What the Riff Next Gen

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1978 - August: REO Speedwagon ”You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can’t Tuna Fish” Jul 17, 2023

Show notes

Aside from having a terrific title, the seventh studio album by REO Speedwagon would be the one which would bring them mainstream success. You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish was the first album to be co-produced by guitarist Gary Richrath and lead singer Kevin Cronin, and was the first to break into the top 40 on the Billboard 200 album charts in the US, peaking at number 29. It also was the first on which Bruce Hall was a part of the group, replacing Gregg Philbin on bass. The rest of the group was Nel Doughty on keyboards and Alan Gratzer on drums. Doughty and Gratzer were college students when the band was founded, and Doughty was inspired to create the name of the group when he saw it written on the board of his “History of Transportation” class.

This album trends toward melodic rock and power ballads, which perhaps explains the broader appeal they received. Richrath's guitar hooks blended well with Cronin's strong vocals, and the result was a polished sound that worked well for both rock anthems and more pensive ballads. The energy of the studio album also seemed to finally catch the essence and energy of their live performances.

The band would go on to become one of the stars of the arena rock world in the 80's, and this album is where that really started for them.

Rob brings us this group at the start of their ascent to stardom.

Roll with the Changes This infectious rock anthem leads off the album, and is a timeless staple of the band's concerts. Kevin Cronin was inspired to write this song when he returned to the band in 1976 and relocated from Chicago to Los Angeles. Changes in his life caused the song to hit him instantly. He started writing the lyrics on a paper bag in his Ford Pinto while driving to L.A.

Runnin' Blind This deeper cut is the third track on the album. It has a solid guitar riff and we believe a “Cheap Trick” sound. The lyrics discuss a lover who is always on the road playing the guitar and leaving someone behind. “Change is comin' no more runnin'”

Time for Me to Fly Another song written by Kevin Cronin, this ballad was inspired by Cronin's breakup with his high school girlfriend. Unlike “Roll with the Changes,” this song took Cronin 10 years to write, and had been rejected for previous albums. While it would peak at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100, it would become one of their best known songs and a timeless ballad.

Say You Love Me or Say Goodnight Another deeper cut that rocks, this one closes out the album. The lyrics are a call to either make up or split up. It is a great jam to end the concert or album.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the motion picture The Magic of Lassie Jimmy Stewart makes his last appearance in this installment of the film franchise starring the famous collie.

STAFF PICKS:

Party by Boston Bruce kicks off the staff picks with the sixth track from Boston's second studio album, “Don't Look Back” This straight-up party song was co-written by Brad Delp and Tom Scholz, one of only two songs on the album not solely written by Scholz. While it wasn't released as a single, it received significant airplay on rock stations and appears on Boston's Greatest Hits album.

Raise a Little Hell by Trooper Wayne keeps the energy up with a rocker off Canadian band Trooper's fourth studio album. Randy Bachman produced this album entitled “Thick as Thieves.” It appears in the first season of the NETFLIX show “Stranger Things.” While not having a big hit in the US (this one went to number 59) Trooper was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2023.

Hot Blooded by Foreigner Lynch brings us a monster hit written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones. While most people with a fever of 103 would need some rest, the song describes the cure as an after-show rendezvous with the girl he's been checking out. The song did more than dance up the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 3.

Runaway by Jefferson Starship Rob takes the tempo down to close out the staff picks with the second single from the album “Earth.” This song made it to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Marty Balin takes vocal duties on this song, alternating between a smooth sound in the verses and a grittier, funky sound in the bridge.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

The Unidentified Flying Tuna Trot by REO Speedwagon This instrumental off “You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish” gives us the opportunity to double dip on the episode's featured album by REO Speedwagon.

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

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

1980 - June: “The Blues Brothers Original Soundtrack” Jul 10, 2023

Show notes

The Blues Brothers Original Soundtrack is a powerhouse collection of rhythm and blues that captures the essence of the iconic film. It features a blend of classic blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll performed by legendary artists including Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, James Brown, and Cab Calloway.

The Blues Brothers originated as a musical comedy act created by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi on the sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” in the late 1970's. Inspired by their shared love for blues and R&B music, Aykroyd and Belushi created fictional characters, Jake and Elwood Blues, as their alter egos. The act gained popularity, leading to the release of their self-titled debut album in 1978 and eventually to the creation of the Blues Brothers motion picture in 1980.

In the film, parolee Jake Blues is joined by his blood brother Elwood Blues on a “mission from God” to save the Catholic orphanage in which they were raised by reuniting their band and raising the $5000.00 for the property tax bill. Their quest brings them to a number of characters played by iconic artists including Cab Calloway and James Brown. The resulting soundtrack stands as a testament to the enduring power of blues music and left an indelible mark on both the film and music industry.

John Lynch dons his suit and dark sunglasses to bring us this feature.

Minnie the Moocher
Cab Calloway originally presented Minnie the Moocher back in 1931, and reprises the song for this film. Calloway was a regular performer at the Cotton Club in Harlem, and a popular vocalist of the swing era. Calloway plays Curtis in the film, a father figure and mentor to the Blues Brothers, and performs this song as a warm-up to the concert.

