1989 - March: George Thorogood and the Destroyers "The George Thorogood Collection"

What the Riff?!?

Wilmington, Delaware's George Thorogood got his start on acoustic blues. He formed a band called the Delaware Destroyers in 1973, and this would eventually become his band, known as George Thorogood & The Destroyers. He released his first record in 1977, and received more mainstream notice when he opened for the Rolling Stones in 1981. The same year his touring schedule included the “50/50 tour” where George Thorogood & the Destroyers toured all 50 states in 50 days. Thorogood's high energy shows and relentless touring schedule would be a hallmark of the band, creating a dedicated audience worldwide.

The 1980's saw a resurgence in interest in blues rock, and this was a benefit for George Thorrogood. The band would see continued success from their commercial breakthrough album, “Bad to the Bone,” released in 1982. Albums would consist of both original material and covers of classic blues songs. Much of their material has a humorous angle, though the blues style is solid and unapologetic, drawing influence from such artists as Elmore James, John Lee Hooker, and Bo Diddley.

The George Thorogood Collection showcases some of the biggest hits from the band throughout the 70's and 80's. It was released in March 1989, and we will be covering several hits from this album today.

Wayne takes us through this blues boogie greatest hits album for this week's podcast.

I Drink Alone
One of the better known George Thorogood hits, this pun-laden song peaked at number 13 on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks, and was an original from Thorogood. “Now every morning just before breakfast, I don't want no coffee or tea. Just me and by good buddy Weiser - that's all I ever need.”

Bad to the Bone
This is the signature song of George Thorogood and the Destroyers. Despite failing to crack the Top 100 in the US, it is universally identifiable from commercials, TV shows, movies, and the song itself. It has been in over 25 films, including the iconic biker scene from “Terminator 2.”

Move It On Over
While this song does not appear on the “Collection,” we had to include it in this look at the band. It is a cover song originally written and recorded by Hank Williams in 1947, and depicts the struggles of a guy who has come home late and found himself - literally - in the doghouse.

Gear Jammer
The deeper cut originally came out in 1985, and has become an anthem of truckers everywhere. It talks about rolling down the road in an 18-wheeler, and looking to make time so the trucker can get home to his baby. You'll find yourself moving at a high speed if you play this song in your car!

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Bad Boys by Inner Circle (from the television series “COPS”)
This reality-based show premiered in 1989, and had an iconic song with a reggae riff.

STAFF PICKS:

You're What You Want to Be by Cruel Story of Youth
Rob launches the staff picks with a deep cut from a lost band. This Wisconsin foursome produced their only album (self-titled) in 1989). The song itself is a good one in the alternative music genre, though it seems overproduced to us.

Girl You Know Its True by Milli Vanilli
Bruce risks cancellation from the show for putting this decidedly non-rock travesty on the picks. Milli Vanilli released the album of the same name, which got them both commercial success and critical recognition via a Grammy award in 1989 despite not singing a note on the album. No musical survey of 1989 would be complete without acknowledging the Milli Vanilli controversy.

Eternal Flame by The Bangles
Lynch brings us a ballad from Susanna Hoffs from the girl group The Bangles. They started their career singing 60's rock songs, then incorporated some 70's punk before hitting it big with their own material. It topped the charts in 9 different countries.

You Got It by Roy Orbison
Wayne closes out the staff picks with a hit posthumously released from Roy Orbison's album "Mystery Girl." It went to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Fellow Traveling Wilburys alumni Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne co-wrote the song with Orbison, and they play on the single along with an uncredited George Harrison.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:Ytse Jam by Dream Theater
We close out with a prog rock instrumental from Dream Theater's debut album.

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.