Shows
What the Riff?!?1981 - November: Rick James “Street Songs”Let's get this out of the way up front: when you think of rock albums, Rick James is not the artist that immediately comes to mind. But when former founding podcaster Brian Dickhute comes back and wants to do the album, we find it difficult to deny him.James Ambrose Johnson, Jr. was born in Buffalo where he was in a number of groups and bands as a teenager. He joined the US Navy Reserves to avoid being drafted, then moved to Toronto in 1964 where he formed the rock band “The Minah Byrds.” Unfortunately he failed to let Uncl...2024-07-0836 min
What the Riff?!?1982 - February: Duran Duran "Rio"Did MTV make Duran Duran, or did Duran Duran make MTV? Perhaps a little of both. What is beyond doubt is that Rio, the band's second studio album, would propel Duran Duran into a worldwide new wave and dance phenomenon, and would be a major offensive of the Second British Invasion in the United States.Duran Duran had found success in the UK with their self-titled debut album in 1981, and expectations were high for the group. Rio would find the band leaning heavily on upbeat tracks, a couple of synth-heavy ballads, and more experimentation with musical sounds and...2024-03-0443 min
Brian Wilson SpeaksThe Newest Conspiracy TheoryWelcome. This time I trying something a little different. Some people have time to read, others would rather listen. So this time, you get your choice. Pick the one that suits you best. Or OD on both and get some sleep! Use the Comments section to let me know your preference.Thanks!Grab your Tin Foil Hat and read on…Everyone from Tucker Carlson to (insert Sage Pundit here) is saying “Something big about to happen.” You can feel it in the air. Things are super wrong and something’s gonna pop. Soo...2024-03-0210 min
What the Riff?!?1969 - December: The Rolling Stones “Let It Bleed”The Rolling Stones released their tenth US studio album (eighth in the UK) entitled Let it Bleed at the end of November, 1969. The band had worked on the material in the studio off and on through most of the year, with recording beginning in earnest back in February of 1969 (though work on "You Can't Always Get What You Want" began in November of the previous year). The album would reach number 3 on the US album chart and number 1 on the UK charts, and would produce some of the best known standards of the Stones' collection.The band ex...2023-10-0239 min
What the Riff?!?1980 - January: Pink Floyd “The Wall”Pink Floyd would score another big hit and some mainstream crossover success with their eleventh studio album, The Wall. Originally conceived by bassist Roger Waters, The Wall explores the self-isolation of a cynical rock star named Pink, and portrays events in his life from the loss of his father, to childhood trauma, to the pressures of rock stardom as bricks forming the wall. Parts of the story are autobiographical from Waters, and parts naturally are based on former front man Syd Barrett. The album was a commercial success, the most successful double album of all time, the second most pop...2023-01-3043 min
What the Riff?!?1974 - March: Gordon Lightfoot “Sundown”Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot would see his commercial success zenith with this tenth studio album, Sundown. Lightfoot got his start in music at an early age, singing in the choir at St. Paul's United Church in Orillia, Ontario as a child. As a young man he lived in California for a short period, studying jazz composition and writing jingles to support himself, but he soon chose to return to his native Canada and never left. Gordon Lightfoot would inspire many artists - Bob Dylan considered him a type of mentor - and numerous artists would cover his songs, including ar...2022-12-2638 min
What the Riff?!?Christmas Songs that Rock V: A What the Riff Rabbit HoleWe at What the Riff!?! hope that y'all have a great Christmas — we hope these songs make your season a little more merry and bright.“Deck the Halls” by Twisted SisterThis classic carol was probably not originally envisioned to be quite as rocking as this, but Dee Snyder and Twisted Sister took it up a notch! This is the sixth and last Twisted Sister studio album they would produce, and we’re sure they donned their gay apparel for this final outing. “Skynyrd Family” by Lynyrd SkynyrdSome southern charm was put on this song t...2022-11-2844 min
What the Riff?!?1972 - March: Jethro Tull “Thick as a Brick”For it's fifth studio album, Jethro Tull decided to satirize the concept album which was popular amongst prog rock acts like themselves, Yes, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Thick as a Brick is a single piece of music spread across two album sides, and takes inspiration from Monty Python, poking fun at the critics, the audience, and the band itself. Ian Anderson wrote much of the album, but the entire band contributed to the songs. The "concept" of this concept album is that the lyrics are written by an 8 year-old genius named Gerald Bostock, and the album is a m...2022-08-2246 min
What the Riff?!?1972 - May: Uriah Heep “Demons and Wizards”Formed in London in 1969, Uriah Heep released their fourth and (to this point) most successful album, Demons and Wizards in May 1972. This album would also see the debut of what is considered the classic lineup of Uriah Heep as bassist Gary Thain and drummer Lee Kerslake joined vocalist David Byron, guitarist Mick Box, and keyboardist/multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter Ken Hensley to form the group for this album. While the album cover and title suggest medieval fantasy, Hensley has stated that it was just a collection of songs, not a concept album. It is hard to deny the prog rock fee...2022-08-0134 min
What the Riff?!?1966 - May: Beach Boys “Pet Sounds”Pet Sounds was the eleventh studio album by the Beach Boys. The album revolutionized music production, helped establish the album as the dominant form of music, and made the recording studio an instrument. The Beach Boys at this time are Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson, Dennis Wilson, Bruce Johnston, Al Jardine, and Mike Love.Some consider Pet Sounds to be a Brian Wilson solo project. He stopped touring with the Beach Boys a year prior to producing this album, and most of the Beach Boys had not heard the songs until they came into the recording session after the...2022-05-3028 min
What the Riff?!?1967 - February: Cream "Fresh Cream"British rock supergroup Cream debuted their first studio album entitled Fresh Cream in January 1967 in the United States, following the December 1966 British release. Eric Clapton was on guitar and vocals, Jack Bruce was on bass, harmonica, piano, and vocals, and Ginger Baker was on percussion and vocals. Clapton had come out of the Yardbirds, and both Baker and Bruce had been in the Graham Bond Organisation together. Ginger Baker approached Clapton about joining a new band, and Clapton agreed with the condition that Bruce be used as the bassist. Baker and Bruce had a tumultuous relationship, with Bake...2022-03-1432 min
What the Riff?!?1982 - October: Squeeze “Singles - 45 and Under”Squeeze came out of the mid-70's New Wave scene in the UK, but would cross genres into Rockabilly, R&B, and Psychedelia by the early 80's. In 1982 they released Singles - 45's and Under as a compilation album of their biggest hits. Squeeze was led by two singer songwriters, Chris Dilford (rhythm guitar and vocals) and Glenn Tilbrook (keyboards, lead guitar, vocals) who composed most of their material. At the time of the release of this “greatest hits” album, the band had broken up, leaving only Dilford and Tilbrook as a duet. The pair would normally work with Dilford...2021-12-0644 min
