Rob Marbury - Podcast Details

Shows

What the Riff Next Gen What the Riff?!? Close-Out Episode for 1965-1995What the Riff!?! has finished covering every month from January 1965 to December 1994, and we are thrilled that you have listened with us as we review the great bands, songs, and happenings of this 30-year time span. In this episode, we bring back Brian Dickhute, one of our co-founders of the podcast, and review what we have learned, experienced, and enjoyed about this period of songs and podcast. We also feature a number of songs that were either missed in our coverage of the times, or that were important to us individually.Eruption by Van HalenWayne br...

2025-07-2845 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1966 - February: The Sonics ”Boom”Before the grunge movement of the 90's, and before the punk movement of the 70's, there was the garage band phenomenon of the 60's. One of the forerunners of both punk and grunge from this garage band period is Tacoma Washington's The Sonics. Their classic lineup consisted of Rob Lind on harmonica, vocals, and sax, Gerry Roslie on organ, piano, and lead vocals, Larry Parypa on lead guitar and vocals, Andy Parypa on bass, and Bob Bennett on drums. The Sonics had a fast, hard-edged sound similar to The Kinks, and performed with a speed that would inspire punk roc...

2025-06-1629 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1988 - November: Bon Jovi ”New Jersey”Bon Jovi took the rock world by storm with their massive third album, "Slippery When Wet." A big tour followed, and afterwards the band was anxious to demonstrate that they were not a one (album) hit wonder. They got into the studio at Vancouver, BC in May of 1988 and quickly recorded their fourth studio album entitled New Jersey. Originally going under the working title "Sons of Beaches," the band would settle on their home state as the name of the album. Bon Jovi wanted to make a double album, but the record label balked, fearing that the higher price tag...

2024-12-0243 min

What the Riff Next Gen Rocking Halloween III - A What the Riff Rabbit HoleWhat 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 C...

2024-10-2850 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1983 - June: Dire Straits ”Love Over Gold”We covered the big commercial hit album "Brothers In Arms" back in episode 154, but many afficianados of Dire Straits consider their finest work to be the album that preceeded this one. Love Over Gold is their fourth studio album, released in late September 1982 and on the charts in June 1983. For this album, prime mover and lead vocalist Mark Knopfler, bassist John Illsley, and percussionist Pick Withers are joined by new members Hal Lindes on guitars and Alan Clark on keyboards. The songs on this album are longer than your standard single, particularly the majestic 14-minute "Telegraph Road." Desp...

2024-09-3043 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1978 - December: The Doobie Brothers “Minute By Minute”There are two distinct eras of music by The Doobie Brothers. From their formation in 1970 until 1975, Tom Johnston was the lead vocalist, and the group had a mainstream rock sound, with some folk and “California Country” influences. Starting in 1975, Michael McDonald joined the group as a keyboardist, as well as providing lead vocal work to help Johnston, who was having health problems at the time. Over the following years, Johnston would have less influence as he neared retirement from the group in 1977. Michael McDonald would influence the group into a more soulful sound, often called “blue eyed soul.” Today we would call...

2024-04-0136 min

What the Riff Next Gen 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

What the Riff Next Gen 1970 - December: Three Dog Night “Naturally”By the end of 1970 Three Dog Night was in the middle of their most prolific and successful period of their career. The group would land 21 Billboard Top 40 hits between 1969 and 1975 with three of these taking the top slot. The group was formed by three vocalists in 1967 - Chuck Negron, Cory Wells, and Danny Hutton. The other members of the band for this album are Mike Allsup on guitar, Joe Schermie on bass, Jimmy Greenspoon on keyboards, and Floyd Sneed on drums. All of the instrumentalists in the band also provide backing vocals on at least one of the songs from...

2024-02-1930 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1993 - December: Ian Moore “Ian Moore”Ian Moore may have been born in Berkeley, California, but the sound from his eponymously named debut studio album reflects Austin, Texas, the place he called home. Moore began playing violin at a young age, but switched to guitar as a teen under the influence of artists like Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Moore's influence runs well beyond the blues genre, however, from Curtis Mayfield to Stevie Wonder, and from Sly & the Family Stone to the Rolling Stones. Moore's debut album is based in the blues and roots rock. Comparisons to Stevie Ray Vaughan, another Austin guit...

