Author: Saintmort

It’s been a while since our friend Jonathan London joined us, but with his new comic Hero of the Prophecy crowdfunding now, we thought it was the perfect time to talk about a wrestling-connected musician—Jimmy Hart and his 1965 hit with The Gentrys, “Keep On Dancing”! While The Gentrys’ time in the spotlight was brief, “The Mouth of the South” Jimmy Hart’s career stretched far beyond the 60s, making waves in both music and wrestling. We dive into the band’s history, the simplicity of their one big hit, and the fascinating crossover between music and the mat.

Our Patreon supporters made their voices loud and clear—this week, we’re diving deep into Digital Underground’s unforgettable 1990 hit, “The Humpty Dance”! While some know the group solely for this quirky classic, others recognize frontman Shock G as one of hip hop’s most innovative figures. We explore the genius behind the Sex Packets album concept, the alter ego of Humpty Hump, and the song’s lasting influence on both music and pop culture. From its iconic samples to its role in launching Tupac’s career, this episode celebrates the funky, unpredictable, and endlessly entertaining world of Digital Underground.

This week, we’re joined by comedian Alan Peterson to explore the rise, fall, and lasting buzz of Afroman’s iconic stoner anthem, “Because I Got High.” From its humble beginnings as an independent release to an unexpected climb up the charts, this hazy earworm turned Afroman into a brief household name before label disputes and industry challenges dimmed his mainstream spotlight. We’ll dig into the song’s undeniable charm, its wild backstory—including Afroman’s more recent viral resurgence after a police raid—and the unique place it holds in the pantheon of one-hit wonders. Roll up and join us for a hilarious and insightful look at this unforgettable track!

This week, we’re joined by Leah Haslage, host of the Bridechilla podcast, to dive into the cultural and musical legacy of Buffalo Springfield’s timeless classic, “For What It’s Worth.” Though often linked with the Vietnam War, the song’s origins trace back to the Sunset Strip curfew riots—a protest of a very different kind. With Neil Young and Stephen Stills at the helm, Buffalo Springfield laid the groundwork for an entire generation of folk rock. Together, we’ll explore how this iconic protest anthem transcended its original context, the ways pop culture—like Forrest Gump—has revitalized its relevance, and how music’s commercialization affects its impact. Let’s hit rewind on the 60s and uncover what made this track thunder.

This week, we’re joined by Jon Lewis of The Dopamines to dive into Faith No More’s explosive 1990 hit “Epic.” While it might seem wild to label anything connected to the prolific Mike Patton as a one-hit wonder, “Epic” remains their only Hot 100 crossover, landing in the Top 10 and cementing their place in rock history. We explore the band’s evolution, the creative dynamics that shaped their sound, and the hilarious rivalry with Anthony Kiedis. Along the way, we touch on Mike Patton’s many musical ventures, the quirks of Faith No More’s early years, and the legacy of a band that redefined alternative rock. Is “Epic” a thunderous triumph or a blunder in disguise? We’ll answer the age old question “WHAT…IS…IT?” in this episode!

This week, we’re exploring When In Rome’s unforgettable 1988 hit, “The Promise.” What started as a Top 20 new wave anthem recorded in a garden shed has grown into a timeless classic, thanks in part to its revival in Napoleon Dynamite. We explore the band’s brief rise, their infamous breakup, and the messy legal battles that followed as former members fought over the rights to the name When In Rome. Along the way, we share our thoughts on the song’s emotional pull, its surprising dance floor appeal, and the challenges the band faced navigating the late 80s music scene. Is When In Rome certified thunder or a total blunder? We’re sorry but we’re just thinking of the right words to say.

In honor of an altogether dreadful Inauguration Day, we’re tackling what might just be the worst song in music history: Lee Greenwood’s bombastic ode to patriotism, “God Bless the U.S.A.” Sure, Greenwood had other country hits, but let’s face it—this is the only song he’s remembered for, and not for great reasons. Beyond the overly saccharine lyrics and predictable melody, we uncover the less-than-rosy details about Greenwood himself, including his stint as a grifter Bible salesman. Join us as we dive into why this song’s unearned legacy and its composer’s questionable backstory make it a strong contender for the most cringe-inducing track ever written.

