The Audio Files Ep. 4: One Hit Wonders, Part 2

Badlands Media

*The music in this video is copyrighted and all rights reserved to the respective copyright holders*

Brad Zerbo and Jaytriot return for part two of their rollicking journey through the world of one-hit wonders. This episode blends nostalgia, music trivia, and personal stories as the duo curates a lineup of infectious tracks that left lasting marks despite brief chart lives. From “St. Elmo’s Fire” to “Safety Dance,” they explore the unexpected origins of hits, like how a Canadian athlete inspired John Parr, or how “Rapper’s Delight” sampled Chic’s “Good Times” and led to a copyright showdown. They share anecdotes tied to each song, from high school dances to dance club memories, emphasizing how music becomes a time machine. Expect guilty pleasures, trivia bombs (Ava Gabor samples!), and genre-spawning tracks like “Cannonball” and “Beds Are Burning.” Whether you’re into disco, ska, rap, or ‘90s alt-rock, this episode hits all the right notes while giving props to underdog artists and their accidental masterpieces.