What the Riff Next Gen

While the album Whitesnake may not be the debut album from the band Whitesnake, this self-titled seventh studio album might as well be a debut, as only two members were present from the previous album.  Known in the UK as 1987, and in Japan as Serpens Albus, this album featured returning members John Sykes on guitars and backing vocals, and David Coverdale on lead vocals.  Additionally Neil Murray was on bass, Aynsley Dunbar was on percussion, and Don Airey was on keyboards.
David Coverdale was the lead singer for Deep Purple, and left the group in 1976.  He did a couple of solo albums, the first of which was named “White Snake.”  He formed the band Whitesnake as his backing band in 1978.  They had a lot of success in the UK, Europe, and Japan with their early albums, but Coverdale wanted to break through in North America by the mid-80's.  He started moving from a blues/hard rock sound to a more glam metal sound, starting with the album "Slide It In" in 1984, and fully embraced the heavy metal sound and hair band image with this album.
Whitesnake would get significant airplay, with two singles going to number 1 (Here I Go Again) and number 2 (Is This Love?) on the Billboard US charts.  Their videos would be staples of MTV, with prominent exposure of Tawny Kitaen, Coverdale's girlfriend and soon-to-be wife.  
The band would be broken up shortly after the album was complete, leaving David Coverdale as the sole member by the time they went on tour.  This was despite the fact that John Sykes co-wrote all but two of the songs on the album.  
Get your hair metal on as Bruce puts his metal hair on, presenting this week's album.
 
Bad Boys
A deeper cut, this song is heavy on the rock and light on the significance of the lyrics.  “Bad bad boys, getting wild in the street, wild in the city, I see you - you see me.”  Much of the album has this heavy rock sound.
Crying In the Rain '87
This track that starts the album is a reworked song originally released by the group in 1982.  The original is more bluesy and has a slower tempo than this version.  The song was inspired by David Coverdale's divorce.
Give Me All Your Love
This was the fourth single from the album, and it reached number 58 on the US Top 100 charts.  By the time the single was released in January 1988 a new guitar solo had been recorded by Vivian Campbell, replacing guitarist and co-writer John Sykes.  Campbell would tour with the band but would leave before the next album.
Still of the Night
The first single from the album may have only hit number 79 on the Billboard Hot 100, but it received significant airplay on rock stations and MTV.  The comparisons to Led Zeppelin were frequent, not just for the guitar riffs, but also for the heavy drumming and similarity between the vocalizations of Coverdale and Robert Plant.  The song is about obsession, maybe a vampire, maybe a stalker.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Love and Marriage by Frank Sinatra (from the television series “Married...With Children”)
This anti-Cosby Show family dystopia followed the antics of shoe salesman Al Bundy and his family.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Tonight, Tonight, Tonight by Genesis
Lynch gets the staff picks going with a single from Genesis's album Invisible Touch.  It went to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 despite being written less as a pop song and more like the prog rock style that Genesis used earlier in the decade.  The lyrics are about a conversation with a drug dealer, a fact that must have been missed when Michelob used the song to promote their beer.
Love Removal Machine by The Cult
Wayne's staff pick is the first single from The Cult's third album, Electric.  It went to number 15 on the Mainstream Rock charts in the United States.  Lead singer Ian Astbury compares this song to getting on your favorite motorcycle.  The opening riff is often compared to “Start Me Up” by the Rolling Stones.
Ahead by Wire 
Rob features the closest post punk band Wire would get to a pop single.  It has a spacey, ethereal sound.  Wire had extensive influence over many groups, including Sonic Youth, The Cure, and R.E.M.  
First We Take Manhattan by Jennifer Warnes
Bruce closes out the staff picks with a song written by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen.  Jennifer Warnes originally did this song for a Cohen tribute album, and it features guitarist extraordinaire Stevie Ray Vaughan.  The song itself is dark and apocalyptic, with lyrics told from the perspective of a terrorist.
 
COMEDY TRACK:
Put Down the Duckie by Hoots the Owl and Ernie
We first learned that we have to put down the duckie if we want to play the saxophone from this skit, which aired on Sesame Street for the first time in April 1987.
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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.

David Bowie would leave the glam rock genre of his previous albums for a more soulful sound with his ninth studio album, Young Americans.  This album features blue eyed soul, or what Bowie would refer to as "plastic soul."  David Bowie moved to the United States in 1974 during a time when tax concerns were driving many artists out of the UK.  He was living in New York City at the time, and starting production on the album in Philadelphia where he worked with guitarist Carlos Alomar.  A funk guitarist, Alomar had worked as a session musician at the Apollo Theater and would become a collaborator and band leader for Bowie over the next decade.  In addition to Carlos Alomar, Bowie worked on this album with a number of artists including Robin Clark, Ava Cherry, saxophonist David Sanborn, and a new musician named Luther Vandross.
He would also collaborate on this album with ex-Beatle John Lennon who was recording in New York at the same time as Bowie's recording moved there.  Bowie and Lennon had met previously at a party hosted by Elizabeth Taylor.  Lennon collaborated with Bowie during his "lost weekend" period.
Young Americans contains elements of soul, funk, and R&B, and was a deliberate attempt to garner more success in the U.S. market.  It certainly achieved this result, though critics would deliver mixed reviews.  The transition from glam rock to blue-eyed soul would not be one which all fans embraced, but David Bowie would follow his own creative muse.  It would not be the last time we would see a significant stylistic change from Bowie.  It was nevertheless a commercial success, going to number 9 on the US albums chart, remaining on the charts for almost a year.
Rob brings us this funky example of “plastic soul.”
 
Young Americans
The title track was recorded in Philadelphia, and hit number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, Bowie's second-highest chart success to this date.  Then unknown singer Luther Vandross conceived the backing vocal arrangement.  The song provides impressions of American life through the eyes of an English man.  David Sanborn provides the saxophone work.
Across the Universe
This cover of the Beatles song also found collaboration with Beatles' alumnus John Lennon.  Backing vocals and guitar are provided by Lennon, who considered this song a better version than his own.  Critics tend to disagree, as reviews on the Bowie version were primarily negative.
Fascination
This track began as a jam by Luther Vandross entitled “Funky Music (Is a Part of Me)” which was performed before the Bowie concerts in 1974.  When Vandross was retained from the “Diamond Dogs” tour, the two collaborated to create the song “Fascination.”  The song was an homage to the Philadelphia funk sound.
Fame
This single hit number 1 on the US charts, the first Bowie song to do so.  Composed by Bowie, Alomar, and Lennon, the high backing “Fame” vocalizations are provided by John Lennon.  Bowie would describe it as a “nasty, angry” song directed at management with which he had previous issues.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Ease On Down the Road by Consumer Rapport (from the motion picture The Wiz)
A soulful take on The Wizard of Oz featured Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Judy Mae by Boomer Castleman 
Wayne initiates the staff picks with a controversial song that went to number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The lyrics tell of a father to a 17 year-old girl who marries a woman half his age.  When an affair ensures between the stepmother and the daughter, the father dies of an accident shortly thereafter.  It feels like a racier version of “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.”
Long Haired Country Boy by the Charlie Daniels Band
Brian brings us a song about a guy with a very passive attitude about life. “I ain't asking for nobody for nuthin' that I can't get on my own.  If you don't like the way I'm livin' you just leave this long-haired country boy alone.” It was off the second album from the CDB entitled “Fire on the Mountain.”
When Will I Be Loved by Linda Ronstadt 
Bruce features Ronstadt doing a cover originally from the Everly Brothers in 1960.  While the original peaked at number 8, Ronstadt's cover would go to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song is a vocal trio between Ronstadt, Kenny Edwards, and Andrew Gold. 
Trampled Under Foot by Led Zeppelin 
Rob finishes the staff picks with a song John Paul Jones claims was inspired by Stevie Wonder's “Superstition.”  The lyrics were inspired by blues artist Robert Johnson's “Terraplane Blues” from  1936.  A Terraplane was a classic car that serves as a not-so-subtle source for sexual innuendo.  It is off the band's double album, “Physical Graffiti.” 
 