We’ve finally hit 250 episodes, so what better time to talk about CeCe Peniston’s unforgettable 1991 dance anthem, “Finally”? While some may argue this is a controversial pick—Peniston did have a few other Top 20 hits—her name often lands on lists of ‘90s one-hit wonders. How did this powerhouse vocalist, whose talent and charisma were undeniable, end up with her career so tightly associated with just one song? In this episode, we dive into CeCe’s career, explore the enduring legacy of “Finally,” and uncover why her other successes were quickly overshadowed by this timeless classic.

You know what’s crazy? The fact that as of today, Willem Dafoe has now starred in not one, but TWO Nosferatu films. A24’s retelling is now playing in theaters and so we decided now would be a perfect time to discuss a perfect movie about Count Orlock, SHADOW OF THE VAMPIRE (2000). You’ve got Dafoe as a vampire playing a vampire in a vampire silent film, and John Malkovich as the myopic director who doesn’t mind a little murder here and there as long as his movie gets made. Is this the most quotable vampire movie of all time? We’re here to argue that it is!

Gather round, kids – we’ve got a heartwarming story for you about a Christmas long ago (1990) in a magical place called “Houston” where a detective on a mission encounters an alien with an arm-mounted drain snake to create space heroin to take back to his planet. There is also a gang called the White Boys (really!) who dress like finance bros who want to get their hands on that sweet, sweet space heroin too. And as a bonus, the alien has a killer flying CD attack. It’s a lot to process, so sit back and let your uncles Matt, Scott and Kyle tell you all about DARK ANGEL, aka I COME IN PEACE! In the words of whoever greenlit this insane concept, “let it snow, let it snow, let it snow” and we don’t mean the stuff that falls from the sky when it’s cold.

This week, we’re joined by Hunter DeBlanc to talk about his hometown heroes, Cowboy Mouth, and their high-energy 1997 single “Jenny Says.” Against the odds, this Louisiana band broke into the modern rock scene with a song that was as relentless and rowdy as their live shows, led by drummer and lead singer Fred LeBlanc’s electric stage presence. Though “Jenny Says” opened doors to movie soundtracks, Cowboy Mouth couldn’t find another radio hit and eventually parted ways with their major label. But in Louisiana and all throughout the country, they’re still packing shows—even county fairs, where Hunter saw their unforgettable live act. Join us as we dig into Cowboy Mouth’s legacy and debate whether they’re worth knowing beyond “Jenny Says.”

There’s a Friday the 13th in December, so grab your Santa hat and hockey mask because we’re celebrating the holiday with one of the few remaining films from the franchise that hasn’t been covered yet, the 1984 classic FRIDAY THE 13TH: THE FINAL CHAPTER! Spoiler alert, it was not the actual final chapter, nor does it occur on a Friday – this is actually Sunday the 15th but really who’s counting? Time for some gratuitous “teen” nudity, Crispin Glover dancing, and some sweet, sweet Savini gore. Who’s ready to go skinny dipping in Crystal Lake?

Patreon voted, and this week we’re diving into Cornershop’s 1997 single “Brimful of Asha”—a song that producer Matt, a true fan, has been waiting for us to cover. Known for blending Indian influences with indie rock, Cornershop crafted a unique song that’s a heartfelt tribute to a beloved Bollywood playback singer. Though a remix by Fatboy Slim unexpectedly brought the track to modern rock radio, Cornershop stayed largely in the underground, never hitting the charts again. Join us as we explore this one-of-a-kind band’s lasting impact and debate whether they deserved more time in the spotlight.

