PODCAST · music
American 100
by Cicada Radio
What makes a hit a hit? Why did a love affair between two rodents make it to the charts in 1973? And why did a Staples Singers cover by Bruce Willis outperform the original classic? In American 100 we’re gonna dive into the heart of the Billboard Hot 100, completely at random, and try to get to the bottom of what makes us love, hate, or just get addicted to pop songs. Featuring guest musicians and comedians, it’s funny, it’s informative, and just like the Hot 100 itself, a little bit weird. At the end of every episode a randomizer will pick the next week’s topic and we’ll go through the history, song structure, and (if necessary) quirkiness of these songs. Hosted by Micah McKee and presented by Cicada Radio, American 100 airs anywhere you like to listen to podcasts.
Episodes
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GRIEF: Aretha & Dolly
In this inaugural episode of Season 3 of American 100, we get a slightly adjusted format for our slightly adjusted times. Grief is the theme. Aretha Franklin & Dolly Parton provide the lens through which we will be examining this process that we’ve all been dealing with maybe a little bit more…
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A Season Break Announcement & Updates
We’ll be right back! But there’s plenty for you to do till then. Micah explains. In the meantime, always keep a song in your heart!
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1968: Hymns & Hums
We would see the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert Kennedy; the Tet Offensive would begin in Vietnam; and comedian Will Smith would be born. It’s 1968, and both Percy Sledge and Cliff Nobles would show up on the American Billboard Hot 100. We might’ve been protesting...
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2004: Students & Linguists
President Reagan dies, the Federal Assault Weapons Ban expires, and both LL Cool J and DIDO show up on the Billboard Hot 100! It’s 2004, friends, and Friends isn’t the only thing everybody’s talking about.
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1971: Legends & Left Turns
Idi Amin takes control of Uganda, Charles Manson and three of his followers receive the death penalty, and Jim Morrison is found dead in a bathtub in Paris. Also Matthews Southern Comfort and The Grass Roots hold places on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s 1971, and it’s not just war in Vietnam that’s...
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1966: Rejects & Soundtracks
The Black Panthers are founded, The Beatles are bigger than Jesus and Vietnam rages on in the tumultuous year of of our focus this week. Also, The Cyrkle and Ray Conniff would find themselves on the Billboard Hot 100. Join our host Micah McKee, his trusty robot sidekick, Rando, and special guest,...
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1981: Connections & Breakups
The DeLorean hits the markets; President Reagan appoints Sandra Day O’Conner, the first woman Supreme Court Justice; and the Columbia spacecraft is launched and safely returned. It’s 1981, of course, and both Barbara Streisand and Ronnie Milsap would hold places on the Billboard Hot 100. Join our...
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1962: Walls & Elevation
John Glenn would become the first American to orbit Earth; the Cuban Missile Crisis would threaten, once again, to plunge the planet into war; and Marylin Monroe would sing an especially concupiscent “Happy Birthday” to the leader of the free world, John F. Kennedy. Also, in 1962, The Shirelles…
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1959: Black, White & Grey
Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper would be killed in an infamous plane crash; the Guggenheim would open; and both Alaska and Hawaii would become states. In 1959 the Hot 100 would feature The Fiestas and proto-surf rockers, Jan and Dean. Join Micah McKee and trusty robot sidekick,...
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1982: Reincarnation & Juxtaposition
The debut of Johnny Carson’s and David Letterman’s Late Night shows, along with the film E.T. would make headlines in 1982 along with the bombings of London by the IRA and the invasion of Lebanon by Israel. Also, The J. Geils Band and Michael Murphy would rank on the Hot 100.
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1969: Loneliness & Convergence
Lord, 1969. The moon landing, the Beatles final performance, the Manson murders, Hurricane Camille, Woodstock, and besides so so much more, Three Dog Night and Edwin Starr would feature on the Billboard Hot 100. Perhaps more importantly are the artists behind these hits. And loneliness. And...
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1989: Pain & Glory
And we’re back! Just as miraculously, in 1989 President George H. W. Bush would ban the importation of assault weapons, we would witness the Exxon Valdez oil spill, and both Sheena Easton and Janet Jackson would appear on the Billboard Hot 100. Welcome back to our cohosts, Micah and Rando. It’s...
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WE'LL BE BACK!
Just a little ol' season break announcement.
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2000: Chaos & Cooperation
Same-sex Civil Unions are made legal, the last original Peanuts comic strip is published and the International Space Station is crewed for the first time. Also, Sonique and Destiny’s Child would find themselves on the Hot 100. It’s Y2K, baby, and even tho nothing happened to our computers due to...
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1973: Nostalgia & the Bug
Citing progress in peace negotiations, President Richard Nixon announces the suspension of offensive action in North Vietnam. He is then sworn in for a second term. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court overturns state bans on abortion in Roe v. Wade. It’s 1973 and both Elton John and Johnny Rivers...
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1977: Communication & Moments in Time
President Jimmy Carter pardons draft dodgers of the Vietnam War, Apple Computer is incorporated, and snow falls on Miami for the only time in its history. The year is 1977 and both jingle genius, Barry Manilow, and yet another family band, The Sylvers, find themselves on the Billboard Hot 100.…
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1985: Mood & Mystery
Coca-Cola would introduce “New Coke” in what many observers declared to be the worst marketing blunder in history, the iconic Route 66 is removed from the United States Highway System, "Calvin and Hobbes" debuts in newspapers, and both Diana Ross and Sade would find themselves on the Billboard…
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1998: Divas & Supergroups
Sonny Bono would suffer a tragic arborcide during a skiing trip, President Bill Clinton would find himself in hot political water for some hot apolitical dealings, and Saddam Houssein is targeted by the United States for… replacement. It’s 1998, and pop divas Mariah Carey and Madonna would share...
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1992: Anthems & Riots
There is rioting in the streets of Los Angeles over Rodney King. The Space Shuttle Endeavor has a successful maiden voyage. Bill Clinton is elected president, and Miley Cyrus is born. It’s 1992, and both Nirvana and MC Hammer would honor the Billboard Hot 100 with their presence. Join our host,...
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1978: Science & Magic
Smallpox is no longer a threat to the human race, wiped from the face of the Earth. President Jimmy Carter authorizes the minting of the Susan B. Anthony dollar, and also legalizes the homebrewing of beer. Ted Bundy is finally captured by authorities. It’s 1978, and both Earth Wind and Fire and...
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1976: Gurus & Playboys
Chairman Mao is dead, VHS hits the market for the first time, and Andre the Giant sets the world record for most beers consumed in a single sitting. It’s 1976, and both Paul Simon and Gary Wright would find themselves on the Billboard Hot 100 list. Join our Host, Micah McKee, along with his…
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INTRODUCING...
What makes a hit a hit? Why did a love affair between two rodents make it to the charts in 1973? And why did a Staples Singers cover by Bruce Willis outperform the original classic? In American 100 we’re gonna dive into the heart of the Billboard Hot 100, completely at random, and try to get to…
more
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
What makes a hit a hit? Why did a love affair between two rodents make it to the charts in 1973? And why did a Staples Singers cover by Bruce Willis outperform the original classic? In American 100 we’re gonna dive into the heart of the Billboard Hot 100, completely at random, and try to get to the bottom of what makes us love, hate, or just get addicted to pop songs. Featuring guest musicians and comedians, it’s funny, it’s informative, and just like the Hot 100 itself, a little bit weird.
At the end of every episode a randomizer will pick the next week’s topic and we’ll go through the history, song structure, and (if necessary) quirkiness of these songs.
Hosted by Micah McKee and presented by Cicada Radio, American 100 airs anywhere you like to listen to podcasts.
HOSTED BY
Cicada Radio
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does American 100 have?
American 100 currently has 23 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is American 100 about?
What makes a hit a hit? Why did a love affair between two rodents make it to the charts in 1973? And why did a Staples Singers cover by Bruce Willis outperform the original classic? In American 100 we’re gonna dive into the heart of the Billboard Hot 100, completely at random, and try to get to the...
How often does American 100 release new episodes?
American 100 has 23 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to American 100?
You can listen to American 100 on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts American 100?
American 100 is created and hosted by Cicada Radio.
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