Riffs on Riffs

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 blen...

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 vo...

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...

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 sty...

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...

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 onl...

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...

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 co...

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...

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...

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...

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 Wat...

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 Ever...

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...

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 i...

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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...

Change is scary, but sometimes the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. Join Joe and Toby as they explore the history of artists that have changed musical genres and found equal — or sometimes greater — success. They'll look at pop artists like Katy Perry and Amy Grant that began their careers in Christian music, and metalheads like Michael Bolton (!) who then switched to pop. All good things m...

It’s never fun to have your heart broken, and it’s certainly not something you want to happen in excess. Join Joe and Toby as they connect Dua Lipa’s smash hit “Break My Heart” to another 80’s era hit from a popular band from the land down under, INXS. Along the way they’ll debate who played the better James Bond, and Q versus Stacey Q. Crank up this episode, we Need You Tonight! Learn more about...

We all know that girls just wanna have fun, but apparently that includes doing cover songs! From tainted love to undisputed truths, Joe and Toby dig deep to find the secrets behind smiling faces. So while Papa may be a rolling stone, here at Riffs on Riffs we will always love you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's face it, nursery rhymes can hide some dark and twisted messages — yet we sing them to our kids! Join Joe and Toby as they follow the itsy bitsy spider’s web that connects Humpty Dumpty to Humpty Hump. Don’t let the beat, or the cradle, drop! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slick Rick is respected as being one of the greatest MC storytellers of all time while Doug E Fresh is known as the human Beat Box. Put them together and you're guaranteed a good time and you get a classic hip hop song that's been sampled more times than Joe and Toby can say "back in the day" in an episode. Joe and Toby connect the dots between Slick Rick's La Di Da Di and Miley Cyrus' hit "We Can...

America's history is full of protests and this time is no exception. The deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and so many other black Americans have moved many to protest against police brutality. In this episode, Joe and Toby discuss protests from a musical perspective, exploring songs both past and present that have fueled protests. The revolution will not be televised, but it will be podcaste...

Episode Description:  Join us as we travel the coasts of Cameroon and pay a visit to Manu Dibango and “Soul Makossa”. Michael Jackson would later steal the famous hook, “ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-sa” for his hit Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, and even go on to give permission he that wasn’t his to give for Rihanna’s hit “Don’t Stop the Music”. We’ll discuss all that and along the way connect the...