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1967 - February: Cream ”Fresh Cream” Mar 14, 2022

Show notes

British rock supergroup Cream debuted their first studio album entitled Fresh Cream in January 1967 in the United States, following the December 1966 British release. Eric Clapton was on guitar and vocals, Jack Bruce was on bass, harmonica, piano, and vocals, and Ginger Baker was on percussion and vocals.

Clapton had come out of the Yardbirds, and both Baker and Bruce had been in the Graham Bond Organisation together. Ginger Baker approached Clapton about joining a new band, and Clapton agreed with the condition that Bruce be used as the bassist. Baker and Bruce had a tumultuous relationship, with Baker at one point threatening Bruce at knifepoint. However, the two patched things up for the sake of the new group.

The result of the collaboration was a success from the beginning. Fresh Cream consisted of a mix of original compositions and blues covers, with Jack Bruce writing many of the original songs. The band would cross rock, blues, and psychedelic genres.

Cream would produce four studio albums before internal tensions would break up the band.

Brian Dickhute takes us on our journey into this supergroup, and fan of the show Joe Davis joins us while Wayne is away.

N.S.U. The starting track to the album was written by Jack Bruce, and gets its name from the medical condition "non-specific urethritis," a type of venereal disease. Supposedly Eric Clapton was suffering from N.S.U. at the time the song was written, and Bruce was poking a little fun at him.

Sweet Wine This is a deeper cut that encourages folks to slow down and enjoy life. "Sweet wine, hay making, sunshine day breaking, we can wait till tomorrow."

Rollin' and Tumblin' This fast blues number highlights Eric Clapton's guitar virtuosity. The song was originally performed by Hambone Willie Newbern in 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. It was originally called "Roll and Tumble Blues." Cream's version is largely based on a version performed by Muddy Waters.

I'm So Glad This song is the most recognizable hit from the album, and continues to be played today. Skip James originally recorded this in 1931, and the band made sure to give James credit for his work.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

It's Been Nice (from the television film "Jack and the Beanstalk") This mixed live action and animated film starring Gene Kelly was broadcast on NBC in February of 1967.

STAFF PICKS:

98.6 by Keith Bruce kicks off the staff picks with a celebration of the joys of love. Barry James Keefer was called Keif when he was in a group called The Admirations, but changed to Keith to avoid having a name that sounded like the Moroccan word for cannabis. This song his number 7 on the Billboard chart.

You Got to Me by Neil Diamond Rob brings us an early hit from Diamond's second studio album. Diamond has sold more than 100 million records, and is one of the best selling musicians of all time. Neil Diamond had ten number 1 singles. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in 2011.

Ruby Tuesday by the Rolling Stones Joe Davis' staff pick is a softer song from the Rolling Stones, and their fourth #1 hit in the United States. It was supposedly written about one of Keith Richard's ex-girlfriends. "Goodbye, Ruby Tuesday. Who could hang a name on you? When you change with every new day. Still, I'm gonna miss you."

Words of Love by The Mamas and The Papas Brian closes out the staff picks with a little honkytonk cabaret number sung by Mama Cass. This song helped put The Mamas and The Papas back on the charts, and encourages boys to demonstrate love, not rely on words of love to win a girl's heart.

COMEDY TRACK:

Wild Thing by Senator Bobby This novelty song channels the distinct accent of Bobby Kennedy into the garage band hit by the Zombies for comedic effect.

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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.

1993 - November: Pearl Jam “Vs.” Mar 07, 2022

Show notes

It is no surprise that Pearl Jam was under intense pressure to follow up their debut album "Ten" with another success. What may be surprising is that the band's second studio album, Vs. (pronounced "versus") did indeed live up to the success for their debut. Vs. started at the top of the Billboard 200 album chart, sold almost a million copies in its first five days, and in its first week outperformed all other albums in the top 10 combined.

Pearl Jam did a number of things differently with this album. First, they recorded the songs one at a time, setting up the band in a similar way to their live concerts, and mixing each song as they went. Second, the songs created were more raw and powerful than those on their first album. Front man Eddie Vedder even began sleeping in his truck and in the sauna at the recording studio to keep up the intensity. Finally, the band deliberately did NOT make videos for any of the songs on this album, preferring to let the listeners visualize the songs rather than have that creativity removed by the presence of a video.

This album also marks a change in the approach the band took to its tours, avoiding the press and focusing directly on the fans. In addition to refusing to make videos, they dramatically scaled down television appearances, and capped the prices of their tickets to make their concerts more accessible to fans.

