Episodes

  • 1986 - April: Metallica "Master of Puppets"

    1986 - April: Metallica "Master of Puppets"
    Nov 4 2024
    A number of bands seem to turn a corner with their third album, and Master of Puppets is no exception. Metallica's third album would achieve both critical and commercial success, crossing out of the new thrash metal sub-genre of hard rock to achieve multi-platinum recognition. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist James Hetfield collaborated with drummer Lars Ulrich as the principal songwriters, creating riffs that were assembled and reassembled over time until they formed a song. The band would then be called in to create a tile and topic for the song, at which point Hetfield would create the lyrics.Master of Puppets peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Although glam metal was on the rise, the band avoided the over-produced, synth-laden sound popular in the era, and stuck to their signature thrash metal sound with political lyrics. The resulting album would consolidate the thrash metal scene, and bring the sound into a more mainstream audience.Unfortunately, the album would also be the last one for which bassist Cliff Burton would be featured. Burton died in September 1986 while the band was on tour in Sweden, and their bus was involved in an accident.Metallica would become a huge group from the late 80's onward, and this album shows the strength of the group in those years when they were just coming into the consciousness of the commercial world.Lynch brings us this highly influential thrash metal album. Fans of the Show Julie Doran and son Zack join us in Wayne's absence for today's podcast. Welcome Home (Sanitarium)The song that concludes side 1 of the album was inspired by Ken Kesey's novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." The lyrics portray the thoughts of a mental patient incorrectly institutionalized in an asylum. The track starts slow and picks up steam as it goes. BatteryThis title could be a reflection of the charge of assault and battery, or it could be inspired by the military hardware of an artillery battery. There is also a connection to the original San Francisco thrash scene, centered on the Old Waldorf club on Battery Street. Control of violent urges is a connection that runs through the piece regardless of the original inspiration.Master of PuppetsCocaine addiction is the master of puppets referenced in this title track. Hetfield had friends experiencing drug addiction, and wrote this track from the perspective of the drug itself, taking over the lives of people. This will be a familiar song to fans of "Stranger Things." ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Loved By the Sun by Jon Anderson and Tangerine Dream (from the motion picture “Legend”)This fantasy film starring Tom Cruise and Mia Sara was in the theaters at this time. STAFF PICKS:Your Wildest Dreams by the Moody BluesRob starts off the staff picks with a song that singer and guitarist Justin Heyward wrote while thinking back on his first love. It hit number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, making this song the biggest commercial success for the Moody Blues since "Knights in White Satin."Mothers Talk by Tears for FearsBruce's staff pick was inspired by a mom telling her kids that when they make faces, they will freeze that way. It is also inspired by an anti-nuclear cartoon called "When the Wind Blows" by Raymond Briggs. The song was written by Roland Orzabal and Ian Stanley, and first performed in 1983. It went to number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100. Kiss by Prince & the RevolutionJulie features a chart topping hit and lead single from Prince's eighth studio album, "Parade." The song is more acoustic and stripped down than prior Prince hits, and Warner Bros. didn't want to release it as a single. However, Prince insisted on both its inclusion on the album and its release as a single.Addicted to Love by Robert PalmerLynch closes out the staff picks with a song that may be more famous for its video featuring models pretending to play the instruments. Palmer originally wanted to sing this song as a duet with Chaka Kahn, but was prevented from doing so by legal issues. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Songbird by Kenny G.You just can't go wrong with a sax as we close out today's podcast. Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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    47 mins
  • Rocking Halloween III - A What the Riff Rabbit Hole

    Rocking Halloween III - A What the Riff Rabbit Hole
    Oct 28 2024
    What The Riff?!? makes another scary trip down the Halloween rabbit hole with these theme songs, movie and TV music, and rock songs with a bent towards the macabre. We hope you enjoy this third edition of "Halloween" from What the Riff?!? Highway to Hell by AC/DC The opening track to the 1979 album of the same name features Bon Scott on his last album as lead singer of the group before his untimely death. The name of the song was inspired by the group's gruesome touring schedule.Shout at the Devil by Motley Crue The Crue's 1983 breakthrough album of the same name would establish them as one of the most successful metal bands of the 80's. The song was controversial, with many believing that it encouraged devil worship, though the lyrics themselves do not explicitly do so.Disarm by The Smashing Pumpkins Off their breakout album "Siamese Dream," this song references "the killer in me is the killer in you" is inspired by Billy Corgan's contemplation of his negligent parents and suicide. The lyrics "cut that little child" caused the song to be banned by the BBC.Demons by Imagine Dragons This song off Imagine Dragons' major label debut studio album became their second top 10 single. It is really not about demons in the Halloween sense, but more the tragedies of life like abuse, PTSD, and mental illness.Voodoo by Godsmack The third single from Godsmack's self-titled debut album was inspired by Wes Craven's film “The Serpent and the Rainbow.” This song became Dave Bautista's theme song as Leviathan when he was in the WWE. Mommy's Little Monster by Social Distortion The title track from Social Distortion's debut album tells a horror tale of a kid becoming a punk rocker. It is another song about dealing with personal demons rather than the supernatural. Witch Wolf by Styx Early in their career Styx put out this song to lead off their third album, “The Serpent is Rising.” James Young takes lead vocal duties on this song that tells about a person accursed by a creature called the witch wolf, and night rider.Dragula by Rob Zombie The lead single from Rob Zombie's debut album may be his biggest hit. The audio clip at the beginning of the song is taken from the 1960 horror film “The City of the Dead.” The name comes from the TV sitcom "The Munsters," where Grandpa Munster has a dragster called "Drag-u-la."The theme to the TV series "Twilight Zone" This menagerie of bizarre tales from the early days of TV still has staying power in our sci-fi culture. Sympathy for the Devil by the Rolling Stones Mick Jagger walks us through a discussion with Old Scratch himself in this well-known classic from the Stones' catalogue. The idea is a narrative from Satan's point of view as he reviews historical events.That Old Black Magic by Frank Sinatra Old Blue Eyes gave us this romantic song with a Halloween bent. It was a jazz classic originally written in 1942 with lyrics penned by Johnny Mercer. Love is "that old black magic" in this tune.Night of the Vampire by Roky Erickson From this cult classic album "The Evil One," this song is one of a plethora of horror-oriented tracks on the album. Erickson spent a significant amount of time in mental institutions.The Kill (Bury Me) by Thirty Seconds to Mars Jared Leto, front man for the group (and perhaps better known as an actor today), has said this song is about the relationship you have with yourself, and confronting the dark side of who you are.Take Me to Church by Hozier This haunting hit song compares falling in love with a kind of death, and compares the lover to a kind of religion. 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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    50 mins
  • 1992 - February: Ozzy Osbourne "No More Tears"

    1992 - February: Ozzy Osbourne "No More Tears"
    Oct 21 2024
    No More Tears, the sixth solo studio album by Ozzy Osbourne, was released at an interesting time in rock music. Hair metal acts were in decline, and grunge was about to take off. Nevertheless, Ozzy hit it big with this album, reaching number 7 on the Billboard 200 charts, and providing Osbourne's only solo top 40 hit. No More Tears is generally considered his best album since his first two solo albums, "Blizzard of Oz," and "Diary of a Madman," both of which featured the late Randy Rhodes on guitar. The songs on the album are largely written by Ozzy, drummer Randy Castillo, and guitarist Zakk Wylde. Motorhead bassist and front man Lemmy Kilmister wrote the lyrics to four of the tracks on the album. Additional musicians for this album were Bob Daisley on bass, and John Sinclair on keyboards. This would be the last Ozzy album to feature Castillo and Daisley.As became more common in the compact disc era of the 90's, the tracks on this album tend to be longer than the typical single. None of the tracks clock in at less than 4 minutes, and the longest falls just short of 7 1/2 minutes. In addition to boasting Osbourne's first top 40 hit, he also received a Grammy for "Best Metal Performance" for the track "I Don't Want to Chane the World" when released on his "Live & Loud" album in 1994.Rob brings us this heavy metal throwback for this week's journey back to the 90's.Mama, I'm Coming HomeThis track peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Osbourne's only top 40 solo single. This power ballad contains lyrics by Lemmy Kilmister, the front man from Motorhead. The song is about his wife Sharon, who helped turn his life around.DesireA crunchy deep cut talks about going for what you want - not changing over time, seeking the same desire. Osbourne also makes a reference to "Crazy train," his hit from the early 80's. "It's the same old desire, nothing's changed, nothing's the same. Burning like fire, don't you ever take my name in vain."Road to NowhereThe last song on the album is a reflection on life. Osbourne had gone sober after 20 years of drugs and alcohol, and he looking at how "the road to nowhere leads to me." "I was looking back on my life and all the things I've done to me." No More TearsThis very dark title track has an epic feel, and despite its length hit number 5 on the US Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, number 71 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 32 on the UK Singles chart. The lyrics are told from the perspective of a stalker in a red light district seeking a victim to torture. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Wayne's World by Aerosmith (from the Saturday Night Live skit “Wayne's World”)This skit finds Wayne (Mike Myers) and Garth (Dana Carvey) partying in their basement with the band Aerosmith. STAFF PICKS:Tough It Out by Webb WilderWayne starts out the staff picks with a deep cut. Webb Wilder was born John Webb McMurry in Mississippi, and carries a high energy combination of rock, psychedelic, blues, and rockabilly genres in this song that encourages the listener to keep fighting for dreams even when the odds seem stacked against their fruition. Alive by Pearl JamLynch brings us a song which evolved from songwriter and front man Eddie Vedder's original intention. Vedder reflects on the feelings of a boy discovering that he was a stepchild. While the lyrics were intended as reflecting the curse of an emotional weight from family history, fans interpreted it as an affirmation of life.I Can't Make You Love Me by Bonnie RaittBruce takes the energy way down with this soft hit off Raitt's eleventh studio album, "Luck of the Draw." Bruce Hornsby provides the piano accompaniment. Nashville writers Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin wrote the song after hearing about a drunk man being sentenced for shooting at his girlfriend's car. When asked if he had learned anything, he said, "I learned, Your Honor, that you can't make a woman love you if she don't."Anybody Listening? by Queensryche Rob finishes the staff picks with a "prog metal" song off the "Empire" album that questions whether we really are communicating with people, and wondering if we are understood whether by word or deed. It was an epic with multiple tempos, dynamics, and key changes that finished off the album. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Masquerade by YesWe close out with a surprisingly short song by the prog rock virtuosos off their "Union" album. Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of ...
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    49 mins
  • 1978 - November: Kansas "Two for the Show"

    1978 - November: Kansas "Two for the Show"
    Oct 14 2024
    Kansas was at the height of their prowess and popularity as a prog rock-leaning band in 1978 when they released their first live album, Two for the Show. Recorded during tours in 1977 and 1978, the double album gives the listener a glimpse into the energy of the band at the time. The songs span the first five studio albums released by the group, from the eponymously named "Kansas" to the highly successful "Point of Know Return."Kansas would have a number of personnel changes over time, but this lineup would be the classic one. Steve Walsh is on keyboards and vocals, Robby Steinhardt is on violins and vocals, Kerry Livgren is on guitars and keyboards, Rich Williams is on guitars, Dave Hope is on bass, and Phil Ehart is on percussion.In addition to the complex metered songs and excellent harmonies, Kansas also features Robby Steinhardt on violin in most of their songs. The unusual use of violin in a rock band would create one of the signature sounds of Kansas. Kansas would go on to have a number of hits in the 80's. In 1982 front man Steve Walsh would leave the group and be replaced by John Elfante. In 1983 both Livgren and Hope would leave the group to form the contemporary Christian band called AD. Later Elfante would also leave the group to join the Contemporary Christian music genre, replaced by a returning Steve Walsh.Bruce presents this live prog rock masterpiece for this week's podcast.. Song for AmericaThis long-form masterpiece from the album of the same name was written by Kerry Livgren. Its 3+ minute instrumental prelude did not make it onto the single release, but was a staple of FM rock stations at the time. Livgren was inspired to write the song after viewing the country from a plane flight.Dust In the WindThe big hit from "Point of Know Return," went to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Livgren originally wrote the music as a guitar exercise, and his wife encouraged him to develop it into a song. The lyrics for this ballad come from the Bible, where the Preacher from Ecclesiastes says "everything he (man) has accomplished is futile - like chasing the wind." This live version concludes with an acoustic guitar outro performed by Rich Williams.Lonely WindThe live version of this song from their debut studio album begins with a piano solo from Kerry Livgren. Steve Walsh penned this melancholy track about loneliness, with the wind personifying that feeling. "Cry for me, sigh for me, sad breezes blow. Stay for me, play for me, the song my friends will know. My lonely wind must blow." ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Grease by Frankie Valli (from the motion picture "Grease")John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John star in this blockbuster musical set in a 50's high school. 50's icon Frankie Valli performs the title song, written by Barry Gibb. STAFF PICKS:Strange Way by FirefallWayne goes more mellow than normal to start the staff picks. This was the first track and big hit from the third album by Boulder, Colorado's Firefall. It talks about a relationship based on relaying sorrow or self-pity, and not being able to move the current relationship forward. Straight On by HeartRob brings us a well-known song from Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. This was the first single off their album "Dog & Butterfly," and became their third top 20 single, hitting number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics compare love to a game of chance, where you have to take some risks if you want to win.Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen"Get on your bikes and ride!" Lynch features a hit written by Brian May with Freddie Mercury in mind, knowing that Mercury appreciated women of "substantial girth." It was a part of a double A side release with "Bicycle Race," and the songs reference each other in the lyrics. How Much I Feel by AmbrosiaBruce's staff pick is a soft rock hit that went to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Front man and co-founder David Pack wrote this song about a long-lost love that the singer will never truly get over. Pack would go on to perform on the Kansas album "Vinyl Confessions" in 1982. NOVELTY TRACK:Y.M.C.A. by the Village People All skate, everyone skate for this fun throwback that tells a young man where he can go when he's short on the dough. 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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    45 mins
