What the Riff?!?

• 1972 - September: Carpenters "A Song for You"

  While this album is a bit soft for our typical rock and roll podcast, you just can't talk about music in the early 70's without giving some attention to the Carpenters.  The dual of siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter would have a multitude of hits based on their close harmonies and melodic pop sensibilities.  They began as a jazz group in 1966 when Karen was still in high school, and would eventually sign to A&M Records as the Carpenters in early 1969.  Richard Carpenter was the keyboardist and primary driver behind the Carpenters' sound. Karen began as the groups drummer, and would continue in this role intermittently, though her distinctive vocals demanded her to often be out front on tour with a touring drummer (Hal Blaine) taking her place behind the kit.A Song for You was the Carpenters fourth studio album.  It featured a mixture of songs written or co-written by Richard Carpenter, and songs from other songwriters adapted to the group by Richard Carpenter.  It reached number 4 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in the US and number 13 on the UK Albums chart.  Six of the 12 songs (plus a reprise of the title track) were released as singles.The Carpenters were careful in managing their image and maintained a wholesome persona throughout their career.  Richard Carpenter would balk at the "squeaky clean" image that A&M Records, believing that the focus should be more on the music than their image.  Much later the struggles Richard faced with pills would come to light, and Karen's death in 1983 as a consequence of anorexia nervosa would put a much-needed spotlight on the eating disorder affecting countless people.The Carpenters produced 10 albums over their 14-year career, along with a number of singles and multiple television specials.  Lynch brings us a look at the softer side of rock for today's podcast. Goodbye to LoveRichard Carpenter and John Bettis wrote this song.  Carpenter was inspired to write this track after seeing a 1940 Bing Crosby film called "Rhythm on the River."  In the film, the struggling songwriter often refers to his greatest composition being "Goodbye to Love," but the song is never played.  Carpenter took this inspiration and created the song.   Top of the WorldOne of the best known songs from the Carpenters today, this track was not originally intended to be a single.  However, after country singer Lynn Anderson had success with a cover, the Carpenters reconsidered and released the song as a single.  It would top the US charts in 1973, one of three Carpenters songs to do so. Hurting Each OtherGary Geld and Peter Udell wrote the original song which was first performed by Jimmy Clanton in 1965.  The Carpenters had the Wrecking Crew as their session musicians on their arrangement which went to number 2 on the U.S. charts.  A Song for YouThe title song from the album was originally written and performed by Leon Russell on his 1970 solo debut.  Though the Carpenters version was not released as a single, it starts and concludes the album, making the whole a concept reflecting on its plea for understanding and forgiveness.  ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Main theme from the television series "The Waltons"This historical drama set in West Virginia during the depression began in September 1972. STAFF PICKS:Saturday in the Park by ChicagoRob open this week's staff picks with a song penned by Robert Lamm for the album Chicago V.  The inspiration was either a walk in Central Park on July 4, 1970, or a compilation of film shot in Central Park in the early 70's.  The track reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, the highest-charting single from Chicago at the time.Rock 'N' Roll Soul by Grand Funk RailroadWayne's staff pick is the closing anthem from Grand Funk Railroad's sixth studio album, Phoenix.  The lyrics from this Detroit group celebrate the power of rock music as a source of joy, freedom, and self-expression.  "Tell everyone you know, you've got some Rock and Roll soul."Use Me by Bill WithersBruce brings us a song that Withers penned as a funny answer to those who thought he was too nice.  Bill Withers claimed that he wasn't very popular and had a stutter until his late 20's.  This song was basically Withers saying, "OK, you want a nasty boy?  Well here I come!"  It is his second biggest hit in the U.S. behind "Lean on Me," and reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.  Alone Again (Naturally) by Gilbert O'SullivanLynch closes out the staff picks with an introspective ballad.  Despite the upbeat tempo and melody, the lyrics are quite dark.  The first verse contemplates suicide after a failed attempt at a wedding, while other verses question the existence of God and lament the loss of parents. Irish singer-songwriter O'Sullivan originally did not include this single on his second album, "Back to Front," but included it on re-issues due to its popularity.  It spent six weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Popcorn by Hot ButterYou may not know the name, but you've surely heard this instrumental ditty that went to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and closes out today'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 share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

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• 1970 - April: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young "Deja Vu"

  We covered the self-titled debut album from Crosby, Stills & Nash in episode 137.  Deja Vu is considered the second Crosby, Stills & Nash album, but it is actually the first album by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, with Canadian songwriter Neil Young turning the trio into a quartet.While the album continues to feature the signature harmonies associated with Crosby, Stills & Nash, it has a harder, more rocking edge to it. Some of this is undoubtedly due to the addition of Neil Young to the album, but it also reflects the challenges the group members were facing.  Both Stephen Stills and Graham Nash had gone through break-ups in their relationships, and David Crosby tragically had lost his girlfriend Christine Hinton in a car accident.The album was highly anticipated, generating $2 million in pre-sales before its release.  It became a gold record only 14 days after release, and was on the Billboard 200 album chart for 88 weeks.  Contemporary critics provided mixed reviews, but the album has only grown in stature over time, with many reviews considering it amongst the top albums ever produced.  Deja Vu was inducted into the Grammy Hall of fame in 2012.After its release, each of the principal members of the group would record solo albums, and the success of Deja Vu contributed to the individual success of these four solo projects.Crosby, Stills & Nash (and sometimes Young) would continue to produce albums over the decades with their last collaboration occurring in 2015.  The death of David Crosby in 2023 ended the possibility of full reunions.Wayne brings us this soft rock singer-songwriter live album for this week's podcast. Carry OnThe opening track to the album was penned by Stephen Stills who also provides lead vocals.  It is a medley of two songs edited together with a jam session connector, and came together surprisingly fast during a time when most songs were taking a long time to finish.  The lyrics encourage the band members to keep going through times of struggle in relationships both within and outside the band.Teach Your ChildrenGraham Nash wrote this song in 1968 when he was with The Hollies, but had not recorded it with that group at the time.  Nash has associated the song with a photograph exhibit showing a child playing with a toy hand grenade, and the lyrics encourage parents to be careful in how they teach their children.  Neil Young does not play on this song, but the steel guitar is provided by Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. WoodstockUnlike the other tracks on this album, this song was not written by any of the band members, but was penned by Joni Mitchell.  Mitchell had not attended the Woodstock festival, but was inspired to write this song told from the perspective of a concert goer after hearing her then-boyfriend Graham Nash relay the account.  It has become a signature song for the group and a staple of the 60's counter-culture.  Our HouseGraham Nash wrote this song as a description of a day spent with then-girlfriend Joni Mitchell and her two cats in their Laurel Canyon home.  The song was written in an hour on Mitchel's piano.  It went to number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100.  ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:Theme from the motion Picture "Patton"This epic starring George C. Scott was playing in the theaters in 1970.  It won seven Academy awards, including Best Picture. STAFF PICKS:Let It Be by The BeatlesLynch starts the staff picks with a song inspired by a dream.  Paul McCartney's mother, Mary Patricia McCartney, died of cancer with Paul was 14.  In the dream, his mother encourages her son by saying, "It's all right, just let it be."  This single and title song from the final Beatles album debuted at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 before topping those charts.Cecilia by Simon & GarfunkelRob brings us the third single from the fifth and final album by Simon & Garfunkel, "Bridge Over Troubled Water."  It was developed in a late night jam when the duo and friends were banging on a piano bench and recording the sound with a tape recorder.  The lyrics depict the heartbreak of a boy delivered from Cecilia his unfaithful lover.The Rapper by The JaggerzBruce features the most successful single from the band whose guitarist and primary songwriter would go on to be Donny Iris.  The song is a warning to the ladies not to be taken in by a smooth talking man telling them lies.  It went to number 2 on the charts.Superlungs My Supergirl by Terry ReidWayne's closes out the staff picks with a cover originally written by Donovan about a 14-year old groupie.  Terry Reid was Jimmy Page's first pick to be lead singer of Led Zeppelin, but was unavailable at the time due to his touring schedule with Cream and the Rolling Stones.  Reid would acquire the nickname of Superlungs. NOVELTY TRACK:Pineapple and the Monkey by The FacesThis instrumental from The Faces debut album takes us out for this week.  Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

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• 1970 - June: The Beatles "Let It Be"

