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1982 — September: Men At Work “Business As Usual” Apr 20, 2020

Show notes

The debut studio album by Australian band Men at Work was released in April of 1982, but Business as Usual would steadily climb the charts through the year before peaking at the number 1 spot in November. We thought September would be a good month in which to feature it.

Founding member Colin Hay on lead vocals and guitar, was joined by Greg Ham on flute, keyboards, saxophone, and some vocals, Ron Strykert on guitar and vocals, John Rees on bass and background vocals, and Jerry Speiser on drums and background vocals for this iteration. As the band moved forward, Hay, Ham and Strykert would remain, then Hay and Ham when Strykert left in 1985. After the death of Greg Ham in 2012, Colin Hay would revive the name in 2019, and tour with session musicians. Through today, there have been 17 different iterations of Men at Work!

Business as Usual had a number of hits which would keep the band continually on pop stations throughout 1982 and 1983, including their biggest hit “Down Under,” which would introduce the world to the Australian peanut-butter-like spread, Vegemite. It would also inspire a lawsuit, after it was determined that the flute parts bore a striking resemblance to the Aussie folk song, "Kookaburra," written in 1932. The copyright, however, was still valid, and the band was forced to give up 5% of the royalties from 1982 through 2002.

Join us now as we feature a band that comes from the land down under!

Who Can It Be Now? This is the first single from the album, and was inspired by Colin Hay's experience living in an apartment complex shared with a number of “dealers.” Folks would knock on his door at all hours of the night...leading to the questionable title of the song. Greg Ham is a master on the saxophone on this piece.

Underground Colin Hay wrote this deeper cut, though it got some air play at the time. The story is built around conspiracy theories, and an underground that shelters the elite. “There's no need for you to fight, boys, hang up all your guns. Find your mask and as best as you can get ready to run.”

Be Good Johnny Taking inspiration from Johnny B. Goode, this upbeat song finds Colin Hay playing the roll of Johnny's, mom, Johnny's dad, and Johnny himself. Greg Ham handles the spoken lyrics in the middle of the song. It's about a boy who gets in trouble for...daydreaming....

Helpless Automaton Another deeper cut from the album, this has the true feel of an early 80's new wave song. Greg Ham takes over lead vocal duties here. Hay and Ham got their start in small clubs, — the size where folks on the front row would drop stuff into Ham's saxophone.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

“Without Us” (Theme from “Family Ties” Here's where Michael J. Fox got his break, as Michael Keaton, “Young Republican” conservative child of former hippies, now turned average American family.

STAFF PICKS:

Somebody's Baby by Jackson Browne Brian's staff pick is off the soundtrack from the film “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” Browne calls this song “an unabashed pop song,” and didn't include it on his studio albums.

Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac Bruce features a song that Stevie Nicks wrote when reminiscing about her days before fame, when she shopped at The Velvet Underground and slept on a mattress with no bed frame! It is also inspired by her friend, Robin Snyder Anderson, who had died of leukemia.

I've Known No War by The Who Wayne takes up the tempo with a deep cut from The Who's album “It's Hard.” The song tells a story set in the Cold War, where there would be no war, just bombs dropping and the world on fire. Most people assumed at the time that instead of a war between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R., there would just be a quick annihilation.

Someday, Someway by Marshall Crenshaw Rob's pick gets happier with Crenshaw's top 40 hit from his debut album. Crenshaw was also an actor, starring as Buddy Holly in “La Bamba,” and playing John Lennon in Beatlemania. "Someday, someway, maybe I'll understand you."

COMEDY TRACK:

Valley Girl by Frank Zappa This song was a huge hit during the day. Frank Zappa's daughter, Moon Unit Zappa, voices the sound of the valley girl. “Gag me with a spoon! Bag your face!”

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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.

1975 — December: Kiss “Alive!” Apr 13, 2020

Show notes

While they were a moderate regional success as a band with three studio albums, Kiss was most notable for their live performances. They would not be vaulted into super-stardom until this breakthrough live album Alive! was released in September of 1975. It peaked on the Billboard 200 album charts at number 9 in December of that year, and that's why we're featuring this album in this month.

Kiss is well known today not only because of their success as a band, but they also heavily marketed their brand in everything from movies to lunch boxes to a comic book (to which they famously contributed drops of their blood in the ink vat). All members contributed to vocals, and instruments featured Paul Stanley on rhythm guitar, Ace Frehley on lead guitar, Gene Simmons on bass guitar, and Peter Criss on drums. This double album relied on the catalog of songs from their first three studio albums, but the energy of the live show that was captured in this compilation is what drew the fans, and what kept it on the album charts for 110 weeks.

