The 1983 Albums Fantasy Auction Draft

Few artists embody the term "one-hit wonder" more than M/A/R/R/S, a collective that only recorded two songs but forever changed music history with "Pump Up the Volume." This sample-heavy track may seem unremarkable in modern times, but in the late '80s, it was groundbreaking—pushing the boundaries of sampling, shaping house music, and earning a Grammy nomination along the way. In this episode, we dive into the song’s impact and the legal controversies that surrounded 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 Apr 47min

This week, we're joined by Joel Reader to discuss one of the strangest comeback stories in music history—Sheriff’s sappy power ballad, "When I’m With You." This Canadian band had already called it quits when their forgotten single unexpectedly climbed to number one nearly a decade later, thanks to a few radio DJs deciding to put the song into rotation. We’ll dive into the band's short-lived career, the impact of songwriter Arnold Lanni, and the cultural shifts that made this song’s resurgence so unlikely. Should you dive into the back catalog of Sheriff though? Stay tuned 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

2 Apr 56min

This week, we're joined by TikToker and songwriter Rod Kim to dive into the sugary pop world of S Club 7 and their lone U.S. hit, the 2001 ballad "Never Had a Dream Come True." While the UK couldn't get enough of this manufactured seven-piece pop machine, American audiences only got a small taste—so did we miss out, or was one hit enough? We unpack their career, the impact of their TV shows, and the behind-the-scenes realities of the pop industry, all while debating whether S Club 7's music holds up or was just a fleeting piece of early 2000s nostalgia. 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

26 Mars 1h 14min

The CORE FOUR are back together again! Chris and Matt are joined by draft regulars Tony Hartman and Matthew Milligan to battle it out for the best five-album collection from the stacked year of 1995. With classics like Jagged Little Pill, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, The Bends, and Post up for grabs, the stakes are high and the arguments are passionate. Who will steal a sleeper pick? Who will overpay for a sentimental favorite? And who will walk away with the ultimate ‘95 time capsule? Tune in for laughs, strategy, and some tough decisions in this high-stakes draft showdown! Watch Us 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

19 Mars 1h 7min

This week, we're joined by Internet Supreme Court dishonorable judge Robert Bacon to put Katrina and the Waves’ 1985 hit "Walking on Sunshine" on trial. Is it the ultimate feel-good anthem, or has its overuse in ironic movie moments doomed it to a lifetime of unintended comedy? We explore the band’s journey from their early struggles to their Eurovision triumph, unpack the punk influences hidden beneath the song’s sunny exterior, and share personal stories that prove this track has a strange way of showing up at the worst possible times. 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

12 Mars 1h 8min

When our Patreon voted for an episode about “The Middle,” we had mixed emotions—how could a band as important to us as Jimmy Eat World technically be a one-hit wonder? With Bleed American holding a firm place on our Thundred list, it almost feels wrong! But this week, we dive deep into the band’s history, the perfect storm that made “The Middle” a massive hit, and the industry challenges they had to overcome. From the music video’s lasting impact to Jimmy Eat World's unwavering perseverance, we celebrate a band that means so much more than just one 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 Mars 44min

It’s been a while since our friend Jonathan London joined us, but with his new comic Hero of the Prophecy crowdfunding now, we thought it was the perfect time to talk about a wrestling-connected musician—Jimmy Hart and his 1965 hit with The Gentrys, “Keep On Dancing”! While The Gentrys’ time in the spotlight was brief, “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart’s career stretched far beyond the 60s, making waves in both music and wrestling. We dive into the band’s history, the simplicity of their one big hit, and the fascinating crossover between music and the mat. Donate to Jonathan's Kickstarter 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

26 Feb 1h 15min

Our Patreon supporters made their voices loud and clear—this week, we’re diving deep into Digital Underground’s unforgettable 1990 hit, “The Humpty Dance”! While some know the group solely for this quirky classic, others recognize frontman Shock G as one of hip hop’s most innovative figures. We explore the genius behind the Sex Packets album concept, the alter ego of Humpty Hump, and the song’s lasting influence on both music and pop culture. From its iconic samples to its role in launching Tupac’s career, this episode celebrates the funky, unpredictable, and endlessly entertaining world of Digital Underground. 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

19 Feb 45min