Lynch riffs on the Third studio album by Sublime “Sublime” from February 1996 (What I Got / April 29, 1992 / Doin' Time / Santeria).   STAFF PICKS: “Aeroplane” by Red Hot Chili Peppers — Rob. “Fear of Falling” by The Badlees— Bruce. " “In the Meantime” by Spacehog — Wayne.   ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: Tuesday's Gone by Lynyrd Skynyrd (from the motion picture “Happy Gilmore”). 

Rob riffs on the fourth studio album by Collective Soul “Dosage” from March 1999 (Tremble for My Beloved / Heavy / Slow / Run). STAFF PICKS: “You Get What You Give” by New Radicals — Lynch “Praise You” by Fatboy Slim— Bruce Why I’m Here” by Oleander — Wayne ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: “Main Title/Trinity Infinity” (from the motion picture ”The Matrix”).  **(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.)

Bruce riffs on the second solo studio album by Mark Knopfler “Sailing to Philadelphia” from October 2000 (What It Is / Silvertown Blues / Do America / Sailing to Philadelphia). STAFF PICKS: ”Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” by Nine Days — Lynch. “Hangin Around” by Counting Crows — Rob. ”Beautiful Day” by U2 — Wayne. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK: “Frolic” by Luciano Michelini (from the TV Series ”Curb Your Enthusiasm”).

Lynch riffs on the third studio album by the Gin Blossoms, “Congratulations I’m Sorry,” which had its first single release in  January 1996 (Follow You Down / As Long As It Matters / Day Job / Til I Hear It from You). STAFF PICKS: “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” by Deep Blue Something — Bruce. “Santa Monica” by Everclear — Wayne. ”Miss Sarajevo” by Passengers (aka U2) — Rob. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:  ”Beach Sequence” by Passengers   **(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.)

Wayne riffs on the fourth studio album by Bowling for Soup, Drunk Enough to Dance, from August 2002 (I Don’t Wanna Rock / Girl All the Bad Guys Want / Running from Your Dad / Emily). STAFF PICKS: “Without Me” by Eminem — Bruce “No One Knows” by Queens of the Stone Age — Rob ”Downfall” by Trust Company — Lynch ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: ”Feuer Frei!” by Rammstein (from the motion picture ”XXX”). **(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.)

Rob riffs on the 11th studio album from Van Halen “Van Halen III” from March of 1998 (Without You / Fire in the Hole / One I Want / From Afar). STAFF PICKS: “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba — Wayne. ”The Way” by Fastball— Lynch. “Brick” by Ben Folds Five — Bruce. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: “Uninvited” by Alanis Morissette (from the motion picture ”City of Angels”).

Bruce riffs on the fourth studio album from Cake “Comfort Eagle” from July 2001 (Love You Madly / Comfort Eagle / Long Line of Cars / Short Skirt/Long Jacket). STAFF PICKS: ”Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” by Train — Rob. “Bodies” by Drowning Pool— Wayne. ”Smooth Criminal” by Alien Ant Farm — Lynch. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK: “Acro Arena (Instrumental)” by Cake.

It is unusual for a debut album to be a breakout success, but that is exactly what happened when Matchbox 20 released their album Yourself or Someone Like You in October 1996, and moving up the charts in November. Matchbox Twenty was formed in Orlando, Florida in 1995 when three members of a band called Tabitha’s Secret - Rob Thomas (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Brian Yale (bass), and Paul Douchette (drums, rhythm guitar, backing vocals) - joined with Adam Gaynor (rhythm guitar, backing vocals) and Kyle Cook (lead guitar, backing vocals). The band name was suggested by Douchette, who was inspired by seeing the two words on a softball shirt of a man at a restaurant where Douchette was waiting tables. ”Yourself or Someone Like You” was originally going to be called ”Woodshed Diaries.” However, Thomas and Douchette attended a concert at the Cafe Largo in Los Angeles and heard the singer say, ”This song is for you, or someone like you,” and the phrase struck a chord with them. In fact, 3,500 copies of the album were already made with the original title, but the band insisted on making the title change, resulting in a delay of release when the record label agreed. The album is an excellent example of post grunge rock, with themes ranging from adolescence to infidelity to alcoholism. While it only sold 610 albums in the first week, it would to on to be certified 12x platinum, and go to number 5 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Matchbox 20 continues to tour as of the release of this podcast, on the strength of five studio albums, the last of which was released in 2023.

Wayne riffs on the debut studio album by Jet, Get Born, released in September 2003 (Rollover DJ /Are You Gonna Be My Girl / Get Me Outta Here / Cold Hard Bitch). STAFF PICKS: Weak and Powerless by A Perfect Circle — Lynch. In Da Club by 50 Cent — (Fan of the Show )Clint Barrett. One Big Holiday by My Morning Jacket — Rob. INSTRUMENTAL/ENTERTAINMENT/LAUGH TRACK: Main theme from the motion picture Once Upon a Time in Mexico. Disclaimer: What the Riff?!? is a music commentary and review podcast that highlights rock music through historical context, personal insights, and artist appreciation. We do not claim ownership of the songs featured, which remain the property of the original artists and rights holders. All music is used under the Fair Use doctrine for purposes of criticism, commentary, and education. We encourage our listeners to support the artists by purchasing and streaming their music legally.

