What the Riff Next Gen

Today Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs is considered Eric Clapton's best work.  However, at the time that this double album debut by Derek and the Dominos came out it was considered both a commercial and critical failure.  Clapton met fellow Derek and the Dominos band members Bobby Whitlock (keyboards), Carl Radle (bass) and Jim Gordon (drums) when working with Delaney & Bonnie.  Whitlock and Clapton got together at Clapton's house and composed most of what would become the original songs on the Layla album.
The name Derek and the Dominos was chosen by Eric Clapton because he was tired of the supergroup approach to music and did not want his fame to overshadow the band.  Derek and the Dominos played a lot of small clubs in England in August, then went to Miami to record the studio album.
The group met up with Duane Allman in Miami, and Allman and Clapton struck up a close friendship from the start.  Allman would record on 11 of the 14 songs on the album.
Most know that the song Layla was inspired by Clapton's infatuation with Pattie Boyd Harrison, George Harrison's wife.  In truth, many of the songs on the Layla album were performed with Pattie Boyd in mind.
Unfortunately this double album is the only record these musicians would make together.  Clapton would struggle with drug addiction and depression for several years afterward, and Allman would die in a tragic accident in 1971.  The reputation of this album would grow over time, however, and is iconic today.
 
Bell Bottom Blues
This song was the first single, and was written by Clapton and Whitlock.  The inspiration for the song was that Pattie Boyd had asked Clapton to get her a pair of bell-bottom blue jeans while he was in the United States.  
It's Too Late
The album contains five covers including this blues song originally benned by Chuck Willis in 1956.  Clapton and Whitlock trade off on vocals, and guitar work is from Eric Clapton and Duane Allman.  The song would be performed on Derek and the Dominos' only TV appearance, on the Johnny Cash Show in January 1971.
Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad
You can hear a terrific jam between Clapton and Allman on guitar in this song.  It swings from A minor on the verses to D major on the chorus.  Whitlock and Clapton trade off vocal work.
Layla
This signature track was inspired by a 12th century tale called “The Story of Layla and Majnun.”  It is about a young man who falls hopelessly in love with a young girl only to be rebuffed by her father because of his obsession with her.  Clapton of course identified with the story of hopeless love because of his feelings toward Pattie Boyd Harrison.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the television series “The Goodies”
This offbeat comedy series premiered in the UK in this month.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Share the Land by the Guess Who
Brian starts off the staff picks with the title track from the Guess Who's seventh studio album, and the first after the departure of guitarist Randy Bachman.  The lyrics reflect the growing popularity of the environmental movement.  Burton Cummings wrote this song and sings lead.
Cherryhill Park by Billy Joe Royal
Wayne brings us a story song about a young girl named Mary Hill who “was a thrill after dark in Cherryhill Park.”  The thrills end when Mary Hill marries a rich man.  Billy Joe Royal was born in Valdosta, Georgia.
Montego Bay by Bobby Bloom
Rob finds an early reggae-influenced rock song.  Bobby Bloom and Jeff Berry wrote this one-hit wonder.  It made it to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Sadly, Bobby Bloom died in 1974 at the age of 28.
Somebody's Been Sleeping in My Bed by 100 Proof (Aged in Soul)
Bruce's staff pick comes from the songwriting team of Holland-Dozier Holland after they left Motown Records to set up a separate label.  This song about discovering evidence of infidelity went to number 8 on the US pop charts, and was 100 Proof's biggest hit
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Overture by the Who
In the tradition of symphonic music, the Who began their rock opera Tommy with this overture. 
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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.

Some of the most popular songs from The Cult come from Sonic Temple, their fourth studio album.  They garnered some attention in 1985 when the single “She Sells Sanctuary” off their second album hit the US charts, and they had established a solid following as a “post punk” or “goth rock” band, but Sonic Temple would put them over the top with its more hard rock appeal.
The band lineup for this album consisted of Ian Astbury on vocals and percussion, Billy Duffy on guitar, Jamie Stewart on bass and keyboards, and newcomer Mickey Curry on drums.  Prior to Curry, the band had relied on Eric Singer for the first demos, and Chris Taylor for second demos at the drums.
While the critical reception was mixed with some considering the work too conventional, the commercial success was undeniable.  The album shot up to the top 10 in both the UK and the US, and was certified gold in the UK and platinum in the US.
Creative differences would destabilize the group on their fifth studio album and the group would break up after 1998.  However several reunions took place over the years, and the group is back together as of 2022. 
Brian leads the discussion of this album.
Sun King
Astbury and Duffy wrote this song, inspired by Louis XIV.  Known as the Sun King, Louis XIV is the French King who moved the royal court to Versailles.  The track is an explicitly masculine one.  “I’m a sun king, baby, let me take you by the hand.  Sun king, honey, we can rule across the land.” 
 Fire Woman
The first single from the album is this well known track.  As with all the tracks, Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy wrote this hit which peaked at number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks charts.  Astbury has stated that this is a universal symbol, an archetype of the femme fatale.
Edie (Ciao Baby)
Edie Sedgwick is the inspiration for this song.  Sedgwick was an actress and socialite who traveled in Andy Warhol's circles in 1960's New York.  Sedgwick lived fast and died young of a drug overdose.  She was 28 when she died.  Her last film was “Ciao! Manhattan.”  This is not the only song inspired by Sedgwick, as Bob Dylan's “Just Like a Woman” is supposedly inspired by Edie Sedgwick as well.
Sweet Soul Sister
This track was written in Paris, inspired by the Americanization of European culture.  It was the fourth single released from the album.  The song observes the love/hate relationship that comes with both the attraction and resistance experienced as a response to American culture, particularly in France.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The main theme from the television series "Saturday Night Live" 
Mike Myers joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, and original cast member Gilda Radner died in this month in 1989.
 
