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  • 1972 - January: America "America"

    1972 - January: America "America"
    Jun 23 2025
    Surprisingly, America was formed in London. The trio of Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell, and Dan Peek met in London where their fathers were stationed at the United States Air Force base at RAF South Ruislip. The three attended London Central High School and began playing together on borrowed acoustic guitars. The name came from the Americana jukebox in the mess hall, and a desire to distinguish themselves from the British musicians around them who were trying to sound more American.America is also their self-titled debut album released in the States in January 1972. The album originally was released without “A Horse With No Name,” but when that single garnered significant commercial success it was added to a re-release of the album in early 1972. The re-released album would top the US album charts and produce two top-10 singles.The band would be a force in the folk-rock and soft rock genres for a generation. With close harmonies similar to Crosby, Stills & Nash, and complex acoustic guitar arrangements, their first seven albums would be in the top 50 on the album charts, though this first debut would be their lone chart topper to date. Their compilation album “History: America's Greatest Hits” was released at the end of 1975.America produced albums of original material up through 2015. In 1977 Dan Peek left the group to pursue music in the Contemporary Christian genre. Speculation regarding a reunion of the original members continued through the years until Peeks death in 2011.Rob brings us a great debut folk rock album in this week's podcast.RiversideThe lead off track is a good example of the original America sound. It has a laid back message: I don't want to take anything from you, and I don't want you to take anything from me. It is a “live and let live” message using a metaphor of life on two sides of the river.A Horse with No NameThis is the track that put the band on the map. Originally entitled “Desert Song” the track takes inspiration from a Salvador Dali painting and an M.C. Escher painting. Writer Dewey Bunnell created lyrics loosely based on his travels as a child with family through the deserts of Arizona and New Mexico. Three RosesBunnell paints a picture of both a quiet life and romantic uncertainty in this song inspired by his girlfriend, soon to be wife. “Three roses were bought with you in mind.” Dan Peek takes lead vocal duties on this one with subdued but complex chords and harmonies.I Need YouThe second single from the album was written by Gerry Beckley when he was 16 years old. Beckley also takes lead vocals on this ballad which went to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. You can sense the similarity to bands like the Beatles and Alan Parsons in this track. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Main theme from the television series “Emergency!”This first responder action series focused on Squad 51 in Los Angeles saw its debut in January 1972. STAFF PICKS:Family Affair by Sly & the Family StoneBruce begins the staff picks with the most successful hit from Sly & the Family Stone. This song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks and the R&B Singles chart for five. This track is a little different for the group, as the guitars are toned down, and the electric piano (with Billy Preston on keyboard) is brought up. The lyrics talk about the ways a family can go wrong.Roundabout by YesLynch brings us a song written by singer Jon Anderson and guitarist Steve Howe. The song originated from a trip the group took in Scotland in which they encountered a number of roundabouts. The line, “in and around the lake” came from one of the lochs they passed. This opening track from Fragile was drastically edited to produce a single coming in at 3:27 rather than the over 8-minute original. It reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, the group's highest charting single until 1983's “Owner of a Lonely Heart.”Doctor My Eyes by Jackson BrowneWayne's staff pick is a single off Browne's debut and self-titled album. The lyrics discuss the feeling that the singer is becoming jaded about life by seeing all the wrong in the world, and now being unable to cry about it. David Crosby and Graham Nash provide backing vocals to this song which went to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Misty Mountain Hop by Led ZeppelinRob features a song which was the B-side to Zeppelin's “Black Dog.” The lyrics take their inspiration from the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as the “Legalize Pot Rally” held in Hyde Park in July 1968. It appeared on the massive Led Zeppelin IV album. As Rob says, it is a “mixture of stoner idealism and Tolkien nerdery.” COMEDY TRACK:Pigeon Song by AmericaWe exit with a little double dipping, and with gratefulness that none of us is a pigeon named Fred. 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. ...
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    33 Min.
