What the Riff Next Gen

Sam Moore and Dave Prater were known as Sam & Dave, a huge soul act from the late 60's.  They were known as The Sultans of Sweat, The Dynamic Duo, and Double Dynamite.  This album is their second studio album out of Stax Records, also called Double Dynamite.
Sam & Dave are considered one of the greatest live acts out of the 60's, and a lot of musicians cite their influence on their work, including some you would expect like Al Green and Michael Jackson.  There are also a lot of musicians who were influenced who were significantly removed from the R&B genre like Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Steve Winwood.
Sam & Dave got their start in church in gospel choirs.  They met on the gospel music circuit and sang together in small clubs where they developed their sound based on a call-and-response approach to music from the gospel tradition.  They were discovered at the King of Hearts nightclub in Miami in the early 60's, and signed to Marlin Records at first.  They eventually made it to Atlantic Records in 1964 from which they were loaned out to Memphis-based Stax Records.  Stax had a lot of offer Sam & Dave, including the Stax horn section called the Mar-Keys, and their house band, Booker T. and the M.G.'s.
Bruce brings us this icon of soul, and friend of the show John Lynch joins us for this discussion.
 
You Got Me Hummin'
Leading off the album, this single was written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter.  Sam & Dave took this hit to number 8 on the R&B charts, and number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100.  A number of other groups would do this song, including Freddie Fender and the Pointer Sisters.  Its highest charting on the Billboard Hot 100 was number 52 by Cold Blood.
Just Can't Get Enough
This is a deeper cut, though I imagine just about any Sam & Dave song could be familiar with the number of covers or singers inspired by their songs.  This one has some lyrics that might be difficult to sing today - "The more I get the more I want.  It makes me feel good 'cause you never say don't.  I just cant get enough."  
Sweet Pains
This track is another deep cut.  This one takes a description comparing love to pain, a path that would be echoed in John Cougar's "Hurts So Good," and Sade's "Sweetest Taboo."  "Sweet pains, feels good."
When Something Is Wrong with My Baby
The big hit off the album was their only ballad single.  Hayes and Porter wrote it, and you have both Booker T and the MG's and the Mar-Keys horns playing on it.  A bunch of people have covered this song, including Jonny Gill, Charlie Rich, and in 1990 Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville did well with it.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Marching Theme to the motion picture "Follow Me, Boys!"
This Boy Scout themed movie starring a young Kurt Russel was the last film Disney Studios released prior to Walt Disney's death.  
 
STAFF PICKS:
Mellow Yellow by Donovan
Rob kicks off the staff picks with a psychedelic hit.  Scottish singer-songwriter Donovan took this song to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Some thought the song was about a type of drug, but it was actually about a...well, let's just say it is an adult toy.
Talk Talk by The Music Machine
Wayne's staff pick is a garage band one-hit wonder.  This song would use some techniques which were novel at the time, including the use of a fuzz box on the bass line, and tuning the instruments down a half step to produce a heavier sound.  
If I Were a Carpenter by Bobby Darin 
Brian brings us a song written by Tim Hardin and popularized by Bobby Darin.  It hit number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, Darin's first hit in three years.  The lyrics question whether an elegant woman would be satisfied with a man who was merely a carpenter.  Darin had passed on two songs, "Do You Believe In Magic" and "Summer in the City," both of which would be hits for the Lovin' Spoonful. 
You Keep Me Hangin' On by The Supremes
Friend of the show John Lynch brings us a big hit for Diana Ross and the Supremes.  It would also be a hit for a long list of cover artists including Vanilla Fudge, Phil Collins, Kim Wilde, and Rod Stewart.
 
NOVELTY TRACK:
Winchester Cathedral by The New Vaudeville Band
This novelty song doubles up as Bruce's staff pick.  It was a number 1 hit in the United States and would win the Grammy for the best contemporary song in 1967, beating out singles from the Monkees, the Beach Boys, and the Beatles.
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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 supergroup U.K. was founded by former King Crimson percussionist Bill Bruford (also a former founder of Yes) and bassist and vocalist John Wetton (also a former member of Uriah Heep, and Roxy Music).  After failing to reform King Crimson, each of the two brought in a musician they thought would work well in the group.  Wetton brought in Eddie Jobson, violinist and keyboardist from Frank Zappa's band.  Bruford brought in Allan Holdsworth on guitars (who had worked on Bruford's prior solo project.  
Their self titled debut album was released in May, 1978.  Although a couple of songs were edited for single release, the album U.K. is best known as a prog rock masterpiece, and is cited as inspirational to many musicians who followed in the prog rock genre. 
After an extensive tour supporting the album, Wetton and Jobson had a falling out with Holdsworth and fired him.  Bill Bruford left at that time and was replaced by Terry Bozzio, another alumnus of Frank Zappa's band and a future founding member of Missing Persons.  
John Wetton would go on in the days after U.K. to be the front man for Asia.
Rob brings us the prog rock monster-piece. 
 
 
In the Dead of Night
The track that leads off the album was one of two songs to be edited for release as a single.  On the album it is the first of three songs which form a continuous suite on the first album side.  The 7/4 time and the synthesizer - the Yamaha CS-80 had just been released - are prog rock hallmarks.  The electric violin is an unusual addition.
By the Light of Day
This track is the second movement of the "In the Dead of Night" suite.  Rather than have a clear change in tracks, there is a slow transition via a "spacey" interlude into the new song of the suite.  "Black clouds moving gray skies to thunder.  Kinetic sunrise fever and flood.  Fire and water element anger horizon melting to blood."
Presto Vivace and Reprise
This is the third movement of the "In the Dead of Night suite.  This is a much faster piece (as the term Vivace would suggest) before transitioning back into a reprise of "In the Dead of Night."
Time to Kill
The abrupt start to this song is due to the way the tracks drift into each other.  The concept is that of boredom, of being stuck in a place.  "Time to kill, going nowhere, killing time, staying where there's time to kill, going nowhere..."
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
That'll Be the Day by Buddy Holly (from the motion picture "The Buddy Holly Story") 
Gary Busey was nominated for the Oscar for his portrayal of early rocker Buddy Holly in this film.  Busey would sing and play for the part.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Goodbye Girl by David Gates 
Bruce leads off the staff picks with a soft rock solo from former Bread front man David Gates.  The song is from the Neil Simon movie "The Goodbye Girl," which would lead to Richard Dreyfuss becoming the youngest man to win an Oscar for Best Actor at the time.    
Lay Down Sally by Eric Clapton  
Brian presents a pop hit from Clapton's album Slowhand.  It went to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was written by Clapton, George Terry (guitar), and Marcy Levy (who sings the female parts on the song).  It was written in the country blues style of J.J. Cale, and hit number 26 on the Hot Country Songs chart, Clapton's best showing on that chart as a crossover.
Ain't It Fun by Dead Boys
Wayne features a song from Cleveland's own Dead Boys.  This song appears on their second studio album, "We Have Come for Your Children."  They were known as one of the rowdiest bands on the punk scene.  It hit number 8 on the Mainstream Rock charts, and is an ode to the punk rock lifestyle.
With a Little Luck by Wings
Rob brings us Paul McCartney with a song recorded largely in the Virgin Islands on a yacht equipped with a 24-track mobile recording studio installed on it.  This single from the album "London Town" hit number 1 on the pop charts.  
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Alaska by U.K. 
This instrumental lets us do some double dipping with the track that leads off side 2 of the U.K. album.
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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 cult classic film Easy Rider was released this month.  A landmark counter culture movie, the film traces the journey of Wyatt and Billy as they make their way on motorcycles from a successful drug deal in Los Angeles to the Mardi Gras festival in New Orleans.  Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and Terry Southern wrote the film, and it stars Fonda, Hopper, and Jack Nicholson.  Dennis Hopper directed the movie.  
Originally the plan was for Crosby, Stills & Nash to do all the songs on the soundtrack.  When the editor plugged in contemporary songs as placeholders, the sound convinced Dennis Hopper to reverse this decision.
The Easy Rider Soundtrack was crafted with contemporary late 60's music, and stands out as an excellent example of the music of the counterculture.  Each piece used in the movie was curated with the idea of maintaining the story.  
Wayne brings us this forerunner of prog rock and heavy metal.
 
Don't Bogart Me by Fraternity of Man
Psychedelic and blues rock band the Fraternity of Man would have their biggest hit with this song.  It recommends generosity with illicit smoking materials.  This song originally appeared on their self-titled debut album in 1968 before being included in this soundtrack.
Ballad of Easy Rider by Roger McGuinn
Bob Dylan was an uncredited contributor on this song.  The Byrds front man Roger McGuinn performed this as a solo work.  It was the only song originally written for this film, and appeared on one of McGuinn's albums later.
The Weight by The Band
This song chronicles the experience of a visitor to Nazareth, Pennsylvania, even though much of its influence is from the American South.  Nazareth is the home of Martin guitars, and that is why the lyrics transfer to that location.  Licensing could not be gained for the soundtrack even though it was used in the film, so a group called Smith was used for the soundtrack instead of The Band.
Born To Be Wild by Steppenwolf
Steppenwolf's most successful single appeared on their debut album in 1968 before being used in "Easy Rider."  Many consider it to be the first heavy metal song, and the lyric "heavy metal thunder" contributes to that.  This song would be used as a motorcycle anthem from this time on.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Wasn't Born to Follow by The Byrds (from the motion picture “Easy Rider”)
Yes, we get to do a little double dipping with our entertainment track this week.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Put a Little Love in Your Heart by Jackie DeShannon
Rob opens this week's staff picks with a song that hit number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it was used in the film "Drugstore Cowboy."  Jackie DeShannon is best known for the song, "What the World Needs Now is Love."  DeShannon also wrote "Betty Davis Eyes" for Kim Carnes.
In the Ghetto by Elvis Presley 
Brian brings us The King with a poignant song about a child from the dirt street part of town.  Writer Mac Davis was inspired by the story of a friend who grew up in poverty.  Elvis completely identified with this song because of his impoverished upbringing.
I Can Sing a Rainbow/Love Is Blue by the Dells 
Bruce's staff pick is a cover medley of Sing a Rainbow, best known in its 1955 rendition by Peggy Lee, and Love is Blue, originally a French song best known as an instrumental easy listening piece by Paul Mauriat that was a number 1 hit in March of 1968.  the Dells hit number 22 on the US charts with this version during the height of their success between 1966 and 1973.
I'd Rather Be an Old Man's Sweetheart by Candi Staton 
Wayne features a soul hit from Muscle Shoals.  This is Staton's first hit, rising to number 9 on the R&B charts, and number 46 on the pop charts.  Staton is known as the "First Lady of Southern Soul."  "I'd rather be an old man's sweetheart than a young man's fool." 
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
A Boy Named Sue by Johnny Cash
Cash released this novelty song telling the story of a boy who had to grow up tough after his absentee father left him with the name of Sue.
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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.

Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot would see his commercial success zenith with this tenth studio album, Sundown.  Lightfoot got his start in music at an early age, singing in the choir at St. Paul's United Church in Orillia, Ontario as a child. As a young man he lived in California for a short period, studying jazz composition and writing jingles to support himself, but he soon chose to return to his native Canada and never left.  Gordon Lightfoot would inspire many artists - Bob Dylan considered him a type of mentor - and numerous artists would cover his songs, including artists like Glenn Campbell, Olivia Newton-John, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, and the Grateful Dead. 
Sundown showcases Lightfoot's folk and country blend.  It hit number 1 on the US Billboard 200 charts, the only Lightfoot album to do so to date.  
Lightfoot's baritone voice and acoustic-led approach to songwriting would prove a powerful formula for success in the soft rock genre of the 70's.  Gordon Lightfoot would continue writing songs for many years, and his 21'st studio album was released in 2020.
Brian brings us this album for today's podcast.
 