Of course, in addition to their performance, Kiss is known for their outlandish costumes and makeup, with Criss as the Catman, Stanley as Starchild, Frehley as the Spaceman, and Simmons as the Demon, they looked like something straight out of the pages of a comic book. The band would maintain the makeup until the 80's, when they would go into an "unmasked" phase for a decade before returning to their classic over-the-top look.

“You wanted the best, you got the best, the hottest band in the land - Kiss!”

Deuce This is the first song on side A, and Gene Simmons takes duties as the front man to lead off the album. “Baby if you're feeling good, and baby if you're feeling nice, you know your man is workin' hard - He's worth a deuce.” The track is also special to lead guitarist Ace Frehley, who auditioned for the group to this song.

Hotter than Hell Never one for subtlety, this song is a tribute to a good looking woman. The back story is that Paul Stanley was hitting on a lady, and he was rejected because she was married. Paul Stanley is on lead vocals here, and he wrote the song as well.

Black Diamond Paul Stanley start the song in the introduction, then Peter Criss takes on lead singing duties here. The song was originally the closing track to their first studio album, and was often used to close their regular concert set with huge pyrotechnics and the Kiss theatrics that were the signature of the band.

Let Me Go, Rock 'n' Roll The concluding song on side D is also the only single released from their second studio album. Written jointly by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, this song was the final song of the encore for their shows, and make sense to conclude this album as well.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Sky High by Jigsaw This song was the main title from the film "The Man from Hong Kong," which was released this month. You get the funk-disco feel that was prevalent at the time.

STAFF PICKS:

Have a Cigar by Pink Floyd Bruce leads off the staff picks with this Rager Waters-penned screed against the hypocrisy of the music industry. Interestingly, this was sung by Roy Harper, an English fok singer who was in the studio at the time, instead of either Waters or Gilmore. This is one of our more frequent lyric quotes: "The band is just fantastic, that is really what I think. Oh, by the way, which one's Pink?"

Fox on the Run by Sweet Rob brings us a song reworked from Sweet's European release. After releasing it in 1974, the glam rock band created a more upbeat version for the U.S. This song became a number 1 hit on iTunes in 2016 beacuse of its inclusion in “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

My Little Town by Simon and Garfunkel Brian's staff pick brings the reunion of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. They broke up in 1970, but Simon wrote the song for Garfunkel as a critique of the small blue collar town Garfunkel grew up in. They would perform together again in the third episode of Saturday Night Live. This song appeared on both Paul Simon's and Art Garfunkel's solo studio albums.

Fire on the Mountain by The Marshall Tucker Band Wayne takes us into the Southern Rock genre with this tragic song about a family moving from the Carolinas to California in the California Gold Rush. “Now my widow she weeps by my grave, tears flow free for her man she couldn't save. Shot down in cold blood by a gun that carried fame, all for a useless and no good worthless claim.” It was written for the Charlie Daniel's Band, but it became one of The Marshall Tucker Band's bigger hits after CDB chose not to use it.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Fly, Robin, Fly by Silver Convention While it technically include lyrics...this disco hit is close enough to an instrumental for our purposes.

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

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

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

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

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

1989 — June: Don Henley “The End of the Innocence” Apr 06, 2020

Show notes

The Eagles had been broken up for almost a decade, and it would be another 5 years before their reunion, but Don Henley was still a huge name in the music world. The End of the Innocence, Henley's third solo studio album, would be a more reflective and less synthesizer-heavy album, and would be Henley's best selling album.

After the break-up of the Eagles, Henley put out “I Can't Stand Still” in 1982, from which the hit single Dirty Laundry would arise. 1984 would see the appearance of “Building the Perfect Beast,” from which the best remembered single would be the monster hit “Boys of Summer.” Henley had established himself as a successful solo artist through these albums.

So, Don Henley had a celebrity status by the end of the 80's, and he would collaborate with many musicians across diverse genres in making this album. The result would cover lots of territory, from the rocking sounds of “I Will Not Go Quietly” to the sad reflections of “New York Minute” and many other musical and emotional stops along the way.

We hope you enjoy our observations on this excellent and pensive work.