  • 1966 - February: The Sonics "Boom"

    1966 - February: The Sonics "Boom"
    Jun 16 2025
    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 rock.Boom is their second studio album from the band, released in February 1966. As with many songs from the mid-60's, all the songs are short. But with a non to the future punk movement, many songs are even shorter, clocking in at just over 2 minutes. The Sonics take their name from Boeing, the aviation company also based in Tacoma. The name of the album is likely a play on words for the "sonic boom," the thunderous sound produced by an aircraft exceeding the speed of sound. The music on this album is energetic and abrasive, and while some fuzzy guitar distortion is included the overall feel is raw with little extra production.The classic lineup would fall apart by 1968, with members leaving to join other bands, attend college, or in saxophonist Rob Linds' case - become a fighter pilot in the Vietnam War. Gerry Roslie would be the sole remaining original member with new members jumping in and out of the band until 1980. Wayne brings us this forerunner of punk and grunge for this week's podcast. CinderellaThe lead-off song from the album was an original piece written by Gerry Roslie. The lyrics relay a boy meeting a girl at a bar, having a great time drinking and dancing, and just when things start to get going well, the girl is gone by midnight. He's Waitin'This song starts the B-side of the album, and was also a Gerry Roslie original. This "boy loses girl" song is not a happy one! The lyrics reflect the boy's thoughts on being burned by a girl. Now he is telling her that Satan is waiting for her. "It's too late, you lied, now you will fry." Louie, LouieRichard Berry wrote and performed this song in 1957 with The Pharaohs, and covers of this song are common with garage bands. The Sonics' version is quite fast, and modifies the pronunciation from "Lou-ee Lou-ee" to "Lou-eye Lou-way" in the chorus. It is hard to separate this song from the thoughts of fraternity parties and the comedy movie "Animal House." Shot DownThe song that closes out the album laments about striking out when approaching a girl. "I play a guitar. I even drive a brand new car. Big man in town, I've been shot down." ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Theme from the motion picture "The Rare Breed"This western starred James Stewart and Maureen O'Hara and was one of the first films scored by the now-legendary composer John Williams. STAFF PICKS:Crying Time by Ray CharlesBruce leads off the staff picks with the lead single and starting track to Ray Charles' album of the same name. The song was originally performed by Buck Owens in 1964, and Charles kept the country feel while taking the cover to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. He won the Grammy Awards in 1967 for Best R&B Recording and Best R&B Solo Performance for this track.It's a Man's Man's Man's World by James BrownLynch brings us a song that takes its name as a play on the name of a 1963 comedy film, "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." The minor key track has lyrics decrying the chauvinism of society where all the work of modern civilization are attributed to men, but it would all "mean nothing without a woman or a girl." Brown recorded the song in only two takes, and it would become a staple of his live shows for the rest of his career.Secret Agent Man by Johnny RiversRob features a surf rock song originally developed as the opening intro to the U.S. spy television series "Secret Agent," which aired from 1964 to 1966. The ditty became popular, and Rivers developed it into a full single. The song would go to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming both a signature song for Rivers and a rock standard for future bands and shows.Lies by The KnickerbockersWayne's closes out the staff picks with a song from an American band deliberately trying to mimic the sound of a British Invasion song. The trio harmonies definitely give it a Beatles quality. As you might expect from the band name, the Knickerbockers got their start in New Jersey as a garage band. The track came together in about a half hour. COMEDY TRACK:The One on the Right is On the Left by Johnny CashThis comedy song about a band with incompatible political leanings amongst its members takes us out for 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 ...
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    29 Min.