Guest contributor Joe Davis brings us this outstanding album.

Go Many interpret this first single and lead-off track from the album to be about child abuse, though Eddie Vedder hinted that it was about his truck breaking down on him!

Animal The opening lyrics "one, two, three, four, five against one" reflect the originally planned title of the album (Five Against One), and the idea that the five members of the band are up against the machine of the music industry. The album would eventually be called "Vs." instead.

Glorified G Joe picked this song for the first two lines: "Got a gun, fact I got two. That's OK, man, 'cause I love God." The lyrics come from an argument that Eddie Vedder had with drummer Dave Abbruzzese when Dave brought a gun he bought to rehearsal one day. Dave was from Texas, where guns were more common, while Vedder hated guns.

Rearviewmirror Eddie Vedder wrote this song about his stepfather, whom he hated. It was about leaving him behind without a second thought. This is a fast-paced song, and Joe recommends it for your running playlist.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the BBC television special "Mr. Blobby" The television Christmas special was on the charts in the UK in November 1993. It was panned by critics and almost everyone else as it can be found as the WORST theme song ever...yet it topped the UK charts.

STAFF PICKS:

Everybody Hurts by R.E.M. Brian begins the staff picks with a slower and positive song from the album “Automatic for the People.” This track is an anti-suicide song, encouraging people to hold on when things go wrong, because everybody hurts sometimes.

Into Your Arms by The Lemonheads Rob brings us a hit off the album “Come On, Feel The Lemonheads.” The band was originally from Boston, with Evan Dando on lead vocals and guitar, Ben Deily on vocals and guitar, and Jesse Peretz on bass. This album was a follow-up to their hugely successful album ”It's a Shame About Ray.”

Carry On by Angra Bruce rocks out with a song off the Brazilian heavy metal band's debut album “Angels Cry.” It encourages you to...well...carry on. “So carry on, there' a meaning to life which someday we may find. And carry on, it's time to forget the remains from the past, to carry on.”

The Man Who Sold the World by Nirvana Joe finishes off the staff picks with Nirvana's MTV Unplugged cover of the David Bowie song. The song lyrics are about a man who is surprised to meet a personality of himself that he thought he had left behind years ago.

COMEDY TRACK:

Bohemian Polka by Weird Al Yankovic Weird Al stays surprisingly faithful to the original lyrics, but with a polka twist on the music.

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.

1966 - November: Simon & Garfunkel ”Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” Feb 28, 2022

Show notes

Many consider Simon & Garfunkel's third studio album to be the breakthrough album. The tracks on Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme were written primarily by Paul Simon during his time as a visitor in England in the prior year. The songs maintain the folk feel of previous albums, and are heavily tilted towards acoustic instrumentation.

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel met in elementary school in Queens, New York, in 1953. They had their first minor hit as teenagers in 1957 under the stage name Tom and Jerry. They began by emulating the sound of The Everly Brothers, but moved towards a folk sound as that genre gained in popularity.

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme was a follow-up to their second album, which had been a commercial success, but which the duo felt was rushed. Simon insisted on control of the recording process, and they took nine months to craft and record the album. The result would be both a critical and commercial success, peaking at number 4 on the Billboard Pop Album Chart and eventually achieving Triple Platinum status with the RIAA.

The duet would go on to record five studio albums before growing apart and breaking up in 1971. The duo would reunite several times afterwards, perhaps most famously for their concert in Central Park in 1981.

Scarborough Fair/Canticle The opening track originated from an English ballad that had its roots in a Scottish folk song from at least the 1670's. Simon learned it from Martin Carthy in London, and set it in counterpoint against a song he had previously written in 1963. It would appear as a single after being featured in the film "The Graduate" in 1968.

Homeward Bound This song had previously appeared on the UK version of the duo's second studio album before appearing on the this American release. The single hit number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 earlier in 1966, and was on the charts for 12 weeks. SImon wrote it after returning from England in 1964.

The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy) The name of this song is from a bridge in New York, also known as the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge. The theme to the television series "H.R. Pufnstuf" originally considered composed by Sid and Marty Kroft, was found to be too similar to this song, and Paul Simon was given writing credits to this theme after a court suit.

A Simple Desultory Philippic (or How I Was Robert McNamara'd into Submission) This song is considered a parody of Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues," which was released the year before. The lyrics name-drop many contemporary politicians, musicians, and celebrities, including Art Garfunkel. Robert McNamara was the U.S. Secretary of Defense at the time the album was released.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The theme from the television series "The Saint" Roger Moore starred as Simon Templar in this British spy series. His work in The Saint would propel him to a future role as James Bond in the 007 movie franchise.

