What the Riff Next Gen

APRIL of 1976 “2112” by Rush
Bruce brings us one of his all-time-favorites. This album is the one where Rush became RUSH. In the wake of "Caress of Steel" their third album which was neither a commercial nor a critical success, Mercury Records considered dropping the band. Ray Daniels, manager for Rush, negotiated to have the group make one more album. The label wanted them to make more accessible songs — shorter— with more singles. NOPE. Instead, Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart created an album in which the entire first side was an Ayn Rand-influenced distopian sci-fi epic!
Join us as we take a journey past the Temples of Syrinx where creativity and individualism have been banned in the year 2112.
“2112 part 1 - Overture”
This was the last song recorded of the 2112 epic. It is an instrumental summary of the entire piece, similar to classical symphonies of the past, and has a brief nod to the 1812 Overture.
“2112 part 2 - The Temples of Syrinx”
Geddy Lee's lyrics are very high and sometimes unintelligible. This portion introduces the powers that rule the world - the priests of the temples of Syrinx, who ban creativity and individualism.
“2112 part 3 - Discovery”
We are introduced to the protagonist, who finds a guitar and learns how to play it. What can this strange device be? Rush received a lot of criticism for writing an Ayn Rand - inspired piece.
“2112 part 4 - Presentation”
The priests are not as excited about the discovery as the protagonist expects. They destroy the guitar.
“2112 part 5 - Oracle: The Dream”
Alex Lifeson rips off a great guitar solo to start this section. Lifeson and Lee have been friends since the 8th grade. This section tells of a dream of another planet outside the Solar Federation where creative people still live.
“2112 part 6 - Soliloquy”
It was all a dream, and the protagonist takes his life rather than live in captivity.
“2112 part 7 - Grand Finale”
But was it all a dream?
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow” from the TV Show, Baretta
Robert Blake's hard knock cop show.
STAFF PICKS:
“Elliptical Seasons” by Star Castle
Wayne was excited that this progressive rock group from Illinois has a similar feel to Yes. Terry Luttrell, frontman for Starcastle, was also the frontman for REO Speedwagon
“Golden Years” by David Bowie
Rob shares that this was written and recorded for (and ultimately rejected by) Elvis Presley by the ever-changing and terribly creative David Bowie. This song reached number 10 on the charts.
“Union Man” by the Cate Brothers
Brian likes this track because in the mid 60's the Cate Brothers were a "country soul" act from Arkansas, but had their "one hit wonder" with this funk rock fusion song in 1976.
“Sara Smile” by Hall & Oates
Bruce is bringing this top 10 hit, written about Hall's then-girlfriend, Sara Allen, who contributed to a number of songs including “Private Eyes” and “Maneater.”
INSTRUMENTAL / LAUGH TRACK:
“Lumberjack Song” by Monty Python
I'm a lumberjack and I don't care....Monty Python received a big boost in 1976 when PBS began replaying their "Flying Circus" show from the BBC
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 of 1982 “Pictures at Eleven” by Robert Plant
With drummer John Bonham's death in 1980, Led Zeppelin disbanded. “Pictures at Eleven” was Zeppelin front man Robert Plant's debut solo album — one that Rob appreciated even more than Zepplin. Plant put together an excellent collection of talent to help out, including Genesis drummer Phil Collins and ex-Rainbow drummer Cozy Powell, session guitarist Robbie Blunt, and Black Sabbath keyboardist Jezz Woodroffe. “Pictures at Eleven” was released in June 1982 and hit number 5 on the Billboard 100 in July.
We hope you enjoy “Burning Down One Side” of this trip down the 1982 memory lane.
“Burning Down One Side”
It is hard to get away from the Zeppelinesque sound ​on this biggest hit from the album. Phil Collins is on drums on this one.
“Pledge Pin”
The beat takes an uptick on this track. Raphael Ravenscroft of Baker Street fame is jamming on the sax here.