  • 1990 - June: Poison "Flesh & Blood"

    1990 - June: Poison "Flesh & Blood"
    Jun 9 2025
    Flesh & Blood, the third studio album by Poison, finds the group at the top of their form. The team of Bret Michaels on lead vocals, C.C. DeVille on lead guitar, Bobby Doll on bass, and Rikki Rockett on drums had been quite successful in the glam metal genre of the mid-80's, and had developed a reputation for a "work hard, play hard" mentality. While they had a legendary stage presence, they also were plagued with fights both within and outside of the band. A number of lawsuits in various cities were predicated on Michaels' tendency to get into fights at parties and other events. Despite these issues - or perhaps because of them - their reputation only grew over time. Flesh & Blood is an album that is more challenging musically than the earlier ones. The band is toning down their glam metal persona and taking on more serious lyrical themes. Songs cover a wide range from sex and motorcycles, to struggles with long term relationships, to frustration with the struggles seen in society. The band would drop the excessive makeup of their earlier career, and found the songs on a more blues-oriented rock. More piano work is included, with keyboardist John Webster contributing to the album sessions.The result was a success, reaching triple platinum status by 1991. The album peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 3 on the UK albums chart. This album would be a kind of high water mark for the group, as the industry was moving away from the metal sound of the late 80's and into the grunge sound of the mid-1990's. However, the group would go on to record and tour into the new millennium, and Bret Michaels would become both a solo act and a celebrity with his MTV reality show "Rock of Love with Bret Michaels."Lynch brings us a look at a somewhat more mature Poison on this week's for today's podcast. Unskinny BopNot every song has deep or significant lyrics. This hit single from the album started as a nonsense lyric, a placeholder that stuck. The catchy repetition would make it a crowd favorite at concerts, and it was a top 10, going to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.Valley of Lost SoulsA deeper cut, this song lyrics talk about the life of a rock artist struggling to make it in a place without compassion. It is a slower piece, but definitely not a ballad. Life Goes OnC.C. DeVille brought the original draft of this song to the band. The lyrics were inspired by a girlfriend of DeVille who was shot and killed in a California bar fight, and describe the quest for light at the end of a dark period in life.Something to Believe InThis ballad was the second single released from the album, and went to number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Bret Michaels dedicated this song to his friend and bodyguard James Kimo Maano who had died previously. The lyrics reflect the frustration in the failures of society, from poverty, to the treatment of Vietnam veterans, to the hypocrisy of televangelists. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:You're In the Doghouse Now by Brenda Lee (from the motion picture “Dick Tracy”)This action movie based on the comic series from the 1930's starred Warren Beatty in the title role, along with Al Pacino and Madonna. STAFF PICKS:Ball and Chain by Social DistortionWayne kicks off the staff picks with a more alternative rock song penned by a punk rock band from their third and self-titled album. The lyrics describe a hard luck story of a man who can't escape his difficulties. It could be about a relationship, a rut in life, or about any vice that holds you down.Way Down Now by World PartyRob's staff pick is the first single from World Party's second studio album, "Goodbye Jumbo." If you hear echoes of "Sympathy for the Devil," that is deliberate - though the song is much more upbeat. It reached number 1 on the U.S. Modern Rock Tracks chart. World Party is primarily a one-man project from multi-instrumentalist Karl Wallinger from the Waterboys.Tie Dye on the Highway by Robert PlantBruce brings us a song off plant's fifth studio album "Manic Nirvana." The spoken line, "What we have in mind is breakfast in bed for 400,000." is from Wavy Gravy and the Hog Farm Collective, delivered at the Woodstock festival in 1969 announcing the intention to provide free breakfast to the crowd. Kool Thing by Sonic YouthLynch closes out the staff picks with a song critical of the over-the-top masculinity of LL Cool J. It was the first single from their sixth studio album, "Goo." The track never mentions LL Cool J personally, but references a number of his works. Chuck D. of Public Enemy provides the spoken vocals to the song.INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Mildred Pierce by Sonic YouthWe double up on Sonic Youth as we end today's podcast with their instrumental based on a 1945 film noir starring Joan Crawford. 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...
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    42 Min.