STAFF PICKS:

Psychotic Reaction by Count Five Wayne walks down the psychedelic path to open our staff picks. The song name came from a professor in the lead singer's college psychology class. The lyrics are about losing your mind due to heartache. While this is a one-hit wonder, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame lists this song as one of the "500 Songs That Shaped Rock."

You Keep Me Hangin' On by The Supremes Brian's staff pick was written by Holland-Dozier-Holland, authors of the Motown sound. This song was written specifically for The Supremes, and details the tragedy of a relationship in which a man cannot let go of the woman, but can't commit to her either. This was one of a string of four number 1 songs by The Supremes.

Walk Away Renee by the Left Bank Bruce brings us a little baroque pop, complete with harpsicord and strings. co-writer Michael Brown claims he wrote the song about Renee Fladen-Kamm, who was the girlfriend of The Left Bank bassist Tom Finn, and with whom Michael Brown was infatuated. Co-writer Tony Sansone contradicts Brown, saying it was a French girl's name selected at random, inspired by the Beatles' song "Michelle."

A Hazy Shade of Winter by Simon & Garfunkel Rob's closes out the staff picks with a famous Simon & Garfunkel single that was recorded during the studio sessions for the album, and was on the charts at the time, but which did not appear on this album.

COMEDY TRACK:

Boy Wonder, I Love You by Burt Ward This strange piece is a weird collaboration between Burt Ward (who played Robin in the 60's "Batman" series) and Frank Zappa.

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

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

1984 - August: The Alarm ”Declaration” Feb 21, 2022

Show notes

Welsh band The Alarm formed in 1981 out of a previous punk band called The Toilets. After extensive touring, the band would release their debut studio album entitled Declaration — released in February 1984 in vinyl and cassette, and the release on then-new compact disc (CD) format was in June of 1984. The album was on the charts in August when we feature it.

The band consisted of Mike Peters on lead vocals, harmonica, and acoustic guitar, Dave Sharp on backing vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, Eddie MacDonald on bass guitar and vocals, and Twist (aka Nigel Buckle, aka Nigel Twist) on percussion and vocals. Early on in their career the band members had Peters, Sharp, and Macdonald all playing acoustic guitars, but as the band gained popularity they decided it was in their best interest to differentiate into parts, with Peters on lead, Sharp on guitar, and MacDonald on bass.

The Alarm toured North America in 1984 as the opening act for U2 on the "War" tour, and there is a noticeable similarity between The Alarm and U2. Declaration dealt with the struggles of teen life from a politically and socially different perspective. This record sees the world of European youth in the early 1980's, not in black and white, but rather shades of grey and brown. These are not songs of suburbia, but the inner city filled with smokestacks and the ghetto filled with crying babies and laundry hung from string draped across the street from window sill to window sill.

While the band broke up in 1991, they reformed in 2004 and are both touring and still releasing albums as of 2022.

Declaration
This short song leads off the album, serving as an intro to the next song, the album, and the band. “Take this song of freedom. Put it on and arm yourself for the fight. Our hearts must have the courage to keep on marching on and on.”

Marching On
The punk roots of the band show on this post punk song about youth. The lyrics encourage the young to not let the world and their circumstances keep them from accomplishing great things. It is a song with a sense of hope.

The Stand
The Alarm was inspired to write the song from Steven King's book of the same name. Many of the characters from the novel are mentioned in the song, and it follows the Christian concept of the Rapture, as does the novel. It is off this album as reprise, but this version is actually from their previous EP.

Sixty-Eight Guns
This hit went to number 17 on the UK singles chart, and reached number 39 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in the United States. The lyrics were inspired by a book that Peters had read about the 1960's street gangs of Glasgow. Peters said in a Songfacts interview that it was about young people at a difficult age then "you're too cool for school, but not wise enough or eligible enough for adult life."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Main theme from the motion picture “Red Dawn”
Patrick Swayze, Charlie Sheen, and a well known cast of young actors were featured in this action movie about an invasion of heartland America where local teens form a guerilla force behind enemy lines in their home town.

STAFF PICKS:

Lights Out by Peter Wolf
Brian starts out the staff picks with this solo effort from the front man of The J. Geils Band. This is the title track to his debut album after Wolf split with The J. Geils Band. The band wasn't interested in moving in the pop rock direction that Peter Wolf desired.

