One Hit Thunder - podcast cover

One Hit Thunder

Join musician Chris Fafalios (Punchline) and co-host Matt Kelly from the Geekscape network on One Hit Thunder, where each week they dive into the world of one-hit wonders with a new guest. Chris and Matt are joined by a revolving door of friends, including Chris's bandmates, musicians he’s toured with, and fellow artists, to listen to a one-hit wonder and explore the full catalog of the band or artist behind it. With a mix of humor and musical insight, Chris and Matt dive deep to decide if these artists truly brought the "one hit thunder" and deserved more recognition or if they’re just a "one hit blunder." Perfect for music fans and pop culture enthusiasts alike, One Hit Thunder is a fun and thoughtful exploration of the highs and lows of fleeting fame in the music industry.
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Episodes

Singles From 1994 March Madness Third Round Matchups

We have our elite 8 for our March Madness Match-ups ... who makes it to the final four? Vote to make that decision! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M2PV57G Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 15, 202416 min

"Whoever You Are" by Geggy Tah (f/Taylor Morden)

This week we want to thank you all the great drivers out there. Maybe one of you helped inspire Geggy Tah to pen their hit "Whoever You Are". This laid-back track about letting you change lanes was a minor hit in the mid-90s and found itself in car commercials years later but unfortunately Geggy Tah couldn't get another hit. Fan of the band and Bampire director Taylor Morden joins us this week to break down this infectious tune. Donate to Taylor’s movie at http://bampiremovie.com/ If you like th...

Mar 13, 202455 minEp. 211

Singles From 1994 March Madness Second Round Matchups

We are moving into the Sweet 16 with the March Madness Poll! Make sure to get your votes in before Wednesday Night! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6VHKJ96 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 08, 202419 min

"We Are the World" by U.S.A. for Africa

On a remarkable night in 1985, an ensemble of music's brightest stars united to record a benefit anthem. This song soared to become one of the best-selling singles in music history and has since served as a touchstone for parodies and cultural nods. In celebration of the recent Netflix documentary chronicling the recording session, we at One Hit Thunder have chosen to make an episode about this iconic track—the sole chart-topper by U.S.A. for Africa. If you like the show, be sure to rate, review...

Mar 06, 202444 minEp. 210

Singles From 1994 March Madness First Round Matchups

We decided to join the fun of March Madness by putting various singles from 30 years ago against each other! Please vote and make this the best March Madness. Vote for the 94 Rock Songs and Rap & Other Songs Here Vote for 93 Songs & Pop Music Here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 01, 202417 min

"In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" by Iron Butterfly

Whether it was from an 80s horror movie, a Simpsons joke, or your dad’s record collection, you have undoubtedly heard the psychedelic sounds of Iron Butterfly’s 17-minute-long opus “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida”. This week, we’re joined by Joey Ritter to discuss extended drum solos, wild conspiracies, and the bizarre career of these hard rock pioneers that sold over 30 million copies of their landmark album. If you like the show, be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Email us at onehitthunderpodcast@gma...

Feb 28, 202447 minEp. 209

"Crush" by Jennifer Paige

“Crush” became a surprise hit for the previously unknown Jennifer Paige in the fall of 1998. Before her album was even released, she was out on the road, performing the song on television in support of her newfound fame. Unfortunately, she was never able to match the heights of the meteoric rise of her debut single. Our Patreon supporters demanded it, so this week, Matt and I dive into this iconic pop song, and we might solve the mystery (or rewrite history) of why Jennifer wasn’t able to repeat...

Feb 22, 202447 minEp. 208

The 1994 Albums Fantasy Auction Draft

It could be argued that 1994 is the greatest year for music EVER, so the DREAM TEAM of Chris, Matt, Matthew Milligan, and Tony Hartman are once again reunited to try to outbid each other for the best of the best! A fifth drafter - returning guest Jim Logrando - is also added to the mix, adding an extra layer of complexity and competition to this fun exercise in budgeting money while gushing over some all-time favorite albums. If you like the show, be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. Email us...

Feb 14, 20241 hr 21 min

Chris and Matt Review Usher's Super Bowl Halftime Show

Last night was the Super Bowl, so naturally, Chris watched for the love of the sport, while Matt tuned in for the love of funny commercials and the halftime show. Today, they break down their thoughts on Usher's Halftime Performance and also quickly go over their favorite commercials. They discuss who will play the Super Bowl halftime show next, commercials for Jesus, and the once-in-a-lifetime talent of Patrick Mahomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 12, 202430 min

"Must be the Money" by Deion Sanders

It’s Super Bowl week here at One Hit Thunder, and to celebrate, we’re playing fast and loose with the term “hit” so we can discuss multi-sport athlete turned musician Deion Sanders and his 1994 single “Must Be The Money.” If you were a sports fan in the '90s, you knew how electrifying Prime Time was on the field, but did he match that intensity on the mic? Hammer seemed to think so, even if the public at large didn’t necessarily agree. Stay tuned so you can, at the very least, be impressed with ...

Feb 07, 202437 minEp. 207

The 66th Annual Grammy Awards Reactions

Last night Chris and Matt watched the 66th Annual Grammy Awards and today they're discussing their thoughts. The show was more a collection of performances than anything else so they discuss the best and worst performances and any award upsets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 05, 202441 min

"Through the Fire and the Flames" by DragonForce (f/Matt DiStefano)

If you played Rock Band or Guitar Hero in the mid-2000s, you know DragonForce. If you mastered their power metal classic "Through the Fire and Flames," you'd be the talk of any party (the talk being, "imagine if that guy could actually play that song on a real guitar instead of tapping colors on a piece of plastic"). Joining us this week is One Hit Thunder favorite Matt DiStefano to discuss this cult-favorite band and their one and only trip to the Billboard Hot 100. If you like the show, be sur...

Feb 01, 202456 minEp. 206

“Everything Falls Apart” by Dog’s Eye View (f/ Jimmy Mowery)

This week, we’re joined by my friend (and the only person I know who’s competed on The Voice) Jimmy Mowery to discuss one of his favorite songs from the ‘90s, Dog’s Eye View’s “Everything Falls Apart”. This quickly written song about a hangover was everywhere in 1996, and vocalist and songwriter Peter Stuart seemed to be a favorite of many of his more well-known contemporaries…so why did it all seem to fall apart for this promising band? Stay tuned as we investigate the band’s the back catalog a...

Jan 24, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 205

Green Day “Saviors” Album Review

In this bonus episode, Matt and Chris review the new Green Day album "Saviors," which was released this weekend. Before we dive into the album, however, Matt tells us about going to the SiriusXM record release party in New York that Thursday. We also discuss our Green Day fandom leading up to this album and vent about how much we dislike Jimmy Fallon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 20, 202446 min

"Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand

If you played EA Sports video games in 2005—or if you simply tuned into the radio—you couldn't escape Franz Ferdinand’s “Take Me Out,” a disco-inspired rock song with an unusual structure and an even stranger music video. Critics showered praise on this stylish band's hook-laden dance music, and although the song only reached #66 on the Hot 100, it has become an inescapable classic that remains relevant even today. At the request of our Patreon supporters, we’re diving deeper into the band this ...

Jan 17, 202446 minEp. 204

“Cheerleader” by OMI (f/ Tony Hartman)

If you reflect on the joyous music that graced the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer of 2015, it would be hard to believe that people were engaged in activities beyond falling in love and relishing a warm breeze. No song illustrated this point more vividly than OMI’s “Cheerleader,” a whimsical tropical tune that soared to the coveted #1 spot on the charts. However, the question remains: why didn’t the US clamor for more of OMI, considering he undeniably had songs worthy of being soundtracks to fir...

Jan 10, 202443 minEp. 203

"Send Me On My Way" by Rusted Root

Blending influences from around the globe, Pittsburgh’s own Rusted Root made their mark on music history with their unforgettable 1992 hit, “Send Me On My Way”. This joyous tune only hit #72 on the Billboard Hot 100, but the song’s prominence in movies, TV, and commercials has eclipsed its initial chart performance. This week, we’ll dive further into the story and back catalog of Rusted Root to decide if we’d like to hold their little hand or tell them to run. If you like the show, be sure to ra...

Jan 03, 202444 minEp. 202

"Tarzan Boy" by Baltimora (f/Jim Logrando)

You might not know the name Baltimora, but you have almost certainly encountered the anthemic “Tarzan Boy” in unexpected places. From iconic Listerine commercials to grand wrestling entrances, this unforgettable 80s song continues to live on decades after this Italian music project burst onto the scene. This week, we’re joined by Jim Logrando to unravel the mystery of who actually sang the song, the fascinating concept of the “millennial whoop”, and the biggest question of all: is there any need...

Dec 27, 202339 minEp. 201

"Barbie Girl" by Aqua

In celebration of our 200th episode, we're revisiting our lost first episode and giving “Barbie Girl” another chance on One Hit Thunder. The resounding popularity of Aqua and their iconic song has experienced a second life, thanks to a resurgence in the wake of the unbelievably popular Barbie movie. As fate would have it, one of us is an Aqua superfan, and it's high time for us to dive back into the discography and cultural impact of Denmark's biggest musical export. Join us as we explore the in...

Dec 20, 202348 minEp. 200

Reactions to Spin Magazine's 88 Best Alternative Songs from 1998

A listener tagged us in the Spin Magazine Instagram post about the Spin Magazine list of 88 Best Alternative Songs from 1998 saying they'd love to hear what our thoughts were on the listing. Since Matt and Jim Logrando were staying at Chris' house before the Punchline Holiday show this weekend they decided to go through the list and give you just that! Enjoy!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 18, 202323 min

Our Fourth Year Countdown

As we conclude another year of podcasting we look back at the songs past and try to determine the ranking from worst to best. In the past this was done by Chris and Matt and a guest ... this year we did it as a livestream event featuring 5 guests!! We were joined by Podcast fan favorites Matt DiStefano, PJ Caruso, Jim Logrando, Joey Ritter and Johnny Yetsconish You can watch the extended livestream version of this episode with the link below! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvhXzGLKxUQ Learn mor...

