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1992 - January: Nirvana “Nevermind” May 23, 2022

Show notes

The album that would bring grunge into the mainstream is Nevermind by Nirvana. While it was Nirvana's second album, it would be their first on a major label. It would also see the introduction of Dave Grohl to the band as drummer joining Krist Novoselic on bass, and the iconic and troubled Kurt Cobain who was front man, guitarist, and songwriter for the band.

“Troubled” could be a good description of the album as well. While more polished than their debut album, the songs exhibit a raw emotion, often dark, disturbed, or alienated, but also containing some humor and self-deprecation. The tracks were more melodic than the first album as well, reflecting Cobain's influences - he was listening to groups like the Pixies and R.E.M. at the time that Nevermind was being recorded.

The album was a surprising success both commercially and critically. It was nominated for three Grammy awards across two awards ceremonies. It hit number 1 on the Billboard 200 list in the U.S., hit number 2 on the Australian charts, and number 7 on the British charts.

Nevermind was released in September 1991, and friend of the show John Lynch is featuring it as our album pick for January 1992 when it was on top of the charts, knocking off Michael Jackson's Dangerous.

Lithium Lithium is a drug used to fight depression and bi-polar disorder. The lyrics discuss a person trying to fight loss of relationships, wide mood swings and feelings, deciding that he needs to find God before he kills himself. The alteration between soft and loud sections would become known as emblematic of Nirvana's sound.

Polly This dark song was inspired by the abduction, torture, and rape of a 14 year-old girl in Tacoma, Washington. She escaped from her kidnapper at a gas station. Cobain wrote the lyrics from the perspective of the perpetrator. Former percussionist Chad Channing is the drummer on this piece.

Something in the Way This song was inspired by a four-month period of homelessness that Cobain experienced around his hometown of Aberdeen, Washington. It is one of the few autobiographical songs Cobain wrote, as he more typically wrote lyrics inspired in stores from others. It is featured in the 2022 film, “The Batman.”

Come As You Are This hit single almost resulted in a lawsuit from a band called “The Killing Joke” which had a very similar chord structure. The lyrics are about the expectations people put on themselves and others, and it encourages people to be themselves.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the television comedy series “In Living Color” This comedy variety production from the Wayan brothers would introduce the world to sketches “Men on Film, “Homey the Clown,” and “Fire Marshal Bill” which launched Jim Carrey’s career.

STAFF PICKS:

There's No Other Way by Blur Wayne starts us off with London based Blur exhibiting the “Manchester” sound. The song lyrics highlight the irritation the band felt at having to follow the Manchester trend at the behest of the record company. “You've taken the fun out of everything.” This song was Kurt Cobain's favorite song of the year from Britain.

Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me by George Michael and Elton John Rob brings us George Michael's live cover of Elton John's 1974 hit. John joins Michael on stage in the second half of the song during this performance in Chicago. They had originally performed the duet for Live Aid, and Michael liked it so much that he incorporated the cover into his show. The original version made it to number 2 in the U.S., and this cover made it to number 1.

Diamonds and Pearls by Prince and the New Power Generation Brian's staff pick is a love song. It is also the title track to Prince's album with the backing band which was originally named on the 1990 film “Graffiti Bridge.” The female voice in this song is performed by Rosie Gaines, who tragically suffered from an insulin overdose in 2009, and has experienced a number of diabetic issues over time.

No Son of Mine by Genesis John Lynch features the final Genesis album with Phil Collins as lead singer, "We Can't Dance." The lyrics discuss domestic violence. It is about a man who is a monster to his family. The song describes a child who runs away from an abusive family situation, and is rejected by his father when he attempts reconciliation later on.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

New Recruit by Eric Clapton This instrumental track is from the motion picture "Rush."

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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.

1968 - August: The Jeff Beck Group “Truth” May 16, 2022

Show notes

Jeff Beck left the Yardbirds in 1966, and recorded several singles in 1967. In 1968 Beck released his first solo studio album, Truth, which would come to be regarded as one of the first heavy metal albums released. It would also feature a number of talented artists in his band called The Jeff Beck Group, including Rod Stewart on vocals, Ronnie Wood on bass, and Mickey Waller on drums, all of which would go on to achieve stardom as rock soloists and/or musicians in other groups.

Beck started this group as a means to expand his guitar interests, and the album reflects a lot of diversity. There are traditional covers and blues songs, heavier rock numbers and instrumentals, and of course a lot of guitar effects. The tracks for the album were recorded very quickly - within two weeks - and the album would go to number 15 on the U.S. charts.

Jeff Beck has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice - once for his work with the Yardbirds, and once for his solo work.

Wayne brings us this 60's rock album, and friend of the show John Lynch joins us in Bruce's absence for this episode.

Greensleeves
The song that starts side two of the album is a classic - a Tudor classic! Greensleeves dates back to 1580. This traditional song would find its way into the Christmas season as "What Child Is This?" with different lyrics.

You Shook Me
American blues musicians Willie Dixon and J.B. Lenoir penned this song that Jeff Beck covers. Led Zeppelin also covered this song on their first album which appeared 5 months after Beck's album. John Paul Jones is on the Hammond organ for this one.

Beck's Bolero
This piece is considered one of the great Rock instrumentals, and brings in some high caliber session musicians - Jimmy Page on 12-string guitar, Jon Paul Jones on bass, and Keith Moon on drums. Moon had contractual issues at the time and was credited on the album as "you know who."

I Ain't Superstitious
Another traditional blues song, this one was originally written by Willie Dixon. This really shows off Rod Stewart's vocal chops and Beck's fuzzy guitar work. These effects are done well before the vocoder was available, but Jeff Beck creates a nice facsimile of a vocoder on his own.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The main theme from the motion picture “Hang 'Em High”
This Clint Eastwood western made its appearance in 1968. It was the first production from Eastwood's own The Malpaso Company.

STAFF PICKS:

Jackson by Johnny Cash
Bruce was out, so guest John Lynch brings us a classic from Johnny Cash, which also features June Carter on duet prior to their marriage. The song was recorded in 1967 and debuted in 1968. They would win a Grammy for the Best Country & Western Duet. The song is about a husband wanting to go to Jackson because of all the women, and the wife wanting to go to Jackson to laugh at the husband for making a fool of himself.

Hitch It To the Horse by The Fantastic Johnny C.
You might think Brian's staff pick is from James Brown, but the Godfather of Soul wasn't the only one doing soul funk fusion in the late 60's. Johnny Corley came out of a gospel vocal group in Philadelphia, and was persuaded to sing secular songs by producer and songwriter Jesse James. This is from his sole solo album, “Boogaloo Down Broadway.”

Mr. Businessman by Ray Stevens
Rob's staff pick is a serious song from Stevens, who would become better known for his comedy songs. This track from his third album cautions Mr. Businessman to take care of the important things in life rather than focusing all his time on his career.

Journey to the Center of the Mind by the Amboy Dukes
Wayne brings us a psychedelic hit from a 19 year-old Ted Nugent in his original group. This song sounds more like the Moody Blues than the Motor City Madman, but it is a sonic blast. Nugent was 15 when he formed the Amboy Dukes. The Amboy Dukes were invited to perform at Woodstock, but they declined because Nugent "didn't like hippies or the promoter."

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Soul Limbo by Booker T and the M.G.'S
You can't go wrong with a little instrumental limbo to finish off this 60's podcast.

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

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

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

1979 — July: The Kinks “Low Budget” May 09, 2022

Show notes

Their eighteenth studio album found The Kinks moving in a different direction than many previous albums. Low Budget would address many contemporary issues in song, rather than the subtle pieces and nostalgia found on earlier albums. The Kinks also recorded much of the album in New York rather than London. The result charted well in the United States, reaching number 11 on the Billboard 200. It did not do well in their native Britain.

The band members of The Kinks for this album were Ray Davies on guitar, keyboards, and vocals, Dave Davies on guitar and background vocals, Jim Rodford on bass and background vocals, and Mick Avory on drums. They are joined in the studio by Nick Newall on saxophone and Gordon Edwards (briefly a member of the group) playing piano on the title track. Ray Davies wrote all the tracks on this album.

The album was more heavily produced than other albums and took a harder edge, which was appropriate for their arena rock phase for the group. There were a lot of diverse songs as well, led by the disco-infused lead single, "(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman."

Catch Me Now I'm Falling The second track from the album uses Captain America as a surrogate for the United States, and criticizes the U.S. as a country fallen on hard times, and its allies as not coming the the need of America despite earlier times when the allies were help by America during and after World War II. The song was released as a single, but only in the U.S.

Pressure A high speed deeper cut, this song looks at pressure as a contagious disease, one that can be spread from one person to another, but which also can take over when you're alone. This song has a decidedly punk flavor. The call and response sound in the vocals gives it a more manic feel as well.

