Rob riffs on the fourth studio album from the Saga “Worlds Apart,” moving up the charts in March 1983 (On the Loose / Time's Up / The Interview / Wind Him Up). ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: Main Theme from the television series “Little House On the Prairie." STAFF PICKS: “I Know There's Something Going On” by Frida — Bruce. “Goody Two Shoes” by Adam Ant — Wayne. “Africa” by Toto — Special Guest John Lynch. “Shock the Monkey” by Peter Gabriel — Rob. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK: “Rockit”- Herbie Hancock. **(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.)
Canadian prog rock band Saga released their fourth album Worlds Apart in September 1981, but it took some time to catch fire. By March 1983 their first single was peaking on the charts. Rupert Hine, producer for Canadian power trio Rush, also produced this album which was both a critical and commercial success. The band consisted of Steve Negus on percussion, Jim Gilmour on lead synthesizer, Ian Crichton on guitar, Jim Crichton on bass and keyboards, and Michael Sadler on lead vocals. Sadler and Jim Crichton were the primary songwriters for the band.
This album seemed to hit a sweet spot between progressive and commercial sensibilities. It also saw a change in the energy level out of Michael Sadler which is attributed to an interesting intervention by Rupert Hine. It is said that Hine had Sadler climb to the rafters of the barn where the recording studio for “Worlds Apart” was located, in order to get the right emotion. The group also toured extensively in the United States where they opened for Billy Squier and Jethro Tull, and they benefitted from airplay on their music video for "On the Loose" and "Wind Him Up" during MTV's first year.
Worlds Apart would hit number 3 on the Top Rock Albums chart, and the single "On the Loose" hit number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album would be certified Gold in 1983, and would help the band win the Juno Award in Canada for "Most Promising Group of the Year."
This album takes us back to some really good days in 1983, and we hope it does the same for you.
Friend of the show John Lynch joins us for this album feature.
On the Loose
The first single from the album benefitted from airplay of its video on the new MTV cable channel. The song is tight, with heavy synthesizer use, and excellent coordinated runs in the keyboards and guitar. The song itself is about what it sounds like - cutting loose in the evening.
Time's Up
This deeper cut discusses the risk of being a daydreamer and a "man of inaction." Don't let the time pass you by, wishing your life away. Note the use of a child's voice and telephone special effects to make the point.
The Interview
Another quintessential 80's sound can be found on this deep track. The singer is talking to himself through multiple personalities. The idea is of an individual trying to piece himself together through the internal interview. "There's one thing I must know, tell me why you can't let go?"
Wind Him Up
The second single from the album is well known and energetic. It is a portrayal of a compulsive gambler who can't break away from the casino. It breaks into multiple sections as would be expected in a prog rock piece, but it remains accessible. "Wind him up, he can't stop. He's wound up tight just like the clock that's winding its second hand down."
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main Theme from the television series "Little House On the Prairie”
This show concluded its run in March 1983. Michael Landon directed many of the episodes as well as playing Pa Ingalls.
STAFF PICKS:
I Know There's Something Going On by Frida
Bruce's staff pick is from ABBA alumnae Anni-Frid Lyngstad, going by the name Frida. Lyngstad recorded her solo album in February 1982 during the last year of ABBA, and wanted to lave a different sound. The song was written by Russ Ballard of Argent, and was produced by Phil Collins, who also played drums and contributed backing vocals.
Goody Two Shoes by Adam Ant
"Don't drink, don't smoke? What do you do?" Wayne features this new wave pop hit with a distinctive swing beat. When he came over to the States, front man Stuart Leslie Goddard shortened the name of his punk band, "Adam and the Ants" and began touring as "Adam Ant." The song is somewhat autobiographical, as Adam Ant did not drink or do drugs.
Africa by Toto
Our Guest filling in for Brian this week is John Lynch. He brings us a song that has had incredible staying power. Toto's start as session players comes through in the tightness and production value of their songs, with this classic being no exception. You will also have to search far and wide to find lyrics like "sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti."
Shock the Monkey by Peter Gabriel
Rob's staff pick peaked at number 29 on the charts. The song is a love song about how jealousy can release base, animal instincts. The video flips between Gabriel in a room dressed in a business suit, and Gabriel as a shaman with his face painted. It is a nice finish, as Saga front man Michael Sadler considered Peter Gabriel one of his vocal inspirations.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Rockit by Herbie Hancock
We finish off this week's podcast with Hancock's instrumental masterpiece. If you haven't seen this video, you're missing out.