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1973 - November: the New York Dolls ”New York Dolls” Feb 27, 2023

Show notes

Although neither popular nor long-lived as a band, the New York Dolls were one of the most influential bands of the punk and glam rock genres. Their debut album, the eponymously named New York Dolls came out on the strength of their lower Manhattan fan base and received critical acclaim. However, their appeal outside of New York was limited and the album was considered a commercial failure in the United States.

The New York Dolls (also known as “The Dolls”) sported an androgynous look onstage, dressing in satin, high heels, dresses, and lots of makeup. Much of their wardrobe was acquired at a local Salvation Army thrift store.

The band personnel included David Johansen on vocals, Arthur “Killer” Kane on bass, Jerry Nolan on drums, Sylvain Sylvain on keyboards, rhythm guitar and vocals, and Johnny Thunder on lead guitar and vocals. Front man David Johansen would later perform under the name Buster Poindexter.

Although the band would produce only one other album after their debut, their influence was significant for both punk rock and glam rock genres.

Wayne brings us this forerunner of punk that is “too fast to live, too young to die.”

Frankenstein This song is sometimes listed as “Frankenstein (Orig.)” because Edgar Winter's song of the same name had already been released prior to the band recording their own, though it had been used in their live shows previously. The song was inspired by how repressed kids would gravitate to Manhattan from all over.

Pills The only cover on the album was a 1963 Bo Diddley song. “While I was laying in a hospital bed, a rock n' roll nurse went through my head. She says, "hold out your arm, stick out yo' toungue, I got some pills, boy, I'm 'on give you one.”

Jet Boy This track has a more heavy metal sound in the guitar. The lyrics are simply about a jet boy who stole a baby. There is little explanation as to what a jet boy is other than to say that he flies around New York City. “Jet Boy” was a 50's era comic superhero.

Bad Girl The vocal parts on this track hearken back to a 1950's style, and it also features a boogie rhythm.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Oo-De-Lally by Roger Miller (from the animated picture “Robin Hood”) Yes, it is a stark departure from the Dolls. Disney rolled out their take on the animated Robin Hood tale in this picture featuring Robin Hood as a fox.

STAFF PICKS:

Over the Hills and Far Away by Led Zeppelin Rob leads out the staff picks with a great acoustic riff from Jimmy Page, layering 6- and 12-string guitars. The lyrics were inspired by the feelings of the band touring on the road. This is a single off Led Zeppelin's fifth studio album, Houses of the Holy, and made it to number 51 on the charts.

We Can Make It Right by Sherbet Bruce's staff pick is a group that never broke into the US market in a big way, but was one of the biggest pop rock acts in Australia in the 1970's. This track leads off the second studio album entitled “On With the Show,” which hit number 6 on the Australian charts. The song was co-written by Sherbs keyboardist Garth Porter and guitarist Clive Shakespeare.

Long Train Runnin' by The Doobie Brothers Lynch features a well known riff from the Tom Johnston vocal era of the Doobies. The group played “Long Train Runnin'” for three years before it was recorded, and it went through a number of names an iterations before its final form was created in the studio.

Still...You Turn Me On by Emerson, Lake & Palmer Wayne wraps up the staff picks with a ballad from prog rock power trio Keith Emerson (keyboards) Greg Lake (guitar and vocals) and Carl Palmer (percussion). This is more acoustic rock with a little psychedelic rock thrown in than prog rock, but it is a hauntingly beautiful song. The lyrics are inspired by the feeling of playing in front of an audience.

COMEDY TRACK:

Sister Mary Elephant by Cheech & Chong A number of comedy sketches were released by this duo, including this Catholic school class skit.

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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.

1975 - June: War ”Why Can’t We Be Friends?” Feb 20, 2023

Show notes

Defining a genre for the group War is a difficult process. There are elements of Latin, R&B, funk, soul, and rock mixed in. Some call it progressive soul. War came from Long Beach, California in 1969, and began as a backing band for Deacon Jones. The band was originally led by Eric Burden of the Animals and were known as Eric Burden and War for their first tow albums, then as War after Burden left the group.

Their seventh studio album, Why Can't We Be Friends? would continue a tradition of successful albums for the band, going to number 8 on the US charts, number 1 on the R&B sharts, and two singles would be nominated for the Grammy awards in 1976.

War had a large number of musicians, and much of their personnel rotated in and out of the group. For this album the group was Howard Scott on guitar, B.B. Dickerson on bass, Lonnie Jordan on organ, Papa Dee Allen on conga and bongos, Charles Miller on clarinet and sax, and Lee Oskar on harmonica. All members are also listed on percussion and vocals.