Sundown
The title track was inspired by Lightfoot's then-girlfriend, Cathy Smith.  She would spend a lot of time drinking in the bars during the day while Lightfoot was working on the album, and he worried about her running off with someone.  And yes, the song was written around sundown.  It was Lightfoot's only Number 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100.
High and Dry
This upbeat folk song references the sea as a metaphor for a girl who the singer hopes will settle down before she gets left high and dry.  The female harmonies on this song are from Cathy Smith, with whom Lightfoot was having a tumultuous relationship (see above: “Sundown.”).
The Watchman’s Gone
Speculation abounds that the Watchman in this deeper cut may be alcohol, or the devil, or maybe death.  "You better beware, knowin' the watchman's always there."
Carefree Highway
This song peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It tells of the highway as a means to escape the oft-returning thoughts of a relationship that was lost long ago.  Lightfoot saw a sign to Carefree, Arizona, and that inspired the title.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Day By Day by Robin Lamont (from the motion picture “Godspell”) 
This song was on the charts at the time.  It came from the motion picture, based on the musical "Godspell."
 
STAFF PICKS:
Music Eyes by Hartsfield 
Wayne leads off the staff picks with an underrated but epic song.  JC Hartsfield and Perry Jordan created the band in 1970 in Chicago, though the band has more of a country rock or southern rock sound.  Perry Jordan died in 2011, and JC Hartsfield died after a motorcycle accident in 2014.  The song was written by Jordan and inspired by a friend's 3 year-old daughter.
Spiders and Snakes by Jim Stafford
Rob brings us this novelty song with a swamp rock feel.  Stafford cautions all the guys on being a bit too boyish around the women.  "I don't like spiders and snakes, and that ain't what it takes to love me."
Rock On by David Essex 
Bruce's staff pick takes a psychedelic turn.  Essex would take this song to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It is an ode to the old days of Rock and Roll, with its reference to James Dean, blue suede shoes, and summertime blues.  Michael Damian would take a cover to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1989.
Boogie Down by Eddie Kendricks
Brian's staff pick takes a dangerously disco turn.  Singer-songwriter Eddie Kendricks who co-founded the Temptations would do well in this solo outing.  This falsetto song just missed the top of the charts, hitting number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.  
   
COMEDY TRACK:
The Streak by Ray Stevens
And with that, we're off and running.  He likes to show off his physique.  Boogity, Boogity!
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.

Foreigner took  some significant time between their fourth and fifth studio albums.  Agent Provocateur was released in December of 1984 and made it to number 5 on the US charts.  Interestingly it hit number 1 in the UK, the only Foreigner album to do so.  It had a balance of heavier rock songs and lighter ballads, allowing the group to appeal to both male and female fans.
At the time, Foreigner consisted of Lou Gramm on lead vocals and percussion, Mick Jones on guitars and keyboards, Rick Wills on bass, and Dennis Elliott on drums.  Jones and Gramm are the primary songwriters, and their differences fuel an excellent sound.  Unfortunately, writing credits around this album and its big hit, "I Want to Know What Love Is" would drive dissent.  Gramm would appear on the next Foreigner album, then would split from the group.
Friend of the show John Lynch joins us in Bruce's absence, and Rob brings us this album.
 
Tooth and Nail
The track that leads off the album was co-written by Mick Jones and Lou Gramm.  While it received some airplay, this rocker is an underrated song from Foreigner.  The lyrics describe a boy considered to be not good enough for the girl, and the fight that he would wage to be worthy of her.
Reaction to Action
The third single from the album is a more hard rocking and energetic song than the first two singles.   Jones and Gramm share writing credits for this one as well.  The lyrics tell of an intriguing girl and how her actions prompt a "reaction to action."
A Love in Vain
This deeper cut has a heavy synthesizer sound and a lighter rock feel.  This song is also a good showcase of Gramm's vocals.
I Want to Know What Love Is
This is the first single and big hit from the album.  It was the song that propelled the album, but drove a wedge between Gramm and Jones.  The track features a New Jersey choir backing Gramm's vocals.  Mick Jones spent a lot of time with the choir, freeing Gramm to sing as he wished.  This freedom, coupled with disputes about writing credits, would drive later decisions for Gramm to depart the group.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from "Monday Night Football"
Broadcaster Howard Cosell would depart the booth, retiring this month.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Walking on a Thin Line by Huey Lewis & the News 
Brian starts off the staff picks with the fifth single off the album "Sports."  Despite its upbeat sound, the subject is more serious than many other Huey Lewis songs.  It tells of an American soldier trained as a sniper in the Vietnam War, and who must face his demons when he returns home.  
Naughty Naughty by John Parr  
Wayne features a debut single with a great synth beat.  English singer songwriter John Parr writes lyrics attempting a romantic conquest.  
Like a Virgin by Madonna
John brings us pop phenomenon Madonna with her first number 1 hit.  The song's co-writer Billy Steinberg drew inspiration for this song from a new romantic interest during a time when he thought he would never get over a previous relationship.  The song would become a signature song for Madonna and an iconic song of the 80's.
Black Cars by Gino Vannelli
Rob continues the synth heavy trend in this podcast.  The title track from the album of the same name tells of an aging woman fighting the fading of her beauty.  "Black cars look better in the shade.  She slips her lipstick on right before she sleeps for all those phantom lovers in her dreams."
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Junku by Herbie Hancock
This song was played on Saturday Night Live when Hancock was the musical guest in the month.
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 superhero movie “The Crow,” released in 1994, will forever be known for two events.  First, the tragic death of lead actor Brandon Lee, son of Bruce Lee, during production of the film would cast a pall over the movie from then on.  Second, the outstanding music of The Crow:  Original Motion Picture Soundtrack would result in a chart-topping album.  This soundtrack is a veritable who's who of alternative rock at the time, including artists like The Cure, Violent Femmes, Nine Inch Nails, and Stone Temple Pilots.
The Crow is based on a comic book series of the same name, written in 1989.  The protagonist is brutally killed by a gang along with his fiancée, and is brought back to life by a crow to wreak vengeance on the murderers.
This soundtrack would hit number 1 on the Billboard 200 charts in 1994.
Friend of the show John Lynch leads the commentary on this album.
Burn by The Cure
The Cure was an inspiration for James O'Barr, the creator of the comic series, and lead man Robert Smith wrote this song specifically for the film.  Burn leads off the album.  
Golgotha Tenement Blues by Machines of Loving Grace
This song was also written specifically for the film.  The name of the song takes Christian imagery and reflects it on the dark mood set by the movie.  Golgotha was the place where Jesus was crucified, and Tenement reflects the ghetto where the protagonist originated.  The song appears only on the soundtrack, not on any MOLG album.
Color Me Once by Violent Femmes
This track would significantly enhance the popularity of the Violent Femmes.  The song depicts disappointment in relationships when hard realities dash hopes.  
Slip Slide Melting by For Love Not Lisa
A rocking track from an underrated group.  KISS alum Ace Frehley wrote songs and made guest appearances with For Love Not Lisa.  Slip Slide Melting appears on their first album entitled “Melting,” which was released in 1993.  They would release one other album before disbanding in 1996.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main Theme from NFL on FOX 
Newcomer network FOX debuts its first NFL game in August of 1994.  
 
