What the Riff Next Gen

This will be a familiar band to those of us who grew up in metro-Atlanta in the 80's, and will be a treat to the rest. The Producers got national airplay in the 80's with their new wave, high energy sound. Both this debut album and their follow-up "You Make the Heat" were big, and they probably hit the height of their popularity when they headlined MTV's New Year's Rockin' Eve party in 1982. The Producers (Van Temple, Kyle Henderson, Bryan Holmes, and Wayne Famous) are still playing — so make a point of seeing them live when they play nearby. We hope you enjoy this fantastic album and group.
“What's He Got?”
This track tells about a girl running after a guy with money, and was one of the hits from this debut album.
“I Love Lucy (she don't care)”
“This story has no mystery. There is no hope for jerks like me." A number of tracks from the album have that "I'm a loser" theme that is often heard in alternative rock tracks.
“Who Do You Think You Are?”
“Hey! man, I'm aware of your position. Hey! man, luck has made you the man in charge.”
Wayne Famous was well known for his dancing on stage, and for playing the synthesizer slung over his neck like a guitar.
“What She Does to Me”
This track is also known as "The Diana Song." because of the bridge. This is the biggest hit from the album, peaking at number 63 in July of 1981.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“Flash Gordon Theme” by Queen
Queen did the music for this sci-fi movie, and this song was moving up the charts in March of 1981.
STAFF PICKS:
“Treat Me Right” by Pat Benatar
Brian's staff pick showcases one of the hits from 1980's "Crimes of Passion" album. Nick Giraldo is a great (and underrated) guitarist on this track.
“Hey Nineteen” by Steely Dan
One of Rob’s favorites, Steely Dan had tremendous success at this time. This track from the album "Gaucho" discusses a relationship with a much younger woman. Walter Becker and Donald Fagen used 42 different musicians in the making of this album.
“I have the Skill” by The Sherbs
Wayne brings something a little less known. This group, formerly known as Sherbet was one of Australia's most popular acts at the time. This is their highest charting hit in the U.S., but got no tracking in their native Australia.
”Romeo and Juliet” by Dire Straits
Mark Knopfler and company bring us Bruce's staff pick. This track makes reference to West Side Story and of course Shakespeare. Knopfler wrote this song thinking about his own romance with Holly Vincent.
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
“Ides of March” by Iron Maiden
Wayne brings the rock cred up a notch with this instrumental metal 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.

Folks, it's amazing to realize that the What The Riff podcast has been around for a year! To celebrate, we're focusing this Memorial Day week on rock-and-roll songs of summer. Our memories of summers past have always been tied to the music of the time, and we suspect that is the same for you as well. Whether cruising with the top down, hanging out with friends, or playing your boom box on the beach or at the pool, the right song will “take you back” and the memories come flooding through. We hope you enjoy this special rabbit hole edition as we look at summer songs that rock!
“Summertime, Summertime” by the Jamies
We go back a little earlier than typical with this song from 1958. It has a "sacred harp" sound, and its introductory riff has been covered multiple times.
“Dancing in the Street”
by Martha Reeves & the Vandellas
by David Bowie & Mick Jagger
by Van Halen
Here is a fine example of a song that has been covered multiple times in a number of styles. The consensus of the What The Riff?!? guys is that the Van Halen version is the best. What do you think?
Surfin' U.S.A. by the Beach Boys
Perhaps the group most identified with summer in the 60's. You can't do a summer rock episode without having The Beach Boys make an appearance.
“Wipe Out” by The Surfaris
The most famous instrumental surfing song. What a distinctive percussion and guitar riff!
“In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry
We make our way into 1970 with this easy-going groovey track.
“Summer in the City” by The Lovin' Spoonful
What an awesome line: "Hotter than a matchhead." This song drifts back to a psychedelic 1966, and reminds us of the pre-air conditioning days of summer in the South.
“School's Out” by Alice Cooper
Everyone remembers this anthem playing at the end of school, marking the start of summer.
“Rockaway Beach” by The Ramones
Here is a punk genre summer song from the 70's. This one hearkens to the surfing songs of the 60's.
“Summertime Blues”
by Eddie Cochran
by The Who
by Rush
Here's another example of an original with multiple covers, from 1958 to 1976 to 2004. Were you even aware RUSH did this cover?
“Margaritaville ” by Jimmy Buffett
This 1977 classic is a mandatory summer song, and brings up the drinks of summer.
“Summer Nights” by John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John
While this tune is not exactly a rock song, it was a huge summer classic from the 70's, and we did not feel right leaving it out! ... but we don’t listen to the whole thing...
“Suddenly Last Summer” by The Motels
Drifting into the 80's, The Motels lead off a set of summer songs with female leads. There's a wistfulness with this track we’re all digging.
“Cruel Summer” by Bananarama
Bananarama had a string of hits in the 80's, including this summer song in a minor key.
“Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves
And we switch to a 1985 hit that is more upbeat and positive. This was the biggest hit for Katrina and the Waves, almost (but not quite) their "one hit wonder.“
“Holiday Road” by Lindsey Buckingham
This 1983 hit was made famous by “National Lampoon's Vacation” movies, and appeared in subsequent movies in the series. To us, it sounds a little bit like Kenny Loggins, maybe.
“Mas Tequila” by Sammy Hagar
We step outside our normal chronology with this track from 1999. But it just FEELS like summer.
“Blister in the Sun” by the Violent Femmes
A 1983 track, this one is a more alternative rock summer song with a distinctive guitar riff.
“Miserlou” by Dick Dale
We finish off this rabbit hole episode with an instrumental from the King of the Surf Guitar, and from the movie "Pulp Fiction."
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.

When you think of college alternative rock of the 80's, the group you are most likely to have in your head is The Smiths. Their third studio album, “The Queen Is Dead,” continues their brand of Manchester Brit-pop, decidedly pessimistic, but with accessible muscial hooks. The Smiths’ sound is largely due to the collaboration between front man Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr - sophisticated, critical, and downright depressing. Still this influential group has had a staying power beyond their contemporaries. Tim Andrews brings us this complex and bleak album as he guest-hosts this week's episode.
The Queen Is Dead
This anti-royalty track criticizes the royal family and the continual media frenzy around them. Morrissey considered royalty to be "a hideous joke."
Frankly, Mr. Shankly
This track describes a letter written by an unhappy worker to his tyrannical boss.
I Know It's Over
This emotional ballad depicts a man at the end of a bleak life. "I know it's over - still I cling, I don't know where else I can go."
There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
This is a better known track from the album. The music sounds upbeat until you catch the lyrics: "And if a double-decker bus crashes into us, to die by your side is such a heavenly way to die."
STAFF PICKS:
Billy Joel - Big Man on Mulberry Street
Bruce's staff pick highlights a jazzy deep cut from Joel's album "The Bridge." This song made an appearance as the music behind a dream sequence from the TV show "Moonlighting."
Van Halen - Dreams
This synthesizer-heavy hit from the Sammy Hagar era of Van Halen is off "5150," the first Van Halen album with Hagar as frontman. Rob loves the irony that “ 5150” is the California Welfare and Institutions code for an insane person.
GTR - When the Heart Rules the Mind
Brian brings this supergroup featuring Yes guitarist Steve Howe and Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett. GTR only had this single album, and this track was their biggest hit.
David Lee Roth - Yankee Rose
Wayne reminds us that both Van Halen and David Lee Roth had hits at this time. Steve Vai was Roth's guitarist on this song. Although you might think this was another song about girls, this song is actually about the Statue of Liberty on which refurbishment was completed at the time.
The Fixx - Secret Separation
Tim's staff pick features the UK band famous for their earlier album "Reach the Beach." This later hit has great harmonies
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
REM - The White Tornado
This instrumental off the collection album "Dead Letter Office" closes out our podcast for the week.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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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.

Brian presents the second album by The Byrds as they continued their folk rock mix of vocal and twelve-string guitar harmonies originally explored in their debut album released earlier in the year. There are two songs from Bob Dylan - "The Times They Are A-Changin' and "Lay Down Your Weary Tune" - along with a number of other covers.
Join us as we explore the album Turn! Turn! Turn! as well as the famous title track and several other excellent songs from The Byrds.
“Oh! Susannah”
This Stephen Foster cover was originally intended as a joke, but they received a positive reception regardless. There aren't too many songs originally written over 100 years prior.
“Set You Free this Time”
This track features the 12-string Rickenbacker guitar, common in many of the songs from The Byrds, and has a San Francisco feel. The Byrds were originally from Los Angeles.
“It Won't Be Wrong”
This brief track showcases the vocal harmonies of The Byrds, reminiscent of The Mamas and The Papas.
