Riffs on Riffs
The airwaves have been a touch too quiet, don’t you think? The studio has been dark, the curtains drawn, and the amps silent. But fear not, music aficionados, Riffs on Riffs is back with a full-fledged podcast revival. Riffs on Riffs has always been about the thrill of musical discovery, that tingle down your spine when a perfect melody kicks in. Every chart-topper is a sonic time capsule. We'll crack it open, trace its history, decode those cryptic lyrics, and unearth the hidden gems in its musical DNA. Hosts Joe and Toby are back as your audio archaeologists, digging up the stories behind the songs. But here's where it gets fun. From those melodies, we riff. Wild tangents, pop culture connections, personal stories, those "shower thoughts" sparked by a killer chorus – think of it as the ultimate deep dive followed by a freewheeling jam session inspired by the hits. Dust off your headphones and get ready to rediscover those songs you thought you knew.
Episodes
September 3, 2024 • 44 mins
This week, Joe and Toby dive into the world of Hozier with a discussion about his #1 hit single "Too Sweet." They explore Hozier's career, his unique blend of folk, soul, and blues, and the profound meaning behind his lyrics. The discussion highlights the effortless beauty of his vocals, his literary references, and his thematic messages. Joe and Toby also touch on Hozier's activism, the harmony within his band, and how streaming p...
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August 20, 2024 • 47 mins
This week, Joe and Toby dive into the hauntingly beautiful song "Back to Black" and the album of the same name by Amy Winehouse. They explore how the title track captures themes of heartbreak, vulnerability, and emotional depth, setting the tone for the entire album. The conversation also gets into the broader impact of Back to Black, its influence on music, and its connection to mental health and artistic expression. Joe and Toby ...
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August 6, 2024 • 47 mins
This week, Toby and Joe dive into The Weeknd’s 2015 smash hit “Can’t Feel My Face.” They explore Abel Tesfaye's background and the inspirations behind his Michael Jackson-esque vocal stylings. The duo discusses how the infectious lyric “I can’t feel my face when I’m with you” perfectly captures the song’s mix of pop hooks and drug-fueled emotions. They also highlight how The Weeknd seamlessly blends elements of R&B, pop, funk, and ...
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July 23, 2024 • 48 mins
In this week’s episode, Joe and Toby dive deep into Journey’s legendary 1981 single “Don’t Stop Believin’” and explore the song’s rich history along with their personal connections to this timeless anthem. The guys discuss how the song’s structure cleverly delays the iconic chorus, creating a powerful moment when Steve Perry finally belts out the main hook, and they marvel at Perry’s incredible vocal prowess that makes this moment ...
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July 9, 2024 • 69 mins
In this special crossover episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby team up with Todd Coats and Elliot Strunk from the Two Designers Walk Into a Bar podcast to talk about those rare and special albums that blow our minds both sonically and visually. Together, the four share their own picks of iconic albums where the music and visual aesthetics combine to create something that transcends beyond both music and visual art. From universa...
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June 25, 2024 • 49 mins
In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby dive into the 1992 hit "Under The Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers. They explore the emotional turmoil and isolation Anthony Kiedis was experiencing when he penned the song, reflecting on how it resonated with them in their youth. The discussion highlights the exceptional musical talent of the band members, while noting Kiedis’s role as more of a stylist than a traditional singer. Joi...
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June 11, 2024 • 45 mins
In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby explore Katy Perry's groundbreaking 2008 debut single "I Kissed A Girl." Initially met with strong resistance from her label and controversy from some who felt it appropriated the gay lifestyle, the song nonetheless resonated with many fans. Over time, listeners have shared how it opened their eyes to their own desires, and Perry’s unwavering support of the LGBTQ+ community has helped...
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May 28, 2024 • 47 mins
In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, Joe and Toby dive into Owl City’s hit 2009 single “Fireflies.” While the somewhat over-the-top, synth-heavy pop song might not totally resonate with them, they certainly respect the hustle of Adam Young, the mastermind behind Owl City. The guys get deep into the lyrics, which paint a sugary picture of a night of insomnia. They also explore how “Fireflies” not only topped the charts in the US but a...
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May 14, 2024 • 49 mins
This week, Toby and Joe dive into Pharrell Williams' iconic 2013 hit single "Happy." Released at a time when people were in need of a lift, this infectious track became an instant anthem. Originally written for the animated film Despicable Me 2 and intended for Cee Lo Green, Pharrell ended up recording the song himself, turning it into a worldwide sensation. As the guys explore all things Pharrell, they unpack the song's origins, i...