What the Riff?!?1975 - November: Queen “A Night At the Opera”Queen's fourth studio album is the one that would launch them into super stardom and bring them personal financial success as well. A Night at the Opera got its name from the Marx Brothers film, and many consider it to be the best album Queen ever made.The band lineup was Freddie Mercury on lead vocals, Brian May on guitar, John Deacon on bass, and Roger Taylor on drums. Backing vocals were performed by May and Taylor - John Deacon was the only band member who didn't sing.The first three Queen albums were produced un...2021-09-1340 min
What the Riff?!?1982 - June: Stray Cats “Built for Speed”While many bands of the 80's were focusing on the synth-heavy New Wave or screaming guitars of Hard Rock, one band was taking their inspiration from the 50's roots of Rock. The Stray Cats came out of New York in 1979 and developed a devoted following quickly, but moved to the UK after hearing of a revival of the 50's subculture there. Inspired by the Sun Records artists of the 50's, the Stray Cats combined Rockabilly and Punk genres to form their sound.The Stray Cats were a trio with Brian Setzer on guitar and lead vocals, Lee Roc...2021-08-0935 min
What the Riff?!?1981 - June: Billy Squier "Don't Say No"This second studio album is the one that would put Billy Squier at the top of the arena rock world in 1981. Don't Say No would produce Squier's first breakthrough single, “The Stroke,” a critique of the music industry, and the album would continue to contribute singles and AOR hits as it remained on the Billboard album charts for over 2 years.Billy Squier got his start in the Boston music scene in the late 60's, playing in locally successful groups through the 70's, and releasing a moderately successful solo album in the spring of 1980. Squier approached Brian May of Que...2020-11-0938 min
What the Riff?!?1966 - June: The Association “And Then...Along Comes The Association”The Association released their debut (and most successful) album, And Then...Along Comes The Association in June 1966. They had received some success with non-album releases prior to this, but the album itself would become one of the best selling albums of the year. The Association was known as sunshine pop, which incorporated elements of both folk rock and psychedelic music. The group was formed originally by Jules Alexander (guitar) and Terry Kirkman (wind instruments, percussion) who met in Hawaii in 1962, then reconnected in Los Angeles in the mid-60's. They joined with Russ Giguere (rhythm guitar, percussion), Bria...2020-10-2625 min
What the Riff?!?1980 - July: AC/DC “Back In Black”Fresh off their success with Highway to Hell, Australian band AC/DC was planning a follow-up when tragedy struck. Front man Bon Scott was found “dead by misadventure” after a drinking binge. The group would have to audition a replacement for their seventh studio album, and Brian Johnson was brought in on lead for Back In Black.The new album was recorded in Nassau in the midst of a batch of tropical storms - a fact referenced in the opening lines of “Hells Bells.” In addition to front man Johnson, the group was comprised of lead guitarist Angus Young...2020-10-1242 min
What the Riff?!?1980 - November: The Police “Zenyatta Mondatta”Power trios were unusual in the punk and new wave scene of the late 70's, but The Police were a notable exception. By November 1980 they were putting out their third studio album, Zenyatta Mondatta which would be the second of four albums to hit the number 1 slot in the UK, continuing their meteoric climb to super stardom on both sides of the pond. The Police only put out five albums, a surprisingly small discography for how famous the band would become.Drummer, Stewart Copeland formed the band with Sting and guitarist Henry Padovani originally; with the more expe...2020-09-2136 min
What the Riff?!?1970 - March: The Guess Who “American Woman”Who is the finest rock band to come out of Winnipeg, Canada? That's right, The Guess Who. In January 1970 they released their sixth studio album, American Woman, and were riding the wave of one of their most commercially successful albums in March. This album took a harder rock direction from their formerly psychedelic and pop sound, and would produce their only number 1 hit in the US, making them the first Canadian band to top the American Hot 100 chart.The Guess Who got their name in 1965 when their record label, Quality Records, released a single under the name “Guess...2020-08-2436 min
What the Riff?!?1965 — February: Herman's Hermits “Introducing Herman's Hermits”Introducing Herman’s Hermits is the the debut album for the band Herman’s Hermits. Front man Peter Noone was an actor on "Coronation Street," a British TV soap opera. The resemblance between Noone and a character named Sherman (from the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon) was noted, and this name was shortened to "Herman." The group would start using the name "Herman and His Hermits," and this was also shortened to "Herman's Hermits."Herman's Hermits were a part of the British Invasion of the early 60's, which included acts like the Dave Clark 5, The Merseybeats, and of course...2020-08-1025 min
What the Riff?!?1981 - May: The Go-Go's “Beauty and the Beat”I can tell what you're thinking: really, What the Riff? The Go-Go's? That's not rock, that's pop! Well we'll agree that their debut album Beauty and the Beat was quite popular, but the group has its roots in the punk movement, not pop music.With Belinda Carlisle on lead vocals, Charlotte Caffey on lead guitar and keyboards, Gina Schock on percussion, Kathy Valentine on bass, and Jane Wiedlin on rhythm guitar, The Go-Go's were the first and (so far) only all female band to hit the top of the charts writing their OWN songs and playing their OWN...2020-07-2731 min
What the Riff?!?1971 - July: The Allman Brothers Band "At Fillmore East"The Allman Brothers Band recorded their third album live in March 1971 over two days. At Fillmore East would become their breakthrough album, filled with enough blues-rock jams to make it a double, despite the fact that there were only seven songs in total. Brothers Duane and Gregg Allman realized that their strength was rooted in their live shows, and determined that the best showcase for them would be a live album.The band features Gregg Allman on vocals, piano, and organ, Duane Allman and Dickey Betts on guitars, Berry Oakley on bass guitar, and Butch Trucks and Jai...2020-07-2044 min
What the Riff?!?1981 - August: (various artists) "Heavy Metal" SoundtrackIn 1977 Leonard Mogel began publishing a dark, illustrated, steampunk, and somewhat erotic science fiction and fantasy magazine called Heavy Metal, and in 1981 an adult animated sci-fi fantasy film by the same name was produced by Mogel and Ivan Reitman. The film would become a mainstay of the midnight movie circuit (along with “the Rocky Horror Picture Show”) throughout the 1980's, and would also lead to a hit album which would peak at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.The movie mirrors a comic book, in that it strings together a number of shorter vignettes into an entire animated movie...2020-07-1338 min
What the Riff?!?1987 - May: Hoodoo Gurus "Blow Your Cool!”We’re headed back down under this week with Australian group Hoodoo Gurus and their third album, Blow Your Cool! The Gurus formed Sydney in 1981 under songwriter, guitarist, and lead singer Dave Faulkner. The group was fleshed out by Richard Grossman on bass, Mark Kingmill on drums, and Brad Shepherd on guitar, harmonica, and vocals. Hoodoo Gurus were most popular on college radio, and this album was released at the peak of their popularity. The Gurus were influenced by B movies and pop culture of the 60's, and the similarity to the B-52's is clear.Fri...2020-07-0633 min
