. Cream collapsed after increasing strife between members, particularly Baker and bassist Jack Bruce. Traffic went on hiatus, and Winwood began jamming with Clapton in his basement. Baker sat in on a session shortly after they moved to Traffic's rehearsal space in Berkshire, and was added to the lineup after some reluctance from Clapton was overcome. Finally, Grech was invited to join, and left the Family in the middle of a U.S. tour, creating understandable grievances.
The group created blues-oriented and psychedelic rock for their eponymously named Blind Faith debut album. A summer tour was launched, but it was a challenging thing. Clapton didn't want to do long jam sessions on the tour, but their single album was not a lot of material for a concert. As a result, they wound up playing a significant amount of Cream and Traffic songs. This delighted the audience, but irritated and distanced Clapton.
Despite great buzz from critics and fans alike, the group was destined to only last a few months. Clapton began drifting away while on tour, spending more time with opening act Delaney & Bonnie. He would eventually join that group prior to launching Derek & the Dominos. Ginger Baker would move on to form Ginger Baker's Air Force, bringing in Winwood and Grech for a short stint before Winwood rejoined Traffic.
Rob brings us this short-lived supergroup in this week's podcast.
Had to Cry Today
The title track dispenses with the 3-minute single format in favor of a long form jam written by Steve Winwood. The lyrics are ambiguous, and could reference a dying relationship, or perhaps a friend drifting away.Can't Find My Way Home
Winwood also wrote this well-known single from the album, covered by a number of artists including Joe Cocker, Alison Krauss, and Bonnie Raitt. Winwood has been asked about the meaning of the lyrics, but has said that discussing song lyrics is a little like explaining a joke - it doesn't add anything to the experience. Clapton leaves his electric guitar in favor of a rare acoustic one for this song.Well All Right
This track is the only one not written by members of Blind Faith. Buddy Holly, Norman Petty, Jerry Allison, and Joe B. Mauldin wrote this song, and Holly sang it in 1958. Clapton takes lead vocal duties on this song.Sea of Joy
A piece of Winwood's writing also leads off side two of the album. While some believe the song references hallucinogens, a simpler meaning would be simply the joy of being on the water. “And I'm feeling close to when the race is run. Waiting in our boats to set sail. Sea of joy.”ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Pfft You Were Gone (from the variety show “Hee Haw”)
This country comedy and music show premiered on CBS in this month. Buck Owens and Roy Clark led an ensemble of regulars and guests in this variety show.STAFF PICKS:
These Eyes by The Guess Who
Wayne starts out the staff picks with a song co-written by lead singer Burton Cummings and lead guitarist Randy Bachman. This was their breakout song, with lyrics that describe the devastating feeling in the days following a long relationship break-up.Badge by Cream
Lynch reminds us that while Cream may have disbanded by this time, their music was still on the charts. Eric Clapton and George Harrison wrote this song. It was supposed to be called "Bridge," but was named "Badge," due to a misreading of the handwritten title. George Harrison plays rhythm guitar, credited as "D'Angelo Misterioso" to avoid contractual issues.Oh Happy Day by the Edwin Hawkins Singers
Bruce features the first gospel song to hit the charts, reaching number 4 on the US singles chart. Edwin Hawkins took a hymn originally written by Phillip Doddridge in 1755, and updated it with a piano introduction inspired by Sergio Mendes and lyrical improvisations influenced by James Brown.See by The Rascals
Rob finishes the staff picks with the fuzzy lead off and title track to the Rascals sixth studio album. Between 1966 and 1968, the Rascals released a number of soul-inspired singles. This album marked a change in the band's focus from blue-eyed soul to psychedelic rock.COMEDY TRACK:
Gitarzan by Ray Stevens
One of the earliest comedy singles from Stevens closes out our podcast this week.Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
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.
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Bon Jovi took the rock world by storm with their massive third album, "Slippery When Wet." A big tour followed, and afterwards the band was anxious to demonstrate that they were not a one (album) hit wonder. They got into the studio at Vancouver, BC in May of 1988 and quickly recorded their fourth studio album entitled New Jersey. Originally going under the working title "Sons of Beaches," the band would settle on their home state as the name of the album. Bon Jovi wanted to make a double album, but the record label balked, fearing that the higher price tag of a double album would impact sales. The album still clocked in at close to an hour of play length, not uncommon during a time when CD's were beginning to stretch the length of albums past the more common album play times.
The result was a stellar success, debuting on the Billboard 200 albums chart at number 8, before moving to the top spot a week later, where it would remain for four weeks. Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora wrote most of the songs on the album, with some assistance from songwriter Desmond Child. Five singles from the album went into the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with two topping that chart.
Bon Jovi would go on to an unusual achievement - remaining one of rock music's A-listers for decades. Bon Jovi would continue to sell out arenas, a feat limited to groups such as U2, Metallica, Elton John, and the Rolling Stones.
Friend of the show Julie Doran brings us this stellar album. We are also joined by friend of the show Steve Hardin as we cover for the absence of both Wayne and Lynch this week. In addition, fan of the Show Christian joins us to help Rob bring his Staff Pick.
Bad Medicine
Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora collaborate with Desmond Child in the writing of this song which went to number 1 on the US charts. The lyrics are pretty straightforward, comparing love to a drug. "There ain't no doctor that can cure my disease." The video features hand-held cameras provided to fans at the concert providing their "point of view" at the concert.Living In Sin
The fifth single from the album still broke into the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100. This power ballad has lyrics that explore love being more powerful than the expectations of society. Bon Jovi is singing about his high school sweetheart, whom he would marry in Las Vegas while on the New Jersey Syndicate tour.Born to Be My Baby
This single is another example for the collaboration with Desmond Child, and peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has a lot of similarities with Springsteen, with lyrics about a couple of working class lovers facing the world together. The video took the opposite direction from many highly produced videos of the time, opting for low budget black-and-white.I'll Be There For You
The big hit from the album was this number 1 power ballad. With a runtime of 5:43, this song is the longest song to hit number 1 on the charts in 1989. The lyrics describe a guy desperately seeking to get his girl back, this time forever.ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Put a Little Love in Your Heart by Al Green and Annie Lennox (from the motion picture “Scrooged”)
Bill Murray stars in this retelling of "A Christmas Carol."STAFF PICKS:
Armageddon It by Def Leppard
Rob starts off the staff picks with the sixth single from the multi-platinum album, "Hysteria." High School Student and Fan of the Show, Christian, assists with his thoughts on the band. By the time this song hit number 3 on the US charts, the album had been out for well over a year. The lyrics are a play on words - “Hey, but are you gettin' it? Armageddon it.”Desire by U2
Julie's staff pick has a blues feel and a Bo Diddley beat. The song is both a critique of the glitzy televangelist making money off his followers, and the ambition and glitz surrounding a successful rock band. It won a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group in 1989.I'm Sorry by Hothouse Flowers
Bruce features a long lost hit from a Dublin group that combines Irish music with an eclectic mix of soul, gospel, and rock influences. You know, we all have times when we're "sitting back on our deep pile reclining chair" thinking about our lives and “looking over our misdemeanors, misgivings, misfortunes, and Miss Whatever her name is," and say "I'm sorry.”Never Tear Us Apart by INXS
Steve closes out the staff picks this week. INXS lead singer Michael Hutchence wrote the lyrics that describe a couple with an instant, almost karmic connection when they first meet. This is the fourth single off the album "Kick" and went to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.COMEDY TRACK:
Wild Thing by Sam Kenison
The sultry sounds of Sam Kenison take us out with this angry cover of the Troggs classic.Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
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.
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A reasonable case can be made that the eighth studio album by the Beatles is the most important album in all of Rock and Roll. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band creates a dividing line between 60's rock and what Rock and Roll would become in the 70's. Incorporating elements of eastern mysticism, psychedelic music and art, counter-culture sensibilities, and complex orchestration, Sgt. Peppers was a groundbreaking demonstration of what an album could be.
