Best Joel J Kelly Podcasts (2025)

1
"The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World 44:18

1d ago44:18

44:18

When our Patreon voted for an episode about “The Middle,” we had mixed emotions—how could a band as important to us as Jimmy Eat World technically be a one-hit wonder? With Bleed American holding a firm place on our Thundred list, it almost feels wrong! But this week, we dive deep into the band’s history, the perfect storm that made “The Middle” a …

1
“Keep On Dancing” by The Gentrys (f/ Jonathan London) 1:15:20

8d ago1:15:20

1:15:20

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” Jimm…

1
“The Humpty Dance” by Digital Underground 45:35

15d ago45:35

45:35

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 concep…

1
SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert and The Anniversary Special Reaction Episode 59:59

17d ago59:59

59:59

After all the festivities have come to a close, we share our thoughts on Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary weekend, which included a star-studded concert and a special Sunday night episode for the ages. 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 f…

1
Kendrick Lamar Super Bowl Halftime Show Reaction Episode 32:12

21d ago32:12

32:12

In this bonus episode, we dive into Kendrick Lamar's unforgettable Super Bowl LIX halftime performance in New Orleans, with special insight from Chris, who was lucky enough to witness it live. We break down the impact of Kendrick's set, examining its significance in both his career and the broader history of Super Bowl performances. From his master…

1
“Because I Got High” by Afroman (f/ Alan Peterson) 50:55

22d ago50:55

50:55

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 d…

1
“For What It’s Worth” by Buffalo Springfield (f/ Leah Haslage) 55:28

29d ago55:28

55:28

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 Step…

1
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards Reaction Episode 37:00

1M ago37:00

37:00

The 67th Annual Grammys delivered a night packed with unforgettable moments, and Chris and Matt are here to break it all down. From Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé’s big wins to Doechii’s historic Best Rap Album victory, they cover the night’s highlights, surprises, and controversies. They discuss powerful speeches—like Chappell Roan’s industry callout …

1
Ladies & Gentlemen…50 Years of SNL Music Reaction Episode 56:51

1M ago56:51

56:51

Live from your podcast feed, it’s One Hit Thunder! This week, Chris and Matt dive into Ladies & Gentlemen...50 Years of SNL Music, the new documentary celebrating the legendary show's musical legacy. From the raw energy of punk rock chaos to the polished brilliance of pop icons, they break down the performances that defined generations. Along the w…

1
“Epic” by Faith No More (f/Jon Lewis) 58:52

1M ago58:52

58:52

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 evolut…

1
"The Promise" by When in Rome 46:51

1M ago46:51

46:51

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 membe…

1
“God Bless The U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood (is the worst song ever written) 51:21

2M ago51:21

51:21

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 lyric…

1
"Finally" by CeCe Peniston 40:15

2M ago40:15

40:15

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, …

1
The Thundred: Mailbag, Snubs, and Hot Takes...LIVE! 1:12:43

2M ago1:12:43

1:12:43

In this special live episode of One Hit Thunder recorded on January 3, 2025, Chris and Matt dive into the fiery world of The Thundred—the podcast’s list of the top 100 albums of all time, as voted by listeners, friends, and past guests. With emails pouring in from fans ready to share their hot takes, the duo reads through critiques, complaints, and…

1
Our Fifth Year Countdown 49:59

2M ago49:59

49:59

Happy New Year from One Hit Thunder! To kick off 2025, Chris and Matt are joined by special guest Johnny Yetsconish for a countdown extravaganza like no other. Together, they rank the past 50 songs featured on the show, from the undeniable hits to the ones that just didn’t strike the right chord. Will Skee-Lo's "I Wish" or Right Said Fred's "I'm To…

1
Merry Christmas...check out our Patreon! 53:39

2M ago53:39

53:39

For the first time in four years, we don't have a new episode for you, as it’s Christmas morning. However, we think you might be missing out on roughly three years of great Patreon content! So, enjoy this collection of some of our favorite Patreon episodes from the past few weeks, and consider subscribing to hear even more! Join our Patreon One Hit…

1
Christian Cringe Preview 23:25

2M ago23:25

23:25

Check out Matt's new podcast "Christian Cringe" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Geekscape

1
“Jenny Says” by Cowboy Mouth (f/ Hunter DeBlanc) 48:47

3M ago48:47

48:47

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. Tho…

1
“Brimful of Asha” by Cornershop 39:54

3M ago39:54

39:54

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 une…

1
Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary Reaction Episode 42:41

3M ago42:41

42:41

In this episode, Chris and Matt are joined by yacht rock aficionado Jim Logrando to discuss the new HBO Music Box documentary, Yacht Rock: A DOCKumentary. The trio dives into their favorite moments from the film, which explores the smooth, soulful sound of artists like Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Christopher Cross, who defined the genre in…

