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  • 1967 - April: Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"

    1967 - April: Beatles "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band"
    2024/11/25
    A reasonable case can be made that the eighth studio album by the Beatles is the most important album in all of Rock and Roll. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band creates a dividing line between 60's rock and what Rock and Roll would become in the 70's. Incorporating elements of eastern mysticism, psychedelic music and art, counter-culture sensibilities, and complex orchestration, Sgt. Peppers was a groundbreaking demonstration of what an album could be.Sgt. Peppers is one of the first concept albums - taking a theme and incorporating it into the entirety of the record. The Beatles adopted personas for this album, becoming the fictional "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." This allowed the band members to experiment with styles they either hadn't previously explored, or had not fully developed. The studio also became an instrument for the band, and they incorporated techniques like multitracking, variable speed recording, and the use of sound effects to create complex soundscapes.Lyrics vary from social commentary to whimsy, to surrealism. While many songs remain lighthearted, others take a more somber tone, mirroring the cultural upheaval that was happening in the late 60's counterculture. The album also brings visual art into the mix, with psychedelic cover art rather than simple photographs.Sgt. Peppers tops many "best albums" lists, and has sold over 32 million copies worldwide.Friend of the show Steve Hardin presents this monster album this week, and we're joined by friend of the show Julie Doran as Wayne and Lynch are out of town for today's podcast. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club BandThe opening track introduces us to the alter ego of the band, including an intro of a pit orchestra warming up and a transitional brass band in the middle of the song. Paul McCartney acts as the carnival barker introducing the band, reunited after 20 years. Lennon then takes over, thanking the audience for their attendance. With A Little Help from My FriendsDrummer Ringo Starr takes lead vocal duties on this song that has a more intimate touch. In contrast to the bombastic start, Starr shows vulnerability as he asks what would happen if he sang out of tune, and leans on his friends for support. Ringo Starr didn't write the music like Lennon and McCartney, but typically would sing lead on one song on each album.Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!The track that finishes side 1 was inspired by an old circus poster from 1943 that Lennon had purchased in an antique store. The song is a collage of circus images, complete with calliope. It returns to the theme of the first song, but this time focusing on circus performers rather than the band. Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)/A Day in the LifeThe concluding album tracks are often played together. The reprise of the opening track is faster paced, and more rock oriented. The concluding track alternates between a dream sequence and the rush of an ordinary day. It concludes with four pianos simultaneously sounding an E-major chord. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Casino Royale by Herb Alpert (from the motion picture “Casino Royale”)Not your ordinary James Bond fare, this film was a comedic spoof on the popular spy franchise starring David Niven, Peter Sellers, and Ursula Andress. STAFF PICKS:For What Its Worth by Buffalo SpringfieldBruce's staff pick peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Stephen Stills was inspired to write the song by the Sunset Strip curfew riots in Los Angeles. Buffalo Springfield got a close look at the riots as the house band at the Whiskey a Go Go, when young people rebelled against a strict 10:00 p.m. curfew successfully advocated by local residents, annoyed with club goers clogging the streets late at night. The Loser (with a Broken Heart) by Gary Lewis and the PlayboysRob brings us a jangle pop hit from the son of Jerry Lewis. Gary Lewis and the Playboys cultivated a "boy next door" image and had a string of hits in the late 60's. Lewis was drafted into the army in 1967, and though some songs previously recorded (like this one) continued to be successful, the band began to diminish in popularity.I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) by Aretha FranklinJulie features a soulful song from the iconic Queen of Soul. This is off Franklin's tenth studio album. The first nine were jazz oriented, and much less successful than this influential album. This album was recorded in Mussel Shoals where an altercation resulted in an abrupt change of venue to New York.Strawberry Fields Forever by the BeatlesIt might appear that Steve is double dipping on this staff pick, but this well known Beatles song was a non-album single popular at the time. The song was the result of multiple takes spliced together. Lennon was inspired by a memory of a strawberry field where he played as a child. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Wade In the Water by Herb AlpertAlpert had a TV special this month on which he played...
