What the Riff Next Gen

Latest Episodes:

1992 - September: Roger Waters “Amused to Death” Aug 16, 2021

Show notes

Roger Waters is one of the best known rock celebrities, both as a founding member of Pink Floyd and as a solo artist after leaving the band. Amused to Death is his third solo album, and Waters considers it to be a continuation of The Wall. The name is inspired by the book "Amusing Ourselves to Death" by Neil Postman. The concept of the album is a television where the channels are continually being changed at random by an ape, and critiques the senseless obsession with T.V.

Waters had been politically critical for some time before this album, and he continues that critique as he examines the glamorization of war, greed and egotism, and the dumbing down of nearly everything through media and bureaucracy.

For this effort, Waters would be joined by a strong cast of session talent, including future American Idol Judge Randy Jackson, Jeff Porcaro, Patrick Leonard, and guitar virtuoso and Yardbirds alumni Jeff Beck. Waters also went with a more streamlined approach to the album, utilizing "real people playing real instruments," as he told the Los Angeles Times.

Amused to Death would be Waters last solo work for a long time, as the album "Is this the Life We Really Want?" would not appear for almost 25 years. Amused to Death is a great an underappreciated album, and we hope you will listen to it in its entirety as an excellent post-Pink Floyd concept.

Perfect Sense, Part 1 This song is about a world where live transmissions of wars are viewed as entertainment. With the freshness of the Gulf War from the previous year in mind, Waters had a solid basis for this view of the world. "The monkey looked up at the stars and thought to himself, memory is a stranger, history is for fools."

The Bravery of Being Out of Range Another song influenced by the Gulf War, Waters found it laughable that the use of cruise missiles and long-range attacks would be considered noble or courageous. This track hearkens back to older Pink Floyd albums, and specifically references the song "Sheep" from the 1977 album "Animals."

Amused to Death The title track utilizes a lot of sound effects and clips. The song mirrors the Neil Postman book, in chronicling an alien species who comes to earth after the human race has gone extinct before our time. Humanity died out by focusing on television entertainment rather than more important things, and literally amused itself to death.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Would? by Alice In Chains (from the motion picture soundtrack “Singles") This Cameron Crowe dark comedy featured a veritable plethora of grunge artists on the soundtrack.

STAFF PICKS:

Constant Craving by k. d. lang Rob brings us a softer and melancholy staff pick from lang's second solo album. The video for this song takes it inspiration from the Samuel Beckett play "Waiting for Godot." k. d. lang drew initial inspiration from Country music legend Patsy Cline. This song was her biggest U.S. hit, going to number 38 on the charts.

Dizz Knee Land by Dada Wayne goes alternative with his staff pick. The song was inspired by a marketing promotion that Disney used at the time, having sports stars saying, "I'm going to Disneyland!" right after a big win. Instead of highlighting big wins, the lyrics are "I just robbed a grocery store," or "I just tossed a fifth of gin," or "I just flipped off President George - I'm going to dizz knee land."

Start the Car by Jude Cole Bruce features the opening and title track from singer/songwriter Jude Cole's third solo album. The lyrics are a declaration that this city is no place to be, and that it is time to leave. The bluesy heartland feel is a nice departure from the grunge music which was in ascendance at the time.

Do I Have to Say the Words? by Bryan Adams Brian's pick is the fifth single release of Adam's album "Waking Up the Neighbors." The song was originally titled "Rescue Me," but Mutt Lange changed the name, slowed the song, and added a new chorus to transform the song into a ballad. The song was a hit, rising to number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, and to number 2 in Canada.

COMEDY TRACK:

Smells Like Nirvana by Weird Al Yankovic The prolific prince of parody turns his sights on the founding fathers of grunge as we close out this week's podcast.

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

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

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

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

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

1982 - June: Stray Cats “Built for Speed” Aug 09, 2021

Show notes

While many bands of the 80's were focusing on the synth-heavy New Wave or screaming guitars of Hard Rock, one band was taking their inspiration from the 50's roots of Rock. The Stray Cats came out of New York in 1979 and developed a devoted following quickly, but moved to the UK after hearing of a revival of the 50's subculture there. Inspired by the Sun Records artists of the 50's, the Stray Cats combined Rockabilly and Punk genres to form their sound.

The Stray Cats were a trio with Brian Setzer on guitar and lead vocals, Lee Rocker on double bass, and Slim Jim Phantom on drums. They continued to tour and record in the UK, and released two albums there in 1981 before turning their interest back to the States. Their debut American album, Built for Speed, was comprised of songs selected from their first two albums released in England, plus the previously unreleased title track.

The group benefitted from having both a unique sound and air play on the then-new MTV. Unlike most music of the time, songs were short and tight, without synthesizers or more modern sensibilities. Also, unlike the music of the time, everything was stripped down to the bare essence in this group. Phantom's drum set consisted of just a few pieces, worlds away from the massive sets fielded by prog rock groups like Asia and Rush. Brian Setzer wrote most of the songs, and had the distinctive look that would become associated with the group.

