You Wanted a Hit!

By Michael Smith & Theo BeidlerMusic Music Commentary Music History

You Wanted a Hit! episodes

January 23 t.A.T.u. “All the Things She Said"
Michael tells the story of the teenage Russian pop-rock duo’s controversial 2002 worldwide phenomenon, back in the pop-culture forefront due to its inclusion in the hit Canadian drama series Heated Rivalry. [WARNING: This episode contains accounts of manipulation, coercion, and suggestive imagery involving minors. Listener discretion is advised.]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 28 min
December 23, 2025 ‎Vince Guaraldi Trio “Christmastime Is Here” / “Linus & Lucy"
Theo tells the story of the jazz pianist and his band’s unlikely, ubiquitous Christmas classic and the TV special that it soundtracked.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 1 min
December 06, 2025 The Juliana Hatfield Three “My Sister” (w/ Tawny Newsome)
Michael tells the story of the Boston singer/songwriter’s deceptive Alternative Rock chart-topper. Actor/comedian/writer/musician Tawny Newsome joins the conversation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 26 min
November 26, 2025 Re-Hit: Arlo Guthrie "Alice's Restaurant" (w/ Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie)
In light of legendary WMMR DJ Pierre Robert’s recent passing and the spirit of the season, we revisit Theo telling the story of wry American folk prince Arlo Guthrie's long-winded 1967 talking-blues epic Thanksgiving classic “Alice’s Restaurant." Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie joined the conversation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 5 min
November 13, 2025 Gordon Lightfoot “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"
Theo tells the story of the Toronto troubadour’s 1976 historical folk-rock ballad about the Great Lakes disaster of the same name.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 19 min
October 30, 2025 Toadies "Possum Kingdom" Part 2
2 of 2 parts: Michael tells the story of the Fort Worth alternative band's creepy, cult-ish 1994 rock radio staple.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
57 min
October 24, 2025 Toadies "Possum Kingdom" Part 1
1 of 2 parts: Michael tells the story of the Fort Worth alternative band's creepy, cult-ish 1994 rock radio staple.

[WARNING: This episode contains historical depictions of gruesome and graphic violence. Listen discretion is advised.]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
54 min
October 10, 2025 Chuck Mangione "Feels So Good"
Theo tells the story of the Rochester flugelhorn player's super smooth 1977 jazz-pop crossover sensation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 27 min
September 22, 2025 Dave "Baby" Cortez "The Happy Organ"
Michael tells the story of the Detroit singer/songwriter/organist's 1958 instrumental chart-topper
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58 min
September 05, 2025 Geggy Tah "Whoever You Are"
Theo tells the story of the California experimental rock duo's 1996 funky, feel-good driving song.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1 hr 14 min

About You Wanted a Hit!

From the publisher's feed

A discussion of unlikely, perplexing, and positively bizarre hit songs that swept the nation, and often the world. Have you ever heard a classic song and thought, "why on Earth was this popular?" Or…