COMEDY TRACK:
Bertha Butt Boogie by The Jimmy Castor Bunch 
This funk novelty track went to number 16 on the US pop chart and number 22 on the US R&B chart.
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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.

The Rolling Stones released their tenth US studio album (eighth in the UK) entitled Let it Bleed at the end of November, 1969.  The band had worked on the material in the studio off and on through most of the year, with recording beginning in earnest back in February of 1969 (though work on "You Can't Always Get What You Want" began in November of the previous year).  The album would reach number 3 on the US album chart and number 1 on the UK charts, and would produce some of the best known standards of the Stones' collection.
The band experienced significant turmoil during the recording of this album.  Founding member and multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones was rapidly descending into a drug-induced stupor, causing him to be released from the band in the midst of the album's production.  Jones would be found dead in his swimming pool a month after leaving the band.  His replacement, Mick Taylor, would appear on a couple of songs for the album, but was not involved in the bulk of the recording.  Thus the lion's share of all guitar work fell to guitarist Keith Richards, handling both rhythm and lead guitar parts for most tracks.
“Let It Bleed” returns to a blues sound with country and gospel elements, but the lyrics tend towards darker, more gritty themes.  Perhaps the album was influenced by the disillusionment of society due to the Vietnam war, racial unrest, and/or protests on college campuses.  Certainly the darker side of drug use comes out in many of the songs.
In addition to releasing this album just before December 1969, the Rolling Stones participated in the Altamont Speedway Free Festival, a concert which would feature the Hell's Angels utilized as “security” for the event, and which would be considered one of the darkest days of the Rock era due to the violence, extensive property damage, and death associated with the event.  Some consider this to be the sad end to the “summer of love” aesthetic attributed to the rock music of the late 60's.
One of the founding What the Riff?!? hosts, Brian Dickhute returns to sit in for John Lynch, and brings us this iconic album.
 
Gimme Shelter
The opening track to the album was initially inspired by Richards’ observations of people running to get out of a rain storm, but the theme broadens to look at how the world seemed to be closing in with tension, war, and violence.  American singer Merry Clayton contributes the female vocals to this track.
Let It Bleed
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards penned the honky tonk (country tonk?) title track, which finishes off side 1 of the album.  The lyrics contain numerous sexual and drug references, though the theme is more about people providing and finding emotional support in others.
Monkey Men
While it is difficult to call any track from this album a “deeper cut,” we agreed this one is about as close to that as we can find.  Jagger and Richards wrote it as a tribute to Italian pop artist Mario Schifano, a contemporary of Andy Warhol whom Jaggar had met when he had a cameo in one of Schifano's movies. 
You Can't Always Get What You Want
The first song recorded for the album is the last track on side 2.  This iconic song features the London Bach Choir, and features verses covering love, politics, and drugs — common themes of the day.  The verses begin with optimism and end with disillusionment, returning to a sense of realism in the chorus.  It may be the most popular of all recordings by the Stones.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Come and Get It by Badfinger (from the motion picture “The Magic Christian”) 
Honestly folks, I thought this was the Beatles, and had no idea that it was from this movie.  Paul McCartney did write this song for Badfinger, and the movie starred Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye by Steam
Long before it became a staple of sports venues, Rob's staff pick was written by Paul Leka, Gary DiCarlo, and Dale Frasheur under what was then a fictitious band name, Steam.  The song would hit number 1 on the pop charts, although it was intended as a B-side.
Backfield In Motion by Mel and Tim
Bruce continues the sports theme in the staff picks with this song about a girl who is running around on her man.  This song with allusions to penalties in football, baseball, and boxing went to number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the R&B Chart.
I'll Hold Out My Hand by The Clique
Wayne features a positive soul sound from a two-hit wonder.  The Clique would see this song top out at number 45 on the US charts.  The lyrics urge someone who is turning inward to reach out instead and strive for their full potential.  “I’ll be your friend - you don't have to be mine.”
Take a Letter Maria by R.B. Greaves
Brian finishes our staff picks with a sing-song story about a business man who loses his wife while working overtime.  He has his secretary take a letter with copies for his wife and his lawyer.  By the end of the song he is scheduling a date with his secretary, Maria.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Groovy Grubworm by Harlow Wilcox & the Oakies
We weren't sure if it would be a comedy or an instrumental number, but this instrumental piece was on the charts at the end of 1969, peaking at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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.

Fly By Night is the album where Rush takes its final form.  Original drummer John Rutsey left the group shortly after their eponymously named debut album was released.  Health problems related to diabetes made it difficult for Rutsey on tour.  He was replaced on bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee's 21st birthday by the soon-to-be legendary percussionist, Neil Peart.  Together with guitarist Alex Lifeson, the trio would become icons in the prog rock genre.
 Most of the material for this album was written while the band was on tour opening for Uriah Heep and Manfred Mann.  Rush went into the studios for about 5 days to record the album, which was mixed by January when the group flew to Winnipeg for a concert on January 15th.  Fly By Night would also be the album in which Peart takes over much of the lyrical work with the songs, while Lee and Lifeson compose much of the music.  The lyrical styles are noticeably different between the first and second album, complete with literary themes which reflect Peart's habit as an avid reader.
This album is also the one which saw Rush moving in a decidedly prog rock direction.  This could be attributed to Neal "The Professor" Peart's lyrics, but the entire band wanted each song to show a different side to their writing and playing, creating a diversity of styles in the tracks.
Friend of the show Sean Mooney stands in for WTR Rush Ambassador, Bruce Fricks to bring us this classic prog rock album.
 