Round and Round by Ratt
Bruce features a hard rocking hit from Ratt's album "Out of the Cellar." This is the band's biggest hit, going to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. It re-appeared on the Billboard Rock Digital Song Sales Chart at number 18 in 2020 after being used in a Geico commercial. The video featured Milton Berle, who was the uncle of Ratt's manager, Marshall Berle.

Only When You Leave by Spandau Ballet
Rob's staff pick is from Spandau Ballet's fourth album. Spandau Ballet had a smooth, almost crooner sound with New Wave roots. They were the first band that Bob Geldof approached for his Live Aid concert. Only When You Leave was the band's last song to be a hit in the United States.

Midnite Maniac by Krokus
Wayne rocks out with Swiss metal band Krokus. AC/DC inspired this band, though they take a little more progressive rock bent. They hit the Billboard Hot 100 with this song, becoming the first Swiss act to do so. The name comes from a flower common to much of Europe.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

It's More Than You by Stevie Wonder
Wonder closes us out with this instrumental number from the motion picture "The Lady in Red," which was released this month with a soundtrack featuring a number of songs written by Stevie Wonder.

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.

1990 - February: Damn Yankees “Damn Yankees” Feb 14, 2022

Show notes

Damn Yankees is the debut album from the supergroup of the same name. Damn Yankees features Tommy Shaw of Styx on guitars and vocals, Jack Blades from Night Ranger is on bass and vocals, Ted Nugent is on guitars and vocals, and Michael Cartellone is on percussion and vocals. Cartellone was a relative unknown musician at the time, but he is now playing drums for the band Lynyrd Skynyrd.

A&R's John Kalodner is credited with getting the band together. At the time Shaw was in and out of Styx, Blades was available after Night Ranger dissolved, and Nugent was in a lull in his solo work. Nugent and Shaw were the first brought together, and this might seem like an unusual pairing given their previous work. However the two bonded very quickly over their appreciation for R&B, soul, and Motown music.

Blades and Shaw took the lion's share of lead vocal duties on this album, and the pair complemented each other. Both had extensive experience harmonizing with others in their previous bands, and this carried over to Damn Yankees.

Their debut album would be successful, led by the rock ballad "High Enough" which would hit number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. A second album would be released in 1992 which would be less successful than the first. After this second album Nugent would concentrate on his solo work. Tommy Shaw and Jack Blades would produce a couple of albums under the name Shaw Blades, but would soon return to their respective groups (Shaw to Styx, Blades to Night Ranger).

Guest contributor John Lynch joins us for this podcast.

Damn Yankees This is the title song off the album, and a deeper cut. You get a lot of Ted Nugent's guitar work on this one. All songs were a collaborative effort, with Blades, Shaw, and Nugent receiving writing credits.

Coming of Age According to Songfacts, Tommy Shaw began plunking out the opening riff on piano when the group was working at Jack Blades House. Blades came up with the opening lines of lyrics, and the group moved to guitars to jam out the rest organically. Blades takes lead vocal duties here, with Shaw providing high harmonies.

Runaway This song is somewhat of a deeper cut, as it was the fourth single from the album. It is, as the name suggests, a song about a young runaway who lives on the streets of the city. It hit number 9 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, but did not make the Billboard Hot 100.

Come Again Tommy Shaw takes lead vocal duties on this song, and it has a sound reminiscent of some of this work with Styx. It is about about a girl to whom the guy can't seem to leave behind..

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the television series "Mission Impossible" The television series reboot inspired by the Tom Cruise movies ended in February 1990.

STAFF PICKS:

Kickstart My Heart by Motley Crue Wayne kickstarts the staff picks with The Crue off the album "Dr. Feelgood." This song was supposedly inspired by an incident when Nikki Sixx overdosed, and the paramedic injected adrenaline into his heart. This metal song made it to number 27 on the pop charts.

Dangerous by Roxette John features Swedish duo Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle. Both Fredriksson and Gessle were successful solo artists before coming together to join Roxette. The group toured until 2016 when Fredriksson was diagnosed with brain cancer. She passed in 2019.

Black Velvet by Alannah Myles "Mississippi in the middle of a dry spell. Jimmy Rogers on the Victrola up high." Rob's staff pick is a sultry blues number with a shuffle beat. Songwriters Christopher Ward and David Tyson wrote this in homage to Elvis Presley. Myles' single came out in December 1989, and Robin Lee's country cover appeared shortly thereafter.

