American 100

Smallpox is no longer a threat to the human race, wiped from the face of the Earth. President Jimmy Carter authorizes the minting of the Susan B. Anthony dollar, and also legalizes the homebrewing of beer. Ted Bundy is finally captured by authorities. It’s 1978, and both Earth Wind and Fire and Crystal Gayle would find themselves on the Billboard Hot 100 list. Join our host, Micah McKee, along with his trusty robot companion, Rando, and this week’s special guest, Michael Lentz, on our second journey into America’s musical heart.

Chairman Mao is dead, VHS hits the market for the first time, and Andre the Giant sets the world record for most beers consumed in a single sitting. It’s 1976, and both Paul Simon and Gary Wright would find themselves on the Billboard Hot 100 list. Join our Host, Micah McKee, along with his trusty robot companion, Rando, and this week’s special guest, Seth Cockfield, on our inaugural journey into America’s musical heart.

What makes a hit a hit? Why did a love affair between two rodents make it to the charts in 1973? And why did a Staples Singers cover by Bruce Willis outperform the original classic? In American 100 we’re gonna dive into the heart of the Billboard Hot 100, completely at random, and try to get to the bottom of what makes us love, hate, or just get addicted to pop songs. Featuring guest musicians and comedians, it’s funny, it’s informative, and just like the Hot 100 itself, a little bit weird.

At the end of every episode a randomizer will pick the next week’s topic and we’ll go through the history, song structure, and (if necessary) quirkiness of these songs.

Hosted by Micah McKee and presented by Cicada Radio, American 100 airs anywhere you like to listen to podcasts.