One Hit Thunder

Feeling optimistic about the new year? We hope so, because we thought it was the perfect time to dive into Timbuk 3’s “The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades.” On the surface, it sounds hopeful, but the lyrics reveal something much darker once you really listen. In this week’s episode, we explore how a married couple with a drum machine managed to break into the Top 20 with the first single from their debut album. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Timbuk 3 stood their ground and turned down huge offers from companies who wanted to use the song in commercials. They created a timeless track that’s both catchy and deep, all the while maintaining their artistic integrity. Things are goin’ great and they’re only gettin’ better, so get ready to learn more than you ever thought you would about Timbuk 3. 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 Join Our Facebook Group Follow Us on Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 247 on 3/3/25)... This week, Danbert Nobacon of Chumbawamba sits in to break down the writing and recording of the band's massive 1997 hit, "Tubthumping." He and Chris explore the song’s punk-influenced origins, its anthemic structure, and how its themes of resilience and working-class pub culture resonated worldwide. Danbert shares insights into the band's approach to songwriting, the unexpected mainstream success of the track, and how Chumbawamba balanced their political ethos with commercial visibility. The conversation also touches on the lasting impact of "Tubthumping" and Nobacon's latest musical projects, offering a fascinating look at a song that continues to take on new life decades after 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 ⁠Join our Patreon⁠ ⁠Buy some merch⁠ ⁠Follow us on IG⁠ ⁠Join our FB Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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