Unfortunately, Setzer also tired of the group quickly, and the Stray Cats broke up in 1984. Setzer would go on to be the concert guitarist for the Honeydrippers (with Robert Plant as front man). The group would reunite frequently over the years, and each member continued to tour either with their own bands or in support of other musicians.

The group continues to tour off and on today, and released a new album in 2021.

Built for Speed This is the title track and the only song on the album previously unreleased. It is about cars, and hot rodding on the road. “Well I'm cruising low and I'm cruising mean, well I'm cruising slow in my dream machine. You're my hot rod mama and you're really built for speed.”

Rock This Town An easily recognizable hit, “Rock This Town” cracked the top 10. This song was the introduction to Rockabilly to many people. It is about hitting the clubs at night, dancing the night away. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame lists this song as one of the 500 songs that shaped rock and roll. “We're gonna rock this town, rock it inside out.”

Baby Blue Eyes A deeper cut from the album, this tells the struggle of a guy in love with a pretty girl he just doesn't trust. While in England, the Stray Cats attracted the attention of many famous artists including members of the Rolling Stones, the Who, and Led Zeppelin.

Stray Cat Strut This track is the most famous of the Stray Cat's tunes, and received significant airplay on both radio and MTV. It reached number 3 on the charts. “I'm flat broke but I don't care. I strut right by with my tail in the air.” Setzer's songs are original but carry the sound of a 50's cover.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Flying Theme from the motion picture “E.T. the Extraterrestrial” The film that made Steven Spielberg a household name was released this month.

STAFF PICKS:

Space Age Love Song by A Flock of Seagulls Rob's staff pick peaked at number 30 on the Billboard charts. This New Wave group is out of Liverpool. When they couldn't come up with a name for the track, guitarist Paul Reynolds suggested the name because he thought it sounded like a space age love song. Mike Score's well-known hairdo was the result of a mistake after his hair was accidentally pushed down in the center before going onstage.

Tainted Love/Where Did Our Love Go? by Soft Cell Bruce features the first hit from vocalist Marc Almond and instrumentalist David Ball, better known as Soft Cell. Tainted Love was originally recorded as a B-side in 1964 by Gloria Jones, but it didn't chart. Almond heard it when working in a cloakroom, and the duo started performing it with synthesizers instead of guitars. It was a big hit in the U.S. as part of the Second British Invasion. The extended dance version combined Tainted Love with the Supremes' hit “Where Did Our Love Go?”

Wake Up Little Susie by Simon and Garfunkel Brian's staff pick hearkens back to the early days of rock with a cover of the Everly Brothers song recorded at Simon and Garfunkel's live concert from Central Park. The song did well and was part of the inspiration for Simon and Garfunkel's tour in 1983.

I Want Candy by Bow Wow Wow Wayne's staff pick features a cover originally performed in 1965. Bow Wow Wow's version had both a rockabilly and punk feel to it. The lead singer was underage at the time, and the risque pictures on the album created considerable controversy.

COMEDY TRACK:

She Got the Goldmine (I Got the Shaft) by Jerry Reed Jerry Reed's cautionary tale reminds us that it is better to learn how to cook than to marry for food as we close out the podcast.

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

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

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

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

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

1973 - January: Elvis Presley ”Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite” Aug 02, 2021

Show notes

By 1973 Elvis had definitely not left the building. In fact, January 1973 would be the month that Elvis Presley would broadcast a concert live via satellite to 38 countries. The concert would air in the United States on NBC in April 1973, and would be the basis for the album we are featuring - Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite, the four-month delay being a result of a conflict with Super Bowl VII (which Miami Dolphin fans will recall as the culmination of Miami's undefeated season).

Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis's manager, got the idea of a live satellite broadcast from Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to China. There is also speculation that Parker took this step in lieu of an international tour to avoid revealing his status as an illegal immigrant in the United States (Parker was Dutch). The concert was scheduled at the conclusion of the fifty-nine show engagement at the Las Vegas Hilton.

The special was produced by Marty Pasetta, who had produced television specials for others like Perry Como, Glen Campbell, and multiple specials from Hawaii for Don Ho. Pasetta was concerned after seeing what he considered a lackluster live Elvis show in Long Island. Despite a dismissive stance from Colonel Parker, Pasetta took his ideas directly to Presley. He wanted a lower stage with a runway, allowing better audience participation. He wanted mirrors to frame the stage and neon lights to read "Elvis" in the language of all the countries to which the concert was broadcast. Finally, and most controversially, he wanted Elvis to lose weight for the show. Presley was impressed with his frankness, and took up his ideas, even embarking on an exercise routine at Graceland.

Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite would bookend the comeback era for Elvis which was started with his 1968 television special. Elvis would encounter difficulties in his family life, health, and prescription drug use that would eventually result in his untimely death in 1977.

Also Sprach Zarathustra/See See Rider The Ricard Strauss tone poem made famous in "2001: A Space Odyssey" starts off the concert. The intro leads into the blues standard "See See Rider" first performed by Gertrude "Ma" Rainey in the 1920's, and covered by many performers including Chuck Willis, Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels, and the Animals.