  • 1972 - October: Delaney & Bonnie "D&B Together"

    1972 - October: Delaney & Bonnie "D&B Together"
    Jun 2 2025
    One of the more underrated - some might say virtually lost - bands of the early rock era is Delaney & Bonnie. This singer-songwriter duo is made of session guitarist/vocalist Delaney Bramlett and his wife and former Ikette Bonnie Bramlett. Just as important as this founding couple is the number of talented musicians they brought into their recordings, with albums often being referenced as recorded by "Delaney & Bonnie and friends." These "friends" included luminaries such as Leon Russell, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Duane Allman, Greg Allman, Steve Howe, and Rita Coolidge. D&B Together is the sixth and final album from Delaney & Bonnie. Originally entitled "Country Life," the album was delivered to Atco/Atlantic Records behind schedule and rushed into distribution. Although Atlantic executive Jerry Wexler was a friend of the duo, he didn't think the quality was where it needed to be and withdrew it from the market. He later sold the contract and the album's master tapes to CBS, who reordered the running sequence and re-released it in March 1972. In addition to frequent collaborators Eric Clapton, Leon Russell, and Duane Allman, this album also contains the work of "friends" like Dave Mason, Billy Preston, and Tina Turner. Despite the title, Delaney and Bonnie would divorce shortly after the album came out. Drugs were taking their toll on the couple and their relationship could not survive it. However, they did have a daughter named Bekka Bramlett, who was a member of Fleetwood Mac from 1993-1995 and had a long career as a backing vocalist in the music industry.Bruce presents this underrated rock/soul album for this week's podcast.Comin' HomeThis song was released in December 1969 by Atco Records (US) and Atlantic Records (international). It was co-written by Bonnie Bramlett and Eric Clapton, and features Eric Clapton. It went to number 84 on the US pop charts. The lyrics are about being on the road and getting ready to come home to the one the singer loves. Only You Know and I KnowDave Mason originally wrote and recorded this song in 1970, and it became his first charting single, going to number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100. Delaney & Bonnie re-recorded it and took it to number 20 on the same chart. This single was released in 1971, another single that came out before the album. I Know Something Good About YouThis is a deeper cut on the album with an upbeat, funky sound. It was written by Delaney Bramlett and Joe Hicks. Groupie (Superstar)Most people recognize this as a hit from the Carpenters, but this is the original. Rita Coolidge came up with the idea after observing female groupies with rock starts in the late 60's, and the song was written by Bonnie Bramlett and Leon Russell. It was the B-side to "Comin' Home." Richard Carpenter picked it up for the Carpenters, and changed some of the lyrics to be less risqué. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Main theme from the television series The RookiesThis police action series debuted in October 1972. STAFF PICKS:And You and I by YesWayne leads off the staff picks with an excerpt of the 10+ minute work written by Jon Anderson, Bill Bruford, Steve Howe, and Chris Squire. The entire song consists of four parts, but the first two were released as a single edit which hovered just outside the top 40 on the Billboard charts. You Wear It Well by Rod StewartRob brings us the first single from Stewart's fourth studio album, "Never a Dull Moment." It went to number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, and number 1 on the UK singles chart. Many consider this an arrangement of Stewarts hit "Maggie May." As with his previous album, members of the Faces join in as musicians on "Never a Dull Moment."Lean On Me by Bill WithersLynch features a song written and performed by Withers. It was inspired by his experience growing up in a mining town in West Virginia. The community ethic of that town was something Withers missed when he moved to Los Angeles. It was the first single from Withers' second album, "Still Bill." Turn to Stone by BarnstormBruce brings us a song inspired by frustration over the Vietnam War, the Nixon Administration, and the protesting that was going on at the time. Joe Walsh left the James Gang and formed a group called Barnstorm. The group put out three albums including one with the wonderful title "The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get." This song is off the group's self-titled debut album. COMEDY TRACK:My Ding-a-Ling by Chuck BerryWe close out this week's podcast with Berry's double entendre masterpiece, on the charts in this month. 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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    39 Min.