(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman The lead and biggest single from the album reached number 41 on U.S. charts. Ray Davies was inspired to write the lyrics by the release of "Superman: The Movie" in the previous year. The disco feel was difficult for the band to achieve. The song itself tells of a desire to take on modern problems like Superman, though the protagonist is nothing like the invincible super hero.

Low Budget The title track leads off the second side of the album. It describes a man learning to live much more frugally due to hard economic times. The song was in line with the recessionary malaise of the times, though people could identify with it when living through any recession.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The Main Theme to the motion picture The Amityville Horror This popular horror show convinced us all to stay away from houses that say, "Get Out!"

STAFF PICKS:

You Can't Change That by Raydio Bruce leads off the staff picks with an American R&B and Funk band. Raydio is Arnell Carmichael and Darren Carmichael on vocals, Charles Fearing on guitars, Larry Tolbert on percussion, and Ray Parker, Jr. on vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, and primary songwriter. This song went to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and features Arnell Carmichael on high vocals and Ray Parker, Jr. on low vocals.

Goodbye (Astrid, Goodbye) by Cold Chisel Rob's staff pick may not be well known in the U.S., but is a hit from Australia. In fact, Cold Chisel has been listed as the number 3 favorite Australian band as rated by Australian musicians, behind AC/DC and INXS, but ahead of Midnight Oil and Crowded House. This rocking song with a boogie beat is about a guy who is hitting the road, and was designed as a set finisher.

I Don't Like Mondays by the Boomtown Rats Wayne brings us a cult hit that was inspired by a school shooting in California. The piano-driven piece didn't chart in the U.S. but has had staying power over time. Front man Bob Geldof heard the original story of the shooting while doing an interview at WRAS radio out of Georgia State. Geldof regretted doing the song because it made the shooter famous.

Heart of the Night by Poco Brian wraps up the staff picks on a mellow note. This is from the album "The Legend." Writer Paul Cotton said this song was inspired by his "love and lust for New Orleans," and that the song practically wrote itself. Phil Kinsey, who performed on saxophone on Al Stewart's "Year of the Cat" is featured on alto sax on this song.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Morning Dance by Spyro Gyra This jazz fusion piece was on the charts in the summer of 1979 and closes out of podcast this week.

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

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

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

1984 - July: Nik Kershaw “Human Racing” May 02, 2022

Show notes

Nik Kershaw's debut studio album, Human Racing, would also be his most commercially successful album. He would find more popularity in the UK where his album hit number 3 on the album charts than in the United States, where it would appear at number 70 on the Billboard 200. Kershaw wrote all the songs, performed lead and backing vocals, bass guitar, guitar, keyboards, and percussion. Other personnel on the album would include Paul "Wix" Wickens on keyboards, Charlie Morgan on drums, and a slew of session musicians including his wife Sheri Kershaw on backing vocals.

Nicholas David “Nik” Kershaw came from a musical family - his mother was an opera singer and his father was a flautist - and he was a self-taught guitarist at an early age. Kershaw embarked on a career as a musician and songwriter by 1982, and had significant international success with both this debut album and his second follow-up, “The Riddle.” He was one of the performers at Live Aid in 1985 at Wembly stadium.

Although his solo career waned after that, he continues to produce albums today, and has collaborated with a number of artists, including Kim Wilde, Tony Banks, Steve Hackett, Elton John, and Michael W. Smith.

Rob takes us into this 80's phenomenon this week.

Wouldn't It Be Good This song made it to number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has everything you expect from 80's pop music. It is about how the lives of others seems so much better. “Wouldn't it be good to be in your shoes even if it was for just one day? Wouldn't it be good if we could wish ourselves away?” Kershaw would perform this song in Live Aid.

Dancing Girls The third single from the album is about a guy who is sick of his middle class life. He wants some excitement in his life - "bring on the dancing girls!"

Faces This song has a different feel than the others. It is about looking at the people who are taking over your mind. There's a sense of religious hypocrisy, with lots of different faces provided and instructions on when to use them.

I Won't Let The Sun Go Down On Me While it didn't do well in the States, this was a hit in the UK. A cold war song, the lyrics are about choosing to live positively despite the risk of nuclear annihilation.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The Nerd Theme from the motion Picture “Revenge of the Nerds” NERDS!!! A surprise success at the movies in the summer of 1984 was the comedy “Revenge of the Nerds.”

STAFF PICKS:

Little Lady by Duke Jupiter Wayne starts off the staff picks with a group from Rochester, New York, which may be surprising since the song sounds more like Southern rock than something out of the northeast. We think it sounds like ZZ-Top. The song is about a woman who is ditching her groom at the altar. Duke Jupiter had a 13-year career, breaking up in 1986.