Greg Lyon riffs on the debut album by Disturbed, “The Sickness” from March 2000 (The Sickness / Voices / The Game / Stupify). STAFF PICKS: ”Break Stuff” by Limp Bizkit — Wayne. “Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down — Rob. ”Everything You Want” by Vertical Horizon — Lynch. ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: “The Final Destination Suite” from the motion picture ”Final Destination”. **(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.)

Bruce riffs on the second studio album from Oasis (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? on the charts in November 1995 (Champagne Supernova / Wonderwall / Morning Glory / Don’t Look Back in Anger). STAFF PICKS: ”Name” by Goo Goo Dolls — Wayne. “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette— Lynch. ”See You On the Other Side” by Ozzy Osbourne — Rob. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK: “The Memory of Trees” by Enya. **(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.)

Rob riffs on the 13th studio album from R.E.M. “Around the Sun” from September of 2004 (Leaving New York / Wanderlust / Aftermath / Around the Sun). STAFF PICKS: “1985” by Bowling for Soup — Bruce. "Float On” by Modest Mouse— Lynch.  “I Go Back” by Kenny Chesney — Wayne.  COMEDY TRACK: “Goofy Goober Rock” by SpongeBob SquarePants.

Lynch riffs on the third studio album from the Smashing Pumpkins, “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” from October 1995 (1979 / Bullet with Butterfly Wings / Zero / Tonight, Tonight). STAFF PICKS: “Downtown” by Neil Young — Rob. “Lump” by The Presidents of the United States of America — Wayne. “Hard as a Rock” by AC/DC — Gregg. L/E/I TRACK: Main Theme from the motion picture ”Strange Days”.

Wayne riffs on the second (or debut, depending on how you look at it) studio album by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, “Deja Vu,” from April 1970 (Carry On / Teach Your Children / Woodstock / Our House). ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: Theme from the motion picture “Patton” STAFF PICKS: “Let It Be” by the Beatles — Lynch. “Cecilia” by Simon & Garfunkel — Rob. ”The Rapper” by The Jaggerz — Bruce. ”Superlungs My Supergirl” by Terry Reid — Wayne. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK: ”Pineapple and the Monkey” by The Faces.

By the time The Beatles released their twelfth and final studio album, Let It Be, the band had already broken up. 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. 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 Us Paul 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 Mine One 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 Feeling This 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 Back The 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) STAFF PICKS: Question by The Moody Blues Lynch 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. Proper Stranger by The Guess Who Rob 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. 50,000 Miles Beneath My Brain by by Ten Years After Wayne 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. Baby Hold On by The Grass Roots Bruce 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. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK: Genesis by Tangerine Dream We close out this week’s podcast with an early industrial track from the future jazz fusion giants.

Rob riffs on the debut album from America “America” from January of 1972 (Riverside / A Horse with No Name /Three Roses / I Need You). ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: Main Theme from the television series “Emergency!” STAFF PICKS: “Family Affair” by Sly & the Family Stone — Bruce. “Roundabout” by Yes— Lynch. “Doctor My Eyes” by Jackson Browne — Wayne. “Misty Mountain Hop” by Led Zeppelin — Rob. COMEDY TRACK: “Pigeon Song” by America. **(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.)

Wayne riffs on the second studio album by The Sonics, “Boom,” from February 1966 (Cinderella / He’s Waitin’ / Louie, Louie / Shot Down). ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: Theme from the motion picture “The Rare Breed” STAFF PICKS: “Crying Time” by Ray Charles — Bruce. “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” by James Brown — Lynch. "Secret Agent Man” by Johnny Rivers — Rob. "Lies” by The Knickerbockers — Wayne. NOVELTY TRACK: "The One on the Right Is On the Left" by Johnny Cash. **(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.)

Lynch riffs on the third studio album from Poison, “Flesh & Blood” from June 1990 (Unskinny Bop / Valley of Lost Souls / Life Goes On / Something to Believe In). ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: "Youre In the Doghouse Now" by Brenda Lee (from the motion picture "Dick Tracy") STAFF PICKS: “Ball and Chain” by Social Distortion — Wayne. “Way Down Now” by World Party — Rob. “Tie Die on the Highway” by Robert Plant — Bruce. “Kool Thing” by Sonic Youth — Lynch. INSTRUMENTAL TRACK: “Mildred Pierce” by Sonic Youth. **(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.)

Bruce riffs on the sixth album from Delaney & Bonnie “D&B Together” on the charts in October of 1972 (Comin’ Home / Only You Know and I Know / I Know Something Good About You / Groupie (Superstar)). ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: Main Theme from the television series "The Rookies" STAFF PICKS: "And You and I” by Yes — Wayne. “You Wear It Well” by Rod Stewart— Rob. "Lean On Me” by Bill Withers — Lynch. “Turn to Stone” by Barnstorm — Bruce. COMEDY TRACK: “My DIng-a-Ling” by Chuck Berry. **(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.)