Sgt. Peppers is one of the first concept albums - taking a theme and incorporating it into the entirety of the record. The Beatles adopted personas for this album, becoming the fictional "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." This allowed the band members to experiment with styles they either hadn't previously explored, or had not fully developed. The studio also became an instrument for the band, and they incorporated techniques like multitracking, variable speed recording, and the use of sound effects to create complex soundscapes.
Lyrics vary from social commentary to whimsy, to surrealism. While many songs remain lighthearted, others take a more somber tone, mirroring the cultural upheaval that was happening in the late 60's counterculture. The album also brings visual art into the mix, with psychedelic cover art rather than simple photographs.
Sgt. Peppers tops many "best albums" lists, and has sold over 32 million copies worldwide.
Friend of the show Steve Hardin presents this monster album this week, and we're joined by friend of the show Julie Doran as Wayne and Lynch are out of town for today's podcast.
Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
The opening track introduces us to the alter ego of the band, including an intro of a pit orchestra warming up and a transitional brass band in the middle of the song. Paul McCartney acts as the carnival barker introducing the band, reunited after 20 years. Lennon then takes over, thanking the audience for their attendance.With A Little Help from My Friends
Drummer Ringo Starr takes lead vocal duties on this song that has a more intimate touch. In contrast to the bombastic start, Starr shows vulnerability as he asks what would happen if he sang out of tune, and leans on his friends for support. Ringo Starr didn't write the music like Lennon and McCartney, but typically would sing lead on one song on each album.Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!
The track that finishes side 1 was inspired by an old circus poster from 1943 that Lennon had purchased in an antique store. The song is a collage of circus images, complete with calliope. It returns to the theme of the first song, but this time focusing on circus performers rather than the band.Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)/A Day in the Life
The concluding album tracks are often played together. The reprise of the opening track is faster paced, and more rock oriented. The concluding track alternates between a dream sequence and the rush of an ordinary day. It concludes with four pianos simultaneously sounding an E-major chord.ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Casino Royale by Herb Alpert (from the motion picture “Casino Royale”)
Not your ordinary James Bond fare, this film was a comedic spoof on the popular spy franchise starring David Niven, Peter Sellers, and Ursula Andress.STAFF PICKS:
For What Its Worth by Buffalo Springfield
Bruce's staff pick peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Stephen Stills was inspired to write the song by the Sunset Strip curfew riots in Los Angeles. Buffalo Springfield got a close look at the riots as the house band at the Whiskey a Go Go, when young people rebelled against a strict 10:00 p.m. curfew successfully advocated by local residents, annoyed with club goers clogging the streets late at night.The Loser (with a Broken Heart) by Gary Lewis and the Playboys
Rob brings us a jangle pop hit from the son of Jerry Lewis. Gary Lewis and the Playboys cultivated a "boy next door" image and had a string of hits in the late 60's. Lewis was drafted into the army in 1967, and though some songs previously recorded (like this one) continued to be successful, the band began to diminish in popularity.I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) by Aretha Franklin
Julie features a soulful song from the iconic Queen of Soul. This is off Franklin's tenth studio album. The first nine were jazz oriented, and much less successful than this influential album. This album was recorded in Mussel Shoals where an altercation resulted in an abrupt change of venue to New York.Strawberry Fields Forever by the Beatles
It might appear that Steve is double dipping on this staff pick, but this well known Beatles song was a non-album single popular at the time. The song was the result of multiple takes spliced together. Lennon was inspired by a memory of a strawberry field where he played as a child.INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Wade In the Water by Herb Alpert
Alpert had a TV special this month on which he played his jazzy rendition of this gospel standard.Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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.
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It is a little surprising that we have gotten this far into the podcast without featuring an album by Mötley Crüe. This is a group that practically defined the hair metal genre of the mid to late-80's. The band formed in 1981 in Hollywood, and featured both a party-oriented lifestyle and an androgynous look. The core and classic members of the band were Nikki Sixx on bass and keyboards, Mick Mars on lead guitar and backing vocals, Tommy Lee on drums and backing vocals, and Vince Neil as front man. Many other musicians would be brought in for sessions, and the group itself would change personnel over the years.
However, the classic lineup was still in place for their fifth studio album, Dr. Feelgood. At the time, the group was facing conflicts that caused Producer Bob Rock to have each member record their parts separately. This was also the first album recorded after the group started a quest to get sober and go through rehab. Additionally, recording took place in Vancouver, getting the band out of the familiar (and seductive) L.A. scene.
The result of these sessions was impressive. Dr. Feelgood was the groups most successful album to date, and went to the top of the Billboard 200 album chart, the only Crüe album to do so. It was also reviewed positively by critics, receiving the award for "Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album of the Year" at the American Music Awards in 1991.
Friend of the show Greg Lyon sits in for Bruce and brings us this excellent glam metal album of the late 80's for this week's podcast.
Dr. Feelgood
This title track peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Mötley Crüe's most successful single to date. The song about a drug dealer chronicles the connection between LA Rock and drug use. It has an infectious funky riff and a more sophisticated production which departs from earlier Mötley Crüe efforts.Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)
The softer approach of this power ballad song are betrayed by its adolescent lyrics. Bassist Nikki Sixx was inspired by a movie line to make this sarcastic song. It's tongue in cheek lyrics and reference to earlier Crüe songs make it a favorite at their live shows. like fire, don't you ever take my name in vain."Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.)
This fifth single released from the album tells a comedic story of a boy meeting two girls, and by the end of the song the boy has been passed over while the two girls end up together. Many of Mötley Crüe's songs had lighter, humorous lyrics, which contributed to their appeal.Kickstart My Heart
Do not play this song when driving through a speed trap! The song is not about a relationship, but about Nikki Sixx's heroin overdose. Sixx was clinically dead, requiring the paramedic to inject adrenaline into his heart to get it beating again. This single reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100.ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Welcome Home by Willie Nelson (from the motion picture “Welcome Home”)
This film starred Kris Kristofferson as a Vietnam War vet returning to his family after a 20-year absence.STAFF PICKS:
New Orleans Is Sinking by the Tragically Hip
Wayne turns to the college rock genre to start off our staff picks. The Tragically Hip is better known in their native Canada than in the US, but their music is well worth a listen. This song was recorded in Memphis, and has a delta blues feel, almost rockabilly. The song was temporarily removed from radio playlists after hurricane Katrina broke the levies and flooded New Orleans.Wait for You by Bonham
If you think that this song sounds like Led Zeppelin, you aren't the only one. Rob features Jason Bonham's band. Jason Bonham was the son of the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. Jason Bonham has a playing style very similar to his father, and recruited Daniel McMaster to the band on vocals - a singer with a sound very similar to Zeppelin front man Robert Palmer. This is the main single from the debut album, "The Disregard of Timekeeping."Poison by Alice Cooper
Lynch brings us a song from Cooper's eighteenth album, "Trash." This song was a major comeback single for Cooper, his first top 10 single in the US in 12 years. The song tells the story of a guy entrapped by a girl that he knows is wrong for him, but also someone he can't let go.Down Boys by Warrant
Greg finishes the staff picks with another hair metal band. This is the debut single from Warrant's debut album, "Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich." It reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Stand On It by Jeff Beck with Terry Bozzio and Tony Hymas
We close out with a guitar instrumental from guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck, accompanied by drummer Terry Bozzio and keyboardist Tony Hymas.Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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.
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One of the greatest songwriters of the 60's, Bob Dylan had released seven solo albums between 1962 and 1966. Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits compiles many of the singles from this period along with some of the songs Dylan wrote for other musicians. The compilation went to number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, number 3 on the UK album chart, and has been certified five times platinum by the RIAA.