The End of the Innocence This is the title track, the first track on the album, and the first and most successful single. It was co-written and co-produced by Bruce Hornsby, who plays piano on it. Henley is overtly political on this one, and throughout the album. In the David Fincher video for the song, Oliver North is shown in his Iran/Contra congressional testimony during the line, “armchair warriors often fail,” and Reagan is shown during the lyrics, "they're beating plowshares into swords for this tired old man that we elected king."

I Will Not Go Quietly This is the heaviest song on the album. Most of this album is pretty introspective, but not this one. Axl Rose contributes backing vocals! “Well, don't you ever get lonely? Don't you ever get down? Don't you ever get tired of all the wicked tongues in this town?”

New York Minute A track with an almost symphonic feeling, this song features a number of well known collaborators. David Paich (Toto) plays piano, Jeff Porcaro (Toto) is on drums, Pino Palladino (session musician for many, including Jeff Beck, the Who, and Nine Inch Nails) is on fretless bass, and Christian Jazz a capella group Take 6 is featured in the chorus. This is one of Henley's songs which made it onto the Hell Freezes Over tour and album when the Eagles reunited in 1994.

The Heart of the Matter Mike Campbell (of The Heartbreakers) wrote and produced this music. It tells of loss and moving on with forgiveness. "What are those voices outside love's open door make us throw off our contentment and beg for something more?"

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

“Batdance” by Prince (from the soundtrack for the motion picture “Batman”) Michael Keaton would show us his darker side in this first big budget adaptation of the Caped Crusader since the campy 60's series.

STAFF PICKS:

“Headed for a Heartbreak” by Winger Brian brings us Kip Winger's hit from his debut album. Winger was one of the big hair bands of the late 80's, but Charles Fredrick Kip Winger also has an impressive vocal range and was classically trained.

“Trouble Me” by 10,000 Maniacs Rob's staff pick features the alternative rock which was about to drift into mainstream. This hit is off their fourth album entitled "Blind Man's Zoo." Natalie Merchant adds a distinctive voice as front woman for the group. The lyrics are inspired by Merchant's father who was sick in the hospital. “Why let your shoulders bend underneath this burden when my back is sturdy and strong?”

“Tehran” by The Offspring Wayne's staff pick kicks in some California punk rock. The song is an anti-war creed. Interesting that frontman Dexter Holland has a PhD in molecular biology, is a licensed pilot, and has his own brand of hot sauce. The album never came out on CD, only album or cassette.

“Crossfire” by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble Bruce features this track off SRV's fourth studio album, "In Step." It was the first one after he had gone through drug and alcohol rehab, and "In Step" refers to the 12-step program of Alcoholics anonymous. The song itself talks about the almost Darwinian pressure of modern life.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

“Follow Your Bliss” by The B-52's The Athens band The B-52's were making a strong resurgence in 1989 with their album “Cosmic Thing,” and this instrumental track wraps us up this week.

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

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

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

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

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

1974 — February: The Doobie Brothers “What Were Once Vices are Now Habits” Mar 30, 2020

Show notes

The Doobie Brothers were already a commercial success by the time their fourth studio album, What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits, was released in 1974. This iteration of The Doobie Brothers features mainstream rock and roll with a folk harmony bent, and the vocals of singer-songwriters Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons. Tim Porter is on bass, and "Little" John Hartman and Michael Hossack round out the group in the unusual position of dual drummers.

The group got the name The Doobie Brothers from Keith "Dyno" Rossen, who suggested it to Johnston, "because you're always smoking pot." Everyone agreed that it was a stupid name and they only intended to use the name until they came up with something better. They never did, and The Doobie Brothers have been with us for 5 decades.

When they were first starting out, The Doobie Brothers attracted early attention from local chapters of the Hells Angels, and many of their gigs were at biker bars and venues frequented by motorcycle riders.

The Doobie Brothers have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the class of 2020.

Another Park, Another Sunday With a mellow, beautiful melody and chord progression, this track tells the story of the loss of a girl. This is a very relaxing song that takes us back to a laid back memory. Tom Johnston takes lead vocal duties on this first single release from the album.

Eyes of Silver This is the second single release from the album. While it is well known today, it did not do as well as the modest success that "Another Park, Another Sunday" achieved as a single. Even though the band originated in the San Francisco bay area, this song has more of a southern rock feel to us. We also enjoyed the sound of The Memphis Horns on this one.

Nobody Originally recorded on their debut album, this song was adjusted and put on the album. This was the third single, though it was about to be overshadowed by the next single coming.