War was a band with a purpose. The goal of the band from the beginning was to spread a message of brotherhood and harmony, and to speak out against racism, hunger, gangs, and crimes.

Bruce brings us this funky fusion band for discussion..

Why Can't We Be Friends? The title track reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Each band member gets their own verse to sing. The title is sung 44 times. It was played in outer space during the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. Smash Mouth did a cover in 1998 as the second single from their debut album.

Heartbeat This is a deeper cut with a lot of funk. You could easily hear George Clinton and Parliament doing this piece. The lyrics are about not worrying about things, but being in the present. "Ain't no need a-worryin' about the future. Ain't no need a-worryin'."

Don't Let No One Get You Down Leading off the album, this song is a piece of encouragement, letting the listener know they will always be lifted up by the singer. "Don't let no one get you down, cause if they do, if they do, I'll be around."

Low Rider The big hit off the album would become iconic over time. The song is about a car and a culture in Southern California. A low rider is a car modified with hydraulic lifts so the wheels can be lowered and make the car bounce. The band maintains that the references are not to drug culture, although the song did make it into a couple of Cheech and Chong movies..

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Main Theme to the motion picture "Jaws" This movie was keeping everyone out of the water in the summer of 1975.

STAFF PICKS:

Welcome to My Nightmare by Alice Cooper Wayne starts off the staff picks with the title song from a concept album that chronicles a journey through the nightmares of a child named Steven. Cooper would later perform this song on "The Muppet Show." It peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While) by The Doobie Brothers Rob brings us a cover from Motown. Holland-Dozier-Holland wrote this one, originally performed by Kim Weston in 1964. While the original version peaked at number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100, the Doobie Brothers version was more successful, peaking at number 11.

Sister Golden Hair by America Brian features a track that went to number 1 on the charts. This is a relationship song according to Gerry Beckley, and it was made as a demo before America recorded their fourth album. It didn't make the cut for that album, and so was included in their next album.

Magic by Pilot Bruce's staff pick is the first hit single from short-lived Scottish pop rock band pilot. The inspiration for this song is a sunrise on Blackford Hill in Edinburgh. Lead singer David Paton also worked with the original lineup of The Alan Parson's Project, and worked with Kate Bush, Camel, and Rick Wakeman. The band had a couple of other hits before splitting in 1977.

NOVELTY TRACK:

You Never Even Called Me By My Name by David Allen Coe The perfect country and western song was released in 1975, and reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

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.

1991 - March: Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ ”Fly Me Courageous” Feb 13, 2023

Show notes

Drivin' N' Cryin' hit the peak of their commercial success with this fourth studio album, Fly Me Courageous. It was released in January at the same time as the start of the Persian Gulf War, and they benefitted from patriotic associations the title song received. The album peaked at 90 on the Billboard 200 album chart.

The band at the time included Buren Fowler on guitar, Kevin Kinney on guitar and vocals, Tim Nielson on bass and backing vocals, and Jeff Sullivan on percussion. The album was produced and engineered by Geoff Workman, an English producer who also worked with Journey, The Cars, and Queen.

The name Drivin' N' Cryin' was a reference to the band's fusion of driving rock and roll and a bit of a country twang (the crying).

Georgia based Drivin' N' Cryin' had formed in 1985, honing their craft at the 688 Club in Atlanta. The band released a number of albums and singles prior to Fly Me Courageous which had been successful on college and independent radio. This album was more rock oriented, as would be their follow-up album, Smoke. Drivin' N' Cryin' would tour with Neil Young and with Soul Asylum.

Drivin' N' Cryin' tours today, and is a great act to see live.

Rob brings us this Georgia band this week.

Fly Me Courageous The title track took off quite literally with the start of the Gulf War. It was considered a patriotic song and was included in the playlists of many military pilots, even though the song itself is more about confronting aggression than celebrating it. The band received a number of requests to perform at military bases after the release of this track, which hit number 19 on the US Mainstream Rock charts.

The Innocent This track was also a successful single, and starts with a parody of the US Constitution. It talks about the discrepancy between politicians providing hand-outs and the desire of people to improve themselves. "Get used to it. The innocent."

Around the Block Again A deeper cut, this fast paced track has a sound reminiscent of Rod Stewart or the Rolling Stones. The lyrics reflect hypocrisy in religion, relationships, and music.