I Wish It Would Rain Down by Phil Collins Bruce's staff pick is a ballad from Collin's 1989 album "...But Seriously". Eric Clapton plays lead guitar. The song is about a lost relationship, though Collins said in an interview that it "is about a frustrated weatherman that regularly predicts rain showers but never gets it right." We'll let you be the judge on the accuracy of that interpretation.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Cliffs of Dover by Eric Johnson Guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson takes us out with his big instrumental hit which was on the charts at the time, and would become even more famous on the video game Guitar Hero.

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.

1965 - July: The Supremes “More Hits by The Supremes” Feb 07, 2022

Show notes

More Hits by the Supremes is the sixth studio album by Motown's all female group, The Supremes. The album is composed largely of songs already released as singles and their B-sides.

The group was composed of vocalists Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard, and Diana Ross. The group was renamed Diana Ross & the Supremes in 1967, but at this time they were still known as The Supremes. Originally formed in 1959 as The Primettes after being introduced to Berry Gordy by Smoky Robinson, the group began as a quartet including Betty McGlown. McGlown was replaced with Barbara Martin in 1960, then became a trio when Martin left in 1962.

Success was slog in coming to The Supremes, and at one time they were known around Motown as "no-hit Supremes." However, The Supremes became Motown's most commercially successful act, and achieved twelve number 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. As part of their appeal the group deliberately embraced a distinctly glamorous feminine image, utilizing high fashion and makeup onstage. They were also prepared by Maxine Powell, who ran Motown's in-house finishing school, to "perform before kings and queens" as they toured the world. The result was an appeal to all audiences, domestically and internationally, and all races. They made 17 appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

John Lynch joins us for this podcast.

Nothing But Heartaches
This hit peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, but was a disappointment for Motown, as the previous five songs by The Supremes went to number 1.

Back In My Arms Again
The single to this song appeared just before "Nothing But Heartaches," and was a number 1 hit.

Whisper You Love Me Boy
This ballad was originally recorded by Mary Wells, but her recording was shelved when she abruptly left Motown. The Supremes recorded it for this album, and it was used as the B-side to the single "Back In My Arms Again."

Stop! In the Name of Love
One of The Supremes' most recognized songs, this track was both a number 1 hit and a Grammy-nominee. The Supremes would be known not just for the song, but for the choreography - one hand on the hip and the other raised in a "stop" gesture. The lyrics are a plea from a girl to "think it over," before he goes with another girl.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

"A Horse Is a Horse" (from the television series "Mr. Ed")
The famous Mr. Ed, a talking horse who starred in the sitcom bearing his name, was appearing on CBS during 1965.

STAFF PICKS:

Seventh Son by Johnny Rivers
Bruce's staff pick features Rivers performing an R&B song written by Willie Dixon, originally performed in 1955 by Willie Mabon. Rivers recorded this as the lead track for his album, "Meanwhile Back at the Whisky a Go-Go." It's supposed to be lucky to be the seventh son, or seventh sister, or seventh child, and this single went to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Fly Me to the Moon (In Other Words) by Tony Bennett
Rob features crooner Tony Bennett's cover of the song originally entitled "In Other Words," and performed by Kay Ballard in 1954. The most famous version would be Frank Sinatra's in 1964, which would get some boost in popularity from its association with NASA's Apollo program.

Down in the Boondocks by Billy Joe Royal
John's staff pick is a story about a guy from the wrong side of town who falls for a girl from the "right" side of time. Billy Joe Royal was born in Valdosta, Georgia, and raised in Marietta, Georgia, and this would be his biggest hit.

I Like It Like That by The Dave Clark Five
Wayne closes out the staff picks with a "British Invasion" group who were competitors with The Beatles at the time. While the Beatles would move into the stratosphere of popularity as the sixties moved on, The Dave Clark Five would decline.

COMEDY TRACK:

Wooly Bully by the Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs
This novelty song became a staple of college frat parties across the land and for decades since its inception.

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.

1982 - November: Missing Persons ”Spring Session M” Jan 31, 2022

Show notes

One of the staple groups of the early 80's New Wave genre was Missing Persons. Their debut album with Capital Records was Spring Session M, an anagram of the band's name.

The founding trio was vocalist Dale Bozzio, drummer (and Dale's husband) Terry Bozzio, and guitarist Warren Cuchunullo. The Bozzio's were working with Frank Zappa and met Cuchunullo when he contributed to a Zappa album. The trio worked with session musicians, created an EP, and established a successful presence in Los Angeles. They added bassist Patrick O'Hearn and keyboardist Chuck Wild to the band before producing their debut album.

