What the Riff?!?

著者: Rob Marbury Wayne Rowan Bruce Fricks and Brian Dickhute
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  • Every week, “WHAT THE RIFF?!?” takes a look at a ROCK AND ROLL album that debuted or peaked on the U.S. Billboard charts during a random month between 1965-1995. Four friends discuss the artists and 4 tracks from the album as it plays in the background. Then we riff on 4 “staff picks” of other artists that were also in the charts during that month and year. You’ll hear some familiar tunes as well as some deeper cuts and entertainment tracks as we share a little look into the culture and happenings of that day— having fun recalling that “old time rock and roll.” We hope to bring back memories for you — and we encourage you to find and purchase the tracks and albums from iTunes, Spotify or your other favorite music service. You’ll find each episode with a short blog on this site. Please subscribe so you don’t miss any release! We also invite you to follow us and learn more about us @whattheriffpodcast on Facebook.
    What the Riff ©2024
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あらすじ・解説

Every week, “WHAT THE RIFF?!?” takes a look at a ROCK AND ROLL album that debuted or peaked on the U.S. Billboard charts during a random month between 1965-1995. Four friends discuss the artists and 4 tracks from the album as it plays in the background. Then we riff on 4 “staff picks” of other artists that were also in the charts during that month and year. You’ll hear some familiar tunes as well as some deeper cuts and entertainment tracks as we share a little look into the culture and happenings of that day— having fun recalling that “old time rock and roll.” We hope to bring back memories for you — and we encourage you to find and purchase the tracks and albums from iTunes, Spotify or your other favorite music service. You’ll find each episode with a short blog on this site. Please subscribe so you don’t miss any release! We also invite you to follow us and learn more about us @whattheriffpodcast on Facebook.
What the Riff ©2024
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  • 1992 - April: Soundgarden "Badmotorfinger"
    2025/02/03
    Soundgarden emerged as a pioneering force in the Seattle grunge scene, bringing elements of heavy metal and alternative rock into what would come to be known as the Seattle sound. The group originally found lead singer and primary songwriter Chris Cornell singing from behind a drum set where he was the group's percussionist, but it became clear that this would not work well in live concerts, so Cornell switched to vocals and rhythm guitar while turning over percussion work to Matt Cameron. Badmotorfinger, the third studio album, finds the group just before it's breakout into grunge superstardom, an event that would occur with the release of their next album. Taking its name from a spoof on a popular Montrose song, Badmotorfinger sports a strong heavy metal sound, but with tighter songwriting, and a bit of complexity in time signatures and tunings. It would become the band's highest charting album to date, peaking at number 39 on the Billboard 200 chart, and going double platinum by 1996. It was also considered a success by critics, and was nominated in 1992 for a Grammy award for Best Metal Performance.While the album definitely has grunge elements in it, as a whole it may be considered more alternative, heavy metal, or hard rock. The band's development makes this album more difficult to pin down into a single genre, and perhaps this makes for a more interesting listening experience.We hope you enjoy this foray into the roots of the grunge movement as Lynch brings us the album for today's podcast. Rusty CageThe opening track to the album was the third single released, and reflects a longing for freedom and a breaking out of the “rusty cage” that life can be. The guitars are tuned down significantly, giving the riffs a jangling sound. Johnny Cash would cover it a few years later, turning the song into a country anthem. OutshinedThis track combines themes of self-doubt and internal struggle with appearances of external success and confidence, creating a clash within the singer. Cornell creates depth and passion through his vocals. “Show me the power, child. I'd like to say that I'm down on my knees today.”Jesus Christ PoseUnlike many tracks, this first single released from the album is credited to all four band members. The lyrics are a rant against the hypocrisy of religious leaders who turn belief into a means of acquiring power. This track is an example of a Soundgarden song that is more metal than grunge at this point.Slaves & BulldozersThis song is often described as “doom metal,” and utilizes drop-tuned guitars to create a slow burn, darker sound. The lyrics encourage the listener to consider how their situation may be turning them into either an obedient slave or a nihilistic bulldozer. It was the last song Soundgarden played live before Chris Cornell's death in 2017. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Theme from the television series “The Cosby Show”This staple of 80's sitcom had their final episode and went off the air in April 1992. STAFF PICKS:I Want to Touch You by Catherine WheelWayne kicks off the staff picks with the Manchester sound. This post-psychedelic song deals with the raw emotions of a shy guy who is infatuated with a particular woman. “It would really make my day if you'd only move away, 'cause I'm scared that if you stay, I'll want to touch you.” Just Take My Heart by Mr. BigRob brings us a power ballad that peaked at number 16. It was the fourth single from the second album by Mr. Big entitled “Lean Into It.” The song features some excellent finger picking on an electric guitar toned down to an almost acoustic consistency. Eric Martin is the lead singer and co-writer of the song.Cold Day in Hell by Gary MooreBruce features a guitar virtuoso from Northern Ireland. Gary Moore got his start in an Irish band called Skid Row in the late 1960's but is better known as a member of Thin Lizzy. This lead-off track to his ninth solo studio album called “After Hours” is a straightforward announcement that the man and his lover would never be getting back together. Silent Lucidity by QueensrycheLynch closes out the staff picks with beautiful and epic piece off the Empire album. Chris DeGarmo, guitarist and primary songwriter for the group, was inspired to write this song after reading a book about lucid dreams. The first iteration of the song was acoustic guitar and vocals only, and instrumentation was added later. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:The Simpsons by Danny GattonA rock/blues guitar cover of the main theme of “The Simpsons” takes us out for today's session. Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you ...