 
Anthem
The lead-off track to the album was originally conceived by Lee and Lifeson while Rutsey was still in the band.  The name of the track is from an Ayn Rand novella, as do the lyrics.  Peart's inspiration by Rand would return when the group penned their fourth album, 2112.
Beneath, Between and Behind
This is the first song to feature Peart's lyrics.  It was about the discovery of America and the birth of the United States.  The lyrics reference the American dream and growth as well as some darker history like wars and immigration.  "Beneath the noble birth between the proudest words behind the beauty, cracks appear.  Once with heads held high they sand out to the sky why do their shadows bow in fear?"
Best I Can
One of two tracks written before Peart joined the band, this song's music and lyrics were both penned by Geddy Lee, and the song saw regular performance during Rush's first North American tour.  The lyrics have a more rock theme than Peart's more literary efforts.  "Don't give me speeches 'cause they're oh so droll.  Leave me alone, let me rock and roll."
Fly By Night
The "hit" single from the album leads off side 2, and peaked at number 88 on the Billboard charts.  The lyrics reflect Peart's first trip away from home when he traveled from Canada to England.  "Fly by night, goodbye, my dear.  My ship isn't coming and I just can't pretend."
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the motion picture The Stepford Wives
This dystopian sci-fi thriller finds a couple in the town to Stepford, where the women mysteriously transform into submissive domesticated housewives.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Song for America by Kansas 
Wayne leads off the staff picks with the single cut to a 10-minute epic paying tribute to America.  It reflects the beauty that can be seen from a jet, but also the ugliness of industrialization.  The 5/4 time interspersed in the song marks it as a prog rock masterpiece.
Jackie Blue by Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Rob brings us a cool groove about a woman in pursuit of happiness, but who never stays with anything long enough to find happiness.  The original inspiration was a guy they met in Los Angeles who was strung out on drugs.  Drummer Larry Lee takes lead duties for this song which made it to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
#9 Dream by John Lennon 
Lynch features a song released before he was born from Lennon's "Walls and Bridges" album, which coincidentally went to number 9 on the charts.  The song literally came from a dream Lennon had, with no inspiration.  The "mystery voice" in the background is Lennon's girlfriend at the time, May Pang.  Several of the lyrics are nonsense words.
Adam's Apple by Aerosmith 
Sean finishes the staff picks with a deep cut from Aerosmith.  The lyrics are inspired by the story of the temptation of Adam and Eve in Genesis chapter 3.  It appears on Aerosmith's album "Toys in the Attic," which Steve Tyler wanted to name "Love at First Bite" at one point, a line from this song.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Express by BT Express 
We finish off this week's podcast with in instrumental hit from the early disco era.
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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.

Malcolm John Rebennack, Jr.,better known by his stage name, Dr. John, was a singer-songwriter who blended funk, R&B and New Orleans blues into a distinctive sound.   Dr. John was well known for his stage shows which were inspired by an eclectic mix of medicine shows, voodoo ceremonies, and Mardi Gras costumes.  Dr. John got his start as a session musician in the 1950s, and continued doing session work throughout his career playing keyboards for Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, and Van Morrison as a member of "The Wrecking Crew."  He recorded thirty studio albums and nine live albums before his death in 2019, including the one we profile today.
In the Right Place is Dr. John's sixth album and his best selling one, peaking at number 24 on the Billboard 200 chart.  He is backed up on this album by The Meters, a New Orleans funk band that formed in 1965.  The Meters were the house band for Alan Toussaint, who produced, arranged, and played on a number of tracks on the album.
Mac Rebennack's father ran an appliance shop in the East End of New Orleans where, in addition to fixing radios and televisions, he sold records to people from a wide variety of races and cultures.  Rebennack was expelled from his Catholic high school when the priests told him he had to either stop playing in the clubs or leave.  
The stage name Dr. John was taken from a 19th-century Louisiana voodoo priest.  In turn, Dr. John would inspire two other characters - Johnny Fever (from "WKRP in Cincinnati") and Dr. Teeth (from "The Muppet Show").
The future Dr. John started playing guitar and switched to piano after nearly losing a finger during an on-tour gunfight.
It's time for some New Orleans funk as Wayne brings us this album for the podcast.  Friend of the show Sean Mooney joins us for this one.
 
Traveling Mood
You can expect any rock group to eventually put out a song about losing a woman, but it takes Dr. John to make this tragedy whimsical and fun.  "Said that she'd never leave me, now she's gone away to grieve me.  I was fast asleep, when she begun her midnight creep."
Qualified
This is a social hierarchy song about a guy telling people who think they are better than others that they are not.  "Your social life ain't no better than my hot dog stand.  Your edu-ma-cation ain't no hipper than what you understand."
Right Place, Wrong Time
This is the funky hit that peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was also Dr. John's only top 40 hit, making him technically a one-hit wonder.   "I took the right road but I must have took a wrong turn."  "I took a right move, but I made it at the wrong time." 
Cold, Cold, Cold
In this song, the man wishes a woman he loves was not also running around with the other guys.  There's a pit of a Rolling Stones sound about this one, and maybe a little bit of Randy Newman humor.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Live and Let Die by Wings (from the motion picture “Live and Let Die”)
This song was the theme which first introduced Roger Moore as James Bond.  It also reunited Paul McCartney with former Beatles producer George Martin.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Drift Away by Dobie Gray
Rob drifts into the staff picks with this song originally written by Mentor Williams in 1970, and first performed by swamp rock singer John Henry Kurtz.  Soul singer Dobie Gray would produce the rendition we would know best.  Gray would land at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, making this song his biggest hit.  The lyrical tribute to the power of music would make it a frequent cover by lots of artists.
Daniel by Elton John
Lynch features a song with a story.  Daniel is an American soldier injured in Vietnam who, though accepted by his family, receives criticism from the public due to the polarizing nature of that war.  Disillusioned by the response, Daniel decides to go away to Spain.  Almost all of this storyline was contained in the last verse of the song, which was cut before it was produced.
China Grove by the Doobie Brothers 
Friend of the show Sean brings us a song which introduces itself with a great guitar riff and keyboards.  It is sung and written by Tom Johnson for the Doobie Brothers third studio album, "The Captain and Me."  It went to number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.  While Johnson was writing about a fictional town, there are several towns called China Grove in America.
The Free Electric Band by Albert Hammond
Wayne closes out the staff picks with a prog rock hit.  Songwriter Hammond has written a number of hits over the years, though this particular one only went to number 48.  The lyrics are about a privileged child who decides to move to California to play music despite his parents higher expectations for him.  
 
COMEDY TRACK:
Back When My Hair Was Short by Gunhill Road
This lone hit by Gunhill Road went to number 40, and was produced by Kenny Rogers.
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.