Burning Love Dennis Linde wrote this song for Elvis in 1972, and it was a big hit, rising to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track would be the last Elvis song to reach the 1op 10 in the U.S.

My Way This song is a cover originally performed by Frank Sinatra in 1969. The lyrics are from Paul Anka. Although it remains closely associated with Sinatra, it would also become a staple of Elvis performances in the 70's, and would hit number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 shortly after Presley's death.

American Trilogy Country composer Mick Newbury wrote this medley, and it would be popularized by Presley as the showstopper for many of his concerts. The medley includes the 19th century southern song, “Dixie,” the marching hymn of the Union army, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and the African American spiritual “All My Trials.”

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the television series “Bonanza" The final episode of this long-running Western TV series aired in this month.

STAFF PICKS:

Papa Was a Rollin' Stone by the Temptations Bruce's staff pick is a funky and long song, with the album version of the song running 11 minutes and 46 seconds. Originally released by The Undisputed Truth, the Temptations would take this song to number 1, and would win 3 Grammy awards. “Papa was a rollin' stone. Wherever he laid his hat was his home, and when he died, all he left us was alone.”

You Turn Me On I'm a Radio by Joni Mitchell Rob heads into the folk genre with singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell and this single from her fifth studio album. David Crosby, Graham Nash, and Neil Young all participated in the recording session for this song, but only Nash's harmonica work made it to the final cut. This was Mitchell's first top 40 hit in the United States.

Dixie Chicken by Little Feat Wayne's Southern Rock staff pick was actually recorded by a Los Angeles band. Bonnie Raitt sings backing vocals on this song. The story is about a guy who marries a girl in a drunken haze, only to be left shortly thereafter.

Living In the Past by Jethro Tull Brian's pick is a 5/4 metered song by rock flutist Ian Anderson. This is the highest charting track from Jethro Tull. It was a rejection of the happy tone that was fashionable in the post-Beatles music of the time. Despite its success, Anderson did not like it.

FINISHING TRACK:

I Can't Help Falling in Love With You by Elvis Presley Elvis closed out his concert with this song, and we're closing out this week's podcast the same way..

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.

1994 - November: Dave Matthews Band “Under the Table and Dreaming” Jul 26, 2021

Show notes

While Under the Table and Dreaming may have been released in September 1994 as the debut studio album by the Dave Matthews Band, songwriter and guitarist David John Matthews was working as a bartender in 1990 when a friend encouraged him to get together with drummer Carter Beauford and record a demo of a few songs he had written. Matthews also brought in saxophonist LeRoi Moore, and the trio began working on songs in 1991. Beauford recalled the three piece band was, according to Wikipedia “Awful. Not just kind of bad, I mean heinously bad...Sometimes it amazes me that we ever had a second rehearsal.” Fortunately, they did have more rehearsals, as Matthews brought in Stefan Lessard on bass, Peter Griesar as keyboardist (he would leave the band just before the big breakout), and violinist Boyd Tinsley (in 1992).

The Dave Matthews Band built a following similar to the Grateful Dead through constant touring in the 1990's. They were famous for constantly changing their setlist and song arrangement so that no two concerts were the same, they also encouraged fans to record their performances, another similarity to the Grateful Dead. Armed with a solid following in Virginia and a live EP called “Recently” recorded earier in 1994, the DMB would enter the studio with famed producer Steve Lillywhite to produce this certified 6x Platinum album.

There has never really been a time when the Dave Matthews Band hasn't been popular since this debut. When they released their album “Come Tomorrow” in 2018, it debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200, making DMB the first band to have seven consecutive studio albums debut at the peak.

This is a great album, and we know you will enjoy downloading it for your collection

Ants Marching This is the second single released, and it reached #18 on the Billboard Alternative chart. It was written back in 1991 about people who live very settled lives, doing the same thing over and over - like ants marching. The album title comes from this song, “He remembers being small - playing under the table and dreaming.”

The Best of What's Around This is the opening track from the album. It is about a guy cheering up a friend who is down. “See you and me have a better time than most can dream, have it better than the best. So we can pull on through whatever tears at us, whatever holds us down. And if nothing can be done we'll make the best of what's around.”

Lover Lay Down This is a deep cut off the album, and it is a pretty straightforward love song. “Oh please lover lay down, spend some time with me. Together share this smile.”

What Would You Say We don't recommend that you look for a deeper meaning in the lyrics from the lead single from the album. While the lyrics are mostly nonsense, we do appreciate the line, “I was there when the bear ate his head - thought it was a candy.” The harmonica will sound familiar to Blues Traveler fans, as John Popper contributes those notes.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Sympathy for the Devil by Guns 'N' Roses (from the motion picture Interview with the Vampire) Axl Rose and company provide their take in this cover of the Rolling Stones song for the horror hit based on Anne Rice's novel.