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April 30, 2024 • 52 mins
Join Joe and Toby as they revisit Naughty by Nature's iconic song "O.P.P." and its … unique take on relationships. “O.P.P.” was released in 1991 on the Tommy Boy label amidst a burgeoning era of hip-hop. Sampling Melvin Bliss's "Synthetic Substitution" and the Jackson 5's "ABC," "O.P.P." combines diverse elements into a cohesive sonic mix — just like another favorite from that era, the "hot and cool" sides of a McDLT burger!
They d...
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April 16, 2024 • 50 mins
In this episode of Riffs on Riffs, join Toby and Joe for a lively discussion about Beyoncé's latest single, "TEXAS HOLD 'EM.” They discuss Beyoncé's career and celebrate her work ethic and talent, particularly her ability to transcend genres and challenge musical conventions. The conversation explores the history of country music and the role of black artists within the genre. But is genre really just a construct? Why are we so afr...
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April 2, 2024 • 38 mins
Join Toby and Joe as they kick off the long-awaited return of Riffs on Riffs, diving deep into the pop sensation Taylor Swift's track "Cruel Summer." Initially released on her 2019 album Lover, the song saw a resurgence in popularity four years later, propelled by Swift's Eras tour. Now, this track isn't your typical carefree summer anthem. Oh no, there's something intoxicatingly complicated going on here. We're talking about a pas...
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July 26, 2022 • 31 mins
Welcome back to the final installment of Riffs on Riffs' 4-part miniseries about the band 24-Carat Black. On this episode: The legacy of 24CB and its landmark record Ghetto: Misfortune's Wealth, and where the former members landed.
Riffs on Riffs is a production of Evergreen Podcasts. Hosted by Joe Watson and Toby Brazwell. Our Audio Engineer is Eric Koltnow and our Producer and Sound Designer is Noah Foutz. Executive Producers Ger...
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July 12, 2022 • 29 mins
Welcome back to our epic four part series about the band 24-Carat Black! On episode 3, we learn all about the beginning of the end; Stax Records was on the fritz, and Dale Warren was holding the group together with both hands. Hear from original band members and more about the fallout of 24-Carat Black, here on Riffs on Riffs!
Riffs on Riffs is a production of Evergreen Podcasts. Hosted by Joe Watson and Toby Brazwell. Our Audio En...
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June 28, 2022 • 31 mins
Welcome back to Riffs on Riffs, Season 3!
This is episode 2 of our epic four part series about the band 24-Carat Black. On today's episode: The Dream. Dale Warren's musical vision coming to bear as we hear from former band members about life on the road and in the studio. Featuring more than one exciting Uhaul story, this is an episode you won't want to miss!
Riffs on Riffs is a production of Evergreen Podcasts. Hosted by Joe Watso...
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June 15, 2022 • 32 mins
Welcome back to Riffs on Riffs, Season 3!
This season, we're doing things a little differently - We're bringing you the story of a dark, musical savant with a dream, a van full of teenage musicians with otherworldly talent, and an epic record that has been sampled by hip-hop royalty, even though the group lives in obscurity to this day. We're telling the tale of 24-Carat Black, and on this episode, you'll hear the first of our four...
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May 18, 2022 • 1 min
Riffs on Riffs is back and this season, we're doing things a little differently: a four-part series about the band that everyone has heard, but nobody has heard of, 24-Carat Black. Featuring interviews from band members, get ready to hear stories of otherworldly talent, teenage musicians honing their chops on the road in posh hotels and the backs of uhauls, an epic concept album decades ahead of its time, and a musical savant with ...
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November 18, 2020 • 34 mins
What do you call four men in a rock group that don't sing or play music? Join Joe and Toby as they search for the answer and throw plenty of shade along the way. These are a couple of groups that for some reason people love to hate. Don't enjoy this episode? We'll be happy to give you your Nickelback.
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November 4, 2020 • 27 mins
BTS is a global phenomenon and a huge part of the popularity of the Korean Wave. So is it wrong to love K pop? Join Joe and Toby as they look to blues icon Keb Mo for some answers.
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October 21, 2020 • 24 mins
There are certain songs with content or subject matter that ventures into disturbing territory. Some of them are intentionally crafted stories meant to spur the listener into thinking about uncomfortable topics. Others are, well, just plain wrong. Join Joe and Toby as they examine tracks from Royce da 5’9”, Apathy, Benny Mardones, Neil Diamond, and others. They’ll also shine a light on the sexual abuse that is far too pervasive in ...
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