Jailhouse Rock
As the movie ends with Jake and Elwood back in prison after successfully paying off the tax bill for the orphanage. The band plays Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock" for the inmates as the credits roll. Jake Blues (Belushi) takes lead on this upbeat number.

Think
Aretha Franklin covers her own song as Mrs. Murphy, trying to persuade her husband Matt Murphy to not join the band. Franklin had a lot of difficulty lip synching the song and would have preferred to just sing it live. The Blues Brothers join her on this cover.

Gimme Some Lovin'
The Blues Brothers cover this piece originally performed by the Spencer Davis Group and made famous by Steve Winwood. While the song was a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, in the film it gets a decidedly cooler reception in the honky tonk bar in which it is performed.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Lookin' for Love by Johnny Lee (from the motion picture “Urban Cowboy”)
With the decline of disco, crossover country & western hits became popular. John Travolta starred in this movie which capitalized on the popularity of country music.

STAFF PICKS:

Train in Vain (Stand By Me) by the Clash
Bruce brings us the third single from the Clash's third album, “London Calling.” This was a double album, and a post-punk turn by the group. The song was originally intended to be a giveaway flexi single, but was put on the album at the last minute when that deal fell through. Mick Jones wrote and sings lead on this song, inspired by his tumultuous relationship with Stiltz guitarist Viv Albertine.

Free Me Big by Roger Daltrey
Wayne features the front man for the Who in a solo effort written by Argent guitarist Russ Ballard. The song is on Daltrey's 1980 solo album “McVicar” It also appears on the soundtrack for the movie "McVicar" in which Daltrey plays John McVicar, an inmate in prison for a number of bank robberies. The other members of the Who play on this song as uncredited musicians.

We Live for Love by Pat Benatar
Rob's staff pick is performed by Benatar, but it is often confused for a Blondie song. It is a single from Benatar's debut album, “In the Heat of the Night,” and was written by Neil Giraldo, Benatar's then-guitarist and now-husband (and still guitarist). It was the leading track from side two.

Ride Like the Wind by Christopher Cross
Lynch's staff pick went to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, held out of the number 1 slot by Blondie's “Call Me.” It is Cross's debut single from his Grammy winning 1979 self-titled album. Cross dedicated the song to Lowell George, formerly of the band Little Feat, who had died in 1979. Michael McDonald is easy to identify on backing vocals.

NOVELTY TRACK:

Turning Japanese by the Vapors
Songwriter and Vapors lead singer David Fenton says this is all the cliches about angst and youth and turning into something you didn't expect to. This new wave song went to number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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.

1978 - April: The Band “The Last Waltz” Jul 03, 2023

Show notes

The Band was a Canadian-American rock group formed in the mid 60's as the backing band for Bob Dylan when he made his controversial switch from acoustic to electric. Originally called “The Hawks,” when they toured as the backing band for Ronnie Hawkins, they toured as “Bob Dylan and the Band” when they joined Dylan. After leaving Bob Dylan to do their own work, they stuck with the generic name “The Band.” They combined rock, folks, Americana, and other genres of music to create their own influential sound.

The Last Waltz is a triple album which documents The Band's farewell concert held on Thanksgiving Day in 1976 at Bill Graham's Winterland Ballroom where The Band debuted back in 1969. The concert itself was a 5 hour affair for 5,000 spectators and included a Thanksgiving dinner and ballroom dancing. Over a dozen special guests were involved in the concert including Muddy Waters, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and Joni Mitchell. Martin Scorsese filmed the concert and turned it into what is considered one of the greatest documentary concert films ever produced.

The Band influenced many artists in the rock and folk genre including George Harrison, Elton John, and the Grateful Dead. They were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 1989 and into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

Though the original quintet did not tour after this concert, they did produce a seventh studio album entitled “Islands” to fulfill their record contract.

Wayne brings us this iconic live album for the podcast.

The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down This anti-war song written by Robbie Robertson (and perhaps by Levon Helm as well, though uncredited) hearkens back to the Civil War and the devastation inflicted on the American South. It would be difficult to make this song today, because the subject is a poor white Southerner suffering during the last year of the Civil War. Nevertheless, a number of artists have covered it including Joan Baez, Johnny Cash, John Denver, and the Black Crowes.

Baby Let Me Follow You Down Bob Dylan joins The Band onstage on this traditional folk song. It appeared on Dylan's debut album and was made electric in 1966 with The Band behind him. In a farewell concert with special guests it would be expected that Bob Dylan would make an appearance due to the connection between him and The Band.

Mannish Boy The Band is joined by blues legend Muddy Waters on this classic blues track. This standard was an "answer song" to Bo Diddley's "I'm a Man," which was in turn inspired by Waters' and Willie Dixon's "Hoochie-Coochie Man." Muddy Waters is known as the "father of modern Chicago blues," and inspired much of what we know as Rock and Roll today.