December is an month chock FULL of kindertrauma, so what better way to kick it off than get lost in the fever dream Disney classic THE WATCHER IN THE WOODS (1980)? The trailer seemed to pop up on every 80s-era live action Disney VHS and scarred an entire generation of kids who are now all grown up and doing podcasts… Plus it’s got Bette Davis in it! Kyle even went the extra mile and got the original sci-fi ending over to Matt and Scott so they could also enjoy how wild this film’s first cut was before the studio wimped out. Name a stray dog after a missing girl’s name backwards, it’s Horror Movie Night!

This week, we’re joined by Jacob Godbey, who’s ready to belt out his go-to karaoke hit, “Lips of an Angel” by Hinder—a song that’s recently found new life (and irony) on TikTok. But as we dive into this unapologetic butt rock ballad, one question keeps coming up: is this the worst song we’ve ever covered? With a storyline that’s practically a love letter to infidelity, “Lips of an Angel” has all the makings of a track we’d love to hate. But could the rest of Hinder’s catalog change our minds? Tune in to find out if there’s more to this band than their bittersweet, forbidden anthem.

Imagine a new take on Frankenstein’s Monster, but instead of it being a human… it’s a dog. And instead of it being horror, it’s almost pure comedy. Congrats, you’ve successfully pitched MAN’S BEST FRIEND (1993) to a cigar-smoking movie exec hopped up on enough nose candy to greenlight it! This is a very strange movie, and could only have been created in that golden age of horror between the end of second-wave slashers in the early 90s before SCREAM revitalized the genre. They were really scraping for ideas, so a Cujo-meets-Robocop was just the ticket apparently. That said, this movie is an absolute blast… as long as you’ve got your rabies shot.

It’s been 10 years since WALK THE MOON released “Shut Up and Dance,” a song that’s become a wedding staple and an unstoppable earworm. But what happens when you dig past the hit? This week, we’re diving into the band’s catalog to see if there’s more to love beyond the infectious, overexposed anthem that had everyone on their feet. Known for their indie roots and die-hard dedication to music, WALK THE MOON brings a lot to the table—but does “Shut Up and Dance” overshadow it all? Listen in and find out if WALK THE MOON deserves another dance.

Why Full Moon didn’t do a compilation called Short Movies For Short Monsters, we may never know, but if Chucky Band wants to get in on that IP, he has our number. And if he does come to his senses, we just know he’ll kick off his comp with 1993’s DOLLMAN VS. DEMONIC TOYS. Coming in at a diminutive 64 minute runtime, with at least half of the scenes pulled from DOLLMAN (1991), DEMONIC TOYS (1992) and BAD CHANNELS (1992), this is barely a feature film, but at least it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Get down on our level and see what a foot-high alien cop does when a foul-mouthed baby doll tries to have its way with his girlfriend (also one foot tall). It’s all very confusing.

This week, we’re joined by Joel Reader to talk about Neneh Cherry’s 1989 hit “Buffalo Stance,” a bold, genre-blending anthem that poses the age-old question, “Who’s that gigolo on the street?” In an era when female hip-hop was just breaking into the mainstream, Neneh brought a fiercely feminist tone that feels more relevant now than ever. Together, Joel, Matt, and I dig into the song’s fearless style and attitude, asking whether Neneh Cherry deserves to be celebrated beyond this iconic track.

When it comes to deciding on titles, no killer yeti movie has ever gone quite as hard as 1974’s SHRIEK OF THE MUTILATED. Come on, that’s bad ass, though the badassery more or less starts and ends at the title, leaving little imagination left for the actual movie it precedes. What follows is a lot of bad acting, a little bit of plot involving college students tracking down a yeti with their professor, and a final scene with more outdated racial stereotypes than you’ve seen all year (hopefully). This one is pure 70s schlock with a surprisingly famous song about popcorn tossed in for good measure. What else would you expect from us at this point?

This week, Patreon voted, and the choice is Shanice’s 1992 hit “I Love Your Smile”—a song that somehow escaped producer Matt Kelly’s radar! We dig into the early start of Pittsburgh’s own Shanice, whose incredible talent led her to a massive Top 5 single that had everyone “doo-doo-dooing” along. While she had a few follow-up hits, none reached the same iconic status as her breakout track. Join us as we dive into the charm, charisma, and sheer joy that made “I Love Your Smile” unforgettable and ask the big question: did Shanice deserve more?

For some people, Christmas season starts on November 1st, which is legitimately crazy but who are we to yuck Matt’s yum? In honor of the coziest time of year when family is never far, we get familiar with 1988’s guy-talks-to-mannequins classic PIN! This was first discussed in our Reddit Horror Club days, and it was high time it made an appearance on HMN. It’s got enough sleaze to keep even Kyle happy, and Scott went the extra mile and read the book it was adapted from for this episode, so prepare for a double dose of childhood trauma. It’s doctor’s orders!

If you’re like me, the first time you heard The Champs’ “Tequila” was probably when Pee-wee Herman danced on a bar in the 1985 film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure. This week’s guest, Tommy Avallone, is a die-hard cinephile and prolific documentary filmmaker. His latest documentary The House From... is currently streaming on Fubo and Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort channel. Since Pee-wee’s house from the iconic Tim Burton movie is heavily featured, we thought now was the perfect time to discuss this single-word hit song!

Happy Halloween, everybody! As in tradition at Horror Movie Night, we are discussing a kid-friendly horror movie with 2009’s incredible stop-motion CORALINE. Beyond the wonderful story and truly creepy Other Mother, the technical prowess on display throughout this movie is just untouchable. Is this a perfect spooky season offering for the whole family? Let’s use our button eyes to see!

Would you believe the novelty song “The Purple People Eater” was a number 1 hit? Did you know that 30 years after its release, a movie was made based on the song? And here’s something even crazier: songwriter and vocalist Sheb Wooley recorded a stock audio scream that’s been used in thousands of films and TV shows! It’s Halloween at One Hit Thunder, and we’re diving into Mr. Wooley’s bizarre and fascinating career!

It’s almost Halloween, and it’s been a while since we discussed a Michael Myers movie, so why not tackle 1981’s divisive sequel HALLOWEEN II? This fever dream (literally) of a slasher has some fun kills, Donald Pleasance doing the most, and the introduction of the head-scratching explanation that Laurie is actually Michael’s baby sister from the beginning of the first movie. We never really get to move past that in the rest of the Halloween franchise, so we might as well get into on this week’s episode. Also, look at how red the blood is in this one!

This week, we’re joined by Mark Popeney, one half of the new podcast Nevermind the Music. With his background as a music professor, Mark takes us through the strange and often challenging journey of the Squirrel Nut Zippers, who unexpectedly scored an Alternative Radio hit with their Cab Calloway-inspired song “Hell.” Though lumped into the ’90s swing revival, there was something that made them stand out, and this week, we try to pinpoint exactly what that was!

It’s finally happened… Scott’s lost his head and has run off with the Pickety Witch to SLEEPY HOLLOW (1999)! Celebrating 25 years of sort-of-kid-friendly head trauma, this delightful film is full of blood, humor, and a very problematic cast and director (not you, Christina Ricci, we still love you). Meet us at the Tree of the Dead and we’ll promise not to chew off your tongues when we smooch…

One of our most prolific podcast guests, Johnny Yetsconish, is back with one of the most iconic rap songs of the ’90s: Skee-Lo’s 1995 hit single “I Wish.” In the thick of gangsta rap, a 19-year-old Skee-Lo took the radio by storm with a G-rated rap song about being a “little bit taller” and dreaming of popularity and success with the ladies. This anthem of a hopeless romantic has left a lasting impact not just on the three of us, but on the hip-hop community as a whole. Unfortunately, due to a bad contract with a shady record label, Skee-Lo retired from music at the peak of his popularity. This week, we listen to his music and decide if we WISH he had stuck around longer. Join us as we dive into the story behind the song that made everyone wish they were a baller.

We were honored to have Peter Filardi on the podcast who wrote this week’s movie THE CRAFT! While this episode is less traditional than the normal episode, Peter gives us fascinating insight on things like the originally intended ending, what it was like to hand off the script to director Andrew Fleming and his newfound love of directing!