STAFF PICKS:
So Alive by Love and Rockets 
Rob begins the staff picks with a group that sounds a bit like INXS.  This single is off the self-titled fourth album from Love and Rockets.  “You're legs are strong and you're so, so long, and you don't come from this town.”  The single made it to number 3 in the U.S., and was considered the number 1 modern rock song in the U.S. for 1989.
Walkin' Shoes  by Tora Tora
Wayne features a rock-blues number from a group out of Memphis, Tennessee.  This underrated song made it to number 47 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the sound reminds us of Motley Crue and Led Zeppelin.  The group won studio time in a Battle of the Bands contest.  Tora Tora is still recording as of 2022.
Dreams In the Dark by Badlands
Bruce's staff pick is a hair band formed by former Black Sabbath members Ray Gillen (vocals) and Eric Singer (drums), former Ozzy guitarist Jake E. Lee, and former Surgical Steel bass player Greg Chaisson.  After Lee was fired from Ozzy's band by Sharon Osborne, he was motivated to form this band.  As mentioned previously Eric Singer had a hand in the demos of The Cult's album, and would go on to join KISS. 
Good Thing by Fine Young Cannibals
Brian  wraps up this week's staff picks with the second big hit from FYC's album, “The Raw & the Cooked.”  Fine Young Cannibals hail from Birmingham, England, formed in 1984 and disbanded in 1992.    
   
COMEDY TRACK:
Debbie Gibson Is Pregnant with My Two-Headed Love Child  by Mojo Nixon
This boogie-woogie comedy track is a good example of the type of parody song for which Mojo Nixon is famous.
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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.

One of the earliest examples of a prog rock record was Days of Future Passed, the second studio album by The Moody Blues. Originally a rhythm and blues band, The Moody Blues were in difficult financial straits when they convinced the record company to combine their music with orchestral elements and interludes in a single album.  The group recorded much of their sessions first, then provided these to conductor Peter Knight, who directed the London Festival Orchestra (the house orchestra for Decca Records) in arrangements and orchestral interludes.
The Moody Blues for this album are Justin Hayward on guitar, piano, and vocals, John Lodge on bass and vocals, Mike Pinder on keyboards and vocals, Ray Thomas on flute, piano, and vocals, and Graeme Edge on drums and vocals.
Days of Future Passed is created as a concept around a day in the life of "an everyday man."  It begins with a track appropriately entitled "The Day Begins," and concludes with a piece labeled "The Night," which we know as "Nights in White Satin," and "Late Lament."  
The album was somewhat successful when first released, but would climb in popularity over a long period of time, particularly on the growing strength of "Nights in White Satin" on FM radio in the U.S.  It would eventually peak on the album charts at number 2 in the U.S. - in 1972!
Brian takes us on this day trip.
 
Dawn:  Dawn Is a Feeling
Keyboardist Mike Pinder wrote this song, the first track sung after the Instrumental overture and spoken recitation.  As the name implies, it represents the start of the day.
Lunch Break
Bassist John Lodge sings lead on this song which he also wrote.  The fast pace is suggestive of the hectic period of lunch hour on a business day.  The song has an orchestral introduction which was recorded separately from the rest of the track.
Tuesday Afternoon 
Also known as "Forever Afternoon" or "Forever Afternoon (Tuesday?)", the song was originally intended to be named "Tuesday Afternoon" but was changed for the album.  It was released as "Tuesday Afternoon" when released as a single.  Justin Hayward wrote the song in Lypiatt Park on a (you guessed it) Tuesday afternoon.
Nights In White Satin/Late Lament
Hayward composed this hit at the age of 19 in Belgium, inspired by a gift of satin bedsheets given by his girlfriend.  The song is about a yearning love from afar.  The strength of this song would provide the success for both the album and The Moody Blues as a whole.  Late Lament was written by drummer Graeme Edge, and is recited by keyboardist Mike Pinder.  This is the only album track on which the band recorded with the London Festival Orchestra rather than separately.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Won't You Be My Neighbor? (the main theme to the children's series Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood)
The television series starring Fred Rogers debuted nationally this month.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Tomorrow by Strawberry Alarm Clock
Bruce starts us off with a psychedelic and sunshine pop group out of Los Angeles.  This song is the first single off the group's second album, "Wake Up...It's Tomorrow."  It would hit number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, and would be their second and final top 40 hit.  "But right now I am with you, and together we can make it through."
Hey Baby (They're Playing Our Song)  by The Buckinghams
Rob's staff pick continues in the sunshine pop genre with a band out of Chicago.  This is off their album "Portraits," and made it to number 12 on the charts.  "Sunshine Pop" is rooted in easy listening and "advertising jingles."  The Buckinghams got their name in an attempt to channel some of the success of the British Invasion.  They had 5 top 40 hits in 1967. 
Nobody But Me by the Human Beinz
Wayne brings us a well-known cover originally performed by The Isley Brothers.  There are over 100 "no's" in this song and 47 "nobody's," making it quite literally a quite negative song.  While this would be the only entry into the top 10, it would become a staple of Fraternity parties from then on.    
Sunday Mornin' by Spanky & Our Gang
Brian  features Elaine "Spanky" McFarlane as lead woman for the band.  Spanky & Our Gang had a number of hits in the 60's.  This sunshine pop song peaked at number 30 as a single, and preceded the album by several months.  
   
COMEDY TRACK:
Here Come the Judge by Shorty Long
This funky novelty song was inspired by a skit on Rowan & Martin's "Laugh In," and was Long's biggest hit, rising to number 4 on the 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.

At a time when most music was coming out of the Seattle grunge scene or the Athens, Georgia college environment, Alabama's own Brother Cane is a reminder that good rock music can originate anywhere.  The band was formed by front man and guitarist Damon Johnson and bassist Glenn Maxey, and they were joined by guitarist Roman Glick and drummer Scott Collier.  Their self-titled debut album would peak at number 14 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart.
Johnson wrote or co-wrote most of the songs on the album, but writing credits would be received by all band members for at least one song on the record.  
Maxey left the group shortly after the debut album was released, after which Glick would switch to bass and the band would bring guitarist David Anderson into the group.  Brother Cane would release three albums before disbanding, though they would reunite over the years, and are reformed as of 2022.
Friend of the show and owner of Monkey Wrench Brewing Wayne Baxter joins us for this podcast.
 
How Long
This track starts off slow and builds as the song continues.  The entire band receives songwriting credits for this song, as does their producer, Marti Frederiksen.  "How long my brother, can we  turn away?  
Got No Shame
This track is the lead single from the album, and the opening song for the album.  Authentic harmonicast Cooper Price starts the song with a true Southern sound.  This song made it to number 2 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.  Johnson and Frederiksen wrote this upbeat, energetic piece as a "southern version of 'Welcome to the Jungle'."
Hard Act to Follow
A somewhat slower song with similarity to the Black Crowes, the lyrics talk about the difficulty of moving on after a breakup.  "You're a hard act to follow.  Can't find nobody quite like you."
Don't Turn Your Back on Me
The funky organ and heavy "wall of sound" style gives this song a lot of appeal.  We felt that the use of the vocoder hearkens back to Peter Frampton's work as well.  
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The theme from the television series “The Wonder Years”
The series that propelled Fred Savage to stardom finished it's run in 1993.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Lost In Your Eyes by the Jeff Healy Band
Brian's staff pick hearkens from Canada.  Norman Jeffrey Healy started playing guitar at the age of three.  Blind from a young age due to a rare cancer of the eyes.  Healy often plays guitar with the instrument in his lap.  This ballad was on the charts this month.
Jessie by Joshua Kadison 
Bruce brings us the lead single from Kadison's debut album, "Painted Desert Serenade," released in May 1993.  The songs on this album are ballads and soft rock, but there's more sophistication to them than the average love song.  This one is about a guy who seems constantly drawn back to a girl and her fantastic plans that never seem to work out.  Rod Argent is on keyboards and produced this song.
Who's Gonna RIde Your Wild Horses by U2
Friend of the show Wayne Baxter features the fifth single from the album “Achtung Baby.”  The lyrics are inspired by the pain of divorce, which guitarist The Edge was going through at the time.  A number of versions of this song were created, as the band struggled with the sound they wanted out of this track.
Honest to God by Brad Gillis
Rob's finishes the staff picks with former Night Ranger guitarist Brad Gillis playing with singer, guitarist, and co-writer Gregg Allman.  This has a heavy sound with Allman's distinctive vocals.  
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Instrumental Jam by Emerson, Lake, and Palmer
The prog rock legends from the 70's had a new release in the 90's, and this instrumental piece from that album closes us out.  
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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 James Gang originated in Cleveland, Ohio, and is best known as a power trio consisting of Jim Fox on drums, Dale Peters on bass (Tom Kriss on bass for their first album) and Joe Walsh on guitars and lead vocals.  This Greatest Hits album captures work done on the first three James Gang albums where Joe Walsh is the principal songwriter and is front and center of the band.
Walsh joined the group just prior to their signing with a record label.  They produced "Yer' Album" in 1969.  This would be followed by "James Gang Rides Again" and "Thirds."  A live album would also be produced before Joe Walsh would depart the band in favor of solo work, and eventually join the Eagles.
While the group would continue on for several years after Joe Walsh's departure, they could never recapture the sound or hooks that Walsh brought to the band.  The James Gang disbanded completely after 1977, though occasional reunions and tours of the classic lineup have happened since then.
Friend of the show and owner of Monkey Wrench Brewing, Wayne Baxter features this album for this podcast.
 
Walk Away
Hard rock, funk, and soul can be heard throughout this song.  It was on the Billboard Hot 100, making it to number 51 in July of 1971 when it was out as a single off their third studio album.  It chronicles a rocky relationship in which the girl doesn't really want to keep things going.
Funk #49 
This track was the first single of the James Gang's second album.  The lyrics are about a wild girlfriend, but the core of the song is the instrumental work and Walsh's guitar riffs.  The name follows a previous song, “Funk #48,” which appeared on the first James Gang album.
Midnight Man
Another song off the “Thirds” album, this song has a mellower sound that hearkens back to the 60's.  Mary Sterpka is the female voice brought in as a session musician for this track.  
The Bomber:  Closet Queen/Bolero/Cast Your Fate to the Wind
This complex suite from the second album contains original works and covers from Maurice Ravel and Vince Guaraldi.  Ravel's will stipulated that “Bolero” was only to be played by full orchestras and threatened suit, causing many releases to exclude the “Bolero” section.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The theme from the television series “Mission Impossible”
The original television series made its exit in April of 1973.  
 
STAFF PICKS:
Space Oddity by David Bowie
Rob's staff pick is the opening track off Bowie's second studio album.  It was released in July 1969 just prior to the Apollo 11 moon landing.  After the success of the “Ziggy Stardust” album, “Space Oddity” was re-released and hit the charts in April of 1973.  
Little Willy by Sweet 
Brian brings us Sweet's biggest hit, peaking at number 3 on re-release as a non-album single.  The writers, Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, wrote a number of rock songs including  many more Sweet songs, Tony Basil's "Mickey," Tina Turner's "Better Be Good to Me," and "Heart and Soul" by Huey Lewis & the News.
Desperado by the Eagles
Bruce features the title track from the Eagles second studio album.  While this may be one of the best known songs from the Eagles, it was never released as a single.  When Linda Ronstadt covered it later in the year, it drew more attention to the group.  This was one of the first songs penned by the songwriting partnership of Don Henley and Glenn Frey.
Hocus Pocus by Focus
Wayne Baxter closes out the staff picks with an instrumental prog rock masterpiece from Dutch group Focus.  You don't hear too many rock songs featuring polka beats and yodeling.  We're doing the shorter U.S. single version, but there's a 10-minute version for those who need even more Focus.
 
COMEDY TRACK:
Freakin' at the Freakers' Ball by Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show
This novelty song chronicles a trip to a freaky party, and wraps up the podcast for the week. 
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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.

Pet Sounds was the eleventh studio album by the Beach Boys.  The album revolutionized music production, helped establish the album as the dominant form of music, and made the recording studio an instrument.  The Beach Boys at this time are Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Bruce Johnston, Al Jardine, and Mike Love.
Some consider Pet Sounds to be a Brian Wilson solo project.  He stopped touring with the Beach Boys a year prior to producing this album, and most of the Beach Boys had not heard the songs until they came into the recording session after the tour.  Additionally, the album contained a lot of departures from standard Beach Boys fare.  Wilson had moved them away from the surfing focus over the course of several albums, but this was deeper, more art rock, and inorporated jazz and other genres which just couldn't be duplicated in concert with a standard small rock set used on Beach Boys tours.
Brian Wilson wanted this to be the greatest rock album ever made, and wanted it to be a cohesive work with no filler songs.  Some consider it a concept album, but it is more like a curated art work - the songs hang together but don't focus on a single theme.  While the album has become recognized as one of the greatest rock albums ever written, it was not initially received that way either commercially or critically.  This really hurt Wilson, as he considered it a public rejection of his artistry.  Even later when folks would tell him how great the album was, he didn't want to hear it.  He was already starting to breakdown mentally and psychologically.
Bruce brings us this iconic album.
 
Wouldn't It Be Nice
The opening track to the album was released as a single in July 1966.  It describes a young couple fantasizing about being older, married, and free.  It peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.  Brian Wilson and Tony Asher wrote it (with Mike Love getting writing credits after a 1994 court case), and Brian Wilson is on lead vocals.
Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)
The instrumentation here features a string sextet, and is really complex.  The lyrics are about non-verbal communication, and Brian Wilson is the only Beach Boy on the song.  There's a 12 string electric guitar in this song which is played by a session musician named Glen Campbell.
Caroline, No
This really was a Brian Wilson solo song, released as his debut solo record in March 1966.  The lyrics are about an old flame who grows older, or maybe the relationship grows older, and loses a lot of its allure.  There are a lot of jazz chords in this piece..
God Only Knows
This track leads off side two of the album, and was pretty controversial.  At the time it was taboo to have the word “God” in a non-religious song.  The key is somewhat ambiguous, varying between E major and A major in different sections.  Paul McCartney considered it "the greatest song ever written," and it has received numerous accolades from lots of singers and songwriters.  
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Main theme from the television series "Perry Mason"
The now famous detective series completed its 9-season run in May of 1966.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Time Won't Let Me by the Outsiders
Wayne starts the staff picks with Cleveland's own Outsiders, and the Cleveland Indians used this song when bringing in relief pictures.  It hit number 5 on the charts.  The jingle is used in many commercials, as the message about not waiting carries over well from relationships to commercial applications.
Eight Miles High by the Byrds
Brian brings us an acid rock song - often considered the first acid rock song - inspired by an airplane flight.  At least that was the story the band used to avoid concerns about drug references getting the track banned from radio stations.  The drug concerns were not overcome, causing the song to quickly drop off the charts. 
Twinkle Toes by Roy Orbison
Rob's staff pick is from Orbison's 9th album.  This was Orbison's last top 40 hit, appearing at number 39 on the charts.  Roy Orbison had 22 top 40 hits between 1960 and 1966, and would enjoy more success in the 1980's when several of his songs were covered.  He died at 52 years old in 1988, and his final top 10 single, "You Got It" would appear on the charts posthumously.
Strangers In the Night by Frank Sinatra
Bruce concludes the staff picks with Sinatra's first number 1 hit in 11 years.  While this song would win multiple Grammys and remain on the charts for 15 weeks, Frank Sinatra hated it.  Glen Campbell played rhythm guitar on the studio recording of this song.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Let's Go Away for Awhile by the Beach Boys
We get in a little double-dipping with this instrumental from Pet Sounds, performed by an uncredited group of session musicians later known as the Wrecking Crew. 
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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 album that would bring grunge into the mainstream is Nevermind by Nirvana.  While it was Nirvana's second album, it would be their first on a major label.  It would also see the introduction of Dave Grohl to the band as drummer joining Krist Novoselic on bass, and the iconic and troubled Kurt Cobain who was front man, guitarist, and songwriter for the band.
“Troubled” could be a good description of the album as well.  While more polished than their debut album, the songs exhibit a raw emotion, often dark, disturbed, or alienated, but also containing some humor and self-deprecation.  The tracks were more melodic than the first album as well, reflecting Cobain's influences - he was listening to groups like the Pixies and R.E.M. at the time that Nevermind was being recorded.  
The album was a surprising success both commercially and critically.  It was nominated for three Grammy awards across two awards ceremonies.  It hit number 1 on the Billboard 200 list in the U.S., hit number 2 on the Australian charts, and number 7 on the British charts.
Nevermind was released in September 1991, and friend of the show John Lynch is featuring it as our album pick for January 1992 when it was on top of the charts, knocking off Michael Jackson's Dangerous. 
 
Lithium
Lithium is a drug used to fight depression and bi-polar disorder.  The lyrics discuss a person trying to fight loss of relationships, wide mood swings and feelings, deciding that he needs to find God before he kills himself.  The alteration between soft and loud sections would become known as emblematic of Nirvana's sound.   
Polly
This dark song was inspired by the abduction, torture, and rape of a 14 year-old girl in Tacoma, Washington.   She escaped from her kidnapper at a gas station.  Cobain wrote the lyrics from the perspective of the perpetrator.  Former percussionist Chad Channing is the drummer on this piece.
Something in the Way
This song was inspired by a four-month period of homelessness that Cobain experienced around his hometown of Aberdeen, Washington.  It is one of the few autobiographical songs Cobain wrote, as he more typically wrote lyrics inspired in stores from others.  It is featured in the 2022 film, “The Batman.” 
Come As You Are
This hit single almost resulted in a lawsuit from a band called “The Killing Joke” which had a very similar chord structure.  The lyrics are about the expectations people put on themselves and others, and it encourages people to be themselves.  
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from the television comedy series “In Living Color”
This comedy variety production from the Wayan brothers would introduce the world to sketches “Men on Film, “Homey the Clown,” and “Fire Marshal Bill” which launched Jim Carrey’s career.
 
STAFF PICKS:
There's No Other Way by Blur
Wayne starts us off with London based Blur exhibiting the “Manchester” sound.  The song lyrics highlight the irritation the band felt at having to follow the Manchester trend at the behest of the record company.  “You've taken the fun out of everything.”   This song was Kurt Cobain's favorite song of the year from Britain.
Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me by George Michael and Elton John
Rob brings us George Michael's live cover of Elton John's 1974 hit.  John joins Michael on stage in the second half of the song during this performance in Chicago.  They had originally performed the duet for Live Aid, and Michael liked it so much that he incorporated the cover into his show.  The original version made it to number 2 in the U.S., and this cover made it to number 1.
Diamonds and Pearls by Prince and the New Power Generation
Brian's staff pick is a love song.  It is also the title track to Prince's album with the backing band which was originally named on the 1990 film “Graffiti Bridge.”  The female voice in this song is performed by Rosie Gaines, who tragically suffered from an insulin overdose in 2009, and has experienced a number of diabetic issues over time.
No Son of Mine by Genesis
John Lynch features the final Genesis album with Phil Collins as lead singer, "We Can't Dance."  The lyrics discuss domestic violence.  It is about a man who is a monster to his family.  The song describes a child who runs away from an abusive family situation, and is rejected by his father when he attempts reconciliation later on.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
New Recruit by Eric Clapton
This instrumental track is from the motion picture "Rush."
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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.

Jeff Beck left the Yardbirds in 1966, and recorded several singles in 1967.  In 1968 Beck released his first solo studio album, Truth, which would come to be regarded as one of the first heavy metal albums released.  It would also feature a number of talented artists in his band called The Jeff Beck Group, including Rod Stewart on vocals, Ronnie Wood on bass, and Mickey Waller on drums, all of which would go on to achieve stardom as rock soloists and/or musicians in other groups.
Beck started this group as a means to expand his guitar interests, and the album reflects a lot of diversity.  There are traditional covers and blues songs, heavier rock numbers and instrumentals, and of course a lot of guitar effects.  The tracks for the album were recorded very quickly - within two weeks - and the album would go to number 15 on the U.S. charts.
Jeff Beck has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice - once for his work with the Yardbirds, and once for his solo work.
Wayne brings us this 60's rock album, and friend of the show John Lynch joins us in Bruce's absence for this episode.
 
Greensleeves
The song that starts side two of the album is a classic - a Tudor classic!  Greensleeves dates back to 1580.  This traditional song would find its way into the Christmas season as "What Child Is This?" with different lyrics.
You Shook Me
American blues musicians Willie Dixon and J.B. Lenoir penned this song that Jeff Beck covers. Led Zeppelin also covered this song on their first album which appeared 5 months after Beck's album.  John Paul Jones is on the Hammond organ for this one.
Beck's Bolero
This piece is considered one of the great Rock instrumentals, and brings in some high caliber session musicians - Jimmy Page on 12-string guitar, Jon Paul Jones on bass, and Keith Moon on drums.  Moon had contractual issues at the time and was credited on the album as "you know who."  
I Ain't Superstitious
Another traditional blues song, this one was originally written by Willie Dixon.  This really shows off Rod Stewart's vocal chops and Beck's fuzzy guitar work.  These effects are done well before the vocoder was available, but Jeff Beck creates a nice facsimile of a vocoder on his own.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The main theme from the motion picture “Hang 'Em High”
This Clint Eastwood western made its appearance in 1968.  It was the first production from Eastwood's own The Malpaso Company.
STAFF PICKS:
Jackson by Johnny Cash
Bruce was out, so guest John Lynch brings us a classic from Johnny Cash, which also features June Carter on duet prior to their marriage.  The song was recorded in 1967 and debuted in 1968.  They would win a Grammy for the Best Country & Western Duet.  The song is about a husband wanting to go to Jackson because of all the women, and the wife wanting to go to Jackson to laugh at the husband for making a fool of himself.
Hitch It To the Horse by The Fantastic Johnny C.
You might think Brian's staff pick is from James Brown, but the Godfather of Soul wasn't the only one doing soul funk fusion in the late 60's.  Johnny Corley came out of a gospel vocal group in Philadelphia, and was persuaded to sing secular songs by producer and songwriter Jesse James.  This is from his sole solo album, “Boogaloo Down Broadway.”
Mr. Businessman by Ray Stevens
Rob's staff pick is a serious song from Stevens, who would become better known for his comedy songs.  This track from his third album cautions Mr. Businessman to take care of the important things in life rather than focusing all his time on his career.
Journey to the Center of the Mind by the Amboy Dukes
Wayne brings us a psychedelic hit from a 19 year-old Ted Nugent in his original group.  This song sounds more like the Moody Blues than the Motor City Madman, but it is a sonic blast.  Nugent was 15 when he formed the Amboy Dukes.  The Amboy Dukes were invited to perform at Woodstock, but they declined because Nugent "didn't like hippies or the promoter."
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Soul Limbo by Booker T and the M.G.'S
You can't go wrong with a little instrumental limbo to finish off this 60's podcast.
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Their eighteenth studio album found The Kinks moving in a different direction than many previous albums.  Low Budget would address many contemporary issues in song, rather than the subtle pieces and nostalgia found on earlier albums.  The Kinks also recorded much of the album in New York rather than London.  The result charted well in the United States, reaching number 11 on the Billboard 200.  It did not do well in their native Britain.
The band members of The Kinks for this album were Ray Davies on guitar, keyboards, and vocals, Dave Davies on guitar and background vocals, Jim Rodford on bass and background vocals, and Mick Avory on drums.  They are joined in the studio by Nick Newall on saxophone and Gordon Edwards (briefly a member of the group) playing piano on the title track.  Ray Davies wrote all the tracks on this album.
The album was more heavily produced than other albums and took a harder edge, which was appropriate for their arena rock phase for the group.  There were a lot of diverse songs as well, led by the disco-infused lead single, "(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman."  
 
Catch Me Now I'm Falling
The second track from the album uses Captain America as a surrogate for the United States, and criticizes the U.S. as a country fallen on hard times, and its allies as not coming the the need of America despite earlier times when the allies were help by America during and after World War II.  The song was released as a single, but only in the U.S.
Pressure
A high speed deeper cut, this song looks at pressure as a contagious disease, one that can be spread from one person to another, but which also can take over when you're alone.  This song has a decidedly punk flavor.  The call and response sound in the vocals gives it a more manic feel as well.
(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman 
The lead and biggest single from the album reached number 41 on U.S. charts.  Ray Davies was inspired to write the lyrics by the release of "Superman:  The Movie" in the previous year.  The disco feel was difficult for the band to achieve.  The song itself tells of a desire to take on modern problems like Superman, though the protagonist is nothing like the invincible super hero.
Low Budget
The title track leads off the second side of the album.  It describes a man learning to live much more frugally due to hard economic times.  The song was in line with the recessionary malaise of the times, though people could identify with it when living through any recession.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The Main Theme to the motion picture The Amityville Horror
This popular horror show convinced us all to stay away from houses that say, "Get Out!"
 
STAFF PICKS:
You Can't Change That by Raydio
Bruce leads off the staff picks with an American R&B and Funk band. Raydio is Arnell Carmichael and Darren Carmichael on vocals, Charles Fearing on guitars, Larry Tolbert on percussion, and Ray Parker, Jr. on vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, and primary songwriter.  This song went to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and features Arnell Carmichael on high vocals and Ray Parker, Jr. on low vocals.
Goodbye (Astrid, Goodbye)  by Cold Chisel
Rob's staff pick may not be well known in the U.S., but is a hit from Australia.  In fact, Cold Chisel has been listed as the number 3 favorite Australian band as rated by Australian musicians, behind AC/DC and INXS, but ahead of Midnight Oil and Crowded House.  This rocking song with a boogie beat is about a guy who is hitting the road, and was designed as a set finisher.
I Don't Like Mondays by the Boomtown Rats
Wayne brings us a cult hit that was inspired by a school shooting in California.  The piano-driven piece didn't chart in the U.S. but has had staying power over time.  Front man Bob Geldof heard the original story of the shooting while doing an interview at WRAS radio out of Georgia State.  Geldof regretted doing the song because it made the shooter famous.
Heart of the Night by Poco
Brian  wraps up the staff picks on a mellow note.  This is from the album "The Legend."   Writer Paul Cotton said this song was inspired by his "love and lust for New Orleans,"  and that the song practically wrote itself.  Phil Kinsey, who performed on saxophone on Al Stewart's "Year of the Cat" is featured on alto sax on this song.
   
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Morning Dance by Spyro Gyra
This jazz fusion piece was on the charts in the summer of 1979 and closes out of podcast this week.  
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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.

Nik Kershaw's debut studio album, Human Racing, would also be his most commercially successful album.  He would find more popularity in the UK where his album hit number 3 on the album charts than in the United States, where it would appear at number 70 on the Billboard 200.  Kershaw wrote all the songs, performed lead and backing vocals, bass guitar, guitar, keyboards, and percussion.  Other personnel on the album would include Paul "Wix" Wickens on keyboards, Charlie Morgan on drums, and a slew of session musicians including his wife Sheri Kershaw on backing vocals.
Nicholas David “Nik” Kershaw came from a musical family - his mother was an opera singer and his father was a flautist - and he was a self-taught guitarist at an early age.  Kershaw embarked on a career as a musician and songwriter by 1982, and had significant international success with both this debut album and his second follow-up, “The Riddle.”  He was one of the performers at Live Aid in 1985 at Wembly stadium.
Although his solo career waned after that, he continues to produce albums today, and has collaborated with a number of artists, including Kim Wilde, Tony Banks, Steve Hackett, Elton John, and Michael W. Smith.  
Rob takes us into this 80's phenomenon this week.
Wouldn't It Be Good
This song made it to number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has everything you expect from 80's pop music.  It is about how the lives of others seems so much better.  “Wouldn't it be good to be in your shoes even if it was for just one day?  Wouldn't it be good if we could wish ourselves away?”  Kershaw would perform this song in Live Aid.
Dancing Girls 
The third single from the album is about a guy who is sick of his middle class life.  He wants some excitement in his life - "bring on the dancing girls!"  
Faces 
This song has a different feel than the others.  It is about looking at the people who are taking over your mind.  There's a sense of religious hypocrisy, with lots of different faces provided and instructions on when to use them.  
I Won't Let The Sun Go Down On Me 
While it didn't do well in the States, this was a hit in the UK.  A cold war song, the lyrics are about choosing to live positively despite the risk of nuclear annihilation.  
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The Nerd Theme from the motion Picture “Revenge of the Nerds”
NERDS!!!  A surprise success at the movies in the summer of 1984 was the comedy “Revenge of the Nerds.”
 
STAFF PICKS:
Little Lady by Duke Jupiter
Wayne starts off the staff picks with a group from Rochester, New York, which may be surprising since the song sounds more like Southern rock than something out of the northeast.  We think it sounds like ZZ-Top. The song is about a woman who is ditching her groom at the altar.   Duke Jupiter had a 13-year career, breaking up in 1986.
Doctor! Doctor! by the Thompson Twins 
Brian's staff pick is a song comparing being in love to a medical state.  The Thompson Twins got their start as a new wave group before moving to more mainstream success as a part of the Second British Invasion.  This song would hit number 11 in the US and number 3 in the UK.
Missing You by John Waite
Bruce's staff pick  was a late edition to Waite's second solo album, "No Brakes."  It was also a huge success that really launched Waite's solo career.  The lyrics were inspired by several relationships Waite was in, primarily his wife with whom he was divorcing at the time.  The melancholy denial of "I ain't missing you at all" paired with the background vocals "missing you" struck a chord with listeners, and the song would be a number 1 hit on the US charts.
Legs by ZZ Top
Rob's closes out with a song more famous for its video than the song itself.  This is the first top 10 hit from ZZ Top from their "Eliminator" album.  A number of people have covered this song, but there's no way to outdo the original.  The video tells a story of a girl transforming from a wilting wallflower to a knockout with the help of a ghostly ZZ Top.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
The Call of Ktulu by Metallica
This week's podcast closes out with an instrumental from Metallica before the band achieved the monster status it would attain by the end of the decade.  
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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.

Running on Empty was the fifth album by Jackson Browne.  The album revolves around the theme of life on the road, and it is a live album, but with a couple of twists.  First, none of these tracks had previously appeared on a Jackson Browne studio album.  Second, while some of the songs were recorded on stage during concerts, others were recorded backstage, or in hotel rooms, or on the tour bus.  This gives the album more of a concept feel than would be present for a typical "live" album.
Browne got his start as a songwriter as a teenager, and joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band shortly after high school.  His early songs were recorded by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Nico, Steve Noonan, Gregg Allman, Joan Baez, Linda Ronstadt, The Eagles, The Byrds, and others.  He was a backing musician for Nico in 1967 and wrote three of the songs on her debut album, He co-wrote "Take It Easy," the first hit by the Eagles.
This album is considered one of the most accessible albums Browne created, and is his most successful album.  It reached number 3 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart in 1978, and stayed on the charts for 65 weeks.  It was nominated for Album of the Year in 1979.  The title track would become a staple of classic rock.
 
Running on Empty
The title track and first single from the album was recorded in concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland.  It hit number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100.  The song was inspired by Browne's driving to the studio to make "The Pretender."  It was only a few blocks from his house to the studio, and Browne wouldn't bother to fill up, so he was always literally running on empty.
Nothing But Time
This track is about the boredom of life on the road.  It was written and recorded on the tour bus, a Continental Silver Eagle.  You can hear the bus's engine running in the background, downshifting and accelerating during the bridge.  Browne and Howard Burke (his tour manager) wrote this one.  Russ Kunkel is on percussion, playing snare, hi-hat, and "cardboard box with foot pedal."
The Load Out
This is a well-known track about the folks that put the show together and the fans that come to hear the concert.  "We've got to drive all night and do the show in Chicago - or Detroit, I don't know.  We do so many shows in a row, and these towns all look the same."  It portrays a decidedly unglamorous picture of touring life, with the one exception of the time on the stage.
Stay
Almost always played in series on rock stations with “The Load Out,” this cover of Maurice Williams and the Zodiac's song from 1960 replaces concerns about mom and dad letting the girl stay out with concerns that the roadies, producers, and union letting the band play one more song.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Night Fever by the Bee Gees (from the motion picture "Saturday Night Fever")
The movie that would make John Travolta a household name and disco the music genre of choice across the nation was released in December 1977.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Mind Bender by Stillwater
Wayne leads off with a band whose name was used for a rock band in the movie "Almost Famous."  This vocoder-laced southern rock piece with a shuffle beat hit the Billboard Hot 100 at number 46.  The song is about a talking guitar called "Mindbender.:  Stillwater is from Warner Robins, Georgia, and plays an annual show in Macon at Christmas time.
She's Not There by Santana
Rob brings us a cover of the Zombie's hit from the 60's.  While the Zombie's version made it to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, Carlos Santana gives it a Latin fusion twist that would hit number 27 on the charts.  Greg Walker is the vocalist on this single, with Santana of course on guitar.
Help Is On Its Way by the Little River Band
Brian's staff pick is from the Australian band known for their harmonies and easy groove.  This is the lead single from their third album, Diamantina Cocktail.  The song has a positive feel, and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Baby Come Back by Player
Bruce's staff pick was written by band members Peter Beckett (lead vocals and guitar) and J.C. Crowley (piano and backing vocals)  after two of the band members had broken up with their girl friends.  This is off their self-titled debut album.  The band would be less successful when they moved from a soul oriented sound to a more rock-oriented sound on their future albums.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
The Dialogue from the motion picture "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"
The distinctive 5-note jingle marked the start of a conversation with aliens in this science fiction movie that debuted in December 1977. 
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The California band Cracker would have its greatest success with its second studio album, Kerosene Hat.  Cracker is David Lowery on lead vocals and guitar, Johnny Hickman on lead guitar and vocals, Davey Faragher on bass and vocals, and Michael Urbano on drums.  The name of the album comes from a time when Lowery and Hickman lived together in an old run-down house whose only heat source was a pair of kerosene heaters.  They had to walk to a nearby gas station to buy more kerosene and would bundle up with a wool cap that came to be known as the kerosene hat.  
While the group considered themselves more drawn to roots rock or country, the album went platinum during the days of grunge as an alternative rock sound.  It definitely does not follow the over produced "hair band" sound that was beginning to wane in the early 90's.  Much of the album was recorded in an abandoned sound stage in Pioneertown, California, in a location so run down that the group had to round up old mattresses from junk yards to provide insulation on colder days. The band holds a music festival there each year. 
Wayne leads this expedition into the early 90's rock scene.
 
Low
This single only reached number 64 on the US Billboard Hot 100, but it was number 3 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks.  Lowery claimed that the song was not about drugs, and that the lyric is not "like being stoned," but "like being stone."  Other lyrics like "a million poppies gonna make me sleep" make this claim seem a bit more dubious.
Get Off This
The second single from the album is a response to former fans who accused Cracker of selling out to make more mainstream music.  The response is obvious from the chorus:  "So let's get off this, and get on with it.  If you wanna change the world, shut your mouth and start to spin it."
Lets Go for a Ride 
This deeper track is well described by the title - it is a driving song.  "So, drive real fast through the underpass, and if we die or if we crash, well, I'd be flattered to be buried right next to you." 
Euro-Trash Girl 
This is a bit of a "hidden track" on the CD (coming in at #69), and is a favorite of serious Cracker fans.  It was originally released on the EP "Tucson"  It tells the story of a lonely guy in Europe who suffers through a series of break-ups.  The band wrote this as a group, partly based on things the members had experienced, and some made up situations.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
I Can See Clearly Now by Jimmy Cliff (from the motion picture “Cool Runnings”)
The appearance of the Jamaican national team in the bobsled event for the 1988 Winter Olympics inspired this movie staring John Candy.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Sober by TOOL
Rob brings us a grunge song from the Los Angeles band Tool.  The song is off their debut album, but it was most known for its creepy stop-action video.  Similarities to Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" have prompted a number of mash-ups.  The lyrics were inspired by a friend of the band whose creativity only came out when he was under the influence.
Hey Jealousy by Gin Blossoms
The song Brian features was written by guitarist Doug Hopkins about his former girlfriend.  Hopkins was fired for unreliability associated with his heavy drinking, but the song propelled the Gin Blossoms to success.  Hopkins became depressed and committed suicide in December 1993. 
Perfectly Good Guitar by John Hiatt
Bruce's staff pick is a minor key blues number from a singer-songwriter who has worked with a tremendous amount of artists.  This song from his eleventh studio album laments the way that rock stars get attention by smashing up perfectly good guitars.
Bad Thing by Cry of Love
Wayne's staff pick is a deeper cut.  Cry of Love is out of Raleigh, North Carolina, and has a sound reminiscent of Bad Company.  It was a throwback to solid 70's rock during a time when that genre of music was out of favor.  Band members would go on to perform with other groups including the Black Crowes and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
Leave That Thing Alone by Rush
This instrumental from the Counterpoints album is a bit of a continuation of the "Where's My Thing" instrumental from Rush's previous album.
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If Now and Zen, the fourth studio album by Robert Plant, sounds like Led Zeppelin, there's more reason for that than just the fact that Plant was the lead singer for the band.  In addition to continuing use of computerized technology in the album, Plant also incorporated more blues and Middle Eastern elements into his music.  He also had his Led Zeppelin band mate Jimmy Page contributing guitar to a couple of tracks.
Plant wanted to create an album that created electronic music with a more soulful sound than was typical at the time.  He also benefitted from a lot of interest in the Led Zeppelin sound.  Many hair bands at the time were trying to emulate Led Zeppelin, but struggled to do so in the highly produced commercial atmosphere of the late 80's.  The Beastie Boys had even sampled a number of Zeppelin riffs for their album, “License to Ill,” much to Page and Plant's chagrin during the relatively unregulated use of OPM (other people's music) at the time.
The confluence of Plant's direction of combining electronics with blues, and the heightened interest in the Zeppelin sound resulted in the most successful commercial album of Plant's post-Zeppelin career.  The album hit number 6 on the U.S. charts, and was certified triple platinum.  Three singles would be released from the album.
Brian Dickhute brings us this album.
Heaven Knows
This was the opening track and the first single from the album.  The song, written by songwriters Phil Johnstone and David Barratt, is a satirical commentary on the perceived shallowness and lack of attention span of the late 80's.  This is one of two tracks on which guitarist Jimmy Page participates.
Dance On My Own
A deeper cut, this song is about being so happy about the girl on the block that you can't stop dancing.  Phil Johnstone and  Robert Crash co-wrote this song, along with Plant.  Johnstone was the producer and keyboardist for the album.  This track is more timestamped to the 80's than many of the tracks.
Tall Cool One 
This upbeat track is the second one on which fellow Led Zeppelin alumni Jimmy Page contributes guitar work.  It also samples a number of Led Zeppelin songs, including "Whole Lotta Love," "Black Dog," and "The Ocean."  The title comes from an instrumental work from a 50's group called The Fabulous Wailers, although the songs themselves are not the same.
The Way I Feel
"See what I'm driving at and I'm back behind the wheel.  I'm just a little nervous - It's something to do with the way I feel."  This is a continuation of “Big Log” from his previous album “The Principle of Moments.”  
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
I Heard It Through the Grapevine by The California Raisins
The California Raisin Advisory Board caught lightning in a bottle when this claymation commercial with dancing and singing raisins became wildly popular.  This song hit the Billboard Hot 100.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Get It On by Kingdom Come
Wayne rocks out with this Zeppelinesque track from hair band Kingdom Come.  This is the group's biggest hit off their first album.  The album went to number 12 on the charts.  The similarities in vocals to Kashmir are obvious.  Critics would refer to the band as “Kingdom Clone.”
Endless Summer Nights  by Richard Marx
Rob's staff pick was a big hit on the pop and adult contemporary charts.  Chicago native Richard Marx came up in the music business, and benefitted both from production quality and photogenic looks.  Marx had 14 top 20 hits, three of which were number 1 hits.  And you never can go wrong with a sax!
When We Was Fab by George Harrison
Bruce's staff pick is the last new song Harrison would have to chart in the U.S.  It was written as a playful look back on the Beatles days.  Jeff Lynne co-wrote the song with Harrison, Gary Wright plays piano, and fellow Beatle Ringo Starr plays drums.  The video features a number of cameos, including Paul Simon, Elton John, Jeff Lynne, and Ringo Starr.
What Have I Done to Deserve This by the Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield
Allee Willis, author of “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire, and “Neutron Dance” by the Pointer Sisters, co-wrote Brian's pick with the Pet Shop Boys.  It is about the hopelessness of a person stuck in a dysfunctional relationship whom they don't have the strength to leave.  60's icon Dusty Springfield contributes vocals to this song, and it would be her largest selling single after “Son of a Preacher Man.”
   
COMEDY TRACK:
Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley
Well before the Rick Roll became a thing, the original was on the charts, and you get the benefit as our podcast closes out! 
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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.

Paul Simon was in a slump in the early 80's.  His relationship with Art Garfunkel was at a low point, he was recently divorced from his second wife, Carrie Fisher, and his 1983 album “Hearts and Bones” was considered a commercial failure.  This album would change his fortunes.  Graceland would become his highest charting album in over a decade, his most successful studio album, and would win the 1987 Grammy for Album of the Year.  
Simon lived next door to Lorne Michaels, creator of Saturday Night Live.  Michaels introduced Simon to a singer-songwriter names Heidi Berg, and Simon agreed to produce a record for her.  Berg wanted a sound like the street music from Johannesburg, South Africa, and loaned Simon a bootleg tape.  This inspired Simon to travel to South Africa, meet the musicians, and create an album using these musicians and their native sounds.  Obviously, this fractured the relationship between Simon and Berg. 
The album would also be controversial, because South Africa was under a cultural boycott at the time due to their apartheid policy.  Simon would counter that he was lifting up the music of the indigenous South Africans, even paying three times New York union wages and giving writing credits, but this would not quell the criticism.
Nevertheless, the album would do well both commercially and critically, and introduce American mainstream audiences to world music.
 
Graceland
The title track was named "Graceland" because the drums reminded him of a traveling rhythm you would hear in a song from Sun Records.  The lyrics reflect taking a road trip to Graceland from Louisiana on Route 61.  Some also consider it a song about using a road trip to get over the pain of divorce.
Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes
This song features the South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.  Simon wrote it when he went to South Africa but it was not originally planned for inclusion on Graceland.  That changed when Ladysmith Black Mambazo and several other South African studio musicians were in New York for an episode of Saturday Night Live, and they decided to record it while they were in town.
Under African Skies
This deeper track references two people in the song one is Joseph Shabalala, the leader of Ladysmith Black Mambazo.  The other is Linda Ronstadt who lends her vocals to this track.  Ronstadt's inclusion in the album was particularly controversial because she had performed at Sun City, a South African apartheid resort, three years earlier.
You Can Call Me Al
The hit single from the album only went to number 23 on the charts.  The names came from a party that Simon attended years prior with his first wife Peggy Harper.  French Composer Pierre Boulez, who attended the same party, mistakenly referred to Paul and Peggy as Al and Betty.  Many will remember the video starring Simon and Chevy Chase.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Somewhere Out There by James Ingram and Linda Ronstadt (from the animated film "An American Tail")
This animated motion picture told the story of a family of Jewish mice and their immigration to the United States.
 
STAFF PICKS:
Goin' Crazy! by David Lee Roth
Wayne leads off the staff picks with former Van Halen frontman, Diamond Dave.  This is his third single from his first full studio solo album "Eat 'em and Smile."  Steve Vai played guitar on this track.  The song was supposed to be the title song from a proposed comedy television production starring Roth entitled "Crazy From the Heat" 
Human by The Human League
Brian brings us one of the most beautiful cheating songs you will hear.  The Human League went to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis in Minneapolis to produce the album.  It was a divisive decision, because the two women in the group did not accompany the other members when this song was recorded in Minneapolis.
Emotion In Motion by Ric Ocasek
Rob's staff pick by the former Cars front man reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.  This is off his second solo studio album, and was his only single to hit the top 40 as a solo artist.  Ric Ocasek died in 2019.
Word Up! by Cameo
Bruce finishes off the staff picks with the highest charting single from funk band Cameo - it hit number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.  "Word Up" was an affirmation used in New York.  Larry Blackmon is the lead singer, and was inspired to use the distinctive vocal monotone you hear in this song by listening to Sly Stallone.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
The Launch by Boston
Boston's long anticipated third album "Third Stage" was released this month, and contained this instrumental lead-in to "Cool the Engines."
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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.