Black Water Patrick Simmons takes vocal duties on this "swamp rock" hit, which would be the biggest one off the album. Originally the B-side from "Another Park, Another Sunday," DJ's began to pick up on it, and it would become The Doobie Brothers' first million-selling song. Check out that acapella section at the end.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The theme from the motion picture “Blazing Saddles” Mel Brooks' comedy film could never be produced today! Brian reminisces about taking a date to this movie. Richard Pryor wrote parts of this film.

STAFF PICKS:

“Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone Bruce's staff pick is the highest charting single from Redbone, a Native American rock group. It would peak at number 5 on the Billboard hot 100. Brothers Pat and Lolly Vegas, Tony Bellamy, and Butch Rillera make up the group, and Lolly plays the electric sitar. It got a second life when it was on Star Lord's awesome mix tape from the movie “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

“She's Gone” by Hall and Oates Rob brings us some blue-eyed soul from Darryl Hall and John Oates. Similar to the case with “Nobody,” this is the first release of of the song, which peaked at #60. They would tweak the song and re-release the song in 1976, when it would go to #7 — the version you will recognize more easily. Both Hall and Oates were going through breakups at the time that they wrote the song. The video to this song is...well, definitely pre-MTV!

“Burn” by Deep Purple Wayne's staff pick brings the tempo up with the title song off Deep Purple's eighth album. The singer is David Coverdale, who co-wrote the song with Ritchie Blackmore. The constant drumming and strong vocals make it a great driving song. The lyrics tell the story of “a witch's last curse as she is burned at the stake.”

“Jim Dandy to the Rescue” by Black Oak Arkansas Brian takes us down south, and back to a song originally written in 1956 by Lincoln Chase and recorded by Laverne Baker. Ruby Starr and Jim "Dandy" Mangrum take turns on the vocal leads on this high energy boogie.

COMEDY TRACK:

"Energy Crisis '74" by Dickie Goodman Another montage comedy track from Dickie Goodman takes us out on 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.

1990 - September: Depeche Mode “Violator” Mar 23, 2020

Show notes

Depeche Mode made a decision to minimize their pre-production work when they created their seventh studio album. It must have worked, becauce Violator would become their breakthrough international album. Keyboardist Andy Fletcher, keyboardist and vocalist Martin Gore, also keyboardist and drum machinist Alan Wilder, and lead man Dave Gahan had previously hit the charts with their 1984 single “People Are People.” This album would see crossover success led by the monster hit “Personal Jesus.” While the album was released in May of 1990, the last single from the album came out in September 1990.

Depeche Mode is best known as a keyboard-powered synth pop band, primarily successful in Europe up until this time. The band name comes from a French fashion magazine, which had at one time considered making the band give up the name — but they decided to leave things alone. The band was bringing more attention to the magazine, so it was a smart decision to let the band continue with the name.

The name of the album was a bit of a joke, poking fun at heavy metal albums of the time. The group had decided to take a break from the extensive pre-planning that had marked the development of their previous albums. Perhaps the increased spontaneity helped propel this album to a crossover success.

We hope you enjoy this album discussion and thoughts on 1990.

World In My Eyes This lead song was the fourth and final single from the album, and was released in September 1990. Martin Gore liked this song because of its upbeat tone, though “upbeat” might be a rather fluid description. You get a sense of the keyboard-heavy foundation of the band with this song.

Enjoy the Silence This hit song was originally written by Martin Gore as a ballad, but the producer, Alan Wilder increased the tempo and made it a dance song. The lyrics are dark, but Martin Gore considered the dark lyrics “more authentic.”

Personal Jesus This is the monster hit from the album, and boasts a rare guitar riff among the keyboards. This top 40 hit has been covered by a number of artists, including Johnny Cash, Marilyn Manson, and Sammy Hagar. The lyrics are about having someone as an idol in your life - dependent upon you in an unhealthy way. David Gahan, after a wild youth, is now a sacramental convert to the Greek Orthodox Church.

Clean A deeper cut from the album, this track was heavily inspired by Pink Floyd's “One of these Days” from 1971.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince Will Smith made rap accessible, while starting his career as a celebrity through his acting on this comedy show.

STAFF PICKS:

Fly to the Angels by Slaughter The band name for Brian's staff pick sounds like a heavy metal name picked out of a hat, but it is actually the name of their frontman, Mark Slaughter. The song is a ballad about a friend who has passed away. The song comes from the 1990 album "Stick It To Ya." Fly to the Angels propelled Slaughter to stardom during a time when the Hair Bands were on their way out and Grunge was on its way in.

