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1973 - July: ZZ Top “Tres Hombres” Sep 30, 2019

Show notes

Yes, those bearded wonders, the trio of ZZ Top would find their breakthrough hit in LaGrange off their third album entitled Tres Hombres. With Billy Gibbons on guitar, Dusty Hill on bass, and Frank Beard (ironically the only member without a beard) on drums, ZZ Top would begin their climb to stardom via Texas blues/rock with this album. ZZ Top started in 1969 in Houston, Texas and are still playing together today after 50 years. We hope you enjoy this treat from the Texas blues trio as much as we do.

Waitin' for the Bus Have Mercy! This is the first track on the album, and was inspired by "people watching" at the bus stop.

Jesus Just Left Chicago The second track on the album has no noticeable break from the first, and you will often hear the two played together on the radio. Billy Gibbons said that this song was a gospel-inspired blues number.

Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers This hard driving Southern rock piece originated in a stop ZZ Top took one night at a roadside bar near El Paso to avoid a windstorm.

Have You Heard? This deep cut combines gospel and straight blues. Both Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill were offered $1 million to shave their beard, and they turned the money down. George W. Bush declared May 15th, 1997 "ZZ Top Day" as governor of Texas.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: Theme from "Match Game" We're pretty sure the entire crew of this game was toasted the entire time.

STAFF PICKS: “Walk Like a Man” by Grand Funk Wayne's staff pick was a hit from the album "We're an American Band." Grand Funk Railroad had truncated their name to Grand Funk by this time.

“Diamond Girl” by Seals & Crofts Rob features the softer side of rock with his pick, also from a Texas group. There were several hits from Seals and Crofts during the 70's.

“Brother Louie” by Stories Bruce features a funky story about an interracial relationship and the intolerance of the couple's families.

“Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” by George Harrison Brian's pick features Beatles alumnus Harrison in an acoustic-leaning prayer for peace. George Harrison was reluctant to talk to the media, preferring to have his song speak for themselves.

COMEDY TRACK:

“Watergate” by Dickie Goodman This comedy collage spoofs on the scandal of Watergate and finishes us off for this week.

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

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

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

1984 - April: The Cars “Heartbeat City” Sep 22, 2019

Show notes

On Sunday, September 15th 2019, Ric Ocasek of The Cars passed away at his townhouse where he was recovering from surgery. This group was a staple of radio and video throughout the later 70's and 80's, and their album Heartbeat City propelled them to super-stardom both with the number of singles off the album and heavy video airplay on MTV. We covered The Cars' debut album on What the Riff?!? Ep. 28, but it seemed appropriate to make this group the first one we feature twice as a tribute to Ocasek and his work as front man of the group. We hope you enjoy this “Drive” down memory lane and keep Ocasek's family in your prayers.

“Magic” This is one of the five single hits produced by this album. The video featured Ocasek "walking on water" in a pool at the Hilton estate. During the production, the Plexiglas used to facilitate the stunt cracked, dumping Ocasek in the water.

“Looking for Love ” This deeper cut has a more New Wave feel. Ric Ocasek was the songwriter for The Cars.

“You Might Think” The funny and strange video for this cut is iconic, and beat out Michael Jackson's ultra-successful “Thriller” for MTV Video of the Year.

“Heartbeat City” The title track received radio airplay as the B-side of “You Might Think” in the U.S., but was not actually released as a single. Who is Jackie, and what took her so long?

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

“The Theme from Friday the 13th” by Harry Manfredini This month saw the release of the fourth iteration of the Friday the 13th movies was called “The Final Chapter”... but obviously wasn't the end.

STAFF PICKS:

“99 Red Balloons” by Nena This song had two versions, and English language version and a German version. The German version was surprisingly popular in America. The song itself tells the story of worldwide destruction from war initiated after mistaking 99 helium balloons for an aerial attack.

“Balls to the Wall” by Accept The title of Wayne's heavy staff pick references the throttles on a jet fighter. Full throttle is pushing the ball at the top of the throttle all the way forward. It means going full out. Like Nena, Accept is also from Germany.

“Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol This title track from Idol's second studio album. Though the song is about a one-night stand, the title was inspired by a late night session Idol had with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ron Wood taking swigs from a bottle of Rebel Yell bourbon whiskey.

“So You Ran” by Orion the Hunter This group was made up of two artists from the group Boston, and the lead vocalist would actually join Boston to handle lead vocal duties on Boston's fourth album “Walk On” in Brad Delp's absence. This album is kind of hard to find these days — and the song is not on iTunes.

INSTRUMENTAL:

“Drive” by the Cars We finish off this week with an instrumental version of the biggest hit off “Heartbeat City.” This one was originally sung by Benjamin Orr (who died of pancreatic cancer in October of 2000) rather than Ocasek, but the voiceless version seemed appropriate. Rest in peace gentlemen, and thank you for the music!

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

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

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

1974 - October: Ted Nugents Amboy Dukes “Tooth, Fang & Claw” Sep 16, 2019

Show notes

With Tooth, Fang, and Claw, the Motor City Madman released this seventh and final album as Ted Nugent's Amboy Dukes. When they started in the 60's the Amboy Dukes were more popular, but over time Ted Nugent's star would overshadow the group until finally Nugent would go out on his own. Over time, Ted Nugent's personality and politics have become so prominent that it can overshadow his musicianship, and it is good to remember how incredible he is as a guitarist.
Join us as we explore this hard rocking album.

“Sasha”
This track is more mellow than what we've come to expect from Nugent. The song is about Ted Nugent's daughter and how her presence affects his outlook.

“The Great White Buffalo”
The lyrics on this track reflect Nugent's passion for both hunting and Native Americans, and reflect the wasteful approach taken by American hunters in the late 19th century towards the buffalo.

“No Holds Barred”
This deeper cut really showcases Nugent's guitar chops. He plays a 1962 Gibson Byrdland, and his style is clear in this straightforward rock song.

“Living in the Woods”
Another deep cut has "classic Ted" lyrics about hunting, outdoor living, and "feeling good, I got my face in the wind." When he was younger, Ted's military father would only buy him a guitar if he promised to practice daily. Clearly the practice paid off!

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

“The Liberty Bell March” by John Philip Sousa
Any fans of the British comedy show "Monty Python's Flying Circus" will recognize this theme song immediately. The Flying Circus ended its run in the UK in this year, but started a run in the US on PBS in syndication at the same time.

STAFF PICKS:
“Can't Get Enough” by Bad Company
Paul Rodgers' distinctive work as lead man of BadCo made the group one of the signature groups of the 70's. This hit single was off their first studio release, and still one of their best.
“Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)” by The Raspberries
This is the hit off the fourth and last studio release from Eric Carmen and The Raspberries. This Cleveland-based group has great harmonies and piano riffs.
“Billy, Don't Be a Hero” by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods
Rob's pick is a storytelling song that reflects the anti-war sense that was prominent in the mid-70's. It was also ranked by Rolling Stone as number 8 of the "10-worst songs of the 1970's"

Rock Me Gently” by Andy Kim
Wayne makes a rare decision of a #1 hit song as his staff pick with this soulful, funky effort by Canadian Andy Kim.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
“Pick Up the Pieces” by Average White Band
Another funky hit takes us out this week on an instrumental note.

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

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

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

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

What the Riff Remembers Eddie Money Sep 14, 2019

Show notes

Today we take a moment to remember one of our favorite artists, Eddie Money, who passed away yesterday, Friday, September 13, 2019. Nothing fancy, just three songs: Two Tickets to Paradise, Baby Hold On to Me, and I Want to Go Back. We hope you enjoy sharing our memories and remembering the joy that music brings, and the sadness that comes when we lose somebody special. RIP Eddie Money.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 - August: Queensryche “Empire” Sep 09, 2019

Show notes

The fourth Queensrÿche studio album followed what was to become a classic concept album entitled "Operation: Mindcrime." The successor to this prog rock masterpiece would be their most commercially successful release. “Empire” is filled with hard charging, somewhat melancholy metal singles and their subdued masterpiece hit, "Silent Lucidity." In a time when hair bands were waning and grunge had yet to take over, Queensrÿche was a welcome heavy metal/prog rock alternative. We hope you enjoy this exploration of this underrated and talented band.

Another Rainy Night (Without You) This song was the fifth track and the fifth single from the album. It is a Seattle inspired song about loneliness, and waiting for someone in the rain.

Empire The title track is about drug and gang warfare. The spoken section is a protest about the amount of spending on law enforcement compared to things like national defense and space exploration.

Silent Lucidity This is the hit off the album, and Queensrÿche's only entry into the Billboard Hot 100. It is about lucid dreaming, where you realize you are dreaming while still in the dream. "I'm smiling next to you in silent lucidity."