Up on Cripple Creek One of the best known songs by The Band, this one reached number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. Drummer Levon Helm is on lead vocals for this track about a long-haul trucker who gambles, drinks, listens to music, and spends time with "little Bessie" in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the prime time drama series “Dallas” We were introduced to J.R. Ewing and the other members of the oil family on this prime time soap opera which debuted as a mini-series in 1978.

STAFF PICKS:

Lay Down Sally by Eric Clapton Lynch starts of the staff picks with a hit that went to number 3 in the US and number 39 in the UK. Marcy Levy, one of Clapton's backup singers, wrote this song with Clapton and sings on it. It is about staying in bed in the morning rather than leaving quickly.

Thank You for Being a Friend by Andrew Gold Bruce's staff pick was a hit for Andrew Gold at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 long before Cynthia Fee covered it in her re-recording as the theme song for “The Golden Girls.” Gold referred to this song as “just this little throwaway thing” that took “about an hour to write.”

Count on Me by Jefferson Starship Rob brings us the next iteration of Jefferson Airplane, which made it to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Marty Balin is on lead for this song written by composer and flutist Jesse Barish. It is off Jefferson Starship's fourth album, “Earth.”

Every Kinda People by Robert Palmer Wayne features Robert Palmer from Yorkshire, England, who lived for a time in Malta where his father worked in British naval intelligence. This reggae-infused song was Palmer's first top 40 hit in the United States, reaching number 16 on the charts. The upbeat and positive lyrics remind us that everyone is the same inside regardless of skin color.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Jam #1 by The Band We do a little double-dipping on the instrumental this week as we go back to The Last Waltz for this jam.

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.

1965 - August: The Spencer Davis Group “Their First LP” Jun 26, 2023

Show notes

Before his solo work, before Blind Faith, before Traffic, a 14-year old known then as Stevie Winwood joined The Spencer Davis Group as a guitarist and lead singer. This blues-oriented British band released their first LP, conveniently called Their First LP in June of 1965 to British and European audiences. We are covering it in August 1965, but the album itself was not released in the United States at the time. Most of the songs would make it to the US market in compilation albums released years later.

The Spencer Davis Group was Spencer Davis on vocals, guitar, and harmonica; Steve Winwood on lead vocals, harmonica, guitar, and piano; Muff Winwood (Steve's older brother) on vocals and bass; and Pete York on drums. Additional personnel included Kenny Salmon on organ for a couple of tracks, and one track found Peter Asher on piano and Millie Small on vocals.

The album didn't enter the UK albums chart until January 1966, but it would reach number 6 on that chart after a single entitled "Keep On Running" from their second album entered the UK singles charts.

"Their First LP" is blues driven, and much of the album consists of covers from blues artists. However, there are also some original pieces composed by Spencer Davis and by Steve Winwood.

Spencer Davis went on to solo and collaborative work after The Spencer Davis Group, eventually becoming an executive for Island Records. Steve Winwood would of course move on to a storied career as a rock musician.

Bruce brings this blues-laced proto-rock album to the podcast.

My Babe
This track leads off the album. While the Spencer Davis Group did not release this as a single, it reached number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1963 when it was originally released by its writers, Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley. Hatfield and Medley are better known as The Righteous Brothers.

Dimples
This cover was the first single released from the album, preceding the album by almost a year. The original was written and recorded by blues artist John Lee Hooker in 1956 as an ensemble piece. It was the first Hooker record to appear on the British record charts, though it would take until 1964 to reach the charts. While the Hooker single charted, the Spencer Davis Group cover did not chart.

Sittin' and Thinkin'
Here is an original song amongst an album dominated by covers. Spencer Davis wrote this song. It was released as a single, the fourth from the album, but only in the Netherlands.

It Hurts Me So
The closing track to the album was written by Steve Winwood. It was not released as a single, but it is an example of Winwood's early blues-influenced work.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The Night Before by the Beatles (from the motion picture "Help!" )
This film showcased the Beatles in a comedy adventure as the group tries to protect Ringo from an eastern cult.

STAFF PICKS:

Agent Double-O-Soul by Edwin Starr
James Bond is the obvious inspiration for Wayne's staff pick. Edwin Starr was singing with The Bill Dogett Combo when he went to the cinema to watch the Bond feature, "Thunderball." He wound up watching it 3 times before going back to his hotel room to write this song. Bill Dogett rejected his pitch to sing solo on this tune, so Starr left the group to become a solo act.

I Want Candy by The Strangeloves
Rob brings us a tune by songwriters Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein, and Richard Gottehrer. They took on the persona of Australian sheep farmer brothers turned band members Giles, Miles, and Niles Strangelove for this group. This song with a Bo Diddley beat was inspired by dancer Candy Johnson who was seen at the 1964 Worlds Fair. Bow Wow Wow would have a hit with a cover of this song in the 80's.

Since I Lost My Baby by The Temptations
Lynch's staff pick comes from Motown in the form of a lover's lament written by Smokey Robinson and Warren Moore. It hit number 17 on the US charts. The Temptations would be a huge hitmaker in the 60's both with David Ruffin and Dennis Edwards on lead vocals.