“Turn, Turn, Turn”
The well-known title track was written by Pete Seeger and originated in the book of Ecclesiastes from the Bible. There was a guitar solo in this song, a rarity at the time. It is a reaction to the tumultuous times of the mid-60's. "A time for peace - I swear it's not too late."
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“Christmastime Is Here” by Vince Guaraldi Trio
The first airing of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" occurred this year.
STAFF PICKS:
“Fever” by The McCoys
Originally recorded by Little Willie John and covered by lots of people, most famously by Peggy Lee, The McCoys were moving up the chart with this cover at the time. The McCoys featured Rick Derringer who would go on to play in the Edgar Winter and Johnny Winter bands.
“Seesaw” by Don Covay
Wayne's pick goes into the R&B genre. Aretha Franklin would chart even higher with her version of this Don Covay original. There is a great horn section in this track. "Your love is like a seesaw."
“Flowers on the Wall” by The Statler Brothers
Rob's pick goes into the country genre with this debut single. Check out that bass voice in the vocal harmony. The Statler Brothers were members of Johnny Cash's band at the time that this song was recorded. The name "Statler" came from a brand of tissue in their hotel.
“Let's Hang On” by The Four Seasons
Brian closes out Staff Picks with the distinctive high tenor that can only be Frankie Valli. He was recording both with The Four Seasons and his solo work at the time.
LAUGH TRACK:
“The Drinking Mans Diet” by Allen Sherman
Allen Sherman was a precursor to "Weird Al" Yankovic - a comedian who produced spoof songs like this track. "Drink, drink, everyone drink!"
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.

After stratospheric commercial success in the 1980's, Duran Duran had been on a downswing before releasing this seventh studio - and second self-titled - album. They would hit the top 5 once again with what became known as “The Wedding Album” due to the album artwork showing wedding pictures from the band members' parents. This album was a comeback and reinvention of the group for the 90's. It has a wide variety of sounds and tempos, but maintains the distinctive harmonies for which Duran Duran was known. Join us a Rob takes us through this excellent album.
Too Much Information
This rocking track starts the album, and gives a sense of the information overload that was just beginning in 1993. While there was a sense of the old Duran Duran at times, The Wedding Album really serves as a reinvention of the group.
Love Voodoo
This is a more club/dance-oriented track in a minor key. Duran Duran became superstars on the strength of MTV as "new romantics."
Shelter
This has a James Bond feel, and is a good song to hear with headphones. It continues the dance feel with interesting percussion crashes and vocal effects. **
Ordinary World
This is the first single released from the album, and it hit number 1. Much slower than the dance oriented tracks, this shows some of the diversity of the album. The single was released several months in advance of the album.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from “The Late Show with David Letterman”
March 1993 marks the start of David Letterman on CBS after being passed over for host of The Tonight Show on NBC in favor of Jay Leno.
STAFF PICKS:
“Blood and Thunder” by Ultra Vivid Scene
Wayne showcases a hidden gem with a southern rock feel. Kirk Ralske was the driving force behind this alternative rock band.
“Pride and Joy” by Coverdale Page
Bruce's pick highlights a rock/blues track by the supergroup formed by Whitesnake's David Coverdale and Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page.
“Romeo” by Dolly Parton and Friends
Brian crosses over to the country genre with a supergroup including Mary Chapin Carpenter, Pam Tillis, Tanya Tucker, Kathy Mattea, and Billy Ray Cyrus.
“Two Princes” by The Spin Doctors
This song hit number 7 on the US tracks, and the highest international charting song for the group. The syncopated percussion was typical of 90's alternative rock. Believe it or not, the Spin Doctors performed a special version of this on Sesame Street.
COMEDY TRACK:
“Come to Butthead”
We finish off this session with a comedy song based on MTV's "Beavis and Butthead" cartoon created by Mike Judge. “SCHUTTUP BEEVITH!”
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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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.

With their self-titled debut album, Boston burst onto the stage with a sound that would come to define classic rock - "the Boston sound." Although an instant hit (it was the second best selling debut album in US history), it took several years for the demo tape to be accepted by a record label, and then would require some evasion of the label's wishes for MIT graduate Tom Scholz to be able to create the full album in his basement studio instead of taking it to Los Angeles. Driven by Brad Delp's soaring tenor vocals and Tom Scholz' work on virtually everything else, this album is a must-have in any rock lover's catalog - and that's more than a feeling!
Foreplay/Long Time
The instrumental prelude "Foreplay" with its distinctive triplet pattern is one of the first songs written, dating back to 1969. "Long Time" features the switch between acoustic and electric guitar that would be one of several signature features of the Boston sound.
Peace of Mind
This is the third single from the album. Scholz was working at Polaroid as a design engineer when he was shopping this album, and this song reflects Scholz thoughts on corporate life.
Hitch a Ride
This mellow track has a little bit of a hippie feel, but maintains a positive vibe that you see in the tracks on this album. The production on this track is amazing.
Rock and Roll Band
While this track might sound autobiographical, it is actually the opposite - it took a long time and a lot of work for Boston to get accepted. The band had never played live when the song was written.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
**Theme from "What's Happening" **
This TV show featured Dwayne, Raj, Dee, and Rerun. Hard to believe that Rerun was considered overweight by 1970s standards...
**STAFF PICKS:
**
“Last Child” by Aerosmith
Rob's staff pick features another band from Boston, Aerosmith. Steven Tyler and Brad Whitford wrote this track for the album "Rocks", and if you listen, it has a similar sound to David Bowie's "Fame."
“Devil Woman” by Cliff Richard
It may have come out in August, but this is definitely a Halloween song. Cliff Richard is considered the "English Elvis," selling over 250 million records in his career.
**“Afternoon Delight” by Starlight Vocal Band **
Brian's staff pick takes the tone down with this number 1 hit from the time. Starlight Vocal Band featured tight harmonies, and would parlay the song into a variety show, for which David Letterman would be a writer.
“Still the One” by Orleans
Bruce's staff pick also features close harmonies and a very positive take on long-term relationships. Joanna and John Hall wrote the song. Band co-founder John Hall would go on to be a congressman from New York.
***INSTRUMENTAL:
*
**
“Nadia's Theme” by Henry Mancini
This instrumental hit was inspired by Romanian gymnast Nadia Comanici's scoring the first "perfect 10" in the 1976 Summer Olympic games.
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.

Folks, it's time to party! With their second studio album, Wild Planet, Athens-based band, The B-52's continued their new wave, high energy weirdness. Front man Fred Schneider's frequently spoken vocals and Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson's harmonies give The B-52's a very distinctive sound — the beehive hairdo sported by Kate and Cindy gave the band its name. There's not a bad song on the entire album. We hope you enjoy this week's very upbeat installment of What the Riff!
Party Out of Bounds
This track starts the album with a high energy party song. The B-52's are clearly identified with fun, and they never took themselves too seriously.
Give Me Back My Man
Cindy Wilson takes the lead vocals on this track, which was the second single released from the album.
Private Idaho
This is the hit track from the album, and a staple of the party circuit from high school dances to college bars. "Don't be blind to the big surprise - swimming round and round like the deadly hand of a radium clock."
Strobe Light
A more risque song was the third single released from the album. The B-52's would take a hiatus in 1985 when band mate Ricky Williams died, but then, they came back better than ever.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from "Xanadu" by Olivia Newton-John
No hit movie here, but Jeff Lynne of ELO partners with Newton-John on this hit song from 1980.
STAFF PICKS:
“In America” by the Charlie Daniels Band
Bruce shares this hit from CDB's "Full Moon" album, which channels the anger that a lot of Americans had over the Iran hostage crisis. Daniels saw this point as a revitalization of American patriotism.
**“Don't Misunderstand Me” by Rossington Collins Band **
Wayne brings some southern rock to us in his staff pick. The surviving members of Lynyrd Skynyrd after the tragic plane crash formed this band with a female lead (Dale Krantz). The band would stick around for two studio albums.
“Misunderstanding” by Genesis
This hit off the album “Duke” was written by Phil Collins, and was originally intended for Collins' solo album. Rob points out that if you listen, the song was clearly inspired by Toto's "Hold the Line" and The Beach Boys "Sail on Sailor."
“Don't Ask Me Why” by Billy Joel
Brian's staff pick is an all acoustic song from Billy Joel's album, “Glass Houses.” Joel would win his first Grammy for this album. "You are still a victim of the accidents you leave as sure as I'm a victim of desire." The piano solo consists of 15 overdubbed pianos!
INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:
“Star Wars-The Empire Strikes Back Medley” by MECO
We finish off with a disco-esque medley based on the popular Star Wars saga. Remember this age of album medleys?
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.

Almost everyone is familiar with Janis Joplin as a fixture sound of the late 60's, but some may not know that she got her San Francisco start with Big Brother and the Holding Company on their self-titled debut album in 1967. Joplin was ostracized in high school, and you can get a sense of her as a lonely soul through her singing. She joined Big Brother and the Holding Company in 1966, which was an established band at the time. Joplin would move on to become a superstar soon, but this gives you a taste of her early work.
Cuckoo
This minor key track is about a gold digger, and features Joplin's unmistakable voice prominently.
Big Brother and the Holding Company - Call on Me "I need you, darling, like the fish needs the sea, don't take your sweet, sweet love from me."
Intruder
Janis Joplin wrote this song, and it has a more psychedelic sound. Joplin was inspired by Otis Redding's style.
Down on Me
This blues track is the big song off the album, though it wasn't a top 40 hit. It talks about how the world is "down on me."
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“Foggy Mountain Breakdown” by Flatt & Scruggs
This bluegrass song is from the movie "Bonnie and Clyde" which was in the theater at the time.
STAFF PICKS:
“Windy” by The Association
Brian's staff pick was a feature of AM radio at the time. This is about a fictional character dreamed up by folk singer-songwriter Ruthann Friedman. The Association was also a staple of television variety shows.
**“I Thank the Lord for the Night Time” by Neil Diamond **
Rob's pick by this well-known artist considered this song "as close as this white Jewish kid from Brooklyn could come to being a Gospel singer!"
“Heroes and Villains” by The Beach Boys
This song that Bruce brought was originally intended to be the centerpiece of the epic and unreleased album “Smile.” It appeared as the opening song to the substitute album “Smiley Smile.”
“I Happen to Love You” by The Electric Prunes
Wayne's deep cut staff pick reflects the psychedelic nature of the time. It reflects the nervousness associated with a passionate love affair. Carole King was a co-writer on this song.
**“The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins” by Leonard Nimoy **
A cult classic from the original actor playing Star Trek's "Mr. Spock" finishes out this week's podcast. It played on the popularity of both Star Trek and Tolkien's works.
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.

ALBUM SPOTLIGHT:
Elton John — Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”
September, 1973
Elton John's seventh studio release is considered his best by many. The double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road contains many well known hits including the title track, the Marilyn Monroe-inspired “Candle in the Wind,” and the 11-minute epic “Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding.” Elton John initially intended to record this album in Jamaica, but political instability and the upcoming Frazier/Foreman boxing match caused the production to be moved to Chateau d'Herouville in France.
Friend of the Show John Lynch returns to help us showcase this monster rock album from 1973.
All the Girls Love Alice
This deeper cut in a minor key deals with prostitution and lesbianism. Tempo changes between the verses and chorus with a groovy fuzzy guitar distortion give this track its distinctive sound. Liberty music was originally trying to get John and writer/partner Bernie Taupin to write songs for other artists, but they decided to write it for themselves.
**Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting **
This well-known track was inspired by Taupin's experience in local pubs as a lad — it was banned on a number of radio stations because of fears that it would inspire violence. At age 15, Elton John was actually playing in pubs.
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
The title track hearkens to a simpler childhood time, removed from celebrity and high society. Reginald Kenneth Dwight would change his name to Elton John inspired by two blues players he liked.
Grey Seal
Another deeper track from the album is driven by piano riffs and interesting key and tempo changes. If you don't understand the lyrics to this song, you're in good company - Elton John doesn't understand the lyrics either!
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
**Super Friends Theme Song **
This staple of Saturday morning cartoons featured DC superheroes...“Meanwhile, back in the Halls of Justice...”
STAFF PICKS:
**Looking Glass - “Jimmy Love Mary-Anne” **
Wayne brings us the yacht rock this week. If you think this sounds like "Brandy," there's a reason for it. This is their follow-up top-40 hit. Story songs like this were popular in the early '70's.
**The Edgar Winter Group - “Free Ride” **
Bruce's staff pick brings the boogie from the debut album from The Edgar Winter Group. Ronnie Montrose and Rick Derringer were also on this album.
Jim Croce - Bad Bad Leroy Brown
Special Guest Host stepping in for Brian, John Lynch introduces another storytelling song with amazing lyrics like, "badder than old King Kong, and meaner than a junkyard dog." Unfortunately, Croce would die in a plane crash in this month.
Chicago - Just You 'n' Me
Rob takes the tempo down with a horn-driven hit. This was the second single released from "Chicago VI." The song was inspired by an argument that trombone player James Pankow had with his girlfriend - shortly thereafter his wife.
LAUGH TRACK:
**Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt Kickers - Monster Mash​ **
Ahead of Halloween 1973, this song was moving up the charts. Originally released in 1962, the song was re-released in 1973.
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 his third studio album, Girlfriend, alternative rock artist Matthew Sweet saw his career launched to the next level. Although originally from Nebraska, Sweet connected with REM so much that he met up with them and left home to became a part of the music scene in Athens, Georgia. The album cover is of a 50’s actress named Tuesday Weld. The album was written after Sweet went through a divorce, and that may drive some of the creativity exhibited - a kind of therapy for the artist. Join us as Wayne takes us on this tour of pre-grunge alternative rock.
I've Been Waiting
This “power pop” song feels a bit like REM, with whom Sweet found an affinity. The album overall has a “soft grunge” feel, as it fits between grunge and the lighter pop sounds of the day.
Evangeline
This track is based off a character in a comic book. Evangeline is a weapons-wielding nun who works for the Vatican, and the song is told from the perspective of Johnny Six.
Does She Talk
This deeper track has a heavier, blusey sound. "She's just your size, she's sexy, she's beautiful, does she talk? 'Cause, man, you can't teach a slithering snake how to talk."
Girlfriend
This is the #1 hit from the album — and the namesake. Matthew Sweet's songs have been featured on many movies and TV shows, including "Scrubs," Smallville," and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme song from “Ren and Stempy”
Nicktoons premiered this cartoon in August of 1991.
STAFF PICKS:
**Rush - “Roll the Bones” **
Bruce's staff pick is the title song from their 14th studio album. The Roll the Bones album was Rush's biggest success since Moving Pictures, and is built around the concept of chance.
**Van Halen - “Standing on Top of the World” **
Rob features a positive, upbeat song from Van Halen's third studio album with Sammy Hagar as frontman, and the only song off the album to make it to the top 40.
Nirvana - “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
With such a distinctive opening riff, you know it's Nirvana. This monster hit brought to us by Brian is off "Nevermind," the group's second studio album.
Ozzy Osbourne - “I Don't Want to Change the World”
Yes… there was still heavy metal in 1991 between the alternative and the grunge sounds. This track won a Grammy for best Metal Performance.
INSTRUMENTAL/LAUGH TRACK:
**Van Halen - 316 **
This soft instrumental pays tribute to Wolfgang Van Halen who was born on March 16th, 1991, and is now a member of the band.
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.

February 1984— The Pretenders— “Learning to Crawl”
Coming after a hiatus and the tragedy of losing two band members to drug overdoses, The Pretenders third studio album was perhaps a surprisingly successful endeavor. The name “Learning to Crawl” pays homage to Chrissy Hynde's daughter, Natalie Rae Hynde, who was indeed learning to crawl at the time. There's a sense of loss that comes from this album in tracks like “My City Was Gone” or “Time the Avenger,” but there's also an acknowledgment of more mundane activities in songs like “Watching the Clothes.” This is a great album from one of Rock's strong female leads, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
“Middle of the Road”
This is the first track on the album, and has a bit of a new wave feel. This song was released as a single in 1983, ahead of the album release, as were several tracks off the album. Check out the guitar riff and the harmonica solo on this one.
“Time the Avenger”
This one has a Romantics feel to it. "No one is perfect, not even a perfect stranger." Hynde spent some time in London with groups like The Clash and The Damned.
“Watching the Clothes”
Here's a deeper cut inspired by the death of a friend and spending time in the laundromat.
“My City Was Gone”
Anyone who has heard the Rush Limbaugh program bump music has heard this track. The inspiration for this was Hynde's return to her hometown and the changes she saw over time. “And my pretty countryside had been paved down the middle by a government that had no pride.”
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“Never Say Never” by Romeo Void, from the movie, Reckless
This cult classic was featured in the 1984 movie "Reckless," a movie with a soundtrack that was more popular than the film.
STAFF PICKS:
“What if I’d Been the One” by 38 Special
This Southern Rock track was off of 38 Special's album "Tour de Force." The lyrics are quite depressing despite the upbeat sound of the tune itself. Bruce went local as the album was recorded at Studio One in Doraville, GA.
“Take Me Away” by Blue Oyster Cult
Wayne doesn't disappoint with his rocking pick. This alien abduction track is from the later BOC days. "I lift my eyes and say, 'come on and take me away.'"
“Hyperactive” by Thomas Dolby
“Why don’t you tell me about your childhood...” Rob's staff pick drifts into the techno-pop new wave. Dolby had originally intended this song for Michael Jackson, but after getting no response from the King of Pop, he decided to do it himself.
“I Want a New Drug” by Huey Lewis & the News
Brian closes the staff picks with Huey Lewis's hit off the third album "Sports." This propelled Lewis and the band to super-stardom, and this track was on the top of the pop and dance charts.
INSTRUMENTAL OR LAUGH TRACK:
“The Attitude Song” by Steve Vai
Vai was the lead guitarist for David Lee Roth's band when he went solo. Vai is very well known among guitar artists as a virtuoso, and this instrumental demonstrates why.
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.
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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.

September 1977 — Meat Loaf — “Bat Out of Hell”
Is it Opera? Is it Rock? Is it toxic masculinity - or maybe adolescent half-formed not-too-deep masculinity? From the beginning, Bat Out Of Hell has been hard to define, and it took a long time for Meat Loaf, composer Jim Steinman, and producer Todd Rundgren to get the concept album picked up. However, the staying power of this evergreen album is undeniable, with over 43 million sold to date, and 200,000 albums sold per year even today. If you found that overwhelming, well, you took the words right out of my mouth!
We hope you enjoy our journey into the depths of this so-uncool-its-cool debut studio album.
“Bat Out of Hell”
This opening title track comes in at an epic 9:52 run time, and it is not the only long track. This album is great to hear as a whole. Todd Rundgren does the “motorcycle guitar solo” you’ll hear. Meat Loaf certainly has a distinctive, almost operatic voice.
“Two Out of Three Ain't Bad”
Meat Loaf got his start in theater, and this pop hit single gives credence to his theatrical influence. Meat Loaf won a lot of fans for his role as Eddie in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Several tracks off this album were made into videos, which helped drive the popularity of the album.
“Paradise By the Dashboard Light”
This track is a cheeky take on parking make-out sessions. There is a Rocky Horror feel to this almost comedic multi-movement work. The song is filled with double entendres, plot twists, and a Phil Rizzuto baseball sequence.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“Theme from CHiPs”
This cop show debuting in 1977 launched Erik Estrada's career
STAFF PICKS:
“In the City” by The Jam
Wayne highlights a British punk band, reminiscent of the Kinks and the Who. While they made a big splash in the UK, they never took off in the States.
“Cat Scratch Fever” by Ted Nugent
Brian shares a pick from the Motor City Madman is easy to identify from the screaming guitar intro. Nugent often took the stage wearing only a loincloth back in the day.
“We Just Disagree” by Dave Mason
Rob's staff pick takes a more mellow direction with the second single released off Mason's album. Great harmonies and a 12-string guitar make this Traffic alum's hit memorable.
“Jungle Love” by the Steve Miller Band
This hit off the tenth studio release from Steve Miller only took only 30 minutes to complete on the last day of recording, says Bruce. "You treat me like I was your ocean - you swim in my blood when it's warm."
LAUGH TRACK:
“Grandmother’s Song” by Steve Martin
Steve Martin's comedy takes us out on this week's podcast.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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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.

May 1984 — Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble — “Couldn’t Stand the Weather”
Many consider Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble to have single-handedly revived the blues in the 1980's. This second album contains both covers and original songs from Vaughan, instumentals, jazz, and of course blues. Couldn't Stand the Weather has a timeless quality to it even 35 years later. And did we mention the strength of Stevie Ray Vaughan's guitar chops? There's not a bad track on this ablum from one of the guitar world's greatest players who was lost before his time.
We hope you enjoy this trip back to the 80's!
“Scuttle Buttin”
This instrumental track opens the album and showcases the phenomenal guitar virtuosity of Stevie Ray Vaughan.
“Couldn't Stand the Weather”
Here is the title track, and a fast-paced boogie-blues number. Stevie Ray Vaughan wrote this song, and about half the tracks on the album. Jimmy Vaughan is on rhythm guitar on this track.
“Voodoo Child (Slight Return)”
This is a great juxtaposition of two world-class guitarists. Jimi Hendrix did this song originally, and Stevie Ray Vaughan's style is amazing on this track.
“Cold Shot”
We finish off this album feature with a straight up blues number originally written by Michael Kindred & WC Clark. Don't let our love go bad!
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“If You Were Here” off the soundtrack from “16 Candles” by the Thompson Twins
If this song doesn’t make you think 1980s, well then...Molly Ringwald finally gets the boy in this John Hughes classic.
STAFF PICKS:
“Sister Christian” by Night Ranger
Rob's piano-driven staff pick was the second single from the album “Midnight Madness.” Drummer Kelly Keagy was inspired to write the song by his sister Christie, and how quickly she had grown up. The title morphed from “Sister Christie” to “Sister Christian.”
“Show Me” by The Pretenders
Brian riffs on this happy tune fromThe Pretenders’ third album and hit “Learning to Crawl.” Show me the meaning of the word - the word is “love.”
“Whisper to a Scream (Birds Fly)” by Icicle Works
In an unusual move, Wayne goes New Wave with his staff pick. This angst-filled one-hit wonder takes you back to MTV at its peak.
“Too Young to Fall in Love” by Motley Crue
Bruce channels perhaps the ultimate hair band — Motley Crue — who truly embraced the sex, drugs, and rock & roll lifestyle. This is the third single off their second album “Shout at the Devil.”
LAUGH TRACK / INSTRUMENTAL:
“Stang’s Swang” by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble
We return to Stevie Ray Vaughan in a jazz selection, the last track off their album.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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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.

July 1992 — Dream Theater — “Images and Words”
Is it Metallica? or Triumph? or Rush? Although “Images and Words” was their second studio album, the addition of James LaBrie as front man makes this album feel like the first complete outing for Dream Theater. While they only have one “hit” in the repertoire, this group is a giant in the progressive rock genre. The musicality of each member of the group gives Dream Theater an ability to take a variety of styles from driving thrash metal to soft ballads to an almost orchestral “wall of sound.” This album is their most commercially successful to date and gives a good sense of their diversity.
“Friend of the Show” John Lynch joins us in Brian's absence as we delve into this prog rock gem from 1992.
“Pull Me Under”
This is the hit off the album. Clocking in at over 8 minutes, a scaled down version hit MTV and gave Dream Theater some exposure to a larger audience. You can see elements of Metallica and Queensryche in this gritty piece.
“Another Day ”
Guitarist John Petrucci wrote this piece while his father was battling cancer. The soprano sax is provided by Jay Beckenstein, co-founder of Spyro Gyra. This is the first piece that attracted Bruce to Dream Theater.
“Surrounded”
Keyboardist Kevin Moore contributed this piece, and you can sense the synthesizer lead pretty strongly. Complex meters typical of prog rock come through, but it's still an accessible piece.
“Wait for Sleep”
This short, beautiful ballad features LaBrie's vocals and Moore's piano work.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“Birth of a Penguin” from “Batman Returns” by Danny Elfman
The film “Batman Returns” came out in the summer of 1992, and featured a cast of stars including Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Danny DeVito as the Penguin.
STAFF PICKS:
“Pretend We’re Dead” by L-7
Wayne brings us this all-female punk rock group who dropped this tune on their third and most successful album release. They have quite a past....
“November Rain” by Guns N’ Roses
Rob continues Bruce's bent toward long tracks -- bringing us the longest single that ever made it in the Billboard top 10 - at over 8 minutes! Axl Rose came up with this song in 1983 (apparently what he would play anytime a piano was in front of him) - and it became an epic, multi-layered song in 1992.
“Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Friend of the Show John Lynch picks one of his favorite band -- showcasing the single that truly put the Red Hot Chili Peppers on the map. The song is about Los Angeles - the city of Angels.
“The Church of Logic, Sin, and Love” by The Men
Bruce's staff pick focuses on a one-hit wonder with a largely spoken word composition. We had to go to YouTube to find it in a video — which epitomizes many of the stereotypes of the early nineties, including the goatee... and televisions in swimming pools.
LAUGH TRACK:
“Kashmire” by Dixie Dregs
This week's instrumental track returns to a well-known progressive rock theme covered by a strongly talented band with Southern roots. This one was recorded live at Center Stage in Atlanta.
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.