Episodes

  • “The Christmas Shoes” by NewSong

    “The Christmas Shoes” by NewSong
    Dec 24 2025
    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
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    56 mins
  • Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately? Reaction Episode

    Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately? Reaction Episode
    Dec 23 2025
    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
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    52 mins
  • Chris DeMakes A Podcast: A discussion on The Waitresses “Christmas Wrapping”

    Chris DeMakes A Podcast: A discussion on The Waitresses “Christmas Wrapping”
    Dec 21 2025
    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
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    51 mins
  • “Jim Dandy” by Black Oak Arkansas (f/Josh Ireson)

    “Jim Dandy” by Black Oak Arkansas (f/Josh Ireson)
    Dec 17 2025
    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
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    50 mins
  • Chris DeMakes A Podcast: Mike Edwards discusses Jesus Jones “Right Here, Right Now”

    Chris DeMakes A Podcast: Mike Edwards discusses Jesus Jones “Right Here, Right Now”
    Dec 14 2025
    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
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • “Lean on Me” by Club Nouveau

    “Lean on Me” by Club Nouveau
    Dec 10 2025
    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
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    55 mins
  • Chris DeMakes A Podcast: Justin Currie discusses Del Amitri's "Roll To Me"

    Chris DeMakes A Podcast: Justin Currie discusses Del Amitri's "Roll To Me"
    Dec 7 2025
    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
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • “All For You” by Sister Hazel (f/ Caleb George)

    “All For You” by Sister Hazel (f/ Caleb George)
    Dec 3 2025
    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
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    1 hr and 3 mins