In the summer of 1966, Dylan crashed his motorcycle near his home, and took off time to recover. The record company was anxious to follow up Dylan's successful "Blonde on Blonde" album, but had no new recordings available, and no clarity on how long Dylan would be out of the studio. Thus the decision to release a Greatest Hits album was an easy one for them.
Born Robert Allen Zimmerman in Duluth, Minnesota, the stage name comes from the poet Dylan Thomas. Bob Dylan rose out of the Beatnik coffee houses, and he took inspiration from a wide variety of sources including Woodie Guthrie, Hank Williams, and blues artists like Robert Johnson. He has the unusual distinction of having won a Nobel Prize in Literature.
Wayne takes us through this iconic folk rock compilation album, and friend of the show Greg Lyon joins us in Bruce's absence for this week's podcast.
Positively 4th Street
This non-album single was released in 1965 between the "Highway 61 Revisited" album and the "Blonde on Blonde" album, and reached the top 10 on charts in both the US and the UK. The lyrics are laden with bitterness, as the singer laments the lack of compassion in a person who "has a lot of nerve to say you are my friend." An inspiration for this song could have been the reaction Dylan received from folk artists and fans when he "went electric."Blowin' in the Wind
While Dylan released this as a single in 1963, the most successful version of this song was the cover by Peter, Paul and Mary in the same year. This well-known protest song asks a number of questions in its lyrics, most focused on issues of peace and freedom. Whether an answer "blowin' in the wind" is obvious or difficult to grasp is left deliberately ambiguous.The Times They Are a-Changin'
This is the title track to Dylan's 1964 album. It is iconic today as a commentary on society in general and 1960's society in particular. The number of groups that have covered this song is vast, including such diverse names as Joan Baez, the Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Burl Ives.Subterranean Homesick Blues
A number of things make this song famous, from the early video style to the rapid lyric pace, to the inspiration for the name of the domestic terrorist group of the 70's, the Weather Underground ("you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows"). Dylan claims inspiration from Chuck Berry and the scat songs of the 1940's in the creation of this track.ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Sitting There Standing by the Chocolate Watchband (from the motion picture "Riot on the Sunset Strip")
This counterculture movie came out during this time, sporting a soundtrack that may be better than the film itself.STAFF PICKS:
Detroit City by Tom Jones
Rob starts the staff picks with a slow blues number originally written by Mel Tillis. Jones cover of this country song originally released by Bobby Bare is about being lonely and homesick on the road. Jones' version went to number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100.I'll Be Doggone by Marvin Gaye
Lynch brings us an upbeat tune which is the first song on which he collaborated with Smokey Robinson. The lyrics tell the singer's girlfriend that if she cheats on him he'll be (dog)gone. This was a big time for the Motown sound.Can't Help Falling In Love by Elvis Presley
Special guest Greg's staff pick is an iconic ballad by the King. Recorded for the movie "Blue Hawaii" in 1961, it was on the charts in 1962, but has been popular ever since. Elvis was a great inspiration for Greg's life and musicianship.Action Woman by the Litter
Wayne features an early garage band with a fuzzy feel. It is a good early example of psychedelic music, and chronicles a man's search for a woman of action - a more active girlfriend.INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Music to Watch Girls By by the Bob Crewe Generation
This is a great song title with which to finish off the podcast - or ride in an elevator!Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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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.
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A number of bands seem to turn a corner with their third album, and Master of Puppets is no exception. Metallica's third album would achieve both critical and commercial success, crossing out of the new thrash metal sub-genre of hard rock to achieve multi-platinum recognition. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist James Hetfield collaborated with drummer Lars Ulrich as the principal songwriters, creating riffs that were assembled and reassembled over time until they formed a song. The band would then be called in to create a tile and topic for the song, at which point Hetfield would create the lyrics.
Master of Puppets peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Although glam metal was on the rise, the band avoided the over-produced, synth-laden sound popular in the era, and stuck to their signature thrash metal sound with political lyrics. The resulting album would consolidate the thrash metal scene, and bring the sound into a more mainstream audience.
Unfortunately, the album would also be the last one for which bassist Cliff Burton would be featured. Burton died in September 1986 while the band was on tour in Sweden, and their bus was involved in an accident.
Metallica would become a huge group from the late 80's onward, and this album shows the strength of the group in those years when they were just coming into the consciousness of the commercial world.
Lynch brings us this highly influential thrash metal album. Fans of the Show Julie Doran and son Zack join us in Wayne's absence for today's podcast.
Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
The song that concludes side 1 of the album was inspired by Ken Kesey's novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." The lyrics portray the thoughts of a mental patient incorrectly institutionalized in an asylum. The track starts slow and picks up steam as it goes.Battery
This title could be a reflection of the charge of assault and battery, or it could be inspired by the military hardware of an artillery battery. There is also a connection to the original San Francisco thrash scene, centered on the Old Waldorf club on Battery Street. Control of violent urges is a connection that runs through the piece regardless of the original inspiration.Master of Puppets
Cocaine addiction is the master of puppets referenced in this title track. Hetfield had friends experiencing drug addiction, and wrote this track from the perspective of the drug itself, taking over the lives of people. This will be a familiar song to fans of "Stranger Things."ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Loved By the Sun by Jon Anderson and Tangerine Dream (from the motion picture “Legend”)
This fantasy film starring Tom Cruise and Mia Sara was in the theaters at this time.STAFF PICKS:
Your Wildest Dreams by the Moody Blues
Rob starts off the staff picks with a song that singer and guitarist Justin Heyward wrote while thinking back on his first love. It hit number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, making this song the biggest commercial success for the Moody Blues since "Knights in White Satin."Mothers Talk by Tears for Fears
Bruce's staff pick was inspired by a mom telling her kids that when they make faces, they will freeze that way. It is also inspired by an anti-nuclear cartoon called "When the Wind Blows" by Raymond Briggs. The song was written by Roland Orzabal and Ian Stanley, and first performed in 1983. It went to number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100.Kiss by Prince & the Revolution
Julie features a chart topping hit and lead single from Prince's eighth studio album, "Parade." The song is more acoustic and stripped down than prior Prince hits, and Warner Bros. didn't want to release it as a single. However, Prince insisted on both its inclusion on the album and its release as a single.Addicted to Love by Robert Palmer
Lynch closes out the staff picks with a song that may be more famous for its video featuring models pretending to play the instruments. Palmer originally wanted to sing this song as a duet with Chaka Kahn, but was prevented from doing so by legal issues.INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Songbird by Kenny G.
You just can't go wrong with a sax as we close out today's podcast.Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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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.
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What The Riff?!? makes another scary trip down the Halloween rabbit hole with these theme songs, movie and TV music, and rock songs with a bent towards the macabre. We hope you enjoy this third edition of "Halloween" from What the Riff?!?
Highway to Hell by AC/DC The opening track to the 1979 album of the same name features Bon Scott on his last album as lead singer of the group before his untimely death. The name of the song was inspired by the group's gruesome touring schedule.
Shout at the Devil by Motley Crue The Crue's 1983 breakthrough album of the same name would establish them as one of the most successful metal bands of the 80's. The song was controversial, with many believing that it encouraged devil worship, though the lyrics themselves do not explicitly do so.
Disarm by The Smashing Pumpkins Off their breakout album "Siamese Dream," this song references "the killer in me is the killer in you" is inspired by Billy Corgan's contemplation of his negligent parents and suicide. The lyrics "cut that little child" caused the song to be banned by the BBC.
Demons by Imagine Dragons This song off Imagine Dragons' major label debut studio album became their second top 10 single. It is really not about demons in the Halloween sense, but more the tragedies of life like abuse, PTSD, and mental illness.