What the Riff?!?1966 - August: Wilson Pickett “The Exciting Wilson Pickett”While you may think of Motown when you first hear Wilson Pickett, this sound is neither from Detroit or its counterpart from Philadelphia. This is from the deep south with the deep soul of the 2 M's - Memphis and Muscle Shoals. The Exciting Wilson Pickett was Pickett's third studio album and firmly established his credentials as one of the leading lights of Soul music. Pickett grew up in Alabama, and like many soul singers at the time he got his start in church. He had a contentious relationship with his mother who he described as "the baddest woman...2020-06-2226 min
What the Riff?!?1977 - October: E.L.O. “Out of the Blue”By the time they released their seventh studio album, Out of the Blue, British rock band E.L.O., also known as the Electric Light Orchestra was a successful machine for rock hits with a “Beatleseque Pop” sound. The Beatles connection was not random, as guitarist and founding member Roy Wood wanted to introduce strings, violins, cellos, basses, horns and woodwinds to Rock music, and “pick up where the Beatles left off.” ELO was formed by Wood on guitar, Bev Bevan on drums, and Jeff Lynne on vocals and guitars. Over time Lynne would become synonymous with the group. Out of the...2020-06-1538 min
What the Riff?!?1982 - January: The J. Geils Band "Freeze Frame"This tenth studio album by The J. Geils Band would be a departure from their blues rock and mainstream pieces for which they were known in the 70's, and would be their most commercially successful. Freeze Frame took The J. Geils Band from a regional band to international stardom. The band consisted of John (J.) Geils on guitar, Seth Justman on keyboards, Stephen Bladd on drums, Danny Klein on bass, Peter Wolf on lead vocals, and Richard Salwitz (aka Magic Dick) on harmonica, trumpet, and saxophone. The album was arranged and produced by keyboardist Seth Justman, and all...2020-06-0843 min
What the Riff?!?1976 - March: Bad Company “Run with the Pack”English supergroup Bad Company continued their successful streak with their third studio album, Run with the Pack. Frontman/guitarist/panist Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke came out of the band Free, guitarist/keyboardist Mick Ralph came out of Mott the Hoople, and bassist Boz Burrell was originally with King Crimson. Paul Rodgers' voice is quite distinctive, and you can tell a “Bad Co.” song just from that voice.The name of the group came from a book of Victorian morals. It showed a picture depicting a child looking up at a ruffian leaning against a lamp post. ...2020-06-0138 min
What the Riff?!?1983 - May: INXS “Shabooh Shoobah”Originally named The Farriss Brothers when they formed in 1977, brothers Andrew Farriss (keyboards and Founder), Jon Farriss (drums), and Tim Farriss (guitar) joined with bassist Garry Gary Beers, saxophonist/guitarist Kirk Pengilly, and front man Michael Hutchense not long after high school. They took the name INXS at the suggestion of members of the band Midnight Oil, whom they were supporting at the time. Shabooh Shoobah is their third studio album, and the first to be released worldwide. While it was released in October 1982, the rise of INXS can be tracked to their performance in the 1983 US Fes...2020-05-2538 min
What the Riff?!?1971 - March: Jethro Tull “Aqualung”There are debates galore about who is the best singer, guitarist, drummer, etc., in the Rock genre, but perhaps we can all agree that the greatest Rock flautist would be Ian Anderson. The trio of Anderson (vocals, guitar, flute), Jeffrey Hammond (bass) and John Evan (keyboards, initially drums) began playing together in the 60's, and while only Anderson would be present from that original trio when the band Jethro Tull was formed in 1967, all three would be back together along with Martin Barre (guitar) and Clive Bunker (percussion) for their fourth studio album, Aqualung. The band took th...2020-05-1834 min
What the Riff?!?1977 - February: Fleetood Mac "Rumors"This is the album that turned Fleetwood Mac into a household name. Originally formed as a blues band in 1967, Fleetwood Mac had taken a turn to more pop-oriented music with their 10th and self-titled album in 1975. This precursor to Rumors also saw the addition of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks to the band after the departure of guitarist Bob Welch. The band toured and promoted that album heavily and their work paid off. But it would be this eleventh album, Rumors, which would solidify their fame. The title was suggested by John McVie because he saw that the band membe...2020-05-0440 min
What the Riff?!?2020 — April: Episode 100 “Just the WTR Guys”If you want to see some grainy footage, this 100th Episode is also available on YouTube. It’s a recorded Zoom call, with a few graphics and photos from the studio. Wayne discusses the genesis of the ideaWhen and how did the idea for the podcast come up?Wayne's radio background and connections with guests for the showHow do we choose who to bring on the show?How do we handle social media and promotions? Bruce discusses research and bloggingHow do we research for the show?What websites are good for i...2020-04-2757 min
What the Riff?!?1982 — September: Men At Work “Business As Usual”The debut studio album by Australian band Men at Work was released in April of 1982, but Business as Usual would steadily climb the charts through the year before peaking at the number 1 spot in November. We thought September would be a good month in which to feature it.Founding member Colin Hay on lead vocals and guitar, was joined by Greg Ham on flute, keyboards, saxophone, and some vocals, Ron Strykert on guitar and vocals, John Rees on bass and background vocals, and Jerry Speiser on drums and background vocals for this iteration. As the band moved fo...2020-04-2038 min
What the Riff?!?1989 — June: Don Henley “The End of the Innocence”The Eagles had been broken up for almost a decade, and it would be another 5 years before their reunion, but Don Henley was still a huge name in the music world. The End of the Innocence, Henley's third solo studio album, would be a more reflective and less synthesizer-heavy album, and would be Henley's best selling album.After the break-up of the Eagles, Henley put out “I Can't Stand Still” in 1982, from which the hit single Dirty Laundry would arise. 1984 would see the appearance of “Building the Perfect Beast,” from which the best remembered single would be the monste...2020-04-0644 min
What the Riff?!?1974 — February: The Doobie Brothers “What Were Once Vices are Now Habits”The Doobie Brothers were already a commercial success by the time their fourth studio album, What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits, was released in 1974. This iteration of The Doobie Brothers features mainstream rock and roll with a folk harmony bent, and the vocals of singer-songwriters Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons. Tim Porter is on bass, and "Little" John Hartman and Michael Hossack round out the group in the unusual position of dual drummers.The group got the name The Doobie Brothers from Keith "Dyno" Rossen, who suggested it to Johnston, "because you're always smoking pot." Everyone agr...2020-03-3036 min
What the Riff?!?1990 - September: Depeche Mode “Violator”Depeche Mode made a decision to minimize their pre-production work when they created their seventh studio album. It must have worked, becauce Violator would become their breakthrough international album. Keyboardist Andy Fletcher, keyboardist and vocalist Martin Gore, also keyboardist and drum machinist Alan Wilder, and lead man Dave Gahan had previously hit the charts with their 1984 single “People Are People.” This album would see crossover success led by the monster hit “Personal Jesus.” While the album was released in May of 1990, the last single from the album came out in September 1990.Depeche Mode is best known as a keyboard...2020-03-2345 min