  • 1966 - January: The Yardbirds "Having a Rave Up"

    1966 - January: The Yardbirds "Having a Rave Up"
    May 26 2025
    When you explore the music of The Yardbirds you are really observing the evolution of what would become hard rock. This group started in 1963 and over its time would engage the talents of three of the greatest guitarists of the rock world: Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page. Additional musicians in the group through 1968 were Keith Relf on vocals and harmonica, Jim McCarty on drums, Chris Dreja on rhythm guitar, and Paul Samwell-Smith on bass. The group was founded in the blues, but over time would explore psychedelic rock, pop rock, and hard rock, with instrumental jams being a signature sound throughout their tenure.Having a Rave Up, also known as "Having a Rave Up with the Yardbirds," is their second American album, and showcases two of their virtuoso guitarists. The album has one side of studio recordings in which Jeff Beck is the guitarist. Side two is a compilation of live performances featuring Eric Clapton on guitar. During a time when most songs were expected to run about three minutes, the Yardbirds would extend these out in live performances to six or seven minutes with instrumental jams known as "rave ups." The combination of studio and live work is an excellent introduction to The Yardbirds, as the band's strength was in their live performances. Their studio efforts would improve with the experimentation of Jeff Beck.Jimmy Page would become their guitarist in mid-1966 until their split-up in mid-1968. He would form a group as "The New Yardbirds" shortly thereafter, which would be renamed shortly thereafter to Led Zeppelin.Rob brings us this study in the origins of rock for this week's podcast. Heart Full of SoulThis song was the first single released by The Yardbirds after Jeff Beck joined the group. It was written by Graham Gouldman, who would later be the co-lead singer and bassist of 10cc. The band wanted to include a sitar in the instrumentation for this song, but when things didn't work out for that, Beck experimented with his guitar to duplicate the eastern sound of the sitar instead.You're a Better Man than IThe opening song from the album is also known as "Mister, You're a Better Man than I." It was written by brothers Mike and Brian Hugg, and is an attempt at a more folk rock song. The socially conscious lyrics take aim at the hypocrisy of society and politics, stating that you shouldn't judge a person based on superficial appearances or education.Smokestack LightningThe live opener to side two is a cover of an old blues song recorded by American blues artist Howlin' Wolf in 1956. The inspiration for the title came from watching trains go by at night and seeing the sparks come out of the smokestack.The Train Kept a-Rollin'While Aerosmith's cover may be more famous, this jump blues piece was originally performed by Tiny Bradshaw in 1951. The Yardbirds played this song during their first American tour in 1965, and Sam Phillips recorded it for them in Memphis later that year. It closes out side 1 of the album. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Main theme from the television action comedy "Batman"This campy superhero show premiered this month. STAFF PICKS:Don't Think Twice, It's Alright by The Wonder Who?Bruce begins the staff picks with a disguise group. The Four Seasons used the name "The Wonder Who?" for four records released from 1965 to 1967, including this one. Frankie Valli wasn't happy with his vocals on this song, and he recorded it with a "joke" falsetto voice while trying to break the tension in the studio. All Your Love by John Mayall & the BluesbreakersLynch brings us a blues song originally recorded by American blues musician Otis Rush in 1958. Multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter John Mayall led this group, which included Eric Clapton on guitar and John McVie on bass. This single is the lead-off track to the debut album "Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton," also known as "The Beano Album" because Clapton is reading a children's comic called "The Beano" on the front cover.My Generation by the WhoWayne's staff pick is the hit that started the trajectory for the Who. Guitarist Pete Townshend wrote this song about young rebellion. Roger Daltrey incorporates a stutter in his vocals to sound like a British mod on speed. While this song would reach number 2 on the UK charts, it topped out at number 74 on the US charts.Day Tripper by the BeatlesRob features a well known song from the Beatles, recorded during the "Rubber Soul" album sessions but not included on the album itself. It was released as a double A-side single along with "We Can Work it Out" during a time when the Beatles were under pressure to release a single in time for the 1965 Christmas season. COMEDY TRACK:The Lurch by Ted CassidyTed Cassidy played Lurch on "The Addams Family," and also performed this novelty song. 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. ...
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    34 Min.