“Slow Dancer”
A little slower piece, with a mysterious, “Kashmir” feel. This album showed that Robert Plant was more than just a singer. This is perhaps the closest to Led Zeppelin of the songs we feature from the album.
“Fat Lip”
This is a more mellow, folksy track, which feels more like Dire Straits. A Roland drum machine, an early synthesized drum, was used on this song.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“The Wrath of Kahn” from Star Trek II
The most popular Star Trek movie which brought back the Star Trek franchise.
STAFF PICKS:
“Psychobabble” by The Alan Parsons Project
Wayne shares this hit from the Eye in the Sky album. “ I don't care, it's all psychobabble rap to me.” This track also has some similarity to the Beatles' "A Day in the Life."
“I Think I’m in Love” by Eddie Money
Brian's pick is a familiar hook-laden single from Eddie Money's 1982 album "No Control."
“Avalon” by Roxy Music
Bruce presents this title track from Roxy Music's eighth and final album. This adult-oriented low-key song was recorded in Nassau.
“Slit Skirt” by Pete Townshend
This song is off the album “All the Best Cowboys have Chinese Eyes.” Rob's favorite lyric, “No one respects the flame like the fool who's badly burned.” Lots of key changes in this track. “But unlike me she don't work out her frustration in the gym.”
INSTRUMENTAL / LAUGH TRACK:
“Sirius” by the Alan Parsons Project
We close out this episode with this fantastic instrumental famous for its use in sports venues, especially the Chicago Bulls during the Michael Jordan era.
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.

JUNE of 1971 “One World” by Rare Earth
Detroit-based Rare Earth brought a funk rock fusion sound to the scene. Motown was looking to expand its repertoire and signed Rare Earth to a yet-to-be-named record label more focused on white rock acts. When members of Rare Earth suggested that they name the record label "Rare Earth," Motown surprisingly decided to do so. Rare Earth had a string of successes in the late 60's and early 70's, and this fourth album entitled One World was one of these successful albums. Rare Earth was a conservation minded group, but did so with a positive and psychedelic slant. We hope you enjoy this venture into a great album from Rare Earth.
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“The Seed”
This is an environmentally focused track. Does the seed bloom or does it die?
“Any Man Can Be a Fool”
This track talks about what it means to be a man. Lots of solid rock groups came out of Detroit at the time, including Grand Funk Railroad, Alice Cooper, and Ted Nugent.
“When I Die”
The Vietnam War was a big issue at the time, and this song tells of a solder who wants to make sure his body is brought home. The great harmonies and the chromatic progression with a minor key slant set the tone nicely.
“I Just Want to Celebrate”
This is the big hit off the album, and is a mainstay of rock and roll funk. It has a positive, soulful sound, and was a top 10 song at the time.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“Pure Imagination” by Gene Wilder
You’ll recognize this piece from "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," which was released in June 1971.
STAFF PICKS:
“Indian Reservation” by Paul Revere and the Raiders
Rob shares that this song was actually written in 1959, and a hit in 1968. When Paul Revere and the Raiders covered it in 1971, this song became their only hot 100 number 1 hit.
“(I Know) I'm Losing You” by Rod Stewart
Bruce shares this cover — perhaps the best known iteration of the Temptations song. A number of people covered it, including Rare Earth in 1970. Most (perhaps all) of The Faces played on this song.
“Me and You and a Dog Named Boo” by Lobo
This soft rock song went to number 5 on the Billboard hot 100. Brian loves it, and feels It reflects the back-to-earth feel that was popular in the early 70's.
“Could’ve Been a Lady” by Hot Chocolate
This is the original soul rock version that was covered by April Wine a year later. This is a solid break-up song. Wayne points out that Hot Chocolate is better known for their song "You Sexy Thing."
LAUGH TRACK:
“Chick-a-Boom” by Daddy Dewdrop
This comedy song finishes off our episode this week. Don't you just love it?
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.