  • 1985 - November: Bruce Springsteen "Born In the U.S.A."

    1985 - November: Bruce Springsteen "Born In the U.S.A."
    Oct 7 2024
    There were few rock albums in the 80's which achieved the popularity levels of Born In the U.S.A., the seventh studio album by Bruce Springsteen. Songs for this album were recorded with the E. Street Band over a two-year period from 1982 until 1984, the totality of songs far outstripping the available space on the album. Somewhere between 70 and 90 songs were created during those sessions, some being released as B-sides Ultimately twelve songs landed on the album, seven of which were released as singles. All seven singles reached the top 10 in the United States.The songs reflect Springsteen's blue collar sensibilities, but also have more pop influence musically than some of his earlier works. Springsteen made more prominent use of synthesizers in these pieces, and the shorter, more radio-friendly tracks surely contributed to the success of the album. “Born In the U.S.A.” was the biggest selling album of 1985, and remains Springsteen's most successful studio album. The album's success also catapulted Bruce Springsteen's fame to stratospheric levels, a consequence which he considered a mixed blessing.While the music is pop oriented and lively, the lyrics are often darker, reflecting the aftermath of the Vietnam war and struggles of blue collar life. It may be a strange juxtaposition, but it worked.Born In the U.S.A. was released in 1984, but singles from the album were still being released in 1985, the last of which was released in November.Lynch brings us this monster album of 80's heartland rock in this week's podcast Glory DaysThe fifth single released from the album was inspired by an encounter Springsteen had with an old friend and star high school baseball player in a bar in 1973. It reflects on the passage of time and the way we look back on the days of our youth with nostalgia. Dancing In the DarkThis track was born out of frustration. Springsteen's manager was pushing for him to write a hit single, and the lyrics reflect the pressire Springsteen felt to write a hit. Interestingly the song became Springsteen's biggest hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The video is famous for a scene where Springsteen pulls a fan - the actress Courtney Cox before her fame on the TV show “Friends” - on stage to dance. I'm On FireSpringsteen developed this song in early 1982 while experimenting with a slow Johnny Cash rhythm. The lyrics are built around sexual tension for a seemingly unavailable love. The video portrays Springsteen as an auto mechanic working on a Thunderbird for an unseen female who brings the car in frequently and always asks for him to do the work.Born In the U.S.A.The title track and opening song to the album is a protest song disguised as a patriotic song. It was inspired by Ron Kovic, a Vietnam War veteran and wheelchair-bound anti-war activist who wrote the memoir “Born on the Fourth of July.” Despite its protest origins, it became associated with Ronald Reagan's optimistic 1984 campaign due to its strong chorus. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Living In America by James Brown (from the motion picture “Rocky IV”)Brown makes a cameo in this Rocky movie when Balboa's antagonist turned friend Apollo Creed fights an exhibition against Soviet athlete Ivan Drogo in Las Vegas. STAFF PICKS:She Sells Sanctuary by the CultWayne gets the staff picks rolling with the first big hit from the Cult. The lyrics reflect the feeling of safety that the singer receives when being around a particular woman. Front man Ian Astbury has stated that "...plain and simple. It's about sex." This group channels a bit of goth rock and a bit of fuzzy psychedelia.To Live and Die in L.A. by Wang ChungRob brings us a deeper cut from the film noir "To Live and Die in L.A." Director William Friedkin liked the group and asked them to compose the entire soundtrack. This piece is the title track for the soundtrack, and gives off the neo-noir feel of the thriller.Overjoyed by Stevie WonderBruce features a hit song of the twentieth studio album from Stevie Wonder, "In Squared Circle." The song was written back in 1979 for the album "Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants," but didn't make that album. It was first performed live on Saturday Night Live in 1983. Jazz guitarist Earl Klugh contributes on this song. Running Up that Hill (A Deal with God) by Kate BushLynch finishes the staff picks with a song that got new life from the series "Stranger Things." Bush's unusual lyrics reflect a desire to make a deal with God to trade places with her husband for a time so she would better understand him. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Where's the Walrus? by The Alan Parson's ProjectWe finish off today's podcast with an instrumental from The Alan Parson's Project album "Stereotomy." 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 ...
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    42 mins
  • 1983 - June: Dire Straits "Love Over Gold"

    1983 - June: Dire Straits "Love Over Gold"
    Sep 30 2024
    We covered the big commercial hit album "Brothers In Arms" back in episode 154, but many afficianados of Dire Straits consider their finest work to be the album that preceeded this one. Love Over Gold is their fourth studio album, released in late September 1982 and on the charts in June 1983. For this album, prime mover and lead vocalist Mark Knopfler, bassist John Illsley, and percussionist Pick Withers are joined by new members Hal Lindes on guitars and Alan Clark on keyboards. The songs on this album are longer than your standard single, particularly the majestic 14-minute "Telegraph Road." Despite their length, "Private Investigations" was released as a single in the UK and reached number 2on the charts. The shortest song, "Industrial Disease" (still clocking in at 5:50) was released as a single in the US. It would reach number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100, but would be a staple of rock radio stations at the time.A number of songs were written and recorded during the "Love Over Gold" sessions, but subsequently discarded from album release. Amongst these was the song "Private Dancer," which was instead provided to Tina Turner for her comeback album of the same name. Turner would take this song to number 7 on the US charts, and see her career reinvigorated by the success of her "Private Dancer" album."Love Over Gold" was a number 1 album on a number of charts, including Australia, Austria, and the UK, and reached number 19 on the US Billboard 200 albums chart.Rob brings us this outstanding, deep, and thought-provoking album for this week's podcast.Telegraph RoadThis lengthy masterpiece was inspired while Knopfler was riding in his tour bus down the 70-mile road of the same name. The song narrarates the development and history along the road as the decades roll past. It is easy to describe this song as prog rock, but it also contains one of the best guitar solo riffs you will hear. Industrial DiseaseGoodness me, goodness me! We have to highlight the US single from the album. The title comes from a term for work-related illness, and the term in this song references both individual work illness and the decline of British industry in general. The reference to Dr. Parkinson is a British professor and satirist who is famous for the phrase "work expands to fill the time available for its completion." ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Overture to the Marriage of Figaro by Mozart (from the motion picture “Trading Places”)Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd star in this comedy about a yuppie and a homeless man who are forced to trade places as the result of a bet by two rich stock brokers. STAFF PICKS:Murder By Numbers by The PoliceBruce initiates the staff picks with a dark song about becoming a serial killer. This Police song appears on the cassette and CD version of the album "Synchronicity," but was left off the vinyl due to lack of space. It was written by Sting and Andy Summers, the only collaborative song on the album, and was recorded in a single take. Rock of Ages by Def LeppardLynch brings us a huge song from Def Leppard's "Pyromania" album. Producer Mutt Lange counts off the nonsensical "Gunter Glieben Glauten Globen," to open the song, and the lyrics form an anthem suitable for arena show openers. Joan Jett's "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" was an inspiration to the creation of this anthem.Don't Pay the Ferryman by Chris deBurghWayne's staff pick takes a fantasy approach to the story of Charon and the crossing of the river Styx, advising not to pay until the trip is done. Irish artist Chris deBurgh broke into the US top 40 with this song, peaking at number 34. Lines from Shakespeare's play "The Tempest" can be heard in the bridge to the song.The Walls came Down by The Call Rob finishes the staff picks with a song that is inspired by the Biblical tale of the fall of Jericho. Lead singer Michael Been would pull biblical references into his lyrics, including this song. The Call formed in 1980 in California, and blended rock, New Wave, and post-Punk. U2 and Simple Minds both consider The Call an influence in their music. COMEDY TRACK:My Bologna by "Weird Al" YankovicWe close out with Weird Al's meaty take on "My Sharona by" the Knack. 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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    43 mins
  • 1972 - August: Emerson, Lake & Palmer “Trilogy”

    1972 - August: Emerson, Lake & Palmer “Trilogy”