  • 1972 - December: Neil Diamond "Hot August Night"

    1972 - December: Neil Diamond "Hot August Night"
    May 19 2025
    Neil Diamond is one of the best-selling singer-songwriters of all time. In August 1972 he performed a series of 10 sold-out shows at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Recordings from this concert would be released as a live double-album entitled Hot August Night later that year in December. Neil Diamond was born in Brooklyn, New York, the child of a Jewish family. At the age of 16 he was inspired by seeing folk singer Pete Seeger perform at a camp for Jewish children in upstate New York, and received his first guitar shortly thereafter. This would set the direction of Diamond's career, starting with both taking guitar lessons and writing songs. After some time barely scraping by as a songwriter, Diamond began to find some success by the mid-60's, most prominently with several songs for The Monkees, including the big hit, "I'm A Believer." Diamond moved to Los Angeles in 1969, where he recorded some of his bigger solo hits, including the iconic "Sweet Caroline."Many consider "Hot August Night" to be Neil Diamond's best work, capturing the artist at his prime and at the top of his game. It went to number 5 on the Billboard 200 album chart, and was number 12 for the 1973 year-end chart. It was number 1 in Australia for 29 weeks in 1973 and 1974, and remains one of the highest selling albums in that country. Neil Diamond retired from touring in 2018 toward the end of his "50 Year Anniversary World Tour" after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. However, Diamond did not retire from music, and continued writing and developing new projects.Wayne brings us this soft rock singer-songwriter live album for this week's podcast. Kentucky WomanThis song is a bonus track on the CD, and many will recognize this song from the remake performed by Deep Purple. It was written in 1967 and went to number 22 on the charts after its release. It appeared on the compilation album, "Neil Diamond's Greatest Hits" released in 1968 on Bang records after Diamond left that label.Cherry CherryThe inspiration for this song was an early relationship with a significantly older woman. This was Diamond's first hit, reaching number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. The most familiar studio version of this song was released in mid 1966 on Bang records, and was the final track on Diamond's debut studio album, "The Feel of Neil Diamond."Song Sung BlueThis song was originally released on Diamond's eighth studio album, "Moods." It was his second number 1 song in the United States, and his last solo #1 song in America to date. The musical inspiration for the song is Mozart's Piano Concerto #21, second movement. The lyrics reflect on the power of music to heal when a sad mood is poured into a song. Cracklin' RosieOriginally released in 1970, this song topped the charts and sold over 1 million copies. The studio version appeared on "Tap Root Manuscript," Diamond's sixth studio album, and was recorded with instrumentation provided by session musicians from the Wrecking Crew. While the lyrics suggest that Rosie is a prostitute, there are tales that it actually refers to a cheap sparkling wine from Canada called "Crackling Rosè." ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Theme from the animated series "Josie and the Pussycats"The animated series "Josie and the Pussycats" and "Josie and the Pussycats in Outer Space" concluded its run this month. STAFF PICKS:Ventura Highway by AmericaRob leads off the staff picks with a song inspired by a drive that vocalist and writer Dewey Bunnell took in 1963 on the Pacific Coast. While his father was changing a flat tire, he and his brother stood on the side of the road near a road sign for Ventura, watching shapes in the clouds, inspiring the lyrics "alligator lizards in the air."Superstition by Stevie WonderLynch brings us the lead single from Wonder's fifteenth studio album "Talking Book." It's lyrics mention many popular superstitions and their negative consequences. Stevie Wonder collaborated with Jeff Beck on the demo for this song, and Beck would include his version of "Superstition" on his "Beck, Bogert & Appice" album.Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu by Johnny RiversBruce features the song originally recorded in 1957 by Huey "Piano" Smith. The original version went to number 52 on the pop charts, but the version we all know went to number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Rivers was a member of the Wrecking Crew, and several musicians from that session group played on this single. It Never Rains in Southern California by Albert HammondWayne's closes out the staff picks with a storytelling song about a performer off to make it big. He fails in his efforts, but wants to hide the failure from those he left behind. Members of the Wrecking Crew also provide instrumentation on this song that went to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. NOVELTY TRACK:Crazy Horses by The OsmondsThis surprisingly heavy performance from the Osmonds takes us out for this week. Thanks for ...
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    34 Min.