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    33 分
  • 1989 - September: Mötley Crüe "Dr. Feelgood"

    1989 - September: Mötley Crüe "Dr. Feelgood"
    2024/11/18
    It is a little surprising that we have gotten this far into the podcast without featuring an album by Mötley Crüe. This is a group that practically defined the hair metal genre of the mid to late-80's. The band formed in 1981 in Hollywood, and featured both a party-oriented lifestyle and an androgynous look. The core and classic members of the band were Nikki Sixx on bass and keyboards, Mick Mars on lead guitar and backing vocals, Tommy Lee on drums and backing vocals, and Vince Neil as front man. Many other musicians would be brought in for sessions, and the group itself would change personnel over the years. However, the classic lineup was still in place for their fifth studio album, Dr. Feelgood. At the time, the group was facing conflicts that caused Producer Bob Rock to have each member record their parts separately. This was also the first album recorded after the group started a quest to get sober and go through rehab. Additionally, recording took place in Vancouver, getting the band out of the familiar (and seductive) L.A. scene.The result of these sessions was impressive. Dr. Feelgood was the groups most successful album to date, and went to the top of the Billboard 200 album chart, the only Crüe album to do so. It was also reviewed positively by critics, receiving the award for "Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album of the Year" at the American Music Awards in 1991.Friend of the show Greg Lyon sits in for Bruce and brings us this excellent glam metal album of the late 80's for this week's podcast.Dr. FeelgoodThis title track peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Mötley Crüe's most successful single to date. The song about a drug dealer chronicles the connection between LA Rock and drug use. It has an infectious funky riff and a more sophisticated production which departs from earlier Mötley Crüe efforts.Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)The softer approach of this power ballad song are betrayed by its adolescent lyrics. Bassist Nikki Sixx was inspired by a movie line to make this sarcastic song. It's tongue in cheek lyrics and reference to earlier Crüe songs make it a favorite at their live shows. like fire, don't you ever take my name in vain."Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.)This fifth single released from the album tells a comedic story of a boy meeting two girls, and by the end of the song the boy has been passed over while the two girls end up together. Many of Mötley Crüe's songs had lighter, humorous lyrics, which contributed to their appeal.Kickstart My HeartDo not play this song when driving through a speed trap! The song is not about a relationship, but about Nikki Sixx's heroin overdose. Sixx was clinically dead, requiring the paramedic to inject adrenaline into his heart to get it beating again. This single reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Welcome Home by Willie Nelson (from the motion picture “Welcome Home”)This film starred Kris Kristofferson as a Vietnam War vet returning to his family after a 20-year absence. STAFF PICKS:New Orleans Is Sinking by the Tragically HipWayne turns to the college rock genre to start off our staff picks. The Tragically Hip is better known in their native Canada than in the US, but their music is well worth a listen. This song was recorded in Memphis, and has a delta blues feel, almost rockabilly. The song was temporarily removed from radio playlists after hurricane Katrina broke the levies and flooded New Orleans. Wait for You by BonhamIf you think that this song sounds like Led Zeppelin, you aren't the only one. Rob features Jason Bonham's band. Jason Bonham was the son of the late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham. Jason Bonham has a playing style very similar to his father, and recruited Daniel McMaster to the band on vocals - a singer with a sound very similar to Zeppelin front man Robert Palmer. This is the main single from the debut album, "The Disregard of Timekeeping." Poison by Alice CooperLynch brings us a song from Cooper's eighteenth album, "Trash." This song was a major comeback single for Cooper, his first top 10 single in the US in 12 years. The song tells the story of a guy entrapped by a girl that he knows is wrong for him, but also someone he can't let go.Down Boys by Warrant Greg finishes the staff picks with another hair metal band. This is the debut single from Warrant's debut album, "Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich." It reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Stand On It by Jeff Beck with Terry Bozzio and Tony HymasWe close out with a guitar instrumental from guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck, accompanied by drummer Terry Bozzio and keyboardist Tony Hymas. 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 ...