2024-01-0144 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1985 - July: Phil Collins “No Jacket Required”Phil Collins wrapped up his commitments as front man and percussionist for Genesis and collaborative work with Eric Clapton in 1984, then commenced work on his third album, No Jacket Required. It was released in February 1985, and had hits on the charts in July. The name of the album was inspired by an incident where he was not allowed into The Pump Room restaurant in Chicago because he did not have the proper dress code jacket. His friend, vocalist Robert Plant, did have the correct attire and was let in. After he relayed the story in appearances with late night host...

2023-11-2041 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1987 - September: Various Artists “The Lost Boys: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack”Long before the Twilight books and movies made vampires cool, the motion picture The Lost Boys was a hit. This dark comedy/action drama centers around Michael and Sam Emerson and their experiences with a biker gang who are secretly vampires living in the California beach town of Santa Carla. When Michael is drawn into the influence of the vampires, he must make a choice between becoming a vampire himself or fighting the conversion by killing the head vampire. The name comes from the Peter Pan stories, because much like the lost boys in that tale, vampires never grow up...

2023-04-1745 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1988 - June: The Coolies “Doug”We're going extra-deep this week with alternative rock group The Coolies. The name comes from a derogatory term for 19th century Chinese immigrants who had to work hard for little pay. The Atlanta based group was only around for about three years and produced two albums. The first called "dig..?" was largely a collection of Simon and Garfunkel covers. Their second album, Doug, is a rock opera with an odd premise. Doug follows the rise and fall of a skinhead named Doug. He kills a transvestite who happens to be a cook, and becomes rich by using the s...

2023-03-2736 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1991 - March: Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ ”Fly Me Courageous”Drivin' N' Cryin' hit the peak of their commercial success with this fourth studio album, Fly Me Courageous. It was released in January at the same time as the start of the Persian Gulf War, and they benefitted from patriotic associations the title song received. The album peaked at 90 on the Billboard 200 album chart. The band at the time included Buren Fowler on guitar, Kevin Kinney on guitar and vocals, Tim Nielson on bass and backing vocals, and Jeff Sullivan on percussion. The album was produced and engineered by Geoff Workman, an English producer who also worked wit...

2023-02-1337 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1989 - January: Skid Row ”Skid Row”Hair band Skid Row hails from Tom's River, New Jersay. The band was formed in 1986 by bassist Rachel Boland and guitarist Dave "Snake" Sabo, and rounded out with guitarist Scotti Hill and drummer Rob Affuso. Lead vocalist Sebastian Bach was recruited after being seen as a wedding singer at the age of 18 well before Adam Sandler would reveal this as a potential career option and path to love and fame. Sabo was a high school friend of Jon Bon Jovi, and the two made a pact that if one was sucessful in the music business they would help the oth...

2023-02-0640 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1978 - May: U.K. ”U.K.”The supergroup U.K. was founded by former King Crimson percussionist Bill Bruford (also a former founder of Yes) and bassist and vocalist John Wetton (also a former member of Uriah Heep, and Roxy Music). After failing to reform King Crimson, each of the two brought in a musician they thought would work well in the group. Wetton brought in Eddie Jobson, violinist and keyboardist from Frank Zappa's band. Bruford brought in Allan Holdsworth on guitars (who had worked on Bruford's prior solo project. Their self titled debut album was released in May, 1978. Although a couple of songs...

2023-01-0940 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1984 - December: Foreigner ”Agent Provocateur”Foreigner took some significant time between their fourth and fifth studio albums. Agent Provocateur was released in December of 1984 and made it to number 5 on the US charts. Interestingly it hit number 1 in the UK, the only Foreigner album to do so. It had a balance of heavier rock songs and lighter ballads, allowing the group to appeal to both male and female fans. At the time, Foreigner consisted of Lou Gramm on lead vocals and percussion, Mick Jones on guitars and keyboards, Rick Wills on bass, and Dennis Elliott on drums. Jones and Gramm are the prima...

2022-12-1940 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1983 - April: Zebra “Zebra”Zebra is one of the great underrated bands of the 80's. Randy Jackson (lead vocals, guitars, synthesizers, piano), Felix Hanemann (bass, keyboards, backing vocals) and Guy Gelso (percussion, backing vocals) formed Zebra in 1975 in New Orleans before moving to Long Island. They were originally a cover band, playing rock with a prog rock bent from groups like Led Zeppelin, Yes, and Jethro Tull. The band took the name Zebra after seeing a Vogue magazine cover featuring a model riding a zebra. It would be eight years from their founding before this eponymously named album would be their debu...