Voodoo by Godsmack The third single from Godsmack's self-titled debut album was inspired by Wes Craven's film “The Serpent and the Rainbow.” This song became Dave Bautista's theme song as Leviathan when he was in the WWE.
Mommy's Little Monster by Social Distortion The title track from Social Distortion's debut album tells a horror tale of a kid becoming a punk rocker. It is another song about dealing with personal demons rather than the supernatural.
Witch Wolf by Styx Early in their career Styx put out this song to lead off their third album, “The Serpent is Rising.” James Young takes lead vocal duties on this song that tells about a person accursed by a creature called the witch wolf, and night rider.
Dragula by Rob Zombie The lead single from Rob Zombie's debut album may be his biggest hit. The audio clip at the beginning of the song is taken from the 1960 horror film “The City of the Dead.” The name comes from the TV sitcom "The Munsters," where Grandpa Munster has a dragster called "Drag-u-la."
The theme to the TV series "Twilight Zone" This menagerie of bizarre tales from the early days of TV still has staying power in our sci-fi culture.
Sympathy for the Devil by the Rolling Stones Mick Jagger walks us through a discussion with Old Scratch himself in this well-known classic from the Stones' catalogue. The idea is a narrative from Satan's point of view as he reviews historical events.
That Old Black Magic by Frank Sinatra Old Blue Eyes gave us this romantic song with a Halloween bent. It was a jazz classic originally written in 1942 with lyrics penned by Johnny Mercer. Love is "that old black magic" in this tune.
Night of the Vampire by Roky Erickson From this cult classic album "The Evil One," this song is one of a plethora of horror-oriented tracks on the album. Erickson spent a significant amount of time in mental institutions.
The Kill (Bury Me) by Thirty Seconds to Mars Jared Leto, front man for the group (and perhaps better known as an actor today), has said this song is about the relationship you have with yourself, and confronting the dark side of who you are.
Take Me to Church by Hozier This haunting hit song compares falling in love with a kind of death, and compares the lover to a kind of religion.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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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.
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No More Tears, the sixth solo studio album by Ozzy Osbourne, was released at an interesting time in rock music. Hair metal acts were in decline, and grunge was about to take off. Nevertheless, Ozzy hit it big with this album, reaching number 7 on the Billboard 200 charts, and providing Osbourne's only solo top 40 hit. No More Tears is generally considered his best album since his first two solo albums, "Blizzard of Oz," and "Diary of a Madman," both of which featured the late Randy Rhodes on guitar.
The songs on the album are largely written by Ozzy, drummer Randy Castillo, and guitarist Zakk Wylde. Motorhead bassist and front man Lemmy Kilmister wrote the lyrics to four of the tracks on the album. Additional musicians for this album were Bob Daisley on bass, and John Sinclair on keyboards. This would be the last Ozzy album to feature Castillo and Daisley.
As became more common in the compact disc era of the 90's, the tracks on this album tend to be longer than the typical single. None of the tracks clock in at less than 4 minutes, and the longest falls just short of 7 1/2 minutes.
In addition to boasting Osbourne's first top 40 hit, he also received a Grammy for "Best Metal Performance" for the track "I Don't Want to Chane the World" when released on his "Live & Loud" album in 1994.
Rob brings us this heavy metal throwback for this week's journey back to the 90's.
Mama, I'm Coming Home
This track peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Osbourne's only top 40 solo single. This power ballad contains lyrics by Lemmy Kilmister, the front man from Motorhead. The song is about his wife Sharon, who helped turn his life around.Desire
A crunchy deep cut talks about going for what you want - not changing over time, seeking the same desire. Osbourne also makes a reference to "Crazy train," his hit from the early 80's. "It's the same old desire, nothing's changed, nothing's the same. Burning like fire, don't you ever take my name in vain."Road to Nowhere
The last song on the album is a reflection on life. Osbourne had gone sober after 20 years of drugs and alcohol, and he looking at how "the road to nowhere leads to me." "I was looking back on my life and all the things I've done to me."No More Tears
This very dark title track has an epic feel, and despite its length hit number 5 on the US Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, number 71 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 32 on the UK Singles chart. The lyrics are told from the perspective of a stalker in a red light district seeking a victim to torture.ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Wayne's World by Aerosmith (from the Saturday Night Live skit “Wayne's World”)
This skit finds Wayne (Mike Myers) and Garth (Dana Carvey) partying in their basement with the band Aerosmith.STAFF PICKS:
Tough It Out by Webb Wilder
Wayne starts out the staff picks with a deep cut. Webb Wilder was born John Webb McMurry in Mississippi, and carries a high energy combination of rock, psychedelic, blues, and rockabilly genres in this song that encourages the listener to keep fighting for dreams even when the odds seem stacked against their fruition.Alive by Pearl Jam
Lynch brings us a song which evolved from songwriter and front man Eddie Vedder's original intention. Vedder reflects on the feelings of a boy discovering that he was a stepchild. While the lyrics were intended as reflecting the curse of an emotional weight from family history, fans interpreted it as an affirmation of life.I Can't Make You Love Me by Bonnie Raitt
Bruce takes the energy way down with this soft hit off Raitt's eleventh studio album, "Luck of the Draw." Bruce Hornsby provides the piano accompaniment. Nashville writers Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin wrote the song after hearing about a drunk man being sentenced for shooting at his girlfriend's car. When asked if he had learned anything, he said, "I learned, Your Honor, that you can't make a woman love you if she don't."Anybody Listening? by Queensryche
Rob finishes the staff picks with a "prog metal" song off the "Empire" album that questions whether we really are communicating with people, and wondering if we are understood whether by word or deed. It was an epic with multiple tempos, dynamics, and key changes that finished off the album.INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Masquerade by Yes
We close out with a surprisingly short song by the prog rock virtuosos off their "Union" album.Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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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.
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Kansas was at the height of their prowess and popularity as a prog rock-leaning band in 1978 when they released their first live album, Two for the Show. Recorded during tours in 1977 and 1978, the double album gives the listener a glimpse into the energy of the band at the time. The songs span the first five studio albums released by the group, from the eponymously named "Kansas" to the highly successful "Point of Know Return."
Kansas would have a number of personnel changes over time, but this lineup would be the classic one. Steve Walsh is on keyboards and vocals, Robby Steinhardt is on violins and vocals, Kerry Livgren is on guitars and keyboards, Rich Williams is on guitars, Dave Hope is on bass, and Phil Ehart is on percussion.
In addition to the complex metered songs and excellent harmonies, Kansas also features Robby Steinhardt on violin in most of their songs. The unusual use of violin in a rock band would create one of the signature sounds of Kansas.
Kansas would go on to have a number of hits in the 80's. In 1982 front man Steve Walsh would leave the group and be replaced by John Elfante. In 1983 both Livgren and Hope would leave the group to form the contemporary Christian band called AD. Later Elfante would also leave the group to join the Contemporary Christian music genre, replaced by a returning Steve Walsh.
Bruce presents this live prog rock masterpiece for this week's podcast..