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    45 分
  • 1967 - March: Bob Dylan “Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits”

    1967 - March: Bob Dylan “Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits”
    2024/11/11
    One of the greatest songwriters of the 60's, Bob Dylan had released seven solo albums between 1962 and 1966. Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits compiles many of the singles from this period along with some of the songs Dylan wrote for other musicians. The compilation went to number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, number 3 on the UK album chart, and has been certified five times platinum by the RIAA.In the summer of 1966, Dylan crashed his motorcycle near his home, and took off time to recover. The record company was anxious to follow up Dylan's successful "Blonde on Blonde" album, but had no new recordings available, and no clarity on how long Dylan would be out of the studio. Thus the decision to release a Greatest Hits album was an easy one for them. Born Robert Allen Zimmerman in Duluth, Minnesota, the stage name comes from the poet Dylan Thomas. Bob Dylan rose out of the Beatnik coffee houses, and he took inspiration from a wide variety of sources including Woodie Guthrie, Hank Williams, and blues artists like Robert Johnson. He has the unusual distinction of having won a Nobel Prize in Literature. Wayne takes us through this iconic folk rock compilation album, and friend of the show Greg Lyon joins us in Bruce's absence for this week's podcast. Positively 4th StreetThis non-album single was released in 1965 between the "Highway 61 Revisited" album and the "Blonde on Blonde" album, and reached the top 10 on charts in both the US and the UK. The lyrics are laden with bitterness, as the singer laments the lack of compassion in a person who "has a lot of nerve to say you are my friend." An inspiration for this song could have been the reaction Dylan received from folk artists and fans when he "went electric."Blowin' in the WindWhile Dylan released this as a single in 1963, the most successful version of this song was the cover by Peter, Paul and Mary in the same year. This well-known protest song asks a number of questions in its lyrics, most focused on issues of peace and freedom. Whether an answer "blowin' in the wind" is obvious or difficult to grasp is left deliberately ambiguous. The Times They Are a-Changin'This is the title track to Dylan's 1964 album. It is iconic today as a commentary on society in general and 1960's society in particular. The number of groups that have covered this song is vast, including such diverse names as Joan Baez, the Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Burl Ives.Subterranean Homesick BluesA number of things make this song famous, from the early video style to the rapid lyric pace, to the inspiration for the name of the domestic terrorist group of the 70's, the Weather Underground ("you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows"). Dylan claims inspiration from Chuck Berry and the scat songs of the 1940's in the creation of this track. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Sitting There Standing by the Chocolate Watchband (from the motion picture "Riot on the Sunset Strip")This counterculture movie came out during this time, sporting a soundtrack that may be better than the film itself. STAFF PICKS:Detroit City by Tom JonesRob starts the staff picks with a slow blues number originally written by Mel Tillis. Jones cover of this country song originally released by Bobby Bare is about being lonely and homesick on the road. Jones' version went to number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100. I'll Be Doggone by Marvin GayeLynch brings us an upbeat tune which is the first song on which he collaborated with Smokey Robinson. The lyrics tell the singer's girlfriend that if she cheats on him he'll be (dog)gone. This was a big time for the Motown sound.Can't Help Falling In Love by Elvis PresleySpecial guest Greg's staff pick is an iconic ballad by the King. Recorded for the movie "Blue Hawaii" in 1961, it was on the charts in 1962, but has been popular ever since. Elvis was a great inspiration for Greg's life and musicianship.Action Woman by the LitterWayne features an early garage band with a fuzzy feel. It is a good early example of psychedelic music, and chronicles a man's search for a woman of action - a more active girlfriend. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Music to Watch Girls By by the Bob Crewe GenerationThis is a great song title with which to finish off the podcast - or ride in an elevator! 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...