Doctor! Doctor! by the Thompson Twins Brian's staff pick is a song comparing being in love to a medical state. The Thompson Twins got their start as a new wave group before moving to more mainstream success as a part of the Second British Invasion. This song would hit number 11 in the US and number 3 in the UK.

Missing You by John Waite Bruce's staff pick was a late edition to Waite's second solo album, "No Brakes." It was also a huge success that really launched Waite's solo career. The lyrics were inspired by several relationships Waite was in, primarily his wife with whom he was divorcing at the time. The melancholy denial of "I ain't missing you at all" paired with the background vocals "missing you" struck a chord with listeners, and the song would be a number 1 hit on the US charts.

Legs by ZZ Top Rob's closes out with a song more famous for its video than the song itself. This is the first top 10 hit from ZZ Top from their "Eliminator" album. A number of people have covered this song, but there's no way to outdo the original. The video tells a story of a girl transforming from a wilting wallflower to a knockout with the help of a ghostly ZZ Top.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

The Call of Ktulu by Metallica This week's podcast closes out with an instrumental from Metallica before the band achieved the monster status it would attain by the end of the decade.

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

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

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

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

1977 - December: Jackson Browne “Running On Empty” Apr 25, 2022

Show notes

Running on Empty was the fifth album by Jackson Browne. The album revolves around the theme of life on the road, and it is a live album, but with a couple of twists. First, none of these tracks had previously appeared on a Jackson Browne studio album. Second, while some of the songs were recorded on stage during concerts, others were recorded backstage, or in hotel rooms, or on the tour bus. This gives the album more of a concept feel than would be present for a typical "live" album.

Browne got his start as a songwriter as a teenager, and joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band shortly after high school. His early songs were recorded by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Nico, Steve Noonan, Gregg Allman, Joan Baez, Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, The Byrds, and others. He was a backing musician for Nico in 1967 and wrote three of the songs on her debut album, He co-wrote "Take It Easy," the first hit by the Eagles.

This album is considered one of the most accessible albums Browne created, and is his most successful album. It reached number 3 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart in 1978, and stayed on the charts for 65 weeks. It was nominated for Album of the Year in 1979. The title track would become a staple of classic rock.

Running on Empty The title track and first single from the album was recorded in concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. It hit number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was inspired by Browne's driving to the studio to make "The Pretender." It was only a few blocks from his house to the studio, and Browne wouldn't bother to fill up, so he was always literally running on empty.

Nothing But Time This track is about the boredom of life on the road. It was written and recorded on the tour bus, a Continental Silver Eagle. You can hear the bus's engine running in the background, downshifting and accelerating during the bridge. Browne and Howard Burke (his tour manager) wrote this one. Russ Kunkel is on percussion, playing snare, hi-hat, and "cardboard box with foot pedal."

The Load Out This is a well-known track about the folks that put the show together and the fans that come to hear the concert. "We've got to drive all night and do the show in Chicago - or Detroit, I don't know. We do so many shows in a row, and these towns all look the same." It portrays a decidedly unglamorous picture of touring life, with the one exception of the time on the stage.

Stay Almost always played in series on rock stations with “The Load Out,” this cover of Maurice Williams and the Zodiac's song from 1960 replaces concerns about mom and dad letting the girl stay out with concerns that the roadies, producers, and union letting the band play one more song.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Night Fever by the Bee Gees (from the motion picture "Saturday Night Fever") The movie that would make John Travolta a household name and disco the music genre of choice across the nation was released in December 1977.

STAFF PICKS:

Mind Bender by Stillwater Wayne leads off with a band whose name was used for a rock band in the movie "Almost Famous." This vocoder-laced southern rock piece with a shuffle beat hit the Billboard Hot 100 at number 46. The song is about a talking guitar called "Mindbender.: Stillwater is from Warner Robins, Georgia, and plays an annual show in Macon at Christmas time.

She's Not There by Santana Rob brings us a cover of the Zombie's hit from the 60's. While the Zombie's version made it to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, Carlos Santana gives it a Latin fusion twist that would hit number 27 on the charts. Greg Walker is the vocalist on this single, with Santana of course on guitar.

Help Is On Its Way by the Little River Band Brian's staff pick is from the Australian band known for their harmonies and easy groove. This is the lead single from their third album, Diamantina Cocktail. The song has a positive feel, and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Baby Come Back by Player Bruce's staff pick was written by band members Peter Beckett (lead vocals and guitar) and J.C. Crowley (piano and backing vocals) after two of the band members had broken up with their girl friends. This is off their self-titled debut album. The band would be less successful when they moved from a soul oriented sound to a more rock-oriented sound on their future albums.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

The Dialogue from the motion picture "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" The distinctive 5-note jingle marked the start of a conversation with aliens in this science fiction movie that debuted in December 1977.