Song for America
This long-form masterpiece from the album of the same name was written by Kerry Livgren. Its 3+ minute instrumental prelude did not make it onto the single release, but was a staple of FM rock stations at the time. Livgren was inspired to write the song after viewing the country from a plane flight.Dust In the Wind
The big hit from "Point of Know Return," went to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Livgren originally wrote the music as a guitar exercise, and his wife encouraged him to develop it into a song. The lyrics for this ballad come from the Bible, where the Preacher from Ecclesiastes says "everything he (man) has accomplished is futile - like chasing the wind." This live version concludes with an acoustic guitar outro performed by Rich Williams.Lonely Wind
The live version of this song from their debut studio album begins with a piano solo from Kerry Livgren. Steve Walsh penned this melancholy track about loneliness, with the wind personifying that feeling. "Cry for me, sigh for me, sad breezes blow. Stay for me, play for me, the song my friends will know. My lonely wind must blow."ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Grease by Frankie Valli (from the motion picture "Grease")
John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John star in this blockbuster musical set in a 50's high school. 50's icon Frankie Valli performs the title song, written by Barry Gibb.STAFF PICKS:
Strange Way by Firefall
Wayne goes more mellow than normal to start the staff picks. This was the first track and big hit from the third album by Boulder, Colorado's Firefall. It talks about a relationship based on relaying sorrow or self-pity, and not being able to move the current relationship forward.Straight On by Heart
Rob brings us a well-known song from Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. This was the first single off their album "Dog & Butterfly," and became their third top 20 single, hitting number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics compare love to a game of chance, where you have to take some risks if you want to win.Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen
"Get on your bikes and ride!" Lynch features a hit written by Brian May with Freddie Mercury in mind, knowing that Mercury appreciated women of "substantial girth." It was a part of a double A side release with "Bicycle Race," and the songs reference each other in the lyrics.How Much I Feel by Ambrosia
Bruce's staff pick is a soft rock hit that went to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Front man and co-founder David Pack wrote this song about a long-lost love that the singer will never truly get over. Pack would go on to perform on the Kansas album "Vinyl Confessions" in 1982.NOVELTY TRACK:
Y.M.C.A. by the Village People
All skate, everyone skate for this fun throwback that tells a young man where he can go when he's short on the dough.Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
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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.
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There were few rock albums in the 80's which achieved the popularity levels of Born In the U.S.A., the seventh studio album by Bruce Springsteen. Songs for this album were recorded with the E. Street Band over a two-year period from 1982 until 1984, the totality of songs far outstripping the available space on the album. Somewhere between 70 and 90 songs were created during those sessions, some being released as B-sides Ultimately twelve songs landed on the album, seven of which were released as singles. All seven singles reached the top 10 in the United States.
The songs reflect Springsteen's blue collar sensibilities, but also have more pop influence musically than some of his earlier works. Springsteen made more prominent use of synthesizers in these pieces, and the shorter, more radio-friendly tracks surely contributed to the success of the album. “Born In the U.S.A.” was the biggest selling album of 1985, and remains Springsteen's most successful studio album. The album's success also catapulted Bruce Springsteen's fame to stratospheric levels, a consequence which he considered a mixed blessing.
While the music is pop oriented and lively, the lyrics are often darker, reflecting the aftermath of the Vietnam war and struggles of blue collar life. It may be a strange juxtaposition, but it worked.
Born In the U.S.A. was released in 1984, but singles from the album were still being released in 1985, the last of which was released in November.
Lynch brings us this monster album of 80's heartland rock in this week's podcast
Glory Days
The fifth single released from the album was inspired by an encounter Springsteen had with an old friend and star high school baseball player in a bar in 1973. It reflects on the passage of time and the way we look back on the days of our youth with nostalgia.Dancing In the Dark
This track was born out of frustration. Springsteen's manager was pushing for him to write a hit single, and the lyrics reflect the pressire Springsteen felt to write a hit. Interestingly the song became Springsteen's biggest hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The video is famous for a scene where Springsteen pulls a fan - the actress Courtney Cox before her fame on the TV show “Friends” - on stage to dance.I'm On Fire
Springsteen developed this song in early 1982 while experimenting with a slow Johnny Cash rhythm. The lyrics are built around sexual tension for a seemingly unavailable love. The video portrays Springsteen as an auto mechanic working on a Thunderbird for an unseen female who brings the car in frequently and always asks for him to do the work.Born In the U.S.A.
The title track and opening song to the album is a protest song disguised as a patriotic song. It was inspired by Ron Kovic, a Vietnam War veteran and wheelchair-bound anti-war activist who wrote the memoir “Born on the Fourth of July.” Despite its protest origins, it became associated with Ronald Reagan's optimistic 1984 campaign due to its strong chorus.ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Living In America by James Brown (from the motion picture “Rocky IV”)
Brown makes a cameo in this Rocky movie when Balboa's antagonist turned friend Apollo Creed fights an exhibition against Soviet athlete Ivan Drogo in Las Vegas.STAFF PICKS:
She Sells Sanctuary by the Cult
Wayne gets the staff picks rolling with the first big hit from the Cult. The lyrics reflect the feeling of safety that the singer receives when being around a particular woman. Front man Ian Astbury has stated that "...plain and simple. It's about sex." This group channels a bit of goth rock and a bit of fuzzy psychedelia.To Live and Die in L.A. by Wang Chung
Rob brings us a deeper cut from the film noir "To Live and Die in L.A." Director William Friedkin liked the group and asked them to compose the entire soundtrack. This piece is the title track for the soundtrack, and gives off the neo-noir feel of the thriller.Overjoyed by Stevie Wonder
Bruce features a hit song of the twentieth studio album from Stevie Wonder, "In Squared Circle." The song was written back in 1979 for the album "Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants," but didn't make that album. It was first performed live on Saturday Night Live in 1983. Jazz guitarist Earl Klugh contributes on this song.Running Up that Hill (A Deal with God) by Kate Bush
Lynch finishes the staff picks with a song that got new life from the series "Stranger Things." Bush's unusual lyrics reflect a desire to make a deal with God to trade places with her husband for a time so she would better understand him.INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Where's the Walrus? by The Alan Parson's Project
We finish off today's podcast with an instrumental from The Alan Parson's Project album "Stereotomy."Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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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.
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We covered the big commercial hit album "Brothers In Arms" back in episode 154, but many afficianados of Dire Straits consider their finest work to be the album that preceeded this one. Love Over Gold is their fourth studio album, released in late September 1982 and on the charts in June 1983. For this album, prime mover and lead vocalist Mark Knopfler, bassist John Illsley, and percussionist Pick Withers are joined by new members Hal Lindes on guitars and Alan Clark on keyboards.
The songs on this album are longer than your standard single, particularly the majestic 14-minute "Telegraph Road." Despite their length, "Private Investigations" was released as a single in the UK and reached number 2on the charts. The shortest song, "Industrial Disease" (still clocking in at 5:50) was released as a single in the US. It would reach number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100, but would be a staple of rock radio stations at the time.
A number of songs were written and recorded during the "Love Over Gold" sessions, but subsequently discarded from album release. Amongst these was the song "Private Dancer," which was instead provided to Tina Turner for her comeback album of the same name. Turner would take this song to number 7 on the US charts, and see her career reinvigorated by the success of her "Private Dancer" album.
"Love Over Gold" was a number 1 album on a number of charts, including Australia, Austria, and the UK, and reached number 19 on the US Billboard 200 albums chart.
Rob brings us this outstanding, deep, and thought-provoking album for this week's podcast.