1
The 2024 Spotify Wrapped Reaction Episode 34:29

3M ago34:29

34:29

In this episode, Chris and Matt dive into the excitement of Spotify Wrapped, celebrating the podcast’s impressive 85% growth and its reach across 115 countries. They discuss how 89% of their listeners discovered the show this year, highlighting the importance of engagement in building a global community of music lovers. The duo also shares their pe…

1
“Lips of an Angel” by Hinder (f/ Jacob Godbey) 48:40

3M ago48:40

48:40

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 …

1
THE THUNDRED: The Top 100 Albums of All Time (#20 - #1) 1:42:55

3M ago1:42:55

1:42:55

In this final installment of THE THUNDRED, Chris and Matt reveal the Top 20 Albums of All Time, closing out their five-part countdown with the most legendary records ever made. Without giving anything away, expect albums packed with unforgettable guitar riffs, raw lyrics that hit straight to the heart, and genre-defining songs that shaped entire er…

1
“Shut Up and Dance” by WALK THE MOON 42:19

3M ago42:19

42:19

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 i…

1
THE THUNDRED: The Top 100 Albums of All Time (#40 - #21) 1:27:04

3M ago1:27:04

1:27:04

THE THUNDRED is back! In this exciting installment, Chris and Matt count down from #40 to #21 of the greatest albums of all time, celebrating records that have left a mark across musical history. From an album that defined a band’s breakup to another that set new standards for experimental production, this episode covers a hip-hop masterpiece made …

1
“Buffalo Stance” by Neneh Cherry (f/ Joel Reader) 53:22

4M ago53:22

53:22

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,…

1
Re-Release of "Tipsy" by J-Kwon Episode (f/ G1 to the Rescue) 49:09

4M ago49:09

49:09

For 17 weeks, the number one song in America has been "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" by Shaboozey, which interpolates the song "Tipsy" by J-Kwon—a track we covered a few years ago with G1 to the Rescue. In honor of that, we are re-releasing the episode! Enjoy! One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the n…

1
THE THUNDRED: The Top 100 Albums of All Time (#60 - #41) 1:16:22

4M ago1:16:22

1:16:22

In part three of THE THUNDRED, Chris and Matt continue their epic countdown of the Top 100 albums of all time, with rankings based on the Top 20 lists of over 100 contributors. This episode covers albums 60 through 41, diving into a wild variety of genres and eras. From an artist’s leap into a full-blown pop transformation to a massive solo debut, …

1
“I Love Your Smile” by Shanice 44:33

4M ago44:33

44:33

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 …

1
THE THUNDRED: The Top 100 Albums of All Time (#80 - #61) 1:17:41

4M ago1:17:41

1:17:41

THE THUNDRED continues! In this second episode of the five-part series, hosts Chris Fafalios and Matt Kelly crack into the next set of albums on the top 100 list, covering #80 through #61. Compiled from the votes of over 100 music industry insiders and dedicated listeners, this list spans an impressive array of genres and decades. Chris and Matt sh…

1
“Tequila” by The Champs (f/ Tommy Avallone) 48:41

4M ago48:41

48:41

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…

1
Fun Facts About Albums #100 - #81 of THE THUNDRED 36:23

4M ago36:23

36:23

In this supplemental episode to THE THUNDRED, host Chris Fafalios takes the spotlight to explore some fun facts and trivia about the albums ranked #100 through #81 on the definitive countdown of the top 100 albums of all time. The list so far... #100: The Cranberries Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? #99: Outkast Speakerboxxx/The Love Be…

1
THE THUNDRED: The Top 100 Albums of All Time (#100 - #81) 1:07:34

4M ago1:07:34

1:07:34

THE THUNDRED is here! This five-part series kicks off in this episode, where hosts Chris Fafalios and Matt Kelly begin the countdown of the top 100 albums of all time. Compiled from the input of over 100 music industry insiders and passionate listeners, the list spans a diverse range of genres and eras. In this first installment, Chris and Matt div…

1
“The Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley 35:41

4M ago35:41

35:41

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…

1
“Hell” by Squirrel Nut Zippers (f/ Mark Popeney) 1:00:03

4M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

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 sw…

1
“I Wish” by Skee-Lo (f/ Johnny Yetsconish) 35:34

5M ago35:34

35:34

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 a…

1
"Oh Yeah" by Yello 35:06

5M ago35:06

35:06

If you've ever seen an attractive woman appear in a movie or TV show, chances are you're familiar with Yello's iconic song "Oh Yeah." This quirky, experimental band stumbled into international fame thanks to well-placed film features, yet never managed to replicate its success with another hit. This week, since Patreon voted for it, Matt and I ask:…

1
“To Be With You” by Mr. Big (f/ Mike Soboslai) 42:34

5M ago42:34

42:34

Mike Soboslai is back again with his BIGGEST song yet. Mr. Big's campfire sing-along ballad "To Be With You" was a surprise hit in 1992, especially as the grunge era was taking hold. This infectious tune was dramatically different from the band's usual intricate hard rock style, showcasing a softer side that few saw coming. Known for their technica…

