One Hit Thunder
by Geekscape
Yes, One Hit Thunder in a long-running podcast about one hit wonders, and yes, it’s hosted by Chris Fafalios of the band Punchline and Matt Kelly of the Geekscape Network, but don’t let THAT be what convinces you to listen and subscribe. Instead, read the words of this 1 star review left by Royalsfan83 with the subject line “Garbage”: Yet another music podcast by insipid, try-hard millennials who amaze themselves at how edgy they are. You can get this content from countless other shows minus the delusional leftist rants. Hard pass.
Episodes
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Belvedere Bros S2E13: The Teacher
The focus of this week is the thirteenth episode of the second season of Mr. Belvedere, which first aired on January 10th, 1986. In this episode, Mr. Belvedere gets himself a sugar mama, which unfortunately ends up being Wesley’s teacher. Lynn also manages to insult the entire city of Altoona,...
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“Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” by Digable Planets
“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...
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Belvedere Bros: A conversation with Ilene Graff (aka Marsha Owens)
It’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...
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“Am I Wrong” by Nico & Vinz
This 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...
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Belvedere Bros S2E12: Speechless
In 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...
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“The Impression That I Get” by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
If 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...
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Belvedere Bros S2E11: The Prize
In 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...
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“Zoot Suit Riot” by Cherry Poppin’ Daddies (f/ Shane Torres)
The 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…
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Belvedere Bros S2E10: Pinball
In 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…
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“Easy Lover” by Philip Bailey & Phil Collins
It’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…
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Matt Talks to This Is Buzz Director Mark Pellington
Matt 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...
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Belvedere Bros S2E9: The Letter
In 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...
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“The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Wimoweh)” by The Tokens (f/ Robert Bacon)
You’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…
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Belvedere Bros S2E8: Strike
In 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...
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“According to You” by Orianthi
By 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…
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Belvedere Bros S2E7: Vows
When 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...
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“Would I Lie To You?” by Charles & Eddie
A 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…
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Belvedere Bros S2E6: The Contract
In 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...
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“Our House” by Madness
We 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…
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Belvedere Bros S2E5: Delivery
In 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...
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“Heart and Soul” by T’Pau
Break 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...
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Belvedere Bros S2E4: Requiem
In the fourth episode of the second season of Mr. Belvedere, Wesley believes the he has committed murder with his mind when his accordion teacher dies in front of him. One Hit Thunder (and also Belvedere Bros) is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next...
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“Slam” by Onyx
A hard-hitting rap song about slam dancing and letting the boys be boys? Yes please! In the summer of 1993, the New York City hardcore hip hop group Onyx were all over the radio and MTV with their ode to letting loose, “Slam.” Their sound marked a move toward more aggression in rap, as when you...
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The One Hit Thunder 2026 NFL Preview and Predictions Episode
Football season is just around the corner, and in this special episode, One Hit Thunder host Chris Fafalios is joined by special guest analysts Johnny Yetsconish and Garrett DeRienzo to go division by division through the league in preparation for what is sure to be a wild six months. The guys...
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Belvedere Bros S2E3: Cheerleader
Heather making the cheerleading team is not the birthday gift that Marsha wanted. In fact, not even Belvedere’s lobster thermidor can make up for the regret Marsha is feeling about her younger self. This week on Belvedere Bros, we explore everything from George’s questionable gifts to what Wesley...
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“Rehab” by Amy Winehouse (f/ Johnny Yetsconish)
We can do an Amy Winehouse episode of One Hit Thunder based on her US chart performance, as “Rehab” was her only hit single in the States. Before you cuss us out and unsubscribe (ESPECIALLY if you live in the UK), please realize the high regard in which we hold this legendary artist, and know…
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Belvedere Bros S2E2: Tornado
When a tornado hits Beaver Falls, it’s time for Belvedere to start breaking windows! In this Season 2 episode (which originally aired four days before Bruno Mars was born), Mr. Belvedere’s missteps don’t end with his terrible decision to start smashing glass…in fact, one of his missteps is right...