Build a Fire This shuffle beat single has a bit of a punk rock feel, and even has a small rap sequence in the middle. "Bored with the American holstered blues, peace signs on just about everything. Don't know where to turn or what they say."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Break On Through (To the Other Side) by the Doors (from the motion picture sountrack "The Doors") Val Kilmer owns the role as Jim Morrison in this movie about the band.

STAFF PICKS:

American Society by L7 Wayne starts off the staff picks with an all-female punk band, that often gets associated with the Nirvana grunge sound. This is a cover song originally done by a punk band called "Eddie and the Subtitles" from Orange County, California in the early 80's.

All This Time by Sting Bruce features the first single off Sting's third studio album, "The Soul Cages." Sting had writer's block for several years after the death of his father in 1987, and many songs on this album reflect the tumultuous relationship he had with his father.

It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over by Lenny Kravitz John brings us a crossover hit that went to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The style was inspired by Motown and Earth, Wind & Fire. The lyrics reflect the marital struggles Kravitz was experiencing with his then-wife Lisa Bonet.

Someone to Love by Roger McGuinn Rob closes out the staff picks with former Byrds front man Roger McGuinn and a single from his sixth studio album, "Back from Rio." This is the lead-off track from the album. It made it to number 12 on the Mainstream Rock charts. McGuinn used a number of familiar artists on his album, including Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and David Crosby.

COMEDY TRACK:

Lisa, Lisa (The One I Adore) by Pauly Shore Pauly Shore was all over MTV during the early 90's.

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.

1989 - January: Skid Row ”Skid Row” Feb 06, 2023

Show notes

Hair band Skid Row hails from Tom's River, New Jersay. The band was formed in 1986 by bassist Rachel Boland and guitarist Dave "Snake" Sabo, and rounded out with guitarist Scotti Hill and drummer Rob Affuso. Lead vocalist Sebastian Bach was recruited after being seen as a wedding singer at the age of 18 well before Adam Sandler would reveal this as a potential career option and path to love and fame. Sabo was a high school friend of Jon Bon Jovi, and the two made a pact that if one was sucessful in the music business they would help the other out. This led to Bon Jovi's manager Doc McGee seeking out Skid Row and getting them a contract with Atlantic Records in 1988.

Skid Row was the band's eponymously titled debut album, and it would prove to be a huge success over time. Though it received mixed critical reviews, the album went to number 6 on the Billboard 200 charts, and would be certified 5x platinum in 1995 by the RIAA. The band headlined tours for Bon Jovi and Aerosmith in 1989-1990.

Bach would be the front man for the band for their first three albums until 1996, when friction between himself and Sabo led to his departure. Skid Row is still active as of 2022, and has released six albums to date.

John Lynch takes the helm on this album in his debut as a permanent member of the What the Riff crew.

Youth Gone Wild This rocking anthem was the first single released from the album. No matter what walk of life you are from, you are one of us - the youth gone wild. Be true to yourself and not to what others expect of you. "Hi man, there's something that you oughta know. I tell ya Park Avenue leads to Skid Row."

I Remember You The third single would be the one to really put Skid Row on the map. It is a power ballad depicting a guy who can't get over a long lost love. Bass player Rachel Bolan contributed the lyrics. The line "love letters in the sand" was also the title of a number 1 hit from 1957 by Pat Boone.

Sweet Little Sister A deeper cut that sounds a lot like Motley Crue chronicles the trouble that a boy crazy sister of a member of the band can create. "For such a sweet little lady I would swear she's rotten to the core. Oh yes she got her hands in the cookie jar."

18 and Life This darker ballad tells the story of Ricky who kills someone with a gun while drunk and is sentenced to life in prison. Dave "Snake" Sabo and Rachel Bolan wrote the song after reading a story in the local paper about an 18 year old who accidentally killed his friend with a gun he thought was unloaded.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme song from the animated series “ALF: The Animated Series” After its "real life" series, the cat-munching alien ALF returned in animated form. It finished its run in 1989.

STAFF PICKS:

Charlotte Anne by Julian Cope Bruce leads off the staff picks with a forgotten song that hit number 1 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart at the time. This is the first single from Cope's fourth solo album "My Nation Underground," an album that Cope considers to be a poor album. Julian Cope comes out of the Liverpool punk scene, and his solo work is a bit reminiscent of the Cure.

Driven Out by The Fixx Rob brings us British new wave band The Fixx in a work off their fifth album. It talks about the pillaging of the land driven by greed. "I'm cooking with microwaves to warm up food not seen the soil - plugged into my TV, used to the lies their telling me." It hit number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 1 on the mainstream rock charts.

Funky Cold Medina by Tone Loc Wayne's staff pick was everywhere in 1989. A funky cold medina was an aphrodisiac, and its use would get the singer into all kinds of trouble when he gives it to his dog, or to a girl who turns out to be a transvestite. It peaked at number 3 on the charts, and if the main beat sounds familiar, it may be because it comes from "Hot Blooded" by Foreigner.

Two Hearts by Phil Collins John features a song Collins sang for his poorly received film "Buster." Lamont Dozier of Motown fame wrote this song, and it was Dozier's 14th and last number 1 song. It is about two people connected through time and space even when they are not together.

NOVELTYTRACK:

Let's Put the X in Sex by Kiss Even rock legends put out a failure from time to time. This could be considered one of those - you be the judge!

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.

1980 - January: Pink Floyd “The Wall” Jan 30, 2023

Show notes

Pink Floyd would score another big hit and some mainstream crossover success with their eleventh studio album, The Wall. Originally conceived by bassist Roger Waters, The Wall explores the self-isolation of a cynical rock star named Pink, and portrays events in his life from the loss of his father, to childhood trauma, to the pressures of rock stardom as bricks forming the wall. Parts of the story are autobiographical from Waters, and parts naturally are based on former front man Syd Barrett. The album was a commercial success, the most successful double album of all time, the second most popular Pink Floyd album behind their monstrous hit "Dark Side of the Moon," and would produce the groups only number 1 single on the charts with "Another Brick in the Wall, part 2." Critical reviews were mixed at first, with some considering the rock opera to be pretentious, but the reviews would turn more positive over time.

This would be the last album to feature the classic band lineup. Richard Wright would be fired by Roger Waters during production, though he would stay on as a studio musician for the album. One further studio album would be produced before acrimony would lead to Waters departure from the band.

What the Riff co-founder Brian Dickhute brings us this album for today's podcast. Brian is also using this as a swan song of sorts as he takes a break from regular podcasting duties to spend more time with the family. Thanks so much for all your work over these hundreds of podcasts, Brian!

Hey You This well-known track leads off side three of the album and reflects the desperation as Pink realizes how the wall of isolation he has built has trapped him in a cell of his own creation. The inspiration for this song was the breakup of Waters' marriage.

Is There Anybody Out There? In the film this song is used to transition from Pink the rock star to Pink the dictator. Session musician Joe DiBlasi was brought in to play the fingerstyle guitar on this piece.

Nobody's Home The last song written for the album was the result of a fight between Roger Waters and David Gilmour. It was inspired by the isolation Waters felt during their 1977 tour and musings on Syd Barrett. Some of the lyrics are also built around Richard Wright, keyboardist, who was allegedly dealing with drug addiction at the time.

Vera This song is a flashback to days of World War II. The title was inspired by Vera Lynn, a British singer popular during the war who sang the song "We'll Meet Again." Waters lost his grandfather in WWI and his father in WWII.

Bring the Boys Back Home Roger Waters considers this brief song the central theme of the album. The idea is that not just war, but all activity including business and rock music should not be allowed to isolate a person from friends and family.

Comfortably Numb One of the more popular songs from the album, the music was written by David Gilmour and the lyrics by Roger Waters. A significant argument occurred between Gilmour and Waters on the arrangement of this piece, with Gilmour preferring a stripped-down format and Watters wanting a more symphonic approach. The contrasting sections of orchestration and more simplistic riffs is the result of the compromise made for the piece.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Frosty the Snowman by Jimmy Durante No, it isn't Christmas again. Popular entertainer Jimmy Durante passed away in January of 1980, and his is one of his best known songs.

STAFF PICKS:

The Spirit of Radio by Rush Bruce sneaks another Rush song in for Brian's final episode as a regular podcaster. The lead-off track to Rush's album "Permanent Waves" was inspired by the slogan of CFNY-FM in Toronto. FM radio was moving from a more free-form format to a more commercial format, and CFNY was bucking the trend.

Damned If I Do by the Alan Parsons Project Rob brings us a piece from Alan Parsons' fourth studio album called "Eve." The album is focused on the strength and characteristics of women and the difficulties they face in a world of men. "Damned if I do, damned if I don't, but I love you."

Boom Boom (Out Go the Lights) by Pat Travers Wayne's staff pick is a boogie woogie cover of a blues song originally released by Little Walter in 1957. It is a well known party song which would not be politically correct today. There's some great guitar playing, and an excellent call-and-response in the live version.