1
The 2004 Albums Fantasy Auction Draft 1:17:43

5M ago1:17:43

1:17:43

In this fun-filled episode, hosts Chris and Matt are joined by draft regulars Tony Hartman and Matthew Milligan, along with first-time drafter Johnny Yetsconish, for the highly anticipated 2004 albums fantasy auction draft. The competition heats up as the guys battle it out for the best albums from a year packed with iconic releases by artists like…

1
"Breakout" by Swing Out Sister 27:06

6M ago27:06

27:06

Patreon voted for us to dive into the group Swing Out Sister and their aptly named breakout hit, "Breakout." Written by lead singer Corinne Drewery while recovering from a fractured skull, the song emerged during a stressful period when the band was worried about being dropped from their label. Despite being prolific and never slowing down, they we…

1
One Hit Thunder Patreon Content - Reacting to the Consequence Top 50 Post Grunge Songs List with PJ Caruso 17:31

6M ago17:31

17:31

This is a Patreon episode we released almost 2 months ago that we liked so much we wanted to share this on the main feed! Get more conversations like this every single week at www.patreon.com/ohtpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Geekscape

1
“I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred (f/PJ Caruso) 47:43

6M ago47:43

47:43

This week, we're taking a little turn on the catwalk with special guest PJ Caruso as we dive into the early '90s phenomenon that is Right Said Fred's "I'm Too Sexy." PJ decided it had been too long since we last covered a truly novelty track, and this one tops the charts in that category. It's almost baffling that we have to say this, but if you're…

1
Reacting to the First New Songs from New Radicals in 25 Years 21:34

6M ago21:34

21:34

It's no secret to long time listeners that Matt is a MASSIVE fan of the New Radicals and their lone album "Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too", so when he heard that the band did a surprise drop of 2 new songs after 25 years he couldn't want to talk about it. Join him and Chris on their immediate reactions to the new songs "Lost Stars" and "Murder o…

1
"Respect Yourself" by Bruce Willis 46:24

6M ago46:24

46:24

We've covered Deion Sanders and Eddie Murphy on the podcast, but there's still a treasure trove of celebrities turned musicians to discuss. However, the case of Bruce Willis is extra strange. A year before Die Hard transformed him from a TV star to a full-blown movie star, he released the album The Return of Bruno, featuring the Top 10 hit "Respect…

1
"The Whole of the Moon" by The Waterboys (f/Paul Menotiades) 35:18

6M ago35:18

35:18

Matt really let this one slide for no other reason than it's one of his favorite songs, but there's a pretty good chance you don't know "The Whole of the Moon" by The Waterboys. In this episode of One Hit Thunder, we dive into this overlooked gem from 1985. Matt discovered the song through a Netflix Christmas movie, while our guest Paul Menotiades …

1
“Do Right” by Jimmie’s Chicken Shack 37:30

7M ago37:30

37:30

With the 25th anniversary of Jimmie's Chicken Shack's album Bring Your Own Stereo upon us, we're diving into their eclectic catalog, spotlighting their 1999 single "Do Right." Known for running the full gamut of musical styles—sometimes to the point where it might be too much—the band's versatility is both a strength and a challenge. Depending on y…

1
"Lotta Love" by Nicolette Larson (f/Jon Belan) 39:41

7M ago39:41

39:41

This week, Gene the Werewolf frontman Jon Belan joins us to dive into Nicolette Larson's 1978 hit "Lotta Love." As a young dreamer, Larson headed to San Francisco, where her talent quickly caught the attention of noteworthy artists, leading to collaborations with legends like Neil Young. As luck would have it, she discovered "Lotta Love" on a demo …

1
"I Got 5 On It" by Luniz 40:29

7M ago40:29

40:29

Patreon voted for this, so we're diving deep into the world of weed and hip-hop with Luniz (yes, their name is pronounced "Loonies") and their 1995 hit "I Got 5 On It." Both Matt and I were blown away by just how massive this song was when it dropped—contrary to what you might think, it was already a Top 10 hit long before it was resurrected by Jor…

1
“Something In the Air” by Thunderclap Newman (f/ Shaun Rohland) 43:03

7M ago43:03

43:03

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by my longtime friend and music aficionado Shaun Rohland to celebrate the 1969 flower power anthem “Something In the Air” by Thunderclap Newman. We dive into how this song - with its reminder that “we got to get together sooner or later” - perfectly embodies the spirit of its era. Exploring the band’s intriguing…

1
“Mississippi Queen” by Mountain (f/Scott Mellinger) 50:45

8M ago50:45

50:45

This week, Zao guitarist Scott Mellinger joins us to explore Mountain's 1970 smash hit "Mississippi Queen." We ride the musical train back to the roots of metal, exploring how this southern rock anthem, with Leslie West's iconic guitar riffs and raw vocals, helped shape the heavy metal landscape. We trace the genre's evolution from its gritty begin…

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Joel J Kelly Podcasts

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