Mansion on the Hill by Neil Young and Crazy Horse Wayne brings us the guy that was grunge before grunge was cool. This song and album was recorded with very little production, which gives it a live feel. The Mansion on the Hill is about a place where “psychedelic music fills the air.”

Thunderstruck by AC/DC Brian's staff pick is the lead single off AC/DC's 12th studio album (11th international release). Angus Young is playing a single string with no picking, just hammer on and pull offs using the second string. The song name came from a toy made by The Ideal Company called ThunderStreak, which was a wooden hydrofoil boat that was powered with a rubber band wind-up propeller.

Candy by Iggy Pop and Kate Pierson Rob's pick rounds things out with a crossover alternative rock hit. Iggy Pop tells of a lost love from his perspective in one verse, then Kate Pierson (from the B-52's) picks up the next verse from the lost love's perspective.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

For the Love of God by Steve Vai Guitar virtuoso Steve Vai takes us out on this week's podcast with an eastern influenced instrumental riff.

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.

1992 - November: Blind Melon “Blind Melon” Mar 16, 2020

Show notes

Their self-titled debut album and its breakthrough single “No Rain” put Blind Melon on the charts. A little alternative, a little hippie throwback, and maybe a little southern rock, Blind Melon is headed by frontman Shannon Hoon. Born in Indianapolis, Hoon was practically born a rock star, with the vocal chops and (unfortunately) the lifestyle to match. Hoon moved to Los Angeles where he formed the band with bassist Brad Smith, percussionist Glenn Graham, and guitarists Stevens Rogers (lead) and Christopher Thorn (rhythm). Some of that “southern roots” feel may come from the fact that three of the band members are from Mississippi, and that much of the work on the album took place in Durham, North Carolina.

Our research suggests the name Blind Melon may come from Mississippi stoners, or from the Cheech & Chong character “Blind Melon Chitlin.”

The success of the album led to extensive touring, and unfortunately to problems that Shannon Hoon would experience with drug and alcohol abuse. Hoon checked into rehab multiple times, but unfortunately succumbed to a drug overdose in New Orleans while touring for their second album in 1995. He was only 28.

Despite being defined as alternative rock, this first album has a 70's feel. That may be attributed to the use of antiquated amplifiers and technology, and only sparing use of overdubs. The album sound is very much representative of what you would hear in a live performance.

We hope you enjoy this dive into a band whose trajectory was cut tragically short.

I Wonder This track starts off with a quiet acoustic beat, then moves to a classic alternative beat. The song is about addiction and trying to get over it - along the lines of feeling judged. “...now they're watching everything I do - everything I say...”

Holyman An anti-religious song, perhaps inspired by Hoon's encounter with people encouraging him to go to church. They wanted him to find an anchor in spirituality. Hoon was very intense, and embraced the rock and roll lifestyle, a “heartbreaking cycle of drug use.”

Change This track is considered to be the most personal look at Shannon Hoon. Written long before the formation of the band, Hoon's mother would later recall him playing this song on the porch of their house in Indiana. “Keep on dreaming, because when you stop dreaming it's time to die.”

No Rain This is the hit that would put Blind Melon over the top, especially with the “bee video” which made them famous. The “bee girl” on the album cover was inspired by an old picture of drummer Glenn Graham's sister. The bee girl in the video was played by Heather DeLoach (picked because she looked similar to the picture of Graham's sister).

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Love Potion No. 9 by The Clovers This romantic comedy film starred Sandra Bullock and Tate Donovan. Anne Bancroft was also in this film.

STAFF PICKS:

Walking On Broken Glass by Annie Lennox Rob's staff pick was from Lennox's solo album “Diva,” after her days with The Eurythmics. The video was a play on the film “Dangerous Liaisons,” complete with costumes - and John Malkovich! Though a pop song, there is a symphonic quality to it.

Digging In The Dirt by Peter Gabriel Bruce brings us the lead single from Gabriel's album “Us.” It explores issues in Gabriel's life, like the end of his relationship with Rosanna Arquette, and his desire to reconnect with his daughter. The video utilized a lot of stop motion, and won the Grammy award for best short form music video in 1993.

Little Miss Can't Be Wrong by The Spin Doctors Brian's staff pick picks up the pace. Lead singer Chris Barron actually wrote this song about his stepmother, with whom he had a bad relationship. This was the first single from their debut album “Pocket Full of Kryptonite.”

