Explore every episode of the podcast You Wanted a Hit!
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Sembello “Maniac" | 05 Jun 2026 | 01:20:18 | |
Theo tells the story of the Philadelphia singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer’s 1983 movie soundtrack smash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Afroman “Because I Got High” LIVE! | 19 May 2026 | 01:39:09 | |
Recorded in front of a live audience at Get Tight Lounge in Richmond VA, Theo tells the story of the Hattiesburg-via-Los Angeles rapper and singer’s token, tokin’ 2000 hit in our 100th episode. [Warning: This episode contains explicit language and suggestive themes. Listener discretion is advised.] Line production: Max Wasserman Audio Mix: Jonathan Waller at Overcoast Music & Sound MC: Travis Tucker Live sound production and recording: Cam Peters Production assistance: Fig Vishton Special thanks to Little Amps Coffee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Portugal. The Man “Feel It Still” (w/ Spencer Dukoff) | 05 Mar 2026 | 01:47:40 | |
Michael tells the story of the Alaska alternative rock band’s inescapable, politically subversive 2017 smash. Writer/podcaster/activist Spencer Dukoff joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Soft Cell “Tainted Love” (w/ Peter Leonard of Little Amps Coffee) | 06 Feb 2026 | 01:33:07 | |
Theo tells the story of the Leeds synth-pop duo’s 1981 cover of the multiple-versioned Northern Soul tune. Peter Leonard of Little Amps Coffee joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| t.A.T.u. “All the Things She Said" | 23 Jan 2026 | 01:27:20 | |
Michael tells the story of the teenage Russian pop-rock duo’s controversial 2002 worldwide phenomenon, back in the pop-culture forefront due to its inclusion in the hit Canadian drama series Heated Rivalry. [WARNING: This episode contains accounts of manipulation, coercion, and suggestive imagery involving minors. Listener discretion is advised.] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Vince Guaraldi Trio “Christmastime Is Here” / “Linus & Lucy" | 23 Dec 2025 | 01:00:35 | |
Theo tells the story of the jazz pianist and his band’s unlikely, ubiquitous Christmas classic and the TV special that it soundtracked. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Juliana Hatfield Three “My Sister” (w/ Tawny Newsome) | 06 Dec 2025 | 01:25:29 | |
Michael tells the story of the Boston singer/songwriter’s deceptive Alternative Rock chart-topper. Actor/comedian/writer/musician Tawny Newsome joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Re-Hit: Arlo Guthrie "Alice's Restaurant" (w/ Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie) | 26 Nov 2025 | 01:04:19 | |
In light of legendary WMMR DJ Pierre Robert’s recent passing and the spirit of the season, we revisit Theo telling the story of wry American folk prince Arlo Guthrie's long-winded 1967 talking-blues epic Thanksgiving classic “Alice’s Restaurant." Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie joined the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Gordon Lightfoot “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" | 13 Nov 2025 | 01:18:27 | |
Theo tells the story of the Toronto troubadour’s 1976 historical folk-rock ballad about the Great Lakes disaster of the same name. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Toadies "Possum Kingdom" Part 2 | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:56:26 | |
2 of 2 parts: Michael tells the story of the Fort Worth alternative band's creepy, cult-ish 1994 rock radio staple. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Toadies "Possum Kingdom" Part 1 | 24 Oct 2025 | 00:53:27 | |
1 of 2 parts: Michael tells the story of the Fort Worth alternative band's creepy, cult-ish 1994 rock radio staple. [WARNING: This episode contains historical depictions of gruesome and graphic violence. Listen discretion is advised.] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Chuck Mangione "Feels So Good" | 10 Oct 2025 | 01:26:05 | |
Theo tells the story of the Rochester flugelhorn player's super smooth 1977 jazz-pop crossover sensation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Dave "Baby" Cortez "The Happy Organ" | 22 Sep 2025 | 00:57:34 | |
Michael tells the story of the Detroit singer/songwriter/organist's 1958 instrumental chart-topper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Geggy Tah "Whoever You Are" | 05 Sep 2025 | 01:13:46 | |