The Nightfly is the debut solo album from Donald Fagen.  Fagen and his Steely Dan partner Walter Becker had released the Gaucho album in late 1980, and Becker was having a lot of trouble.  His girlfriend died of a drug overdose in their apartment, and he was sued for several million dollars.  Shortly after that he was hit by a taxi, which shattered his leg.  Steely Dan disbanded in 1981, and Becker moved to Maui.  
Fagen wanted “The Nightfly” to be autobiographical, and without the irony and biting nature of Steely Dan.  There is a lot of adolescence and innocence in these songs, reflecting back on Fagen's time growing up.  The album is also one of the first to be recorded entirely in digital.  Steely Dan had tried this approach fo“Gaucho,” but it didn't work out and they reverted to analog.  Audiophiles gravitate to The Nightfly, and EQ Magazine ranks it as one of the top 10 Best Recorded Albums of All Time, up there with The Beatles' “Sergeant Peppers” and The Beach Boys' “Pet Sounds.”
Donald Fagan had problems with depression after recording “The Nightfly,” and largely disappeared from the music scene through the rest of the 80's.  Fagan said in 2006 that he hasn't listened to "The Nightfly" since making it.  However, he did record two other albums which are considered to form "The Nightfly Trilogy," including Kamakiriad" from 1993 and "Morph the Cat" from 2006.  There would also be a reunion of Steely Dan later on.
Bruce presents this jazzy album for this week's episode.
 
I.G.Y. (What a Beautiful World)
This lead single is also the track that leads off the album.  "I.G.Y." stands for International Geophysical Year, which was a project that lasted between July 1957 and December 1958.  It encompassed eleven earth science projects and included collaboration between East and West.  The song reflects the positivity of that time and collaboration.  The song was released in September 1982 and reached number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 at the end of November.
The Nightfly
This track imagines a late night DJ named Lester who plays jazz on WJAZ out of Baton Rouge, and also takes calls from conspiracy theorists.  is about a spiritual quest.  While not released as a single, this song did receive some airplay on FM stations in the 80's.
Ruby Baby
Although heavily arranged with close harmonies by Fagen, this is a cover song originally performed by the Drifters in 1956.  A number of artists have covered it over time, including Dion (number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962), Billy "Crash Craddock, Del Shannon, Mitch Ryder, and Bobby Darin.
New Frontier
This fun single did not break into the top 40, but it was a frequent video on the then-new MTV channel.  The idea of the song is that an adolescent boy is bringing a girl over to his parents' bomb shelter for a good time.  "Yes, we're going to have a wing ding..."
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
It Might Be You by Stephen Bishop (from the motion picture "Tootsie" )
Dustin Hoffman stars in this cross-dressing romance comedy about an actor disguising himself as a woman to land a job.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Steppin' Out by Joe Jackson
Rob starts the staff picks with a song inspired by Jackson's time in New York City.  The song reflects the excitement of a drive around town, and hit number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It is off the album "Night and Day," which reflects New York City during the day on side 1, and the City during the night on side 2.
Mexican Radio by Wall of Voodoo
Wayne's staff pick is a weird one.  This new wave act describes listening to the broadcasts of high-wattage unregulated Mexican radio stations whose signals were strong enough to be picked up in small town U.S.A.  Wall of Voodoo's $15,000 video would be on constant repeat on MTV.
Maneater by Hall & Oates 
Lynch brings us a big Hall & Oates hit that spent four weeks at number 1 on the charts.  The song describes a woman who is bad news, only looking for money.  The video features a live panther, that got loose in the rafters of the set at one point, prompting a hasty retreat from Darryl Hall.   The sax part is played by Charles "Mr. Casual" DeChant, who also appears in the video during his solo.
She Sheila by The Producers
Bruce finishes up the staff picks with Atlanta's own The Producers.  This is the big single off the band's second album "You Make the Heat."  It went to number 48 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts, and alternates between an ethereal synth part and a high energy New Wave sound.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Bonzo's Montreux by Led Zeppelin
John Bonham's live drum solo closes 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.
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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.

The British Invasion of the mid-60's is best known for The Beatles, but there were more groups than just the boys from Liverpool.  In fact, just a month after The Beatles played on Ed Sullivan the Dave Clark Five would take that stage, the first of 12 appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show.  The quintet consisted of Dave Clark on drums and backing vocals, Rick Huxley on bass, Mike Smith on vocals and keyboard, Lenny Davidson on lead guitar, and Dennis Payton on Sax, Harmonica, and vocals.
The British Invasion was really a re-introduction of American music, as many of the British acts took inspiration from soul, gospel, and blues music from places like Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, and New Orleans.  This re-introduction was accompanied by intriguing accents, strange fashion and hair styles, and a lot of energy and heart.
The sixth American album release from the Dave Clark Five was entitled Having a Wild Weekend, and was the soundtrack to a movie of the same title.  This film was originally released as "Catch Us If You Can," in the UK, but was renamed when it was released in the States.  It is a light-hearted social drama similar to "A Hard Day's Night" released by the Beatles, and it likewise was used as a vehicle to increase the popularity of the band and their songs.
Unlike the Beatles, the Dave Clark Five never ventured into the psychedelic sound of the late 60's, and their popularity began to wane by 1967.  The group would disband in 1967.
John Lynch brings us this classic group and soundtrack for this week's podcast.
 
Having a Wild Weekend
This single was written by Dave Clark and Mike Smith, and is the lead-off and title track to the album.  The premise of the album is that Dinah, a model for an add campaign for meat, runs off with one of the stunt men while shooting a TV commercial.  The ad executives use their disappearance to generate more publicity for their client.
New Kind of Love
We're not really sure if this song is about a guy whose girlfriend cheats on him, or about a stalker who like a girl who has no idea that the guy thinks they're dating.  
I Said I Was Sorry
When the guy messes up in the relationship, he is left wondering why everything isn't OK now that he has said he was sorry.  The lyrics at the time weren't meant to be studied too seriously, were they?  At least he said he was sorry, because we would find out from Elton John years later that "sorry" seems to be the hardest word.
Catch Us If You Can
Co-written by Dave Clark and Lenny Davidson, this was the title song for the UK version of the album.  It leads off side two, and was the hit single from the album, rising to number 4 on the US charts.  The finger snapping and guitar leading into the song was a catchy hook.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the television series “Gidget” 
The Frederick Kohner novels about a teenager in the surfing culture would lead to films of the late 50's, and a TV show that would begin in 1965 starring Sally Field.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Just a Little by The Beau Brummels
Bruce's staff pick is one of the groups that is credited with creating the San Francisco sound.  The Beau Brummels were Sal Valentino on vocals, Ron Elliott on lead guitar, Declan Mulligan on guitar, Ron Meagher on bass, and John Petersen on drums.  This is off their debut album entitled "Introducing the Beau Brummels," which was produced by Sly Stallone  
The Train Kept a-Rollin' by Screaming Lord Sutch & the Savages
You may be familiar with the Aerosmith version of this song, but Rob brings you an earlier version of the classic blues track originally recorded by Tiny Bradshow in 1951.  Screaming Lord Sutch was known for his Halloween-themed stage shows, complete with knives and coffins, with the lead singer appearing as Jack the RIpper.
The Game of Love by Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders
Wayne features a number 1 hit from the Billboard Hot 100.  The group took its name from a British movie, and appeared in the 1967 Sidney Poitier film, "To Sir, with Love."  The group broke up at the final concert of a UK tour with The Who, Arthur Brown, and Joe Coker on November 20, 1968.
Count Me In by Gary Lewis and The Playboys
Lynch closes out the staff picks with a group that was originally known as Gary & the Playboys, hiding the relationship that Gary had with his celebrity father, Jerry Lewis.  They auditioned and were hired to play at Disneyland, and frequently played to full houses.  The group suffered in live performances, because producer Snuff Garrett utilized session musicians heavily on their studio tracks, and the band could not duplicate their studio sound on the stage.
   