Same Old Song by The Four Tops
Bruce's staff pick features an American vocal quartet from Detroit who helped to define the Motown sound. This Holland-Dozier-Holland song hit number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 2 on the Billboard R&B chart. Lead singer Levi Stubbs was joined by Duke Fakir, Obie Benson, and Lawrence Payton to form the quartet, and they would remain together from 1953 until 1997 without a change in personnel.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

The "In" Crowd by The Ramsey Lewis Trio
This jazz single hit number 2 on the R&B chart and number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The Ramsey Lewis Trio would receive a Grammy Award for the album of the same name in 1966.

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.

1974 - January: Bachman-Turner Overdrive “II” Jun 19, 2023

Show notes

Randy Bachman left The Guess Who in 1970 after experiencing lifestyle differences with the other band members. After exploring a number of alternatives, Bachman formed a group with his brothers Tim Bachman (guitars, vocals), and Robbie Bachman (percussion), and with Fred Turner (bass, vocals). The group took the name Bachman -Turner Overdrive, often shortened to BTO. Although their self-titled first album did not produce a single, it was regionally successful, and the band made the most of it with a heavy touring schedule.

It was their second studio album, Bachman-Turner Overdrive II, which would bring the band significant success. The album would go to number 4 on the Billboard 200 chart, and number 6 on the charts in their native Canada. Powered by bluesy guitar riffs and infectious choral hooks, BTO-II would become a staple of classic rock radio, and demonstrate the signature rock sound of the early 70's.

Tim Bachman would be replaced by Blair Thornton prior to their third and most successful studio album, "Not Fragile." This lineup would produce a further three studio albums before founder Randy Bachman's departure in 1979. The band would continue on until 2005 before calling a hiatus. A number of reunions would follow starting in 2009.

Rob features this influential group who maintained a guitar-led hard rock sound during a time when soft rock, glam, and disco were on the rise.

Takin' Care of Business Randy Bachman originally developed this song while a member of The Guess Who, and it's working title was "White Collar Worker." The Guess Who turned it down because they thought it was too similar to The Beatles' "Paperback Writer," so Bachman rearranged it for BTO as "Takin' Care of Business." Randy Bachman is on lead vocals for this anthem.

Blown The lead track to the album is a deeper cut that describes a long-ago day when smoking drugs led to a collapse and a time "when they locked me up." It has a great hook in the chorus and a fast pace. "I was blown (woo woo) ran and jumped and screamed. I was blo-o-own right inside a dream."

Welcome Home This is a quirky song has an alternating acoustic Latin verse and heavier chorus, with a jazzy finish. The lyrics talk about life on the road and how good it feels to go back home, drive your own car and sleep in your own bed. It could not be confirmed that Animal from The Muppet Show was an uncredited contributor to this track.

Let It Ride Fred Turner is on lead vocals for the first BTO single to crack the US Top 40 (at number 23). The inspiration for the song was a time when the band was on a highway in their tour bus and got boxed in by a couple of trucks. When the band confronted the truckers about it at a truck stop, they were told to settle down and just let it ride.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Opening theme from the television series "The Six Million Dollar Man" This is where we learned about "Steve Austin. Astronaut. A man barely alive." The weekly exploits of the Bionic Man would have us running in slow motion on the playground to simulate his 60-mph dashes.

STAFF PICKS:

Seasons In the Sun by Terry Jacks Wayne brings us a song adapted from a Belgian tune called "The Dying Man." The lyrics portray a dying man's farewell to his loved ones. It was a worldwide hit that went to number 1, becoming the largest-selling Canadian single in history at the time. Jacks rewrote the lyrics to reflect a life that acknowledges rights and wrongs of his life as he passes away peacefully.

Living for the City by Stevie Wonder Lynch features a song on which Wonder plays all the instruments and performs all the vocals. The lyrics tell of a young kid from Mississippi who moves to New York City. While down south he had hardships, but was surrounded by caring people. In the city, people take advantage of him, and he is caught with drugs and sentenced to 10 years in jail.

Let Me Be There by Olivia Newton-John Bruce's staff pick is Newton-John's first top 10 hit in the US, peaking at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. This would also be the start of a more country direction for the singer, and would continue for the next couple of albums. Olivia Newton-John would win a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocalist for this upbeat tune.

Mind Games by John Lennon Rob finishes off the staff picks with a single originally released in 1973 from Lennon's album of the same name. It made it to number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100. Lennon started writing this in 1969 under the working title "Make Love, Not War." That phrase had been overused by the early 70's, and he took inspiration from a book title for the change to "Mind Games."

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Space Race by Billy Preston Long time Beatles collaborator Billy Preston wrote this instrumental sci fi funk number.

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.