Not Sleeping Around by Ned's Atomic Dustbin Wayne's deep track harkens back to the Manchester sound he enjoyed in the early 90's. “The Neds” used two bass players to give them that driving sound. They also impacted the apparel industry by producing over 80 t-shirt designs in 3 years! :-)

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Last Horizon by Brian May This instrumental comes from the Queen alumnus and guitarist, Dr. Brian May (an actual PhD in astrophysics)

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

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

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

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

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

1966 - July: The Rolling Stones “Aftermath” Mar 09, 2020

Show notes

In 1966 The Rolling Stones were not the giants that they would come to be in the rock world, but their third album, Aftermath would start their transformation. While their two previous albums had consisted of a significant volume of cover songs (much like the Beatles' early work), Aftermath would be the first album with all original material, primarily written by Mick Jagger and/or Keith Richards, and is considered the group's breakthrough album. Brian Jones would be a multi-instrumentalist on this album, though the estrangement from the rest of the band was already beginning to set in. He would leave the band in 1969, and die a month later at the age of 27.

Brian walks us through this feature and breakout album from one of the greatest groups of the rock era. We hope you enjoy this mid-60's session.

Paint it Black This track opens the US version of the album. As the title suggests, it is a dark, minor key song. It deals with depression, and the feelings that the individual has that he wants the world to reflect his own dark mood.

Stupid Girl This deeper cut has been used as an example of misogyny in the music of the Stones, and it is easy to see why. The inspiration is said to be Mick Jagger's rocky relationship with model and actress Chrissie Shrimpton, It's a pretty venomous, with lyrics like "It doesn't matter if she dyes her hair, or the color of the shoes she wears. She's the worst thing in the world. Well, look at that stupid girl."

Lady Jane Another deep cut, this song might be about Jane Seymour, third wife to Henry VIII, and lady in waiting to Anne Boleyn, the executed second wife of Henry VIII.

Under My Thumb This is their biggest hit off the album, and if you're looking for proof of male chauvinism in The Rolling Stones, this would be it. "It's down to me, the way she talks when she's spoken to. Down to me, the change has come, she's under my thumb."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The theme to the television series “Ultraman” This Japanese science fiction/monster series came to the US with English dubbed in. The show would spawn multiple adaptations over time.

STAFF PICKS:

“Hungry” by Paul Revere and the Raiders Wayne's staff pick was produced by Terry Melcher. Melcher worked with a number of groups including The Byrds and was a session musician on The Beach Boys "Pet Sounds" He was introduced to ex-con and aspiring musician Charles Manson through Beach Boy Dennis Wilson. Later on, the Manson Family murders would take place in the home in which Melcher had been living, and which had recently been rented to Roman Polanski and Sharon Tate. Melcher believed that Manson wanted to kill Melcher when Sharon Tate was killed, and went into hiding. "Hungry" and the Manson murders made it into the film "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood."

“Sunny” by Bobby Hebb Rob features a constantly covered classic. Hebb wrote "Sunny" in the days after the JFK assassination and after his older brother Harold was killed. He channeled his grief into a positive direction in writing the lyrics and music of this song - looking for a brighter day.

“Cool Jerk” by The Capitols Bruce's staff pick from the Detroit trio was based on a dance craze called "the jerk" A particularly sexual version was known as "the pimp jerk," but the band didn't think that name would make it onto the airwaves. Instead, the called it "cool jerk." You may be more familiar with the version by The Go-Go's. It also made an appearance in "Home Alone 2."

“Everybody Loves a Nut” by Johnny Cash Brian features The Man in Black taking a more comedic turn. This was off his 23rd album of the same name, consisting largely of novelty songs. This one was written by Jack Clement

COMEDY TRACK:

"They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haa!" by Napoleon XIV You may have heard this on Dr. Demento. The original came out in 1966.

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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.

1976 - October: Stevie Wonder “Songs in the Key of Life” Mar 02, 2020

Show notes

Even though he was at the top of his game Stevie Wonder almost retired to work with handicapped children in Ghana before this album was made. Instead, he signed what was then the largest recording deal in history, and released what many consider the best of his classic era — the double album Songs in the Key of Life. This album was released in late September, debuted at number 1 (the first artist other than Elton John to do so), and remained there for 13 weeks.