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    31 分
  • 1986 - April: Metallica "Master of Puppets"

    1986 - April: Metallica "Master of Puppets"
    2024/11/04
    A number of bands seem to turn a corner with their third album, and Master of Puppets is no exception. Metallica's third album would achieve both critical and commercial success, crossing out of the new thrash metal sub-genre of hard rock to achieve multi-platinum recognition. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist James Hetfield collaborated with drummer Lars Ulrich as the principal songwriters, creating riffs that were assembled and reassembled over time until they formed a song. The band would then be called in to create a tile and topic for the song, at which point Hetfield would create the lyrics.Master of Puppets peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Although glam metal was on the rise, the band avoided the over-produced, synth-laden sound popular in the era, and stuck to their signature thrash metal sound with political lyrics. The resulting album would consolidate the thrash metal scene, and bring the sound into a more mainstream audience.Unfortunately, the album would also be the last one for which bassist Cliff Burton would be featured. Burton died in September 1986 while the band was on tour in Sweden, and their bus was involved in an accident.Metallica would become a huge group from the late 80's onward, and this album shows the strength of the group in those years when they were just coming into the consciousness of the commercial world.Lynch brings us this highly influential thrash metal album. Fans of the Show Julie Doran and son Zack join us in Wayne's absence for today's podcast. Welcome Home (Sanitarium)The song that concludes side 1 of the album was inspired by Ken Kesey's novel "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." The lyrics portray the thoughts of a mental patient incorrectly institutionalized in an asylum. The track starts slow and picks up steam as it goes. BatteryThis title could be a reflection of the charge of assault and battery, or it could be inspired by the military hardware of an artillery battery. There is also a connection to the original San Francisco thrash scene, centered on the Old Waldorf club on Battery Street. Control of violent urges is a connection that runs through the piece regardless of the original inspiration.Master of PuppetsCocaine addiction is the master of puppets referenced in this title track. Hetfield had friends experiencing drug addiction, and wrote this track from the perspective of the drug itself, taking over the lives of people. This will be a familiar song to fans of "Stranger Things." ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Loved By the Sun by Jon Anderson and Tangerine Dream (from the motion picture “Legend”)This fantasy film starring Tom Cruise and Mia Sara was in the theaters at this time. STAFF PICKS:Your Wildest Dreams by the Moody BluesRob starts off the staff picks with a song that singer and guitarist Justin Heyward wrote while thinking back on his first love. It hit number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, making this song the biggest commercial success for the Moody Blues since "Knights in White Satin."Mothers Talk by Tears for FearsBruce's staff pick was inspired by a mom telling her kids that when they make faces, they will freeze that way. It is also inspired by an anti-nuclear cartoon called "When the Wind Blows" by Raymond Briggs. The song was written by Roland Orzabal and Ian Stanley, and first performed in 1983. It went to number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100. Kiss by Prince & the RevolutionJulie features a chart topping hit and lead single from Prince's eighth studio album, "Parade." The song is more acoustic and stripped down than prior Prince hits, and Warner Bros. didn't want to release it as a single. However, Prince insisted on both its inclusion on the album and its release as a single.Addicted to Love by Robert PalmerLynch closes out the staff picks with a song that may be more famous for its video featuring models pretending to play the instruments. Palmer originally wanted to sing this song as a duet with Chaka Kahn, but was prevented from doing so by legal issues. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Songbird by Kenny G.You just can't go wrong with a sax as we close out today'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.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.
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    47 分
  • Rocking Halloween III - A What the Riff Rabbit Hole

    Rocking Halloween III - A What the Riff Rabbit Hole
    2024/10/28
    What The Riff?!? makes another scary trip down the Halloween rabbit hole with these theme songs, movie and TV music, and rock songs with a bent towards the macabre. We hope you enjoy this third edition of "Halloween" from What the Riff?!? Highway to Hell by AC/DC The opening track to the 1979 album of the same name features Bon Scott on his last album as lead singer of the group before his untimely death. The name of the song was inspired by the group's gruesome touring schedule.Shout at the Devil by Motley Crue The Crue's 1983 breakthrough album of the same name would establish them as one of the most successful metal bands of the 80's. The song was controversial, with many believing that it encouraged devil worship, though the lyrics themselves do not explicitly do so.Disarm by The Smashing Pumpkins Off their breakout album "Siamese Dream," this song references "the killer in me is the killer in you" is inspired by Billy Corgan's contemplation of his negligent parents and suicide. The lyrics "cut that little child" caused the song to be banned by the BBC.Demons by Imagine Dragons This song off Imagine Dragons' major label debut studio album became their second top 10 single. It is really not about demons in the Halloween sense, but more the tragedies of life like abuse, PTSD, and mental illness.Voodoo by Godsmack The third single from Godsmack's self-titled debut album was inspired by Wes Craven's film “The Serpent and the Rainbow.” This song became Dave Bautista's theme song as Leviathan when he was in the WWE. Mommy's Little Monster by Social Distortion The title track from Social Distortion's debut album tells a horror tale of a kid becoming a punk rocker. It is another song about dealing with personal demons rather than the supernatural. Witch Wolf by Styx Early in their career Styx put out this song to lead off their third album, “The Serpent is Rising.” James Young takes lead vocal duties on this song that tells about a person accursed by a creature called the witch wolf, and night rider.Dragula by Rob Zombie The lead single from Rob Zombie's debut album may be his biggest hit. The audio clip at the beginning of the song is taken from the 1960 horror film “The City of the Dead.” The name comes from the TV sitcom "The Munsters," where Grandpa Munster has a dragster called "Drag-u-la."The theme to the TV series "Twilight Zone" This menagerie of bizarre tales from the early days of TV still has staying power in our sci-fi culture. Sympathy for the Devil by the Rolling Stones Mick Jagger walks us through a discussion with Old Scratch himself in this well-known classic from the Stones' catalogue. The idea is a narrative from Satan's point of view as he reviews historical events.That Old Black Magic by Frank Sinatra Old Blue Eyes gave us this romantic song with a Halloween bent. It was a jazz classic originally written in 1942 with lyrics penned by Johnny Mercer. Love is "that old black magic" in this tune.Night of the Vampire by Roky Erickson From this cult classic album "The Evil One," this song is one of a plethora of horror-oriented tracks on the album. Erickson spent a significant amount of time in mental institutions.The Kill (Bury Me) by Thirty Seconds to Mars Jared Leto, front man for the group (and perhaps better known as an actor today), has said this song is about the relationship you have with yourself, and confronting the dark side of who you are.Take Me to Church by Hozier This haunting hit song compares falling in love with a kind of death, and compares the lover to a kind of religion. 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.