  • 1968 - September: Aretha Franklin "Aretha in Paris"

    1968 - September: Aretha Franklin "Aretha in Paris"
    May 12 2025
    Aretha Franklin got her start at an early age in Gospel music. As the granddaughter of Gospel great Mahalia Jackson and the daughter of a prominent Baptist preacher, Franklin was heard on her father's "gospel caravan" tours at the age of twelve. By the time she became an adult in 1960 she had decided that she wanted to go into more pop music, and moved to New York for this purpose. She signed a deal with Columbia Records, in 1960, but her career would not really take off until moving to Atlantic Records in 1966. By 1968 she was considered by many to be the most successful singer in the nation, and already crowned the "Queen of Soul."Franklin toured outside the US for the first time in late April 1968 through May 1968. She performed in Paris on May 7, 1968, and this concert would be released as the live album Aretha in Paris in the fall of 1968. It was Franklin's second live album, and the first for Atlantic Records where most of her hits were recorded.Some have criticized the backing band as not up to the task of supporting Franklin. However, this album captures Franklin at the top of her game at a time when she was cranking out some of the biggest hits of her career. It would be difficult for any supporting band to keep up, particularly one assembled for an overseas tour. Regardless, this is a great album to explore as a snapshot of Aretha Franklin at the height of success.Lynch brings us a high energy live soul album from the Queen of Soul in her prime for today's podcast. (I Can't Get No) SatisfactionThis Rolling Stones cover is the lead-off track to the album and to the concert. The Stones had released this song in 1965, and it had become their first number 1 song in the States. Franklin takes the tempo up for this cover.(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural WomanCarole King and Gerry Goffin wrote this song for Franklin based on an idea from producer Jerry Wexler. It originally appeared on Franklin's album "Lady Soul", and went to number 8 on the U.S. charts. It would make history when it hit the UK charts a week after Franklin's death in 2018, 51 years after the single was first released. (Sweet Sweet Baby) Since You've Been GoneThe original single for this live song was released on the "Lady Soul" album, and reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song was written by Franklin and her then-husband Teddy White. The studio version of this song utilized the talents of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, who were flown in from Alabama to record in a New York City studio.Chain of FoolsSongwriter Don Covay wrote this song in his youth, and presented it to producer Jerry Wexler as a song for Otis Redding. Wexler decided to have Franklin record it instead of Redding. It was a big hit, taking the number 1 slot on the R&B charts for four weeks, number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and delivering Franklin a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Theme from the television comedy show “Laugh In”This sketch comedy show would capture a lot of American counter-culture of the time from Tiny Tim to "sock it to me!" STAFF PICKS:Ride My See Saw by the Moody BluesWayne kicks off the staff picks with a psychedelic song from the second Moody Blues album, "In Search of the Lost Chord." The song is about leaving school and finding that the world isn't what you thought it would be. On the album, the song is preceded by a spoken word introduction called "Departure."Harper Valley PTA by Jeannie C. RileyRob's staff pick is a storytelling song written by Tom T. Hall about a widow named Mrs. Johnson and her tangle with the PTA. When her teenage daughter received a note from the Harper Valley PTA criticizing the way she is living, Mrs. Johnson attends the next meeting and reveals some indiscretions of the other PTA members.Light My Fire by Jose FelicianoBruce features an acoustic cover of the Doors hit single with a Latin twist. Jose Feliciano is best known for the Christmas song "Feliz Navidad," but this Puerto Rican artist also had a hit with this cover that peaked at number 3 on in late summer 1968. His album "Feliciano!" is a selection of acoustic cover songs, and his most successful one. He won "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance" at the 1969 Grammy Awards for this cover.Son of a Preacher Man by Dusty SpringfieldLynch closes out the staff picks with a song that writers John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins wrote with Aretha Franklin in mind. When Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler heard it, he thought it would be a good fit for Dusty Springfield who was recording her "Dusty in Memphis" album at the time. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:And I Love Her by Jose FelicianoWe double up on the Latin acoustic stylings of Feliciano as this Beatles cover takes us out of 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, ...
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    30 Min.