“Songs in the Key of Life” was nominated for seven Grammy Awards in 1977, and won Album of the Year, returning Wonder to the stage for the third time after his wins in 1974 and 1975. The album is full of passion and politics, jazz and funk, and can be nostalgic or melancholy without losing an upbeat feel all the way through. This album really gives you a sense of the multi-talented artist, singer, songwriter, keyboardist, harmonica player, and producer that is Stevie Wonder. He surely has been an influence in Rock and Roll and we are pleased to present this amazing work.

I Wish This is the lead-off single from the album. It was released a month after the album hit the stores, and takes a nostalgic look back on Wonder's childhood in the 1950's and early 60's.

As It was a full year after the album was released that this song made its appearance as a single. The song describes how long the singer's love will last in terms like “until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea...until the day that eight times eight times eight is four.” It flips between major and minor keys, but maintains its positive attitude throughout.

Summer Soft A deeper cut, this track uses the metaphor of summer and winter to describe loss and transience in relationships. There are a lot of key changes and chord progressions that are classically Stevie Wonder, and he uses them well to give the song a feeling of things constantly moving and changing, which reinforces the theme.

Sir Duke Stevie Wonder pays tribute to his musical heroes in this well known song. “There's Basie, Miller, Satchmo, and the king of all, Sir Duke. And with a voice like Ella's ringing out, there's no way the band can lose.”

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The theme from the television series “Quincy, M.E.” Jack Klugman would leave behind his role in “The Odd Couple” to play a starring role as a medical examiner in this show which hit the airwaves much earlier than the popular forensic shows of today.

STAFF PICKS:

“Crystal Ball” by Styx Wayne features Alabama native Tommy Shaw as writer and lead singer on this Styx classic. Shaw had recently joined the band, and this song would be the title track from their album. It discusses getting a glimpse of your future when life is confusing.

“Let 'em In” by Paul McCartney and Wings Rob's staff pick is from one of the biggest musicians at the time in his ex-Beatles days. McCartney references members of his real family in this song, then includes Martin Luther, Phil and Don (The Everly Brothers), Uncle Ernie (from the rock opera "Tommy").

“Getaway” by Earth, Wind, & Fire Brian's staff pick returns to some funky R&B from Earth, Wind & Fire's album “Spirit.” The song was written for a flute player named Bobbi Humphrey, but the demo never made it to her.

“Lowdown” by Boz Scaggs Bruce features the first major hit from Boz Scaggs. It was co-written by Scaggs and his keyboardist David Paich. Scaggs' session musicians would later on form the band Toto. The genre is a little disco, a little funk, and has been described as blue-eyed soul.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

“A Fifth of Beethoven” by Walter Murphy This disco take on Beethoven's 5th Symphony was very popular on the dance floors and skating rinks of 1976.

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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.

1966 - September: Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels ”Breakout...!!!” Feb 24, 2020

Show notes

Lots of music was coming out of Detroit in the 60's, and one of the high energy groups coming out of the Michigan rock scene was Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels. The group had crossover appeal with a little soul, a little funk, and a lot of energy. Breakout...!!! was their second album, and was indeed a breakout for this Motor City band.

Mitch Ryder (stage name for William Sherille Levise, Jr ) was originally a backup singer with a soul band, but racial animosities forced the white Mitch Ryder to move on. Much of the music done by Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels was cover songs.

The group was legendary for their onstage presence and intensity. Breakout...!!! was an album compiled and released only after the songs had been released as singles.

Walking the Dog This song is a cover performed by Rufus Thomas, and was done by many groups.

"Ooh Poo Pah Doo" If you get the image of a toga party when listening to this music, you're not alone! This song was originally written and performed by Jessie Hill, and was a hit for Hill in 1960. You get a sense for Ryder's vocal chops on this one.

Little Latin Lupa Lu This Righteous Brothers cover was mentioned in the film “Hi Fidelity.” The sound of a revved up R&B permeates all of the rock genre.

Devil With A Blue Dress On One of the more famous Ryder songs, this was first recorded by Shorty Long in 1964, but Ryder's version would pick up the tempo, and proved more popular than the original.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the television series “Star Trek” This long-standing staple of the science fiction genre got its start in 1966, and the original series would run for (only!) 3 years.

STAFF PICKS:

“Working In The Coal Mine” by Lee Dorsey Rob presents a song written by producer Allen Toussaint, and recorded by New Orleans native Lee Dorsey. Dorsey was in boxing and auto repair before becoming a singer. You may be more familiar with the Devo version of this cover recorded in 1981.

