Episodes

  • “Mississippi Queen” by Mountain (f/Scott Mellinger)
    Jul 24 2024
    This week, Zao guitarist Scott Mellinger joins us to explore Mountain's 1970 smash hit "Mississippi Queen." We ride the musical train back to the roots of metal, exploring how this southern rock anthem, with Leslie West's iconic guitar riffs and raw vocals, helped shape the heavy metal landscape. We trace the genre's evolution from its gritty beginnings to its modern, head-banging incarnations, and speculate on where it might go in the future. So, get your bell bottoms on and join us as we dissect the impact of "Mississippi Queen" and its legacy in the world of heavy 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
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    51 mins
  • "Wasting My Time" by Default
    Jul 17 2024
    In this week’s episode, we dive into the Canadian rock band Default and their 2001 hit "Wasting My Time," a song that left an indelible mark on what many would call the "butt rock" genre. Our Patreon supporters voted for this track, so Matt and I are breaking down the elements that make this tune both memorable and, in some ways, quintessentially generic rock. Default's name feels fitting as we struggle to pin down any genre beyond that. Despite their breakup in 2013, the band's lead singer Dallas Smith took a surprising twist in his career that has us scratching our heads about the Canadian charts. Join us as we explore whether Default was truly wasting our time or if they hit a fleeting moment of musical thunder. 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
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    37 mins
  • "Mother Mother" by Tracy Bonham (f/ Joe and Toby of Riffs on Riffs)
    Jul 10 2024
    This week, we’re thrilled to be joined by Joe and Toby of the Riffs on Riffs podcast to dive into the compelling story of mid-90s artist Tracy Bonham and her iconic hit “Mother Mother.” Tracy, a classically trained musician for over a decade, collaborated with producers who had helped bring Radiohead and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones to the ears of millions, infusing her music with a unique blend of alternative rock and classical influences. Despite her immense talent, record label issues stalled her career before she could fully achieve mainstream success. Join us this week as we celebrate Tracy Bonham’s prolific journey and the impact of her unforgettable 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
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    56 mins
  • "Axel F" by Harold Faltermeyer
    Jul 3 2024
    Today, the new Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F movie has dropped on Netflix, and in honor of that, Matt and I decided to dive into the iconic theme song "Axel F," written by Harold Faltermeyer. This breakdance-inspired instrumental not only became a Top 5 hit but also defined the sound of the '80s. We explore the artistry behind this unforgettable tune, marvel at the intense talent of composer Harold Faltermeyer, and try to pinpoint the last time an instrumental song topped the charts. Join us as we celebrate this synth masterpiece and its lasting impact on both music and pop culture, just in time for Eddie Murphy's triumphant return as Axel Foley. 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
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    32 mins
  • The 1984 Albums Fantasy Auction Draft
    Jun 26 2024
    In this exciting episode, Chris Fafalios, Matt Kelly, Tony Hartman, Matthew Milligan, and Matt DiStefano dive into an auction draft to see who can curate the best batch of albums from the iconic year of 1984. Armed with a theoretical $100 each, the guys strategically bid on classics from Madonna, Prince, Springsteen, Van Halen, Metallica, and The Cars, while also trying to snag some hidden gems from bands like Cocteau Twins, The Replacements, and The Smiths. As they navigate this musical treasure trove, get ready for a nostalgic and competitive trip back to one of music's most transformative years. 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
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • "Party All the Time" by Eddie Murphy (f/ Chris DeMakes)
    Jun 19 2024
    Ah, the 80s—a time when every celebrity had a secret (or not-so-secret) desire to dominate the music charts. But no actor-turned-singer had a more meteoric rise—and equally swift backlash—than Eddie Murphy. His Rick James-penned chorus for "Party All the Time" might be an earworm you can't escape, but let's be real: the rest of the song is as forgettable as a VHS tape in a Netflix era. This week, we've got a special guest who knows a thing or two about catchy tunes: podcaster and Less Than Jake frontman Chris DeMakes joins us to dive into Eddie Murphy's lone radio 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
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    43 mins
  • "Shattered Dreams" by Johnny Hates Jazz
    Jun 12 2024
    In the year 1988, Johnny Hates Jazz came just shy of having the number one song in America. Despite their rapid rise to fame, the band disbanded before the year had even ended. This week, we dive into the short-lived career of the band, exploring their international success, the sudden end of their journey, and how it feels impossible that Matt had never heard this song before. Join us as we piece together the story of a band that left us ALL with shattered dreams. 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
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    44 mins
  • "Supermodel (You Better Work)" by RuPaul (f/ Joe Ferejan)
    Jun 5 2024
    Labeling RuPaul as a one-hit wonder seems preposterous in theory. RuPaul has not only hosted a successful talk show and appeared in multiple hit films but also helms the immensely successful RuPaul’s Drag Race. However, all of this success was catalyzed by the song “Supermodel”, RuPaul’s lone charting hit. Joining us this week is Joe Ferejan, host of Fright School, who helps us strut out stuff on the runway! 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
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    1 hr and 10 mins