STAFF PICKS:

Plowed by Sponge Wayne start's this week's staff picks on a rocking track from the Sponge album “Rotting Piñata.” The song lyrics are about trying to achieve a goal and failing. “In a world of human wreckage where I'm lost and I'm found and I can't touch the ground, I'm plowed into the sound.”

I'll Stand By You by the Pretenders An unusual ballad, Brian brings us a big hit from Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders. This was the first time Hynde wrote in collaboration with others, songwriters Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg. Hynde was embarrassed about writing the pop song at first, but warmed up to it over time. The song reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Need Your Lovin' by Tesla Rob’s staff pick is off Tesla’s album “Bust A Nut.” Vocalist Jeff Keith fronts this band made famous in the hair metal era. This track is a love song, but with a stronger beat than would be the case if it were a ballad. Tesla continues to tour today.

6:00 by Dream Theater Bruce rounds out the staff picks with the opening track from Dream Theater's album Awake. Keyboardist Kevin Moore penned these lyrics, supposedly about a man stuck in a situation looking for a way out, but in reality about Moore's increasing distance from the band and desire to leave. The opening samples are from the 1987 movie “The Dead,” a film adaptation of a James Joyce short story.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

#34 by the Dave Matthews Band It's a little double dipping on the DMB with this instrumental, which would appear on the CD as the 34th track. A number of bands would “hide” music on distant tracks on their CD releases.

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.

1977 - March: Foreigner “Foreigner” Jul 19, 2021

Show notes

It may not be surprising that the self-titled debut album from Foreigner was a hit, since all the members had previously worked with successful acts, making this collaboration a bit of a supergroup. British guitarist and songwriter Mick Jones came from Spooky Tooth. Multi-instrumentalist and fellow Brit Ian McDonalds had played in King Crimson. They were joined by another Englishman, drummer Dennis Elliott (from Ferris Wheel and The Roy Young Band). Other members were American, including Al Greenwood on keyboards, Ed Gagliardi on bass, and Lou Gramm on vocals. The band had the name Trigger for their demo tapes, but swapped that name out when they found another band had already taken it. The name Foreigner was suggested by Mick Jones, because with three English members and three American members, at least half the band would be foreigners — wherever they played.

The debut album Foreigner would create three hit singles and would be certified 5x platinum in the US, the first of four albums (this one, Double Vision, Head Games, and 4) from the group to achieve such a high level of success.

Foreigner would prove to be one of the biggest bands of the late 70's through the 80's.

Lou Gramm would split from the group in the 1990, return in 1992, and leave again in 2003. Foreigner still tours today, but Mick Jones is the sole original member of the group.

Feels Like the First Time
The leading track and first single released would be the first hit by the group, reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Mick Jones wrote this track prior to the start of Foreigner, when he had met a new love after this previous marriage dissolved. It was a feeling that his life was entering a new phase.

I Need You
This song concludes the album and is a deeper cut with great bass licks and chord progressions. "Many is the time I've cursed the Lord's creations. Ah, but you touched my hand, I loved this new sensation."

Starrider
Another deeper cut with more prominent keyboards, this one features Mick Jones on lead vocals. The song reminds us of "Crystal Ball" by Styx. You might agree it has a medieval or fantasy feel.

Long, Long Way from Home
The third single from the album gives the perspective of a person moving from a small town to a large city, and the loneliness that results. Lou Gramm has said this song is autobiographical, reflecting his move from Rochester, New York to New York City. "I was inside looking outside. Oh, the millions of faces, but still I'm alone."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the television series “Eight Is Enough”
The family drama starring Dick Van Patten would debut in March of 1977. It was about a single father raising eight kids.

STAFF PICKS:

Year of the Cat by Al Stewart
Brian opens our staff picks with a haunting tune. The song originated from a riff piano player Tim Renwick would play before concerts. Many of the lyrics were inspired from watching the movie Casablanca. The title comes from a Vietnamese calendar which indicated that 1975 was the Year of the Cat.

Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes by Jimmy Buffett
Wayne brings us one of the standard songs of summer. The song itself barely cracked the top 40, but has taken on a timelessness with more than just the "Parrot Heads" that attend multiple Buffett concerts. "With all of our running and all of our cunning, if we couldn't laugh we would all go insane."

Georgia Rhythm by the Atlanta Rhythm Section
Bruce features a local Atlanta band who was big in 1977. The Atlanta Rhythm Section was formed from former members of the Candymen and the Classics IV who had come to Atlanta as the session band for Studio One in Doraville in 1970. This song is off their sixth studio album, and the first album to get significant airplay. The big hit was "So Into You," but "Georgia Rhythm" got a lot of airplay in Atlanta for obvious reasons.

Maybe I'm Amazed (live) by Paul McCartney & Wings
Rob wraps up the staff picks with a song originally recorded in 1970 for McCartney’s first album, but never released as a single. This live version was released in February 1977. This touching song was inspired by his romance with his wife, Linda.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Fanfare for the Common Man by Emerson, Lake & Palmer
This was originally written by Aaron Copeland in response to America's entry into the Second World War. The ELP version came about when Emerson was playing the piece on keyboards. Greg Lake came in with a shuffle pattern on bass, and Palmer added in the drums. The engineer was rolling tape and the first time the band played the song through is what made the 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.