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“Here Comes the Hotstepper” by Ini Kamoze
Over the course of the past 300+ episodes of One Hit Thunder, the 1994 #1 single “Here Comes the Hotstepper” has come up in conversation many times, and every single time, it’s been a real joy to hear Matt stumble over the pronunciation of the artist’s name. That Jamaican reggae singer would be…
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Belvedere Bros S2E1: The Lion Sleeps Tonight
In the Season 2 premiere of Mr. Belvedere, Marsha gets a glow up, Kevin gets a video camera, and George develops a snoring problem. Meanwhile, Mr. Belvedere goes on a quick and mysterious trip to Europe. One Hit Thunder (and also Belvedere Bros) is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate…
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“Disco Duck” by Rick Dees And His Cast Of Idiots (f/ Matt Doherty)
You might recognize the name Rick Dees as the guy who ran down The Weekly Top 40 for decades. What you might NOT know is that he himself once held the top spot on those very charts. In 1976, Rick was a Memphis AM radio host, searching for ANYTHING to fill the airwaves and entertain listeners. A...
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Belvedere Bros S1E7: Sweet Charity
In the season finale of Mr. Belvedere, the Owens kids bring home an unhoused woman. Meanwhile, George’s simultaneous resentment and jealousy of Belvedere leads to a real crossroads in their relationship. One Hit Thunder (and also Belvedere Bros) is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate…
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“Sleep Walk” by Santo & Johnny (f/ Paul Menotiades)
Do you think that the fact that a song is an instrumental from 1959 is gonna stop us from discussing it on One Hit Thunder? Definitely not, especially if you’re referring to Santo & Johnny’s classic single “Sleep Walk.” You might not know the name of the song or the duo who wrote it, but you FOR...
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Belvedere Bros S1E6: The Lost Weekend
In the penultimate episode of the first season, Wesley hires a sex worker for Mr. Belvedere. Meanwhile, George and Marsha throw caution to the wind during a hurricane in Florida, and Heather decides that Belvedere has no actual authority to stop her from going to a Prince concert. This week, we...
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“Headstrong” by Trapt
The band Trapt had a moment in late 2003. The song “Headstrong” is a what a person who doesn’t listen to heavy music might consider heavy, and it captured the attention of the mainstream for a minute. In a sea of countless radio rock band that more or less sounded the same, Trapt could’ve easily...
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Belvedere Bros S1E5: What I Did for Love
In an episode of Mr. Belvedere that centers around the oldest of the Owens kids, Kevin is seduced into caring about animal rights. A bold move lands him in jail, but his stint in the clink leads to a little more exposition about Belvedere’s backstory. Is this the best episode yet? And will Sinbad...
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The 1986 Albums Fantasy Auction Draft
THE GOLDEN BOYS are here to draft the VERY BEST albums of 1986! Chris and Matt are joined by draft regulars Matthew Milligan and Tony Hartman to try to win the best collection of albums from the year that The Golden Girls won its first Emmy. Each person starts with a theoretical 100 dollars to…
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Belvedere Bros S1E4: Gorgeous George
Released a mere five days after the first ever Wrestlemania, Episode 4 finds George in the midst of a full-blown midlife crisis. After Mr. Belvedere has to come to his rescue at a local wrestling event, George feels the effects in a myriad of ways, from his relationship with Wesley to his...
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“In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry (f/ Danny Tamberelli)
Of course you know all about Beatlemania, but did you know about Mungomania? You probably think that’s some sort of joke, but it’s not…Mungomania was a real thing. Off the back of the hype from ONE good festival performance in 1970, Mungo Jerry’s “In the Summertime” went on to become one of the...
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Belvedere Bros S1E3: Gotta Dance
Originally released on March 29th, 1985, the third episode of Mr. Belvedere finds Wesley taking an interest in ballet (much to George’s chagrin.) Though the family tries to keep Wesley’s lessons a secret from George, the cat is soon let out of the bag when he finds Wesley’s slippers. Can George...