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 - October: Cracker “Kerosene Hat” Apr 18, 2022

Show notes

The California band Cracker would have its greatest success with its second studio album, Kerosene Hat. Cracker is David Lowery on lead vocals and guitar, Johnny Hickman on lead guitar and vocals, Davey Faragher on bass and vocals, and Michael Urbano on drums. The name of the album comes from a time when Lowery and Hickman lived together in an old run-down house whose only heat source was a pair of kerosene heaters. They had to walk to a nearby gas station to buy more kerosene and would bundle up with a wool cap that came to be known as the kerosene hat.

While the group considered themselves more drawn to roots rock or country, the album went platinum during the days of grunge as an alternative rock sound. It definitely does not follow the over produced "hair band" sound that was beginning to wane in the early 90's. Much of the album was recorded in an abandoned sound stage in Pioneertown, California, in a location so run down that the group had to round up old mattresses from junk yards to provide insulation on colder days. The band holds a music festival there each year.

Wayne leads this expedition into the early 90's rock scene.

Low
This single only reached number 64 on the US Billboard Hot 100, but it was number 3 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks. Lowery claimed that the song was not about drugs, and that the lyric is not "like being stoned," but "like being stone." Other lyrics like "a million poppies gonna make me sleep" make this claim seem a bit more dubious.

Get Off This
The second single from the album is a response to former fans who accused Cracker of selling out to make more mainstream music. The response is obvious from the chorus: "So let's get off this, and get on with it. If you wanna change the world, shut your mouth and start to spin it."

Lets Go for a Ride
This deeper track is well described by the title - it is a driving song. "So, drive real fast through the underpass, and if we die or if we crash, well, I'd be flattered to be buried right next to you."

Euro-Trash Girl
This is a bit of a "hidden track" on the CD (coming in at #69), and is a favorite of serious Cracker fans. It was originally released on the EP "Tucson" It tells the story of a lonely guy in Europe who suffers through a series of break-ups. The band wrote this as a group, partly based on things the members had experienced, and some made up situations.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

I Can See Clearly Now by Jimmy Cliff (from the motion picture “Cool Runnings”)
The appearance of the Jamaican national team in the bobsled event for the 1988 Winter Olympics inspired this movie staring John Candy.

STAFF PICKS:

Sober by TOOL
Rob brings us a grunge song from the Los Angeles band Tool. The song is off their debut album, but it was most known for its creepy stop-action video. Similarities to Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" have prompted a number of mash-ups. The lyrics were inspired by a friend of the band whose creativity only came out when he was under the influence.

Hey Jealousy by Gin Blossoms
The song Brian features was written by guitarist Doug Hopkins about his former girlfriend. Hopkins was fired for unreliability associated with his heavy drinking, but the song propelled the Gin Blossoms to success. Hopkins became depressed and committed suicide in December 1993.

Perfectly Good Guitar by John Hiatt
Bruce's staff pick is a minor key blues number from a singer-songwriter who has worked with a tremendous amount of artists. This song from his eleventh studio album laments the way that rock stars get attention by smashing up perfectly good guitars.

Bad Thing by Cry of Love
Wayne's staff pick is a deeper cut. Cry of Love is out of Raleigh, North Carolina, and has a sound reminiscent of Bad Company. It was a throwback to solid 70's rock during a time when that genre of music was out of favor. Band members would go on to perform with other groups including the Black Crowes and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Leave That Thing Alone by Rush
This instrumental from the Counterpoints album is a bit of a continuation of the "Where's My Thing" instrumental from Rush's previous 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.

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.

1988 - March: Robert Plant “Now and Zen” Apr 11, 2022

Show notes

If Now and Zen, the fourth studio album by Robert Plant, sounds like Led Zeppelin, there's more reason for that than just the fact that Plant was the lead singer for the band. In addition to continuing use of computerized technology in the album, Plant also incorporated more blues and Middle Eastern elements into his music. He also had his Led Zeppelin band mate Jimmy Page contributing guitar to a couple of tracks.

Plant wanted to create an album that created electronic music with a more soulful sound than was typical at the time. He also benefitted from a lot of interest in the Led Zeppelin sound. Many hair bands at the time were trying to emulate Led Zeppelin, but struggled to do so in the highly produced commercial atmosphere of the late 80's. The Beastie Boys had even sampled a number of Zeppelin riffs for their album, “License to Ill,” much to Page and Plant's chagrin during the relatively unregulated use of OPM (other people's music) at the time.