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Maiden Voyage by the Herbie Hancock
This instrumental jazz piece that closes out the podcast shows the longevity of Herbie Hancock's career, and was the title track to his album of the same name.
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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.

While the late 80's were the high water mark for overproduced hair bands, there was an undercurrent flowing below the mainstream popularity which would surface in the 90's as the punk revival.  Los Angeles-based Bad Religion is a group which would not only benefit from that revival, but many consider the band to be a founder of the movement.  The band formed in 1980 and released a couple of albums before going on hiatus in 1983 and splitting up shortly thereafter.  After a slowly getting back together in 1986, they released their third album entitled "Suffer."  While on tour promoting that album, the band began work on their fourth album, No Control.
The band for this album was Greg Graffin on lead vocals, Greg Hetson on guitar, Brett Gurewitz on guitar and backing vocals, Jay Bentley on bass and backing vocals, and Pete Finestone on percussion.  Building this album while on tour gave it a fast and high energy feel, with the band reverting to a hardcore punk style.
While undeniably punk, Bad Religion has a more melodic sound than many of their punk predecessors.  They also exhibit solid, significant lyrics, and utilize three-part vocal harmonies that are not normally associated with the genre.  The idea of this group is to emphasize action, and living in the moment.
Friend of the show (and John Lynch's better half) Heather Lynch brings us this hallmark of the punk revival because it is the album that introduced her to punk rock.
 
Change of Ideas
The lead-off track for the album clocks in at 55 seconds, making it onto Loudwire's top ten list of "Greatest Songs Under One Minute Long."  The concept in Graffin's lyrics is that we need to get away from ideas that trap us in fear and theory.
Big Bang
This song was penned by guitarist Brett Gurewitz.  The lyrics are about how folks are searching for something in science or religion without really living their lives.  "Big bang, big crunch.  You know there's no free lunch.  Kneel down and pray, here comes your judgment day."
No Control
The title track is a sonic trip to the mosh pit.  We think we have things in hand, but everything fades away very soon, and we are powerless to control it.
I Want to Conquer the World
We all have thought at times that the world would be a better place if we could just take over for a while.  Gurewitz reflects on this in this piece, and wonders what we are doing here and now to make things a little better.  "I want to conquer the world.  Give all the idiots a brand new religion, put an end to poverty, uncleanliness and toil.  Promote equality in all of my decisions."
You
This is a fast, angry song. "And you! painted my entire world but I don't have the turpentine to clean what you have soiled.  And I won't forget it."
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Two Step Mamau by Wayne Toups & Zydecajun (from the motion picture "Steel Magnolias" )
This southern film was had an all star cast and showcased the talents of a young Julia Roberts.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Sold Me Down the River by the Alarm
Wayne's staff pick reminds us of Power Station's "Bang the Gong."  It made it to number 50 on the Billboard charts, but it was prominent on rock stations at the time.  It is about a lovesick guy who got his heart broken.  The Alarm is from Wales, but is often compared to Ireland's U2.
Let the Day Begin by The Call
Rob brings us the title track from the Call's sixth studio album.  It is a positive song with a shuffle beat.  It was used as the campaign theme song for Al Gore in 2000.  The band formed in 1980 in Santa Cruz.
The Living Years by Mike & the Mechanics 
John Lynch's staff pick is Mike Rutherford's (bassist from Genesis) band, formed in 1985.  The song is a wistful tune about missing the opportunity to truly connect with a father while he was alive.  This is the title track from their second album, released in 1988.
We Didn't Start the Fire by Billy Joel
Heather features a song with 118 historical references in this fast-paced song.  The idea of the track comes from a conversation Joel had with Sean Lennon about how difficult it is to be a young person in the times.  Joel thought about how each generation has its issues, and pointed out some of the troubles from earlier decades.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Proliferous Souls by Pestilence
We haven't covered this Dutch death metal band, but we remedy that with this instrumental out at the time.
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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.

If you are not familiar with The Nails don't feel bad.  They were not a hit on commercial radio, but this punk rock/new wave outfit from Boulder Colorado was much better known on college radio in the mid to late 80's.  Although Mood Swing is their debut album from 1984, the band originally formed in 1976 as a five-piece band.  They moved to New York and built both their musical chops and their following on the club circuit before their major label debut.
At the time that Mood Swing was released the band consisted of Marc Campbell on vocals, Steve O'Rourke on guitar, George Kaufman on bass, Douglas Guthrie on saxophone, and David Kaufman on keyboards.  Drummer Tommy Cotogna had left the band prior to recording the album, and Dennis McDermott provided the drum work for the album sessions.
The band produced a sound that included strong musicianship, dark and often deliberately shocking lyrics, but laced with a sense of humor.  Campbell claimed that their music came from “a mystical and sexual area.  I write in a cinematic way, trying to create through language and sound, texture and atmosphere, a specific mood.”  The songs on the album do indeed represent a diversity of mood.
Wayne relives his days as a college radio DJ as he brings us this new wave group for the podcast, and we are joined by friend of the show Heather Lynch, sitting in for Bruce (and keeping Lynch in line).
 
Every Time I Touch You
The distinctive bass line followed by the screaming guitar leads into this song about being lost in a mix of love and lust, though we're not certain that this is a match made in heaven.  Love is a fire which can be explosive and tear the lovers apart.   And you never can go wrong with a sax!
Let It All Hang Out
This is a cover from a 1967 song by the Hombres, and a “southern-fried parody” of Bob Dylan's “Subterranean Homesick Blues.” A number of other artists also covered this song, including Cream, John Cougar Mellencamp, and Wheezer.  It's a fun song.
88 Lines About 44 Women 
If the Nail had a “hit” this was it.  This single peaked at number 46 on the US dance chart, and was laid out on a new Casio keyboard.  The Nails had released several versions of this song previously on independent labels.  Lead singer Campbell says that the song pays tribute to the power and glory of sex, drugs, rock and roll...and love.  It is dedicated to the women in my life to did their best to keep me human."
Home of the Brave
This song has a Warhol-esque feel to it.  “Hectic madness of city living where the whores are dancing on the table tops and the juke box plays Apocalyptic bebop.” 
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from the television series “Night Court”
We were introduced to Judge Harry T. Stone and the eclectic characters that pass through his courtroom on this sitcom that premiered in January 1984.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Say it Isn't So by Hall & Oates
Lynch starts of the staff picks with one of two new singles released on Hall & Oates compilation album "Rock 'n Soul Part 1."  It was stuck at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, behind Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney's "Say Say Say" for several weeks before finally taking the number 1 slot.  It is about the downside of fame, and the oddness of everyone seeming to know them. 
The Politics of Dancing by The Re-Flex
Rob's staff pick hits all the hallmarks of mid-80's music, including the keyboards, drum machine, spoken lyrics, and low tones.  This song went to number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100.  This is the title song from the debut album by The Re-Flex.  The band stopped working together by 1985, but members often collaborated on each other's solo projects.
Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder 
Heather Lynch brings us a reggae-infused tune that hit number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song lyrics reflect a man smitten by a woman from whom he must move on, but it also reflects Wilder's struggles with delivering a hit that the record label would take.
Holy Diver by Dio
Wayne features heavy metal virtuoso Ronnie James Dio in a solo outing.  It was from his debut solo album of the same name.  The lyrics are about a Christ-figure on another planet who sacrifices himself for his people.  This song was one on Clear Channel's “inappropriate to play” songs after the attacks on 9/11.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
1984 by Van Halen
This short instrumental leads off Van Halen's album of the same name.
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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.