STAFF PICKS:
New Age Girl by Deadeye Dick
Wayne leads off the staff picks with a song from the soundtrack of “Dumb and Dumber.”  The song describes Mary Moon, a new age vegetarian.  It generated some controversy with its lyrics, “she don't eat meat, but she sure likes the bone.”  Some radio stations would edit out the word "bone."  
Breathe by Collective Soul 
Rob features a song off Collective Soul's 1993 album “Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid.”  Hailing from Stockbridge, Georgia, Collective Soul would have a number of hits beginning in the 1990s, particularly “Shine” and “The World I Know.”
Come to My Window by Melissa Etheridge
Brian brings us the second single from Etheridge's breakout fourth album “Yes I Am.”  The song remained in the Billboard Hot 100 for 44 weeks.  Etheridge would win a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
Don't Turn Around by Ace of Base
John Lynch closes out the staff picks with Swedish reggae group Ace of Base, performing a remastered song originally performed by Tina Turner in 1986.  Ace of Base would take their version to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Theme from the motion picture “The Little Rascals”
A movie version of the of the old Our Gang comedy short films from 1922 was released in this month.  
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.

1968 was a year of disappointments for the Monkees.  During this year their television series was cancelled, their first motion picture effort failed at the box office, and band member Peter Tork would leave the group at the end of the year.  Despite all this they would still find success in their fifth studio album, The Birds, The Bees & the Monkees.  This album would chart at number 3 in the United States and would sell over a million copies.
Members Mickey Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork had gained artistic control and the right to play their own instruments by 1967, and all band members were credited as producers for the songs on this album.  However, much of the music on this album was created by members going their own separate ways and working with session musicians to create the tracks, with few collaborative efforts represented on the album.  Nevertheless, the album shows a diverse range of styles from broadway pop, to country & western, to psychedelia.  Songs from Mickey Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Michael Nesmith are represented on the album, and only Peter Tork is excluded.  Tork would contribute piano work to the song “Daydream Believer,” but little else on the album.
Friend of the show Mike Fernandez brings us this album in Wayne's absence. 
 
Daydream Believer
John Stewart of the Kingston Trio wrote this song, and it was originally performed by the Monkees with Davy Jones singing lead.  It hit number 1 on the US charts.  The original lyrics were “and now you know how funky I can be,” but “funky” was changed to “happy” due to concerns that funky might have drug or other unsavory references.
Auntie's Municipal Court 
Mickey Dolenz sings lead on this track composed by  Michael Nesmith and Keith Allison.  We feel it has a “jangle pop country feel.”  The title doesn't appear in the lyrics, and writer Michael Nesmith has no recollection why it was named as it was.  It was not the only song whose title was not referenced in the song.  
Valleri  
Tommy  Boyce and Bobby Hart wrote this song with Davy Jones on lead.  It reached number 3 on the US charts and would be the last top 10 showing for the Monkees.  Guitar work is done by Louie Shelton, a session guitarist with the Wrecking Crew.
Zor and Zam 
Bill and John Chadwick penned this track, sung by Mickey Dolenz.  It is an unusual anti-war song in the Monkee's catalogue.  The lyrics describe preparation for a war between two kingdoms, but no one shows up when the war is supposed to happen.  This psychedelic track closes the album.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the television series “The Andy Griffith Show”
This long running series on the life and time of Sheriff Andy Taylor of Mayberry, North Carolina ended its run in this month. 
 
STAFF PICKS:
Kiss Me Goodbye by Petula Clark
Brian's leads off the staff picks with a Les Reed and Barry Mason composition.  This song would reach number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and would be the last time Petula Clark reached into the top 30 on that chart.  
Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In) by The First Edition 
Bruce brings us a psychedelic rock song recorded by the First Edition as their second single, and the first to feature Kenny Rogers on lead vocals.  It peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Charts and was Rogers' first top 10 hit.  The solo is played by Glen Campbell with heavy compression and tremolo to get the psychedelic feel.  The lyrics are a warning about the dangers of LSD.
Lady Madonna by the Beatles 
Rob's staff pick is a well-known tune.  This was written by Paul McCartney, and marked a change into a more rock sound from the psychedelic sound they had previously explored.  It talks about a working class mother who has something to do every day of the week.  
A Beautiful Morning by the Rascals
Mike features a very optimistic tune from a prolific group.  This easy breezy song was written by Rascals members Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati, Jr. in Honolulu, Hawaii, where beautiful mornings are a common occurrence.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
2001:  A Space Odyssey (Also Sprach Zarathustra by Ricard Strauss)
Stanley Kubrick would make this Richard Strauss theme famous in his epic science fiction movie based on the Arthur C. Clarke book. The film as released this month in 1968....and we couldn't pronounce it either!!
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.

