What the Riff?!?
Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks and Brian Dickhute
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Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best What the Riff?!? episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to What the Riff?!? for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite What the Riff?!? episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
1980 - September: Pat Benatar “Crimes of Passion”
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03/01/21 • 37 min
Patricia Mae Giraldo, better known as Pat Benatar, became one of the most prominent female rock stars when she made her debut in 1979. Her most successful studio album was this second album, Crimes of Passion, which would benefit from play on rock stations around the country and the new music video media spearheaded by MTV.
Benatar had actually abandoned early dreams of a singing career, choosing to pursue health (actually sex education) at Stony Brook University, rather than music at Juliard. She dropped out of Stony Brook after a year, married Dennis Benatar, and worked as a bank teller in Virginia while he was stationed at Fort Lee. Her interest in singing was rekindled after attending a Liza Minnelli concert. She had some local success in Richmond and in New York where she and Dennis moved in the mid-70's, — but the real breakthrough would happen in Halloween 1977 when she performed in a spandex costume. Shortly thereafter she was signed by Chrysalis Records. She ended up divorcing Dennis Benatar thereafter, but would keep his last name as her professional name.
While Pat Benatar achieved strong success on her debut album with the hit "Heartbreaker." Crimes of Passion would make Benatar a household name. The album would spend five consecutive weeks at number 2 on the album charts in January 1981, and would net Benatar a Grammy Award for "Best Female Rock Vocal Performance" of 1980. Pat Benatar would appear on the cover of the October 1980 issue of Rolling Stone along with her guitarist and future husband, Neil Giraldo.
We think you will enjoy this excellent album. At least we will do our best to hit you with our best shot!
Hit Me with Your Best Shot
This song is the second single off the album, but the biggest hit, and her first entry into the top 10. The song was written by Canadian musician, songwriter, and producer Eddie Schwartz, inspired by a therapy session he participated in that involved hitting pillows. This is a true rock anthem.
Little Paradise
This deeper cut leads off side two of the album, and was written by guitarist and soon-to-be husband of Pat Benatar, Neil Giraldo. To us, it feels a little more like Ted Nugent or southern rock.
You Better Run
The first single released from the album is a cover of a song originally performed by The Young Rascals. Although this song missed the top 40 (peaking at number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100), it would become the second music video ever broadcast on MTV after the Buggles' "Video Killed the Radio Star."
Hell Is for Children
This emotional song was written by Benatar, Giraldo, and bassist Roger Capps and is Neil Giraldo's favorite song. Pat Benatar was inspired to write this song by a series in New York about abused children. Later on Benatar and Giraldo would actually create foundation for abused children
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the television series “Cosmos”
This popular PBS series premiered in September 1980, and would make Carl Sagan a household name.
STAFF PICKS:
“Introduction/Lola” by the Kinks
Brian's starts our staff picks off with a live version of the 1970's hit about an encounter between a young man and the cross-dressing Lola. In the song the guy meets Lola in Soho, London, but the inspiration was a result of Kinks manager Robert Wace spent an evening in Paris dancing with a cross-dresser.
“Games Without Frontiers” by Peter Gabriel
Wayne's staff pick takes its name from a European TV show, "Jeus Sans Frontieres" where people from different places would play games of skill while wearing strange costumes. The British version of this game show was called "It's a Knockout," and that title also makes it into the song. The song's lyrics are a commentary on war and negotiations between countries being like children on a playground. Kate Bush contributes backing vocals in this song.
“The Legend of Wooley Swamp” by the Charlie Daniels Band
Bruce takes us on a spooky trip to the Wooley Swamp where the ghost of miser Lucious Clay torments the spirits of his killers, the Cable Boys. Today Wooley Swamp is the name of a farm campground and RV park near Raleigh.
“Turn It On Again” by Genesis
Rob finishes off our staff picks with the first single off Genesis' album "Duke," written by band member Mike Rutherford. It is about a man who doesn't do anything but watch TV, and begins to think of the TV personalities as his friends. The song has a complex time signature, with much of the song in 13/8.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
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12/23/24 • 41 min
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 in...
Christmas Songs that Rock Part VII!
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12/16/24 • 49 min
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!
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1980 - May: Devo “Freedom of Choice”
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08/26/24 • 34 min
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 wav...
1989 - September: Mötley Crüe "Dr. Feelgood"
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11/18/24 • 44 min
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 10...
1992 - February: Ozzy Osbourne "No More Tears"
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10/21/24 • 48 min
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 of...
1968 - May: Sly and the Family Stone “Dance to the Music”
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08/19/24 • 29 min
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 tur...
1978 - November: Kansas "Two for the Show"
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10/14/24 • 45 min
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.
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1985 - November: Bruce Springsteen "Born In the U.S.A."
What the Riff?!?
10/07/24 • 42 min
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 ...
1969 - June: Blind Faith “Blind Faith”
What the Riff?!?
12/09/24 • 42 min
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:
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How many episodes does What the Riff?!? have?
What the Riff?!? currently has 349 episodes available.
What topics does What the Riff?!? cover?
The podcast is about History, Music, Fun, Humor, Entertainment, Podcasts, Rock and Music Commentary.
What is the most popular episode on What the Riff?!??
The episode title '1980 - September: Pat Benatar “Crimes of Passion”' is the most popular.
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The average episode length on What the Riff?!? is 39 minutes.
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Episodes of What the Riff?!? are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of What the Riff?!??
The first episode of What the Riff?!? was released on Jun 1, 2018.
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