1976 - September: Kansas “Leftoverture” Jul 12, 2021

Show notes

Leftoverture is the fourth and most commercially successful studio album by Kansas. Formed out of a complex merger between a band called Saratoga and a prog rock outfit called White Clover, Kansas takes its name from the band's state of origin, as their start was in Topeka. The band consisted of Steve Walsh (keyboards, vibraphone, vocals), Kerry Livgren (electric guitar and keyboards), Robby Steinhardt (violin, viola, vocals), Rich Williams (electric and acoustic guitars), Dave Hope (bass), and Phil Ehart (drums).

Kansas had achieved some success with their first three albums, but had failed to have a hit single. As the record company began applying pressure to the band to secure a hit, Steve Walsh began to experience writers block. Much of the songwriting for Leftoverture fell to guitarist Kerry Livgren, who wrote or co-wrote all the songs on the album. On the last rehearsal day, he contributed one more song, "Carry On Wayward Son," which would become the groups first hit.

The album itself continues a progressive streak established by prior albums through pieces like the multi-part, 8+ minute closing track, "Magnum Opus," but brings a more accessible commercial appeal through songs like "The Wall" and "Carry On Wayward Son." This album and the follow-up "Point of Know Return" would push Kansas into national prominence for arena tours and on the Album-Oriented Rock scene.

Creative differences would eventually drive several members to split from the group in the 80's, but the band would reform by 1985 and continues to tour as of 2021.

Carry On Wayward Son The hook-laden opening track features Kerry Livgren on lead vocals. Livgren wrote the track and considered this song a continuation of the song "The Pinnacle" from their previous album.

The Wall Not released as a single, this introspective track is a deep cut both from a commercial and spiritual standpoint. Livgren was in the process of becoming a Christian at the time, and while not written with an overtly Christian message you sense the searching nature regardless.

What's On My Mind This jam features violinist Robby Steinhardt on vocals, and has a theme of a break-up. The singer is recounting the path of the relationship. "Pardon me, my feelings are showing. I'm only saying what's on my mind."

Miracles Out of Nowhere This song has Steinhardt and Livgren swapping off on lyrics. There is a mystical, fantasy feel that hearkens to their prog-rock roots. "Here I am, I'm sure to see a sign. All my life, I knew that it was mine. It's always here, it's always there, it's just love and miracles out of nowhere." And you can't go wrong ending the song with a gong!

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the television series “Charlie's Angels" "Once upon a time, there were three little girls who went to the police academy." And Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, and Farrah Fawcett-Majors would grace posters around the US for some time.

STAFF PICKS:

Smokin' by Boston Bruce launches the staff picks with a rocking number never released as a single. Nevertheless, it is well known from Boston's debut album, as is virtually every track on that masterpiece. Brad Delp and Tom Scholz co-wrote this song as part of the "Mothers' Milk" demos from 1973.

Rock 'n' Rollers by Angel Wayne's tune is off the eponymously named first album by Angel. It is a straightforward rock song about attending a rock concert. Gene Simmons of Kiss discovered the band who dressed all in white. The Angel logo was made as an ambigram, so it looked the same either right side up or upside down.

Roxy Roller by Nick Guilder and Time Machine Rob's glam rock staff pick is from Nick Guilder, better known for "Hot Child in the City." Four versions of this song came out in 1976, this one and three from three different lead singers of the band Sweeny Todd, one of which was a teenager named Bryan Adams.

Don't Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult Brian's pick is famous as the song with more cowbell! Buck Dharma received a lot of criticism for this song from people who believed it encouraged suicide. In reality it was about not fearing death - not living because of being anxious about the end of life. The spirit carries on.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Magnum Opus by Kansas This double dipping instrumental is the first movement of an 8-minute epic off Leftoverture. It's subtitle is "Father Padilla Meets the Perfect Gnat." We'll just leave it there.

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.

1987 - October: Joe Satriani ”Surfing with the Alien” Jul 05, 2021

Show notes

New York native Joe Satriani had previously recorded an album in 1986, and ran up some credit card credit card debt in the process. He paid off the debt from his earnings as a member of the Greg Kihn Band, but stayed on a low budget of $13,000 when he recorded his second and all-instrumental studio album, Surfing with the Alien. This would be a break-out album for the guitar virtuoso.

Satriani began playing guitar at age 14 under the inspiration of Jimi Hendrix. Supposedly he heard of Hendrix's death at football practice, and announced he was quitting the sport to become a guitarist. Satriani taught guitar to a number of students including Kirk Hammett of Metallica, David Bryson of the Counting Crows, and perhaps most notably fellow Carle Place High School alumni Steve Vai.