Dec 13, 20231 hr 33 minEp. 199

"My Boyfriend's Back" by The Angels

Hey now, hey now, One Hit Thunder’s back! This week, we're stepping back in time to explore the fascinating story behind one of the early '60s most beloved hits. A group of talented teenagers from New Jersey, The Angels, joined forces with three brilliant songwriters to craft “My Boyfriend’s Back”, a timeless classic that was inspired by a real-life incident. This iconic song not only left an undeniable mark on the era but continues to resonate with audiences today. We don't often dive into the ...

Dec 06, 202336 minEp. 198

Chris Reviews Matt's Spotify Wrapped 2023

It's the best time of the year ... Spotify Wrapped Season. Since Matt has the most unpredictable of musical tastes, Chris gives a live reaction to his top 20 most listened to songs this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 01, 202328 min

“Magic” by Pilot (f/Kai Dodson)

This week, we’re taking flight with the Scottish band Pilot and their timeless hit “Magic”. Together with our guest Kai Dodson, we get right to the point: does selling out and changing the lyrics to your hit to hawk pharmaceuticals change the legacy of a song? We also dive into Pilot’s musical journey that intersected with an impressive array of legendary musicians and bands. Stay tuned to see if we think the sun should continue to shine on the creators of this pop gem, or if we think the magic ...

Nov 29, 202344 minEp. 197

"Connected" by Stereo MCs

Today, we're diving into the infectious world of Stereo MCs and their iconic track, "Connected." Even if you think you don't know it, chances are you've crossed paths with this chart-topping British group's masterpiece, thanks to a cleverly placed sample and irresistible vocal melody that propelled them onto the US charts. These musical innovators also made waves by producing remixes for some of the biggest artists of their time. Despite their rise to fame in the early 90s, it took them over a d...

Nov 22, 202341 minEp. 196

“I Love It (feat. Charli XCX)" by Icona Pop (f/Sarah and Maggie of Unstable Topics)

This week, we're joined by Sarah and Maggie from the Unstable Topics podcast to discuss the unforgettable hit “I Love It” by Icona Pop. In the decade since its release, this song has remained a constant presence, gracing commercials, television, and the radio. Together, we'll explore the mystery of Charlie XCX's involvement in the song, share our emotional connections to it, and reminisce about the world of 2013, a time when this song made a significant impact on the music scene and beyond. Get ...

Nov 15, 202354 minEp. 195

"Don't Wanna Fall in Love" by Jane Child

It’s no surprise that Prince was a fan of Jane Child. After a bidding war between 14 labels in which she demanded complete creative control, this Toronto-based artist wrote, produced, and performed every note of her debut album. Her funky pop single “Don’t Wanna Fall In Love” skyrocketed to #2 on the Billboard Charts in 1990, opening the door of endless possibility for this Canadian badass with an unforgettable look. So why are we discussing her on One Hit Thunder? We asked ourselves the same th...

Nov 08, 202332 minEp. 194

"Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-A-Lot

“I like big butts and I cannot lie.” No, that wasn’t a Winston Churchill quote. It’s the iconic first lyric of Seattle-based rapper Sir Mix-a-Lot’s 1992 smash hit “Baby Got Back”. While your grandma’s out cuttin’ a rug at the wedding reception to a song about anacondas and gettin’ sprung, it can often be forgotten that the song is actually an anthem of body positivity. His music tends to walk a fine line between well-intentioned and super horny, so this week, we’ll dial 1-900-MIXALOT and see if ...

Nov 01, 202336 minEp. 193

"Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum (f/Samm Stangeland)

Regardless of whether you know the name Norman Greenbaum or not, you most DEFINITELY know his hit 1969 song “Spirit In the Sky”. This uplifting single has appeared in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials, with its use showing no sign of slowing over five decades later. This week, we’re joined by Rock and Roll Candle Co. founder Samm Strangeland to get spiritual about Greenbaum, and decide if he should’ve kept pumping out hits OR if his goats just needed him more than we did. If you like t...

Oct 25, 202345 minEp. 192

"I Got A Man" by Positive K

When you hear the name Positive K, you probably think of One Hit Thunder producer Matt Kelly, who is definitely one of the most positive human beings you'll ever meet. Alas, we're not talking about THAT Positive K, but instead, rapper Daryl Gibson whose early '90s hit "I Got a Man" took the airwaves by storm. K's upbeat vibe was so irresistible that even the legendary Aretha Franklin couldn't help but be a fan. Also, you might want to break out some potholders because you could lose your grip wh...

Oct 18, 202339 minEp. 191
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