  • 1971 - September: Carole King "Tapestry"

    1971 - September: Carole King "Tapestry"
    May 5 2025
    Many mark the start of the singer-songwriter genre to have begun when Carole King released her second studio album, the iconic Tapestry. As would be expected from a singer-songwriter, all of the songs on the album were either written or co-written by King. Tapestry is considered one of the greatest albums of all time in the soft rock genre.Born Carol Joan Klein in Manhattan, King began piano lessons at four years of age. Her upbringing included friendship with Paul Simon and dating Neil Sedaka. In the 50's at the age of 17 she met and married Jerry Goffin with whom she would team up on songwriting through the 60's - King writing the music and Goffin writing the lyrics. They had several successful songs during the 60's including "Pleasant Valley Sunday" (The Monkees), "I'm Into Something Good" (Herman's Hermits), and "Up On the Roof" (the Drifters). King and Goffin divorced by 1968, and King moved to Laurel Canyon in Los Angeles to re-start her recording career.Tapestry features both new and old songs of Carole King's catalog. Several new friends from the Laurel Canyon area appear on the album, including James Taylor and Joni Mitchell. Fellow songwriter Toni Stern co-wrote two of the songs, including the hit "It's Too Late."The album was a hit, spending 313 weeks on the Billboard Charts (second only to "Dark Side of the Moon" in time on the chart). It also was a critical success, taking the Grammy for Album of the Year at the 1972 Grammy awards. King announced her retirement from music in May 2012, but has done a few things since then, including a live performance of Tapestry in Hyde Park in 2016. Friend of the show Greg Lyon sits in for Wayne while Bruce presents this soft rock album for this week's podcast.TapestryThe title track to the album is a look back on life as a colorful combination of threads woven into a picture or pattern, but not one intended to last. This is a deeper cut which was not released as a single.Where You LeadSeveral songs became hits for other artists while the album was still on the charts, including this one. Barbara Streisand recorded this song for her 1971 album, and it reached number 40. The song takes its inspiration from the book of Ruth in the Bible. It was also the theme song for the television series "Gilmore Girls." Toni Stern collaborated with King to write this song. You've Got a FriendThis is another song which became a hit for another artist. James Taylor did this on his 1971 album, "Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon," making it to number 1 on the US charts. The two albums were being produced concurrently, and Taylor, Joni Mitchell, and Danny Kortchmar perform on both King's version and on Taylor's version. King has said the song is a response to the line in James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" which says "I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend." So Far AwayJames Taylor is on acoustic guitar for this piece, and King is on piano. It went to number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was on the charts in September 1971. It starts with a focus on the physical distance between lovers, then moves on to emotional distance. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Main theme from the serial Danger Island (from the television series “The Banana Splits Adventure Hour”) This live action 10-minute adventure short appeared as a part of "The Banana Splits Adventure Hour," which concluded this month. STAFF PICKS:Ain't No Sunshine by Bill WithersLynch leads off the staff picks with Withers' breakthrough single from his debut album, "Just As I Am." The inspiration for this song was the 1962 film "Days of Wine and Roses," which portrays two characters who were alcoholics. The idea is that someone may not be right for you, but you miss them regardless. Signs by Five Man Electrical Band"And the sign said 'long haired freaky people need not apply!" Rob brings us a signature song from a Canadian band. The song originally appeared as a B-side to a less successful song called "Hello Melinda Goodbye," but became successful on its own. Frontman Les Emerson wrote this song after seeing so many billboards in Los Angeles which obscured the natural scenery.Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get by The DramaticsGreg features the title song from the debut album of R&B group The Dramatics. This song contrasting the fakeness of people with the authenticity of the singer went to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the R&B chart. It fuses a Motown feel with a Latin undertone.Thin Line Between Love and Hate by The PersuadersBruce brings us a cautionary tale about a guy who comes home late at night, finding his girl smiling and ready to cook him some dinner. He learns his lesson when he wakes up in the hospital, beaten to within an inch of his life. This song by a New York R&B group made it to number 15 on the US charts. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:The Rock by Atomic RoosterWe close out with an instrumental from a British rock band originally ...
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    35 Min.