1989 - October: Aerosmith “Pump” Jun 12, 2023

Show notes

Aerosmith is a band in two acts. They were a highly successful group in the 70's, but arguments and drugs left the band a shade of its former self by 1980. A second chance was presented when the crossover collaboration between Aerosmith and Run-D.M.C. on "Walk this Way" became a number 4 US hit in 1986. The bad went into drug rehab at the insistence of manager Tim Collins, and had a major hit with their ninth studio album "Permanent Vacation."

Aerosmith demonstrated that their second act was not just a fluke with their tenth studio album, Pump, which was even more successful than Permanent Vacation. This was a significant comeback, re-establishing the band as one of rock's premier acts. The album was polished and energetic, combining a gritty hard rock sound with pop sensibilities. The album was not only a commercial success, peaking at number 5 on the US charts and being certified 7x platinum by 1995, but was also a critical success, landing Aerosmith their first Grammy for "Janie's Got a Gun." Pump was the fourth best-selling album of the year 1990.

The band lineup for this album had Steven Tyler on vocals, keyboards, and harmonica, Joe Perry on guitar and backing vocals, Brad Whitford on guitar, Tom Hamiilton on bass, and Joey Kramer on drums. Guitarist Brad Whitford explained the album title on a 1989 MTV special by saying "now that we're off drugs, we're all pumped up."

John Lynch brings us this stellar rock and pop sensation this week.

Water Song/Janie's Got a Gun A 10-second instrumental called "Water Song" precedes the song written by Steven Tyler and Tom Hamilton. The second single from the album went to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. It describes the revenge of a young woman for the childhood abuse she experienced. Aerosmith won the 1990 Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for this song.

Dulcimer Stomp/The Other Side Another song with a brief instrumental lead-in, this was the fourth single released from the album. It was written by Jim Vallance and Steven Tyler, with Holland-Dozier-Holland receiving songwriting credit after threatening to file suit over similarities between this and their song "Standing in the Shadows of Love." The lyrics are about a turbulent relationship, with the singer wanting to get past the emotional roller-coaster.

Monkey on My Back It is difficult to find a deep cut on this album, but this is one that was not released as a single. Tyler and Perry wrote this track about the band's struggles with addiction. It was the first song that Tyler and Perry wrote for the album, and it was composed in November 1988 prior to the end of their Permanent Vacation tour.

Going Down/Love In an Elevator A double entendre-laden skit leads in this double entendre-laden song. Tyler and Perry wrote this piece, and it was inspired by an actual experience Steven Tyler had where he was making out with a woman in an elevator and the doors opened. It was nominated for a Grammy in 1990 for Best Hard Rock Performance, but Aerosmith lost out to Living Colour on that one.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the television music performance and dance program “American Bandstand” Dick Clark's music show which premiered in March 1952 had its final show on October 7, 1989.

STAFF PICKS:

Sowing the Seeds of Love by Tears for Fears Bruce brings us a Beatles-esque song from the third Tears for Fears album, "Seeds of Love." It was written by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, and hit number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, their fourth and final entry into the top 10. Orzabal considers it to be the most overtly political song Tears for Fears had written at the time.

Big Talk by Warrant Rob's staff pick is a rocking tune from glam metal band Warrant's first album, "Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich." This third single from the album made it to number 30 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, though it only made it to number 93 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album went to number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Pictures of Matchstick Men by Camper Van Beethoven Wayne brings us a cover of the first hit single by Status Quo, released in 1968. This rendition combines elements of pop, ska, punk, folks, alternative, and country. the "Matchstick men" reference is to the paintings of L.S. Lowry, and English painter who depicted Salford, Manchester, and other industrial scenes in his works.

It's Not Enough by Starship Lynch's staff pick is the second single released off Starship's third album, the first album after Grace Slick left the band. It went to number 12 on the Billboard charts, the final top 40 hit for the band. This is the sound that most typified the produced sound of the late 80's.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Flying In a Blue Dream by the Joe Satriani The title track to Satriani's third studio album closes out this week's podcast.

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

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

Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.

Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!

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

1978 - February: Jimmy Buffett — “Son of a Son of a Sailor” Jun 05, 2023

Show notes

This podcast goes out to all the Parrot heads out there. Son of a Son of a Sailor is the eighth studio album by Jimmy Buffett, and is the follow-up to his breakout album “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes.” This is Buffett's highest charting album of the 70's, peaking at number 10 in the U.S.

Jimmy Buffett was born on Christmas Day, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He lived in Mobile and Fairhope, Alabama growing up, and began playing guitar at Auburn. He recorded a country album and went to work at Billboard Magazine in Nashville briefly after college, then moved to Key West to serve as the first mate on the Petticoat III yacht. He would also develop what would become his genre of music while in Key West amongst the sea going vessels.

Buffett discovered the profit in touring early, and his focus would turn to live shows as well as other business ventures. Jimmy Buffett is supposedly worth around $550 million today, making him one of the richest musicians in the world.

If you're wondering where the term “Parrot Head” comes from, Buffett made a comment in a 1985 concert in Cincinnati about the fans wearing Hawaiian shirts and parrot hats who returned to his concerts again and again. A member of the Coral Reefer Band coined the term "Parrot Head" as a nod to the Dead Heads who followed the Grateful Dead on tour and the name stuck.

