This week, Hit the Lights vocalist Nick Thompson joins the show to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s beloved 2006 single “Bodybag.” With tongue-in-cheek lyrics paying tribute to the beatdown hardcore bands that inspired Nick and his bandmates during their formative years in the Ohio suburbs, the song captures the spirit of that era perfectly. Combined with its catchy melodies, memorable guitar riffs, and slick Matt Squire production, “Bodybag” has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with fans decades later. Tune in for a fun and insightful look back at how it all came together.

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This week’s throwback is to Episode 144, first released February 27, 2023, when Australian singer-songwriter Ben Lee sat in to unpack “Catch My Disease,” the irresistible 2005 single that earned Song of the Year at the APRA Awards and picked up a whole new audience after landing on Grey’s Anatomy. In this episode, Ben breaks down how the song came together, the ideas behind its feel-good energy, and why it became such a defining moment in his career.

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Chris and Chris are once again joined by One Hit Thunder’s Matt Kelly to reflect on all the songs that were featured on the show in the past year. Together, they crown the Chris DeMakes A Podcast SONG OF THE YEAR, an honor that went to “Peaches” by The Presidents of the United States of America in the 2024 Wrap.

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In the final episode of their four-part December series, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios wrap things up with Elton John’s festive classic “Step Into Christmas.” They talk about the song’s spontaneous feel, the lighthearted lyrics, and the unmistakable style shaped by Elton’s longtime collaborators Gus Dudgeon and Bernie Taupin. The conversation touches on the Phil Spector-inspired wall of sound production, the standout bass line, and that gloriously chaotic outro that perfectly captures the energy of early ’70s rock. From its iconic music video to its unexpected return to the charts decades later, this episode celebrates how “Step Into Christmas” became one of the all-time holiday favorites.

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This is a sneak preview episode of The After Party. In this episode, Chris and Chris dive into how we got the Santa Claus (aka SINTERKLAAS) that we know and love today. 

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In the 1981 holiday season, The Waitresses delivered a refreshingly offbeat gift with their single “Christmas Wrapping.” Written by Chris Butler, who openly admitted his dislike for the holidays, the song was pieced together from leftover riffs and lyrics he scribbled down in a taxi on the way to the studio. With Patty Donahue’s cool, talk-sing delivery and a groove that blended sarcasm with sincerity, the track perfectly captured the chaotic mix of exhaustion and joy that defines the season. Though it was only a modest hit at first, “Christmas Wrapping” has since become a perennial favorite, standing tall among the countless festive tunes that come and go each year. In this episode, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios unpack what makes this unlikely holiday anthem continue to resonate more than four decades later.

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From the One Hit Thunder podcast (originally released on 11/29/2024)

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 eras. From game-changing alt-rock classics to soul-stirring records that brought confessional songwriting to the forefront, these albums represent the absolute best of the best, handpicked by over 100 friends and listeners. Join in as Chris and Matt unveil the final 20-1 countdown, sharing their excitement, debate, and maybe a surprise or two along the way.

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For this week’s Throwback Thursday, we’re revisiting Episode 185 from December 11th, 2023. In this episode, Eric Bazilian makes his triumphant return to the show, this time to dive into the fascinating backstory of his iconic song “One Of Us,” made famous by Joan Osborne in 1995. Eric recounts the spontaneous genesis of the track, revealing that he composed it in a single night after his then-girlfriend expressed interest in his recording process. Despite some controversy about the song from a few dimwits of the era, it has endured and continues to resonate today. To add a special touch, Eric even breaks out the very acoustic guitar used in the song’s recording, offering an extra layer of authenticity to this can’t-miss episode.

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Darlene Love’s 1963 classic “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” remains one of the most beloved holiday songs of all time, but it wasn’t an instant hit. Produced by Phil Spector, the track eventually found success thanks to its heartfelt lyrics and Love’s powerful performance, though it took years to catch on. Its release was also overshadowed by the tragic timing of the JFK assassination, which happened on the same day the album came out. Still, the song proves that truly great music always finds a way, and this week, Chris DeMakes and Chris Fafalios explore its backstory, creation, and the musical magic that has kept it a holiday staple for six decades.

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From the One Hit Thunder podcast (originally released on 11/22/2024)

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 from over 100 samples, a concept album about the human condition, and a record that put emo on the map. Whether they’re covering anthems of rebellion, an iconic coming-of-age R&B debut, or an arena rock record that took years to perfect, Chris and Matt guide listeners through a countdown packed with stories, insights, and surprises.

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