Theo tells the story of the California experimental rock duo's 1996 funky, feel-good driving song. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Dire Straits "Sultans of Swing" (w/ Steve Sladkowski of PUP) | 07 Aug 2025 | 01:33:19 | |
Michael tells the story of the English band's 1978 breakout pub-rock hit. Steve Sladkowski, lead guitarist of PUP, joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Spin Doctors "Two Princes" | 24 Jul 2025 | 01:24:35 | |
Theo tells the story of the jammy New York pop-rock band's inescapable 1991 smash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Discussion: Top Albums of 2025 So Far | 08 Jul 2025 | 00:59:43 | |
Michael and Theo try something new and discuss their respective five favorite albums of the year thus far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Harvey Danger "Flagpole Sitta" Part 2 (w/ Matt Gudernatch) | 21 Jun 2025 | 01:08:27 | |
2 of 2 parts: Michael tells the story of the journalistic Seattle alternative rock band's snarky yet snappy 1997 smash. Actor, writer, and comedian Matt Gudernatch joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Harvey Danger "Flagpole Sitta" Part 1 (w/ Matt Gudernatch) | 13 Jun 2025 | 00:51:50 | |
1 of 2 parts: Michael tells the story of the journalistic Seattle alternative rock band's snarky yet snappy 1997 smash. Actor, writer, and comedian Matt Gudernatch joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Jill Sobule "I Kissed a Girl" | 28 May 2025 | 01:01:08 | |
Theo tells the story of the Denver singer-songwriter's witty, groundbreaking 1995 gay anthem Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Jimmy Dean "I.O.U." | 08 May 2025 | 00:58:54 | |
Michael tells the story of the Texas singer/songwriter, actor, TV host, and meat purveyor's 1976 sentimental spoken-word ode to moms Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Frank & Moon Zappa "Valley Girl" (w/ Eliza Thorn) | 24 Apr 2025 | 01:28:30 | |
Theo tells the story of the LA-via-Baltimore musical iconoclast and his daughter's 1982 novelty hit that forever changed American vernacular. Nashville singer/songwriter Eliza Thorn joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Nada Surf "Popular" (w/ Sofia Loporcaro) | 01 Apr 2025 | 01:22:02 | |
Michael tells the story of the New York City alternative rock band's 1996 sarcastic, spoken-word singalong. Podcaster and music journalist Sofia Loporcaro joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Fine Young Cannibals "She Drives Me Crazy" | 14 Mar 2025 | 01:11:47 | |
Theo tells the story of the Birmingham, England pop rock band's genre-defying 1989 chart-topper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Re-Hit: Buster Poindexter "Hot Hot Hot" | 06 Mar 2025 | 01:09:46 | |
In light of David Johansen's passing earlier this week, we are revisiting our 2023 episode about his alter-ego's 1987 calypso crossover smash “Hot Hot Hot.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Deniece Williams "Let's Hear It for the Boy" | 18 Feb 2025 | 01:02:57 | |
Michael tells the story of the Indiana singer's 1984 last-minute soundtrack smash Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Richard Harris "MacArthur Park" | 31 Jan 2025 | 00:57:02 | |
Theo tells the story of the Irish actor's 1967 epic pop crooner turn that started a cultural domino effect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Gerardo "Rico Suave" | 16 Jan 2025 | 01:05:13 | |
Michael tells the story of the Ecuadorian rapper's 1990 alter-ego bilingual blockbuster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Waitresses "Christmas Wrapping" | 21 Dec 2024 | 00:50:43 | |
Theo tells the story of the Ohio new wave band's distinctively cool 1981 Christmas classic, with a bonus dive into Kurtis Blow's 1979 holiday hip hop hit "Christmas Rappin'." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| EMF "Unbelievable" (w/ Illiterate Light) | 13 Dec 2024 | 01:27:04 | |
Michael tells the story of the English alternative rock band's classic, chaotic 1991 chart-topper. Virginia rock band Illiterate Light joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Bobby McFerrin "Don't Worry, Be Happy" | 27 Nov 2024 | 01:03:04 | |
Theo tells the story of the groundbreaking New York City vocalist/composer/improviser's 1988 a cappella chart-topper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Shawn Mullins "Lullaby" (w/ Golden Everything) | 14 Nov 2024 | 01:19:12 | |