What the Riff?!?1966 - July: The Rolling Stones “Aftermath”In 1966 The Rolling Stones were not the giants that they would come to be in the rock world, but their third album, Aftermath would start their transformation. While their two previous albums had consisted of a significant volume of cover songs (much like the Beatles' early work), Aftermath would be the first album with all original material, primarily written by Mick Jagger and/or Keith Richards, and is considered the group's breakthrough album. Brian Jones would be a multi-instrumentalist on this album, though the estrangement from the rest of the band was already beginning to set in. He would...2020-03-0928 min
What the Riff?!?1976 - October: Stevie Wonder “Songs in the Key of Life”Even though he was at the top of his game Stevie Wonder almost retired to work with handicapped children in Ghana before this album was made. Instead, he signed what was then the largest recording deal in history, and released what many consider the best of his classic era — the double album Songs in the Key of Life. This album was released in late September, debuted at number 1 (the first artist other than Elton John to do so), and remained there for 13 weeks.“Songs in the Key of Life” was nominated for seven Grammy Awards in 1977, and won Al...2020-03-0243 min
What the Riff?!?1966 - September: Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels "Breakout...!!!"Lots of music was coming out of Detroit in the 60's, and one of the high energy groups coming out of the Michigan rock scene was Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels. The group had crossover appeal with a little soul, a little funk, and a lot of energy. Breakout...!!! was their second album, and was indeed a breakout for this Motor City band.Mitch Ryder (stage name for William Sherille Levise, Jr ) was originally a backup singer with a soul band, but racial animosities forced the white Mitch Ryder to move on. Much of the music done...2020-02-2429 min
What the Riff?!?1981 - October: Loverboy “Get Lucky”After doing well with their 1980 self-titled album, Canadian rock band Loverboy would head into the stratosphere with their second studio album entitled Get Lucky. Benefiting from a photogenic lead singer (Mike Reno) clad in read leather pants, Loverboy would ride the MTV wave to the top of the rock and pop charts. Loverboy was founded in 1979 by front man Mike Reno and guitarist Paul Dean, who met when Reno was working at a steakhouse and heard Dean playing guitar in a bus station behind the restaurant. Success came quickly, with hits like "Turn Me Loose” and "The Kid is Ho...2020-02-1741 min
What the Riff?!?1968 - July: Pink Floyd “A Saucerfull of Secrets”In its second album, Pink Floyd would begin its transition from a psychedelic 60's era band to what would become an icon of the rock genre. A Saucerful of Secrets is a strange album, and the only one in which Pink Floyd would consider themselves to be a five piece band. Frontman Syd Barrett had begun his slide into insanity, and was too unstable for the band to rely on him for concerts and recordings. They brought in David Gilmour to supplement Barrett on guitar, while Nick Mason (drums) Roger Waters (bass) and Richard Wright (keyboards) continued in their...2020-02-1036 min
What the Riff?!?1989 - April: Tom Petty "Full Moon Fever"Despite the fact that he was a household name by 1989, Full Moon Fever is the debut solo album by Tom Petty, since his other albums were as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. It was a little straining on the members of the Heartbreakers, but everyone but drummer Stan Lynch contributed to Full Moon Fever. It was even recorded in Heartbreaker guitarist Mike Campbell's garage studio. Members of the Traveling Wilburys participated as well (except for Bob Dylan), and Jeff Lynne (ELO) produced it along with Petty and Campbell.Full Moon Fever was recorded at the same time...2020-02-0336 min
What the Riff?!?1969 - February: MC5 "Kick Out the Jams"When you're looking at revolution-focused rock of the late 60's, you have to put MC5 near the top of the pantheon. Their debut album, Kick Out the Jams, was also a live album, and captures the rage and the energy that would inspire the garage band and punk movement in the years to come. MC5 stands for "the Motor City Five," and was frontman Rob Tyner, lead guitarist Wayne Kramer, rhythm guitarist Fred "Sonic" Smith, bassist Michael Davis, and Dennis Thompson on drums. This is a raw "punch in the gut" album, underground, very rebellious. MC5 was politically active...2020-01-2732 min
What the Riff?!?1979 - April: Van Halen “Van Halen II”As Diamond Dave would say, "I heard you missed us - we're back!" Back with David Lee Roth, Michael Anthony, and Alex and Eddie Van Halen, this time delving into their second studio album, conveniently entitled Van Halen II. Hot on the heels of their debut album released less than a year prior, Van Halen hit the studios for this second album a week after completing their world tour, and wrapped it up within a week.The big hit from this album was "Dance the Night Away," Van Halen's first top 20 hit, and inspired by Fleetwood Mac.2020-01-2037 min
What the Riff?!?1967 - November: Cream “Disraeli Gears”Cream was the original rock supergroup. Drummer Ginger Baker, Bassist Jack Bruce, and guitarist Eric Clapton were already recognized for their individual talent, and the name of the group would reflect their status as “the cream of the crop.” DIsraeli Gears is their second studio album, and was the album that would propel them to fame in the United States.Cream was considered not only a supergroup, but was a proto-progressive band, a jam band, and perhaps an early heavy metal band due to their penchant for recording at high volume.The group was formed by G...2020-01-1328 min
What the Riff?!?1987 - July: Guns N' Roses “Appetite for Destruction”It is unusual for a band's debut album to be a serious hit, but Appetite for Destruction was such a success that it catapulted Guns N' Roses to celebrity status seemingly overnight. The emphasis is on “seemingly,” because it would actually take several months to catch on. Seven months after the album was released it had only sold 200,000 albums. MTV wouldn't play GNR because of their overt focus on sex and drugs. They finally were played on an episode of “Headbangers Ball” at 4:00 a.m. on the East Coast. That was all it took for the band to see the turn...2020-01-0642 min
What the Riff?!?1976 - February: Heart “Dreamboat Annie”Heart hailed from and played in the Seattle area, but recorded this debut single in Vancouver, Canada. Dreamboat Annie appeared in Canada in the summer of 1975 and debuted in America on Valentine's Day 1976. In a male-oriented rock world the unusual sound of a female-fronted rock ensemble would both draw appeal and create friction that would drive a wedge between the group and their original Mushroom Studios label and propel them on to further success. Heart would go on to be almost a celebrity group in the MTV age of the 80's, but chafed against the insulting sexuality that the...2019-12-3043 min
What the Riff?!?1984 - March: Spinal Tap “This is Spinal Tap”In a What the Riff first, we are reviewing an album by a fictional band this week! In March, a mockumentary directed by Rob Reiner hit the theatres about English heavy metal band Spinal Tap. The soundtrack from that movie, This Is Spinal Tap, would produce...well...perhaps not hits per se, but a lot of fun songs that are actually quite good for those of us who don't take things too seriously. It started out as a sketch on a TV show, but the actors who play the band members actually play their own instruments. The film contains...2019-12-1636 min