Bruce brings this Caribbean-infused music this week.

Son of a Son of a Sailor This title track opens the album, and was inspired by Buffett's grandfather, James Delaney Buffett. Jimmy Buffett saw a picture of his grandfather standing on the docks in Nova Scotia where his grandfather grew up. He settled as an adult in Mobile, Alabama, and hadn't returned to Nova Scotia until he was 84. The picture showed him looking at an old ailing schooner, and the lyrics reflect looking back on a sailing life and family.

Mañana Supposedly this song is about things Buffett did in a week he spent living on his boat in the British Virgin Islands. Mañana means “tomorrow” in Spanish, and can be a term for putting things off indefinitely.

Livingston Saturday Night This is a song about going for a night on the town. It was used in a movie called “Rancho Deluxe,” released in 1975 starring Jeff Bridges and Sam Waterston playing cattle rustlers in Livingston Montana. It also appeared in the 1978 movie "FM."

Cheeseburger in Paradise Here's the big hit from the album. It reached number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is the lead song from Buffett's greatest hits album. The lyrics describe a guy trying to eat healthy, but who can't resist the temptation of the cheeseburger. The song itself was inspired by an event where Buffett was caught out in the Caribbean on a boat with a broken icebox, where he had to live for several days off canned food and peanut butter.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme to the motion picture “Which Way Is Up?” by Stargard This comedy starring Richard Pryor was a remake of an Italian comedy from 1972 called “The Seduction of Mimi.”

STAFF PICKS:

Psycho Killer by The Talking Heads Wayne's staff pick is straight from the CBGB club in Now York City, and is the first "hit" from the Punk/Alternative/New Wave band. While it didn't make it into the top 40, it did crack the top 100. The lyrics represent the thoughts of a serial killer who has already killed and probably will not stop.

What's Your Name by Lynyrd Skynyrd Rob features a song written by Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington inspired by a time when the band was drinking at a hotel bar, got kicked out, and went to a hotel room instead while trying to pick up a groupie. The incident did not happen in Boise, however. Lynyrd Skynyrd had been tragically affected by a plane crash by the time this song was released.

Serpentine Fire by Earth, Wind & Fire Lynch brings us some 70's funk and horns. The name "serpentine fire" comes from a yoga pose. The song hit number 1 on the R&B charts and number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Earth, Wind & Fire is known for hits upbeat, positive funk.

Lovely Day by Bill Withers Bruce redeems another great song from Big Pharma. Before Astra Zeneca used this to advertise their drug Farxiga, it was a hit from Bill Withers' 1977 album "Menagerie." Withers wrote this song with Skip Scarborough, and it went to number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 6 on the Billboard R&B Chart. Withers holds a note for 18 seconds, the longest held note for any top 40 singe.

NSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Main Theme from the motion picture “Don” by Kalyanji-Anandji We finish up this week's podcast with an Indian composer duo writing for a Bollywood film..

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.

1974 - December: Montrose “Paper Money” May 29, 2023

Show notes

Montrose was considered to be America's answer to Led Zeppelin in the early 70's. Founder Ronnie Montrose had played with a number of musicians including Van Morrison, Boz Scaggs, and with Edgar Winter on the hit singles “Frankenstein” and “Free Ride.” He formed the band bearing his name with bassist/keyboardist Alan Fitzgerald, drummer Denny Carmassi, and front man Sammy Hagar. Paper Money is the group's second album, and was the band's highest-charting release, reaching number 65 on the Billboard 200 chart.

This follow-up to their self-titled debut album took on a broader style, with a stronger range of rhythm and dynamics while downplaying the heavy metal feel of the first album. Ronnie Montrose thought that the heavier music was a passing thing. However Montrose was just ahead of its time, and heavy metal was about to explode. Ronnie Montrose had a strict no-drug use policy for concerts, as he wanted all the members to be in top shape on their instruments and vocals for the show.

The sessions for Paper Money were often marred by the deteriorating relationship between Montrose and Hagar. Soon after this album release, Sammy Hagar would leave the band for a solo career and eventual duties as the front man for Van Halen. Fitzgerald would go on to play for Night Ranger, and as an offstage keyboard player for Van Halen in the 90's. Carmassi would play for a number of artists including Heart, Whitesnake, Al Stewart, Kim Carnes, and Joe Walsh, as well as his own solo work, placing him on more recorded albums than Sammy Hagar.

Wayne features this rocking album for today's podcast.

Starliner We start this podcast with an instrumental with a space theme — prior to Star Wars. This song is the final track for side 1 of the album.

Spaceage Sacrifice Another space themed song, this one was written by Hagar and Montrose. Although considered “sci-fi rock,” the song itself is a bit critical of the effort and money spent to go to the moon when troubles remained unsolved on Earth. "Don't think twice spaceage sacrifice. Well, let's go back when it all was starting. A man on the moon and people were starving."

