What the Riff Next Gen

When we did our Rock-and-Roll Christmas "rabbit hole" episode last year we realized that there are just too many Rocking Christmas songs to be held in a single podcast. So we're coming back to you this year with another selection of Christmas songs that rock!
“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” by- Ronnie James Dio 
This selection from the former Rainbow and Black Sabbath front man puts a metal twist on a 16th century carol.
“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” by The Barenaked Ladies 
A more mellow take on the same song features stripped down acoustics and harmonies. Sarah McLachlan is featured in this cover.
“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by John Lennon 
Brian features the well-known original piece from John Lennon and Yoko Ono from 1971. They are joined by the Harlem Community Choir
“Christmas” by The Who, from “Tommy”
Rob brings us a deep cut from the rock opera Tommy. In this vignette, Tommy's father questions how Tommy can be saved given his inability to see, hear, or speak.
“Do They Know It's Christmas?” by  Band Aid 
This 1984 compilation was created as a means of providing support to famine victims in Ethiopia. Bob Geldof and an all-star cast of singers was assembled including Sting, Bono, Bananarama, Boy George, and Simon Le Bon.
“Stone Soul Christmas” by Binky Griptite 
Wayne puts the soul in Christmas with this 2011 effort. Binky Griptite is a DJ in New York and was the guitarist for the Dap-Kings.
“Christmas Presents Blues” by Jimmy Reed 
Wayne keeps the funk going with this rousing bass line and double entendre laden tune from 1971.
“I'm Your Santa” by Lil' Ed and the Imperials 
We drift into the blues with this New Orleans-style cut from Alligator Records.
“Celebrate Me Home” by Kenny Loggins 
Bruce features one from Loggins' debut solo album in 1977. While this has now become a Christmas standard, it was not released as a single at the time, and was not intended to become a standard.
“Baby It's Cold Outside” by Frank Loesser 
Brian's pick is the Dean Martin 1959 cover of this classic. Loesser originally wrote this as a housewarming song. When MGM bought the song, Frank's wife was furious that he had sold it.
“All I Want for Christmas Is You”  by Mariah Carey 
Bruce took a little heat from the boys when he brings us this original piece from 1994 that has become a best-selling modern day Christmas song. Its Carey's biggest international hit, and the best selling Christmas single by a female artist overall.
“Oh Tannenbaum” by Vince Guaraldi 
Christmas wouldn't be the same without “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” This piano jazz cover of the classic Christmas carol takes you to that show, and a rather dinky tree.
“Come Home for Christmas” by the Eagles 
This 1978 cover is the first Eagles song to feature Timothy B. Schmit on bass after Randy Meisner left. The original version was released in 1960 by pianist Charles Brown.
“Same Auld Lang Syne” by Dan Fogelberg
Brian features an autobiographical story from Fogelberg. This happened when he was returning home to Peoria when Jill went out for Egg Nog and Dan went out for whipping cream. Fogelberg did not reveal the name of he old flame, but she came forward after his death.
LAUGH TRACK:
“Walking Round in Women's Underwear” by Bob Rivers 
Wayne brings us into our "Laugh Track" part of the podcast with this comical take on Christmas and cross-dressing.
“Hanukkah Song” by Adam Sandler
We finish off with this comical take on the Jewish holiday from Adam Sandler, where we find out that David Lee Roth, Henry Winkler, William Shattner, and Leonard Nimoy are all jewish. But OJ Simpson is NOT!
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
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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.

There are a handful of albums that have never lost their popularity, but just get stronger over time, and The Joshua Tree would certainly be one of these giant albums. The fifth studio album by U2 would see the group coming back from the experimental feel of their previous album, The Unforgettable Fire, and taking on a more conventional approach. The Joshua Tree took the theme of "America" as the band had been spending significant time on tour in the country, and Bono was reading American novelists like Flannery O'Connor at the time. The Edge was inspired by American blues and country artists, and several tracks on the album have a blues feel.
Autumn Fischer from WSB Radio’s “The Von Haessler Doctrine” (SFW) as well as her own podcast “One Topic” (NSFW) joins us for this week's fun and shenanigans.
 