We at What the Riff!?! hope that y'all have a great Christmas — we hope these songs make your season a little more merry and bright.
“Deck the Halls” by Twisted Sister
This classic carol was probably not originally envisioned to be quite as rocking as this, but Dee Snyder and Twisted Sister took it up a notch!  This is the sixth and last Twisted Sister studio album they would produce, and we’re sure they donned their gay apparel for this final outing.  
“Skynyrd Family” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Some southern charm was put on this song that tells of Lynyrd Skynyrd finishing up their tour and headed home for Christmas.  It is off their eleventh studio album entitled “Christmas Time Again,” released in 2000.   
“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by the Jackson 5
John Lynch brings us a classic Christmas song as performed by the Jackson 5.  Michael Jackson recorded this song on his 12th birthday in 1970.
“2000 Miles” by  the Pretenders
This song was on “Learning to Crawl,” the breakout studio album by the Pretenders released in 1983.  Chrissie Hynde wrote the song for James Honeyman-Scott, the group's original guitarist who had passed away the year prior to this recording.
“Mistress for Christmas” by AC/DC
Rob may find a lump of coal in his stocking for picking this song for the Christmas podcast!  Brian Johnson of AC/DC isn't looking for peace, love, and joy for Christmas…but for a little Christmas nookie.  We learned that this song was inspired by Donald Trump.
“Joy to the World” by Michael Bolton
We don't get a lot of Michael Bolton on our podcasts, and John Lynch set out to rectify that.  Bolton voices this classic Christmas hymn in his unique Yacht Rock style.
“Boogie Woogie Santa Claus” by the Brian Seltzer Orchestra
Brian Seltzer of Stray Cats fame put this one out there in 2002.  The Brian Seltzer Orchestra formed in 1990 as a swing and jump blues band, and put out the album “Boogie Woogie Christmas” with this and other Christmas classics.  This is a cover of the song, which was originally released by Mabel Scott in 1954.
“(There's No Place Like) Home for the Holidays” by Perry Como
Perry Como released this classic Christmas song in 1954.  It tells of the longing to be home at Christmas, and some of the travelers making their way home.
“Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee
Johnny Marks, who wrote “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” and other Christmas songs wrote this one as well.  Brenda Lee recorded this in 1958 when she was 13 years old.  It is the fifth best selling Christmas single of all time according to Neilson SoundScan.  
“Feliz Navidad”  by Jose Feliciano
Puerto Rican musician Jose Feliciano wrote this in 1970. He recorded it in Los Angeles while feeling homesick at Christmas as his extended family was in New York.  “Feliz Navidad” means “Merry Christmas” in Spanish. 
“It's Gonna Be a Punk Rock Christmas” by the Ravers
Wayne brings us a bit of PUNK for the Christmas season.  The Ravers released this back in 1977.  
“It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams
We decided to include more “non-rock singles” in this episode, and this classic holiday tune originated in 1963 on Williams' first Christmas album.  It tells of all the activities that surrounds the Christmas season.
“Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!” by Dean Martin
Sammy Cahn and  Jule Styne wrote this in the summer of 1945 during a heat wave in Hollywood, California.  Dean Martin released a version in 1959, and re-recorded it in 1966.
“Blue Christmas” by Seymour Swine and the Squealers
This novelty song was recorded in 1984 for a North Carolina radio station morning show.  Denny Brownlee is the comedian and impressionist who brought Seymour Swine to life - primarily to avoid copyright issues associated with ©Porky Pig.
“O Come All Ye Grateful Dead Heads” by Bob Rivers
Comedian Bob Rivers had this parody on his “Twisted Christmas” album in 1987.
We hope y'all have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
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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.

Arguably the biggest album of the entire rock era, Pink Floyd's eighth studio album would propel them to superstardom.  The Dark Side of the Moon is one of the most acclaimed records in history, and it is commercially unmatched in its longevity.  It topped the US Billboard Top LP's and Tape chart, and charted for 962 weeks in total!
Pink Floyd at this time was David Gilmour on guitar and vocals, Roger Waters on bass and vocals, Richard Wright on keyboards, and Nick Mason on percussion.
The Dark Side of the Moon was envisioned as a concept album focusing on different types of pressure like greed, conflict, and death.  It also included examination of mental health issues - as would much of Pink Floyd's discography - inspired by the problems experienced by former front man Syd Barrett.  While singles were released, we strongly recommend listening to the album in totality to get the best experience out of it.
Bruce brings us this monster album, and friend of the show Mike Fernandez joins us in Wayne's absence.
 
Time
This was released in the US as the second single from the album (after Money).  Roger Waters wrote the lyrics.  David Gilmour and Richard Wright share lead vocals - unusual for Richard Wright.  The sounds of clocks were recorded by Alan Parsons in an antique store as a quadrophonic test, but the sounds fit so well with the theme of this track that the band included it.  All four principal members were credited with songwriting, and this would be the last time this would happen in the band's history.
The Great Gig in the Sky
This track follows Time, and is basically an instrumental with some spoken words at the front.  The band went around the studio asking people questions and Gerry O'Driscal's response is recorded on this track.  Female vocalizations are provided by Clare Torry, a session vocalist that Alan Parsons brought in.  She wasn't really told what to sing, but was told, "There's no lyrics.  It's about dying - have a bit of a sing on that, girl."  
Brain Damage
Roger Waters is on lead in this song, with Gilmour providing backing vocals.  This and other insanity-themed lyrics are based on Syd Barrett.  The lyric, "And if the band you're in starts playing different tunes" has a historical basis, as Barrett would play a different song than the rest of the band on more than one occasion toward the end of his tenure with the band.  
Eclipse
This final track is actually a different song from Brain Damage, but is commonly played with it on rock radio stations because there is no break between the two on the album.  The song reflects the ying and yang of life - good and bad, life and death, light and dark.  "And everything under the sun is in tune, but the sun is eclipsed by the moon."
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme to the television game show $10,000 Pyramid
Dick Clark would serve as the initial host of this game show which started in March 1973.  
 