Most people are familiar with the actor, Sean Penn.  His older brother, Michael Penn went in a more musical direction, becoming a singer, songwriter, and producer.  His debut album, March, would achieve both critical and commercial success, peaking on the US album charts at number 31.  This would be his most successful album commercially, though his follow-up albums were received positively by the  critics.
Manhattan native Michael Penn was the first son of actor/director Leo Penn and actress Eileen Ryan.  He began his musical journey in junior high school, and joined the Los Angeles band Doll Congress before embarking on a solo career.  He appeared as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live in 1987 when his younger brother Sean was the host.  He would garner attention, however in 1989 with his debut album, March.  It would earn him the 1990 MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist, and its first single "No Myth" would rise to number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.  
Michael Penn would go on to marry singer-songwriter Aimee Mann (who fronted the new wave group 'Til Tuesday) in 1997.  The couple are still together and living in Los Angeles.  
Rob brings us this singer-songwriter because he has created interesting songs with clever lyrics, and his underrated status may indicate that our listeners haven't heard his music beyond his first single.  We hope you enjoy this artist and perhaps discover some music from the late 80's that you haven't heard before - or haven't heard in a while.
 
No Myth
This is the first and most successful single from the album.  It made it to number 5 on the Mainstream Rock charts and number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It is about a guy who is rejected by a girl even though he knows he could make her happy.  “We said goodbye before hello, my secrets she will never know, and if I dig a hole to China I'll catch the first junk to Soho.”
Half Harvest
The second song on the album is an understated deeper cut that sounds like a break-up song, or a tune about faded romance. “So move out of your bed of roses, now. I'm putting in a bed of nails.”
Brave New World
This is a jangle pop, rockabilly song with great harmonies and fast-paced lyrics.  It ends with a jazz jam and we feel it has a road trip feel in the lyrics as the singer drives into the brave new world.
This & That
This single hit number 10 on the Modern Rock charts, and also has a quick lyric cadence.  “I'll do this and I'll do that, I'll be burning canyons for you.  I'll do this and I'll do that and I will wait forever if you'll be there.”
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Hymn to Red October (from the motion picture The Hunt for Red October)
Sean Connery takes the lead in the first of the Tom Clancy books to hit the big screen.  The idea of a defecting Soviet sub was a compelling concept in the late 80's, well before the communist government fell apart.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Cuts You Up by Peter Murphy 
Bruce's staff pick went to number 55 on the Billboard Hot 100, but dominated the then-new Billboard Alternative Songs chart, spending seven weeks at number 1 on that chart.  Peter Murphy was the lead singer of the group Bauhaus, which gave us the song “Bela Lugosi's Dead.”  Murphy and guitarist Paul Statham wrote this song which is about how the path of self-knowledge and discovery will ruin your assumptions, keeping you from getting arrogant.
I Go to Extremes by Billy Joel
Lynch reminds us that things tend to go awry when musician Billy Joel writes a song for his wife.  Indeed Joel's relationship with Christie Brinkley would come to an end in 1994 after it inspired this song that was a single from his album Stormfront. The idea of this song is a recognition that Joel can be compared to a roller coaster of emotion.  
Up All Night by Slaughter 
Wayne brings us a hair band hit from the peak of “big hair.”  Las Vegas, based Slaughter is named after vocalist and guitarist Mark Slaughter who formed the band in 1988 with bassist Dana Strum.  The band is completed by guitarist Tim Kelly and drummer Blas Elias.  The song is pretty much the anthem of the hair bands - up all night, sleep all day. 
Baby, It's Tonight by Jude Cole 
Rob finishes the staff picks with singer-songwriter, manager, and producer Jude Cole.  He has a sound similar to John Waite, and started with the band Lifehouse.  Cole also started a record label called Iron Works with actor Kiefer Sutherland.  This song made it to number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
 
COMEDY TRACK:
As Kosher As They Wanna Be  by 2 Live Jews 
Oy Vey!  I hope we don't get cancelled for this comedy track which was on the charts at the time.
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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.

Metallica  was a big deal well before the release of this album.  Singer and guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich had formed the band a decade prior to this fifth studio release, technically called Metallica but most commonly referenced as The Black Album due to its all-black cover.  Hetfield and Ulrich, together with lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Jason Newsted were successful commercially and critically on the strength of previous albums, particularly their third (Master of Puppets) and fourth (...And Justice for All) studio releases.  However The Black Album would be their most successful album release, and the second longest-charting traditional title release in history, behind only Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon."
 Metallica is one of the founding bands of thrash metal, and had a reputation for musicianship that was both fast and complex.  The Black Album saw the band developing a slower, more refined sound with singles that were shorter and tighter, making them more accessible to a general audience.  Hetfield also sought to create songs with a less "scream-heavy" vocalization.  The result of their efforts was both their first number one album on the charts, and an album filled with some of their most well-known singles.  The album is more heavy metal than their previous releases, but still retains a thrash metal edge.
Metallica would go on from success to success, never really seeing their international fame fade.  This album marks the point where the band had learned to master both their musical craft and their stage craft.  
John Lynch brings us this landmark heavy metal album.
 
Enter Sandman
This track was the first single, the first song written for the album, and the last to receive lyrics.  Hammett wrote the primary guitar riff after being inspired by Soundgarden's Louder than Love album.  The original lyrics were much darker, referencing sudden infant death syndrome, and Lars Ulrich and producer Bob Rock encouraged Hetfield to rework them .
Sad But True
The fifth and final single from the album was originally written in the key of E.  When the producer pointed out that every song on the album was written in E, the band tuned down to D for this track.  The idea for the lyrics about blind faith were inspired by the 1978 film "Magic" in which a ventriloquist is controlled by his puppet. 
The Unforgiven
The second single is a heavy power ballad about the struggles of the individual against an all-powerful machine-like force holding him captive.  It has a softer style than most Metallica songs, and allows Hetfield's vocal musicianship to shine through.  Two sequel songs would be released on future albums.
Nothing Else Matters
Hetfield did not intend to release this song, but wrote it for himself when feeling homesick on tour.  Ulrich encouraged him to include it in the album, and it is one of their biggest hits.  While originally written about a girlfriend, the song has become a reference to Metallica's fans on tour.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Lets Work Together by The Kentucky Headhunters (from the motion picture “Harley Davidson & the Marlboro Man”) 
This movie was a biker film with Don Johnson and Mickey Rourke in a Western style.
 
STAFF PICKS:
She's So High by Blur
Wayne is well known for his affinity to the Manchester psychedelic sound.  However, this group with the Manchester sound is actually from London.  While the song would appear to be about drugs, it is actually a reference to a girl who is out of the singer's league.  Blur hit number 48 on the UK single's chart with this release.
Straight to Your Heart by Bad English
Rob's staff pick was written by Jonathan Cain for this supergroup formed from members of Journey and The Babys.  John Waite's distinctive voice is clear on this hit from their second and final album, but it also maintains the rock sound. 
Face the Music by RTZ 
Bruce shares his take on this group formed by Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau, originally founding members of the group Boston, along with Brian Maes on keyboards, Tim Archibald on bass, and David Stefanelli on drums.  This single is off RTZ's debut album "Return to Zero."  While this song only went to number 49 on the US pop charts, the success of RTZ would convince Delp to leave Boston, only to return to the group a couple of years later.
Crazy by Seal
Lynch's staff pick is about the days when the Soviet Union was collapsing and the Berlin wall came down.  English singer songwriter Seal brings a haunting, smooth sound.  “In a sky full of people only some want to fly, isn't that crazy?”
   
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Sunshine by Timbuk 3
The group best known for “The Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades” penned this steel drum-laden instrumental.
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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.

Many folks know that the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd came out of Jacksonville, Florida.  But they weren't the only big southern rock band to arise from that city.  Molly Hatchet was another southern rock band from Jacksonville, also sporting three guitars.  The band formed in 1971 and shares a lot of the inspiration and influence of Skynyrd.  their best selling album was their second one, Flirtin' with Disaster, which peaked at number 19 and became a 2x platinum seller in the United States.  
The name of the band comes from the legend of a Salem-era prostitute who supposedly mutilated and decapitated her clients.  The band was not only famous for its music, but for its album cover art.  Fantasy artist Frank Frazetta created the cover, depicting a Viking-like warrior with a winged helmet and battle axe.  Personnel for Flirtin' with Disaster included Danny Joe Brown on vocals, guitarists Dave Hlubek, Steve Holland, and Duane Roland, Banner Thomas on bass, and Bruce Crump on drums. 
While Flirtin' with Disaster is the band's most successful album, they also found considerable success with the eponymous debut album released prior to Flirtin' and the third album, “Beatin' the Odds,” released with new front man Jimmy Farrar who replaced Danny Joe Brown who left for a number of reasons including diabetes.  The band would not achieve similar success with its future albums, though Brown would return to the band by their fifth album.  Molly Hatchet remained a popular touring band, though today all the original members have died.  
Friend of the show Craig Dale joins us as Wayne brings us this Southern rock classic for the podcast. 
 
Let the Good Times Roll
While this may be considered a deeper cut, the track which closes out the album did receive significant airplay on rock stations when the album came out.  “Give me wine, women, whiskey and rock 'n' roll and let me sleep my days away.”  
Flirtin' with Disaster
This is the timeless classic from the album, the title track, and the opening song for side two.  Although this is considered their breakout hit and highest charting, it only went to number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song has been used in a number of films and television shows including Suspect Zero, Straw Dogs, My Name is Earl, and King of the Hill.
Good Rockin'
This deep cut is one in which all band members share writing credits.  It was not released as a single but did appear as a B-side to their second single, “It's All Over Now.”  It is simply a straightforward rock party song - “So if you're feeling good, if you feel alright we're going to have a rock 'n' roll time tonight.”
Whiskey Man
The leading track from the album is a well-known Molly Hatchet song, though it failed to chart.  It is an anti-drinking song in which the lyrics discuss the hazards of alcohol.  “You start to get straight, then you get weak, can't you see you're on a losing streak?”
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Coal Miner's Daughter by Loretta Lynn (from the motion picture “Coal Miner's Daughter”)
Sissy Spacek won the Academy Award for her portrayal of Loretta Lynn in this biographical drama. 
 
STAFF PICKS:
Back On My Feet Again by The Babys
Bruce brings us the number 33 hit by John Waite and the Babys - their fourth and final top 40 hit.  This is off their album “Union Jacks.”  They opened for Journey on tour, and their keyboardist, Jonathan Cain, would wind up joining Journey when the Babys broke up.  
What I Like About You by The Romantics
Rob presents a party song that got a lot of airplay with a 50's/60's feel.  It was written in 1979 and it came out on the debut album from the Romantics.  The lead singer, Wally Palmar, is the drummer for the group.  The song only made it to number 49 on the US charts, but its garage band feel and party credentials have given it a timeless quality that fares better the longer it is around.
Magic by Olivia Newton John
Lynch tests Wayne's patience with this number 1 hit from Australia's own Olivia Newton John.  It was recorded for the soundtrack to the 1980 musical fantasy film “Xanadu” and was released as its lead single.  The song was written by John Farrar who wrote a number of Olivia Newton John's hits.
Goodbye Blue Sky by Pink Floyd
Friend of the show Craig Dale brings us a haunting tune from the Pink Floyd album “The Wall.”  This track reveals how the horror of war and the blitz formed a brink in the wall of isolation the protagonist forms in his descent into madness.  The child speaking at the front of the song is actually band member Roger Waters' son, Harry.
Rockin' Heaven Down by Heart
Wayne closes out this week's podcast with his favorite Heart song from the album “Bebe Le Strange.”  The track features Nancy Wilson starting the song on a 12-string electric guitar, and Nancy Wilson's fierce vocals.  “Hoot into the night, that look from eye to eye, a flash gets passed around, a band of wild angels rockin' heaven down.”
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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.

Moondance is the album that established Van Morrison as a solo artist.  However, he was an accomplished musician before this, first as a multi-instrumentalist in Irish show bands of the late 50's, then as the lead singer of the band Them.  Moondance is either Morrison's second or third solo album…depending upon how you count it.  The first album entitled “Blowin' Your Mind!” was put out without Morrison's permission — or even knowledge, and he does not consider it to be a proper album.  However, he had signed a contract with Bang! Records without paying much attention to the details, and gave up much of his rights.  Nevertheless, this first album did contain Morrison's first solo pop single, “Brown-Eyed Girl,” which is one of this most popular today.
After considerable wrangling and the death of producer Bert Berns, Morrison was able to put out an album on his own terms for Warner Brothers entitled “Astral Weeks.”  While this album would be praised in the future, it was considered a failure at the time, producing no singles and not receiving much promotion.
Moondance is where it all comes together for Morrison.  It was more deliberately designed to have more accessible songs than the previous album, and it benefitted from the rising popularity of FM radio.  Morrison's growing confidence in his own abilities and his sense of independence from the producers also were beneficial on this album.  The result is an iconic album with a number of standards of 70's music.
Bruce brings us this inspired album for this week's podcast.
 