2022-08-2944 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1987 - February: Steve Winwood “Back in the High Life”Steve Winwood was a well known vocalist and guitarist throughout the rock era due to his contributions to the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, and Blind Faith. His solo career would hit its high water mark with his fourth studio album, Back in the High Life. It was originally released in June 1986, and we are featuring it in February 1987 when the last single, “The Finer Things” was released and was headed up the charts. Winwood had seen success as a soloist previously, but his last US album hit had been in 1980 when “Arc of a Diver” hit number 3 on the Bil...

2022-07-2548 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1982 - August: Judas Priest ”Screaming for Vengeance”One of the founding groups of heavy metal is Judas Priest, and their eighth studio album entitled Screaming for Vengeance would be their commercial breakthrough album for North America. In addition to the distincive vocals of Rob Halford, the Judas Priest lineup for this album included K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton on guitars, Ian Hill on bass, and Dave Holland on drums. Judas Priest was formed in 1969, but did not issue a record on a major label until 1977 and their third studio album. Their sixth studio album, British Steel, was the first to feature Dave Holland on...

2022-07-1835 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1984 - July: Nik Kershaw “Human Racing”Nik Kershaw's debut studio album, Human Racing, would also be his most commercially successful album. He would find more popularity in the UK where his album hit number 3 on the album charts than in the United States, where it would appear at number 70 on the Billboard 200. Kershaw wrote all the songs, performed lead and backing vocals, bass guitar, guitar, keyboards, and percussion. Other personnel on the album would include Paul "Wix" Wickens on keyboards, Charlie Morgan on drums, and a slew of session musicians including his wife Sheri Kershaw on backing vocals. Nicholas David “Nik” Kershaw came from a...

2022-05-0240 min

What the Riff Next Gen Christmas Songs That Rock (III)!Believe it or not, we've made it to the Christmas season 2020 - and for some of us, its about time! We hope your Christmas is a good one, and hope you get a chance to listen to some of these Christmas Songs that Rock on this Rabbit Hole episode! “Step Into Christmas” by Elton John This original song by John and Taupin has become a standard since it was originally released in 1973 as a single, and as a bonus track on the Caribou album. “Gabriel's Message” by Sting A cover of an obscure Basque folk carol bas...

2020-11-3047 min

What the Riff Next Gen 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 Next Gen 1975 - April: Aerosmith ”Toys in the Attic”With their third studio album Aerosmith really came into their own. Toys in the Attic would be their most commercially successful studio album in the United States, and would spawn two enduring rock anthems. Aerosmith came out of Boston in 1970 with Steve Tyler on lead vocals and harmonica, Tom Hamilton on bass, Joe Perry on guitar, Brad Whitford also on guitar, and Joey Kramer on drums. Toys in the Attic was immediately successful and made Aerosmith into international stars. Their first top 40 hit, "Sweet Emotion," came off this album, and its success encouraged listeners to chec...

2020-08-1735 min

What the Riff Next Gen 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 Next Gen 1970 - January: Chicago “Chicago II”Although commonly called Chicago II, this album is technically the first Chicago album because their first album was under the name The Chicago Transit Authority. They changed their name in 1969 under pressure from the municipal governmental body called the Chicago Transit Authority. Chicago II is a double album, full of jams and their trademark horns. The first four albums would all be double albums. We're going to feature two songs from this album, although one is actually a seven part song cycle with at least two parts you will identify as well known singles. Chicago is...

2020-08-0336 min

What the Riff Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 1994 - January: Alice in Chains “Jar of Flies”Seattle based Alice in Chains may have been associated with the grunge music for which Seattle was famous at the time, but they departed from the standard grunge scene in many ways. Jar of Flies was actually an EP rather than a standard album, and so was shorter than the extended length albums that many groups were producing during the CD era. While Alice in Chains had more of a heavy metal sound than many of their contemporaries, this album was their second acoustic EP. It was also the first EP to ever debut at number one! Al...

2020-06-2942 min

What the Riff Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 th...

2020-06-1538 min

What the Riff Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 1978 — September: Boston “Don’t Look Back”Back in 1976 Boston took the rock world by storm with their debut, and largely self-produced, album. This highly anticipated second album made its appearance two years later, a span of time which would in retrospect be considered quite fast - no other Boston album would appear for eight years. Don't Look Back was originally entitled "Arrival," until the band discovered that ABBA had already released an album with that name. Guitarist and producer Tom Scholz considered the album to be rushed out by the record label, and believed it was too short and needed another song. This woul...

2020-05-1144 min

What the Riff Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 idea When and how did the idea for the podcast come up? Wayne's radio background and connections with guests for the show How do we choose who to bring on the show? How do we handle social media and promotions? Bruce discusses research and blogging How do we research for the show? What websites are good...