STAFF PICKS:
Crocodile Rock by Elton John
Brian initiates the staff picks with the first number 1 song in the U.S. for Elton John.  The song has a 50's throwback sound, with lyrics that tell about a time when the singer danced the Crocodile Rock with Susie.  It was inspired by Australian band Daddy Cool and their song “Eagle Rock.”
The Cisco Kid by War
Rob's staff pick is from War's 1972 album, “The World is a Ghetto.” It made it to number 2 on the charts.  There's a reggae feel, a little funk, and a little ZZ Top.  The song is about two cowboys, Cisco and Poncho, and their adventures.  The band wanted their music to spread brotherhood and harmony to displace greed, racism, hunger, and gangs.
Stuck in the Middle With You by Stealers Wheel 
Friend of the show Mike Fernandez brings us one of the classic lines in rock music - “clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am, stuck in the middle with you.”  Gerry Rafferty  is the founder and principal songwriter for the group.  This is Stealers Wheel's biggest hit.
Danny's Song by Anne Murray
Bruce wraps up the staff picks with a song Kenny Loggins wrote for his brother Danny at the birth of his son Colin.  It was first performed by a group called Gator Creek in 1970, then by Loggins and Messina in 1972.  This cover by Canadian country-pop singer Anne Murray would go to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Also Sprach Zarathustra by Deodato
This funky take on the Richard Strauss piece famous for its use in "2001:  A Space Odyssey" was on the charts in March 1973.
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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.

Face Dances is the ninth studio album from the Who, and the first release after the death of drummer Keith Moon three years earlier.  During those three years the Who would release the film Quadrophenia and the concert retrospective film The Kids Are Alright.  Front man Roger Daltry would try out acting, and Pete Townshend would release his second solo studio album.  When the group got back together for Face Dances, Phil Collins expressed an interest in joining the band.  However, Kenny Jones (Small Faces, Faces) had already been asked to join.  John “Rabbit” Bundrick also contributed keyboard work on this album, and would eventually join as a full time member of the Who.  These joined previous members Daltry, Townshend, and bassist John Entwistle.  
The album was highly anticipated, and was a commercial success, reaching number 4 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and number 2 on the UK Albums chart.  Critical reviews were mixed at the time, and the band has expressed some friction with producer Bill Szymczyk who conducted the final mixing without the full band's input.  Regardless, the album is a staple of early 80's rock and many of the songs have achieved a timelessness about them.
Brian brings us this album for today's podcast.
 
You Better You Bet
The first single and lead-off track to the album was a staple of the new cable station - MTV.  It was the Who's last top 20 single, reaching number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Townshend developed the song during a period of clubbing with the daughter of a friend.  The video was a black and white studio session.  
Don't Let Go the Coat
This deeper cut was the second single, and was inspired by Townshend's guru Meher Baba and his statement that his followers “hang fast to the hem of my robe,” meaning to stay true to his teachings.  It also may have been inspired by Townshend's parents who would pick him up after his binges on drugs and alcohol.
The Quiet One
Bassist John Entwistle takes an unusual turn as lead singer on this self-referential deep cut.  It was the B-side of the single “You Better You Bet.”  Entwisle said it was a song trying to explain that he wasn't really quiet, but that he started being quiet and got stuck in the pigeon hole of that label.
Another Tricky Day
“This is no social crisis, just another tricky day for you...fella!”   John Bundrick inspired this song, and it claims that what we're going through is nothing unique, but is just another tricky day.  The song is the final track on the album, and the video is in the same style as the first single - a black and white studio session.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the television series “Dynasty” 
John Forsythe, Linda Evans, and Joan Collins starred in this prime time soap opera.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Skateaway by Dire Straits 
Bruce brings us a song about a girl who skates around the city, ticking off the drivers, weaving in and out of traffic, and listening to the local rock and roll station on her headphones.  This is the lead single from the Dire Straits album Making Movies,  and the album title is pulled from the lyrics of this song.
Precious to Me  by Phil Seymour
Drummer, singer-songwriter, and guitarist Phil Seymour wrote this song with a throwback doo-wop feel.  This is the first single from his first solo album.  It hit number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Seymour also contributed backing vocals to Tom Petty's “American Girl” and “Breakdown.”
He Can't Love You by the Michael Staley Band 
Wayne features a one hit wonder featuring saxophonist and E. Street Band member Clarence Clemons.  It made it to number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was the 40th song played on MTV.  The Michael Stanley Band is big regionally in Ohio.
I Love a Rainy Night by Eddie Rabbit
Brian's staff pick is a crossover country hit.  It hit the top of both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country charts.  It describes the feeling that comes from a good rain at night.  Rabbit started writing the song in the 60's, but didn't develop it until this album.
   
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Toccata by Sky
This prog rock group covers the classical piece "Toccata and Fugue in D minor" by J.S. Bach made it on the British singles charts. 
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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.

Styx released their eighth studio album, Pieces of Eight, after achieving breakthrough success with 1977's “The Grand Illusion.”  This album would also achieve significant critical and commercial success with this album.  Two singles would break into the top 40, and one would land just outside it at number 41.  All of these were written and sung by Tommy Shaw who had joined the group for the Equinox album in 1975.  
In addition to guitarist and lead singer Tommy Shaw, other members of the band were Dennis DeYoung on lead vocals and keyboards, James "JY" Young on guitars and vocals, Chuck Panozzo on bass, and John Panozzo on percussion.
Pieces of Eight marks a transition for the band, as many consider this album to be the last Styx effort with significant prog rock elements.  The band would turn to a more hard rock and pop ballad format on future albums, though their popularity would only grow greater.  Pieces of Eight is also considered a concept album, as the band explored how money and materialism affects the pursuit of greater ideals and dreams.
Brian brings us this album for today's podcast.
 