Ladies Night by Kool & The Gang Brian's staff pick was a popular song in the dying days of disco. This song would see a revitalization of Kool & the Gang's popularity going into the early 80's.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Pipeline '76 by Roger Powell It is unusual to find surfing instrumentals during the early 80's, but this one was around 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.

1970 - September: Black Sabbath “Paranoid” Jan 23, 2023

Show notes

Rolling Stone magazine ranked Paranoid, the second studio album by Black Sabbath, to be the number one of its "100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time." Originally known by the name Earth, the band took the name Black Sabbath from a 1963 horror film starring Boris Karloff. The band members were Bill Ward on percussion, Geezer Butler on bass, Tony Iommi on guitar, and Ozzy Osbourne on vocals. It was originally a heavy blues band from Birmingham, England, but took on a darker complexion with lyrics of doom.

Much of the music on Paranoid was developed during jams while the band was on the road.

This album was panned by critics at the time, but it reached number 12 on the US charts. This is quite a feat, considering that the band received virtually no airplay on rock radio when the album came out. It would come to be considered a great heavy metal album, and Black Sabbath would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Wayne brings us this forerunner of prog rock and heavy metal.

War Pigs
The lead track for the album was originally going to be called "Walpurgis," a term for a black magic wedding or a Satanic version of Christmas. The label had concerns about this and had them change the title to War Pigs. The lyrics are about warmongers trying to get the working class to fight the wars for them.

Paranoid
This was the band's only top 10 hit in the UK, and it went to number 61 in the US. Though named "paranoid," the song is really about depression. The riffs bear a striking resemblance to Led Zeppelin's "Communication Breakdown." Led Zeppelin was one of the band's favorite groups at the time.

Rat Salad
This track is largely a guitar and drum solo. The name comes from a joke about Ward's hair not being combed. This would be used in concerts as "filler" to give the vocalists a break.

Iron Man
One of the more famous singles from Black Sabbath, it became even more famous after being used in Marvel's Iron Man movie. The lyrics are about a man who travels to the future and sees the apocalypse. When he returns to the present, he is turned into steel, ignored by the population he tries to warn, and turns vengeful - causing the destruction seen in his vision.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Main theme from the television series “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”
This sitcom set in Minneapolis benefitted from early 70's feminism as it featured a single career-oriented woman making her way on her own.

STAFF PICKS:

It's A Shame by The Spinners
Bruce's staff pick brought the Spinners a hit at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, their first hit in about 5 years. This single was co-written by Stevie Wonder and Syreeta Wright in their first collaboration. Wonder and Wright would get married in September of 1970. The Spinners would go on to have bigger success after signing with Atlantic in 1972.

War by Edwin Starr
Rob brings us a classic protest song. "War! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing." Motown first released this song with the Temptations, but Starr would take it to number 1 with a heavier sound, reminiscent of James Brown. The Undisputed Truth is the backing band on this song.

I Want to Take You Higher by Ike and Tina Turner
Brian's staff pick is a cover originally performed by Sly & the Family Stone. Ike and Tina Turner would take this song to number 13 on the charts, so they did ineed take it higher than the original which peaked at number 38.

Tighter Tighter by Alive 'N Kickin'
Wayne features a one-hit wonder written by Tommy James that Alive N' Kickin' took to number 7. The group split up shortly after the single fell off the charts. They would reform in 1976, and still perform from time to time today. Despite being a pop love song, it has a surprisingly solid guitar riff.

NOVELTY TRACK:

Rubber Duckie by Ernie
This Sesame Street song was on the pop charts a number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September of 1970.

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.

1966 - December: Sam & Dave “Double Dynamite” Jan 16, 2023

Show notes

Sam Moore and Dave Prater were known as Sam & Dave, a huge soul act from the late 60's. They were known as The Sultans of Sweat, The Dynamic Duo, and Double Dynamite. This album is their second studio album out of Stax Records, also called Double Dynamite.

Sam & Dave are considered one of the greatest live acts out of the 60's, and a lot of musicians cite their influence on their work, including some you would expect like Al Green and Michael Jackson. There are also a lot of musicians who were influenced who were significantly removed from the R&B genre like Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Steve Winwood.

Sam & Dave got their start in church in gospel choirs. They met on the gospel music circuit and sang together in small clubs where they developed their sound based on a call-and-response approach to music from the gospel tradition. They were discovered at the King of Hearts nightclub in Miami in the early 60's, and signed to Marlin Records at first. They eventually made it to Atlantic Records in 1964 from which they were loaned out to Memphis-based Stax Records. Stax had a lot of offer Sam & Dave, including the Stax horn section called the Mar-Keys, and their house band, Booker T. and the M.G.'s.

