1991 - December - Matthew Sweet - Girlfriend

With his third studio album, Girlfriend, alternative rock artist Matthew Sweet saw his career launched to the next level. Although originally from Nebraska, Sweet connected with REM so much that he met up with them and left home to became a part of the music scene in Athens, Georgia. The album cover is of a 50’s actress named Tuesday Weld. The album was written after Sweet went through a divorce, and that may drive some of the creativity exhibited - a kind of therapy for the artist. Join us as Wayne takes us on this tour of pre-grunge alternative rock. I've Been Waiting This “power pop” song feels a bit like REM, with whom Sweet found an affinity. The album overall has a “soft grunge” feel, as it fits between grunge and the lighter pop sounds of the day. Evangeline This track is based off a character in a comic book. Evangeline is a weapons-wielding nun who works for the Vatican, and the song is told from the perspective of Johnny Six. Does She Talk This deeper track has a heavier, blusey sound. "She's just your size, she's sexy, she's beautiful, does she talk? 'Cause, man, you can't teach a slithering snake how to talk." Girlfriend This is the #1 hit from the album — and the namesake. Matthew Sweet's songs have been featured on many movies and TV shows, including "Scrubs," Smallville," and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." ENTERTAINMENT TRACK: Theme song from “Ren and Stempy” Nicktoons premiered this cartoon in August of 1991. STAFF PICKS: **Rush - “Roll the Bones” ** Bruce's staff pick is the title song from their 14th studio album. The Roll the Bones album was Rush's biggest success since Moving Pictures, and is built around the concept of chance. **Van Halen - “Standing on Top of the World” ** Rob features a positive, upbeat song from Van Halen's third studio album with Sammy Hagar as frontman, and the only song off the album to make it to the top 40. Nirvana - “Smells Like Teen Spirit” With such a distinctive opening riff, you know it's Nirvana. This monster hit brought to us by Brian is off "Nevermind," the group's second studio album. Ozzy Osbourne - “I Don't Want to Change the World” Yes… there was still heavy metal in 1991 between the alternative and the grunge sounds. This track won a Grammy for best Metal Performance. INSTRUMENTAL/LAUGH TRACK: **Van Halen - 316 ** This soft instrumental pays tribute to Wolfgang Van Halen who was born on March 16th, 1991, and is now a member of the band. 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.