This album relied on drum machines rather heavily, with percussionist Jeff Campitelli recording overdubs to flesh out the pieces. Satriani played on two Kramer Pacer guitars and a Stratocaster guitar for the album, and would change the pickups to get different sounds. The cover artwork was originally a picture of Marvel Comics' Silver Surfer until the price for renewal grew too hefty in 2018, at which time it was replaced with a silver guitar.

Satriani has been a "hired gun" with a number of groups including Alice Cooper, Blue Oyster Cult, Deep Purple, the Yardbirds, and even Spinal Tap for their 1992 album. He is also known for his work with the supergroup Chickenfoot, and for founding the G3 tour.

Surfing with the Alien
This is the first and title track to the album. The title popped into Satriani's head when he was thinking about what it would sound like if aliens came to Earth but were just looking for fun rather than global conquest.

Always with Me, Always with You
This is the most popular track off the album. Joe Satriani wrote it as a love song for his wife, Rubina, and it is an instrumental power ballad.

Circles
If you haven't heard the album as a whole, you likely have not heard this deeper cut. It has a slow start and finish, with a hard thrashing center. It will give you a good sense for Satriani's playing style when using a slower tempo.

Satch Boogie
Satriani composed this hard rocking song after a car accident in 1986 when he was in a neck brace and on pain medication. Supposedly the concept was about what it would sound like if there was a horn section trying to play with Gene Krupa (the jazz drummer on "Sing, Sing, Sing") while his drum set was falling down a flight of stairs. This is the only track which uses live percussion.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Sweet Little Sixteen by Chuck Berry (from the motion picture Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll)
This documentary film featured two of Chuck Berry's 1986 concerts in celebration of his 60th birthday.

STAFF PICKS:

It's A Sin by Pet Shop Boys
Rob's synth-heavy staff pick is from the English duo of Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, known as the Pet Shop Boys. The song off their second album covers the struggle of a gay person in a Catholic environment. It was intended as a campy song, but perhaps had more meaning than the duo intended.

Paper In Fire by John Mellencamp
Brian brings us back to small town USA with a hit off Mellencamp's album Lonesome Jubilee. The first single released peaked at number 9 in October 1987. Paper in fire is a reference to Hell from the Bible, taken from the book of Ecclesiastes 7:5-6.

Big Generator by Yes
All roads lead to Wayne's staff pick, and the title track from the Yes album. The Big Generator album followed their immensely successful album 90125, and the lyrics from this song reflects the band's take on the pressure the record labels received to continue producing pop hits. "Praise, oh praise this anthem generator."

I Don't Mind at All by Bourgeois Tagg
Bruce's staff pick is a one-hit wonder from the duet Brent Bourgeois (keyboards, vocals) and Larry Tagg (bass, vocals). This song is off their second album Yoyo, which was produced by Todd Rundgren. This is their biggest hit, which peaked at number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Blues For Salvador by Carlos Santana
This instrumental is from another long-running guitar virtuoso who would remain an active force in the rock world for decades. This is the title track from Carlos Santana's 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.

1969 - April: The Who “Tommy” Jun 28, 2021

Show notes

Believe it or not, many considered The Who to be a band in decline just before the release of their iconic rock opera Tommy. Their recent releases hadn't been as popular as expected. They had a popular stage show, but between Pete Townshend destroying his guitars and/or Keith Moon destroying his drums, the shows were expensive! The double album Tommy would change the trajectory of the group and make them superstars of the rock genre.

Pete Townshend was looking for something different when he created this rock opera. He was dissatisfied with the style of rock advanced by The Beatles and The Beach Boys, which was highly produced but not well suiting for live tours. He had experimented with smaller suites on earlier albums, but Tommy was on a completely different level - a double album telling a cohesive story.

Tommy tells the story of a boy left deaf, dumb, and blind after his father, Captain Walker, kills his mother's lover. After many unsuccessful attempts to cure him, he is left neglected and molested by members of his family. Once he grows older, he finds himself unusually gifted with playing pinball. A new doctor correctly identifies Tommy's issues as psychosomatic, and he is eventually cured. He then briefly becomes a leader of a religious movement, using enforced sensory depravation and pinball machines to enlighten his adherents. His strange practices are soon rejected by his followers.

The album would come out in May of 1969, but its first performance was in April, which is why we are featuring it here.

Pinball Wizard
The first single from the album is one of the ban's most famous songs. It tells of the skills of Tommy Walker from the perspective of a pinball champion "a Bally table king" who declares "that deaf, dumb, and blind kid sure plays a mean pinball!" Elton John would perform this song in the 1975 film adaptation of the rock opera.

The Acid Queen
Pete Townshend is on lead vocals for this song. It chronicles Tommy's experience with a gypsy healer who uses LSD to treat his ailments. On the album the song leads into the instrumental "Underture," which represents Tommy's hallucination. Tina Turner plays the Acid Queen in the 1975 film and sings this song.

I'm Free
This song features Roger Daltry on lead vocals, and tells of Tommy's release from blindness and deafness. It also tells of Tommy's rise to spiritual leader as his popularity skyrockets after his cure. Townshend was partly inspired by the Rolling Stones' "Street Fighting Man" when he wrote this one.