Bruce brings us this icon of soul, and friend of the show John Lynch joins us for this discussion.

You Got Me Hummin' Leading off the album, this single was written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter. Sam & Dave took this hit to number 8 on the R&B charts, and number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100. A number of other groups would do this song, including Freddie Fender and the Pointer Sisters. Its highest charting on the Billboard Hot 100 was number 52 by Cold Blood.

Just Can't Get Enough This is a deeper cut, though I imagine just about any Sam & Dave song could be familiar with the number of covers or singers inspired by their songs. This one has some lyrics that might be difficult to sing today - "The more I get the more I want. It makes me feel good 'cause you never say don't. I just cant get enough."

Sweet Pains This track is another deep cut. This one takes a description comparing love to pain, a path that would be echoed in John Cougar's "Hurts So Good," and Sade's "Sweetest Taboo." "Sweet pains, feels good."

When Something Is Wrong with My Baby The big hit off the album was their only ballad single. Hayes and Porter wrote it, and you have both Booker T and the MG's and the Mar-Keys horns playing on it. A bunch of people have covered this song, including Jonny Gill, Charlie Rich, and in 1990 Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville did well with it.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Marching Theme to the motion picture "Follow Me, Boys!" This Boy Scout themed movie starring a young Kurt Russel was the last film Disney Studios released prior to Walt Disney's death.

STAFF PICKS:

Mellow Yellow by Donovan Rob kicks off the staff picks with a psychedelic hit. Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan took this song to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Some thought the song was about a type of drug, but it was actually about a...well, let's just say it is an adult toy.

Talk Talk by The Music Machine Wayne's staff pick is a garage band one-hit wonder. This song would use some techniques which were novel at the time, including the use of a fuzz box on the bass line, and tuning the instruments down a half step to produce a heavier sound.

If I Were a Carpenter by Bobby Darin Brian brings us a song written by Tim Hardin and popularized by Bobby Darin. It hit number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, Darin's first hit in three years. The lyrics question whether an elegant woman would be satisfied with a man who was merely a carpenter. Darin had passed on two songs, "Do You Believe In Magic" and "Summer in the City," both of which would be hits for the Lovin' Spoonful.

You Keep Me Hangin' On by The Supremes Friend of the show John Lynch brings us a big hit for Diana Ross and the Supremes. It would also be a hit for a long list of cover artists including Vanilla Fudge, Phil Collins, Kim Wilde, and Rod Stewart.

NOVELTY TRACK:

Winchester Cathedral by The New Vaudeville Band This novelty song doubles up as Bruce's staff pick. It was a number 1 hit in the United States and would win the Grammy for the best contemporary song in 1967, beating out singles from the Monkees, the Beach Boys, and the Beatles.

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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 - May: U.K. ”U.K.” Jan 09, 2023

Show notes

The supergroup U.K. was founded by former King Crimson percussionist Bill Bruford (also a former founder of Yes) and bassist and vocalist John Wetton (also a former member of Uriah Heep, and Roxy Music). After failing to reform King Crimson, each of the two brought in a musician they thought would work well in the group. Wetton brought in Eddie Jobson, violinist and keyboardist from Frank Zappa's band. Bruford brought in Allan Holdsworth on guitars (who had worked on Bruford's prior solo project.

Their self titled debut album was released in May, 1978. Although a couple of songs were edited for single release, the album U.K. is best known as a prog rock masterpiece, and is cited as inspirational to many musicians who followed in the prog rock genre.

After an extensive tour supporting the album, Wetton and Jobson had a falling out with Holdsworth and fired him. Bill Bruford left at that time and was replaced by Terry Bozzio, another alumnus of Frank Zappa's band and a future founding member of Missing Persons.

John Wetton would go on in the days after U.K. to be the front man for Asia.

Rob brings us the prog rock monster-piece.

In the Dead of Night
The track that leads off the album was one of two songs to be edited for release as a single. On the album it is the first of three songs which form a continuous suite on the first album side. The 7/4 time and the synthesizer - the Yamaha CS-80 had just been released - are prog rock hallmarks. The electric violin is an unusual addition.