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    47 分
  • 1974 - June: Lynyrd Skynyrd "Second Helping"
    2025/01/27
    Lynyrd Skynyrd was a success with their debut album, and continued to build a fan base when they opened for The Who on their Quadrophenia tour. Many of the songs on their debut album were staples of their concerts in Jacksonville, Florida, where they had built their style over the years since the 60's. Therefore it was not a sure thing that they would be able to sustain their success over time. Those concerns were put to rest when they released their second album.Second Helping, a southern colloquialism for getting more of the same thing at the dinner table, cemented Lynyrd Skynyrd as the flag bearer for the Southern Rock genre. At a time when a number of British artists - most notably the Rolling Stones - were digging into the rock and blues music of the American South, Lynyrd Skynyrd was the real thing. They rode the power of their triple guitar set and the wit of Ronnie Van Zandt's lyrics to a commercial success, with the album going to number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart and certified as gold by September 1974. While contemporary critics were more lukewarm, those reviews have been revised way upward over time. Second Helping also contains the biggest hit of the group as well, the Southern anthem "Sweet Home Alabama."Lynyrd Skynyrd would go on to produce many more hit songs and records in the southern rock genre before tragedy took front man Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and backup singer Cassie Gaines in October 1977. But Second Helping is the album that solidified their standing as an internationally successful band.Wayne takes us through this album for this week's podcast, and Brian Dickhute joins us in Bruce's absence. The Needle and the SpoonThis song would not be the only anti-drug track in the Skynyrd discography. The lyrics describe a man coming out of rehab, and makes use of a wah wah pedal effect that was not common to most of Skynyrd's music, but fit with the heroin subject of the song. Swamp MusicAlthough not released as a single, this song got plenty of air play on FM radio, as did most of the tracks on this album. This fast -paced track describes life in the Florida swamps. The members of Lynyrd Skynyrd were well acquainted with outdoor life, fishing for catfish, hunting, and other "redneck" activities.Sweet Home AlabamaEveryone knows this anthem of Southern rock. This song was written in response to Neil Young's "Southern Man," in which the band felt like the entire Southern United States was blamed for slavery. Between the hook of the leading riff and the catchy lyrics, this song has become a staple of classic rock. This is Skynyrd's only top 10 hit, as it went to number 8 on the US charts. Interestingly, none of the band members are from Alabama.Don't Ask Me No QuestionsGary Rossington and Ronnie Van Zandt wrote this song during a fishing trip. Many think this is about a relationship, but it was a message to the record managers who were apathetic towards the band during the early days, but who turned demanding after they were a success. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: Main theme from the television series, "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C."In this sitcom spin-off from "The Andy Griffith Show," Jim Nabors plays the lovable but naive Gomer Pyle, now enlisted into the Marine Corp. Frank Sutton, who played Sergent Carter in this series, passed away in June 1974. STAFF PICKS:Help Me by Joni MitchellRob starts the staff picks with a single from Mitchell's sixth studio album, "Court and Spark." This track is Mitchell's biggest single, and her only song to crack the top 10 in the US, going to number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics describe a singer who knows she is falling for the wrong man, but is either powerless to stop it or doesn't want to call things off.Dancing Machine by the Jackson 5Brian brings us a song that hit number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 after a multi-year dry spell. The Jackson 5 appeared on "Soul Train" performing this song, and Michael Jackson introduced the world to "the robot" dance routine. The Jackson 5 had a Saturday morning cartoon which kept the group in the public conscious.Waterloo by ABBALynch features the song that made ABBA a household name when the Swedish group won the 1974 Eurovision Song contest singing this tune. The lyrics compare falling in love to Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo. The name "ABBA" comes from the first letter of each of the singers' names.Tell Me Something Good by RufusWayne presents a funky song from a group featuring Chaka Kahn as lead vocalist. Rufus is a one-hit wonder, with this song peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Stevie Wonder wrote this song about a woman looking for a deeper relationship, not just a one night stand. It was the first hit song that utilized the vocoder. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Dance with the Devil by Cozy PowellWe close out with a drum instrumental based on Jimi Hendrix' "Third Stone from the Sun." Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To...