  By the time The Beatles released their twelfth and final studio album, Let It Be, the ban had already broken up.  Their official break-up was in April 1970, and this album was released in May.Much of the recording dates back over a year, and a project that Paul McCartney developed in an attempt to save the band.  The Beatles went into the studio in January 1969 to begin an album, document the development on film, and showcase the band as they return both to a simpler rock 'n' roll style and to live performance.  They started in Twickenham Film Studios, but quickly began fighting.  George Harrison left the group, only returning after they agreed to returning to Apple Studios and to bringing keyboardist Billy Preston in to assist in the process.Originally entitled "Get Back," the album was delayed multiple times as the group considered aligning with potential televised performances, and eventually postponing the release in favor of the studio album "Abbey Road."  As the demise of the group became more clear, Engineer Glyn Johns and producer Phil Spector were brought in to turn the pieces from the "Get Back" sessions into a complete album.These sessions were also the ones which included the final Beatles live performance, the "Rooftop Concert" recorded from the roof of Apple Studios on the afternoon of January 30, 1969.  This concert proceeded for 42 minutes until the police arrived and instructed the group to turn the sound down.Contemporary reviews of the album were more negative than previous Beatles albums, but those critiques have been revised upwards over time.Bruce presents this album marking the end of an era for this week's podcast.Two of UsPaul McCartney wrote most of this song which is credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership.  The original idea was inspired by McCartney's travel adventures with Linda Eastman (to whom he was married in March 1969), but it took on more meaning as a gesture of affection to John Lennon after the group broke up.  I Me MineOne of the few non Lennon-McCartney songs on the album, this track was written by George Harrison.  It was their last new track recorded before their official break-up in April 1970.  The lyrics are a cry against the self-centeredness of mankind.  The Beatles recorded it in January 1970, by which time Lennon has privately left the group, so the three remaining members recorded it.  I've Got a FeelingThis song is actually a medley of two unfinished songs.  Paul McCartney wrote "I've Got a Feeling," and John Lennon wrote "Everybody Had a Hard Year." and the two were put together.  This was recorded during the Beatles' rooftop concert in January 1969 with Billy Preston on electric piano.Get BackThe concluding song from the album is unusual. because almost every moment of the song's development was recorded from the first riff to final mixing.  The concluding quip from John Lennon regarding hope that "we passed the audition," was taken from the Rooftop Concert and worked in by Phil Spector.  It was originally released as a single a year before in April 1969, and credited to "The Beatles with Billy Preston." ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:"Burning Bridges" (Main theme from the action comedy film Kelly's Heroes)This World War II comedy stars Clint Eastwood and Telly Savalas revolves around a gold heist as the war draws to a close.   STAFF PICKS:Question by The Moody BluesLynch brings us a song in multiple movements.  The frantic phase represents the question of why we must go to war, while the more subdued section represents love and peace.  Guitarist Justin Hayward wrote this song as a mashup of two unfinished songs which came together after observing the anxiety young US fans were experiencing regarding the draft and the Vietnam War.Proper Stranger by The Guess WhoRob features a deeper cut from the Canadian band off their "American Woman" album.  The lyrics depict the feelings of being alone in a big city where "Nobody knows my face or knows my name.  Nobody knows where I'm going or how I came.  Lost and found, no one claimed me. Alone with a million others."50,000 Miles Beneath My Brain by by Ten Years AfterWayne takes us on another deep cut.  This one is a psychedelic journey with the group that gets its name from their being founded ten years after Elvis's start.  We noticed the similarity between this song and the Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil," with which it shares a similar chord progression.Baby Hold On by The Grass RootsBruce closes the staff picks with a group that was big from 1965-1985.  The Grass Roots originated in 1965 as a project between the duo P.F. Sloan and Steve Barri.  This song went to number 35 and was included on their compilation album, "More Golden Grass," released in the fall of 1970.   INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Genesis by Tangerine DreamWe close out this week's podcast with an early industrial track from the future jazz fusion giants. Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?” NOTE: To adjust the loudness of the music or voices, you may adjust the balance on your device. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

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• 1972 - January: America "America"

  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. VOICES are stronger in the LEFT channel, and MUSIC is stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

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• 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 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 stronger on the RIGHT channel.Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/whattheriffpodcast/, and message or email us with what you'd like to hear, what you think of the show, and any rock-worthy memes we can share.Of course we'd love for you to rate the show in your podcast platform!**NOTE: What the Riff?!? does not own the rights to any of these songs and we neither sell, nor profit from them. We share them so you can learn about them and purchase them for your own collections.

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