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“Mickey” by Toni Basil (f/ Pj Caruso)
In late 1982, Toni Basil took a break as one of the most accomplished choreographers and dancers on the planet to, ya know…have a #1 smash hit single. Rising above everyone from Lionel Richel to Michael Jackson to Paul McCartney to Marvin Gaye, the almost 40 year old Toni subverted all…
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Belvedere Bros S1E2: The Outcasts
In the second ever episode of Mr. Belvedere (which was originally released on March 22nd, 1985), Wesley feels like an outcast when he isn’t invited to his friend Howie’s party. Mr. Belvedere comes to the rescue, suggesting that Wesley instead throw a party of his own. This week, we get into how...
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“Everything You Want” by Vertical Horizon
In the summer of 2000, Vertical Horizon seemed to be EXACTLY what the US wanted. The heartfelt and longing sounds of the single “Everything You Want” skyrocketed the band to #1, and the song went on to become one of the biggest songs of the year. For a band who had paid their dues and started…
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Belvedere Bros S1E1: Stranger in the Night (Pilot)
On March 15th, 1985, the world was introduced to Mr. Belvedere, a sitcom on ABC about an accomplished British housekeeper who shows up at the door of a Pittsburgh family. What followed was six seasons of heartwarming hilarity, anchored by Broadway veteran Christopher Hewett’s portrayal of Lynn...
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“Just a Friend” by Biz Markie (f/ Reese Roper)
Oh SNAP! This week, we’re joined by Five Iron Frenzy vocalist Reese Roper to explore the life and times of Biz Markie, otherwise known as the Clown Prince of Hip Hop. The unforgettable chorus of “Just a Friend,” which was an interpolation of a 1968 Freddie Scott song, became instantly iconic, and...
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"Perfect Way" by Scritti Politti
We recently did a listener-sourced Thundred countdown of the 100 greatest one hit wonders of all time, which was a balanced mix of the expected and the surprising. One of the most shocking songs to make the list was Scritti Politti’s “Perfect Way”, mostly because NEITHER guy who hosts a 300+...
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“I Want Candy” by Bow Wow Wow (f/ Alex Goldman)
In the summer of 1982, the punky, upbeat sound of Bow Wow Wow’s cover of “I Want Candy” served as a perfect compliment to both the warm weather and the music revolution that was MTV. The band was fronted by the very young Annabella Lwin, whose energy, style, and mohawk made her as memorable as…
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THE THUNDRED: The 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of All Time (The SNUBS!)
Now that the entire one hit wonder Thundred list is out there, Chris and Matt discuss the songs that got SNUBBED from the list! They even let everyone know what landed at #101 through #110 on the list. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to…
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“Ex’s & Oh’s” by Elle King (f/ Robert Bacon)
In the midst of the late 2015 charts that featured the likes of Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Adele, and Drake, you’ll find Elle King, the raspy-voiced singer-songwriter whose sound was a cross between country and rock. Her Top 10 hit “Ex’s & Oh’s” was a critically acclaimed track that describes...
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THE THUNDRED: The 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders of All Time (#20 - #1)
The final installment of the one hit wonders THUNDRED is here! In this episode, we’re counting down from #20 to #1, and by the end of the episode, we crown the GREATEST ONE HIT WONDER OF ALL TIME (as decided by our listeners, past guests, friends, and of course US!) Tune in and enjoy the ride.…
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“Move Your Feet” by Junior Senior
In 2003, the Danish pop duo Junior Senior took the world by storm with their irresistible dance song “Move Your Feet.” Accompanied by a perfect animated music video, Jesper and Jeppe’s introduction to the ears of millions seemed to position them for an enormous career. They were collaborating…
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About this show
Yes, One Hit Thunder in a long-running podcast about one hit wonders, and yes, it’s hosted by Chris Fafalios of the band Punchline and Matt Kelly of the Geekscape Network, but don’t let THAT be what convinces you to listen and subscribe. Instead, read the words of this 1 star review left by Royalsfan83 with the subject line “Garbage”: Yet another music podcast by insipid, try-hard millennials who amaze themselves at how edgy they are. You can get this content from countless other shows minus the delusional leftist rants. Hard pass.
Hosted by
Geekscape
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