What the Riff Next Gen

“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.
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“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.
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.

“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.
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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.

“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.
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.

“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
**
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.

SECOND COMING by The Stone Roses.
The Stone Roses burst on the scene in 1989 with their self-titled debut album. However, legal wrangling with their record label, combined with slow progress on new material caused their next album to be delayed for years. That second album entitled “Second Coming” was finally released in December 1994. The Stone Roses are out of Manchester, England, and showed up during a time when Manchester was a musical hotbed.
After their first album, hailed by critics as one of the best English rock albums of all time, this second album met mixed reviews. The group disbanded a few years after Second Coming's release.
Tightrope
This is a mellow ballad to start the set.
Good Times
This song has a psychedelic feel that would fit well in the middle of the 1960's. You can see influences that would recur in groups like Oasis.
Love Spreads
This top hit off their album has a bluesy feel that epitomizes the "alt rock" sound of the mid 1990's.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
The Theme to "E.R."
This is the long-running television show that started the careers of Noah Wyle and Julianna Margulies, and that catapulted George Clooney into super-stardom began in December of 1994!
STAFF PICKS:
R.E.M. - What's the Frequency, Kenneth?
Inspired by a mugging of Dan Rather, this was on one of REM's lesser-applauded albums.
Pearl Jam - Better Man
Brian shares that Seattle band Pearl Jam was writing about abuse in this ballad. They start this song slowly and it builds as it progresses. Front man Eddie Vedder wrote this one as a teenager.
Toad the Wet Sprocket - Something's Always Wrong
Bruce brings us a softer alternative rock song in a minor key off their album "Dulcinea". The chorus has a clever contrast in lyrics.
Fury in the Slaughterhouse - Dancing in the Sunshine of the Dark
Wayne introduces us to a deep cut. This German group has a great groove with some very dark lyrics.
LAUGH TRACK:
Jeff Foxworthy - Redneck Stomp Foxworthy's comedy compilation made it into Billboard's top 100, and takes us to the exit of this 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.
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.

Another Mother Further, by Mother’s Finest
Bruce hosted this Album.
Truth'll Set You Free
"Baby Jean" Kennedy takes the lead vocals on this gospel-inspired track.
Mickey's Monkey
This remake of the original Smokey Robinson and the Miracles song also takes inspiration from Led Zeppelin — listen to the difference we share — and takes the energy level up a notch from the original.
Piece of the Rock
"Millionaire looking for another million dollars - a poor man looking for one." This may be Mother's Finest’s most popular song.
"Doc" Murdock takes the lead vocal duties.
Baby Love
"Baby Jean" Kennedy takes the lead again on this driving minor-key hit.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
East Bound & Down by Jerry Lee Lewis. This was a popular hit from the movie "Smokey and the Bandit," which was released in the summer of TRANSAMS and SEMIS and CB RADIOS: 1977.
STAFF PICKS:
Wayne presents STYX - “The Grand Illusion”
The title track from the album. "Welcome to the grand illusion/come on in and see what's happenin'/pay the price, get your ticket for the show."
Rob brings us SUPERTRAMP - “Give a Little Bit”
Roger Hodgson fronts the vocals and the 12-string guitar in this international hit off the album, "Even in the Quietest Moments."
Brian riffs on ALICE COOPER - “You and Me”
A surprisingly mellow tune from the album “Lace and Whiskey,” Alice Cooper actually dedicated this song to his wife.
Bruce closes us out with RAM JAM - “Black Betty”
Originally a prison work/blues song, Black Betty was a one-hit wonder for Ram Jam.
LAUGH TRACK:
Jerry Reed closes us out with the B-Side to “East Bound and Done” : “(I'm Just a) Redneck in a Rock and Roll Bar.” Got to listen to the lyrics on this one.
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.

If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears, by the Mamas and the Papas
Brian hosted this Album.
Monday Monday
California Dreamin'
Hey Girl
Go Where You Want to Go
Got a Feelin'
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Theme from Flipper.
STAFF PICKS:
"Five o'clock World" The Vogues
Wayne's pick.
“Groovy Kind of Love” - Wayne Fontana & the MindBenders
Rob's Pick.
"Shapes of Things" - The Yardbirds
Bruce's Pick.
“19th Nervous Breakdown” - Rolling Stones
Brian's pick.
LAUGH TRACK:
Spanish Flea - Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass
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.

Can’t Buy a Thrill by Steely Dan
This is Walter Becker and Donald Fagen's debut album as Steely Dan. Taking their name from the William S. Burroughs novel "Naked Lunch," Becker's guitar work and Fagen's keyboard and vocals combine in a jazz-rock fusion, and Can't Buy a Thrill​ shows a lot of smoothness and diversity from jazz to latin to straight-ahead rock guitar. This is a stellar debut album from a group who would go on to create a string of hits throughout the 70's, and have a staying power that lives on today.
Do It Again
This song made it to number 6 on the U.S. charts in 1973, making it Steely Dan's second highest charting song. Waylon Jennings covered "Do It Again" in 1980
Dirty Work
With David Palmer on lead vocals, Dirty Work has a very different sound than most Steely Dan songs. Steely Dan was encouraged to pursue this sound as more commercially accessible, but the band would consolidate on Fagen's vocals instead.
Midnite Cruiser
A deeper cut off the album, Midnite Cruiser has the distinct harmonies and jazz chord progressions we've come to identify with Steely Dan. Drummer Jim Hodder fronts the vocals with lyrics like "Drive me to Harlem or somewhere the same," showing the musical geography that shaped Becker and Fagen.
Reelin in the Years
Elliott Randall plays guitar on this song. Jimmy Page considered the solo from this song as his favorite of all time. What clever lyrics: "You've been telling me you're a genius since you were seventeen/in all the time I've known you I still don't know what you mean." "The things that pass for knowledge I can't understand."
Entertainment Track:
Theme from Maude.
This TV series took its cue from the women's liberation movement.
Staff Picks:
The Moody Blues - I'm Just A Singer in a Rock and Roll Band
Bruce points out that the lyrics of this song is a reaction to fans who took the lyrics of the Moody Blues too seriously. The songs of this album "Seventh Sojourn" were overshadowed by the re-release of "Days of Future Past" along the same time.
The Raspberries - I Wanna Be with You
Wayne brings us the Raspberries formed in Cleveland in 1970. Eric Carmen (writer of "Hungry Eyes and "All By Myself", and not to be confused with Eric Cartman from Southpark), fronts this group.
The Doobie Brothers - Listen to the Music
One of Brian's favorites, this is the first hit off the Toulouse Street album which came out in September of 1972. The Doobie Brothers often close their concerts with this song. It is a call to peace.
Jim Croce - Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels)
Rob takes a mellow turn with his staff pick. Croce tells the story of a lonely guy calling the operator, and was inspired by seeing GI's on base lining up to call home. Great lyrics from a master storyteller.
Laugh Track:
Isaac Hayes - this is the theme from the TV show, "The Men." Hayes' soulful theme finishes off our podcast this week. “Yeah....baby....how ya feelin'?...” (say it in a low voice like Isaac and see where it gets you).
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.

Scarecrow by John Mellencamp
​With his eighth studio album, John Cougar becomes John Cougar Mellencamp as he transitions away from his stage name and towards his real name. This also is the album where John Mellencamp transitions towards a purpose of his own. He brings his passion for small towns and small farms to the songs of this album. Mellencamp is maturing into the activist that would characterize his career from this point on. Mellow and reflective, Scarecrow has aged well. Join us as we profile this wonderful album and others from 1985.
​Scarecrow
"There's 97 crosses planted in the courthouse yard. 97 families who've lost 97 farms." Mellencamp highlights the plight of the American small farmer in this song. During the Scarecrow tour, Mellencamp would give tickets to the two Senators from the state to spotlight the needs of farmers for help.
Grandma's Theme
This song starts with Mellencamp's grandmother playing on the autoharp, then transitions into an acoustic guitar. This is how Mellencamp would open the show during the "Scarecrow" tour.
Minutes to Memories
"My family and friends are the best I've ever known. Through the eye of a needle they'll carry me home." In this song the rebellion and politics are missing, but you still hear heartfelt lyrics and reflection. The story morphs from an older man telling Mellencamp his story on a train, to Mellencamp telling the story to his son.
John Cougar Mellencamp - Between a Laugh and a Tear​ Rickie Lee Jones joins in on this reflective deep cut. "Between a laugh and a tear/and that's as good as it can get for us."
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
"Golden Girls" (and thank you for being a friend.)
"Growing Pains"
Kirk Cameron starred in this popular television show from the day.
Pat Benatar - Invincible
Bruce's pick is all WOMEN POWER -- A song off Benatar's sixth studio album and the theme song from the film "The Legend of Billie Jean." Benatar was one of the few female rock stars in the era.
Ratt - You're In Love
Wayne is into the Hair and heavy metal bands — Ratt brings in this screamer on the first track from their album "Invasion of Your Privacy."
John Waite - Every Step of the Way
Rob's a big fan of Waite and his music alone, or with the Baby's or Bad English.
Off his album "Mask of Smiles," this was a follow-up from his big hit "Missing You." Waite's distinctive voice is heard in the groups The Babys and Bad English.
Glenn Frey - You Belong to the City
Written specifically for one of Brian's favorite old shows, television hit "Miami Vice," this song was one of the biggest hits of Frey's solo career. Frey was well known for his work in the Eagles, and many of his songs were prominent in the mid-80's television and movie hits.
LAUGH TRACK
Cheech and Chong - Born in East L.A.
Remember this....remember....it was so cool.....yeah....what are we talking about?
Cheech and Chong satirize Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." and the mid 80's immigrant issues in Los Angeles.
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.

FEATURE: COLD BLOOD - by Cold Blood from February 1970
I’m a Good Woman — This is the first song on the album, and gives a great flavor of both the vocalist and the talented horn section.
Watch Your Step — The Hammond organ leads off this jam. The band sounds like it is channeling James Brown on this track, and has a screaming sax solo.
I Just Want to Make Love to You — Yep. You know this song. This is the stripped down, bluesy original version of the song that would later be made famous by Nazareth.
You Got Me Hummin' — This was the biggest hit for Cold Blood, hitting its high at number 52. This song features solo jams from the organ and the bass.
INTERESTING FACT: Cold Blood played one of the last songs at the Filmore West.
SOUNDTRACK:
Theme from the Movie PATTON. — George C. Scott's Academy award-winning portrayal of General George S. Patton would in some ways define the General.
STAFF PICKS:
** Joe Cocker - “Bathroom Window” ** — This is Cocker's remake of the famous Beatles song. The song itself is based off the experience of Beatles' singer Paul McCartney. Apparently, groupies broke into his house through the bathroom window and stole various keepsakes.
**Lennon/Ono with the Plastic Ono Band - “Instant Karma!” (We All Shine On) ** — This track went from idea to released song in an incredible 10 days. Lennon's departure from the Beatles was immanent, and he wanted to get a single out as quickly as possible.
**Mark Lindsay - “Arizona” ** —This solo outing is from the artist better known as the front man for Paul Revere and the Raiders. The song lyrics chronicle the singer's quest to get his hippie girlfriend, “Arizona” to give up her wanderlust ways and settle down with him.
Norman Greenbaum - “Spirit in the Sky” — This track was actually released in late 1969 and was still quite popular as it made it furthest on the charts at #3 in February of 1970. Although it mentions Jesus and Christian themes, Greenbaum was actually Jewish. He was inspired after he heard a gospel song from Porter Wagoner on TV. FUN/NOT FUN FACT: it is frequently played at funerals.
LAUGH TRACK:
Yoko Ono - “Who Has Seen the Wind?” — Folks, I don't know what we can say about this B-side from Instant Karma, other than you can appreciate how frustrating it must have been for Paul McCartney and the other Beatles as the group headed towards their breakup.
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.