What the Riff?!?Christmas Songs that Rock (II)When we did our Rock-and-Roll Christmas "rabbit hole" episode last year we realized that there are just too many Rocking Christmas songs to be held in a single podcast. So we're coming back to you this year with another selection of Christmas songs that rock!“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” by- Ronnie James Dio This selection from the former Rainbow and Black Sabbath front man puts a metal twist on a 16th century carol.“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” by The Barenaked Ladies A more mellow take on the same song features stripped down acous...2019-12-0950 min
What the Riff?!?1987 - March: U2 “The Joshua Tree”There are a handful of albums that have never lost their popularity, but just get stronger over time, and The Joshua Tree would certainly be one of these giant albums. The fifth studio album by U2 would see the group coming back from the experimental feel of their previous album, The Unforgettable Fire, and taking on a more conventional approach. The Joshua Tree took the theme of "America" as the band had been spending significant time on tour in the country, and Bono was reading American novelists like Flannery O'Connor at the time. The Edge was inspired by American...2019-12-0245 min
What the Riff?!?1969 - January: Led Zeppelin “Led Zeppelin 1”We return to one of the true giants of the rock era as we take a dive into Led Zeppelin's debut album, known as Led Zeppelin 1. Band members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham recorded this album prior to securing a recording contract. It was recorded in 36 hours at a cost of 2,100 pounds. Founder and guitarist Jimmy Page produced the album.The tracks are a mix of old blues songs and original material, and feature both Page's stirring guitar riffs and Plant's soaring vocals. Originally touring as The New Yardbirds, they changed their...2019-11-2537 min
What the Riff?!?1991-July: Crowded House “Woodface”New Zealander Neil Finn founded the indie rock band Crowded House with Austrailian drummer Paul Hester and Australian bassist Nick Seymour. For their third studio album Woodface, Neil's older brother and Split Enz alumnus Tim Finn would join the band. In fact, much of the material recorded for Woodface was originally intended for a Finn brothers album, and made it onto the this album after Capitol Records passed on many of the new songs that were originally intended for the album.Neil Finn has always been a strong singer-songwriter through many bands (including Crowded House), and is...2019-11-1839 min
What the Riff?!?1993 - September: Counting Crows "August and Everything After"Berkeley, California's Counting Crows seemed to become overnight sensations with their debut album August and Everything After. Lead man and pianist Adam Duritz and guitarist David Bryson came out of a group called The Himalayans, originally starting as a duet. Over time they formed the group, adding keyboardist Charlie Gillingham, guitarists Dan Vickrey and David Immergluck, bassist Millard Powers, and percussionist Jim Bogios. In a time when grunge was on the ascendancy, the Counting Crows drew inspiration more from Van Morrison and the coffee house than from Kurt Cobain and Seattle. Duritz' lyrics are a powerful draw for the...2019-11-1142 min
What the Riff?!?1986 - August: Huey Lewis and the News “Fore!”Huey Lewis and keyboardist Sean Hopper started their career with a jazz-funk band called Clover in San Francisco in 1972. After spending some time in the UK and working with Thin Lizzy, Lewis joined with Hopper and members of another San Francisco band called Soundhole to become "Huey Lewis & The American Express." The name was changed to Huey Lewis & The News when Chrysalis records brought up concerns about trademark infringement from the credit card company.Fore! is the fourth studio album from Huey Lewis and the News, and continued the band's string of hit singles from their third...2019-11-0436 min
What the Riff?!?1968 - January: Small Faces “There Are But Four Small Faces”One of the most famous of the British "mod" groups, Small Faces was founded by Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Jimmy Winston (although Winston had been replaced by Ian McLagan by this album). Small Faces was solidly in the psychedelic rock category. Small Faces toured with The Who, a group also known as a "mod" group. The name comes from the fact that all the members were under 5' 9". There Are But Four Small Faces was an international alternative to their eponymous second album released in 1967 in Britain.Talk to YouThis song was...2019-10-2827 min
What the Riff?!?1972 - June: David Bowie “Ziggy Stardust”The actual title of David Bowie's fifth studio album is The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. This influential album from the highly creative David Bowie would become the standard bearer of early 70's glam rock. This genre was outrageous, decadent, and a departure from the heavier, revolutionary political tone of late 70's rock music. Bowie created a character named Ziggy Stardust - an androgynous, bisexual rock star channeling aliens to save the earth from destruction which was only 5 years away. Bowie would later struggle to keep his own identity from being lost in...2019-10-2135 min
What the Riff?!?1986 - October: Drivin' N Cryin' “Scarred but Smarter”Athens, Georgia may have been known as the music hotbed during the middle 80's, but Drivin' N Cryin' out of nearby Atlanta was benefitting from the Georgia focus as well. Scarred But Smarter was their debut album created on a shoestring budget, with songs that reflect the sound of the Athens scene (where the album was recorded), but with lyrical depth and variety. After several down years, Drivin' N Cryin' is on the upswing again, and you can catch them on tour today.We are thrilled to have Eric Von Haessler of "The Von Haessler Doctrine" (WSB...2019-10-1436 min
What the Riff?!?1983 - October: Genesis “Genesis”Most bands make their first album the eponymous one, but Genesis waited until their twelfth studio album to name it Genesis. This one continues the trend toward pop that started with "Abacab" and "Three Sides Live," but maintains the prog rock and art rock connections of their roots. By this time Genesis consisted of Mike Rutherford on keyboards, Tony Banks on guitar, and Phil Collins on drums and lead vocals. Collins would become a celebrity shortly after this album was released.Folks, there's not a bad song on this entire album. We hope you enjoy this salute to Gene...2019-10-0744 min
What the Riff?!?1973 - July: ZZ Top “Tres Hombres”Yes, those bearded wonders, the trio of ZZ Top would find their breakthrough hit in LaGrange off their third album entitled Tres Hombres. With Billy Gibbons on guitar, Dusty Hill on bass, and Frank Beard (ironically the only member without a beard) on drums, ZZ Top would begin their climb to stardom via Texas blues/rock with this album. ZZ Top started in 1969 in Houston, Texas and are still playing together today after 50 years.We hope you enjoy this treat from the Texas blues trio as much as we do.Waitin' for the BusHa...2019-09-3033 min
What the Riff?!?1990 - August: Queensryche “Empire”The fourth Queensrÿche studio album followed what was to become a classic concept album entitled "Operation: Mindcrime." The successor to this prog rock masterpiece would be their most commercially successful release. “Empire” is filled with hard charging, somewhat melancholy metal singles and their subdued masterpiece hit, "Silent Lucidity." In a time when hair bands were waning and grunge had yet to take over, Queensrÿche was a welcome heavy metal/prog rock alternative. We hope you enjoy this exploration of this underrated and talented band.