MARCH of 1982 “Asia” by Asia
In early 1981 with the apparent demise of prog-rock supergroups Yes and Emerson Lake & Palmer, a new supergroup began. With Jon Wetton (King Crimson) on vocals and bass guitar, Steve Howe (Yes) on lead guitar, Geoff Downes (Yes and The Buggles) on keyboards, and Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake, and Palmer) on drums, Asia began work on this self-titled debut album which would rocket up the charts with a combination of complex musicality and tight, accessible tracks. The continuing popularity of MTV would help propel this supergroup to commercial success that would last beyond The Heat of the Moment. We hope you enjoy these 4 tracks presented by Bruce.
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“Only Time Will Tell”
This track written by Downes and Wetton tells a tale of a man leaving the woman he loved after finding out that she was just using him for her own gain. He predicts that she will have a lonely future, but "only time will tell."
“Sole Survivor”
Downes and Wetton wrote most of Asia's songs on the debut album including this one. This deeper cut is a great choice for motivation during training runs - but if you're going out for a bike ride, don't forget your helmet!
“Time Again”
Despite its success, this album received criticism. Prog rock fans panned it for being commercially oriented, and pop music critics considered it too progressive.
“Wildest Dreams”
This is an anti-war song which was a commercial success.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“Theme for Magnum PI” by Mike Post
This was one of Mike Post's many hits from the 80's for television. The detective drama featured Tom Selleck, the lead actor in this TV show, who was originally approached by Steven Spielberg to play the lead in the Indiana Jones movies. Selleck had to turn it down due to his commitment to Magnum PI.
STAFF PICKS:
“Run to the Hills” by Iron Maiden
Perhaps the most famous song from heavy metals' Iron Maiden, Wayne describes how this driving track is inspired by the plight of Native Americans.
“867-5309/Jenny” by Tommy Tutone
Perhaps the most famous song from heavy metals' Iron Maiden, Wayne describes how this driving track is inspired by the plight of Native Americans.
“Pretty Woman” by Van Halen
Several songs off Van Halen's Diver Down album were covers, including this one originally written by Roy Orbison. One of Rob's favorites.
“Fantasy” by Aldo Nova
This is the most popular song from Canadian singer and producer Aldo Nova. It's got a killer intro, and Bruce advises you to break out your leopard skin pants, folks!
LAUGH TRACK:
“Pac Man Fever” by Buckner & Garcia
We finish off with this video game inspired comedy track that reached number 9 on the Billboard charts.
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.

“Some Girls” by the Rolling Stones
By the time that “Some Girls” was released The Rolling Stones were a household name. This was their 14th British and 16th Studio album, and was both a commercial and critical hit. Many reviewers consider this the best album since "Exile on Main Street." Rock music was taking a back seat to punk rock and glam rock, and the late '70's was dominated by disco. “Some Girls” represents a return to Rock's roots, and focuses on the vibe of New York.
We hope you enjoy this installment focused on the supergroup known as ​The Rolling Stones.
​
“Just My Imagination”
This is the Stones cover of the classic from the Temptations.
“Beast of Burden”
One of the hits from the album, “Beast of Burden” was written primarily by Keith Richards. The song is a bit autobiographical, referencing Richards struggle with drugs.
“Shattered”
This song reflects Mick Jagger's reflection on New York City. The lyrics were largely written in the back of a New York cab.
“Far Away Eyes”
Brian's favorite from this album. This song was inspired when Jagger and Richards rode through Bakersfield, California, listening to gospel music. It's fun to listen to Mick Jagger satirizing a southern accent.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“Shama Lama Ding Dong” by Lloyd Williams
This song was from "Animal House," the inspiration for toga parties everywhere.
STAFF PICKS:
“Surrender” by Cheap Trick
Released as a single in 1978, this was the first Cheap Trick single to land on the Billboard charts. Bruce shares that this teen anthem contrasts the generation gap between the WWII and Baby Boomer generation.
“Love is Like Oxygen” by Sweet
“You get too much, you get too high....” Rob loves this third and last top 10 hit for Sweet. The band was classified as a British glam rock band, but they show a lot more variety in this song.
“Funky but Chic” by David Johansen
After leaving the proto-punk group The New York Dolls, Johansen had a hit with this song, and Wayne shares he was actually better known as Buster Poindexter when he sang the single "Hot, hot, hot."
“Baker Street” by Jerry Rafferty
Brian wraps up staff picks with another often played ballad. This song hit the number 2 spot for 6 weeks on the Billboard chart. Rafferty had a 3 -year legal battle, during which time he was unable to perform. When he was in London he stayed with a friend who had a flat on Baker Street, and the song reflects that time. After this song was released, the sale of tenor saxophones increased dramatically - this is known as "The Baker Street Phenomenon."
LAUGH TRACK:
“King Tut” by Steve Martin
We close out with this “Saturday Night Live” hit by Steve Martin, backed up by “the Toot Uncommons”.
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.

“Dulcinea” by Toad the Wet Sprocket
This fourth album by Toad the Wet Sprocket takes its name, “Dulcinea,” from Don Quixote's love interest in the Cervantes novel. “Toad the Wet Sprocket” was formed in 1986, and takes ITS name from a Monte Python sketch. Consisting of Glen Phillips on guitar and vocals, Todd Nichols on guitar, Dean Dinning on bass, and Randy Guss on drums, Toad the Wet Sprocket was one of the flagship bands of the alternative rock movement of the 90's. While the group broke up in 1998, they began limited tours in 2006, and returned to a full working band by 2011. Dulcinea has a great mix of songs with strong lyrics which tend toward the introspective and spiritual.
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“Fall Down”
The biggest hit from the album. "When will we fall down?"
“Inside”
A deep cut from the album which highlights the harmonies of the group and great dynamics throughout the song. The band members met in their high school drama club.
“Stupid”
Another deep cut that scales down to the basics of the group. Guy sees girl, wants to impress her, feels stupid for making an assumption kind of thing.
“Nanci”
"I can't believe you - you bend your words like Yuri Gellar's spoons." This is a folksy track about meeting Nanci and Loretta. "No, I changed my mind - I'll take Nanci, for you Loretta's fine."
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
“I'll be there for You” by the Rembrandts
The theme song from "Friends," which premiered in 1994.
STAFF PICKS:
“Flaming Heart” by the Meat Puppets
Wayne cranks up the energy with his staff pick. With guitar licks reminiscent of Molly Hatchet, the Meat Puppets were around for many years before they settled into their sound which some have called "cow punk."
“Streets of Philadelphia” by Bruce Springsteen
Brian tones things down with this Grammy award-winning theme to the movie "Philadelphia," for which Tom Hanks won the Best Actor Oscar.
“Spoonman” by Soundgarden
And the volume cranks up again with Bruce's crunchy staff pick. This song propelled Soundgarden into mainstream popularity, and features Artis the Spoonman playing spoons.
“Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” by the Crash Test Dummies
Rob's pick swings back to a mellow and surprisingly low vocal range song.
LAUGH TRACK:
“Brothers” by Yngwie Malmsteen.
An instrumental neo-classical metal piece finishes us off 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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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.

“The Doors” by The Doors
With their self-titled debut, The Doors burst onto the late 1960's scene on the strength of Jim Morrison's poetry and psychedelic style. There's a dark element to the group. The band takes its name from a book by Aldous Huxley called "The Doors of Perception," and took inspiration from concepts of altered perception. Jim Morrison could not read music or play an instrument but was a poet as well as a singer. His poetry infiltrates all of The Doors music.
We hope you enjoy this radical album from a radical age.
​
“Soul Kitchen”
This song was a tribute to a restaurant where Jim Morrison spent a lot of time while in film school.
“Crystal Ship”
This song is the B-side from the single "Light My Fire." B-sides of popular singles often got greater air play during this time.
“20th Century Fox”
An ode to girls who've "got it" and know they've got it! You may have heard a version of this by 38th Special.
“Backdoor Man ”
This is a cover song written by Willie Dixon. The Doors change this to make it their own, using a heavy organ element.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme to “The Monkees”
Did you know this???? During July 1967, Jimi Hendrix left his role as opening act for The Monkees. WOW!
STAFF PICKS:
“San Francisco” by Scott McKenzie
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair! This song was written by John Phillips of The Mamas and The Papas, and was used to promote the Monterrey Music Festival.
“White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane
Part Alice in Wonderland, part drug reference, part Bolero, the song “White Rabbit” is one long crescendo from beginning to end. One pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small.
“Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum
It was all just a misunderstanding....listen to learn about the name! This tune reached number 5 on the charts in this month. The writer was inspired by Bach. We skipped the light fandango.
“Come on Down to My Boat” by Every Mother's Son
Finishing out the organ-heavy podcast, Wayne's pick became Every Mother's Son's only top 40 hit..
LAUGH TRACK:
“Grazing in the Grass” by Hugh Masekla
I can dig it, he can dig it, she can dig it, we can dig it...can you dig it?
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.

“Dream of the Blue Turtles” by Sting
This is the first solo album from Sting - formerly known as Gordon Sumner - formerly the front man of the ultra-successful band, “The Police.” The title, “The Dream of the Blue Turtles” was based on a dream Sting had while recording in Barbados. He was sitting in his walled garden at his home, and the wall crumbled down as a crowd of giant blue turtles invaded and destroyed the garden. This album garnered a bunch of Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year, Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, and Best Engineered Recording. Join us as we riff on this jazz-leaning solo debut from one of the top performers of the 80's.
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“Fortress Around Your Heart”
This is the last track from the album, and was inspired by Sting's divorce. This song is about appeasement and moving forward. It was a kind of antidote to The Police song, “Wrapped Around Your Finger.” While "Wrapped" is about control, "Fortress is about giving up control.
“Russians”
By 1985 the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union had taken a more confrontational turn from the Detente of the 70's. This song explores the idea of coming together for the sake of our children. Sting was inspired by hearing a Soviet broadcast of a children's television program.
“Moon Over Bourbon Street”
Inspired by Anne Rice's "Interview with the Vampire" which Police guitarist Andy Summers gave Sting. Branford Marsalis delivers a great counter-melody on saxophone in this deep cut.
“Shadows in the Rain”
This is a jazz remake of a Police track off the album "Zenyatta Mondatta." Sting takes the tempo up considerably on this jazz jam.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme to “St. Elmo's Fire”
One of the Brat Pack movies of the eighties. (From Bruce: As a correction, the brat pack movies were directed by John Hughes, not John Houston.)
STAFF PICKS:
“Bad” by U2
A tremendous live track by U2, Bono talks about heroin addiction in this song. Their Live Aid performance of this song propelled the group into superstar status.
“Voices Carry” by Till Tuesday
"Hush, Hush, keep it down now." Aimee Mann was inspired to write this song after breaking up with her drummer. Mann is considered one of the greatest singer-songwriters of the day.
“What About Love?” by Heart
Ann Wilson fronts Heart on this Power Ballad originally written by the Canadian group Toronto. Grace Slick sings in the background on this one.
“Kayleigh” by Marillion
The most commercially successful song off the concept album "Misplaced Childhood" is a melancholy apology to some of the women Marillion front man Fish dated in the past. The name Kayleigh was almost unheard of before this song, and took hold afterwards.
LAUGH TRACK:
“Axel F” from “Beverly Hills Cop”
We exit this week's podcast to the instrumental hit by Harold Faltermeyer, written for the film, "Beverly Hills Cop."
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.

“Fair Warning” by Van Halen
Eddie and Alex Van Halen moved to America from the Netherlands as children of a musician father. Eddie and Alex formed their band along with front man and perennial showman David Lee Roth and bassist/vocalist Michael Anthony, and were known as a hard working band in Pasadena. It wasn't long before they developed a following of several thousand in the area, and Gene Simmons of Kiss fame connected them with a record label.
​Join us as Brian brings us this hard charging third album from Van Halen, Fair Warning.
Mean Street​
"Somebody said, 'Fair warning!' - Lord strike that poor boy down!" This is the kicking lead track from the album in a minor key.
Dirty Movies
This deeper cut leads with Eddie "plinking" on the neck of the guitar. This technical creativity is what demonstrates Eddie Van Halen's guitar virtuosity.
Sinner's Swing
Van Halen's record contract required them to produce five albums in a short period of time. While this created some friction, it also led to some of their best music.
Hear About It Later
Another deeper cut from the album, this also leads off with guitar creativity from Eddie, and moves quickly into powerful vocals from David Lee Roth.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Carl Orff - O Fortuna (Carmina Burana)
This symphonic music from 1936 was the theme from "Excalibur" which was released in 1981.
STAFF PICKS:
38 Special - Hold On Loosely
Rob shares this track from the album "Wild-Eyed Southern Boys" — written by Jim Peterik of Survivor who also wrote "Rocking Into The Night" for 38 Special, much to the members of Survivor's chagrin. It would be a couple more years until they had a hit.
Donnie Iris - Ah, Leah
Wayne likes this song because Iris encapsulates the rock sound of the early 80's. Originally intended to be an anti-war song, the song instead tells the tale of a broken relationship where the couple can't keep themselves from hooking up.
The Police - Driven to Tears
Sting pens his first political song for this song from the third album by The Police. Although not released as a single, Driven to Tears made it to number 35 on the rock charts in April — and Bruce thinks it could have gone higher!
April Wine - Just Between You and Me
Brian brings us this Canadian hard rock band that peaked at number 13 with this power ballad. From April Wine's 9th studio album "The Nature of the Beast," this was the 14th song played on MTV.
LAUGH TRACK: (or sometimes instrumental...go figure...)
Vangelis - Theme from "Chariots of Fire"
This super inspiring instrumental song from the Academy award-winning movie finishes off our podcast 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.
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.

“Gordon” by The Bare Naked Ladies
Some groups take themselves way too seriously. That is an accusation that could never be leveled against the Barenaked Ladies. Rob shares that Ed Robertson and Steven Page began the group after getting bored at a Bob Dylan concert. They made up a list of imaginary bands for music critics...and a few years later entered a local music festival under the name of one of them: “The Bare Naked Ladies.” Their album “Gordon” is the debut studio effort on a major label, but they had already achieved a cult following in Canada off a previous independent release, a self-titled cassette the year before.
Join us as we explore this alt-rock, acoustically driven group with witty, comedy-laden lyrics from the end of 1992.
Blame it on Me
The Barenaked Ladies first performance was at a gig that Ed Robertson had "forgotten about" and asked Steven Page to help him out. Page was astonished that Robertson turned in the name of the group as "Barenaked Ladies," because they had brainstormed this name on a lark sometime previously.
If I Had $100000
The comedy comes through in this folksy hit. "If I had a million dollars, I'd buy you a fur coat - but not a real fur coat (that's cruel)"
Be My Yoko Ono
This song picks up the pace, goofing on John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Steven Page has a distinctive, whimsical sound which plays well against Robertson's vocals.
Grade 9
The Barenaked Ladies take on “coming of age” in high school riffs off rock groups like Duran Duran, Rush ...and Charlie Brown? See how many you can count.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Muppet Christmas Carol
This movie was released in December of 1992.
STAFF PICKS:
Lemonheads - Mrs. Robinson
Bruce shares this cover of Simon and Garfunkle was cut for the 25th anniversary, and home video release of the movie "The Graduate." The cover was not originally on their album "It's a Shame About Ray," but was added as a bonus track.
Jackyl - Lumberjack
It isn't every day that you have a chainsaw solo in a rock song, but Kennesaw, GA natives Jackyl make it happen. Leave it to Wayne to pick this awesomely rocking group.
U2 - Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses
Brian loves this hit off their album "Achtung Baby" recorded in their original demo tracks for the album.
REM - Drive
This is the first track and hit single from "Automatic for the People," and encourages young people to take responsibility for their own lives.
The album is named for a soul-food restaurant Rob has visited in Athens, GA, “Weaver-D's Automatic.”
LAUGH TRACK:
REM - Winged Mammal Theme
This is the instrumental B-side from the single release of "Drive." It was originally intended for the "Batman Returns" soundtrack.
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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.

“Animal Tracks” by The Animals
Wayne hosts this episode on The Animals. Formed in 1962 as an electric blues/rock band, The Animals followed a trend amongst many British Invasion groups of the day in arranging blues songs in a rock format. They would later get more psychedelic, but the album Animal Tracks is from their earlier, blues-focused era. Eric Burdon fronts the group, and The Animals would become Eric Burdon and the Animals after some of the original members left in 1966. Join us as we get out of this place and to the sixties blues of The Animals!
Club a GoGo
This original song written by the group is named after a club in Newcastle, England. The place opened as a jazz club but went rock with acts such as Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Spencer Davis, Wilson Picket and Ike & Tina Turner playing there.
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood
This song was written for the jazz singer and pianist Nina Simone in 1964. The Animals picked up the tempo in their pop single.
We Got to Get Out of This Place
Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil wrote this song intended for The Righteous Brothers. The Animals producer snagged it, and it has become an iconic song. It was very popular with the U.S. Armed Forces GI's during the Vietnam War.
It's My Life
This track was recorded around the same time as this album, but did not make it onto any album at the time. It would later be included on Animal Tracks as a bonus track. It was also performed during the mid 70's by Bruce Springsteen during his "Born to Run" tour.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme song to "I Dream of Jeannie" - Barbara Eden's claim to fame.
Theme song to "Get Smart" - Mel Brooks broke into television with this spy spoof.
STAFF PICKS:
Sonny and Cher - I Got You Babe
Brian loves this, the biggest hit of Sonny and Cher's duet run. Sonny and Cher produced this signature song one night in their basement.
Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass — A Taster of Honey
Rob says, “this is just a happy song.” This instrumental was recorded by The Beatles in 1963, but Alpert's version was more popular.
Them - Gloria
Leave it to Bruce to find a one-named artist and one-word song...The original recording from "The Angry Young Them" was written by a very young Van Morrison, who fronted this early garage band group from Belfast.
The Castaways - Liar, Liar
Wayne brings us this one hit wonder group out of Minnesota, The Castaway's hit mourns an unfaithful girlfriend.
LAUGH TRACK:
Alvin Cash & The Crawlers - Twine Time
This instrumental R&B tune takes us to the finish of 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.

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GRAVE DANCER'S UNION by Soul Asylum
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Wayne shares this great album by 90s sensation, Soul Asylum.
Black Gold
Somebody to Shove
Get on Out
April Fools
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from “Frazier.”
STAFF PICKS:
"Believe" by Lenny Kravitz — Bruce.
“Fields of Gold” by Sting — Brian.
“Come Undone” by Duran Duran - Rob.
“Not Quite Sonic” by Mother Earth — Wayne.
LAUGH TRACK:
"Three Little Pigs" by Green Jelly.
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.

CRIME OF THE CENTURY by Supertramp
Rob brings us Supertramp — with their commercial breakthrough, Crime of the Century, their third studio album. Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson rebuilt the group after their first two unsuccessful albums, adding Bob C. Benburg on drums, Dougie Thomson on bass, and John Helliwell as their woodwinds player. Although not a concept album, Crime of the Century loosely follows themes involving loneliness, struggles with conformity, and mental struggles. This album benefits from the very different styles and personalities of Davies and Hodgson, and the tracks have stood the test of time. Join us as we highlight this album and the hits of September 1974.
School
After a soft start with harmonica and kids playing on the playground, this song builds through wistful Hodgson-led lyrics into a jam session with piano and marimba.
Bloody Well Right
Rick Davies takes the lead vocals and shows his keyboard chops on a jazz organ lead-in. Probably one of Rob's all time favorite songs.
Crime of the Century
This title track was the piece that the band felt was the strongest song on the album. The lyrics are self-reflective, where the instigators of the crime of the century are "you and me."
Dreamer
Who can forget this biggest hit from the album? This song was composed by Roger Hodgson at the age of 19. Hodgson and Davies swap vocal duties, with Hodgson taking the high harmonies.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from "The Rockford Files"
James Garner played a down and out detective in this TV series that started in September of 74 and lasted through 1980.
STAFF PICKS:
Elton John - The Bitch is Back
Brian's staff pick highlights this song from Elton John's album Caribou. The title comes from Bernie Taupin's wife's description of Elton John's moodiness. Although a popular song, it's title was controversial, and kept it from getting as much airplay as it otherwise might.
The Raspberries - Starting Over
Bruce's pick is from the Cleveland, Ohio group's final album. The Raspberries were influenced by The Beatles and The Who, and you can hear great harmonies in their songs.
Reunion - LIFE IS A ROCK (But the Radio Rolled Me)
Wayne brings us this pick, featuring a fast monotone lyric summary of the artists on the radio at the time.
Gino Vanelli - People Gotta Move
Rob's staff pick has an R&B crossover feel. French Canadian Gino Vanelli was one of the first Caucasian musicians to perform on Soul Train.
LAUGH TRACK:
Cheech and Chong - Earache My Eye
Cheech and Chong take us out this week with one of their “COUGH-COUGH-HACK” classics.
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.

ALLIED FORCES by Triumph.
Brought to us by Bruce, Triumph was a great band out of Canada that tended to be in Rush's shadow. They hit their greatest commercial success in 1981 with their fourth album Allied Forces. Featuring Gil Moore on drums and vocals, Mike Levine on bass and keyboards, and Rik Emmett on the high vocals and the flying "V" guitar, Triumph wrote stunning anthems and driving rock pieces with a bent to the prog rock and classical styles. This podcast features this impressive album and a number of excellent staff picks from 1981.
Allied Forces
The title track is the fourth track on the album, with Gil Moore on lead vocals. A solid, straightforward rock song, it didn't get a huge amount of air play on the radio, but it got some attention on the new music video formats like MTV which were just becoming popular in the early 80's.
Magic Power
This was a very popular anthem, and it amazed the band to start playing this song and hear the audience singing the words back to them. There's a lot of influence here from Led Zepplin (slow starts with crescendos to a driving finish) and The Who (acoustic guitars forming the base, adding synth, followed by off beat drums).
Fight the Good Fight
A minor key hit with rebellious, libertarian lyrics: "All your life you've been waiting for your chance/where you'll fit into the plan/but you're the master of your own destiny/so give and take the best that you can."
Petite Etude
This is a straight classical guitar piece by Rik Emmett. Triumph often included a classical style instrumental piece on their albums.
ENTERTAINMENT THEME:
Theme from "The Fall Guy" A TV show from 1981 which featured Lee Majors playing a Hollywood stuntman by day and moonlighting as a detective.
STAFF PICKS:
April Wine - Sign of the Gypsy Queen
Wayne's staff pick highlights another Canadian band. April Wine's ninth studio album "The Nature of the Beast" contained this cover of a 1972 song by Lorence Hud. This was a moderate hit at the time, though not as popular as "Just Between You and Me," which was their most popular song of this album.
DEVO - Working in a Coal Mine
Lee Dorsey originally sang Brian's staff pick in 1966. DEVO covers it here and gives it their new wave twist. This song was later included in the soundtrack for the movie Heavy Metal.
Diesel - Sausalito Summernight
Rob's pick features a Dutch band who hit number 25 on the Billboard top 40 with this one-hit wonder. It's a great storytelling song of a wayward trip in a Rambler not quite ready for the road.
Def Leppard - Bringin' on the Heartbreak
Bruce's staff pick is Def Leppard's first real hit in the US, off their second album High N Dry. They became successful with this song on video rather than radio.
LAUGH TRACK:
Rick James - Superfreak We close out with this podcast with this soulful, and somewhat playful song.
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.