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    50 分
  • 1992 - February: Ozzy Osbourne "No More Tears"

    1992 - February: Ozzy Osbourne "No More Tears"
    2024/10/21
    No More Tears, the sixth solo studio album by Ozzy Osbourne, was released at an interesting time in rock music. Hair metal acts were in decline, and grunge was about to take off. Nevertheless, Ozzy hit it big with this album, reaching number 7 on the Billboard 200 charts, and providing Osbourne's only solo top 40 hit. No More Tears is generally considered his best album since his first two solo albums, "Blizzard of Oz," and "Diary of a Madman," both of which featured the late Randy Rhodes on guitar. The songs on the album are largely written by Ozzy, drummer Randy Castillo, and guitarist Zakk Wylde. Motorhead bassist and front man Lemmy Kilmister wrote the lyrics to four of the tracks on the album. Additional musicians for this album were Bob Daisley on bass, and John Sinclair on keyboards. This would be the last Ozzy album to feature Castillo and Daisley.As became more common in the compact disc era of the 90's, the tracks on this album tend to be longer than the typical single. None of the tracks clock in at less than 4 minutes, and the longest falls just short of 7 1/2 minutes. In addition to boasting Osbourne's first top 40 hit, he also received a Grammy for "Best Metal Performance" for the track "I Don't Want to Chane the World" when released on his "Live & Loud" album in 1994.Rob brings us this heavy metal throwback for this week's journey back to the 90's.Mama, I'm Coming HomeThis track peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Osbourne's only top 40 solo single. This power ballad contains lyrics by Lemmy Kilmister, the front man from Motorhead. The song is about his wife Sharon, who helped turn his life around.DesireA crunchy deep cut talks about going for what you want - not changing over time, seeking the same desire. Osbourne also makes a reference to "Crazy train," his hit from the early 80's. "It's the same old desire, nothing's changed, nothing's the same. Burning like fire, don't you ever take my name in vain."Road to NowhereThe last song on the album is a reflection on life. Osbourne had gone sober after 20 years of drugs and alcohol, and he looking at how "the road to nowhere leads to me." "I was looking back on my life and all the things I've done to me." No More TearsThis very dark title track has an epic feel, and despite its length hit number 5 on the US Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, number 71 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 32 on the UK Singles chart. The lyrics are told from the perspective of a stalker in a red light district seeking a victim to torture. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Wayne's World by Aerosmith (from the Saturday Night Live skit “Wayne's World”)This skit finds Wayne (Mike Myers) and Garth (Dana Carvey) partying in their basement with the band Aerosmith. STAFF PICKS:Tough It Out by Webb WilderWayne starts out the staff picks with a deep cut. Webb Wilder was born John Webb McMurry in Mississippi, and carries a high energy combination of rock, psychedelic, blues, and rockabilly genres in this song that encourages the listener to keep fighting for dreams even when the odds seem stacked against their fruition. Alive by Pearl JamLynch brings us a song which evolved from songwriter and front man Eddie Vedder's original intention. Vedder reflects on the feelings of a boy discovering that he was a stepchild. While the lyrics were intended as reflecting the curse of an emotional weight from family history, fans interpreted it as an affirmation of life.I Can't Make You Love Me by Bonnie RaittBruce takes the energy way down with this soft hit off Raitt's eleventh studio album, "Luck of the Draw." Bruce Hornsby provides the piano accompaniment. Nashville writers Mike Reid and Allen Shamblin wrote the song after hearing about a drunk man being sentenced for shooting at his girlfriend's car. When asked if he had learned anything, he said, "I learned, Your Honor, that you can't make a woman love you if she don't."Anybody Listening? by Queensryche Rob finishes the staff picks with a "prog metal" song off the "Empire" album that questions whether we really are communicating with people, and wondering if we are understood whether by word or deed. It was an epic with multiple tempos, dynamics, and key changes that finished off the album. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Masquerade by YesWe close out with a surprisingly short song by the prog rock virtuosos off their "Union" album. Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.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 ...