    Sep 23 2024
    If you are exploring the rise of prog rock, it doesn't take long until you encounter the power trio of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. This progressive rock band is actually a supergroup. Keyboardist Keith Emerson came from The Nice, vocalist and guitarist Greg Lake was in King Crimson, and percussionist Carl Palmer was from Atomic Rooster. Emerson, Lake & Palmer formed in 1970 and would make their mark as a prog rock band which adapted classic and symphonic music into the rock genre, with elements of jazz, acoustic, and art rock coming into play. Most ELP songs are long and complicated, not making any attempt to stay within the confines of the “hit single” pop track.Trilogy is the trio's third studio album, following their eponymously named debut, their second studio album entitled “Tarkus,” and their live album, Pictures at an Exhibition. Trilogy continues a tradition of combining original material with adaptations of classical music. It was also a challenging album for the group to make, utilizing more overdubs than previous albums. The upside is a great sounding, polished album. The downside is that the music was difficult to duplicate live, causing a number of the songs from Trilogy to be minimally used in set lists.The album was considered both a critical and commercial success, reaching number 2 on the UK albums chart, and number 5 on the US Billboard 200 chart.ELP would continue as a force in the 70's, breaking up in 1979. Both partial and full reunions would continue through the 1980's and 1990's, with their final performance being held in 2010. Both Keith Emerson and Greg Lake died in 2016.Wayne takes us through this prog rock masterpiece for this week's podcast. FugueWe open with an instrumental featuring Keith Emerson on keyboards. A fugue is a style of music involving counterpoint, popular in the Baroque musical era of the 1600's. You will get exposure to a lot of serious musical compositions and style listening to this group.From the BeginningThis is the "hit" from the album, if you think of Emerson, Lake & Palmer in terms of popularity. It went to number 29 on the US charts, and is the highest charting US single. Greg Lake wrote the music and lyrics, and plays the acoustic guitar for this ballad. The lyrics take on a philosophical sone, emphasizing the importance of the present moment, while not missing past mistakes and missed opportunities. The SheriffKeith Emerson wrote the music and Greg Lake wrote the lyrics to this western-themed track. It tells the story of an innocent man fleeing the law, encountering the law in the form of the Sheriff, then taking the Sheriff's place after shooting him. It ends with a great honkytonk piano solo.HoedownImmediately following “The Sheriff” on the album, the group creates an adaptation of Aaron Copeland's iconic “Hoe-Down,” written for his classic ballet entitled “Rodeo” in 1942. This tune became well known after being used in advertisements by America's Beef Producers. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Main theme from the motion picture “Super Fly”Curtis Mayfield created this song for the black-oriented crime drama film of the same name. STAFF PICKS:Best Thing by StyxBruce leads off the staff picks with the first single from Styx's first album. Dennis DeYoung and James Young wrote the song and trade off on lead vocals. It peaked at number 82 on the Billboard Hot 100. This is a great tune to hear and grasp what the early days of Styx sounded like. Rock and Roll, part 2 by Gary GlitterRob brings us a glam rock anthem made famous today by its use in sports stadiums nation wide. This single off “Glitter,” the debut album by Gary Glitter, is the only one of his singles to crack the U.S. top 10. Both “Rock and Roll” part 1 and part 2 peaked at number 2 on the UK singles chart.Brandy (You're A Fine Girl) by Looking GlassIt is a mystery how Lynch was able to pick up this well-known classic of yacht rock this late in the podcasts. This track tells the story of a waitress who gives her love to a sailor, knowing that he would never be on shore for long. Will It Go Round in Circles by Billy PrestonWayne's staff pick is a funky tune from the man often known as the fifth Beatle. Preston played with a number of musicians, including Ray Charles, Little Richard, Sam Cook, Eric Clapton, Aretha Franklin, Joe Cocker, and of course the Beatles. This soulful tune sold over a million copies and topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Walk In the Night by Junior Walker & the All StarsThis jazz-infused (largely) instrumental track closes out the podcast for the 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 ...