Sing for the Day
The second single released from the album narrowly missed the top 40 as it peaked at number 41.  It has a joyful waltz feel, and references “Hannah,” which is an amalgam of all the female fans of the band.  
Pieces of Eight
The majestic title track is a deeper cut which was not released as a single. Dennis DeYoung wrote and sings lead on this song.  It was inspired by how money can't buy everything, and the regret faced in looking back over a life occupied by the pursuit of wealth while sacrificing love, dreams, and freedom.
Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)
This first single was released in August of 1978 just ahead of the album.  Tommy Shaw was inspired to write it after a friend was laid off from the railroad and experienced frustration standing in line at the unemployment office.  The song hit number 21 in the United States charts.
Renegade
The last single would become a staple for Styx tours and remains popular today.  It tells of a Western outlaw who has been caught and is about to face execution by hanging.  Tommy Shaw claims that the song basically wrote itself.  “Hangman is coming down from the gallows and I don't have very long.”
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Ease on Down the Road #1 by Diana Ross and Michael Jackson (from the motion picture “The Wiz”)  
The Broadway Play “The Wiz” hit the screens with Diana Ross playing Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Who Are You by The Who 
Rob starts off the staff picks with the title track from the Who album of the same name, released 1 month before Keith Moon's death.  Pete Townshend wrote this song after passing out drunk in a doorway in SoHo.  He was feeling like a sellout after signing a big contract and experiencing an identity crisis.  That's Rod Argent from the Zombies you hear on keyboards. 
Feelin' Satisfied  by Boston
Bruce's staff pick is the third single from “Don't Look Back.”  It hit number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100.  It is an ode to Rock and Roll with a positive feel and a clapping in the chorus which brings on audience participation in concerts. 
Milk and Alcohol by Dr. Feelgood 
Wayne brings us a boogie rock song with a punk feel from an English pub rock band.  The song was inspired by blues guitarist John Lee Hooker who the band members often saw in concert drunk on Kahlua and alcohol.  Nick Lowe of “Cruel to be Kind” fame wrote this song.
Reminiscing by the Little River Band
Brian finishes off the staff picks with a bit of yacht rock from down under.  This is the second single from their fourth studio album, “Sleeper Catcher.”  It went to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song was inspired by the romantic era of black and white movies and the songs of Glen Miller and Cole Porter.  John Lennon considered it one of his favorite songs.
   
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Two Rapid Formations by Brian Eno
This instrumental is from Eno's seventh solo album, "Music for Films."  
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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.

I Love Rock 'n Roll is the first album by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and the second solo album by Joan Jett.  Born as Joan Marie Larkin, Joan Jett got her start in the music industry as a teenager when her family moved to the Los Angeles area and divorced shortly thereafter.  She was a founding member of the all-girl band The Runaways at the age of 16.
Jett began her solo career in England in 1979, where she recorded songs with some of the members of the Sex Pistols.  Later that year she returned to Los Angeles where she connected with a songwriter and producer named Kenny Laguna.  Laguna would relocate Jett to Long Beach, New York, and assist her with both her first solo album and the formation of the Blackhearts.
The group spent a year touring and building up a following in the New York Area before releasing I Love Rock 'n Roll.  This album would be a mixture of original songs and covers, and the title track would spend 7 weeks at the top of the U.S. charts.  The album was a commercial success, selling 10 million copies, and is Jett's most successful album to date.
 
(I'm Gonna) Run Away
Rob starts us off with the second track on the album, a deeper cut, and an original song written by Jett and Laguna.  It has a punk feel, as does much of the album, and the lyrics reflect a break-up.
Crimson and Clover
This cover of a song originally performed by Tommy James and the Shondells alternates between a slow and fast tempo, but maintains a hard rock edge throughout, unlike the more psychedelic aspects of the original.  Jett was questioned about her choice not to change the pronouns in the lyrics from female to male, and she commented simply that the change in lyrics would make the song not rhyme.
Summertime Blues 
Eddie Cochran co wrote and performed this song in 1958.  Joan Jett & the Blackhearts speed this one up and give it a punk edge.  It was not originally on the album, but appeared as the B-side to a single from Jett's prior solo album “Do You Wanna Touch Me  (Oh Yeah).”  It would appear on the album as a bonus track when released on CD.  
I Love Rock 'n Roll
This title track is the big hit, and is also a cover originally performed by The Arrows in 1975.  Jett first heard the song while touring with The Runaways, and she recorded an early version of the song with members of the Sex Pistols in 1979.  It was the number 3 song on the U.S. charts for the year of 1982.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Street Life by Randy Crawford (from the motion picture “Sharkey's Machine”)
This action film featured a stunt involving a plunge out of the Peachtree Plaza hotel, the tallest building in Atlanta at the time.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Jealous Lover by Rainbow 
Bruce starts off the staff picks with the lead-off track from a 4-song EP of the same name.  Frontman Joe Lynn Turner and guitarist Ritchie Blackmore wrote this song.  Turner wrote the lyrics in about 5 minutes, inspired by an argument he had with Blackmore, which made him think about a fight he'd recently had with his girlfriend.  “And it's hard to discover you're like any other jealous lover.”
Young Turks by Rod Stewart  
Brian features the first US single from Stewart's eleventh album, Tonight I'm Yours. The song tells the story of two young lovers who run away from their parents to make their own way.  Interestingly the phrase “young turks” never appears in the lyrics.  The video included an early example of break dancing.
Marie Marie  by The Blasters
Wayne brings us a rockabilly song, or as The Blasters would describe it, “R&B in cowboy boots.”  The song tells the story of a guy who is told to leave a family's daughter alone, and so he sings to her as he is leaving.  
I Love You by Climax Blues Band
Rob's staff pick is a soft rock hit.  It tells the story of a guy who is rescued by the love of his wife.  It is the second biggest hit by the Climax Blues Band after  Couldn't Get It Right.  It hit number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
September Fifteenth by Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays
This jazz instrumental was a feature of "Jazz Flavors" on radio station 94Q in Atlanta in December of 1981.
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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.

Our Christmas Rabbit Hole Episodes rank among the highest. This special episode features classic rock songs and theme songs which feature a spooky theme.  We hope you enjoy this first “Halloween” special from What The Riff?!?
Theme from the television series “The Walking Dead”  This post-apocalyptic zombie series ran for 11 seasons, from 2010 until 2022.  It was based on a comic book of the same name and sparked multiple spin-offs.  The minor key and strings set the mood well for this horror series.
Theme from the television series “The Munsters”  A television classic that surprisingly only ran for two seasons, from 1964 until 1966, in black-and-white.  Some say the ratings drop that resulted in cancellation of the show was due to competition from "Batman."
Run Like Hell by Pink Floyd  This track from “The Wall” features music from David Gilmour and lyrics from Roger Waters, the last collaboration to date from these two.  The song represents the turn to violence in the life of Pink as he orders his thugs to attack the “riff-raff.”
Bark at the Moon by Ozzy Osbourne  The first single from the 1983 album of the same name tells of a creature who terrorized a town, was killed, and then returns from the dead.  The song featured the first Ozzy music video.
Heaven and Hell by Black Sabbath  The title track to the 1980 album of the same name features new front man Ronnie James Dio on vocals, taking over for Ozzy Osbourne in the band.  Dio is also the source of the lyrics for the track.
Spirits in the Material World by the Police  Sting wrote this opening track to the Police October 1981 album “Ghost in the Machine.”  It is a psychological and philosophical piece, discussing man's existence and the failure of the institutions around him. 
Witchy Woman by the Eagles  One of the early Eagles songs, this track was the only song on the debut album for which Don Henley would have a writing credit.  The inspiration was an amalgam of women Henley had met, but the primary inspiration was Zelda Fitzgerald, the muse and wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Hells Bells by AC/DC  The lead-off track to the album “Back in Black” starts with the tolling of a 2,000 pound bronze bell.  Today it is used in multiple sports events, as well as being a fantastic Halloween song.
Friend of the Devil by the Grateful Dead  This folk rock track appeared on the Dead's fifth studio album, “American Beauty,” from 1970.  It is one of the most covered Dead songs in their catalog.    
Feed My Frankenstein by Alice Cooper  While this song was originally recorded by British group Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction, it is more famous in its cover version which Cooper performed in a cameo in the movie “Wayne's World.”  The cover also has guest appearances itself, including Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Nikki Sixx, and Elvira. 
Superstition by Stevie Wonder  This funky song came out in October 1972 and hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973.  Wonder chronicles a number of superstitions in the lyrics, and warns against the negative effects of being superstitious. 
Thriller by Michael Jackson  No Halloween song list would be complete without the seventh single from Michael Jackson's sixth studio album of the same name.  Thriller was not originally intended to be a single, but became that in an attempt to boost the album sales.  The video would be scarily expensive, and would be called "the most famous music video of all time" by the Library of Congress.  The tactic worked, as album sales doubled after Thriller's release as a single.
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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.

Bad English is a supergroup composed of members of Journey and The Babys.  From The Babys comes John Waite on lead vocals, Rick Phillips on bass, and Jonathan Cain on keyboards.  From Journey comes Neal Schon in lead guitar, and Jonathan Cain, the common thread between the two groups.  Deen Castronovo is on drums and would later join Journey.  The band was initially formed by Cain, Schon, and Waite.  The name Bad English comes from a term in the game of pool.  John Waite missed a shot, and Jonathan Cain made a comment on how bad his English was.
The group was attempting to sound original and not too much like either of their previous groups or Waite's solo work.  They were also being pulled by the record producers towards a highly produced sound common with the hair metal groups of the time.  The group wrote about 40 songs in six months for the debut album, eponymously named Bad English, but Waite stated that “a lot of them weren't very good.”  There were enough good songs to create a hit album, however, as this debut went to number 21 on the Billboard 200 charts.  
Bad English would produce one other album after this debut, but it wasn't very successful.  Shortly thereafter the group disbanded with Waite continuing solo work, and with some other members re-joining Journey.
Bruce brings us this supergroup.
 
Best of What I Got
This is the opening track to the album, and was the fifth of seven singles released - though this one was only released on US rock charts.  It hit number 9 on the Mainstream Rock charts.  It was also featured in the credits to the buddy cop film "Tango & Cash."
Lay Down
A deeper track written by Waite, Schon, and Cain, this track was not released as a single.  It is a bid more rocking, with lyrics about coming back from a trip and getting together with your girl. 
Forget Me Not
The first single from the album was a darker song written by Waite, Cain, and Mark Spiro, a songwriter and record producer who worked with a number of musicians.  Spiro collaborated on this and four other tracks from the album.  The inspiration for these lyrics are Anne Rice's vampire novels.  The lyrics deal with possession, lust, and a longing that goes on throughout eternity. 
When I See You Smile
This is the big hit single which went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Diane Warren, an American songwriter and hitmaker for many artists from Celine Dion to Milli Vanilli, wrote this hit.  Ironically it would create a rift within the group as they struggled with whether to seek hits on the next album or to create their own material.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter by Iron Maiden 
(from the motion picture "A Nightmare on Elm Street:  The Dream Child”)
Freddy Kruger continues his rampage in this fifth installment of the horror franchise.  
 
STAFF PICKS:
Once Bitten, Twice Shy by Great White
Brian starts off this week's staff picks with the biggest hit from LA hair band White Snake.  This song is a cover from a 1975 single from Ian Hunter, and appropriate for the title of their fourth album, "...Twice Shy."  The lyrics reflect life on the road and learning from bad relationship experiences.  The group lived on the road, touring for years.  
Love Song by The Cure
Wayne's staff pick goes goth with a surprisingly positive song from a notoriously dark group.  Robert Smith, The Cure's lead singer, wrote this song as a wedding gift for his bride, Mary Theresa Poole.  Smith and Poole married in 1988, though they had known each other since they were 14.
Closer to Fine by the Indigo Girls 
Rob features an Atlanta based indie rock duo.  This single is off their platinum selling self-titled second album.  Amy Ray and Emily Saliers are joined on this album by multiple Georgia artists, including members of R.E.M.  Amy and Emily met in elementary school, began performing together as high school students, and took the title of Indigo Girls in college.
Something to Hold on To by Trevor Rabin
Bruce brings us a single from Yes alumnus Trevor Rabin's fourth solo album.  This single went to number 3 on the Mainstream Rock chart, and the video got a Grammy nomination for Best Short Form Music Video.  Rabin would later re-join seven other Yes alumni for the Union album in 1991.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Chinese Torture by Queen
Queen's thirteenth studio album provides this instrumental which closes out this week's podcast.  
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