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    34 分
  • 1985 - December: Talking Heads “Little Creatures”
    2025/01/20
    The Talking Heads is known as one of the more quirky bands of the 70's and 80's, and terribly innovative in their approach to both music and performance. Consisting of Tina Weymouth on bass, Chris Frantz on drums, Jerry Harrison on keyboards and guitar, and fronted by David Byrne on vocals and guitar, the Talking Heads helped to shape the landscape of alternative and new wave rock through the 80's and 90's. They really hit mainstream consciousness with their fifth album called "Speaking in Tongues" in 1983. They followed this up with the live album "Stop Making Sense," which showcased the elaborate stage setups and their visual presence, complete with Byrne's iconic "big suit" fashion wear.Little Creatures was their sixth studio album and the best selling album of the group's career. The Talking Heads toned down their experimental tendencies on this one in favor of a more stripped-down, accessible approach. While there are still elements of art music and new wave present in the tracks, they play a more whimsical role. The songs blend in pop, folk, and country influences as well, giving the album a bright, catchy feel in addition to the wit and quirkiness for which the group was known.The album cover was created by artist Howard Finster, and incorporates themes of Americana and everyday life. This complemented the songs well, and was selected by Rolling Sone magazine as the album cover of the year.The group would go on to produce two more studio albums before disbanding in 1991. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.Show co-founder Brian Dickhute is back to present this album in Bruce's absence for today's podcast. The Lady Don't MindThere's a certain amount of weirdness that is difficult to explain in the lyrics of just about every Talking Heads song, and this is no exception. This reggae-tinged song talks about a lady who is hard to pin down or figure out. "Last time she jumped out the window, well, she only turned and smiled. You might think she would say something, but you'd have to wait a while." Perfect WorldWhile most songs were written by David Byrne, this one features lyrics composed years earlier by drummer Chris Frantz. It is a deeper cut, and a mini-love story. Stay Up LateThis track was the fourth single released from the album. It is a song about Byrne's sister's baby, and describes an adult keeping the baby up late despite the consequences, just to have fun and enjoy this new life. Road to NowhereThis song was released as a single, and went to number 25 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Byrne describes it as "a song that presented a resigned, even joyful look at doom." The gospel choir that leads off the track was added after the song was concluded to complete what is essentially a two-chord song. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Soul Finger by the Bar-Kays (from the motion picture Spies Like Us)Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd star in this spy comedy where novice spies are sent into the Soviet Union.STAFF PICKS:West End Girls by Pet Shop BoysLynch starts the staff picks with a song about class and pressures of city life in London, inspired by a T.S. Eliot poem. It was released twice as a single, once in April 1984 when it became a club hit, and this version as a re-recorded single in October 1985. It went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.It's Not Love by DokkenWayne takes us in a more hair metal direction with a head banger tune from Dokken's third album, "Under Lock and Key." This was the third single released from the album. The video contains scenes where the band is playing from a flat bed truck, and was actually recorded on the road. They received several tickets during the process, despite having permission to film.Magic Power by TriumphRob features a Canadian power trio from their live double album, “Stages.” Originally recorded on their studio album, “Allied Forces,” the song describes the healing power of music. It is one of the group's signature songs, and the live format gives a good sense of the band's chemistry on stage.Tonight She Comes by The CarsBrian closes out the staff picks with a previously unreleased song from the Cars' Greatest Hits album, released in October 1985. Ric Ocasek wrote the song, and originally intended it for his solo album, but brought it to the group instead. It was their fourth and last single to be a top 10 hit. NOVELTY TRACK:Strokin' by Clarence CarterWe find out how Clarence Carter makes love in this concluding track from this week's podcast. Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can...
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    44 分
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