And It Stoned Me
This track leads off the album.  The song reminisces about days being a kid, going fishing, drinking stream water from a jar, and just being high on life.  The lyric about Jelly Roll may refer to jazz musician Jelly Roll Morton, an artist whom Morrison listened to with his father as a child.  Van Morrison's dad had one of the biggest record collections in the area.
Into the Mystic
This track is about a spiritual quest.  According to Wikipedia, Morrison says the song “is just about being part of the universe.”  While it was not released as a single when the album was released it has become one of Morrison's most popular song, the second most streamed song on Spotify behind “Brown Eyed Girl.”
Glad Tidings
A deeper cut, this track is the final song on the album and the final song recorded for the album.  The inspiration for the title was a letter Morrison received from a friend in London who had written on the envelope, “Glad Tidings from London.”  When Morrison wrote back he also included “Glad Tidings from New York” on the envelope.  The lyrics appear to address some of the issues Morrison had with Bert Berns and Bang! Records.
Moondance
As iconic as this song has become, it was not released as a single until September of 1977, seven-and-a-half years after the album.  Morrison developed it while living in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  He considers it a sophisticated song, one that Frank Sinatra could be seen singing. 
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The Love Theme (from the motion picture "Airport" )
This film was one of the first disaster movies that would form its own genre in the 1970's.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Friends by Feather
Wayne gets the staff picks started with a pop group from Los Angeles.  Feather had a commercially oriented prog rock sound, with close harmonies and a bit of a country flavor.  “Friends” was on the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks, with its highest position at number 79.  However, they did get a chance to showcase their song on Dick Clark's American Bandstand.
Reflections of My Life by Marmalade
Rob brings us a Scottish band that started in 1961 as the Gaylords.  This is their biggest hit making it to number 10 in the U.S.  The epic feel employs acoustic guitars and horns, and a guitar solo which employs studio effects that play the solo guitar riff backwards.
Kentucky Rain by Elvis Presley 
Lynch's staff pick was recorded during Presley's landmark two-week sessions at American Sound Studio in Memphis.  These sessions produced two hit albums in 1969, but this song didn't make the cut for either album.  The single was on the charts during this month, rising as high as number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, and features Ronnie Milsap on piano.
Mississippi Queen by Mountain
Bruce brings us a rocker to wrap up the staff picks.  This hard rock group was active primarily from 1969 through 1972, and this single went to number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The opening cowbell originated when drummer Corky Laing got tired of the numerous retakes and just started using the cowbell to count off the song.  Bassist Felix Pappalardi liked the sound and kept it in the completed track. 
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Viva Tirado (part 1) by El Chicano
This Latin-jazz instrumental number was based on an original song about a bullfighter by Gerald Wilson.
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.

Aside from having a terrific title, the seventh studio album by REO Speedwagon would be the one which would bring them mainstream success.  You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish was the first album to be co-produced by guitarist Gary Richrath and lead singer Kevin Cronin, and was the first to break into the top 40 on the Billboard 200 album charts in the US, peaking at number 29.  It also was the first on which Bruce Hall was a part of the group, replacing Gregg Philbin on bass.  The rest of the group was Nel Doughty on keyboards and Alan Gratzer on drums.   Doughty and Gratzer were college students when the band was founded, and Doughty was inspired to create the name of the group when he saw it written on the board of his “History of Transportation” class.
This album trends toward melodic rock and power ballads, which perhaps explains the broader appeal they received.  Richrath's guitar hooks blended well with Cronin's strong vocals, and the result was a polished sound that worked well for both rock anthems and more pensive ballads.  The energy of the studio album also seemed to finally catch the essence and energy of their live performances.
The band would go on to become one of the stars of the arena rock world in the 80's, and this album is where that really started for them.
Rob brings us this group at the start of their ascent to stardom.
 
Roll with the Changes
This infectious rock anthem leads off the album, and is a timeless staple of the band's concerts.  Kevin Cronin was inspired to write this song when he returned to the band in 1976 and relocated from Chicago to Los Angeles.  Changes in his life caused the song to hit him instantly.  He started writing the lyrics on a paper bag in his Ford Pinto while driving to L.A.
Runnin' Blind
This deeper cut is the third track on the album.  It has a solid guitar riff and we believe a “Cheap Trick” sound.  The lyrics discuss a lover who is always on the road playing the guitar and leaving someone behind.  “Change is comin' no more runnin'”
Time for Me to Fly
Another song written by Kevin Cronin, this ballad was inspired by Cronin's breakup with his high school girlfriend.  Unlike “Roll with the Changes,” this song took Cronin 10 years to write, and had been rejected for previous albums.  While it would peak at number 56 on the Billboard Hot 100, it would become one of their best known songs and a timeless ballad.
Say You Love Me or Say Goodnight
Another deeper cut that rocks, this one closes out the album.  The lyrics are a call to either make up or split up.  It is a great jam to end the concert or album.  
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from the motion picture The Magic of Lassie
Jimmy Stewart makes his last appearance in this installment of the film franchise starring the famous collie.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Party by Boston 
Bruce kicks off the staff picks with the sixth track from Boston's second studio album, “Don't Look Back”  This straight-up party song was co-written by Brad Delp and Tom Scholz, one of only two songs on the album not solely written by Scholz.  While it wasn't released as a single, it received significant airplay on rock stations and appears on Boston's Greatest Hits album.
Raise a Little Hell by Trooper
Wayne keeps the energy up with a rocker off Canadian band Trooper's fourth studio album.  Randy Bachman produced this album entitled “Thick as Thieves.”  It appears in the first season of the NETFLIX show “Stranger Things.”  While not having a big hit in the US (this one went to number 59) Trooper was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2023.
Hot Blooded by Foreigner 
Lynch brings us a monster hit written by Lou Gramm and Mick Jones.  While most people with a fever of 103 would need some rest, the song describes the cure as an after-show rendezvous with the girl he's been checking out.  The song did more than dance up the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 3.
Runaway by Jefferson Starship
Rob takes the tempo down to close out the staff picks with the second single from the album “Earth.”  This song made it to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Marty Balin takes vocal duties on this song, alternating between a smooth sound in the verses and a grittier, funky sound in the bridge.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
The Unidentified Flying Tuna Trot by REO Speedwagon 
This instrumental off “You Can Tune a Piano, but You Can't Tuna Fish” gives us the opportunity to double dip on the episode's featured album by REO Speedwagon.
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.