Michael tells the story of the Georgia singer-songwriter's mysteriously specific 1998 semi-spoken-word smash. Nashville folk duo Golden Everything joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Mike Oldfield "Tubular Bells" (from The Exorcist) | 30 Oct 2024 | 00:54:12 | |
Theo tells the story of the British musician's epic, genre-spanning 1973 opus that went on to become part of horror film history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Greg Kihn Band "Jeopardy" | 16 Oct 2024 | 00:53:02 | |
Theo tells the story of the Bay Area pop rock band's 1983 funky heartbreak hit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Bob Carlisle "Butterfly Kisses" | 01 Oct 2024 | 01:06:22 | |
Michael tells the story of the California Christian adult contemporary singer's 1997 crossover ballad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Rembrandts "I'll Be There for You" | 22 Aug 2024 | 00:56:58 | |
Theo tells the story of the American pop-rock duo's short-but-sweet 1995 TV-theme smash Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Starland Vocal Band "Afternoon Delight" | 08 Aug 2024 | 01:14:23 | |
Michael tells the story of the Washington, DC singing group's 1976 epochal, deceptively low-brow chart-topper. [WARNING: Contains explicit content; listener discretion is advised.] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Iron Butterfly "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" | 15 Jul 2024 | 00:54:09 | |
Theo tells the story of the California prog proto-metal band's epic 1968 sleeper hit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| LFO "Summer Girls" (w/ Liz Riggs) | 27 Jun 2024 | 01:23:58 | |
Theo tells the story of the Massachusetts boy band's head-scratching, pop-culture-referencing 1999 rap-pop surprise hit. Novelist Liz Riggs joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Rebecca Black "Friday" | 14 Jun 2024 | 01:12:39 | |
Michael tells the story of the Orange County singer's 2011 polarizing, perhaps misunderstood, viral phenomenon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| They Might Be Giants "Boss of Me" | 15 May 2024 | 01:08:38 | |
Theo tells the story of the quirky Brooklyn-via-Massachusetts cult alt-rock band's 2000 ska-inflected, Grammy-winning TV theme song. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Fatboy Slim "Praise You" (w/ Steve Reidell of The Hood Internet) | 01 May 2024 | 01:36:57 | |
Michael tells the story of the UK big beat DJ and producer's sample-heavy, star-making 1998 smash. Steve Reidell of The Hood Internet joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Tag Team "Whoomp! (There It Is)" / 95 South "Whoot, There It Is" | 09 Apr 2024 | 01:25:24 | |
Double episode! Theo tells the stories of the coincidentally(?) competing 1993 hip-hop hits. [WARNING: Contains explicit content; listener discretion is advised.] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Alan Jackson "Chattahoochee" | 14 Mar 2024 | 01:07:05 | |
Michael tells the story of the Georgia country superstar's 1993 slangy summertime calling card Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Melanie "Brand New Key" | 29 Feb 2024 | 01:02:59 | |
Theo tells the story of Queens folk singer-songwriter Melanie's whimsically controversial 1971 chart-topper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Len "Steal My Sunshine" (w/ Courtney E. Smith) | 17 Feb 2024 | 01:32:58 | |
Michael tells the story of the Toronto slacker rap-rock band's 1999 disco-sampling hangover hymn. Courtney E. Smith joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Kim Carnes "Bette Davis Eyes" | 27 Jan 2024 | 00:56:47 | |
Theo tells the story of the Los Angeles singer/songwriter's 1981 movie star name-dropping synth-rock chart-topper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| OMC "How Bizarre" (w/ Danny Davis of Husbands) | 11 Jan 2024 | 00:59:55 | |
Michael tells the story of the New Zealand Pasifika group's distinctive 1995 global triumph. Husbands frontman Danny Davis joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| The Pogues feat. Kirsty MacColl "Fairytale of New York" | 16 Dec 2023 | 01:07:08 | |
Michael tells the story of the Irish/English Celtic folk-punk band's legendary Christmas classic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||
| Arlo Guthrie "Alice's Restaurant" (w/ Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie) | 22 Nov 2023 | 01:00:00 | |
Theo tells the story of the wry American folk prince's long-winded 1967 talking-blues Thanksgiving classic. Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. | |||