Telegraph Road
This lengthy masterpiece was inspired while Knopfler was riding in his tour bus down the 70-mile road of the same name. The song narrarates the development and history along the road as the decades roll past. It is easy to describe this song as prog rock, but it also contains one of the best guitar solo riffs you will hear.Industrial Disease
Goodness me, goodness me! We have to highlight the US single from the album. The title comes from a term for work-related illness, and the term in this song references both individual work illness and the decline of British industry in general. The reference to Dr. Parkinson is a British professor and satirist who is famous for the phrase "work expands to fill the time available for its completion."ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Overture to the Marriage of Figaro by Mozart (from the motion picture “Trading Places”)
Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd star in this comedy about a yuppie and a homeless man who are forced to trade places as the result of a bet by two rich stock brokers.STAFF PICKS:
Murder By Numbers by The Police
Bruce initiates the staff picks with a dark song about becoming a serial killer. This Police song appears on the cassette and CD version of the album "Synchronicity," but was left off the vinyl due to lack of space. It was written by Sting and Andy Summers, the only collaborative song on the album, and was recorded in a single take.Rock of Ages by Def Leppard
Lynch brings us a huge song from Def Leppard's "Pyromania" album. Producer Mutt Lange counts off the nonsensical "Gunter Glieben Glauten Globen," to open the song, and the lyrics form an anthem suitable for arena show openers. Joan Jett's "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" was an inspiration to the creation of this anthem.Don't Pay the Ferryman by Chris deBurgh
Wayne's staff pick takes a fantasy approach to the story of Charon and the crossing of the river Styx, advising not to pay until the trip is done. Irish artist Chris deBurgh broke into the US top 40 with this song, peaking at number 34. Lines from Shakespeare's play "The Tempest" can be heard in the bridge to the song.The Walls came Down by The Call
Rob finishes the staff picks with a song that is inspired by the Biblical tale of the fall of Jericho. Lead singer Michael Been would pull biblical references into his lyrics, including this song. The Call formed in 1980 in California, and blended rock, New Wave, and post-Punk. U2 and Simple Minds both consider The Call an influence in their music.COMEDY TRACK:
My Bologna by "Weird Al" Yankovic
We close out with Weird Al's meaty take on "My Sharona by" the Knack.Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
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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.
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If you are exploring the rise of prog rock, it doesn't take long until you encounter the power trio of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. This progressive rock band is actually a supergroup. Keyboardist Keith Emerson came from The Nice, vocalist and guitarist Greg Lake was in King Crimson, and percussionist Carl Palmer was from Atomic Rooster. Emerson, Lake & Palmer formed in 1970 and would make their mark as a prog rock band which adapted classic and symphonic music into the rock genre, with elements of jazz, acoustic, and art rock coming into play. Most ELP songs are long and complicated, not making any attempt to stay within the confines of the “hit single” pop track.
Trilogy is the trio's third studio album, following their eponymously named debut, their second studio album entitled “Tarkus,” and their live album, Pictures at an Exhibition. Trilogy continues a tradition of combining original material with adaptations of classical music. It was also a challenging album for the group to make, utilizing more overdubs than previous albums. The upside is a great sounding, polished album. The downside is that the music was difficult to duplicate live, causing a number of the songs from Trilogy to be minimally used in set lists.
The album was considered both a critical and commercial success, reaching number 2 on the UK albums chart, and number 5 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
ELP would continue as a force in the 70's, breaking up in 1979. Both partial and full reunions would continue through the 1980's and 1990's, with their final performance being held in 2010. Both Keith Emerson and Greg Lake died in 2016.
Wayne takes us through this prog rock masterpiece for this week's podcast.
Fugue
We open with an instrumental featuring Keith Emerson on keyboards. A fugue is a style of music involving counterpoint, popular in the Baroque musical era of the 1600's. You will get exposure to a lot of serious musical compositions and style listening to this group.From the Beginning
This is the "hit" from the album, if you think of Emerson, Lake & Palmer in terms of popularity. It went to number 29 on the US charts, and is the highest charting US single. Greg Lake wrote the music and lyrics, and plays the acoustic guitar for this ballad. The lyrics take on a philosophical sone, emphasizing the importance of the present moment, while not missing past mistakes and missed opportunities.The Sheriff
Keith Emerson wrote the music and Greg Lake wrote the lyrics to this western-themed track. It tells the story of an innocent man fleeing the law, encountering the law in the form of the Sheriff, then taking the Sheriff's place after shooting him. It ends with a great honkytonk piano solo.Hoedown
Immediately following “The Sheriff” on the album, the group creates an adaptation of Aaron Copeland's iconic “Hoe-Down,” written for his classic ballet entitled “Rodeo” in 1942. This tune became well known after being used in advertisements by America's Beef Producers.ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the motion picture “Super Fly”
Curtis Mayfield created this song for the black-oriented crime drama film of the same name.STAFF PICKS:
Best Thing by Styx
Bruce leads off the staff picks with the first single from Styx's first album. Dennis DeYoung and James Young wrote the song and trade off on lead vocals. It peaked at number 82 on the Billboard Hot 100. This is a great tune to hear and grasp what the early days of Styx sounded like.Rock and Roll, part 2 by Gary Glitter
Rob brings us a glam rock anthem made famous today by its use in sports stadiums nation wide. This single off “Glitter,” the debut album by Gary Glitter, is the only one of his singles to crack the U.S. top 10. Both “Rock and Roll” part 1 and part 2 peaked at number 2 on the UK singles chart.Brandy (You're A Fine Girl) by Looking Glass
It is a mystery how Lynch was able to pick up this well-known classic of yacht rock this late in the podcasts. This track tells the story of a waitress who gives her love to a sailor, knowing that he would never be on shore for long.Will It Go Round in Circles by Billy Preston
Wayne's staff pick is a funky tune from the man often known as the fifth Beatle. Preston played with a number of musicians, including Ray Charles, Little Richard, Sam Cook, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, Joe Cocker, and of course the Beatles. This soulful tune sold over a million copies and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Walk In the Night by Junior Walker & the All Stars
This jazz-infused (largely) instrumental track closes out the podcast for the week.Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
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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.
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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.
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This week we are taking an opportunity to explore some songs which would normally be outside our time frame by following the soundtrack to the movie “Goodfellas.” This Martin Scorsese film is a mafia story told from the view of Henry Hill in his book “Wiseguy: Life In a Mafia Family.”
The movie follows Henry Hill as he looks back on his life beginning during a time when he looked up to the Wise Guys and gangsters who ran his neighborhood. Hill starts his narrative as a child in 1955 and continues until 1980 when Hill becomes an FBI informant on the Luccese crime family and enters the witness protection program.
The songs from that film provide the backdrop of different times in Hill's life. Rat Pack hits reflect scenes with the gangsters, while songs from the Who and Cream reflect more disjointed times.
Hill was paid $480,000 for his contribution to the movie. Hill passed away in 2012.
Wayne takes us through this time spanning soundtrack this week on our podcast, because this gives us the opportunity to cover some songs which are not normally in our album "window," while still giving us a window into a popular film and into the happenings of the early 90's.
Rags to Riches by Tony Bennett
This crooner song is used as the backdrop when Henry Hill reflects on his childhood and states, "As far as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster - being a ganster is better than being the President of the US." This sets the table for the remainder of the film.Then He Kissed Me by The Crystals
Phil Spector co-wrote this song and was instrumental in increasing the popularity of the Crystals before he moved on to work with The Ronnettes. This track is used as the backdrop of a long take where Hill and his date go to the Copacabana restaurant through the back door to a table set on the dance floor for them.Ain't That a Kick In the Head by Dean Martin
Rat Pack member and ultra-cool crooner known for his roasts and singing with a martini glass, Martin's song is the perfect fit to a montage of mob life. Henry's wife Karen narrarates this montage. The inspiration for the song may have been a film starring Martin and Frank Sinatra, in which Sinatra's character says, "ain't that a kick in the head." during a poker game.Magic Bus by the Who
This Who song is used in the movie during a scene of frantic, intoxicated driving where Hill believes that he is being tracked by the Feds.ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the motion picture “Troll 2”
This film may be one of the best "worst" movies made, but it was in the theaters at the time, so we thought we'd brush off the theme and trot it out this week.STAFF PICKS:
Cradle of Love by Billy Idol
Rob kicks off our staff picks this week with a single off Idol's fourth studio album "Charmed Life." Idol was in a near-fatal motorcycle accident earlier in the year, and his appearances in the David Fincher video include head shots and close-ups from the waist up, obscuring the fact that he was still recovering from his leg injuries.Praying for Time by George Michael
Lynch features the lead single from Michael's second solo album, "Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1." This somber, contemplative tone is a departure from his more pop-oriented hits. Michael addresses poverty, injustice, and the human condition, concluding that some things can only be healed with time.Tick Tock by The Vaughan Brothers
Bruce's staff pick is off "Family Style," the only studio album featuring brother Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The song lyrics about the need to recognize that time is short are more poignant, given that the album was released a month after Stevie Ray Vaughan died in a helicopter crash.Waiting for the Angels by The Darkside
Wayne brings us one of his Manchester sound groups. The Darkside is out of central England and have a neo-psychedelia sound with heavily distorted guitar and synthesizers. The song lyrics are about a guy seeing lots of women in life, but not making a connection. He's waiting for angels to bring the right one his way.INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Guitar Voodoo by The Darkside
We finish up this week's podcast by double-dipping on the Manchester sound with this instrumental.Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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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.