By the Light of Day
This track is the second movement of the "In the Dead of Night" suite. Rather than have a clear change in tracks, there is a slow transition via a "spacey" interlude into the new song of the suite. "Black clouds moving gray skies to thunder. Kinetic sunrise fever and flood. Fire and water element anger horizon melting to blood."

Presto Vivace and Reprise
This is the third movement of the "In the Dead of Night suite. This is a much faster piece (as the term Vivace would suggest) before transitioning back into a reprise of "In the Dead of Night."

Time to Kill
The abrupt start to this song is due to the way the tracks drift into each other. The concept is that of boredom, of being stuck in a place. "Time to kill, going nowhere, killing time, staying where there's time to kill, going nowhere..."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

That'll Be the Day by Buddy Holly (from the motion picture "The Buddy Holly Story")
Gary Busey was nominated for the Oscar for his portrayal of early rocker Buddy Holly in this film. Busey would sing and play for the part.

STAFF PICKS:

Goodbye Girl by David Gates
Bruce leads off the staff picks with a soft rock solo from former Bread front man David Gates. The song is from the Neil Simon movie "The Goodbye Girl," which would lead to Richard Dreyfuss becoming the youngest man to win an Oscar for Best Actor at the time.

Lay Down Sally by Eric Clapton
Brian presents a pop hit from Clapton's album Slowhand. It went to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was written by Clapton, George Terry (guitar), and Marcy Levy (who sings the female parts on the song). It was written in the country blues style of J.J. Cale, and hit number 26 on the Hot Country Songs chart, Clapton's best showing on that chart as a crossover.

Ain't It Fun by Dead Boys
Wayne features a song from Cleveland's own Dead Boys. This song appears on their second studio album, "We Have Come for Your Children." They were known as one of the rowdiest bands on the punk scene. It hit number 8 on the Mainstream Rock charts, and is an ode to the punk rock lifestyle.

With a Little Luck by Wings
Rob brings us Paul McCartney with a song recorded largely in the Virgin Islands on a yacht equipped with a 24-track mobile recording studio installed on it. This single from the album "London Town" hit number 1 on the pop charts.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Alaska by U.K.
This instrumental lets us do some double dipping with the track that leads off side 2 of the U.K. album.

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

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

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

1969 - July: The Easy Rider Motion Picture Soundtrack Jan 02, 2023

Show notes

The cult classic film Easy Rider was released this month. A landmark counter culture movie, the film traces the journey of Wyatt and Billy as they make their way on motorcycles from a successful drug deal in Los Angeles to the Mardi Gras festival in New Orleans. Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and Terry Southern wrote the film, and it stars Fonda, Hopper, and Jack Nicholson. Dennis Hopper directed the movie.

Originally the plan was for Crosby, Stills & Nash to do all the songs on the soundtrack. When the editor plugged in contemporary songs as placeholders, the sound convinced Dennis Hopper to reverse this decision.

The Easy Rider Soundtrack was crafted with contemporary late 60's music, and stands out as an excellent example of the music of the counterculture. Each piece used in the movie was curated with the idea of maintaining the story.

Wayne brings us this forerunner of prog rock and heavy metal.

Don't Bogart Me by Fraternity of Man Psychedelic and blues rock band the Fraternity of Man would have their biggest hit with this song. It recommends generosity with illicit smoking materials. This song originally appeared on their self-titled debut album in 1968 before being included in this soundtrack.

Ballad of Easy Rider by Roger McGuinn Bob Dylan was an uncredited contributor on this song. The Byrds front man Roger McGuinn performed this as a solo work. It was the only song originally written for this film, and appeared on one of McGuinn's albums later.

The Weight by The Band This song chronicles the experience of a visitor to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, even though much of its influence is from the American South. Nazareth is the home of Martin guitars, and that is why the lyrics transfer to that location. Licensing could not be gained for the soundtrack even though it was used in the film, so a group called Smith was used for the soundtrack instead of The Band.

Born To Be Wild by Steppenwolf Steppenwolf's most successful single appeared on their debut album in 1968 before being used in "Easy Rider." Many consider it to be the first heavy metal song, and the lyric "heavy metal thunder" contributes to that. This song would be used as a motorcycle anthem from this time on.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Wasn't Born to Follow by The Byrds (from the motion picture “Easy Rider”) Yes, we get to do a little double dipping with our entertainment track this week.

STAFF PICKS:

Put a Little Love in Your Heart by Jackie DeShannon Rob opens this week's staff picks with a song that hit number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it was used in the film "Drugstore Cowboy." Jackie DeShannon is best known for the song, "What the World Needs Now is Love." DeShannon also wrote "Betty Davis Eyes" for Kim Carnes.