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    49 分
  • 1978 - November: Kansas "Two for the Show"

    1978 - November: Kansas "Two for the Show"
    2024/10/14
    Kansas was at the height of their prowess and popularity as a prog rock-leaning band in 1978 when they released their first live album, Two for the Show. Recorded during tours in 1977 and 1978, the double album gives the listener a glimpse into the energy of the band at the time. The songs span the first five studio albums released by the group, from the eponymously named "Kansas" to the highly successful "Point of Know Return."Kansas would have a number of personnel changes over time, but this lineup would be the classic one. Steve Walsh is on keyboards and vocals, Robby Steinhardt is on violins and vocals, Kerry Livgren is on guitars and keyboards, Rich Williams is on guitars, Dave Hope is on bass, and Phil Ehart is on percussion.In addition to the complex metered songs and excellent harmonies, Kansas also features Robby Steinhardt on violin in most of their songs. The unusual use of violin in a rock band would create one of the signature sounds of Kansas. Kansas would go on to have a number of hits in the 80's. In 1982 front man Steve Walsh would leave the group and be replaced by John Elfante. In 1983 both Livgren and Hope would leave the group to form the contemporary Christian band called AD. Later Elfante would also leave the group to join the Contemporary Christian music genre, replaced by a returning Steve Walsh.Bruce presents this live prog rock masterpiece for this week's podcast.. Song for AmericaThis long-form masterpiece from the album of the same name was written by Kerry Livgren. Its 3+ minute instrumental prelude did not make it onto the single release, but was a staple of FM rock stations at the time. Livgren was inspired to write the song after viewing the country from a plane flight.Dust In the WindThe big hit from "Point of Know Return," went to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Livgren originally wrote the music as a guitar exercise, and his wife encouraged him to develop it into a song. The lyrics for this ballad come from the Bible, where the Preacher from Ecclesiastes says "everything he (man) has accomplished is futile - like chasing the wind." This live version concludes with an acoustic guitar outro performed by Rich Williams.Lonely WindThe live version of this song from their debut studio album begins with a piano solo from Kerry Livgren. Steve Walsh penned this melancholy track about loneliness, with the wind personifying that feeling. "Cry for me, sigh for me, sad breezes blow. Stay for me, play for me, the song my friends will know. My lonely wind must blow." ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Grease by Frankie Valli (from the motion picture "Grease")John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John star in this blockbuster musical set in a 50's high school. 50's icon Frankie Valli performs the title song, written by Barry Gibb. STAFF PICKS:Strange Way by FirefallWayne goes more mellow than normal to start the staff picks. This was the first track and big hit from the third album by Boulder, Colorado's Firefall. It talks about a relationship based on relaying sorrow or self-pity, and not being able to move the current relationship forward. Straight On by HeartRob brings us a well-known song from Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. This was the first single off their album "Dog & Butterfly," and became their third top 20 single, hitting number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics compare love to a game of chance, where you have to take some risks if you want to win.Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen"Get on your bikes and ride!" Lynch features a hit written by Brian May with Freddie Mercury in mind, knowing that Mercury appreciated women of "substantial girth." It was a part of a double A side release with "Bicycle Race," and the songs reference each other in the lyrics. How Much I Feel by AmbrosiaBruce's staff pick is a soft rock hit that went to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Front man and co-founder David Pack wrote this song about a long-lost love that the singer will never truly get over. Pack would go on to perform on the Kansas album "Vinyl Confessions" in 1982. NOVELTY TRACK:Y.M.C.A. by the Village People All skate, everyone skate for this fun throwback that tells a young man where he can go when he's short on the dough. 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.
