Riffs on Riffs

Latest Episodes:

Regulate Your Doobie Nov 06, 2019

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When it comes to the music business, Warren G hit the stepbrother lottery. But that doesn't mean he's not a monster talent in his own right. Joe and Toby explore how Warren G used Michael McDonald's "I Keep Forgettin" for his debut collaboration with Nate Dogg, "Regulate". Speaking of monster talents, Michael McDonald has one of the most recognizable voices in music. We'll take a listen to his work with Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, and as a solo artist. Mount up!

It's All Over Now, Jack-Ass Oct 23, 2019

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We here at Riffs on Riffs, love a good musical rags to riches story. And this one comes from Beck Hansen, better known as "Beck," who went from couch-surfing and playing street corners, in subway cars, and coffee-houses, to becoming a household name in the early 90's. He's easily one of the most eclectic and ambitious singer-songwriters of the past two decades with his experimental style, and became known for creating musical collages of wide genre mixing. Joe & Toby dive into one of Beck's hits, "Jack-Ass" (1996), and trace it back to a more unknown song, "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" (1966).

Should I Rock the Train in Vain? Oct 09, 2019

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On this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe & Toby takes a deep dive into the world of punk-rock, with a spotlight on The Clash. As one of the greatest and most ambitious of the first-gen UK punk bands, it goes without saying that Clash's impact on society was huge... Big enough to lead a generation of disgruntled teenagers wearing studded belts, leather jackets and multi-colored mohawks into the stratosphere of global punk culture. It began with a White Riot in 1977 and ended in 1986 when the band split. With hit titles like 'Should I Stay or Should I Go,' 'Rock the Casbah,' 'London Calling,' and many more, Clash's eclectic catalog swept the world by storm… Also, welcome a special in-studio guest, Randal Doane, author of the book: Stealing All Transmissions: A Secret History of The Clash.

Ain't No Sunshine Last Summer Sep 25, 2019

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Shawn Mendes has been one of the biggest names in pop for several years, but he's never been bigger than he is right now. After landing a #1 Billboard hit with five top ten hits, two Grammy nominations and four world tours - all by the ripe old age of 21, by the way - this Canadian pop star is giving Bieber a run for his money. Joe & Toby dive into one of Mendes' hit songs, "I Know What You Did Last Summer" (2015) featuring rising star, Camilla Cabello, and trace it back to a soulful 1971 tune by Bill Withers.

The Fall Out at Tom's Diner Sep 11, 2019

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You can't mistake the pipe's on lead vocalist Patrick Stump, or their head banging, club jamming hits, their two #1 albums (among seven studio albums) or even their ridiculously sensational live shows … which all lead to the mega success of Fall Out Boy in the early 2000's. Fifteen years later, the pop-punk Gods are still going strong, and we love every skinny-jean-minute of it. Joe & Toby dig into one of FOB's top hits, "Centuries" (with 346 million Spotify plays) and trace back this tune to a 1990's indie-folk musician.

Riffs on Riffs Episode 28 Bloopers Aug 28, 2019

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Enjoy this "ubiquitous" compilation of outtakes featuring hosts, Joe Watson and Toby Brazwell, which occurred during the making of Episode 28 "Bring the Noise" of Riffs on Riffs.

Bring the Noise Aug 28, 2019

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You don't see much genre-mashing these days (sad face) so when metal group Anthrax hooked up with hip hop pioneers, Public Enemy in 1991… history was truly made. Producing a fresh, thrashed-up take on Public Enemy's 1988 single "Bring The Noise", the collaboration spawned a hit single, a groundbreaking tour and a sound that would change heavy music. Joe & Toby get into the cross-pollination of rap-rock and the slew of sampling behind this revolutionary track.

Bye Bye Til I See You Again Aug 14, 2019

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From YouTube star to Billboard chart topper, Charlie Puth, the 27-year-old songbird from New Jersey shows no signs of stopping... And thanks to his feature (and co-penmanship) on Wiz Khalifa's "See You Again" (2015), he's now an international pop icon. Puth's collabs go on to include: Boyz II Men, Meghan Trainor, James Taylor, Jason Derulo, Lil Wayne, Selena Gomez, just to name a few. Joe & Toby dive into the music sample, albeit, as teeny-tiny as it is… it's pretty fantastic. You'd never guess Ray Charles was sprinkled throughout this Fast & Furious sensational song.

Summertime Madness Jul 31, 2019

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In West Philadelphia, born and raised, is where DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince met each other at a house party and the rest was history. The American hip hop duo went from local gigs to super-stardom landing together on the sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and amassing global success with their five album releases from 1987 - 1993 earning them multiple Grammy wins and nominations. Joe & Toby dig into one of their mega hits, "Summertime" and trace it back to the celebrated 70's soul gang.

What we geek out over in this episode: Kool & the Gang, Miles Davis, tubas!, movie references: Pulp Fiction and Rocky, "Despacito" (2017), Toby's Slow Jamz Mixtape, Ruffles Potato Chips, the early years of DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Mike Tyson, and story-telling raps on the mic.

Bonus Material: Summertime hits! "Summer Breeze" from Seals & Crofts (1972), "Cruel Summer" by Bananarama (1984), Sly and the Family Stone's "Hot Fun in the Summertime" (1969), and Lana Del Rey's "Summertime Sadness" (2012) ft. Cedric Gervais remix.

The Rockman and the Rocketman Jul 17, 2019

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There's not much room for mediocre in this episode as Joe & Toby explore two epic music icons in this episode of Riffs on Riffs. One, the 1970's rock band Boston, brought it more than 17 million dollars in sales, generating 3 top 40 hits from their self titled album - making the album the biggest selling debut in rock history. And two, the legendary Elton John released 30 albums, sold 300 million records, won 5 Grammys, a Tony, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award, among many successes across his 48 year reign. Riffs hosts discuss the sounds of Boston's "More Than A Feeling" and its original sample taken from Elton's 1973 hit song. Enjoy!

What we geek out over in this episode: Everything Elton John (a.k.a. Reg), bandmates Elton Dean and Long John Baldry (1966 Bluesology), Dr. Robotnik, lyricist Bernie Taupin, Tom Scholz & iconic band Boston, Polaroids & Hey Ya!, Mixolydian mode, and Samantha vs. Amanda.

Bonus Material: The great debut albums of 1976 … Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry, American Girl by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and many more!

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