Another Rainy Night (Without You)
This song was the fifth track...2019-09-0943 min
What the Riff?!?1973 — December: Jim Croce “I Got a Name”When you list the greatest singer/songwriters of the rock era, it will not be long before the name Jim Croce appears. Rob shares that this fifth and final album entitled “I Got a Name” was posthumously released in December after Croce’s tragic death in an airplane accident in September of 1973. The pilot struck a pecan tree at the end of the runway - the only tree in the area - killing all 5 on board a small plane in Nachez, Louisiana. Croce was the child of Italian immigrants and grew up in south Philadelphia. He got his start playin...2019-09-0236 min
What the Riff?!?1976 - January - Styx - EquinoxThis week, Wayne brings us Equinox, the fifth studio album by Styx. This would be their first album for A&M Records and their last album with guitarist John Curulewski. He would be replaced by guitarist and singer Tommy Shaw on their next release, “The Grand Illusion,” at which point Styx would take the form which most of us remember as one of the groups that make up the soundtrack of our childhood. Equinox would only go to #58 on the album charts, but would see a resurgence with the release of The Grand Illusion in 1977.
Midnight Ride2019-08-1940 min
What the Riff?!?1994 - March - Soundgarden - SuperunknownBrian has us riffing on Soundgarden. If they were “superunknown” at the time, it wouldn't last past the release of this fourth studio album. Soundgarden would break into super stardom with this heavy hitting, 5-time platinum effort. The strength and distinctiveness of Chris Cornell's vocals are obvious. Sometimes called Stoner Rock, Soundgarden would be a key element in solidifying the "grunge" sound of Seattle. They won two Grammy awards for "Black Hole Sun" and "Spoonman." The album cover is a distorted image of the band members and is known as "the screaming elf."
Black Hole Sun
This...2019-08-1239 min
What the Riff?!?1988 - February - The Church - StarfishBruce presents the fifth album by Australian rock band The Church. It would be their breakthrough album for international success. After starting as a new wave band in 1980, The Church drifted into a little alternative, a little psychedelic, a little goth - some would call it dream pop. The lyrics and music are both a little dark and wistful, a result of their recording far from home in Los Angeles, and pouring their feelings of being in a strange place they didn't really like into their music. Arista was their new label for this studio album, and despite the...2019-08-0541 min
What the Riff?!?1979 - October - Toto - HydraComing off the success of their debut album, Toto took a turn toward the progressive rock sound with their sophomore studio album, Hydra. While many LA bands were hitting the club circuit, Toto was making their mark in the studios. The members of Toto are some of the most sought-after session musicians, but the band itself is made of high school friends and family, many of whom came from musical families and circles. Jeff Porcaro claimed that the name came from the Latin phrase “in toto,” meaning “all,” or “as a whole.”
Musical Fact Finder and Friend of the show Do...2019-07-2947 min
What the Riff?!?1984 - November - Bryan Adams - RecklessHis fourth studio album would move Bryan Adams from a successful singer-songwriter to super-stardom. The multi-platinum album, “Reckless” is packed with hits, as six of the ten tracks would hit the charts including the evergreen hit “Summer of 69.” Adams took some time off following his multi-year tour "Cuts Like a Knife," and that brief retreat would result in a burst of creativity that would result in many of this album's hits.
Friend of the show Vann Mathis joins us for this podcast.
“One Night Love Affair”
This track was the fifth single to hit the charts...2019-07-2243 min
What the Riff?!?1967 - May - The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Are You ExperiencedUndoubtedly the most influential electric guitarist of the rock era, Jimi Hendrix burst on the scene in the form of “The Jimi Hendrix Experience” with his debut album, “Are You Experienced.” The band was formed by Mitch Mitchell on drums and Noel Redding on bass, but the centerpiece was Jimi Hendrix on lead and lead guitar. Creative with the distortion, fuzz, and other guitar effects, Hendrix played left-handed, played a light string, and tuned his guitar down a half step, giving him even more power and range with his playing. Hendrix would sadly live only a little over 3 years after th...2019-07-1534 min
What the Riff?!?1982 - April - Thomas Dolby - The Golden Age of WirelessWith this debut album Thomas Dolby merged a synth-driven electronica sound with the new wave sensibility cresting on the airwaves in the early 80's. The Golden Age of Wireless would follow a loose theme of radio and communication in its tracks. Thomas Morgan Robertson's affinity for keyboards, tapes, and electronics earned him the nickname "Dolby" from his friends, and he stuck with it for a stage name after a few legal documents from the Dolby Corporation. This debut album did well on both sides of the Atlantic, and several songs would become staples of both radio and video during...2019-07-0839 min
What the Riff?!?1986 - June - The Smithereens - Especially for YouEspecially for You is the debut full-length album from “The Smithereens.” This platinum-selling album was almost a "greatest hits" because the New Jersey band had been playing for 5 years before releasing this album. The Smithereens filled a void in the mid-80's pop scene that would become categorized as Alternative Rock or College Rock, and there are a number of hits from the group that hold up well today. In retrospect, the album is just solid, straightforward rock-and-roll.
Friend of the show Doug Aiken joins us for this, Episode 57 of our What the Riff podcast as we musi...2019-07-0143 min
What the Riff?!?1979 - January - Elvis Costello and The Attractions - Armed ForcesWith his third studio album, the creative and unlikely rock star Elvis Costello took a turn from the punk style of his previous album and moved towards new wave music. Armed Forces was also the first album to name The Attractions as a part of the rock group fronted by Costello. Many of the tracks on this album reference British imperialism. Elvis Costello has a way of creating an upbeat sound while weaving in poignant, even depressing lyrics. This is a difficult artist to pin down. He follows his own muse, but finds a way to remain popular over...2019-06-2435 min
What the Riff?!?1968 - November - The Seekers - Best of the SeekersThe Seekers were an Australian folk pop quartet, the first Australian group to see significant success in the U.K. and the U.S. The Seekers were voted "Australians of the Year" in 1967. Judith Durham joined what was originally an all-male quartet, and their style was hard to define - too pop to be folk, too folk to be pop. That didn't keep them from achieving success, as they were the first Australian group to reach number 1 in the UK with a debut record - a feat that neither The Beatles nor The Rolling Stones achieved. We hope you...2019-06-1728 min
What the Riff?!?1988 - April - The Godfathers - Birth, School, Work, DeathSometimes classified as alternative rock or new wave, London band The Godfathers has a British punk feel to it with their stark lyrics and cynical style — one that Wayne loves and appreciates! Peter and Chris Coyne formed this five piece group, and dressed in mafia-style suits with skinny ties. When they toured the United States, Living Colour was their opening act. Their sound is "brass knuckles punches," and "body slamming production." Join us on this journey as we explore Birth, School, Work, Death - a rough and tumble yet melodic album.
S.T.B.
This song was...2019-06-1037 min
What the Riff?!?1981 - March - The Producers - The ProducersThis will be a familiar band to those of us who grew up in metro-Atlanta in the 80's, and will be a treat to the rest. The Producers got national airplay in the 80's with their new wave, high energy sound. Both this debut album and their follow-up "You Make the Heat" were big, and they probably hit the height of their popularity when they headlined MTV's New Year's Rockin' Eve party in 1982. The Producers (Van Temple, Kyle Henderson, Bryan Holmes, and Wayne Famous) are still playing — so make a point of seeing them live when they play nearby. We...2019-06-0338 min
What the Riff?!?1986 - July - The Smiths - The Queen is DeadWhen you think of college alternative rock of the 80's, the group you are most likely to have in your head is The Smiths. Their third studio album, “The Queen Is Dead,” continues their brand of Manchester Brit-pop, decidedly pessimistic, but with accessible muscial hooks. The Smiths’ sound is largely due to the collaboration between front man Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr - sophisticated, critical, and downright depressing. Still this influential group has had a staying power beyond their contemporaries. Tim Andrews brings us this complex and bleak album as he guest-hosts this week's episode.
