One Hit Thunder

Chris and Matt introduce the brackets for this year’s One Hit Thunder March Madness tournament, where various singles from 1996 will all compete to try to take the crown! Listeners will determine who advances, and YOU can make your voice heard by voting in the One Hit Thunder Facebook group. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy some Merch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1985, MTV was in the thick of the rock revolution. You couldn’t turn on the channel without seeing guys with big hair and loud guitars playing to sexy, scantily clad women, and Y&T’s “Summertime Girls” was no exception. This long-running Bay Area band was well respected in the world of hard rock and had amassed legions of fans around the globe, yet they remained somewhat under the radar in the American mainstream. Although the band wrote “Summertime Girls” as a joke, their record label insisted they record it, a decision that initially seemed like a stroke of genius when the song became their most well-known hit in the States. It wasn’t long, however, before a backlash set in, and the fiercely determined band was forced back to square one. This week, we’re joined by Horror Movie Night’s Scott Roger to dive into the life and times of Y&T, a prolific band that may have made one huge, albeit catchy, mistake. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠⁠⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy some Merch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2013 marked the peak of “Stomp Clap Hey” music, a wave of indie anthems built on folksy instruments, group choruses, and irresistible stomping and clapping. Right in the thick of it was Of Monsters and Men, whose Top 20 single “Little Talks” became instantly recognizable from its opening horn melody alone. The Icelandic band quickly found themselves everywhere, being featured in commercials, woven into blockbuster films, and even performing in a memorable episode of Game of Thrones. But more than a decade later, are they still worth checking out? This week, Chris and Matt are joined by podcaster and musician Jake Noonan to decide whether it’s time to have little talks with friends to tell them to check out more Of Monsters and Men. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Buy some Merch⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This was originally recorded for the One Hit Thunder Patreon where Matt tasked Chris to build a Punchline Essentials album. The rules were every album needed to be represented but no songs off the newest album Somewhere to Land. Join our Patreon for more bonus conversations like this one Go see Punchline during their tour Feb 24th until March 15th! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1987, an up-and-coming film director named Spike Lee was working on his first major film after achieving success in the indie world. School Daze was based on Spike’s own college experiences, and he needed the ultimate party jam for the soundtrack. He commissioned D.C.’s favorite go-go funk band, E.U., to record “Da’ Butt,” and the world was never the same. The song sounds like a party because it really kind of is. Spike brought members of the film’s cast to the studio, and all the energy and laughter captured on the track is real.Tune in to learn more about E.U., and never forget what people in 1988 were shouting on dance floors from coast to coast: “Ain’t nothin’ wrong if you wanna do the butt all night long!” One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder⁠ ⁠⁠Buy some Merch⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s bonus episode, Chris and Matt give their thoughts and opinions on Bad Bunny’s halftime performance at Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. They also dive into Green Day, Charlie Puth, Coco Jones, Brandi Carlile, the cultural conversation, the commercials, and of course, the game itself! One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder⁠ ⁠⁠Buy some Merch⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Join our Patreon⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Chris and Matt are joined by their friend Moose to revisit Steriogram’s 2004 breakout hit, “Walkie Talkie Man.” They dig into the band’s mix of punk and rap that KINDA works (depending on who you ask), as well as their unforgettable Michel Gondry-directed music video. In the end, they seems to be yet another victim of the cruel and unforgiving world of major labels, but should you dig up an old iPod to listen to their trilogy of albums? Tune in to see if they think you should be movin’ and a groovin’ and a hippin’ and a hoppin’ and a pickin’ and a boppin’ to the music of New Zealand’s very own Steriogram. Also, be sure to check out Moose’s new album Threads at http://www.punkcovermoose.com One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder ⁠Buy some Merch⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join our Patreon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Immediately following the Grammys on Sunday, February 1st, 2026, Chris and Matt recap the night and give their reactions on what was a big night for Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, Olivia Dean, Lola Young, and many more. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder ⁠Buy some Merch⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join our Patreon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The DREAM TEAM is back! One Hit Thunder hosts Chris Fafalios and Matt Kelly are joined once again by draft regulars Matthew Milligan and Tony Hartman, this time to each try to get the very best collection of records from the STACKED year of 1996. Each drafter starts with 100 theoretical dollars, and they’ll try to outbid each other on albums like Pinkerton, Evil Empire, Tidal, The Score, Odelay, and Bad Hair Day…all records so iconic that you don’t even need to say the name of the artist! Tune in to hear who walks away with the best batch. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder⁠ ⁠Buy some Merch⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join our Patreon⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 265 on 7/7/25)... On this episode, Tracy Bonham sits in to break down her explosive 1996 single "Mother Mother." From her early days as a classical violinist to the raw vocal power that defined her biggest hit, Tracy shares how the song evolved both lyrically and emotionally. She opens up about the recording of her debut album, navigating sudden success in the '90s alt-rock scene, and even featuring her real-life mom in the song’s iconic video. It’s a candid look at the creative process behind a track that blended vulnerability with ferocity—and still resonates decades later. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder⁠ ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ ⁠Buy some merch⁠ ⁠Follow us on IG⁠ ⁠Join our FB Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not to toot our own horn, but this is our 300th episode of One Hit Thunder, so we HAD to focus on a song about tooting your own horn. It’s unclear if anyone has ever actually referred to masturbating as “tooting their own horn”, but that’s not the point here. The point IS that in 1991, you could be riding in the car with your grandparents and hear “I Touch Myself”, an ode to self-pleasure from Australia’s Divinyls. In their home country, the Divinyls were a long-running and successful band, but it wasn’t until their collaboration with the writers of “Like a Virgin” that they crossed over to the US. So why didn’t the States continue to bust a nut over the band after this unforgettable hit? Tune in to find out. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Buy some Merch⁠ ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ ⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠ ⁠Follow us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 266 on 7/14/25)... In this episode, Chris is joined by Fred LeBlanc, the high-energy frontman and drummer of Cowboy Mouth, to break down the story behind their signature song “Jenny Says.” Originally written during Fred’s stint in Dash Rip Rock, the song went through several incarnations before becoming a crowd-commanding anthem and a staple of Cowboy Mouth’s famously explosive live shows. Fred shares how the track evolved over time, why emotional honesty matters more than perfection, and how a great hook can outlast just about anything. From vocal delivery to production decisions, this conversation offers a raw, insightful look at a song that’s connected with fans for decades—and proves that sometimes shouting “let it go, let it go, let it go” is exactly what we all need. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder⁠ ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ ⁠Buy some merch⁠ ⁠Follow us on IG⁠ ⁠Join our FB Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2025 is in the books, and now it’s time to RANK the last 50 songs that were featured on the show. This time, Chris and Matt are joined by CLASSIC One Hit Thunder guests Matt DiStefano, Johnny Yetsconish, and Jim Logrando to put the songs in order from worst to best. What will come out on top? Tune in to find out! One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Buy some Merch⁠ ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ ⁠Join our Facebook Group⁠ ⁠Follow us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 262 on 6/9/25)... In this episode, Ian Dench of EMF joins the show to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s explosive 1991 hit, “Unbelievable.” From its instantly recognizable hook to its genre-blending sound, the song became a cultural phenomenon and an enduring stadium anthem. Ian offers a look behind the curtain at the song’s construction, including its layered instrumentation, unique pre-chorus, and the clever use of samples—most notably the shout of “Oh!” lifted from Andrew Dice Clay’s stand-up album. He also recounts how a chance encounter with Rick Rubin at a New York restaurant led to Rubin casually granting sample clearance with the words, “Fax my office in the morning.” The conversation explores the emotional and musical influences that shaped the track, the challenges of creating in the analog era, and how personal experiences and playful experimentation helped fuel the song’s unforgettable energy. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder⁠ ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ ⁠Buy some merch⁠ ⁠Follow us on IG⁠ ⁠Join our FB Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Modern English’s “I Melt With You” is one of those songs everyone knows, but most people don’t realize how much is packed into its seemingly happy 80s charm. On the surface, it’s a catchy love song, but listen closer and you catch hints of nuclear anxiety and darker undertones that make it surprisingly layered. In this week’s episode, we explore how a band blending punk and new wave turned a modest chart hit into a timeless anthem that still shows up in movies and commercials decades later. Modern English faced breakups, reunions, and changing music trends, yet the song’s combination of pop hooks and emotional depth has kept it alive. Tune in as we dive into all things Modern English, a band that realized the power of a great hum solo in a song. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Buy some Merch Join our Patreon Join our Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 256 on 5/5/25).... This week, Stacy Jones sits in to share the story behind American Hi-Fi’s 2001 breakout hit, “Flavor of the Weak.” From his early days as Veruca Salt’s touring drummer to stepping into the spotlight as a frontman, Stacy discusses the evolution of his career, the challenges of reinvention, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He reflects on the spontaneous songwriting process that led to the band’s signature track, the impact of working with producer Bob Rock, and the raw energy captured in the song’s live-off-the-floor recording. Stacy and Chris also dive into the song’s lasting legacy, the importance of authenticity in music, and what’s next for American Hi-Fi. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder⁠ ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ ⁠Buy some merch⁠ ⁠Follow us on IG⁠ ⁠Join our FB Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feeling optimistic about the new year? We hope so, because we thought it was the perfect time to dive into Timbuk 3’s “The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades.” On the surface, it sounds hopeful, but the lyrics reveal something much darker once you really listen. In this week’s episode, we explore how a married couple with a drum machine managed to break into the Top 20 with the first single from their debut album. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Timbuk 3 stood their ground and turned down huge offers from companies who wanted to use the song in commercials. They created a timeless track that’s both catchy and deep, all the while maintaining their artistic integrity. Things are goin’ great and they’re only gettin’ better, so get ready to learn more than you ever thought you would about Timbuk 3. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Join our Patreon Buy Some Merch Join Our Facebook Group Follow Us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 247 on 3/3/25)... This week, Danbert Nobacon of Chumbawamba sits in to break down the writing and recording of the band's massive 1997 hit, "Tubthumping." He and Chris explore the song’s punk-influenced origins, its anthemic structure, and how its themes of resilience and working-class pub culture resonated worldwide. Danbert shares insights into the band's approach to songwriting, the unexpected mainstream success of the track, and how Chumbawamba balanced their political ethos with commercial visibility. The conversation also touches on the lasting impact of "Tubthumping" and Nobacon's latest musical projects, offering a fascinating look at a song that continues to take on new life decades after its release. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder⁠ ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ ⁠Buy some merch⁠ ⁠Follow us on IG⁠ ⁠Join our FB Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode, we dig into NewSong’s “The Christmas Shoes,” a holiday hit that somehow became a cultural phenomenon despite being, frankly, awful. The song relies on emotional manipulation instead of real storytelling, and we still cannot understand how it convinced so many people that it was profound. We take apart the lyrics, talk through the bizarre narrative choices, and then go down the rabbit hole of the YouTube comments, which are almost as unbelievable as the song itself. Even more shocking is the legacy it left behind, spawning multiple novels and made-for-TV movies. Whether you want to or not, you will probably hear it at least once every holiday season. So get ready, because we are kicking off our Christmas shoes AND taking off our Christmas gloves, and we are NOT holding back on this musical disaster. Merry Christmas, everyone! One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Join our Patreon Join our Facebook Group Buy some Merch Follow us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Chris and Matt discuss the new HBO Original Documentary from their Bill Simmons-produced Music Box series. Using the categories from Bill’s very popular The Rewatchables podcast, the guys discuss their favorite parts of this look into the meteoric rise of Counting Crows in the early 90s. Join our Patreon Buy a Shirt Follow us on Instagram Join our Facebook Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 288 on 12/15/25)... In the 1981 holiday season, The Waitresses delivered a refreshingly offbeat gift with their single “Christmas Wrapping.” Written by Chris Butler, who openly admitted his dislike for the holidays, the song was pieced together from leftover riffs and lyrics he scribbled down in a taxi on the way to the studio. With Patty Donahue’s cool, talk-sing delivery and a groove that blended sarcasm with sincerity, the track perfectly captured the chaotic mix of exhaustion and joy that defines the season. Though it was only a modest hit at first, “Christmas Wrapping” has since become a perennial favorite, standing tall among the countless festive tunes that come and go each year. In this episode, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios unpack what makes this unlikely holiday anthem continue to resonate more than four decades later. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder⁠ ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ ⁠Buy some merch⁠ ⁠Follow us on IG⁠ ⁠Join our FB Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doesn’t escaping into the hills to do nothing but write music with your friends sound like the ultimate dream? By the mid-60s, this was a reality for Black Oak Arkansas, a Southern rock band that refined their sound and mastered their instruments while living off the land. Led by charismatic frontman Jim “Dandy” Mangrum, they built a reputation for their wildly entertaining live shows. By early 1974, it was a cover of a 1957 LaVern Baker song that brought the band to the mainstream. The single, appropriately titled “Jim Dandy,” is a great needle drop in a Dazed and Confused chase scene, but does the song (or any of the other music from their impressively large back catalog) hold up? This week, we’re joined by special guest Josh Ireson to decide if Jim Dandy still comes to the rescue or if it’s just a relic of a weird and psychedelic time. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Buy some Merch Join our Patreon Join our Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 224 on 9/16/24)... This week, Mike Edwards sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the 1991 hit single from Jesus Jones, “Right Here, Right Now." The conversation explores the creation and impact of the song, including the inspiration behind it and the cultural context of the time. Mike opens up about the poignant lyrics, highlighting references to Tracy Chapman and the Cold War. He also discusses the band's deliberate blending of rock, house, and hip-hop influences, which helped them stand out in the early 90s alternative rock scene. The episode examines the production techniques used and touches on the band's success, having created a song that still lives on in pop culture today. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder⁠ ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ ⁠Buy some merch⁠ ⁠Follow us on IG⁠ ⁠Join our FB Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 1972, Bill Withers wrote, produced, and performed the #1 hit “Lean on Me,” a timeless single about being there for someone you care about. Fifteen years later, Club Nouveau flawlessly brought the song into the 80s, achieving a modern sound without losing its signature heart and soul. Despite topping the charts and even winning a Grammy for their cover, the group was never able to replicate that success. This week, we dive into their career and catalog to decide whether we all need a little more Club Nouveau in our lives, or if we should just new jack swing ‘em on outta here. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Buy some Merch Join our Patreon Join our Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 137 on 1/9/23)... Glasgow's Del Amitri has had a long and storied career, releasing five albums that reached the Top 10 in the UK and selling over 6 millions albums worldwide. In the United States, it was the 1995 hit single "Roll To Me" that showcased the band to the whole country via pop radio. In this episode, bassist and vocalist Justin Currie discusses the writing, recording, and release of this 90s classic. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder⁠ ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ ⁠Buy some merch⁠ ⁠Follow us on IG⁠ ⁠Join our FB Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you were living in Gainesville, Florida, in the late 90s, Sister Hazel’s “All For You” was probably a hit song to YOU way before it was a hit for the rest of the country. The band had already sold tens of thousands of copies of their album …Somewhere More Familiar when they signed to Universal and re-released it. The album would go platinum, thanks mostly to the one of the catchiest songs of the decade. The many years that followed should be referenced in college courses about how to maintain a successful career after being considered a one hit wonder. This week, we’re joined by special guest Caleb George to “finally figure out” if we’re Hazelnuts or not! One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Buy some Merch! Join our Patreon Follow us on IG Join our FB Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 139 on 1/23/23)... In this episode, Toadies vocalist and guitarist Vaden Todd Lewis discusses the writing, recording, and release of the band's 1994 hit single "Possum Kingdom". The song's eerie lyrical content matched with its unique composition made it stand out in an era of inventive rock music, leading to a long and storied career for the legendary Fort Worth band. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder⁠ ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ ⁠Buy some merch⁠ ⁠Follow us on IG⁠ ⁠Join our FB Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the summer of 1993, an up-and-coming Brooklyn hip-hop trio collaborated with an NBA rookie sensation to create a Bugs Bunny-inspired track that cracked the Top 40. In a world of athletes releasing embarrassing novelty singles, “What’s Up Doc? (Can We Rock?)” had people far and wide asking if Shaq was as diesel on the mic as he was on the court. It was the undeniable track from FU-Schnickens, however, that laid the groundwork for Shaq’s “alidocious” bars. This week, we’re joined by CLASSIC One Hit Thunder guest Matt DiStefano to discuss the short-lived career of FU-Schnickens, and to figure out if there was more to them than this “Looney Tune”. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Buy Some Merch! Join Our Patreon! Follow us On Instagram! Join our Facebook Group! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 68 on 9/13/2021)... Candlebox's 1993 smash hit single "Far Behind" is still in regular rotation on rock radio today. On this episode, lead singer Kevin Martin discusses the writing, recording, release, and legacy of this timeless single. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at ⁠http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder⁠ ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ ⁠Buy some merch⁠ ⁠Follow us on IG⁠ ⁠Join our FB Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re exploring the career and music of The Calling, a band that somehow managed to define the early 2000s with their massive hit “Wherever You Will Go.” Whether it was the song’s appearance in Coyote Ugly or simply the right sound at the right time, The Calling burst onto the scene with one of the biggest songs in the history of Billboard’s Adult Pop Songs chart. But like many rock bands who never built a strong following through years of touring and grassroots growth, their success faded almost as quickly as it arrived. Does The Calling deserve more than having a song you might still hear wherever you will go, like the grocery store or the gas station, or was their success the most anyone could hope for in their situation? Today, we’re joined by Erin Mallory Long to find the answers. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Support the podcast on Patreon Buy some merch from us Join our FB Group Follow us on IG Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a hairdresser decides to buy a used synthesizer and start a band with his friend and his brother, despite having little musical experience? You get A Flock of Seagulls, a group whose sound (and haircuts) perfectly capture the spirit of the early 80s. The unforgettable music video for “I Ran (So Far Away)” became an MTV staple in the channel’s early days, propelling the band into the Billboard Top 10. So why are we talking about this Grammy Award–winning band on a show about one hit wonders? Because our Patreon supporters demanded it (and because they technically did only have ONE huge song.) This week, we’re diving into the career and catalog of this distinctive group to find out if there’s more to love than just their iconic 1982 hit. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Join our Patreon Buy some merch Follow us on IG Join our FB Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long before his 1976 hit, Elvin Bishop was already one of the world’s most respected blues guitarists. Everyone from the Grateful Dead to Bo Diddley was eager to collaborate with him, and his work with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band eventually earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Despite his confidence and experience as a world-class musician, Bishop had the humility to recognize when a bandmate was better suited to sing the song. That selfless decision gave us the version of “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” we know today. It’s a perfect feel-good classic that has been featured in everything from Friday Night Lights to Guardians of the Galaxy. This week, we’re joined by bestselling author Erik J. Brown to explore the career and music of Elvin Bishop and decide whether we should love him or leave him alone. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Pre-Order Erik's Book Join Our Patreon Buy Some Merch Check Out Punchline Join our Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Visit Our Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Halloween, so we thought it would be crazy not to dive into the legendary artist who brought us the lyric “little old lady got mutilated late last night.” That’s right…this week, we’re diving into the life and career of Warren Zevon and his most famous single, 1978’s “Werewolves of London.” A dark sense of humor paired with a songwriting voice all of his own made Zevon a favorite among his contemporaries, from Jackson Browne to Linda Ronstadt to Bruce Springsteen. Unfortunately, he may have slipped under the radar to some casual music listeners. This week, we’re here to howl as loud as we can about the incomparable Warren Zevon. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re joined by Matt Kelly’s Christian Cringe co-host Katie Hampton to become one with the mud. Yes, we’re exploring the career and music of Jars of Clay, the rare mainstream crossover from the Christian music scene who made their mark in 1996 with the alternative rock radio hit “Flood.” Despite a bit of blowback from their religious fanbase, the band was able to balance their success while still staying true to their faith. In the end, it was their work BEYOND the world of music that may have reserved them a front row seat in heaven. But was their music good enough to “lift them up” to THUNDER status? Tune in to find out. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, our Patreon voted for us to explore the music and career of Dead or Alive, the British pop band responsible for the endlessly catchy and danceable 1985 single, “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record).” Led by the eccentric and androgynous Pete Burns, Dead or Alive were a perfect mix of the end of disco and the start of new wave. Their rise up the indie charts in the UK led them to a major label, but even then, it was the band’s belief in themselves and their music that resulted in the massive hit that has stood the test of time. Should you be spinning the REST of the Dead or Alive’s records right round though? That’s what we’ll be deciding this week. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you were rockin’ out to it in 2002 or watching Terry Crews sing every word to it a few years later, Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles” is a song that can stir up a lot of feelings and emotions for those who lived it. Even though the song’s earnest delivery and theater-kid presentation SHOULD make it an artifact from the turn of the century, there’s something special about it that keeps it relevant decades later. This week, we’re joined by return guest Eric Taft to dive into the career and back catalog of Vanessa Carlton to decide if we should make our way downtown to pick up all her records or run a thousand miles away from her music. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The DREAM TEAM of Chris Fafalios, Matt Kelly, Matthew Milligan, and Tony Hartman are BACK to draft the very best albums from the year 2005. From the launch of YouTube to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, these albums were the soundtrack to a year filled with highs, lows, and in-betweens. Who will draft the very best collection of records with their theoretical 100 dollars? Tune in to find out! One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're diving into one of the most bizarre R&B hits of the 80s. With its slick production and dramatic monologue, “The Rain” by Oran “Juice” Jones became a Top 10 smash in 1986 before fading into obscurity. Not EVERYONE forgot the track, however, as Donald Glover and the cast of Saturday Night Live resurrected it in 2018 with a spot-on and hilarious parody. This week, we’re joined by Two Dollar Late Fee host Zak Shaffer to unpack this forgotten gem, the wild narrative it spins, and the legacy of a one-hit wonder who made heartbreak sound strangely cinematic. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In early 2013, the Billboard Charts underwent a major change by incorporating YouTube streams into their formula. Almost immediately, the internet responded with chaos. The bizarre, bass-heavy electronica track “Harlem Shake” by producer Baauer skyrocketed to #1, fueled by a wave of absurd, meme-fueled dance videos that dominated social media. It became the first instrumental track to top the Hot 100 in over two decades, but just as quickly as it rose, it vanished, taking Baauer's mainstream presence with it. This week, we're joined by musician and data analyst Chris Dalla Riva, author of the upcoming book Uncharted Territory: What Numbers Tell Us About the Biggest Hit Songs and Ourselves, to explore how a joke, an algorithm, and a relatively unknown producer collided to create one of the strangest chart-toppers of all time. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Punchline’s new album Somewhere To Land was just released a few hours ago, and One Hit Thunder is here with some thoughts! Matt shares his feelings about every track, and Chris shares some insight into the writing, recording, and release of the next chapter in the Punchline story. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re discussing the music and career of Berlin, a band whose biggest hit was, strangely, not really a Berlin song at all. “Take My Breath Away” soared into the stratosphere on the tailwinds of Top Gun in 1986, but it wasn’t a great representation of the sexy, upbeat new wave synth-pop that Berlin was known for. Join us as we journey deep into Berlin to see if they take our breath away, or if we’ll just become another Pleasure Victim. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris and Matt discuss their thoughts on the 2025 VMAs, which strangely aired on CBS instead of MTV (which couldn’t be bothered to interrupt their nonstop stream of the show Ridiculousness to air their signature awards show!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To be honest, when this week’s guest Kyle Kuchta pitched Drowning Pool’s “Bodies” to us for an episode, we braced ourselves for a terrible listening experience. Instead, what we got was some solid hard rock and a tragic story about vocalist Dave Williams, who seemed to be a solid dude with a great attitude who was taken from this world much too soon. Even the highly-memed song “Bodies” itself turned out to be a pretty inspiring anthem of moshpit exhilaration. Tune in for an episode that might influence you to let YOUR body hit the floor. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on One Hit Thunder, we’re joined by special guest Mark Popeney of the Nevermind The Music podcast to discuss Naked Eyes and their 1983 hit “Always Something There to Remind Me.” Originally written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, the song found new life in the synth pop era thanks to Naked Eyes' inventive production and reliance on cutting-edge technology like the Fairlight CMI. Our conversation covers the band’s struggles with live performance, the emotional staying power of a great melody, and the way certain songs seem to cycle back into cultural relevance. This episode looks at a band whose music made a lasting impact, even if their moment on stage didn’t come until much later. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In an attempt to combat a case of writer's block, struggling songwriter Marc Cohn took a trip to Memphis. A chance encounter at a café resulted in one of the most beloved adult contemporary songs of the 90s. “Walking In Memphis” has stood the test of time, and this week, we’re joined by Phantom of the Podpera co-host Evan Fonseca to touch down in the land of the Delta Blues and explore the music and career of Marc Cohn. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Buy Merch Support Us on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HIT IT! Few tracks ignite a dance floor like Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock’s 1988 classic, “It Takes Two.” Built around an infectious sample from Lyn Collins’ “Think (About It),” this platinum-certified anthem didn’t just dominate clubs—it helped hip-hop cross over into the mainstream. Despite the duo’s explosive debut, follow-up efforts like Rob Base’s solo album The Incredible Base and their 1994 reunion Break of Dawn failed to recapture that magic. This week, we dig into the legacy of “It Takes Two” and ask: is it fair to call the duo known for “It Takes Two” a ONE hit wonder? One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, our good friend Paul Menotiades returns to help us unpack the unlikely rise of Soft Cell’s 1981 synth-pop smash, “Tainted Love.” Originally a 1965 Northern Soul obscurity by Gloria Jones, Soft Cell's eerie, slowed-down cover became a global sensation, topping charts in 17 countries and spending a record-breaking 43 weeks on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 . But beyond the hit, Marc Almond and David Ball were more than just pop stars—they were art school provocateurs with a flair for the theatrical, as heard on their debut album Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, which explored themes of urban isolation and seedy nightlife . Join us as we dive into the duo's bizarre back catalog and ask: does Soft Cell’s music deserve more love, or is it all just a bit too tainted? One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we're joined by special guest Scott Mellinger to explore Del Shannon's 1961 chart-topping hit, "Runaway." This early rock and roll classic is renowned for its haunting falsetto vocals and the groundbreaking Musitron solo—a keyboard instrument invented by Shannon's collaborator, Max Crook, that added a futuristic flair to the track. Beyond this iconic song, we explore Del’s deep connections within the music industry, including collaborations with legends like Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, and Bob Seger. Join us as we uncover why Del Shannon remains a "musician's musician" and discuss whether his musical legacy extends beyond his most famous hit. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twenty-five years ago, Baha Men unleashed “Who Let the Dogs Out” on the world—and whether you loved it or hated it, there’s no denying its impact. This week, we’re joined by our friend Jim Logrando to celebrate the song’s silver anniversary and dig into everything we never knew about this Bahamian group's wild ride. From Grammy wins and Kids' Choice Awards to its surprising roots as a feminist anthem calling out creeps, this now CLASSIC SONG is a lot more than just a jock jam. And with the doggy door wide open, we dig through the rest of their catalog to find out—did Baha Men have more music with bite, or was this their one and only bark? One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're finally diving into the unhinged surf-rock chaos of The Trashmen’s “Surfin’ Bird”—a Patreon pick that, frankly, we can’t believe we haven’t covered until now. This 1963 burst of raw energy, stitched together from two Rivingtons songs, has been called everything from a novelty hit to an early blueprint for punk rock. With its unforgettable “bird is the word” hook, the track gained renewed fame decades later thanks to its relentless presence on Family Guy. Jim Logrando and Trevor Leonard are both here to celebrate this gloriously absurd song, so catch a wave and join us for a wild ride through one of the most bizarre hits in rock history. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Our listeners get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/onehitthunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices