One Hit Thunder
Geekscape
0
One Hit Thunder is a long-running podcast about one-hit wonders. It is hosted by Chris Fafalios of the band Punchline and Matt Kelly of the Geekscape Network. The show discusses songs and artists known for a single big hit, often with humor and commentary.
Episodes
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“Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” by Digable Planets 21.10.2026 48m“Slick” and “cool” are actually GREAT descriptors for the sound of Digable Planets. This hip hop trio paired jazz samples with unforgettable hooks, and by 1993, they had a huge hit with the inescapable “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat).” A gold record and a Grammy followed, and Digable Planets seemed to be on their way to superstardom. A more experimental and politically charged sophomore release, however, was something that the world wasn’t ready for. Regardless, the group remains respected and revered, and the fact that they only had one breakthrough hit gives us a good reason to feature them on One Hit 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 Buy some Merch Join our Patreon Join our Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Belvedere Bros: A conversation with Ilene Graff (aka Marsha Owens) 16.10.2026 38mIt’s no secret that the Belvedere Bros are HUGE Marsha Owens fans, and in this episode, the beautiful and talented Ilene Graff sits in for a fun conversation about her time on Mr. Belvedere! This installment of the show is filled with Ilene’s infectious laughter as she answers several burning questions about her experience as the inspiring mother on our favorite show. For any Belvies in the Los Angeles area, Ilene’s show Travelin’ Thru: A Roadmap of Gratitude is taking place at the Catalina Jazz Club on Sunset Boulevard on Wednesday, October 28th. You can get tickets and all the info at ilenegraff.com! One Hit Thunder (and also Belvedere Bros) 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 -
“Am I Wrong” by Nico & Vinz 14.10.2026 59mThis week, we’re exploring the career of Nico & Vinz, the Norwegian duo who brought us the 2014 hit “Am I Wrong.” The song combines huge pop hooks with African musical influences, and they even used the music video as an opportunity to show the beauty of the continent. Their breakout album Black Star Elephant combined socially conscious lyrics with ultra-catchy, genre-bending tracks, but would it be wrong to assume that they deserved even MORE worldwide acclaim? That’s what we’ll try to figure out in this week’s episode. 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 -
Belvedere Bros S2E12: Speechless 09.10.2026 1h 9mIn the first Mr. Belvedere episode of 1986, George receives a prestigious award, Kevin gets “married”, and Marsha takes everyone’s breath away. 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 -
“The Impression That I Get” by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones 07.10.2026 1h 12mIf you’re either of the hosts of the One Hit Thunder podcast, you really didn’t need to do much prep work for an episode about The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. This legendary, well-dressed band was a Boston institution, blending ska with hardcore and putting on unforgettable live shows. In 1997, they made an impression on more than just the underground scene when “The Impression That I Get” became an inescapable hit, and at this point, a ska-punk classic. This week, we’re celebrating the career and catalog of the Bosstones, despite the strange and unceremonious breakup of the 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 Buy some Merch Join our Patreon Join our Facebook Group Follow us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices -
Belvedere Bros S2E11: The Prize 02.10.2026 1h 15mIn the eleventh episode of the second season of Mr. Belvedere, Wesley breaks the school’s cookie-selling record, Heather weighs the pros and cons of cheating, and Kevin makes a house of cards for no reason. Also, Mr. Belvedere uses insider trading to anonymously do a good deed. Get a copy of Seth Olenick’s book Funny Business by going to https://funnybusiness.bigcartel.com/ . Use the discount code BELBROS to get 25% off, just for being a faithful listener of Belvedere Bros! One Hit Thunder (as well as Belvedere Bros) 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 -
“Zoot Suit Riot” by Cherry Poppin’ Daddies (f/ Shane Torres) 30.09.2026 55mThe swing revival of the 90s came and went in an instant, but the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies were able to ride that wave all the way to the bank. Despite having quite possibly the worst band name of all time, “Zoot Suit Riot” helped the band sell 2 million copies of their album of the same name, which was actually a compilation of songs from previous albums that fit with the throwback sound of the single. The band, who had long had a much more eclectic sound and a wild stage show to match, found themselves pigeonholed, even after the short-lived swing trend died out. This week, we’re joined by comedian Shane Torres to explore the prolific and often contentious career of The Daddies, who eventually shortened the band name and embraced the sound that made them famous. 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 -
Belvedere Bros S2E10: Pinball 25.09.2026 47mIn an episode that first aired on the day that both Chrissy Teigen AND Kaley Cuoco were born, Mr. Belvedere develops an addiction to pinball. One Hit Thunder (and also Belvedere Bros) 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 -
“Easy Lover” by Philip Bailey & Phil Collins 23.09.2026 46mIt’s hard to believe that we can do an episode of One Hit Thunder about the song “Easy Lover.” You MAY have been under the false assumption that it’s a Phil Collins song, which is only partly true. He co-wrote, produced, and sang on the song, along with Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire fame, but it was part of Philip’s 1984 solo album Chinese Wall. It is only on a technicality that Bailey can be discussed on a podcast about one hit wonders, but we’ll hop on the chance to talk about one of the best songs of the 80s, even if that means we’re inevitably going to make a lot of music fans mad. 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 -
Matt Talks to This Is Buzz Director Mark Pellington 21.09.2026 26mMatt was given the opportunity to talk to Mark Pellington today about his new documentary THIS IS BUZZ. Mark you may remember as the director of hit films like The Mothman Prophecies & Arlington Road or iconic music videos like Pearl Jam's "Jeremy" and R.E.M.'s "Drive". THIS IS BUZZ is about the short lived early 90's MTV series BUZZ that was co-created by Mark and is not basically lost media. Mark discusses the creation of Buzz, the state of music videos in 2026 and where you can see the documentary later this year! Check out This Is Buzz 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 -
Belvedere Bros S2E9: The Letter 18.09.2026 46mIn an episode of Mr. Belvedere that first aired on November 22nd, 1985, Kevin plays an entire season of high school football without the rest of the family knowing. When he gets grounded right before the big game that takes place on Thanksgiving, he decides to move into a motel room instead of inviting them to watch him play. We also discover that Belvedere Bro Jim Logrando has a controversial take on pumpkin pie. One Hit Thunder (and also Belvedere Bros) 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 -
“The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Wimoweh)” by The Tokens (f/ Robert Bacon) 16.09.2026 1h 1mYou’d be hard pressed to find someone of ANY age who isn’t familiar with “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” This timeless 1961 single from the Brooklyn doo-wop group The Tokens is one of the most fun songs ever to sing along with, and its legacy spans from the top of the charts to Disney film soundtracks. Unfortunately, the song’s original writer Solomon Linda wasn’t properly credited or compensated until more recent years, long after his passing. In fact, despite the song’s massive and unending popularity, his family couldn’t even afford a tombstone when he died. This week, we’re joined by One Hit Thunder favorite Robert Bacon to journey into the jungle of this classic track. 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 -
Belvedere Bros S2E8: Strike 11.09.2026 1h 6mIn the eighth episode of the second season of Mr. Belvedere (which originally aired on November 15th, 1985), the Owens family discovers that Belvedere is simultaneously wealthy and careless. One Hit Thunder (and also Belvedere Bros) 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 -
“According to You” by Orianthi 09.09.2026 57mBy the time that Australian guitar virtuoso Orianthi was a teenager, she was sharing stages with legends such as Steve Vai and Carlos Santana. After relocating to Los Angeles, she not only signed to Geffen, but was also recruited to become Michael Jackson’s lead guitarist. It was during this career whirlwind that she released “According to You,” a pop rock single that at certain moments showcased her shredding abilities. The song was a modest hit, but Orianthi never achieved mainstream chart success again. The question is: does she even care? This week, we dive into the life and career of a musician who seems happy to live the exciting life of a sought-after hired gun. 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 -
Belvedere Bros S2E7: Vows 04.09.2026 39mWhen George and Marsha reluctantly decide to renew their wedding vows, the Owens children discover a deep, dark secret about their parents’ past. Meanwhile, Wesley continues to play the accordion. One Hit Thunder (and also Belvedere Bros) 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 -
“Would I Lie To You?” by Charles & Eddie 02.09.2026 1h 3mA chance subway encounter between two singers with a shared love of Marvin Gaye led to a major label contract and the hit song “Would I Lie To You?”, a soulful early 90s hit with an unforgettable chorus. Charles & Eddie cracked the Top 20 in the US, but the throwback sound of the single helped them top the charts in Canada and overseas. After one more album and some soundtrack placements, however, the duo disbanded and went their separate ways. In this episode, we explore the fascinating careers of Charles Pettigrew and Eddie Chacon, both before and after their short and successful time together. 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 -
Belvedere Bros S2E6: The Contract 28.08.2026 44mIn this episode of Mr. Belvedere, Marsha writes up a contract for Kevin to sign before he goes to prom, promising that if he drinks, he’ll call home for a ride instead of driving drunk. One Hit Thunder (and also Belvedere Bros) 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 -
“Our House” by Madness 26.08.2026 56mWe start a lot of episodes by apologizing to our listeners in the UK, so we’ll go ahead and do that again…we realize that Madness were breaking UK singles chart records in the 80s, and yet we’re still calling them one hit wonders on our show. Here’s the thing though: we’re dumb Americans, and here in the US, they DID only have one hit. “Our House” went to #7 on the Hot 100 in 1983, and apparently, we couldn’t even handle the actual album it was on…we instead needed our own compilation of the band’s greatest hits. Have no fear though, listeners, as here at One Hit Thunder, we grew up on the ska-punk of the 90s, and we realize the importance and influence of this long-running English band. This week, we’ll dive into “Our House” (which we believe is one of the greatest songs of the 80s), and we’ll even go one step beyond that. 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 -
Belvedere Bros S2E5: Delivery 21.08.2026 49mIn a Mr. Belvedere episode that first aired on October 18th, 1985, Lynn and George join forces to deliver a baby on the very same couch that Mr. Zabriskie just died on. One Hit Thunder (and also Belvedere Bros) 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 -
“Heart and Soul” by T’Pau 19.08.2026 49mBreak out your Pepe jeans and get ready to learn all about T’Pau, the English group who mixed spoken word verses with one of the biggest choruses of the 80s on their 1987 hit, “Heart and Soul.” Produced by Roy Thomas Baker (yes, THAT Roy Thomas Baker, who produced some of the most iconic songs of all time from Queen and The Cars), this song has lived on for decades, ESPECIALLY among the One Hit Thunder community, who recently placed it surprisingly high on The Thundred countdown of the 100 greatest one hit wonders of all time. Although T’Pau actually had ANOTHER song that topped the charts in the UK, “Heart and Soul” was their only true hit in the US. So as we dove into the back catalog of the band, did it leave us begging for more? Tune in 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 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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