What the Riff?!? By cover art

What the Riff?!?

By: Rob Marbury Wayne Rowan Bruce Fricks and Brian Dickhute
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  • Summary

  • Every week, “WHAT THE RIFF?!?” takes a look at a ROCK AND ROLL album that debuted or peaked on the U.S. Billboard charts during a random month between 1965-1995. Four friends discuss the artists and 4 tracks from the album as it plays in the background. Then we riff on 4 “staff picks” of other artists that were also in the charts during that month and year. You’ll hear some familiar tunes as well as some deeper cuts and entertainment tracks as we share a little look into the culture and happenings of that day— having fun recalling that “old time rock and roll.” We hope to bring back memories for you — and we encourage you to find and purchase the tracks and albums from iTunes, Spotify or your other favorite music service. You’ll find each episode with a short blog on this site. Please subscribe so you don’t miss any release! We also invite you to follow us and learn more about us @whattheriffpodcast on Facebook.
    What the Riff ©2023
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Episodes
  • 1984 - October: Steve Perry “Street Talk”

    1984 - October: Steve Perry “Street Talk”
    Apr 29 2024
    It will come as no surprise to regular listeners of this podcast that we are all big fans of Steve Perry, the chief vocalist of Journey. So it should also not come as a surprise that we would want to feature his debut solo studio album called Street Talk. Perry embarked on this solo project shortly after the release of Journey's "Frontiers" album, at a time when the group was packing arenas around the world. The name of the album comes from his pre-Journey days when he was leading a band called Alien Project - but he had at one time considered naming it, "Street Talk." Perry also used Craig Krampf as drummer, who was also a previous member of Alien Project.The album obviously has similarities to Journey due to Perry's vocals, but it is significantly softer than the more pop rock/hard rock approach typical of Journey. The songs are written or co-written by Perry, and showcase Perry's voice in a more ballad-heavy manner. The lead single, “Oh Sherrie,” was written about his relationship with Perry's then-girlfriend Sherrie Swafford, and hit number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. We covered “Oh Sherrie” on episode #148, but there are three other singles that broke into the top 40, powering the album to number 12 on the Billboard 200 album charts and to 2x Platinum in sales.Perry had worked outside of Journey during his tenure with the band, including vocal work with both Sammy Hagar and Kenny Loggins. Other members of the band were also working on side projects, so it was expected that all would return to the group after their separate projects. Perry followed suit, this, but troubles began to surface with personnel changes and Perry's mother's failing health causing the "Raised on Radio" Journey album to be delayed.Street Talk gives us a good look at Steve Perry outside of the rest of the Journey band members, during a time when Perry was at the top of his vocal game.Rob brings us this excellent album for today's podcast.She's MineThe track that starts side two is a slow rocker that demonstrates Perry's versatility in musical styles. The lyrics describe a struggle between a guy and his rival over a girl. It made it to number 21 on the US charts - and you can't go wrong with a sax. Captured By the MomentThis song is deeper lyrically, with Perry looking at significant times in history and music as snapshots in a frame. He pays tribute to some key figures from the 60s and 70s including Martin Luther King Jr, Jackie Kennedy, the Beatles, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and others. It has a distinctive 80's keyboard sound. Foolish HeartA subdued piece, this track is the second-biggest hit from the album after "Oh, Sherrie." The lyrics depict a guy longing for love, but who does not trust his heart to make good choices. It was co-written with Randy Goodrum, who wrote "You Needed Me" for Anne Murray. It was the last single released from the album. Strung OutThis faster paced track closes out the album, and discusses love from the perspective of a guy longing for a woman in a relationship with another. "I feel like Bogart in a crazy movie. Bogie and me, we never beg - but this time maybe I've got voices in my head." ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Main theme from the television series “Who's the Boss?”Tony Danza plays a former baseball athlete trying to raise his daughter while working as a live-in housekeeper for a single advertising executive. Alyssa Milano played Danza's daughter. STAFF PICKS:I Wanna Rock by Twisted Sister Wayne kicks off the staff picks with glam rock sensation Twisted Sister in their follow-up to "We're Not Gonna Take It." Many listeners may be more familiar with a cover of this song performed by SpongeBob SquarePants in "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie" entitled "Goofy Goober Rock."For Whom the Bell Tolls by MetallicaLynch brings us a signature song from Metallica's 1984 album, "Ride the Lightning." The heavy riffs typical of Metallica are accented by the toll of chimes, and the lyrics are inspired by Ernest Hemmingway's novel of the same name dealing with war, death, and fate set in the Spanish Civil War.Hard Habit to Break by Chicago Bruce takes the tempo way down with a hit off Chicago 17. Vocal duties are carried by Bill Champlin and Peter Cetera, and the song is arranged by David Foster. The lyrics depict a man struggling to get over a long lost love whom he took for granted. Chicago 17 is Chicago's best selling album, and their last with Peter Cetera in the group.No More Lonely Nights by Paul McCartney Rob closes out the staff picks with a single from the soundtrack to McCartney’s film, "Give My Regards to Broad Street." McCartney brings in Pink Floyd alumnus David Gilmour for guitar work on this song. Gilmour requested that his session fee be donated to a charity of Paul's choice. It went to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Zoolookologie by Jean Michel JarreWe close out on a jazz fusion number from...
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    39 mins
  • 1975 - July: Outlaws “The Outlaws”

    1975 - July: Outlaws “The Outlaws”
    Apr 22 2024
    The Outlaws had a long history as a band prior to the release of this debut album. Formed originally in 1967 in Tampa, Florida, the original name for the group was "The Four Letter Words." They toured off and on through the early 70's, and made an aborted attempt at an album the late 60's. Finally, they were signed by Clive Davis and Arista Records while opening for Lynyrd Skynyrd. Ronnie Van Zant told Davis and future Outlaws manager Charlie Brusco, "If you don't sign Outlaws, you're the dumbest music person I've ever met - and I know you're not."The debut and eponymously named album Outlaws would blend Southern rock with Country and hard rock, and would create a great concert draw for the band. Their use of three guitars would come to be known as "the Florida Guitar Army." Hughie Thomasson and Billy Jones both provided lead guitar and vocals, and Henry Paul would provide further electric and acoustic guitar as well as vocals. Monte Yoho on drums and Frank O'Keefe on bass would round out the group.While there's definitely a Southern Rock feel to the Outlaws, there is also a lot of Country and even bluegrass mixed in. The technical chops are impressive, and there is a lot of harmony employed in the group as well. The album would peak at number 13 on the Billboard Top LP's & Tape chart.Wayne takes us through this guitar-driven Southern Rock album for this week's podcast. WaterholeThis instrumental song leads off side two of the album, and has a bluegrass feel. It is the opening track to side two of the album.There Goes Another Love SongThe hit single on the album also is the leading track. It peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100, and features Hughie Thomasson on lead vocals. The lyrics depict a guy on the road who is missing his faraway love, and seems to encounter love songs one after another.Song for YouThis may appear to be an instrumental at first because of the long intro before the vocals come in. The lyrics reflect a guy who is breaking a girl's heart, but can't seem to avoid doing so. There are some great harmonies in this track.Green Grass and High TidesThe last song on the album is a true epic. The album version is almost 10 minutes long, but has been stretched to 30-minute versions in concert jams. Hughie Thomasson conceived the album while at a beach cookout and imagining all the rock greats who had passed on rising from the grave to play a show. The name comes from a Rolling Stones' "Best of" album title. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Main theme from the motion picture “The Apple Dumpling Gang”Walt Disney Productions put out this comedy western about a gambler tricked into taking care of a group of orphans. Bill Bixby, Don Knotts, and Tim Conway star in this movie. STAFF PICKS:One of These Nights by the EaglesLynch starts off the staff picks with a song penned by the duo of Glenn Frey and Don Henley. It became the second number 1 single for the group in the US, behind "Best of My Love." This track takes inspiration from soul music like Al Green and B.B. King, and has been described as an anthem for procrastinators and dreamers. Blue Sky by Joan BaezRob profiles a cover song originally performed by the Allman Brothers on their 1972 album, "Eat a Peach." Originally written by Dickey Betts about his girlfriend Sandy "Bluesky" Wabegijig, Baez covers this on her 1975 album "Diamonds & Rust." If it sounds familiar to you, Baez is actually backed up by the Allman Brothers Band for this single.Landslide by Fleetwood MacBruce features a song written by Stevie Nicks at a time when she was considering whether to continue to pursue life as a musician or give up her dream and go back to school. Despite its popularity today, the song was not originally released as a single until the live version from "The Dance" in 1997.Motorhead by HawkwindWayne closes out the staff picks with a B-side from the prog rock group Hawkwind written by bassist Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister while he was with the group. Lemmy was fired from the band one day before the album's release, but would go on to fame in the band Motorhead. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Journey of the Sorcerer by the EaglesA rare instrumental from the Eagles takes us out this week. Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.
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    39 mins
  • 1992 - August: Eric Clapton "Unplugged"