The Queen Is Dea...2019-05-2045 min
What the Riff?!?1965 - December - The Byrds - Turn Turn TurnBrian presents the second album by The Byrds as they continued their folk rock mix of vocal and twelve-string guitar harmonies originally explored in their debut album released earlier in the year. There are two songs from Bob Dylan - "The Times They Are A-Changin' and "Lay Down Your Weary Tune" - along with a number of other covers.
Join us as we explore the album Turn! Turn! Turn! as well as the famous title track and several other excellent songs from The Byrds.
“Oh! Susannah”
This Stephen Foster cover was originally intended as a jo...2019-05-1329 min
What the Riff?!?1993 - March - Duran Duran - Duran Duran (the wedding album)After stratospheric commercial success in the 1980's, Duran Duran had been on a downswing before releasing this seventh studio - and second self-titled - album. They would hit the top 5 once again with what became known as “The Wedding Album” due to the album artwork showing wedding pictures from the band members' parents. This album was a comeback and reinvention of the group for the 90's. It has a wide variety of sounds and tempos, but maintains the distinctive harmonies for which Duran Duran was known. Join us a Rob takes us through this excellent album.
Too Much...2019-05-0642 min
What the Riff?!?1976 - August - Boston - BostonWith their self-titled debut album, Boston burst onto the stage with a sound that would come to define classic rock - "the Boston sound." Although an instant hit (it was the second best selling debut album in US history), it took several years for the demo tape to be accepted by a record label, and then would require some evasion of the label's wishes for MIT graduate Tom Scholz to be able to create the full album in his basement studio instead of taking it to Los Angeles. Driven by Brad Delp's soaring tenor vocals and Tom Scholz' work...2019-04-2939 min
What the Riff?!?1980 - August - The B-52's - Wild PlanetFolks, it's time to party! With their second studio album, Wild Planet, Athens-based band, The B-52's continued their new wave, high energy weirdness. Front man Fred Schneider's frequently spoken vocals and Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson's harmonies give The B-52's a very distinctive sound — the beehive hairdo sported by Kate and Cindy gave the band its name. There's not a bad song on the entire album. We hope you enjoy this week's very upbeat installment of What the Riff!
Party Out of Bounds
This track starts the album with a high energy party song. Th...2019-04-2237 min
What the Riff?!?1967 - August - Big Brother & the Holding Company - Self TitledAlmost everyone is familiar with Janis Joplin as a fixture sound of the late 60's, but some may not know that she got her San Francisco start with Big Brother and the Holding Company on their self-titled debut album in 1967. Joplin was ostracized in high school, and you can get a sense of her as a lonely soul through her singing. She joined Big Brother and the Holding Company in 1966, which was an established band at the time. Joplin would move on to become a superstar soon, but this gives you a taste of her early work.
...2019-04-1528 min
What the Riff?!?1973 - September - Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick RoadALBUM SPOTLIGHT:
Elton John — Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”
September, 1973
Elton John's seventh studio release is considered his best by many. The double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road contains many well known hits including the title track, the Marilyn Monroe-inspired “Candle in the Wind,” and the 11-minute epic “Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding.” Elton John initially intended to record this album in Jamaica, but political instability and the upcoming Frazier/Foreman boxing match caused the production to be moved to Chateau d'Herouville in France.
Friend of the Show John Lynch returns to help us show...2019-04-0837 min
What the Riff?!?1991 - December - Matthew Sweet - GirlfriendWith his third studio album, Girlfriend, alternative rock artist Matthew Sweet saw his career launched to the next level. Although originally from Nebraska, Sweet connected with REM so much that he met up with them and left home to became a part of the music scene in Athens, Georgia. The album cover is of a 50’s actress named Tuesday Weld. The album was written after Sweet went through a divorce, and that may drive some of the creativity exhibited - a kind of therapy for the artist. Join us as Wayne takes us on this tour of pre-grunge alternative ro...2019-04-0138 min
What the Riff?!?1984- February - The Pretenders - Learning to CrawlFebruary 1984— The Pretenders— “Learning to Crawl”
Coming after a hiatus and the tragedy of losing two band members to drug overdoses, The Pretenders third studio album was perhaps a surprisingly successful endeavor. The name “Learning to Crawl” pays homage to Chrissy Hynde's daughter, Natalie Rae Hynde, who was indeed learning to crawl at the time. There's a sense of loss that comes from this album in tracks like “My City Was Gone” or “Time the Avenger,” but there's also an acknowledgment of more mundane activities in songs like “Watching the Clothes.” This is a great album from one of Rock's strong fem...2019-03-2543 min
What the Riff?!?1977- Sept - Meat Loaf - Bat Out of HellSeptember 1977 — Meat Loaf — “Bat Out of Hell”
Is it Opera? Is it Rock? Is it toxic masculinity - or maybe adolescent half-formed not-too-deep masculinity? From the beginning, Bat Out Of Hell has been hard to define, and it took a long time for Meat Loaf, composer Jim Steinman, and producer Todd Rundgren to get the concept album picked up. However, the staying power of this evergreen album is undeniable, with over 43 million sold to date, and 200,000 albums sold per year even today. If you found that overwhelming, well, you took the words right out of my mouth!
We...2019-03-1842 min
What the Riff?!?1984 - May - Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble - Couldn’t Stand the WeatherMay 1984 — Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble — “Couldn’t Stand the Weather”
Many consider Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble to have single-handedly revived the blues in the 1980's. This second album contains both covers and original songs from Vaughan, instumentals, jazz, and of course blues. Couldn't Stand the Weather has a timeless quality to it even 35 years later. And did we mention the strength of Stevie Ray Vaughan's guitar chops? There's not a bad track on this ablum from one of the guitar world's greatest players who was lost before his time.
We hope you enjoy...2019-03-1142 min
What the Riff?!?1992 - July - Dream Theater- Images and WordsJuly 1992 — Dream Theater — “Images and Words”
Is it Metallica? or Triumph? or Rush? Although “Images and Words” was their second studio album, the addition of James LaBrie as front man makes this album feel like the first complete outing for Dream Theater. While they only have one “hit” in the repertoire, this group is a giant in the progressive rock genre. The musicality of each member of the group gives Dream Theater an ability to take a variety of styles from driving thrash metal to soft ballads to an almost orchestral “wall of sound.” This album is their most commercia...2019-03-0450 min
What the Riff?!?1969 - August - Humble Pie - As Safe as Yesterday is.August 1969 — Humble Pie — “As Safe as Yesterday is”
Wayne presents this incredible album featuring both Steve Marriott and Peter Frampton on vocals and guitar. It is easy to see how Humble Pie was such a powerful - but underrated - rock band at the end of the 60's. Their debut album “As Safe as Yesterday is” was a UK release, and remains surprisingly hard to pin down in genres with its mix of pop, rock, and blues - it was even one of the first albums to be described as “heavy metal.” Let's take a look at this groundbreak...2019-02-2541 min
What the Riff?!?1973 - October - The Who - QuadropheniaOctober 1973 — “Quadrophenia
By the time this sixth studio album (and second rock opera) rolled out in 1973 The Who were already icons in the Rock genre. The double album Quadrophenia tracks the downward spiral of a young “mod” named Jimmy in 1965 Brighton, UK. Some of the most well known Who songs originate from this rock opera including "The Real Me," and "Love, Reign O'er Me."