2020-04-2757 min

What the Riff Next Gen 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 Next Gen 1975 — December: Kiss “Alive!”While they were a moderate regional success as a band with three studio albums, Kiss was most notable for their live performances. They would not be vaulted into super-stardom until this breakthrough live album Alive! was released in September of 1975. It peaked on the Billboard 200 album charts at number 9 in December of that year, and that's why we're featuring this album in this month. Kiss is well known today not only because of their success as a band, but they also heavily marketed their brand in everything from movies to lunch boxes to a comic book (to wh...

2020-04-1342 min

What the Riff Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 1992 - November: Blind Melon “Blind Melon”Their self-titled debut album and its breakthrough single “No Rain” put Blind Melon on the charts. A little alternative, a little hippie throwback, and maybe a little southern rock, Blind Melon is headed by frontman Shannon Hoon. Born in Indianapolis, Hoon was practically born a rock star, with the vocal chops and (unfortunately) the lifestyle to match. Hoon moved to Los Angeles where he formed the band with bassist Brad Smith, percussionist Glenn Graham, and guitarists Stevens Rogers (lead) and Christopher Thorn (rhythm). Some of that “southern roots” feel may come from the fact that three of the band members...

2020-03-1640 min

What the Riff Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 1976 - December: Eagles “Hotel California”The fifth studio album by the Eagles would become their biggest commercial success (not counting Greatest Hits (1971-1975), another monster album in its own right). Hotel California has been certified 26x platinum, and virtually every track was played on rock stations, not just the singles "New Kid in Town", "Life in the Fast Lane" and the title track, "Hotel California." This album was recorded after Bernie Leadon had left the group. This multi-instrumental founder was a strong country influence, and when he was replaced by rocker Joe Walsh the group took on a stronger rock orientation. “Hotel Ca...

2019-12-2349 min

What the Riff Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 acoustics and harmon...

2019-12-0950 min

What the Riff Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 Next Gen 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 album is their d...

2019-02-1144 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1982 - July - Pictures at Eleven - Robert PlantJULY of 1982 “Pictures at Eleven” by Robert Plant With drummer John Bonham's death in 1980, Led Zeppelin disbanded. “Pictures at Eleven” was Zeppelin front man Robert Plant's debut solo album — one that Rob appreciated even more than Zepplin. Plant put together an excellent collection of talent to help out, including Genesis drummer Phil Collins and ex-Rainbow drummer Cozy Powell, session guitarist Robbie Blunt, and Black Sabbath keyboardist Jezz Woodroffe. “Pictures at Eleven” was released in June 1982 and hit number 5 on the Billboard 100 in July. We hope you enjoy “Burning Down One Side” of this trip down the 1982 memory lane. “Burn...

2018-11-1243 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1992 - DEC - Gordon - Bare Naked Ladies“Gordon” by The Bare Naked Ladies Some groups take themselves way too seriously. That is an accusation that could never be leveled against the Barenaked Ladies. Rob shares that Ed Robertson and Steven Page began the group after getting bored at a Bob Dylan concert. They made up a list of imaginary bands for music critics...and a few years later entered a local music festival under the name of one of them: “The Bare Naked Ladies.” Their album “Gordon” is the debut studio effort on a major label, but they had already achieved a cult following in Canada off a previo...

2018-09-1737 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1974 - Sept - Crime of the Century - SupertrampCRIME OF THE CENTURY by Supertramp Rob brings us Supertramp — with their commercial breakthrough, Crime of the Century, their third studio album. Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson rebuilt the group after their first two unsuccessful albums, adding Bob C. Benburg on drums, Dougie Thomson on bass, and John Helliwell as their woodwinds player. Although not a concept album, Crime of the Century loosely follows themes involving loneliness, struggles with conformity, and mental struggles. This album benefits from the very different styles and personalities of Davies and Hodgson, and the tracks have stood the test of time. Join us as we...

2018-08-2738 min

What the Riff Next Gen 1968 - June - Hourglass - Power of LoveFEATURE: HOURGLASS - Power of Love from JUNE 1968 Hour Glass was a band based in Los Angeles, California in 1967 and 1968. Among their members were two future members of the Allman Brothers Band, Duane Allman and his brother Gregg. Power of Love was their 2nd album. The first was a lighthearted, poppy 60's type sound with a slight soul taste, and "the music had no life to it" according to Allman. This one started to branch out into the southern rock they would end up going to. It contained more original songs by Allman, though they still felt constricted by...

2018-06-2532 min