American 100

The debut of Johnny Carson’s and David Letterman’s Late Night shows, along with the film E.T. would make headlines in 1982 along with the bombings of London by the IRA and the invasion of Lebanon by Israel. Also, The J. Geils Band and Michael Murphy would rank on the Hot 100.

Lord, 1969. The moon landing, the Beatles final performance, the Manson murders, Hurricane Camille, Woodstock, and besides so so much more, Three Dog Night and Edwin Starr would feature on the Billboard Hot 100. Perhaps more importantly are the artists behind these hits. And loneliness. And interpretation. Join hosts Micah McKee and Rando and returning guest, Paul Oswell, on our tenth journey into the terrible, paisley miasma that is American pop music.

And we’re back! Just as miraculously, in 1989 President George H. W. Bush would ban the importation of assault weapons, we would witness the Exxon Valdez oil spill, and both Sheena Easton and Janet Jackson would appear on the Billboard Hot 100. Welcome back to our cohosts, Micah and Rando. It’s American 100!

Same-sex Civil Unions are made legal, the last original Peanuts comic strip is published and the International Space Station is crewed for the first time. Also, Sonique and Destiny’s Child would find themselves on the Hot 100. It’s Y2K, baby, and even tho nothing happened to our computers due to the clock rollover, it was a big year for them anyway. Join our hosts, Micah and Rando, on this 8th journey into the deep spaces of America’s popular music.

Citing progress in peace negotiations, President Richard Nixon announces the suspension of offensive action in North Vietnam. He is then sworn in for a second term. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court overturns state bans on abortion in Roe v. Wade. It’s 1973 and both Elton John and Johnny Rivers would find themselves on the Billboard Hot 100. Join our host, Micha McKee, Rando and this week’s guest, Rory Callais, for this seventh endeavor into the deep deep hole of American pop music.

President Jimmy Carter pardons draft dodgers of the Vietnam War, Apple Computer is incorporated, and snow falls on Miami for the only time in its history. The year is 1977 and both jingle genius, Barry Manilow, and yet another family band, The Sylvers, find themselves on the Billboard Hot 100. Join Micah McKee, Randomizes & New Orleans comedian, Paul Oswell, for the sixth installment of American 100.President Jimmy Carter pardons draft dodgers of the Vietnam War, Apple Computer is incorporated, and snow falls on Miami for the only time in its history. The year is 1977 and both jingle genius, Barry Manilow, and yet another family band, The Sylvers, find themselves on the Billboard Hot 100. Join Micah McKee, Randomizes & New Orleans comedian, Paul Oswell, for the sixth installment of American 100.

Coca-Cola would introduce “New Coke” in what many observers declared to be the worst marketing blunder in history, the iconic Route 66 is removed from the United States Highway System, "Calvin and Hobbes" debuts in newspapers, and both Diana Ross and Sade would find themselves on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s 1985. Join Micah McKee, Rando and singer/songwriter/photographer, Paris Achenbach, for this, American 100’s fifth offering, “Mood & Mystery”.

Sonny Bono would suffer a tragic arborcide during a skiing trip, President Bill Clinton would find himself in hot political water for some hot apolitical dealings, and Saddam Houssein is targeted by the United States for… replacement. It’s 1998, and pop divas Mariah Carey and Madonna would share spots on the Billboard Hot 100. After an indeterminable time spinning around a time-space drain battling some bathtub ring theory, our heroes, Micah and Rando, were finally snapped out of it by a bathtub ring snapping turtle and have fallen back into our swamp-space and enthusiastically bring you episode four of American 100: Divas & Supergroups.

Hey! Check out Lauren Oglesby at laurenoglesby.com. She has two wonderful musical projects, and we are thrilled to have her along for the ride.

There is rioting in the streets of Los Angeles over Rodney King. The Space Shuttle Endeavor has a successful maiden voyage. Bill Clinton is elected president, and Miley Cyrus is born. It’s 1992, and both Nirvana and MC Hammer would honor the Billboard Hot 100 with their presence. Join our host, Micah McKee, and a whole bunch of very special guests to explore the genre-defining hits Smells Like Teen Spirit and 2 Legit 2 Quit on the third episode of American 100.