We're joined this week by “What the Riff Friend” Tim Andrews from WSB radio and the Radio Labyrinth podcast to co-host as we delve into this giant group and album.
“I’m One”2019-02-1841 min
What the Riff?!?1993 - June - Collective Soul - Hints, Allegations & Things Left UnsaidJune 1993 — “Hints, Allegations & Things Left Unsaid” by Collective Soul
Our first Podcast with a special guest. Steve Hardin teams up with Rob to present Stockbridge, Georgia-originating band Collective Soul. They didn't set out to be a world famous band. In fact, frontman Ed Roland wrote what would be the band's debut album as a demo in his basement, hoping to sell songs to others as a songwriter rather than perform songs in his own band. “Hints, Allegations and Things Left Unsaid” would instead become a hit on indie radio (WRAS album 88.5 FM from Georgia State), and the debut albu...2019-02-1144 min
What the Riff?!?1973 - February - Alice Cooper - Billion Dollar BabiesFebruary 1973 — “Billion Dollar Babies” by Alice Cooper
Brian presents one of the biggest early 1970's glam rock groups — Alice Cooper. Their sixth studio album entitled “Billion Dollar Babies” was released in 1973, and was their most successful album to this date. Detroit native and front man Vincent Furnier took on the “Alice Cooper” persona for this highly theatrical act, complete with makeup, tuxedo, and top hat. The title of the album is a tongue in cheek look at the rise of the band itself — referring to themselves as "Billion Dollar Babies."
Come along as we dig into this exceptio...2019-02-0439 min
What the Riff?!?1978 - January - Atlanta Rhythm Section - Champagne JamJanuary 1978 — “Champagne Jam” by Atlanta Rhythm Section
Bruce has a special place in his heart for this classic. The Atlanta Rhythm Section - also known as ARS - started as a session band for Studio One in Doraville, GA. Champagne Jam is their eighth and most successful album, going platinum by September of 1978. This was a time when Southern Rock was hitting a peak with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchett, The Charlie Daniels Band and others. ARS crafted a more laid back style within the genre on the strength of Ronnie Hammond's vocals.
Join us as we exp...2019-01-2837 min
What the Riff?!?1986 - May - Peter Gabriel - So“So” by Peter Gabriel
Bruce is excited about this blockbuster hit album. After four solo albums without a name, the record company finally persuaded Peter Gabriel to name this fifth album. So is a synthesizer-heavy album influenced by world music. It shows Gabriel's experimental side, but it was a more approachable album than his other releases, and it was a huge hit in the mid-'80s both on radio and MTV. Gabriel went from a cult star to a mainstream star in the rock genre very quickly with this five-fold platinum album. There's really not a bad trac...2018-12-3146 min
What the Riff?!?1970 - October - Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin III“Led Zeppelin III” by Led Zeppelin
Brian presents this CLASSIC album, “Three” — by Led Zeppelin. Giants of the rock genre and precursors to the heavy metal sound, Led Zeppelin would set the standard for decades as one of the big four (along with The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who) super groups of Rock and Roll. Powered by Jimmy Page on guitar, John Paul Jones on bass, Robert Plant on vocals, and John Bonham on percussion, Led Zeppelin was a household name in the rock world by 1970 when they released their third album, simply known as Led Zeppel...2018-12-2443 min
What the Riff?!?1988 - August - Jane's Addiction - Nothing's Shocking“Nothing’s Shocking” by Jane’s Addiction
Wayne presents this album, “Nothing's Shocking,” — the first studio album by Jane's Addiction. This alternative rock band from Los Angeles had released a self-titled live album in 1987. Perry Farrell was the lead singer and writer for the group. The group would break up in the early 90's over how to split the money. Although tensions in the band would drive the split, their heavy, angry, wall-of-sound approach would lead the way for the grunge music to come a few years later.
We hope you enjoy this heavy hitting feature.
2018-12-1741 min
What the Riff?!?1981 - July - Escape - JourneyJULY of 1981 “Escape” by Journey
Brian hosts this seventh album from JOURNEY — Escape, which catapulted the rock group into the stratosphere on the strength of Steve Perry's soaring vocals, Neal Schon's hook-laden guitar riffs, and newcomer Jonathan Cain's keyboards and songwriting. The album artwork featured a stylized scarab spaceship breaking out of a sphere.
This album transitions from a straightforward hard rock vibe with "Keep on Runnin'" to a more mellow rock sound with Perry's well-known ballad "Open Arms." You just can't go wrong with this classic album.
“Escape ”
The title track from the a...2018-11-2641 min
What the Riff?!?1978 - July - Some Girls- The Rolling Stones“Some Girls” by the Rolling Stones
By the time that “Some Girls” was released The Rolling Stones were a household name. This was their 14th British and 16th Studio album, and was both a commercial and critical hit. Many reviewers consider this the best album since "Exile on Main Street." Rock music was taking a back seat to punk rock and glam rock, and the late '70's was dominated by disco. “Some Girls” represents a return to Rock's roots, and focuses on the vibe of New York.
We hope you enjoy this installment focused on the super...2018-10-2244 min
What the Riff?!?1981 - APRIL - Fair Warning - Van Halen“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.
...2018-09-2440 min
What the Riff?!?1966 - APRIL - If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears - The Mamas and the PapasIf 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.2018-07-3030 min
What the Riff?!?1991 Feb - Queen - InnuendoFEATURE: 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...2018-06-1141 min
TSS:NBA East To WestMarbury Finally A CelticOn episode #18 of NBA E2W, the guys talk about Stephon Marbury and Mikki Moore joining the Celtics. And which bad team has the brightest future?2009-03-0300 min
PlaySports: Podcasts, Video, Tell Some PlayersHockey Sticks and Stephon Marbury's Starbury Basketball ShoesStephon Marbury ( http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3099 )
Shoes were featured on 20/20 since they are selling for $14.98
Check it out,
http://www.starbury.com/
http://shoes.about.com/b/a/257363.htm
http://www.steveandbarrys.com/
and How About Pink Hockey Sticks being used by NHLers like
Rick Nash ( http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=2288&hubname=nhl-blue_jackets#stats
)
http://www.tpshockey.com/pinkstick.htm
http://cgi3.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=tps_pinksticks2007-03-2705 min