The confluence of Plant's direction of combining electronics with blues, and the heightened interest in the Zeppelin sound resulted in the most successful commercial album of Plant's post-Zeppelin career. The album hit number 6 on the U.S. charts, and was certified triple platinum. Three singles would be released from the album.

Brian Dickhute brings us this album.

Heaven Knows This was the opening track and the first single from the album. The song, written by songwriters Phil Johnstone and David Barratt, is a satirical commentary on the perceived shallowness and lack of attention span of the late 80's. This is one of two tracks on which guitarist Jimmy Page participates.

Dance On My Own A deeper cut, this song is about being so happy about the girl on the block that you can't stop dancing. Phil Johnstone and Robert Crash co-wrote this song, along with Plant. Johnstone was the producer and keyboardist for the album. This track is more timestamped to the 80's than many of the tracks.

Tall Cool One This upbeat track is the second one on which fellow Led Zeppelin alumni Jimmy Page contributes guitar work. It also samples a number of Led Zeppelin songs, including "Whole Lotta Love," "Black Dog," and "The Ocean." The title comes from an instrumental work from a 50's group called The Fabulous Wailers, although the songs themselves are not the same.

The Way I Feel "See what I'm driving at and I'm back behind the wheel. I'm just a little nervous - It's something to do with the way I feel." This is a continuation of “Big Log” from his previous album “The Principle of Moments.”

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

I Heard It Through the Grapevine by The California Raisins The California Raisin Advisory Board caught lightning in a bottle when this claymation commercial with dancing and singing raisins became wildly popular. This song hit the Billboard Hot 100.

STAFF PICKS:

Get It On by Kingdom Come Wayne rocks out with this Zeppelinesque track from hair band Kingdom Come. This is the group's biggest hit off their first album. The album went to number 12 on the charts. The similarities in vocals to Kashmir are obvious. Critics would refer to the band as “Kingdom Clone.”

Endless Summer Nights by Richard Marx Rob's staff pick was a big hit on the pop and adult contemporary charts. Chicago native Richard Marx came up in the music business, and benefitted both from production quality and photogenic looks. Marx had 14 top 20 hits, three of which were number 1 hits. And you never can go wrong with a sax!

When We Was Fab by George Harrison Bruce's staff pick is the last new song Harrison would have to chart in the U.S. It was written as a playful look back on the Beatles days. Jeff Lynne co-wrote the song with Harrison, Gary Wright plays piano, and fellow Beatle Ringo Starr plays drums. The video features a number of cameos, including Paul Simon, Elton John, Jeff Lynne, and Ringo Starr.

What Have I Done to Deserve This by the Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield Allee Willis, author of “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire, and “Neutron Dance” by the Pointer Sisters, co-wrote Brian's pick with the Pet Shop Boys. It is about the hopelessness of a person stuck in a dysfunctional relationship whom they don't have the strength to leave. 60's icon Dusty Springfield contributes vocals to this song, and it would be her largest selling single after “Son of a Preacher Man.”

COMEDY TRACK:

Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley Well before the Rick Roll became a thing, the original was on the charts, and you get the benefit as our podcast closes out!

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.

1986 - November: Paul Simon “Graceland” Apr 04, 2022

Show notes

Paul Simon was in a slump in the early 80's. His relationship with Art Garfunkel was at a low point, he was recently divorced from his second wife, Carrie Fisher, and his 1983 album “Hearts and Bones” was considered a commercial failure. This album would change his fortunes. Graceland would become his highest charting album in over a decade, his most successful studio album, and would win the 1987 Grammy for Album of the Year.

Simon lived next door to Lorne Michaels, creator of Saturday Night Live. Michaels introduced Simon to a singer-songwriter names Heidi Berg, and Simon agreed to produce a record for her. Berg wanted a sound like the street music from Johannesburg, South Africa, and loaned Simon a bootleg tape. This inspired Simon to travel to South Africa, meet the musicians, and create an album using these musicians and their native sounds. Obviously, this fractured the relationship between Simon and Berg.

The album would also be controversial, because South Africa was under a cultural boycott at the time due to their apartheid policy. Simon would counter that he was lifting up the music of the indigenous South Africans, even paying three times New York union wages and giving writing credits, but this would not quell the criticism.

Nevertheless, the album would do well both commercially and critically, and introduce American mainstream audiences to world music.

Graceland The title track was named "Graceland" because the drums reminded him of a traveling rhythm you would hear in a song from Sun Records. The lyrics reflect taking a road trip to Graceland from Louisiana on Route 61. Some also consider it a song about using a road trip to get over the pain of divorce.

Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes This song features the South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Simon wrote it when he went to South Africa but it was not originally planned for inclusion on Graceland. That changed when Ladysmith Black Mambazo and several other South African studio musicians were in New York for an episode of Saturday Night Live, and they decided to record it while they were in town.

Under African Skies This deeper track references two people in the song one is Joseph Shabalala, the leader of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The other is Linda Ronstadt who lends her vocals to this track. Ronstadt's inclusion in the album was particularly controversial because she had performed at Sun City, a South African apartheid resort, three years earlier.

You Can Call Me Al The hit single from the album only went to number 23 on the charts. The names came from a party that Simon attended years prior with his first wife Peggy Harper. French Composer Pierre Boulez, who attended the same party, mistakenly referred to Paul and Peggy as Al and Betty. Many will remember the video starring Simon and Chevy Chase.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Somewhere Out There by James Ingram and Linda Ronstadt (from the animated film "An American Tail") This animated motion picture told the story of a family of Jewish mice and their immigration to the United States.

STAFF PICKS:

Goin' Crazy! by David Lee Roth Wayne leads off the staff picks with former Van Halen frontman, Diamond Dave. This is his third single from his first full studio solo album "Eat 'em and Smile." Steve Vai played guitar on this track. The song was supposed to be the title song from a proposed comedy television production starring Roth entitled "Crazy From the Heat"

Human by The Human League Brian brings us one of the most beautiful cheating songs you will hear. The Human League went to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis in Minneapolis to produce the album. It was a divisive decision, because the two women in the group did not accompany the other members when this song was recorded in Minneapolis.

Emotion In Motion by Ric Ocasek Rob's staff pick by the former Cars front man reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. This is off his second solo studio album, and was his only single to hit the top 40 as a solo artist. Ric Ocasek died in 2019.

Word Up! by Cameo Bruce finishes off the staff picks with the highest charting single from funk band Cameo - it hit number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Word Up" was an affirmation used in New York. Larry Blackmon is the lead singer, and was inspired to use the distinctive vocal monotone you hear in this song by listening to Sly Stallone.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

The Launch by Boston Boston's long anticipated third album "Third Stage" was released this month, and contained this instrumental lead-in to "Cool the Engines."

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

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

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

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

1971 - February: Yes “The Yes Album” Episode 200! Mar 28, 2022

Show notes

It's our 200th episode! And to celebrate, we are going to cover a group we reference frequently in other episodes - “all roads lead to Yes.” The third studio album by Yes was simply entitled The Yes Album, and it was both a critical success, and a much-needed commercial breakthrough, hitting number 40 on the US album charts. It was the first album not to contain any cover songs, and was also the first album to feature guitarist Steve Howe in the group.

This iteration of Yes consisted of Jon Anderson on vocals, Chris Squire on bass and vocals, Steve Howe on guitars and vocals, Tony Kaye on keyboards, and Bill Bruford on percussion. This album would be the last with Kaye on keyboards until the 90125 album in the 80's.

We're also spending some time talking about the podcast, our experiences over 200 episodes, fans from different places, and more What The Riff trivia. We hope you enjoy this milestone podcast!

Yours Is No Disgrace The opening track was written by all five members of the band. It is a song about the Vietnam War, telling the returning soldier that the war wasn't his fault, and that he had no choice but to fight.

Starship Trooper Robert Heinlein's novel of the same name inspired the name of this song. The epic consists of three movements, "Life Seeker," primarily written by Jon Anderson, "Disillusion" mostly written by Squire, and "Würm," largely written by Howe.

I've Seen All Good People This is another lengthy epic of a song, not uncommon for Yes with it's prog rock sensibilities. Jon Anderson and Chris Squire wrote this song and it's two movements. The first movement, "Your Move," uses chess as a metaphor for relationships, and was released as a single which became a top 40 hit. The second movement, "All Good People," would be re-incorporated into the song when played on FM rock stations at the time. It references John Lennon in several places.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The theme from the motion picture “Love Story” This romantic tragedy starred Ali MacGraw and Ryan O'Neil. It was released in December 1970 and was a big grossing film in February.

STAFF PICKS:

Temptation Eyes by The Grass Roots Wayne's staff pick is a California group which charted frequently in the early 70's, including this song which went to number 15. The band originally was founded by Lou Adler and the songwriting duo of P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri.