“Sunshine Superman” by Donovan Bruce features the title track from Donovan's third album. This would be his breakthrough song. John Paul Jones and Jimmy Page were in this band, and would go on to fame in Led Zeppelin. ...“Superman or Green Lantern ain't got a-nothin' on me.”

“Who Do You Think You Are?” by The Shindogs Brian's staff pick features the harmonies of LA-based Shindogs, who were formed as the house band for the ABC television show “The Shindigs.” They remained with the show until it's cancellation in 1965, and continued on until shortly after this song was released.

“I'll Keep Holding On” by The Action Wayne's staff pick was a mod group, playing soul-influenced pop music in London. They had no hits, but were a warm-up band for The Who, and were known as a great live band. This song was originally recorded by a Motown group called The Marvelettes.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

“Wade in the Water” by Ramsey Lewis Trio We finish off this week with a horn-based instrumental gospel song on the charts at the time.

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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.

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.

1981 - October: Loverboy “Get Lucky” Feb 17, 2020

Show notes

After doing well with their 1980 self-titled album, Canadian rock band Loverboy would head into the stratosphere with their second studio album entitled Get Lucky. Benefiting from a photogenic lead singer (Mike Reno) clad in read leather pants, Loverboy would ride the MTV wave to the top of the rock and pop charts. Loverboy was founded in 1979 by front man Mike Reno and guitarist Paul Dean, who met when Reno was working at a steakhouse and heard Dean playing guitar in a bus station behind the restaurant. Success came quickly, with hits like "Turn Me Loose” and "The Kid is Hot Tonite” from their first album.

The name Loverboy came from Paul Dean's dream inspired by the Cover Girl fashion magazine. “Cover Boy” then became “Loverboy,” and the name stuck.

Loverboy is still out performing, and Reno still wears the headband. While it made a fashion statement at the time, he claims it was to keep the sweat from getting in his eyes. The band is the same in its entirety today, except for Scott Smith, their original bass player, who was lost at sea when a rogue wave hit his sailboat. He was replaced by bassist Ken "Spider" Sinnaeve in 2001.

Grab your red leather pants and sing along with this hit album.

When It's Over This their second single, and the second track on the album. It made it to number 26 on the charts. It tells the story of a guy waiting for the failure of a bad relationship so he can get the girl.

Working for the Weekend You will recognize this track from the starting cowbell if you ever heard 96 Rock's “5 O'Clock Whistle” back in the day. This is the lead single from the album, and went to number 29. Paul Dean was walking on the beach on a Wednesday afternoon, thinking about how everyone was busy at work, waiting for the weekend. With the band’s feedback, the line "waiting for the weekend" became "working for the weekend."

Lucky Ones A hopeful track, this song gives the album its name. “Don't ask me how, but guess who hit the big time?”

Take Me To the Top A deeper cut - though still a hit single on a single-heavy album. The synthesizer intro is distinctive. This track was actually a demo that made it right onto the album without a studio version.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the Motion Picture “Halloween II” You have to have a creepy theme from a spooky movie if your profiling music from October, right? Villain Michael Myers also debuted on television for the first time in October 1981, as the original "Halloween" appeared on the networks - heavily edited.

STAFF PICKS:

“Talk Dirty” by John Entwistle Wayne's staff pick brings us a solo outing from “The Ox,” John Entwistle, bassist from The Who. This song was a minor hit at the time, when members of The Who were engaged in solo projects. Joe Walsh takes lead guitar duties on this one.

“Destroyer” by The Kinks Bruce features a hit off their 19th album that was incredibly popular for a rock song at the time. The Kinks make reference to two previous songs, "Lola" and "All Day and All of the Night." Stop! Hold on! Stay in control...

“Tryin' to Live My Life Without You” by Bob Segar Brian's staff pick is a live rendition of a song originally written by Larry Williams and released by Otis Clay in late 1972. Segar's version went to number 5, so it was much more popular than the original.

“In Your Letter” by REO Speedwagon Rob features a do-wop song from REO Speedwagon's hit album “Hi Infidelity.” Despite the 60's sound, this song is not a cover. Keyboardist Gary Richrath wrote this song after finding a letter from his ex-wife indicating that his wife had left him...for their drug dealer.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Theme from the Television Show “Hill Street Blues” by Mike Post This instrumental theme was on the charts at the time.

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

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

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

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

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

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