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Rage Against the Machine recorded their eponymously named debut album in May-June of 1992 and released it in November 1992. The Los Angeles-based group consisted of Zack de la Rocha on vocals, Tom Morello on guitar, Tim Commerford on bass, and Brad Wilk on drums. The group was known for their anti-establishment and politically charged lyrics. Rage Against the Machine combined a lot of genres of music into a single hard-hitting sound. The influence of hard rock and metal is clear, and elements of rap, funk, hip hop, and punk rock are clearly infused into the sound.
This group was not just political in nature, every song is laced with revolutionary rants. The group draws inspiration from mondern revolutionary groups such as the IRA and the Black Panthers, and is highly critical of the policies of the United States, both foreign and domestic.
RATM's debut album is largely based on their demo tape released a year before, which contained seven of the ten songs appearing on the album. That demo tape was recorded prior to the group's first live show, and was used as a means to build awareness of the group in the days before their signing with Epic Records.
The album was a quick critical success and a slower commercial success. The group began to really take off on the strength of the single "Killing In the Name," and after their performance at the Lollapaloosa festival in mid 1993.
Lynch brings us this high energy album in this week's podcast.
Bombtrack
The opening track starts with a strong guitar riff, and deals with themes of social injustice and resistance against oppression.Bullet In the Head
Media manipulation and control of information are the issues dealt with in this track, which became a staple of the band's live shows. "Just victims of the in-house drive-by / They say jump, you say how high."Wake Up
This song will be familiar to fans of the 1999 film "The Matrix," as it is used at the conclusion when Neo calls the Matrix announcing he will reveal their existence. They lyrics are a critique of racism, the CIA and government corruption.Killing In the Name
The big single from the album addresses police brutality and institutional racism.ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Face to Face by Siouxie & the Banshees (from the motion picture “Batman Returns”)
This movie finds Michael Keaton reprising his role as the caped crusader, facing Danny DeVito's "Penguin" and Michelle Pfeiffer's "Catwoman."STAFF PICKS:
Empress of Pop by Insane Jane
Wayne starts the staff picks with an underrated local Georgia band. This song is a screed against Sinead O'Conner. Insane Jane produced two albums, the first called "Each Finger," and the second (which contains this song) entitled "Green Little Pill."Let's Get Rocked by Def Leppard
During a time when hard rock was on the downswing, it is nice to hear a solid rocker which would have been at home on any of Def Leppard's 80's albums. Rob's staff pick shows that there was still some solid rock music going on in the midst of the grunge movement.57 Channels (and Nothin' On) by Bruce Springsteen
Bruce features a Springsteen song which reflects the proliferation of cable television, but not necessarily good content on the tube. While Springsteen considers this sone a bit of a "playful misfire," the song did go to number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 6 on the Mainstream Rock charts.Would? by Alice In Chains
Lynch closes out the staff picks with a song written as a tribute to Andrew Wood, the late lead singer of Mother Love Bone, who died of a heroin overdose in 1990. The lyrics deal with the aftermath of rehab and the uncertainty of the future.NOVELTY TRACK:
Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus
Long before his daughter began her career in "Hannah Montana," Billy Ray Cyrus was all over the charts with this cheesy country song.Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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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.
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While Devo is known as an early 80's new wave synth pop band, their history goes back to 1973. The classic lineup of Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh, Gerald Casale, Bob Casale, and Alan Myers developed the name Devo from "De-evolution," the idea that mankind is regressing to a herd mentality. This was a bit of a joke idea that Gerald Casale and co-founder Bob Lewis formed while at Kent State University. The band gained some local fame in 1976, and were signed to Warner Brothers in 1978 with recommendations from David Bowie and Iggy Pop.
Freedom of Choice is Devo's third studio album and their breakout commercial success. While their first two albums had generated some following, the commercial success was not at the level Warner Brothers sought, and the third album was considered a "make or break," one with the studio ready to drop the group. Success did follow this album, with Devo exploiting the upcoming popularity of new wave while drifting a little bit towards R&B and funk sensibilities within their synth-pop framework.
The album was recorded and mixed in six weeks, with bass, guitars, and drums being recorded together live, and with synthesizers and vocals being overdubbed later. The album peaked at number 22 on the Billboard 200, and the big single, "Whip It," reached number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
Rob brings us this synthisizer-driven new wave album for this week's foray into the early 80's.
Freedom of Choice
Thie post-punk title song initially sounds like it is about freedom of choice. However, it is really about people not really having freedom of choice. Consumerism - choosing between green sneakers and blue sneakers for example - isn't really choice at all. "Freedom of choice is what you got. Freedom from choice is what you want."Whip It
Everyone knows this signature Devo song. Mark Mothersbaugh has stated that the song was written as a subtle Dale Carnegie-esque message to Jimmy Carter, saying "you can do it." The song benefitted greatly from airplay on the fledgling cable channel MTV, where their strange video involving a guy knocking the clothes off a girl with a bullwhip received continual play.Gates of Steel
The lead song from side 2 is a bit of a commentary on the mechanization of humanity. No matter how much we believe mankind has accomplished, we're not far removed from the ape. "A man is real, not made of steel."Girl U Want
This was the first single released from the album, though it did not chart well. The song was supposedly inspired by The Knack, though the track reminds us more of The Cars. "She's just the girl, she's just the girl, the girl you want."ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Fame by Irene Cara (from the motion picture “Fame”)
Irene Cara sings the theme song and stars in this teen musical drama about students auditioning to study at the High School of Performing Arts.STAFF PICKS:
Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen
Lynch's staff pick is a song inspired by Elvis Presley. Freddie Mercury wrote the song lyrics in about 10 minutes, and the band created the song in about 30 minutes. Mercury played lead guitar for the original stuido recording. It was the first number 1 hit that Queen had on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.Cars by Gary Numan
Wayne brings us the signature song from Gary Numan. It was inspired by an incident of road rage Numan experienced in London, where he had to lock his doors and drive on the sidewalk to avoid getting attacked. He was safe in his car, and inspired to write a song in about 30 minutes. It is a signature song of the New Wave genre, and there are no guitars in this track.Two Headed Dog (Red Temple Prayer) by Roky Erickson
Bruce features a strange hard rock song with lyrics inspired by Soviet scientist Vladimir Demikhov. Demikhov's research focusted on organ transplants, and he conducted dog head transplants in the 1950's. This song is off Erickson's debut album with his band the Aliens, and is considered a cult classic.Call Me by Blondie
Rob finishes the staff picks with a hit that feaured in the film "American Gigolo." It went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks, the biggest hit of Blondie's career. Lead vocalist Debbie Harry wrote the lyrics from the perspective of the main character in the film, a male prostitute.INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Airlane by Gary Numan
We close out with a double dip on new wave synth artist Gary Numan this week.Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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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.
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Sylvester Stewart was born in Dallas, Texas, but moved to the Bay area of California before becoming a multi-instrumentalist and changing his name to Sly Stone - the primary driver of the group Sly and the Family Stone. This was one of the first integrated groups, and one that crossed many genres. They played what would become known as psychedelic soul, but you can trace the origins of funk, soul, and psychedelic music through Sly and the Family Stone.
The first Family Stone album was called “A Whole New Thing,” and it caught good critical coverage. Unfortunately it was a commercial failure. Clive Davis asked for a more pop friendly sound, and Sly Stone created an approach to their second album, Dance to the Music, which followed a formula. Each lead singer would take turns on lead vocals or sing together in unison, the songs would feature a prominent solo for the instrumentalists, and the lyrics would appeal to a wide audience even though they would still focus on peace, love, and opposition to racism. The group really did not care for the formulaic approach of this album, but it worked when it came to commercial appeal. “Dance to the Music” became a top 10 pop hit, and it inspired several groups to gravitate towards psychedelic soul, including the Temptations, the Impressions, and the Four Tops.
Sly Stone is the primary driver of the group, writing almost all of their songs, serving as a multi-instrumentalist, and as a primary vocalist. His borhter Freddie Stone is on vocals and guitar, and his sister Rose Stone joins the group for the first time on this album. Other members are Larry Graham on vocals and bass, Cynthia Robinson on trumpet and vocals, Jerri Martini on saxophone, Greg Errico on drums, and backing vocals by Little Sister (Vet Stone, Mary McCreary, and Elva Mouton).
Sly and the Family Stone would release a number of songs to hit the top 10 in the Billboard Hot 100 in the years to come. The follow-up album to this one is called "Stand!," and is considered the band's high water mark, along with their performance in 1969 at Woodstock. The band would encounter instability and drug problems as time went on, with the original group dissolving in 1975. Sly Stone would continue to record as "Sly and the Family Stone" for many years afterwards using rotating musicians, until drug problems basically forced him to retire by 1987.
Bruce brings the early funk for this week's podcast.
Are You Ready
This song is an expression of opposition to racism with lyrics like "Don't hate the black, don't hate the white, of you get bit, just hate the bite. Make sure you heart is beatin' right."Ride the Rhythm
This song starts off side two of the album. It is a straightforward dance song, and has some obvious comparisons to James Brown. It has a nice mix of horns and "wah wah" guitar.Don't Burn Baby
Scat was an early precursor to rap music, and this track is a good example of a rapid rhyme scat. The eastern feel is also reminiscent of George Harrison. "Don't burn, baby, burn. Just learn, baby, learn."Dance to the Music
Here is the big hit off the album, and the first Sly and the Family Stone single to reach the top 10 on the Billboard Charts, peaking at number 8. It is a straight up party record, but was also one of the most influential songs of the late 60's. The formula used by Sly Stone to make the songs on this record are clear here, even though he and the group did not like that approach.ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Shape of Things to Come by Max Frost and the Troopers (from the motion picture Wild In the Streets)
This dystopian comedy-drama became a cult hit of 1960's counterculture. Max Frost and the Troopers was a fictional rock band in the film.STAFF PICKS:
Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
Lynch starts out the staff picks with a smooth grooving song off the soul duo's album “United.” Ashford & Simpson wrote and produced this song, which became a hit within a week of its release, going to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Hot Soul Singles chart.Anyone for Tennis by Cream
Rob brings us the theme song for the 1968 film “The Savage Seven,” an outlaw biker exploitation movie. Eric Clapton's lyrics depict a callous disregard for all the turmoil going on in the world, with the singers discussing going out for a game of tennis while everything disintegrates around them.She's A Heartbreaker by Gene Pitney
Wayne features an early 60's crooner who turns to a Motown sound for this go-go hit. It peaked at number 16 at the time. It is about a guy who is continually drawn to a woman who breaks his heart every time.Love Is All Around by The Troggs
Bruce's staff pick is probably most familiar to fans of the Christmas movie "Love Actually," where an old rocker converts it to a cheesy Christmas song called "Christmas Is All Around." The Troggs' lead singer Reg Presley wrote it in about 10 minutes, inspired by a broadcast of the Salvation Army Band performing an evangelical song called "Love That's All Around."NOVELTY TRACK:
The Unicorn by The Irish Rovers
The Irish story of how the unicorn missed its appointment with Noah's Ark was on the charts in 1968, and closes out our podcast this week.Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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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.
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Styx is approaching the height of their popularity and a bit of a turning point when they released their ninth studio album, Cornerstone. Keyboardist and vocalist Dennis DeYoung, and lead guitarist and vocalist Tommy Shaw take the lion's share of the songwriting duites, with one or both developing all tracks save one. The lead vocalist duties also alternate between DeYoung and Shaw, again with the sole exception being a song written and sung by guitarist James "JY" Young.
This album finds the group shifting from a more prog rock sound to a pop rock orientation. This transition would create a commercial success, with Cornerstone becoming the groups first top 5 album on the US charts - peaking at number 2. The album would produce the groups first and only number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in the power ballad "Babe." It would also be a critical success, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group. Not bad for a self-produced album.
The successes, however would be tempered with the first fractures appearing between the group's primary singers and songwriters. Dennis DeYoung wanted to see the group move in a more pop direction, while Tommy Shaw preferred the rock orientation of previous albums. James Young sided with Shaw in this dispute. It would eventually cause a rift in the band in the mid-80's, with Shaw and DeYoung splitting up.
Friend of the show Steve Hardin presents this classic rock and pop sensation in today's podcast.
Borrowed Time
The third single from the album was the lead track to side 2. The song is a political one, portraying a United States in trouble, but oblivious to its decline. DeYoung and Shaw co-wrote this song, and Dennis DeYoung takes lead vocal duties on this high energy track.Boat on the River
This more folk-oriented tune was a charting single in the UK and hit number 5 on the German charts, but was not released as a single in the US. Tommy Shaw wrote and sings lead on this track, as well as playing mandolin. It began as an experiment when Shaw first acquired a mandolin, but the band thought it sounded good enough to make it on the album.Why Me
The second single was a compromise choice. Originally DeYoung wanted the power ballad "First Time" to be released as the second single, but when Tommy Shaw objected so strenuously to releasing two ballads in a row that he threated to leave the band over it, "Why Me" became the single. Also written and sung by DeYoung, it is about feeling depressed even in the midst of success.Babe
The band's sole number 1 single is a ballad about having to leave the one you love for a period of time. Dennis DeYoung wrote it as a birthday present for his wife Suzanne. Despite its success, it was not originally intended to appear on the album. Tommy Shaw and James Young convinced DeYoung to put it on the album.ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Rawhide by the Blues Brothers
The band performs behind a protective fence in a country bar in one scene, and this is the single song from the Country AND Western genre they can play.STAFF PICKS:
Mystery Train by UFO
Wayne launches the staff picks with a cover of a song originally recorded by Junior Parker in 1953. UFO were an English rock band originally formed in 1968. This song is off their eighth studio album which was produced by George Martin of Beatles fame.Love Stinks by the J. Geils Band
Lynch's staff pick is a description of a love triangle in which no one gets what they want. Lead Singer Peter Wolf was married to actress Faye Dunaway at the time, and was headed towards a divorce which may have inspired the lyrics. Many will remember this song from Adam Sandler's performance in "The Wedding Singer."Even It Up by Heart
Rob brings us the first single from Heart's fifth studio album, "Bebe le Strange." It features the Tower of Power horn section in the instrumentation. The lyrics call for reciprocity in a relationship, and also a subtle rant against the obstacles women face in the rock world.Run Like Hell by Pink Floyd
Steve Hardin wraps up the staff picks with a song written by David Gilmour and Roger Waters. The song is used in the film "The Wall" to depict rock anti-hero Pink as a fascist dictator turning the audience into a lynch mob.INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Seduction by Giorgio Moroder
This instrumental love theme from the movie "American Gigolo" was on the charts at the time.Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
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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.
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