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    45 分
  • 1985 - November: Bruce Springsteen "Born In the U.S.A."

    1985 - November: Bruce Springsteen "Born In the U.S.A."
    2024/10/07
    There were few rock albums in the 80's which achieved the popularity levels of Born In the U.S.A., the seventh studio album by Bruce Springsteen. Songs for this album were recorded with the E. Street Band over a two-year period from 1982 until 1984, the totality of songs far outstripping the available space on the album. Somewhere between 70 and 90 songs were created during those sessions, some being released as B-sides Ultimately twelve songs landed on the album, seven of which were released as singles. All seven singles reached the top 10 in the United States.The songs reflect Springsteen's blue collar sensibilities, but also have more pop influence musically than some of his earlier works. Springsteen made more prominent use of synthesizers in these pieces, and the shorter, more radio-friendly tracks surely contributed to the success of the album. “Born In the U.S.A.” was the biggest selling album of 1985, and remains Springsteen's most successful studio album. The album's success also catapulted Bruce Springsteen's fame to stratospheric levels, a consequence which he considered a mixed blessing.While the music is pop oriented and lively, the lyrics are often darker, reflecting the aftermath of the Vietnam war and struggles of blue collar life. It may be a strange juxtaposition, but it worked.Born In the U.S.A. was released in 1984, but singles from the album were still being released in 1985, the last of which was released in November.Lynch brings us this monster album of 80's heartland rock in this week's podcast Glory DaysThe fifth single released from the album was inspired by an encounter Springsteen had with an old friend and star high school baseball player in a bar in 1973. It reflects on the passage of time and the way we look back on the days of our youth with nostalgia. Dancing In the DarkThis track was born out of frustration. Springsteen's manager was pushing for him to write a hit single, and the lyrics reflect the pressire Springsteen felt to write a hit. Interestingly the song became Springsteen's biggest hit, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The video is famous for a scene where Springsteen pulls a fan - the actress Courtney Cox before her fame on the TV show “Friends” - on stage to dance. I'm On FireSpringsteen developed this song in early 1982 while experimenting with a slow Johnny Cash rhythm. The lyrics are built around sexual tension for a seemingly unavailable love. The video portrays Springsteen as an auto mechanic working on a Thunderbird for an unseen female who brings the car in frequently and always asks for him to do the work.Born In the U.S.A.The title track and opening song to the album is a protest song disguised as a patriotic song. It was inspired by Ron Kovic, a Vietnam War veteran and wheelchair-bound anti-war activist who wrote the memoir “Born on the Fourth of July.” Despite its protest origins, it became associated with Ronald Reagan's optimistic 1984 campaign due to its strong chorus. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Living In America by James Brown (from the motion picture “Rocky IV”)Brown makes a cameo in this Rocky movie when Balboa's antagonist turned friend Apollo Creed fights an exhibition against Soviet athlete Ivan Drogo in Las Vegas. STAFF PICKS:She Sells Sanctuary by the CultWayne gets the staff picks rolling with the first big hit from the Cult. The lyrics reflect the feeling of safety that the singer receives when being around a particular woman. Front man Ian Astbury has stated that "...plain and simple. It's about sex." This group channels a bit of goth rock and a bit of fuzzy psychedelia.To Live and Die in L.A. by Wang ChungRob brings us a deeper cut from the film noir "To Live and Die in L.A." Director William Friedkin liked the group and asked them to compose the entire soundtrack. This piece is the title track for the soundtrack, and gives off the neo-noir feel of the thriller.Overjoyed by Stevie WonderBruce features a hit song of the twentieth studio album from Stevie Wonder, "In Squared Circle." The song was written back in 1979 for the album "Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants," but didn't make that album. It was first performed live on Saturday Night Live in 1983. Jazz guitarist Earl Klugh contributes on this song. Running Up that Hill (A Deal with God) by Kate BushLynch finishes the staff picks with a song that got new life from the series "Stranger Things." Bush's unusual lyrics reflect a desire to make a deal with God to trade places with her husband for a time so she would better understand him. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Where's the Walrus? by The Alan Parson's ProjectWe finish off today's podcast with an instrumental from The Alan Parson's Project album "Stereotomy." 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 ...
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