One Hit Thunder
Geekscape
Chris Fafalios of Punchline is joined by a guest each week to discuss a different one hit wonder
- 1 hour 13 minutesChris DeMakes A Podcast: Mike Edwards discusses Jesus Jones “Right Here, Right Now”
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.
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14 December 2025, 7:00 am - 55 minutes 20 seconds“Lean on Me” by Club Nouveau
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
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10 December 2025, 7:42 pm - 1 hour 4 minutesChris DeMakes A Podcast: Justin Currie discusses Del Amitri's "Roll To Me"
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.
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7 December 2025, 7:00 am - 1 hour 3 minutes“All For You” by Sister Hazel (f/ Caleb George)
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
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3 December 2025, 6:51 pm - 1 hour 36 secondsChris DeMakes A Podcast: Vaden Todd Lewis discusses Toadies "Possum Kingdom"
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
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30 November 2025, 7:00 am - 1 hour 11 minutes“What’s Up Doc? (Can We Rock?) [with Shaquille O’Neal]” by FU-Schnickens (f/ Matt DiStefano)
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
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26 November 2025, 9:04 pm - 1 hour 6 minutesChris DeMakes A Podcast: Kevin Martin discusses Candlebox's "Far Behind"
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
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23 November 2025, 7:00 am - 1 hour 48 seconds“Wherever You Will Go” by The Calling (f/ Erin Mallory Long)
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
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19 November 2025, 7:42 pm - 57 minutes 40 seconds“I Ran (So Far Away)” by A Flock of Seagulls
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
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12 November 2025, 7:53 pm - 59 minutes 4 seconds“Fooled Around and Fell in Love” by Elvin Bishop (f/ Erik J. Brown)
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
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5 November 2025, 7:32 pm - 1 hour 57 seconds“Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon
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
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29 October 2025, 10:14 pm - More Episodes? Get the App