If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lightfoot Brian's staff pick is the well-known Canadian singer-songwriter. This song was inspired by Lightfoot's divorce. It has been recorded over 100 times since Lightfoot wrote it by artists like Liza Minnelli, Barbara Streisand, Glen Campbell, and Johnny Mathis.

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? by Chicago Bruce brings us the first song the band recorded together on their first album in 1969. It wasn't released as a single until late 1970 after "Make Me Smile" became a hit. This encouraged the group to go back to this song and cut it down to single length. Robert Lamm wrote and sang lead on this song, inspired by a quip he received from a Brooklyn movie theater usher.

What Is Life by George Harrison Rob's finishes the staff picks with the “quiet” Beatle. It is off his triple album "All Things Must Pass," and this second single from the album went into the top 10 on the U.S. charts. Eric Clapton played on this album, and it was produced by Phil Spector. It is a love song that appears to be directed both at a woman and a deity.

INSTRUMENTALTRACK:

The Clap by Yes This live instrumental piece was brought to the group by Steve Howe, and appears on The Yes Album. It was written in celebration of the birth of Howe's son, Dylan.

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.

1979 — May: Blackfoot “Strikes” Mar 21, 2022

Show notes

While they may hail from Jacksonville, Florida, the southern rock group Blackfoot gets its name from the Native American tribe in recognition of the Native American heritage of multiple members of the band. Strikes was their third studio album, and would go Platinum. Blackfoot is Rickey Medlocke on lead vocals and guitar, Charlie Hargrett on guitar, Greg T. Walker on bass, keyboards, and vocals, and Jakson Spires on percussion and vocals. Rickey Medlocke was an early member of Lynyrd Skynyrd where he played drums and contributed vocals.

After touring as the backing band for Ruby Starr, Blackfoot met Al Nalli who was manager for the group Brownsville Station, and he got them a contract with Atco Records. Nalli also produced Blackfoot Strikes, which would be the groups most commercially successful album.

Blackfoot would see many lineup changes over the years, with over 40 musicians being listed as former members of the band. Blackfoot continues to tour today, and released a new studio album in 2016. Although no original band members are with the band today, Rickey Medlocke occasionally joins the band during concerts.

Train, Train (Prelude)
This short harmonica instrumental features Rickey Medlocke's grandfather, Shorty Medlocke, who was a bluegrass artist and composer of the piece

Train, Train
The biggest hit of the group was written by Shorty Medlocke, Rickey's grandfather, and peaked at number 38 on the charts. It was originally a delta blues song, and was the last song that was recorded for the album. It laments about a woman who dumps her blue collar guy to go to the big city.

Left Turn on a Red Light
A deeper cut in a minor key, this song is about decisions early in life and potential regret. In this case, the guy realizes that his decision was right.

Highway Song
This was a second single hit from the album, and had an epic quality to it. The lyrics are similar to "Turn the Page," in that it is about life on the road. "Well, another day, another dollar after I've sang and hollered. Oh, it's my way of living, and I can't change a thing."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Main theme from the television series “Starsky & Hutch”
Alright folks, slide across the car hood to hop in that Grand Torino! The buddy cop series had its final episode this month.

STAFF PICKS:

The Diary of Horace Wimp by E.L.O.
Bruce's staff pick chronicles the week of a shy guy who gets the love of his life with a little help from "a voice from above." This is a deeper cut from the disco-heavy E.L.O. album "Discovery," though this one has more in common with the Beatles than the Bee Gees.

Minute By Minute by the Doobie Brothers
Brian features the yacht rock hit from Michael McDonald and the Doobie Brothers. This is the title track off the album of the same name, and followed their number 1 hit "What a Fool Believes" as s single. This song hit number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was nominated for a Grammy, losing to their other singe, "What a Fool Believes."

Sad Eyes by Robert John
Rob's staff pick is a falsetto ballad that debuted in May. This song hit number 1 on the charts, ending the 6 week reign at number 1 for "My Sharona" by The Knack. It is about a man telling his mistress that their relationship is over because his wife is coming back.

Shakedown Cruise by Jay Ferguson
Wayne brings us a keyboard heavy song that hit number 31. Ferguson came out of several groups, including Spirit and Jo Jo Gunne. Joe Walsh is the guitarist on this song. "Now if I don't get off alive, it's just as well I'll be waking up in heaven, 'cause I've been through hell."

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Music Box Dancer by Frank Mills
This instrumental was a big hit on the charts this month.

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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