Spring Session M was a success, riding the New Wave genre to popularity. Dale Bozzio's makeup and quirky vocals added to that success, as did her photogenic presence in the band's videos on the fledgling cable channel MTV. Unfortunately, Spring Session M would also be the high water mark for the band, with follow-up albums failing to achieve similar success. The band broke up in 1986, as did the Bozzio's marriage. However Dale Bozzio, Cuchunullo, and O'Hearn would continue to work together on solo projects and Mission Persons reunions. The band tours today, with Dale Bozzio as the only founding member still present.

Windows This song expresses the idea of watching life from the safety of the windows rather than participating in it. It was the third of four singles released from the album.

Words "What are words for when no one listens?" The lyrics for this song chronicles the apathy of society and the efforts that people make to be seen and heard: "Do you hear me? Do you care?" "Not only are they deaf and dumb they could be going blind and no one notices. I think I'll die my hair blue." This is also a good example of Dale Bozzio's vocal range.

Noticeable One Although there was some airplay for this song, it was not released as a single. Continuing the theme of attention or lack of attention, this song calls for the listener to "Notice me!"

Destination Unknown The biggest hit (tied with "Words" on the charts) only went to number 42, but spent 13 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. The synth heavy song was on their 1980 EP, and was released on this album. It saw heavy airplay in the early days of MTV. "Life is so strange (destination unknown) when you don't know your destination."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The Imperial March (the Darth Vader Theme from the motion picture “The Empire Strikes Back”) This movie was re-released (actually the third release) in November 1982 in preparation for the third installment in the trilogy to follow.

STAFF PICKS:

New World Man by Rush Brian's staff pick is from the album Signals. "He's noble enough to know what's right but weak enough not to choose it. He's wise enough to win the world but fool enough to lose it." Surprisingly this is the highest charting single by Rush hitting number 21 on the Billboard Top 40 - the only Rush song to make the top 40. The song was a last-minute addition to the album.

Don't Fight It by Kenny Loggins and Steve Perry Bruce brings us a song off Kenny Loggin's album "High Adventure." Loggins and Perry co-wrote this rocker with Dean Pitchford who would go on to write the screenplay for Footloose. The guitar work is from Neil Giraldo, Pat Benatar's husband and guitarist. This is one of Perry's furst non-Journey works, and he was looking to connect with other songwriters as he prepared to work on his solo album.

Halloween by the Dead Kennedys Wayne features a punk work which encourages people to be themselves each day rather than just putting on masks at Halloween. The Dead Kennedys formed in 1978, and this song is off their second studio album, "Plastic Surgery Disasters." They recorded four albums before breaking up in 1986, though they have reformed from time to time ever since.

Crazy by Supertramp Rob's staff pick is "a little song to make you feel good," a deep cut off the last album with Roger Hodgson. It is off their studio album "...Famous Last Words..." which was their follow-up to the amazingly successful "Breakfast in America." The album would reach number 5 on the album charts and contained the hit "It's Raining Again."

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

D. N. A. by A Flock of Seagulls We close out with an instrumental from New Wave artists A Flock of Seagulls.

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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 - January: Janis Joplin ”Pearl” Jan 24, 2022

Show notes

Texas born Janis Joplin died on October 4, 1970, and Pearl was posthumously released in January. Producer Paul A. Rothchild created a more polished sound on this album than her previous solo work or her work with other bands. The Full Tilt Boogie Band, Joplin's touring band at the time, also participated in this studio album. It would be her best selling album, peaking at number 1 on the Billboard 200, and being certified quadruple platinum.

After leaving Big Brother and the Holding Company at the end of 1968, Joplin moved away from the psychedelic sound towards a more R&B orientation with the Kozmic Blues Band, her backing band at the time. Although her first album went gold within two weeks of its release, reviews were mixed as critics had trouble with the new soul and blues orientation. Pearl would continue the blues trend and would receive much more positive reviews, certainly influenced by its posthumous release.

Joplin's struggles with drug abuse were well known, and she died of a heroin overdose towards the end of the recording sessions.

Move Over
Joplin composed the opening track to the album. It is her take on how men can end a relationship but refuse to move on, but instead drag the woman around long afterwards.

Cry Baby
This is a song written by Bert Berms and Jerry Ragovoy was originally recorded in 1963 by Garnet Mimms and the Enchanters in 1963. Mimms' rendition went to number 4 on the charts, while Joplin's went to number 42.

Me and Bobby McGee
When most think of Janis Joplin, they think of this single, her most successful. Kris Kristofferson and Fred Foster penned the song, and it was originally performed by Roger Miller in 1969. Miller's version hit number 12 on the country charts, but Joplin's would go to number 1 on the Hot 100.