We're Not Gonna Take It
The followers ultimately reject Tommy in this final track of the album. It is actually a suite, with movements including "We're Not Gonna Take It," and reprises of "See Me, Feel Me," and "Listening to You." Townshend had originally intended this song to be a critique of politics before it was incorporated into the rock opera.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

“The Brother's Theme” (from the television series “The Smothers Brothers”)
The Smothers Brothers comedy show would go off the air in April 1969 after clashes with the CBS network censors over their portraying of the Vietnam War.

STAFF PICKS:

The Boxer by Simon & Garfunkel
Bruce's staff pick is the most highly produced of the Simon and Garfunkel songs, taking over 100 hours to record, and recorded at multiple locations. The lyrics are about a person struggling with life and loneliness in New York City. The "lie-la-lie" in the chorus was intended to be a placeholder, but became part of the song.

Gimme Gimme Good Lovin' by Crazy Elephant
Rob picked this one out mistakenly thinking it was "Gimme Summa Lovin'," but this one-hit wonder has a good groove. It is considered psychedelic rock, or garage rock. Super K Productions put this band together, and several covers were done, including one by Dusty Springfield.

Traces by Classics IV
Brian's staff pick features a laid back tune as his staff pick. The single came out in January and peaked in April at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is about lost love, and dealing with it as the years go on. The Classics IV also performed the songs "Stormy" and "Spooky," the latter of which would be covered by the Atlanta Rhythm Section.

Grazing in the Grass by The Friends of Distinction
Harry Elson wrote the lyrics to what had been a #1 instrumental recorded by Hugh Masekela. Wayne's staff pick features The Friends of Distinction, discovered by NFL great Jim Brown. The original members were Floyd Butler, Harry Elston, Jessica Cleaves, and Barbara Jean Love. They had 3 top 40 hits, and this highest charting one was inspired by seeing cattle in pastures from the tour bus.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Underture by The Who
This instrumental number from the Tommy double album lets us do a little double dipping on the album feature as we close out the podcast with some observations on Keith Moon.

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.

1976 - November: Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band “Night Moves” Jun 21, 2021

Show notes

If Bob Seger sounds like he's experienced it all on his breakout album Night Moves, well, he kind of has. Seger got his start in the music industry in 1961, and this album is his ninth studio album, though the first to credit the Silver Bullet Band on the album cover. Many of the songs reflect on earlier times, successes and failures of the past, with a wistfulness.

Detroit native Robert Clark (aka Bob) Seger's music has been described as roots rock and heartland rock, and there are similarities between the blue collar sensibilities of Seger's music and others like Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp. Segar had his first hit back in 1968 with "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man," but didn't follow up with hit singles afterwards. He turned to working with backing bands, touring with Eric Clapton and joining with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (who would play on four of the nine songs on Night Moves). After forming the Silver Bullet Band in 1974 Segar began seeing some interest with singles like "Katmandu" and the release of the album "Live Bullet" just prior to Night Moves. However, Night Moves was the one that put him over the top where he would remain for the rest of the 70's and 80's.

Many of the songs have a theme of remembering the past, including the title track.

Seger completed his "farewell tour" in 2019. However, we still have an incredible catalogue of music available thanks to Bob Segar. We hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane.

Night Moves Seger says his title track was inspired after watching the 1973 film, “American Graffiti,” and he realized HE had a story to tell about growing up, and an Italian girlfriend he had one summer. “Ain't it strange how the night moves?” The change in seasons forms a metaphor for growing up - being young in the summertime, and looking back "with autumn closin' in."

Rock and Roll Never Forgets “So you’re a little bit older and a lot less bolder than you used to be…” Seger wrote this at the ripe old age of 31! While only making it to number 41, this tribute to Rock & Roll and Chuck Berry has taken on a timelessness as a classic rock song.

Sunburst We felt that the intro to this beautiful deep track has a similar sound and feel to “Dear Prudence” from the Beatles. There are two clear movements in the music from soft, to rocking, to soft again. The song discusses an introverted performer on the stage, comparing him to entertainment in the Roman Colosseum.

Main Street The second single from the album, Seger is again sharing a peek into his life growing up in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Anne Street was right off Main Street, and there was the pool hall and dancing girls with R&B bands playing on the weekends.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the television series “The Muppet Show”) This variety show would draw in a number of A-list celebrities for an evening of entertainment with Kermit, Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the Muppets.

STAFF PICKS:

Tonight's The Night (Gonna Be Alright) by Rod Stewart Brian features a seduction song from Rod Stewart, and it was actually banned by the BBC for the line "spread your wings and let me come inside." Public demand eventually caused the ban to be lifted, and the song went to number 1 on both the UK and the US shortly thereafter.

Jeans On by David Dundas Wayne brings us a song by British musician and actor David Dundas. It was first featured as a television advertising jingle for Brutus Jeans, and the popularity of the commercial led to the recording of "Jeans On" as a full length song. "It's the weekend, and I know that you're free so pull on your jeans and come on out with me."