Jet City Woman This track returns to the theme of loneliness. It was written about Geoff Tate's first wife, who was a flight attendant. Seattle is known as the Jet City.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

“My Blue Heaven” by Fats Domino This 50's hit was on the soundtrack from the movie "My Blue Heaven," starring Steve Martin, and was based on the life of Henry Hill, a mobster in the witness protection program.

STAFF PICKS:

“Joey” by Concrete Blonde Rob's staff pick is an early alt rock hit about an alcoholic, loosely based on Mark Moreland from Wall of Voodoo.

“Enjoy the Silence” by Depeche Mode Brian brings us a dance/electronica hit that was originally intended to be a ballad, but the band picked the tempo up before it hit the album.

“Hard to Handle” by The Black Crows Wayne had a difficult time finding a staff pick for this month until he located this song from Georgia's own Black Crows. This was a remake of an original from Otis Redding.

“Epic” by Faith No More This song was controversial, both because of front man Mike Patton's similarity in style to Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis, and because of the use of a fish out of water in their video for the song.

INSTRUMENTAL:

“D.F.W.” by The Vaughan Brothers This instrumental from Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimmy Vaughan was on the charts after Stevie Ray Vaughan had died in a helicopter crash.

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 — December: Jim Croce “I Got a Name” Sep 02, 2019

Show notes

When you list the greatest singer/songwriters of the rock era, it will not be long before the name Jim Croce appears. Rob shares that this fifth and final album entitled “I Got a Name” was posthumously released in December after Croce’s tragic death in an airplane accident in September of 1973. The pilot struck a pecan tree at the end of the runway - the only tree in the area - killing all 5 on board a small plane in Nachez, Louisiana. Croce was the child of Italian immigrants and grew up in south Philadelphia. He got his start playing fraternity parties and coffee houses. We hope you enjoy this feature album from this outstanding folk rock singer-songwriter who passed too soon.

“I Got a Name” This well known title track was the first single from the album, released the day after Croce's death.

“Lovers Cross” This song is about the downsides of a relationship in which one partner is too dependent on the other for their happiness. “And bridges are meant for burnin' when the people and memories they join aren't the same.”

“Five Short Minutes” And this one is a cautionary tale about sleeping with groupies who are too young! “Because five short minutes of lovin' done brought me twenty long years in jail.”

“Working at the Carwash Blues” This track tells the story of an ex-con who got a job at a car wash after his time in prison. It was the fourth single released. Gonzo did a cover of this song on “The Muppet Show.”

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

“The Entertainer” from the movie “The Sting” This Scott Joplin ragtime song was featured in the blockbuster film "The Sting" starring Robert Redford and Paul Newman.

STAFF PICKS:

“Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight & The Pips This Grammy-winning song was a cover of a song originally entitled “Midnight Plane to Houston,” and Bruce adds, it was inspired by a conversation writer Jim Weatherly had with Farrah Fawcett.

“Smokin' in the Boy's Room” by Brownsville Station Brian's staff pick is perhaps better known from the Motley Crue cover. It was originally entitled “Smokin' in the Theater,” and was the song that moved Brownsville Station from a regional band to a national one.

“If You Wanna Get to Heaven” by Ozark Mountain Daredevils Wayne picks a southern country-rock song. The Ozark Mountain Daredevils hailed from Springfield, Missouri, and chose to stick around the state rather than chase a larger audience in Los Angeles or other cities with a larger music scene.

“Hello, It's Me” by Todd Rundgren Rob's staff pick is one of the big songs from Philly's Todd Rundgren. This song was recorded three different times, this one being his solo hit.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

“Love's Theme” by Love Unlimited Orchestra We exit this podcast on an instrumental disco hit that was from a group formed by Barry White.

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 - June - Stone Temple Pilots - Purple Aug 26, 2019

Show notes

Debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart, Purple would establish the Sone Temple Pilots as a superstar group. This second studio album from San Diego-based STP would continue the grunge sound, but would expand a bit into other styles like psychedelia, country, acoustic, alternative, and mainstream rock. Stone Temple Pilots was influenced by Aerosmith, and the band members were fans of Kiss. The band was one of the most commercially successful bands of the 90's. The band was originally known as Mighty Joe Young, but changed the name when another performer laid claim to the name.

Get your grunge on as Rob profiles this hit-laden album.

“Big Empty”
The slide guitar gives this track an interesting mix of country and grunge. This was the first single from the album. It was featured on MTV Unplugged before the album was released.

“Vasoline”
The second single released from the album was also the second most successful track from the album. The name of the song is attributed to a misheard lyric - "Flies in the vasoline" instead of "Life in the Fast Lane" by the Eagles. The song is about being stuck in a place or situation.

“Lounge Fly”
The opening riff of this deeper cut was used on MTV's news breaks in the 90's. Interestingly, STP was voted "best new band" by Rolling Stone readers, and "worst new band" by the critics in the same Rolling Stone magazine.

“Interstate Love Song”
This is THE hit off the album, and what a hit! It was at number 1 for fifteen weeks. It was displaced by “Vasoline” for 2 weeks, keeping Stone Temple Pilots in the number 1 slot for 17 solid weeks. If they sound familiar, the chords are taken from Jim Croce's "I've Got a Name."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme to "The Lion King"
This animated movie from Disney was a huge hit in 1994. Some see strong similarities between this movie and "Kimba the White Lion," a Japanese film from the 60's.

STAFF PICKS:

“Shakermaker” by Oasis
Bruce's staff pick highlights a track off Oasis' debut album. Oasis lost a lawsuit for borrowing "I'd like to teach the world to sing" from the iconic Coca-Cola commercial. Apparently "irony" is not a good legal defense.

“Crazy” by Aerosmith
Steven Tyler and Aerosmith were superstars in the 90's on the strength of songs and videos like this. Alicia Silverstone featured in a number of Aerosmith videos. This one also featured Steven Tyler's daughter Liv Tyler who would go on to star in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

“Selling the Drama” by Live
Wayne's staff pick is the first single off Live's album "Throwing Copper." It is an anti-televangelist song.

“Loser” by Beck
This loose string song has been described as folk based hip-hop. "I'm a loser, baby, so why don't you kill me?" "And my time is a piece of wax falling on a termite that's choking on the splinters."

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

“Walking at Night” by Boston
This instrumental track off Boston's "Walk On" closes us out 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.

1976 - January - Styx - Equinox Aug 19, 2019

Show notes

This week, Wayne brings us Equinox, the fifth studio album by Styx. This would be their first album for A&M Records and their last album with guitarist John Curulewski. He would be replaced by guitarist and singer Tommy Shaw on their next release, “The Grand Illusion,” at which point Styx would take the form which most of us remember as one of the groups that make up the soundtrack of our childhood. Equinox would only go to #58 on the album charts, but would see a resurgence with the release of The Grand Illusion in 1977.

Midnight Ride
James "JY" Young takes the vocal duties on this track, also written by Young. It is a fast, rocking song about a one-night stand with a groupie.

Lorelai
This track is the biggest hit from the album and features the vocals of both James Young and the distinctive sound of Dennis DeYoung. The name of the album was from a brainstorming session, and “Equinox” was the only name that everyone didn't hate. Lorelai was the name of a water fairy.

Prelude 12
This song is performed and written by John Curulewski. This instrumental on a 12-string guitar is the prelude to Suite Madame Blue, and is often missed when that song is played on the radio or Spotify.

Suite Madame Blue
This well-known epic was written for the US Bicentennial. Wistful yet positive despite its minor key, the song calls for reflection and responsibility. The song was done in one day.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from "Laverne and Shirley"
This television series spin-off from "Happy Days" would debut in January on ABC.

STAFF PICKS:

“Dream On” by Aerosmith
There is no mistaking the opening riff from this epic pick by Brian. It was originally released in 1973, but had its album re-release in December 1975 and was marching up the charts in January. Steven Tyler was not originally comfortable singing in the higher octaves, but fortunately overcame that fear.

“Island Girl” by Elton Jon
Rob's staff pick was #1 for three weeks, and was the first single from the album "Rock of the Westies." Kiki Dee is on background vocals on this Caribbean-influenced hit.

“50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” by Paul Simon
Bruce's staff pick is the second single off Simon's album "Still Crazy After All These Years." This is Simon's sole #1 hit as a solo artist.

“Tower” by Angel
Wayne cranks things back up with his staff pick from a group discovered by Gene Simmons of Kiss. Angel had a prog rock vibe and dressed in all white during their performances. "Tower" is a medieval themed track.

LAUGH TRACK:

“Convoy” CW McCall
We finish off this episode with this ode to the CB radio. Citizens Band was pretty much the social media app of the 70's.