Paper Money This track is a critique of the monetary system in a time of inflation. “Take away all my silver, take away my gold, and hand me a stack of paper, paper money don't hold.” This one is the first single from the album, and the concluding track.

I've Got the Fire Wayne saves his favorite track for last. It is a hard-driving song with explosive energy. This one may benefit from the concealed tension between Montrose's edgy tone and Hagar's vocal virtuosity. It would be the last one the band recorded before Hagar left the band to pursue a solo career.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Puttin' On the Ritz by (from the motion picture “Young Frankenstein”) Mel Brooks' black and white comedy classic featured Dr. Frankenstein (pronounced FRAHNK-en-steen) and the monster in Broadway-styled number.

STAFF PICKS:

You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet by Bachman Turner Overdrive Rob get's the staff picks rolling with a Canadian band's number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was intended as a joke for Randy Bachman's brother Gary, who had a stutter. It was used as a “work track” to set up the mics and amps in the studio, but it wound up being a hit after it was included on their “Not Fragile” album.

Killer Queen by Queen Bruce's staff pick is the first U.S. hit from Queen. It went to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is off their third album “Sheer Heart Attack.” It is the first Queen song to incorporate the cabaret-style and harmonies that we know today as the quintessentially Queen sound. The lyrics are about a high class call girl.

Longfellow Serenade by Neil Diamond Lynch brings us a song inspired by an incident in school where Diamond used the poetry of Henry W. Longfellow to woo a girl. It went to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Adult Contemporary charts. It is off Diamond's ninth studio album, "Serenade."

I've Got the Music In Me by Kiki Dee and the Kiki Dee Band Wayne wraps up the staff picks on a positive note. The lyrics describe how the singer will not be deterred because they have the music in them. Kiki Dee is best known in the U.S. for her duet with Elton John, but is better known in England as a singer of "blue eyed soul." She was the first white British artist to be signed by Motown.

NOVELTY TRACK:

Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglas Interest in martial arts in the early 70's inspired this song which would go to number 1 on the US, UK, Canadian, and Australian charts.

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

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

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.

1968 - October: Marvin Gaye “In the Groove” May 22, 2023

Show notes

Although one of the most successful artists and songwriters of the 60's, Marvin Gaye had not released a solo studio album for two years prior to In the Groove, his eighth studio album. Instead he had been releasing duet performances with artists like Kim Weston and Tammi Terrell. Gaye was one of the primary artists shaping what would become the Motown sound, first as a session player, then as a solo artist and songwriter.

Gaye formed a vocal quartet called The Marquees shortly after leaving the Air Force in the late 50's. The Marquees performed in the D.C. area, connecting with Bo Diddley who co-wrote their first (and only) single, "Wyatt Earp." The group disbanded in 1960, and Marvin Gaye relocated to Detroit, connected with Barry Gordy around Christmas of 1960, and signing with Tamla, a Motown subsidiary. By 1962 Gaye was a success as a singer, session musician, and writer.

In the Groove was released in August of 1968, and would see its third single, I Heard It Through the Grapevine released in October. This single would become Gaye's first number 1 hit. October would also bring tragedy, when his vocal duet partner Tammi Terrell collapsed from exhaustion into Gaye's arms, later being diagnosed with a brain tumor which would eventually claim her life.

After the monster international success of I Heard It Through the Grapevine, the entire album would be re-released under that title. The album was both a critical and commercial success.

John Lynch brings us this soulful selection.

I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Although one of Gaye's most successful songs, he was not the first artist to record or release the song. It was intended to be released by Gladys Knight & the Pips, who did so in September 1967. The Miracles also recorded the song and released it in 1968. Gaye's version would become the classic rendition.

You
This was the first single from the album, released in December of 1967, months before the album. The song was about a man wanting to keep his relationship with a woman secret, because she was upper class and he was working class. It featured a rougher Gaye vocal part than was typical of his previous songs, and went to number 34 on the pop charts.

Chained
The second single would be released in August 1968, the same month as the album release. Frank Wilson wrote and produced this song which went to number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics are about a man pining for a woman he lost and wants back.

Some Kind of Wonderful
This deeper cut was not released as a single. The Drifters originally released this song in 1961, and it was written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King. Many artists would cover this one, including Carole King and most recently Michael Bublé.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Barbarella by The Bob Crewe Generation (from the motion picture “Barbarella”)
Jane Fonda's cult classic of bad science fiction films would appear in the theaters in October 1968.

STAFF PICKS:

On the Road Again by Canned Heat
Bruce starts the staff picks with a blues and harmonica jam off Canned Heat's second album “Boogie with Canned Heat.” The group takes its name from a 1928 Tommy Johnson song entitled "Canned Heat Blues." Canned Heat's lead vocalist was Bob "The Bear" Hite, but Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson takes the lead for this song.

Chewy Chewy by Ohio Express
Rob features a happy bubblegum pop number from Mansfield, Ohio. Ohio Express consisted of session musicians who put out the music for Super K Productions. The group had a previous hit in "Yummy, Yummy, Yummy."