Mercedes Benz
The second song penned by Joplin, this track was recorded a cappella in one take on October 1, 1970, three days before Joplin's death. It is a tongue in cheek critique of consumerism.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

I Think I Love You by The Partridge Family
"The Partridge Family" began its 5-year run as a sitcom in the fall of 1970, and this song was on the top of the charts in January 1971.

STAFF PICKS:

Love the One You're With by Stephen Stills
If Rob's staff pick sounds more like Crosby Stills and Nash than a Stills solo effort, that may be because David Crosby and Graham Nash are singing on this track, along with a host of other well known musicians of the time. Both Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix played on the album.

Stoney End by Barbara Streisand
Bruce risks the ire of the group by making Streisand his staff pick this week. The title track to Streisand's 12th studio album was the one that found her successfully making the jump from Broadway music to the pop/rock genre. The song itself is a story of bad choices with a boy leading down a bad road to a stony end.

Superstar by Murray Head & Choir
Wayne's staff pick is the theme of the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar," and represents a questioning ghost of Judas asking Jesus if he intended for things to happen the way they did. In addition to the hippie culture of the time, there was also an ascendant Jesus movement happening in culture which this musical successfully tapped.

One Man Band by Three Dog Night
Brian wraps up the staff picks with a harmonic hit from Three Dog Night's album "Naturally." The song peaked at number 19 in the U.S.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Way Back Home by the Jazz Crusaders
This instrumental was on the charts just before the Jazz Crusaders shortened their name to the Crusaders in 1971.

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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 - September: Bon Jovi “Slippery When Wet” Jan 17, 2022

Show notes

This is the album that turned heavy metal into pop, or started the hair metal genre of the 80's. Slippery When Wet was the third studio album by Bon Jovi, and would be their best selling album to date.

The band was David Bryan on keyboards, Tico Torres on percussion, Alec John Such on bass, Richie Sambora on guitar, and Jon Bon Jovi on lead vocals and rhythm guitar.

Bon Jovi deliberately targeted a mainstream audience with this album. They wrote 30 songs and auditioned them to teenagers in New York and New Jersey. The album's songs were then ordered based on the opinions of this teenaged focus group.

The band collaborated with Desmond Child, a hall of fame songwriter who wrote songs like "I Was Made for Loving You" by Kiss and Joan Jett's "I Hate Myself for Loving You." Slippery When Wet would be the top selling album of 1987, and would go 12x platinum. It would also make Bon Jovi the first glam rock band to have two number 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 with "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "Livin' on a Prayer."

Bon Jovi - the band, and Jon Bon Jovi as a soloist - would never leave the rock pantheon A-list after this album.

Raise Your Hands
Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora wrote this one. It was the B-side to "You Give Love a Bad Name," and was not released as a single. If it sounds familiar you might be remembering it from a scene in the Mel Brooks film "Spaceballs."

You Give Love a Bad Name
This is the first single from the album and would hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in November 1986. Child, Bon Jovi, and Sambora re-wrote the song which started as a song for Bonnie Tyler called "If You Were a Woman (And I was a Man)" The video was directed by Wayne Isham, who was also directing videos for Motley Crue at the same time. Motley Crue felt betrayed that Wayne would direct a Bon Jovi video, since they were competing with each other at the time.

I'd Die for You
This song is a deeper cut with keyboard work reminiscent of the song "Runaway" from their first album.

Wanted Dead of Alive
This track hit number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, and uses old west imagery to describe the lonely life of a rock star. Bon Jovi and Sambora would perform an acoustic version of this tune on the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards, and would inspire the network to create their "MTV Unplugged" series.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Glory of Love by Peter Cetera (from the motion picture The Karate Kid part II)
This solo song from Chicago front man Peter Cetera was on the charts after being featured in the 1986 summer sequel starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita.

STAFF PICKS:

Wild, Wild Life by Talking Heads
Wayne leads off the staff picks with a critically acclaimed song from the Talking Heads album, "True Stories." The song was featured in the film "True Stories," a satirical comedy directed by David Byrne, front man for the Talking Heads. This was the third and last top 40 hit the band would create.

Higher Love by Steve Winwood
Brian's staff pick is Winwood's first number 1 hit in the United States. Will Jennings wrote the lyrics, inspired by his experience with church in the deep South. Chaka Khan provides the backing vocals, enhancing the gospel feel of the song - a modern day hymn.

Sweet Freedom by Michael McDonald
Rob's staff pick was featured in the buddy cop movie "Running Scared," starring Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines. This was the last top 10 hit to date for McDonald. In addition to his solo work, McDonald has worked with many musicians including Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, and most famously as lead vocalist for the Doobie Brothers, with which he is touring today.

Venus by Bananarama
Bruce finishes the staff picks with a number 7 hit from an English pop group formed by the trio of Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, and Keren Woodward. The original was released in 1969 by Netherlands group Shocking Blue. Bananarama began covering this song when they first formed in 1980, but didn't release the single until they had recorded original songs so they would be taken seriously as musicians.

COMEDY TRACK:

Big Fat Blonde by The Rainmakers
The Rainmakers released their debut album in 1986. One of their fans was horror novelist Stephen King, who quoted the band's lyrics in some of his novels.

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

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

1967 - October: Buffalo Springfield “Buffalo Springfield Again” Jan 10, 2022

Show notes

Buffalo Springfield was a fusion of Canadian and American musicians, and was also a fusion of folk, country, and psychedelic rock. The band lineup included Canadians Neil Young, Bruce Palmer, and Dewey Martin, and Americans Stephen Stills and Richie Furay. While their debut album was recorded quickly, their second album, Buffalo Springfield Again, would be recorded over a period of nine months. This was due to Young frequently departing from the band, and to bassist Bruce Palmer being deported and having to sneak into the country illegally to record the album.

Young and Stills had met in 1965 in Ontario. Stills was forming a band in Los Angeles with Richie Furay. After a band breakup in Toronto, Young and Palmer went in search of Stills, driving from Canada to Los Angeles in a hearse. After searching for a couple of weeks, the four met up in LA traffic. Dewey Martin from the Standells was added as drummer. The group gets its name from a steam-driven manufacturing machine made by the Buffalo Springfield Roller Company.

Buffalo Springfield would break up in 1968 after one more album, with the band members going on to other projects. Stephen Stills and Neil Young would both appear in Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. Richie Furay would go on to form the group Poco. Of course Neil Young would have a solo career as well.

We hope you enjoy this album, one of the founding albums of the West Coast psychedelic sound.

Bluebird Stephen Stills wrote this multi-part song, and Neil Young is on lead guitar. Stills wrote this song about his girlfriend, and is on lead vocals. The jam in the center of the song is a duet with Stephen Stills on acoustic guitar and Neil Young on electric guitar. You can hear the prototype of the sound that would soon become Crosby, Stills and Nash in this song.

Mr. Soul Neil Young wrote this track about his ambivalent-to-negative feelings about rock stardom. While it is one of the more famous songs off this album, it was originally released as the B-side to "Bluebird." Neil Young would record this later as a solo artist in 1982.

Good Time Boy Richie Furay wrote this deeper cut. This has a funky, soul sound, reminiscent of James Brown. "Sock it to me now, groove it on me now, lay it on me now."

Rock & Roll Woman If this sounds even more like Crosby, Stills, and Nash than the others, there's a reason for it. Neil Young did not play on this track, and David Crosby was brought in to sing backing vocals. The rock and roll woman referenced in this song is Grace Slick.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The Bare Necessities (from the animated film "Jungle Book") Disney's animated take on Rudyard Kipling's book would be released this month. It was the last film to be produced by Walt Disney, who died during its production.

STAFF PICKS:

Ode to Billie Joe by Bobbie Gentry Rob starts the staff picks with a story telling song. This gothic tale is about a family discussion of Billy Joe Mcallister, who had committed suicide. Gentry said that the song is about indifference to suffering of others, and was inspired by the murder of Emmitt Till.

In the Heat of the Night by Ray Charles Brian's staff pick is the theme from the motion picture of the same name starring Sydney Poitier. The score for the movie was created by Quincey Jones, who also composed the song. Marilyn and Alan Bergman wrote the song for the film to have a backwoods gospel feel.

Lonely Drifter by Pieces of Eight Bruce brings us some Carolina beach music. Originally recorded by The O'Jays in 1963, Pieces of Eight would record this and hit the charts as a one-hit wonder. The group was formed when Raleigh based group The Tassels joined with two of the Greenwood, South Carolina band The Swinging Medallions. The name comes from the group being an 8-piece band.

My White Bicycle by Tomorrow Wayne closes out the staff picks with a psychedelic one-hit wonder. The guitarist on this is Steve Howe, who would later be a member of the band Yes. The reference to "white bicycle" was inspired by an early sharing program in Amsterdam where bicycles were painted white and provided to the public for free use.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Title 15 by the Rolling Stones We close with an instrumental song off the Stones album "Their Satanic Magesties Request."

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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