    1992 - August: Eric Clapton "Unplugged"
    Apr 15 2024
    Eric Clapton is a living legend in the rock world. He was a member of the Yardbirds from 1963 to 1965, a founding member of the supergroup Cream, founding member of Blind Faith, founder of Derek and the Dominos, and a multi-album soloist. He has received 18 Grammy awards, sold more than 280 million records world-wide, and is the only three-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.Unplugged was recorded in front of an audience at Bray Studios in England for the "MTV Unplugged" series. This series was started in 1989, and several artists would release albums from this show, including Mariah Carey, Nirvana, and Page and Plant. Clapton's Unplugged album was a monster hit, winning three Grammy awards in 1993. It was Clapton's bestselling album, and the bestselling live album of all time, selling 26 million copies. Clapton recorded this in January 1992, and it contains a mix of his solo material, songs from previous groups, and blues standards from long ago.Eric Clapton continues to play and tour today. He recently released a song called "Voice of a Child" in late 2023 and organized a charity concert to raise funds for children in the Gaza Strip. He also collaborated with Van Morrison in November 2020 on an anti-lockdown single called "Stand and Deliver," and said regarding vaccine mandates that he would not perform on any stage where there is a discriminated audience present. Bruce presents this laid back live blues album in this week's podcast. Running On FaithThis track was originally on the Journeyman album from 1989, Clapton's eleventh studio album. Jerry Lynn Williams wrote this song, as he did several other Clapton songs including "Pretending" and "Forever Man." They lyrics tell of taking each day as it comes in confidence that love will come to the singer in due time.Tears in HeavenThis song originally appeared on the soundtrack for the 1991 film "Rush." In March of that year Clapton's 4-year old son Connor died in a fall from a New York City apartment, causing Clapton to isolate himself for a while. Scoring the music for the film gave him a way to cope with the loss. He wrote the first verse and asked Will Jennings to write the rest. It is deliberately ambiguous, as it is about his son, but also meant to be part of the film. It is his best-selling single in the United States.Rollin' and Tumblin'The recording of this song picks up mid-verse because it was recorded in a break when the cameras and recording equipment were off. Clapton began performing this Muddy Waters blues song impromptu, and the musicians around him joined in. It was last performed by Clapton when he was with Cream, and the audience clearly loves it.LaylaThe signature song from Derek and the Dominos was significantly altered by Clapton and acoustic guitar player Andy Fairweather. They changed it to a shuffle beat, removed many of the familiar riffs and piano exit, and jazzed it up. Clapton is also singing an octave lower than the original, which was at the top of his vocal range back in the day. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Theme from the television series “Martin”Martin Lawrence had a comedy series popular in the US at this time, with Martin playing many characters, both male and female. STAFF PICKS:Sister Shade by Mary's DanishWayne brings us an unfortunately underrated song from the 90's as his staff pick. This grunge group actually featured two female lead singers: Gretchen Seager and Julie Ritter. Mary's Danish formed in the late 1980's and released four albums. Unfortunately, they became a victim of mismanagement, incompetent promotion, and a difficult contract that left them without money from the royalties. Even Flow by Pearl JamLynch's staff pick is a signature song from Pearl Jam. The music was written as an instrumental demo before Eddie Vedder's arrival as front man for the band. Vedder wrote the lyrics focusing on the life of a homeless person overlooked by society. Originally performed live in October 1990, it has become Pearl Jam's most performed song.These Are Days by 10,000 ManiacsRob showcases another group with a female lead for his staff pick. The song encourages the listener to recognize the miracle in front of you, to live in the moment. Many associate it with the birth of a child, though the meaning is left ambiguous. This song is one of 10,000 Maniacs' biggest hits, and is one of the last the group did before Natalie Merchant left to pursue a solo career.Runaway Train by Elton John (featuring Eric Clapton)Bruce wraps up the staff picks with the second single from John's 1992 album "The One." The song includes contributions from Eric Clapton, who plays guitar and provides vocals in the second verse. "The One" was Elton John's 23rd studio album, and his biggest selling album in the US since 1976. The lyrics compare trying to get back into control of life to a runaway train. COMEDY TRACK:Taco Grande by “Weird Al” YankovicYou can't go ...
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    47 mins
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Profile Image for John Daily

Still great fun!

While I still would like to hear a female perspective amongst the guys, the truth is, this podcast is just great fun to listen to for us older guys. I like to bank a few episodes and then mow the lawn! Terrific accompaniment to the task, and it's even better if you don't spoil what music is coming up by reading the summary. Keep it up guys!

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