Sunshine Help Me by Spooky Tooth
Wayne brings us an acid rock deep cut written by Gary Wright of “Dream Weaver” fame. The song itself is about letting the sunshine clear the singer's mind. Spooky Tooth was a blues/psychedelic band from England active between 1967 and 1974. This song was not a hit, but did appear on their greatest hits album.

Hey Jude by The Beatles
Lynch's staff picks is one of the Beatles' biggest hits, though it was not released on a studio album at the time. It is also the longest single in the Beatles' catalog, running 7:11, the longest single ever released at the time. It was written by Paul McCartney for John and Cynthia Lennon's son Julian when John and Cynthia were going through a divorce.

NOVELTY TRACK:

Mr. Tambourine Man by the William Shatner
Somehow Shatner was able to put this song in the hopper while simultaneously starring as Captain Kirk in the original run of the TV show, Star Trek. We'll let you decide whether he missed his calling as a rock star.

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.

1993 - July: Candlebox “Candlebox” May 15, 2023

Show notes

Candlebox had a seemingly immediate success with their self-titled debut album in July 1993. The group had formed in November of 1990, with lead singer Kevin Martin, guitarist Peter Klett, bassist Bardi Martin, and drummer Scott Mercado as the founding members. They performed in clubs around Seattle, a musical mecca at the time that benefitted from the grunge movement, and released an EP that got the attention of the new Maverick Records. Maverick would sign Candlebox, and the group would be the studio's successful act.

While grunge was still king in Seattle and on the air waves at the time, Candlebox does not neatly fit into that category. Some of the band's work has a grunge feel, but it tends towards a more mainstream hard rock sound in general. The debut album Candlebox would peak at number 7 on the Billboard album charts, and would see a number of singles hit both the radio and video charts. The strength of their songs would land them as openers for Rush and Metallica, and they would be headlining their own tours by the end of 1994.

Despite the rapid success, the popularity of Candlebox was a slower burn at the time. The album did not enter the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart until August of 1994, and initial reviews were mixed. However, the album would remain on the chart for 104 weeks, and would be certified 4x platinum in the United States.

Candlebox would release three albums with Maverick Records before running into disputes, and they disbanded in 2000. A revised lineup would reappear in 2006, and a new album would be released in 2007. As of this podcast Candlebox has released seven albums and is still performing today.

Rob brings us this debut album for this week's podcast.

You The second single was inspired by the time that lead singer Kevin Martin gave up drug dependency. He had seen Midnight Oil in concert and dedicated himself to becoming a rock singer. The single peaked at number 78 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 6 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks charts. The song in 6/8 time alternates between a heavy rock feel on the chorus and a softer portion in the verses.

Don't You This song leads off the album, and is a deeper cut that was not released as a single. It really rocks from the start. “And I could break your heart down as I tell you that you've burned out. Don't you? You want to let it go, yeah - you want to let it go, yeah.”

Rain Another deeper cut with a very bluesy feel at the start that continues for several minutes before picking up the pace. The lyrics are about a woman leaving the singer, and the regret the singer feels at the loss. About three minutes in, it changes to a more rocking jazz section with a staccato scat meter in the lyrics.

Far Behind The third single would be the big hit from the album. Their most commercially successful song went to number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the Album Rock chart. It was written as a tribute to Andrew Wood, a singer from the Seattle group Mother Love Bone, who died of a heroin overdose in 1990. The lyrics are written from the perspective of the drug that killed him.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Saturday Night by Ned's Atomic Dustbin (from the motion picture “So I Married an Axe Murderer”) The Mike Myers dark comedy featured this cover of the Bay City Rollers' song on its soundtrack.

STAFF PICKS:

Long Day In the Universe by Darling Buds Wayne opens up the staff picks with a deeper cut, and one that also appeared on the soundtrack to “So I Married an Axe Murderer.” The Darling Buds are from South Wales, forming in 1986 and disbanding in 1993. Andrew Lewis, the lead singer, tells about a woman that misses her man so much she can't wait for him to come home.

Dream All Day by The Posies Bruce's staff pick is another Seattle band. This song hit number 4 on the Modern Rocks Chart and number 17 on the Mainstream Rocks chart. Band members and songwriters Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow wrote this about dreaming of accomplishing things that the singer either can't or won't achieve.

Have I Told You Lately by Rod Stewart Rock legend Rod Stewart begins his crooner phase with this cover of the Van Morrison classic from 1989. Lynch brings this staff pick which hit number 5 on the US and UK charts. Morrison originally wrote these lyrics inspired by spirituality and religious conviction.

Zooropa by U2 Rob reminds us just how big U2 was at the time with his staff pick. The “Zoo TV Tour” was a huge production, highlighting the commercialism of the time. “Be a winner, eat to get slimmer.” This song takes the form of a suite of three movements. The album of the same name was produced by Brian Eno.

COMEDY TRACK:

Achy Breaky Song by “Weird” Al Yankovic We close out today's podcast with Weird Al's parody of the Billy Ray Cyrus country hit which was constantly played 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.

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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