In the Ghetto by Elvis Presley Brian brings us The King with a poignant song about a child from the dirt street part of town. Writer Mac Davis was inspired by the story of a friend who grew up in poverty. Elvis completely identified with this song because of his impoverished upbringing.

I Can Sing a Rainbow/Love Is Blue by the Dells Bruce's staff pick is a cover medley of Sing a Rainbow, best known in its 1955 rendition by Peggy Lee, and Love is Blue, originally a French song best known as an instrumental easy listening piece by Paul Mauriat that was a number 1 hit in March of 1968. the Dells hit number 22 on the US charts with this version during the height of their success between 1966 and 1973.

I'd Rather Be an Old Man's Sweetheart by Candi Staton Wayne features a soul hit from Muscle Shoals. This is Staton's first hit, rising to number 9 on the R&B charts, and number 46 on the pop charts. Staton is known as the "First Lady of Southern Soul." "I'd rather be an old man's sweetheart than a young man's fool."

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

A Boy Named Sue by Johnny Cash Cash released this novelty song telling the story of a boy who had to grow up tough after his absentee father left him with the name of Sue.

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.

1974 - March: Gordon Lightfoot “Sundown” Dec 26, 2022

Show notes

Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot would see his commercial success zenith with this tenth studio album, Sundown. Lightfoot got his start in music at an early age, singing in the choir at St. Paul's United Church in Orillia, Ontario as a child. As a young man he lived in California for a short period, studying jazz composition and writing jingles to support himself, but he soon chose to return to his native Canada and never left. Gordon Lightfoot would inspire many artists - Bob Dylan considered him a type of mentor - and numerous artists would cover his songs, including artists like Glenn Campbell, Olivia Newton-John, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, and the Grateful Dead.

Sundown showcases Lightfoot's folk and country blend. It hit number 1 on the US Billboard 200 charts, the only Lightfoot album to do so to date.

Lightfoot's baritone voice and acoustic-led approach to songwriting would prove a powerful formula for success in the soft rock genre of the 70's. Gordon Lightfoot would continue writing songs for many years, and his 21'st studio album was released in 2020.

Brian brings us this album for today's podcast.

Sundown The title track was inspired by Lightfoot's then-girlfriend, Cathy Smith. She would spend a lot of time drinking in the bars during the day while Lightfoot was working on the album, and he worried about her running off with someone. And yes, the song was written around sundown. It was Lightfoot's only Number 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100.

High and Dry This upbeat folk song references the sea as a metaphor for a girl who the singer hopes will settle down before she gets left high and dry. The female harmonies on this song are from Cathy Smith, with whom Lightfoot was having a tumultuous relationship (see above: “Sundown.”).

The Watchman’s Gone Speculation abounds that the Watchman in this deeper cut may be alcohol, or the devil, or maybe death. "You better beware, knowin' the watchman's always there."

Carefree Highway This song peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It tells of the highway as a means to escape the oft-returning thoughts of a relationship that was lost long ago. Lightfoot saw a sign to Carefree, Arizona, and that inspired the title.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Day By Day by Robin Lamont (from the motion picture “Godspell”) This song was on the charts at the time. It came from the motion picture, based on the musical "Godspell."

STAFF PICKS:

Music Eyes by Hartsfield Wayne leads off the staff picks with an underrated but epic song. JC Hartsfield and Perry Jordan created the band in 1970 in Chicago, though the band has more of a country rock or southern rock sound. Perry Jordan died in 2011, and JC Hartsfield died after a motorcycle accident in 2014. The song was written by Jordan and inspired by a friend's 3 year-old daughter.

Spiders and Snakes by Jim Stafford Rob brings us this novelty song with a swamp rock feel. Stafford cautions all the guys on being a bit too boyish around the women. "I don't like spiders and snakes, and that ain't what it takes to love me."

Rock On by David Essex Bruce's staff pick takes a psychedelic turn. Essex would take this song to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is an ode to the old days of Rock and Roll, with its reference to James Dean, blue suede shoes, and summertime blues. Michael Damian would take a cover to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989.

Boogie Down by Eddie Kendricks Brian's staff pick takes a dangerously disco turn. Singer-songwriter Eddie Kendricks who co-founded the Temptations would do well in this solo outing. This falsetto song just missed the top of the charts, hitting number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

COMEDY TRACK:

The Streak by Ray Stevens And with that, we're off and running. He likes to show off his physique. Boogity, Boogity!

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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