Where the Streets Have No Name
This first track on the album takes its name from the idea that you can tell a person's religion and income based on the Belfast street on which they live. The repeating arpeggio with a delay effect that kicks off the song is a signature sound for the band.
One Tree Hill
This song references a volcanic peak in New Zealand which his an important memorial place for the Maori people. It was written in memory of Greg Carroll, a Maori roadie for the band who was killed in a motorcycle accident in Dublin in 1986.
Bullet the Blue Sky
Bono was inspired to write these lyrics as a protest song after a trip to Nicaragua and El Salvador. He saw the toll that the US military intervention in the region placed on local peasants. It has taken on different meanings in concerts, from consumerism to handgun violence to Nazism. The tune started as a jam session.
In God's Country
The idea of this track is that the US is a desert rose, or a siren - both sad and seductive. It also talks about the lack of political ideas in the West, portraying western thought as an arid place.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“At This Moment” by Billy Vera and the Beaters
This song was featured in the movie “Blind Date,”and was earlier used in the TV Sitcom "Family Ties."
STAFF PICKS:
“We're Ready” by Boston
Wayne takes us to Boston's third studio album. It was a long time between their second and third efforts, and this one was perceived as a bit of a disappointment. However, the album still maintains that distinctive Boston sound.
“Mandolin Rain” by Bruce Hornsby and the Range
Brian's staff pick features the incredible piano work of Bruce Hornsby from his first album “The Way It Is.” The song is about a failed southern romance.
“Heartbreak Beat” by The Psychedelic Furs
Rob brings us into the alternative rock genre. The band called themselves “The Psychedelic Furs” to separate themselves from the punk movement, who didn't care for psychedelic music. This was their only top 40 song in the U.S.
“(I Just) Died In Your Arms” by Cutting Crew
Special guest Autumn Fischer features the "echo snare" sound of British band Cutting Crew from their debut studio album. She became a fan of this song from the radio on Grand Theft Auto.
“Baby Grand” by Billy Joel
Bruce's staff pick finishes us off this week. It features a double piano duet with Joel and piano legend Ray Charles. Billy Joel named his daughter Alexa Ray, with the middle name being for Charles. When Charles reached out about doing a duet, Joel wrote this song in a single night, using "Georgia On My Mind" as the template for the style he wanted to achieve.
 
 
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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 return to one of the true giants of the rock era as we take a dive into Led Zeppelin's debut album, known as Led Zeppelin 1. Band members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham recorded this album prior to securing a recording contract. It was recorded in 36 hours at a cost of 2,100 pounds. Founder and guitarist Jimmy Page produced the album.
The tracks are a mix of old blues songs and original material, and feature both Page's stirring guitar riffs and Plant's soaring vocals. Originally touring as The New Yardbirds, they changed their name to Led Zeppelin supposedly after Who drummer Keith Moon commented on The New Yardbirds “going over like a lead zeppelin.”
This first album had only one single (“Good TImes, Bad Times”), but most of the tracks would get in the rotation on album-oriented rock stations throughout the U.S.
Join us as we take in this rock-and-roll blues debut by one of the masters of the genre.
 
Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You
This track alternates between soft acoustics and driving rock. This was originally composed by Anne Bredon and was covered by Joan Baez in the early 60's before Led Zeppelin's cover.
You Shook Me
A deeper blues track was written by Willie Dixon, and was originally recorded by Muddy Waters in 1962, and by Jeff Beck in 1968. This version is slow and somewhat psychedelic, but maintains a heavy feel throughout this long song.
Communication Breakdown
One of the well-known tracks from the debut album, it is surprising to realize that this was not a single at the time.
I Can't Quit You Baby
This is another Willie Dixon cut, with a distinct feel of the Mississippi delta. It was first recorded by Otis Rush in 1956. "I can't quit you baby, but I've got to put you down for a while."
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from the Television Series “Bewitched”
Dick York, the actor who played Darrin Stephens (father of Elizabeth Montgombery's Samantha) on the show, collapsed on the set and was replaced by Dick Sargent. The show continued with the completely different actor until 1972 with no mention of the change.
STAFF PICKS:
"Ramblin', Gamblin' Man” by The Bob Seger System
Wayne's staff pick features a driving drum beat and the Hammond organ from Detroit's Bob Seger. This was inspired by the Spencer Davis group, and would be Seger's first hit, and only hit until the “Night Moves” album in the 70's.
“Build Me Up, Buttercup” by The Foundations
Rob features this pop song which has been used by the Los Angeles Angels baseball team among many others. It was written by Mike D'abo, vocalist for Manfred Mann.
“Ray of Hope” by The Rascals
Bruce's staff pick features the New Jersey hit machine known as The Rascals. This song was inspired by the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in June of 1968. "But there's people who win without making fists. Our world won't survive lest we think like this."
“Touch Me” by The Doors
Brian finishes off the staff picks with this Jim Morrison hit. The original name of the song was going to be "Hit Me," but thankfully, Morrison convinced the band to make the change to "Touch Me."
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
“Soulful Strut” by Young Holt Unlimited
Our instrumental close is a well-known riff you may recognize - it was a hit at the time.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

New Zealander Neil Finn founded the indie rock band Crowded House with Austrailian drummer Paul Hester and Australian bassist Nick Seymour. For their third studio album Woodface, Neil's older brother and Split Enz alumnus Tim Finn would join the band. In fact, much of the material recorded for Woodface was originally intended for a Finn brothers album, and made it onto the this album after Capitol Records passed on many of the new songs that were originally intended for the album.
Neil Finn has always been a strong singer-songwriter through many bands (including Crowded House), and is currently touring with Fleetwood Mac.
Eric Von Haessler from WSB Radio and The Von Haessler Doctrine joins us again on What the Riff to cover this excellent and underrated album.
Chocolate Cake
The opening track on the album was an album about the excesses of America and the West. “The excess of fat on your American bones will cushion the impact as you sink like a stone.” It's a bit of a novelty track with a “National Enquirer” feel.
Its Only Natural
This beautiful track reflects a long relationship. “It's only natural that I should want to be with you. It's only natural that you should feel the same way too.”
Weather with You
This track with an eastern-influenced sound and a vocal duet encourages the listener to not be affected by circumstances, but instead to “take the weather with you.”
4 Seasons in One Day
Another “weather related title” brings the lyrics, “Even when you're feeling warm, the temperature can drop away like 4 seasons in one day.” There's a distinct Beatles inspiration from this track, and the lyrics are incredibly deep.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“7 and 7 is - Love” (from the movie, “Point Break”)
The movie Point Break was a surfing-themed film, and this track reflects that surfer image.
STAFF PICKS:
"Saving My Heart" by Yes
We say, “All roads lead to Yes,” and it is true for Bruce's staff pick. This song is from the album “Union,” which combines the current Yes members with former Yes members John Anderson, Bill Bruford, Rick Wakeman, and Steve Howe.
“Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn
Brian's staff pick takes us 10 feet off of Beale. The song is somewhat autobiographical, describing Marc Cohn's experience on a trip to Memphis, Tennessee; where he met Muriel in The Hollywood Cafe, and attended a service by the Reverend Al Green.
“Too High” by The Mighty Lemon Drops
Wayne brings us a deep and psychedelic cut from the Manchester scene that would eventually become popular with The Stone Roses and Oasis. This is off their fourth studio album “Sound...Goodbye to Your Standards.”
“More Than Words” by Extreme
Rob finishes our staff picks with this acoustic ballad from Gary Cherone and Extreme. This is the third single from their album “Pornograffitti.” The band would eventually come to resent the popularity of the song.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
“Kind of Bird” by The Allman Brothers Band
An instrumental jam with a Southern flair takes us out on this week's What the Riff.
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.

Berkeley, California's Counting Crows seemed to become overnight sensations with their debut album August and Everything After. Lead man and pianist Adam Duritz and guitarist David Bryson came out of a group called The Himalayans, originally starting as a duet. Over time they formed the group, adding keyboardist Charlie Gillingham, guitarists Dan Vickrey and David Immergluck, bassist Millard Powers, and percussionist Jim Bogios. In a time when grunge was on the ascendancy, the Counting Crows drew inspiration more from Van Morrison and the coffee house than from Kurt Cobain and Seattle. Duritz' lyrics are a powerful draw for the band. Ironically, despite the fame-chasing lyrics of their breakthrough single, "Mr. Jones," Adam Duritz was never very comfortable with the fame that came with the success of the Counting Crows.
We hope you enjoy this lyric-rich album.
 
Round Here
The first track on the album describes a man walking away from a home and a woman, only to discover that he is walking away from himself. The lyrics talk about all the things he can now do, but while these freedoms are important to children, they are not very significant to adults.
Omaha
This is a deeper cut off the album, and was tried by Duritz in many previous bands before finally feeling like he got it right with this iteration. In April 1994, the city of Omaha, Nebraska designated this song the “official song of the city.”
Anna Begins
Another deep cut, this song was inspired by a relationship Duritz had with an Australian named Anna. The relationship could not survive the geographic distance. “She's talking in her sleep, it's keeping me awake, and Anna begins to toss and turn. And every word is nonsense but I understand, and Oh Lord, I'm not ready for this sort of thing.”
Rain King
A big hit off the album, "\“I've been here before, and I deserve a little more.” The song was written in 40 minutes after watching the film “Dr. Zhivago.”
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“The X-Files” by Mark Snow
The long-running science fiction television series featuring Mulder and Skully began in 1993. The truth is out there!
STAFF PICKS:
“Creep” by Radiohead
Brian features the ultra-depressing lyrics of Thom Yorke. The song was inspired by an obsession York had with a stranger. When he confessed his obsession, the result was decidedly not a good one.
“I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)” by Meat Loaf
Bruce features the longest single in history to make it to #1 on the charts, clocking in at 7:58. Meat Loaf won a Grammy for this song from the sequel album to 1977's “Bat out of Hell.”
“My Sister” by The Juliana Hatfield Three
Wayne brings an alternative track that was big on the radio, but didn't make it to the charts. It is told from the perspective of a little sister or brother looking up to a big sister, with the love-hate relationship that comes with it.
“Crazy Mary” by Pearl Jam
Rob's staff pick was originally a folk song written by guitar player Victoria Williams. Pearl Jam put this cover on a benefit album for Williams after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Williams sings in the background.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
“Food Innuendo Guy” by Adam Sandler
This song really mashes our potatoes.
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.

Huey Lewis and keyboardist Sean Hopper started their career with a jazz-funk band called Clover in San Francisco in 1972. After spending some time in the UK and working with Thin Lizzy, Lewis joined with Hopper and members of another San Francisco band called Soundhole to become "Huey Lewis & The American Express." The name was changed to Huey Lewis & The News when Chrysalis records brought up concerns about trademark infringement from the credit card company.
Fore! is the fourth studio album from Huey Lewis and the News, and continued the band's string of hit singles from their third album called "Sports." Huey Lewis himself was a bit of a celebrity at this point, and made a cameo in "Back to the Future" where he judged Marty McFly's band as they auditioned with a hard rock version of Huey Lewis and the News' "The Power of Love."
We hope you enjoy this journey into the throwback do-wop rock of Huey Lewis and the News!
Jacob's Ladder
The first track on the album was written by Bruce and John Hornsby, and went to number 1 in 1987. The imagery contrasts getting through life one day at a time against the televangelist caricature.
Whole Lotta Lovin’
This is a deep cut off the album, about being on the road and away from the one you love. The lyrics are pretty funny.
Naturally
Bruce's favorite song on the album us another deep cut, this time a cappella. If you sang in groups of any type during the 80’s, you know this song.
Hip To Be Square
This is one of the hits off the album that represents the time very well. Lewis intended this to be ironic, not an anthem for squares around the world, but the band did have a clean cut, conservative image. They were a little older than many of the superstar groups and didn’t tend to trash every hotel they stayed in. Still, Lewis was the child of beatniks, and bristles a little with the idea that he relishes squareness. Members of the San Francisco 49ers are singing backup here, including Joe Montana and Ronnie Lott.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
”Ruthless People” by Mick Jagger
This track was the theme to a comedy film with lots of stars and lots of plot twists, and the song was moving up the charts.
STAFF PICKS:
"Tuff Enuff" by The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Brian features the Texas based group with Stevie Ray's brother Jimmy Vaughan on guitar. This song peaked at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Shake Me" by Cinderella
Wayne comments that the hair bands were making their mark on the rock scene at the time. This is Cinderella's first single off their album “Night Songs”
"Welcome to the Boomtown" by David & David
Rob's staff pick walks the alternative rock path. This storytelling song references the allure of riches and drugs - “all that money makes such a succulent sound.”
"The Hunter" by GTR 
Bruce's staff pick features a one-album supergroup composed of guitarist Steve Hackett of Genesis and Steve Howe of Asia and Yes.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
"Bass Case" by Quiet Riot
We finish off this week's podcast with a rare bass solo piece.
 
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.

One of the most famous of the British "mod" groups, Small Faces was founded by Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Jimmy Winston (although Winston had been replaced by Ian McLagan by this album). Small Faces was solidly in the psychedelic rock category. Small Faces toured with The Who, a group also known as a "mod" group. The name comes from the fact that all the members were under 5' 9". There Are But Four Small Faces was an international alternative to their eponymous second album released in 1967 in Britain.
Talk to You
This song was a more blues-oriented track than psychedelic.
 
Here Come the Nice
This track is a more typical psychedelic song, and was surprisingly able to make it past the censors of the day, since it was a tribute to a drug dealer.
Itchycoo Park
This song is a tale of kids skipping school and drinking in a place they called Itchycoo Park. They really didn't intend to release this track, but it went to number 16 in the U.S. anyway. However, this song was banned by the censors in the UK.
Tin Soldier
Marriott wrote this more rock-oriented song, and took it with him when he went to Humble Pie. It was written for a model named Jenny Rylance, whom he would later marry.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The Theme from Rowan & Martin's "Laugh-In" 
This edgy show premiered in January 1968
STAFF PICKS:
“Think” by Aretha Franklin
Bruce's staff pick is from the Queen of Soul, off her 13th studio album. This was the only song off the album that was written by Franklin.
“Different Drum” by The Stone Poneys featuring Linda Ronstadt
Ronstadt's vocals on this track make this style of performance the sound that would define this song, though it would be covered multiple times.
“Judy in Disguise (with Glasses)” by John Fred and His Playboy Band
Brian's staff pick was a parody of the Beatles' "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds," a parody that John Lennon enjoyed. Brian knew John Fred during his childhood in Baton Rouge, so this is a staff pick with special meaning.
“Bend Me, Shape Me” by American Breed
This horn-driven piece is another song that was recorded by a number of groups, but this is the best known version. American Breed would be a one-hit wonder, but would have success writing commercial jingles.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
“Love is Blue” by Paul Mauriat and His Orchestra
This orchestral instrumental song was a top hit at the time.
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 actual title of David Bowie's fifth studio album is The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. This influential album from the highly creative David Bowie would become the standard bearer of early 70's glam rock. This genre was outrageous, decadent, and a departure from the heavier, revolutionary political tone of late 70's rock music. Bowie created a character named Ziggy Stardust - an androgynous, bisexual rock star channeling aliens to save the earth from destruction which was only 5 years away. Bowie would later struggle to keep his own identity from being lost in that of Stardust. We hope you enjoy this journey into this iconic glam rock work.
“Ziggy Stardust”
The title track introduces the character, but doesn't appear to have actually been released as a single. However, it received significant airplay on the FM rock radio stations.
 
“Hang On to Yourself”
This track is less glam rock and more punk rock. The Ziggy Stardust album wasn't written as a concept album from the start, but morphed into that somewhat organically. That means that the songs themselves stand alone well, and there is variety in the type of songs you hear.
 
“Starman”
This song was the last to be recorded for the album, and was the first single released. Supposedly the powers-that-be had not "heard a single" from the album, which led to the addition of Starman.
 
“Suffragette City”
Believe it or not, this most famous of the tracks from the Ziggy Stardust album was the B-side to the "Starman" single. Bowie originally offered this song to the band "Mott the Hoople" when they were having difficulties but they didn't take it. They did record "All the Young Dudes," also by Bowie.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“The Candy Man” by Sammy Davis, Jr.
This cover from the movie "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" released the prior year would become one of Sammy Davis Jr's. biggest hits.
 
STAFF PICKS:
“Hold Your Head Up” by Argent
Rod Argent, formerly of The Zombies, formed this group who played this rock anthem. It was released as a single in 1972 before making it to an album, and was their only U.S. hit.
 
“Old Man” by Neil Young
Brian's staff pick takes a mellow and reflective approach with lyrics inspired by Young's relationship with an older owner of a ranch that Young bought. This is off the Harvest album.
 
“Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress)” by The Hollies
Wayne brings us some swamp rock with his pick. This is one of the more rocking songs by The Hollies, with lyrics inspired by bootlegging days of the Prohibition era.
 
“Hot Rod Lincoln” by Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen
This is a cover of a song released and written by Charlie Ryan back in 1955. It has been recorded a number of times, but this one is the most popular version.
 
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
“Amazing Grace” by The Pipes and Drums and Military Band of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards
This spiritual piece actually made it on the top 40 at the time.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.
Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!
**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

Athens, Georgia may have been known as the music hotbed during the middle 80's, but Drivin' N Cryin' out of nearby Atlanta was benefitting from the Georgia focus as well. Scarred But Smarter was their debut album created on a shoestring budget, with songs that reflect the sound of the Athens scene (where the album was recorded), but with lyrical depth and variety. After several down years, Drivin' N Cryin' is on the upswing again, and you can catch them on tour today.
We are thrilled to have Eric Von Haessler of "The Von Haessler Doctrine" (WSB Radio) join us to present this great album. Eric’s knowledge on the band is extensive, as he produced and directed the 2012 documentary, “Scarred by Smarter: Life n Times of Drivin n Cryin.” Fans should check it out on Amazon Prime!
Scarred but Smarter 
This rocking title track from the album is about picking yourself up and learning from the difficulties of life. "There's always a chance to get restarted to a new world, new life, scarred but smarter."
Keys to Me 
This track discusses the hope that someone will "get" you, even if you don't understand yourself. "Turn me around and listen you to me."
Bring Home the Bacon 
"Bring home the bacon and take out the trash, it's just another matter of fact." You can sense the Beatles influence in this song. This slower track provides a sense of the variety on the album.
Stand Up and Fight for It
This song in 3/4 time encourages living the life that you want to live, and don't let others define you.
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“Jumpin' Jack Flash” by the Rolling Stones
Whoopi Goldberg starred in the movie with this title, featuring the song from decades past.
 
STAFF PICKS:
“The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades” by Timbuk3
Bruce's staff pick was popular on the Georgia Tech campus and at graduations at the time, but the line wasn't supposed to be taken so optimistically. It referenced nuclear holocaust.
“To Be a Lover” by Billy Idol
Rob picked this hit single off Idol's “Whiplash Smile” album, which was a cover originally co-written and performed by Booker T. Jones and William Bell in 1968. The original title was "Forgot to Be Your Lover."
“Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone” by Glass Tiger
Brian's staff pick features a Canadian group who got a boost with a credit and a guest appearance by Bryan Adams on this song. This is off their first album “The Thin Red Line.”
 
“Will I Ever Understand You?” by Berlin
Despite the name, Wayne points out that this band actually originated from California. This deeper cut describes a person looking in the mirror trying to understand herself.
 
LAUGH TRACK:
“Addicted to Spuds” by Weird Al Yankovic
We finish off this episode with Weird Al's parody of the Robert Palmer classic.
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.

Most bands make their first album the eponymous one, but Genesis waited until their twelfth studio album to name it  Genesis.  This one continues the trend toward pop that started with "Abacab" and "Three Sides Live," but maintains the prog rock and art rock connections of their roots.  By this time Genesis consisted of Mike Rutherford on keyboards, Tony Banks on guitar, and Phil Collins on drums and lead vocals.  Collins would become a celebrity shortly after this album was released.
Folks, there's not a bad song on this entire album.  We hope you enjoy this salute to Genesis as much as we enjoyed making it.
“Home By the Sea”
This deep cut tells the story of a burglar who unwittingly breaks into a haunted house, and is subjected to the stories "As we relive our lives in what we tell you."  The album cut for this song drifts into a largely instrumental and percussion piece called "Second Home By the Sea."
“Illegal Alien”
Phil Collins dons a fake accent for this political but tongue in cheek take on the American immigration situation in 1983.  The bridge consists of a sample of street sounds.  "Over the border there lies the promised land where everything comes easy.  You just hold out your hand."
“Job to Do”
This rocking deep cut has a keyboard sound more reminiscent of Abacab.  Collins would pull away from intensely focusing on Genesis to spend more time with family after this album.  Genesis is unusually talented at the transitions in their songs.
“Silver Rainbow”
This low key track has a lot of fantasy and prog rock elements.  "But if you're sitting there beside her and a bear walks in the room, and you keep on going, 'cause you're unaware..."
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
R.E.M. - Radio Free Europe  R.E.M. made their debut on the David Letterman show this month.
STAFF PICKS:
“It Must Be Love” by Madness
Brian's staff pick is from the group better known for "Our House."  This song received some air play on radio and video, but Madness was much more popular in the UK.
 
“Promises, Promises” by Naked Eyes
This first wave, synth-driven song screams early 80's.  Naked Eyes formed after the breakup of the band "Neon."  The other members of "Neon" formed the group "Tears for Fears."
 
“Monkey On Your Back” by Aldo Nova
Bruce's staff pick is from Canadian singer and producer Aldo Nova, and tells a story of lives destroyed by drugs, "a dragon that bites a hole in his arm at night."
 
“Mirror Man” by the Human League
Rob continues the synth pop trend of this week.  The Human League sang with a British accent, somewhat unusual in the music of the time.  The Human League still tours today.  The Mirror Man was revealed to be Adam Ant many years after the song's release.
 
LAUGH TRACK:
“Far From Over” by Frank Stallone
This is the only top 10 song from "Staying Alive," the underwhelming sequel to “Saturday Night Fever.”
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.

Yes, those bearded wonders, the trio of ZZ Top would find their breakthrough hit in LaGrange off their third album entitled Tres Hombres. With Billy Gibbons on guitar, Dusty Hill on bass, and Frank Beard (ironically the only member without a beard) on drums, ZZ Top would begin their climb to stardom via Texas blues/rock with this album. ZZ Top started in 1969 in Houston, Texas and are still playing together today after 50 years.
​We hope you enjoy this treat from the Texas blues trio as much as we do.
Waitin' for the Bus
Have Mercy! This is the first track on the album, and was inspired by "people watching" at the bus stop.
 
Jesus Just Left Chicago
The second track on the album has no noticeable break from the first, and you will often hear the two played together on the radio. Billy Gibbons said that this song was a gospel-inspired blues number. 
 
Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers
This hard driving Southern rock piece originated in a stop ZZ Top took one night at a roadside bar near El Paso to avoid a windstorm. 
 
Have You Heard? This deep cut combines gospel and straight blues. Both Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill were offered $1 million to shave their beard, and they turned the money down. George W. Bush declared May 15th, 1997 "ZZ Top Day" as governor of Texas.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from "Match Game"
We're pretty sure the entire crew of this game was toasted the entire time.
STAFF PICKS:
“Walk Like a Man” by Grand Funk
Wayne's staff pick was a hit from the album "We're an American Band." Grand Funk Railroad had truncated their name to Grand Funk by this time.
“Diamond Girl” by Seals & Crofts
Rob features the softer side of rock with his pick, also from a Texas group. There were several hits from Seals and Crofts during the 70's.
“Brother Louie” by Stories
Bruce features a funky story about an interracial relationship and the intolerance of the couple's families.
“Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” by George Harrison
Brian's pick features Beatles alumnus Harrison in an acoustic-leaning prayer for peace. George Harrison was reluctant to talk to the media, preferring to have his song speak for themselves. 
 
COMEDY TRACK:
“Watergate” by Dickie Goodman
This comedy collage spoofs on the scandal of Watergate and finishes us off for this week.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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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.

On Sunday, September 15th 2019, Ric Ocasek of The Cars passed away at his townhouse where he was recovering from surgery. This group was a staple of radio and video throughout the later 70's and 80's, and their album Heartbeat City propelled them to super-stardom both with the number of singles off the album and heavy video airplay on MTV.
We covered The Cars' debut album on What the Riff?!? Ep. 28, but it seemed appropriate to make this group the first one we feature twice as a tribute to Ocasek and his work as front man of the group. We hope you enjoy this “Drive” down memory lane and keep Ocasek's family in your prayers.“Magic”
This is one of the five single hits produced by this album. The video featured Ocasek "walking on water" in a pool at the Hilton estate. During the production, the Plexiglas used to facilitate the stunt cracked, dumping Ocasek in the water.
 
“Looking for Love ”
This deeper cut has a more New Wave feel. Ric Ocasek was the songwriter for The Cars. 
 
“You Might Think”
The funny and strange video for this cut is iconic, and beat out Michael Jackson's ultra-successful “Thriller” for MTV Video of the Year.
 
“Heartbeat City”
The title track received radio airplay as the B-side of “You Might Think” in the U.S., but was not actually released as a single. Who is Jackie, and what took her so long?
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“The Theme from Friday the 13th” by Harry Manfredini
This month saw the release of the fourth iteration of the Friday the 13th movies was called “The Final Chapter”... but obviously wasn't the end.
 
STAFF PICKS:
“99 Red Balloons” by Nena
This song had two versions, and English language version and a German version. The German version was surprisingly popular in America. The song itself tells the story of worldwide destruction from war initiated after mistaking 99 helium balloons for an aerial attack.
 
“Balls to the Wall” by Accept
The title of Wayne's heavy staff pick references the throttles on a jet fighter. Full throttle is pushing the ball at the top of the throttle all the way forward. It means going full out. Like Nena, Accept is also from Germany.
“Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol
This title track from Idol's second studio album. Though the song is about a one-night stand, the title was inspired by a late night session Idol had with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ron Wood taking swigs from a bottle of Rebel Yell bourbon whiskey.
“So You Ran” by Orion the Hunter
This group was made up of two artists from the group Boston, and the lead vocalist would actually join Boston to handle lead vocal duties on Boston's fourth album “Walk On” in Brad Delp's absence. This album is kind of hard to find these days — and the song is not on iTunes.
 
INSTRUMENTAL:
“Drive” by the Cars
We finish off this week with an instrumental version of the biggest hit off “Heartbeat City.” This one was originally sung by Benjamin Orr (who died of pancreatic cancer in October of 2000) rather than Ocasek, but the voiceless version seemed appropriate. Rest in peace gentlemen, and thank you for the music!
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.

With Tooth, Fang, and Claw, the Motor City Madman released this seventh and final album as Ted Nugent's Amboy Dukes​. When they started in the 60's the Amboy Dukes were more popular, but over time Ted Nugent's star would overshadow the group until finally Nugent would go out on his own. Over time, Ted Nugent's personality and politics have become so prominent that it can overshadow his musicianship, and it is good to remember how incredible he is as a guitarist.
​Join us as we explore this hard rocking album.
“Sasha” 
This track is more mellow than what we've come to expect from Nugent. The song is about Ted Nugent's daughter and how her presence affects his outlook.
“The Great White Buffalo”
The lyrics on this track reflect Nugent's passion for both hunting and Native Americans, and reflect the wasteful approach taken by American hunters in the late 19th century towards the buffalo.
“No Holds Barred”
This deeper cut really showcases Nugent's guitar chops. He plays a 1962 Gibson Byrdland, and his style is clear in this straightforward rock song.
“Living in the Woods”
Another deep cut has "classic Ted" lyrics about hunting, outdoor living, and "feeling good, I got my face in the wind." When he was younger, Ted's military father would only buy him a guitar if he promised to practice daily. Clearly the practice paid off!
 
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“The Liberty Bell March” by John Philip Sousa
Any fans of the British comedy show "Monty Python's Flying Circus" will recognize this theme song immediately. The Flying Circus ended its run in the UK in this year, but started a run in the US on PBS in syndication at the same time.
 
STAFF PICKS:
“Can't Get Enough” by Bad Company
Paul Rodgers' distinctive work as lead man of BadCo made the group one of the signature groups of the 70's. This hit single was off their first studio release, and still one of their best.
“Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)” by The Raspberries 
This is the hit off the fourth and last studio release from Eric Carmen and The Raspberries. This Cleveland-based group has great harmonies and piano riffs.
“Billy, Don't Be a Hero” by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods
Rob's pick is a storytelling song that reflects the anti-war sense that was prominent in the mid-70's. It was also ranked by Rolling Stone as number 8 of the "10-worst songs of the 1970's"
Rock Me Gently” by Andy Kim
Wayne makes a rare decision of a #1 hit song as his staff pick with this soulful, funky effort by Canadian Andy Kim.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
“Pick Up the Pieces” by Average White Band
Another funky hit takes us out this week on an instrumental note.
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.

Today we take a moment to remember one of our favorite artists, Eddie Money, who passed away yesterday, Friday, September 13, 2019. Nothing fancy, just three songs: Two Tickets to Paradise, Baby Hold On to Me, and I Want to Go Back. We hope you enjoy sharing our memories and remembering the joy that music brings, and the sadness that comes when we lose somebody special. RIP Eddie Money.Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” 
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balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and
MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
Please follow us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us
with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any
rock-worthy memes we can share.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs
and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can
learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.