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    35 mins
  • 1980 - February: Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band "Against the Wind"

    1980 - February: Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band "Against the Wind"
    Sep 16 2024
    If you're looking for great Heartland Rock, a great choice would be the album Against the Wind. Depending on how you count it, it could be considered Bob Seger's eleventh studio album, but it is the third album of the iteration known as Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band. Seger is joined by Drew Abbott on guitar, Chris Campbell on bass, and David Teegarden on drums. The band became the Silver Bullet Band a bit by accident. They were arguing about what to call themselves, and the manager got tired of it. When they got paid the manager wrote the name "Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band" on the paycheck and the name stuck. Against the Wind was an immediate success. It went to number 2 on the Billboard 200 charts in its third week, and it sat there for 5 weeks, kepts out of the top slot by Pink Floyd's monster hit album, "The Wall." Finally, it topped "The Wall" to take the number 1 slot and remained there for six weeks, making it Bob Seger's most successful album in his career.There are a number of well known hits on this album, and an excellent collection of musicians as well. In addition to the Silver Bullet Band, Seger makes use of session musicians out of Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, and is joined by backing vocals from members of the Eagles as well.Seger retired at the end of 2019, but he performed in 2023 at Patty Loveless's induction in to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, so we hold out hope that there will be some occasional performances still to come.Bruce presents this folksy heartland singer songwriter for this week's podcast.. Her StrutWhile not released as a single, this song received some airplau as the B-side to "The Horizontal Bop." Seger has been criticized for his adolescent humor in this song, but he claims that the inspiration for it was feminist activist Jane Fonda and her appearance before the Campaign for Economic Democracies.Against the WindBob Seger has written a number of songs about looking back on life, and the title track is an example of this. Seger was a cross country runner in high school, and he uses running as a metaphor for growing old. This song went to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and he is joined by his friend and Eagles alumnus Glenn Frey for backing vocals.Fire LakeThis track is about taking risks, risking love, and just heading off with a bunch of wild people. Seger recorded this one at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios. If the backing vocals sounds a lot like the Eagles, there is a reason for it - those backing vocalists are Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Timothy B. Schmit. You'll Accomp'ny MeThis ballad is a little more country, with lyrics that basically say, "look, you may be playing the field now, but we both know in the end we'll be together." Little Feat co-founder Bill Payne joins Seger on this track to provide organ, synth, and piano parts. It hit number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Sleepless Nights by Gram Parsons (from the motion picture "Cruising")Al Pacino starred in this crime thriller about a serial killer targeting gay men. STAFF PICKS:I Like to Rock by April WineWayne rocks out to start the staff picks with this Canadian band. April Wine formed in 1969, and have released over 20 albums. This song may be time stamped in the early 80's but it rocks out, and you can't beat lyrics like, "journey to the stars, Rock N Roll guitars!" Take the Long Way Home by SupertrampRob brings us one of the hits off Supertramp's multi-platinum album, "Breakfast in America." The lyrics to this one depict a couple growing apart as the husband starts staying away from home due to feeling like he's being ignored. It can also be a reflection of missed opportunities to live in alignment with your heart, and not being at peace with yourself.Rock With You by Michael JacksonLynch features a hit from MJ's disco album, "Off the Wall." Original lyrics were a bit more suggestive, but these were toned down to fit Jackson's wholesome image at the time. Rod Temperton wrote "Rock with You" as his first song for Jackson, setting the stage for more collaborations, including the iconic "Thriller." I Wanna Be Your Lover by PrinceBruce's staff pick is the lead single from Prince's self-titled second album, and his first major hit, reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1980. Prince performs lead and backing vocals, and plays all instruments on this hit. The end of the track includes an extended instrumental jam which is edited out for the single. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Give It All You Got by Chuck Mangioni Flugelhorn player Mangioni wrote this song for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. 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/...
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    43 mins