Nights Are Forever Without You by England Dan and John Ford Coley Bruce's staff pick is from Texas duo Dan Wayland (aka England Dan) Seals and John Edward (aka John Ford) Coley. They originally had a hit with "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight," which was written by Parker McGee who also wrote "Nights Are Forever Without You." Dan Seals would go on to a country career in the 1980's, scoring 11 number one country hits including "Meet Me In Montana."

Blinded By The Light by Manfred Mann's Earth Band Rob brings us this hit originally written by Bruce Springsteen, but finding fame through Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. Manfred Mann changed the lyrics slightly, and Springsteen has joked about confusion over the lyrics, claiming that “it was not until Manfred Mann rewrote the song to be about a feminine hygiene product that it became popular.” This version hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Theme to the motion picture Carrie Nothing like finishing out the podcast on a scary note! The motion picture "Carrie" was released in November 1976.

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.

1983 - February: Berlin “Pleasure Victim” Jun 14, 2021

Show notes

Despite the fact that Berlin would be considered the standard for early 80's European new wave, the band actually originated in the Los Angeles area. The band had no actual connections with Berlin, but chose the name to make them seem more European and exotic than their own Orange County. Pleasure Victim is Berlin's second studio album and the one that was their breakout success.

The group was formed after lead singer Terri Nunn put an advertisement in a musicians magazine that read, “Girl singer looking for a weird rock group.” The other members of the band for this album were John Crawford (bass, synthesizer, vocals, and primary songwriter), David Diamond (synthesizer, guitar, vocals), Daniel Van Patten (percussion), Chris Ruiz-Velasco (guitar), and Ric Olsen (guitar). Ron Learned plays drums on the opening track for the album.

Berlin reveled in controversy, being banned on several radio stations for the lyrics from their second single, "Sex (I'm A...)" and reaping the benefits of the publicity that ensued. Rumors about Nunn's underage appearance in Penthouse also boosted the bands notoriety (the rumors were eventually confirmed).

Terri Nunn had a career as an actress before joining Berlin, and briefly left the group to continue acting. She auditioned for the part as Princess Leia in "Star Wars" in 1976, losing out to Carrie Fisher for that role.

Berlin was influenced by groups like Fleetwood Mac, Jefferson Airplane and David Bowie, and their synth-driven new wave sound is a time stamped icon of the early 80's.

Pleasure Victim The synth-driven title track was the first single released from the album. The song is about a woman who has finally found the person she wants. “You're the passion in me. You've broken down the system. You're the vision I see - a pleasure victim.”

Sex (I'm A...) This song is the second single released, and the one that really propelled the group's success. Although many radio stations banned the song, it was a staple of dance clubs everywhere. The song describes a variety of sexual role-playing the woman undertakes. Crawford and Nunn sing this as a duet.

Masquerade This track is a deeper cut, but still gets some airplay on 80's oriented radio. You really get a sense of Terri Nunn's vocal quality in this tune. The song itself tells of the travails of the singers and bands trying to make it in the music industry.

The Metro The third single from the album was a big hit on both radio and MTV. John Crawford wrote this song about a reverie on a Paris metro after a breakup.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

“Ain't Nobody's Business” by B.B. King (from the motion picture “The King of Comedy”) This movie was a satirical comedy, but was a flop. However, it produced a great blues cover from King.

STAFF PICKS:

Dirty Laundry by Don Henley Brian's staff pick features former Eagles drummer and vocalist Don Henley on his debut solo album after the Eagles had broken up (or as we would learn in the 90's, took a 14-year vacation). It is a scathing indictment of the media. “Well, I could've been an actor, but I wound up here. I just have to look good, I don't have to be clear. Come and whisper in my ear. We love dirty laundry.”

Der Kommisar by After the Fire Rob brings us a cover of a song originally recorded by Falco in German. After the Fire was started by Yes keyboardist Peter Banks, and evolved from a prog rock band to a new wave outfit. The song lyrics have a spy theme, chronicling a couple trying to avoid the police. The repeating German line translates to “Everything OK, Officer?” This single US hit became a hit after the band had disbanded.

What About Me by Moving Pictures Bruce's staff pick features a group popular in Australia which was essentially a one-hit wonder in the States. Songwriter Garry Frost was inspired to write the song when he was working with autistic children in his day job, and watched a small boy not being noticed waiting at the lunch counter one day on his lunch break.

Forever Now by The Psychedelic Furs Wayne's wraps up our staff picks with a fast paced and much deeper piece from a “second British Invasion” group. It is about being in the moment and not wanting the time to end - "Let it stay forever now." Todd Rundgren was producer and a guest musician on this album, and the "wall of sound" approach has Rundgren's imprint.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

(Anesthesia) - Pulling Teeth by Metallica A surprisingly early instrumental by the band that would come to define thrash metal in the years to come closes out this episode. This is off Metallica's debut 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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected