What the Riff Next Gen

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).
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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.
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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.

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.
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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: PINK FLOYD - Wish You Were Here from SEPT 1975
Pink Floyd
Wish You Were Here
SOUNDTRACK:
ʺWelcome Backʺ - John Sebastian.
Welcome Back Kotter
Space 1999
STAFF PICKS:
** “Ballroom Blitz” - Sweet.**
Rob thought this was Meatloaf for years....a great story behind this song.
"Bastille Day" - Rush.
Bruce brings Rush in with Bastille Day....a release that nearly ended their career. WHY? We don’t know....turn it up!
ʺHolding On to Yesterdayʺ - Ambrosia
Is Wayne holding on to yesterday? Perhaps....but what's wrong with that? If you liked 1975, you'll love this tune from Ambrosia.
Fame - David Bowie
Brian closes this episode out with FAME...what's your name?
LAUGH TRACK:
”Mr. Jaws” - Dickie Goodman
How about that JAWS riff? Scary, even if it's mixed in with comedy....
Bahh-Dah......Bah-Dah....Ba-Da-Ba-Da-Ba-Da-BA-DA-BA-DA
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: HOURGLASS - Power of Love from JUNE 1968
Hour Glass was a band based in Los Angeles, California in 1967 and 1968. Among their members were two future members of the Allman Brothers Band, Duane Allman and his brother Gregg. Power of Love was their 2nd album. The first was a lighthearted, poppy 60's type sound with a slight soul taste, and "the music had no life to it" according to Allman. This one started to branch out into the southern rock they would end up going to. It contained more original songs by Allman, though they still felt constricted by its process. The album flopped. The band broke up when Duane explicitly told off executives at Liberty, and the band disbanded.​
Liberty Records threatened to sue the group for disbanding.
Consequently, Gregg Allman gave them the rights to a solo album to prevent their doing so. Tracks for the album were only issues twenty-five years later when they were released as bonus tracks.
I'm Hanging Up My Heart for You
This song is very close to the southern rock sound that would ultimately become The Allman Brothers.
Home for Summer
The two-minute pop song format of the day was very restricting to Duane Allman.
I Can Stand Alone
The sound of the Hammond organ is prominent in this song, along with a more psychedelic sound in the guitar.
Down in Texas
This is a more guitar-laden and upbeat piece, though keeping with the soulful feel. Duane Allman died in a motorcycle accident in 1971.
SOUNDTRACK:
Elvis Presley - “Speedway”
Elvis plays alongside Nancy Sinatra in this racing movie.
STAFF PICKS:
Gary Puckett and the Union Gap Band - Young Girl Get Out of My Mind
Brian explains this is a song about a relationship with a girl too young. Perhaps this wouldn't go over quite as well today as it did in the 60's. The Wrecking Crew backs this song.
The Rolling Stones - Jumpin' Jack Flash
Rob recalls this classic riff (not really, because he was TWO). Bruce suggests that Rob may have been "born in a crossfire hurricane." Hey...are those bagpipes in the background?
Blues Magoos - I Can Hear the Grass Grow
Bruce is all about the Hammond organ on this one. This cut is off their third album, "Basic Blues Magoos."
The Nice - America
This was Wayne's pick, based on his appreciation of ELP (Emerson Lake and Palmer). As part of the group, “The Nice,” Keith Emerson remakes the song "America" from West Side Story with a little Dvořák in the mix as well. You get a lot of the feeel of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer in this group and song.
LAUGH TRACK:
Tiny Tim - Tiptoe through the Tulips
We round out this episode with a very eclectic piece of music from the TV show, “Laugh In” regular, Tiny Tim. Can you ever get enough ukulele?
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.

FEATURE: Yes - 90125 from DECEMBER 1983
Yes disbanded after a disappointing run with their tenth album Drama in 1980. Former Yes members Chris Squire, Alan White, and Tony Kaye joined with newcomer Trevor Rabin to form a new group called Cinema. The new group would trend towards more mainstream tastes, with shorter songs but maintaining excellent musicality. But after asking Jon Anderson to join the group, they made the decision to revert the name back to Yes.
​The resulting album, 90125​, was the biggest commercial success of the Yes discography.
Cinema
This instrumental track bears the name of the original band.
Leave It
A vocal and harmony-driven song, Leave It showcases the soaring talent of Jon Anderson and Trevor Rabin.
Our Song
This is a deeper cut on a hit-heavy album. You can hear a variety of movements that were typical of the prog rock genre. It's a positive, major key song, but still maintains the complex musicality expected from Yes.
Changes
Meter complexity and continually shifting movements characterize this minor key hit. Trevor Rabin leads the vocals after a lengthy marimba (not a common rock instrument) and percussion instrumental set, followed by Jon Anderson taking the high notes.
STAFF PICKS:
Just Got Lucky - Joe Boxers While this pick from Wayne had more success in the UK, Joe Boxers was a one-hit wonder in the States. You can hear similarities between this group and other New Wave groups like Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson.
The Walk - The Cure
Brian's pick is the first of 17 commercial top 20 Irish hits at the time. The Cure was the original "Goth Rock" band.
The Sign of Fire - The Fixx
Rob's track pick is a deeper cut from their album Reach the Beach — hands down the biggest commercial hit in the repertoire of The Fixx.
Talking in Your Sleep - The Romantics
The most commercially successful song from the Romantics, though "What I Like About You" is often the first that comes to mind.
LAUGH TRACK:
The Curly Shuffle - Jump 'N The Saddle Band
A big band homage to The Three Stooges was popular in December 1983, and finishes off our podcast for this week.
Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”
NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.
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**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

FEATURE: Queen - Innuendo from FEBRUARY 1991
Freddy Mercury - the iconic lead vocalist for Queen - was nearing the end of his battle with AIDS as the band was putting together their 14th album. This would be the last album of all-new material with Freddy Mercury, as he would die in November of that year.
This is a great album, and a poignant one, as Mercury's health was deteriorating. Join us as we explore this album and other great songs from February of 1991.
The Show Must Go On
Written primarily by Brian May, this song is about Freddy Mercury's effort to perform despite his serious illness which would take his life 10 months after the Innuendo album was released. While putting it together, May didn't know if Mercury would be capable of singing the song because he was so sick. When May talked to Mercury about it just before the recording, Mercury said, "I'll F***'n do it, darling," downed a shot of vodka, and rocked the vocals.
Innuendo
This is more of an epic than a song. It is the longest Queen song ever released as a single - longer than Bohemian Rhapsody by 35 seconds. It hearkens back to Queen's prog rock roots. The flamenco solo is played by Steve Howe of Yes. Howe is the only non-Queen member to have played guitar on a studio recording of a Queen song.
These Are the Days of Our Lives
This song was released as a single in the US on Freddy Mercury's 45th birthday, September 5th. The video was recorded at the end of May 1991, and was the last to feature Mercury. It was shot in black and white to obscure Mercury's poor health to some extent.
Headlong
This song was written by Brian May, and was originally intended for his upcoming solo album "back to the Light." When he heard Mercury sing the track it became a Queen song. The video was shot in 1990, about a year before Freddy Mercury's death, and is the last color video they shot. This is a solid, hard-charging rock song.
STAFF PICKS:
Pennywise - Bro Hymn
Wayne's staff pick is a punk masterpiece. Hailing from Hermosa Beach, California, Pennywise takes its name from the evil clown in Steven King's IT. You'll frequently hear the main theme at sports venues around the country.
High Enough - Damn Yankees
Brain's staff pick is from the supergroup formed by Jack Blades, Michael Cartellone, Ted Nugent, and Tommy Shaw. Polished and soaring with Shaw's high notes and harmonies, this was a rock song in frequent rotation at the time.
Disappear - INXS
Rob's staff pick is of INXS's album "X" which was released in 1990. This hit went to number 8 on the charts in February 1991. INXS was a popular rock group who had their first US big hit in 1983 with "One Thing."
Signs (live) - Tesla
Bruce's staff pick highlights the "unplugged" movement of the late 80's and early 90's. Tesla covers a song from 1971 by the Canadian group Five Man Electrical Band, and puts it on their live album "Five Man Acoustical Jam."
LAUGH TRACK:
White, White Baby - Jim Carrey (In Living Color)
We close out this show with Jim Carrey's spoof on Vanilla Ice's hit. You can see it on youtube.
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: The Alan Parsons Project - I Robot from JUNE 1977
Isaac Asimov's science fiction was the inspiration for The Alan Parsons Project's second album, and I Robot draws on concepts of artificial intelligence in its songs. The Alan Parsons Project is a progressive rock group led by Parsons and Eric Woolfson at the core and surrounding themselves with session musicians. Alan Parsons had extensive credibility in the industry as Assistant Engineer for The Beatles "Abby Road" and "Let It Be," and had served as Engineer for Pink Floyd's monster album "The Dark Side of the Moon." Parsons and Woodson would go on to put out many albums and hits as The Alan Parsons Project.
Genesis Ch. 1 V.32
This is the last track on the album. Alan Parsons has a symphonic quality, and often features instrumental music such as this track. The book of Genesis in the Bible only contains 31 verses in chapter 1, and this title is an allusion to the fall of man and the rise of the machine. This is spelled out on the album where it says, "I Robot, the story of the rise of the machine and the decline of man, which paradoxically coincided with his discovery of the wheel, and a warning that his brief dominance of this planet will probably end because man tried to create robot in his own image."
Total Eclipse
Another essentially instrumental song with an ethereal, almost movie soundtrack quality.
I Wouldn't Want to Be Like You
This track was one of the popular singles from this album, and has made it onto Grand Theft Auto V, and the TV series Mind Hunter. The back beat is a distinctive sign that this album was released during the height of the disco era. Check out the abrupt ending.
Breakdown
The lead singer reminds our group of Lindsey Buckingham. Alan Parsons used a number of session musicians, and this provides a lot of variety in the sound.
MOVIE OR SHOW TUNE:
Star Wars Main Theme
Here's one we all know well. Folks were lining up for the movie Star Wars, and John Williams hit a home run with this instrumental masterpiece.
STAFF PICKS:
Solsbury Hill - Peter Gabriel
This was the first hit off Gabriel's first solo album. While this song is about his leaving Genesis, but Gabriel succeeds in keeping the song positive rather than feeling like he had an axe to grind. Written in 7/4 time.
Rocky's Hot Club - Peter Frampton
This song was inspired by Frampton's dog. Stevie Wonder plays harmonica on this entertaining track. Peter Frampton had done well with "Frampton Comes Alive," and considered himself to have rushed his next album.
Smoke From a Distant Fire - Sanford-Townsend Band
This one-hit wonder reached number 9 on the Billboard chart. These songwriters for Loggins and Messina had written this song a decade before it was released.
Telephone Line - Electric Light Orchestra
Jeff Lynne's ELO was a technological and symphonic delight. ELO's concerts entertained both in their orchestration and in the lighting and special effects they brought to bear.
LAUGH TRACK
Ain't Gonna Bump No More — Joe Tex
This novelty song gives sage (but politically incorrect) advice on who to avoid on the disco floor!
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.