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

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

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 - March - Soundgarden - Superunknown Aug 12, 2019

Show notes

Brian has us riffing on Soundgarden. If they were “superunknown” at the time, it wouldn't last past the release of this fourth studio album. Soundgarden would break into super stardom with this heavy hitting, 5-time platinum effort. The strength and distinctiveness of Chris Cornell's vocals are obvious. Sometimes called Stoner Rock, Soundgarden would be a key element in solidifying the "grunge" sound of Seattle. They won two Grammy awards for "Black Hole Sun" and "Spoonman." The album cover is a distorted image of the band members and is known as "the screaming elf."

Black Hole Sun
This is one of the big hits from the album. There were 15 tracks on this album, clocking in at over 70 minutes, exploiting the longer format of CD's relative to vinyl.

The Day I Tried to Live
This track released as a single was a deeper cut not often heard outside of rock stations. The strategy employed by Soundgarden was to have each musician to create his own work, then collaborate after the song was written.

Fell on Black Days
Another hit single from the album, Cornell said that this song was about realizing "you're unhappy in the extreme."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from "The Naked Gun 33 1/3"
This music track was used for both the "Naked Gun" movies and the "Police Squad" TV series.

STAFF PICKS:

“Mr. Jones” by Counting Crows
Rob's staff pick is the first radio hit from "August and Everything After," released in December 1993. They also did the song "Accidentally in Love" for one of the "Shreck" movies. "We all want to be big, big stars, but we've got different reasons for that."

“Return to Innocence” by Enigma
Bruce's staff pick highlights the use of sampling popular at the time. The drum beat is from Led Zeppelin's "When the Levee Breaks." Unfortunately the Taiwanese chant sampled was copyrighted, resulting in a series of lawsuits.

“Cannonball” by Breeders
This alternative rock hit from the Dayton-based Breeders is off their second album entitled "Last Splash." "I know you're a libertine. I know you're a cannonball."

“Mary Jane's Last Dance” by Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Brian closes out Stafff Picks with this song, originally going to be called "Indiana Girl," but Petty revised it to it's current form. There's not too many videos emphasizing necrophilia, but this is one of them.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

“Train in the Rain” by Bruce Cockburn
We finish off this week with a laid back fingerstyle guitar track.

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

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

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

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

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

1988 - February - The Church - Starfish Aug 05, 2019

Show notes

Bruce presents the fifth album by Australian rock band The Church. It would be their breakthrough album for international success. After starting as a new wave band in 1980, The Church drifted into a little alternative, a little psychedelic, a little goth - some would call it dream pop. The lyrics and music are both a little dark and wistful, a result of their recording far from home in Los Angeles, and pouring their feelings of being in a strange place they didn't really like into their music. Arista was their new label for this studio album, and despite the homesickness of the band, their work in LA paid off with a great album.

Destination
This is the first track on the album and describes a dystopian totalitarian bureaucracy. "It's not a religion, it's just a technique, it's just a way of making you speak. Distance and speed have left us too weak, and destination looks kind of bleak."

Reptile
The second hit from the album is a song about a bad relationship. "Go now, you've been set free. Another month or so, you'll be poisoning me with your lovely smile."

Under The Milky Way
This is the first and biggest hit from the album with a great 12-string acoustic foundation. The title is inspired by a music hall in Amsterdam that is in a former milk factory. The name of the hall is Melkweg, Dutch for "Milky Way."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

“With A Little Help from My Friends” by Joe Cocker
This was the theme song from "The Wonder Years" TV series.

STAFF PICKS:

“Tunnel of Love” by Bruce Springsteen
Brian's staff pick is off the solo (minus the E. Street Band) album from The Boss. The tunnel of love is an amusement park ride in Asbury Park Boardwalk, and is a metaphor for the ups and downs of a relationship.

“Rhythm of Love” by Yes
Wayne's staff pick takes a prog rock turn with a Beach Boys harmony feel. All roads lead to Yes, in this case off their 12th studio album "Big Generator."

“Devil Inside” by INXS
The Australian group had a huge album in "Kick", and Rob's staff pick is one of the hits off this album. "The future uncertain, but certainly slight." HBO used this song on the trailer for the fourth season from "A Game of Thrones."

“It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” by REM
This fast talking hit off the 1987 album “Document” channels Bob Dylan's stream-of-consciousness approach from "Subterranean Homesick Blues."

LAUGH TRACK:

“You Talk Too Much” George Thorogood & the Destroyers
We go out this week on George Thorogood's comedic rant about a girlfriend who just won't stop talking.

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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