Advertise on podcast: American 100

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★★★★★

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12 reviews

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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.

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GRIEF: Aretha & Dolly

2023/05/26

In this inaugural episode of Season 3 of American 100, we get a slightly adjusted format for our slightly adjusted times. Grief is the theme. Aretha Franklin & Dolly Parton provide the lens through which we will be examining this process that we’ve all been dealing with maybe a little bit more than normal lately.

Break Announcement & Updates

2022/01/18

We’ll be right back! But there’s plenty for you to do till then. Micah explains. In the meantime, always keep a song in your heart!

1968: Hymns & Hums

2021/11/06

We would see the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert Kennedy; the Tet Offensive would begin in Vietnam; and comedian Will Smith would be born. It’s 1968, and both Percy Sledge and Cliff Nobles would show up on the American Billboard Hot 100. We might’ve been protesting the Vietnam War, but we aren’t protesting this week’s episode of American 100 with Micha McKee and trusty robot sidekick, Rando!

1990: The King & the Extra Mile

2021/09/24

2004: Students & Linguists

2021/07/25

President Reagan dies, the Federal Assault Weapons Ban expires, and both LL Cool J and DIDO show up on the Billboard Hot 100! It’s 2004, friends, and Friends isn’t the only thing everybody’s talking about.

1971: Legends & Left Turns

2021/06/28

Idi Amin takes control of Uganda, Charles Manson and three of his followers receive the death penalty, and Jim Morrison is found dead in a bathtub in Paris. Also Matthews Southern Comfort and The Grass Roots hold places on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s 1971, and it’s not just war in Vietnam that’s raging! Join Micah McKee and trusty robotic sidekick, Rando, for this installment of American 100!

1966: Rejects & Soundtracks

2021/06/11

The Black Panthers are founded, The Beatles are bigger than Jesus and Vietnam rages on in the tumultuous year of of our focus this week. Also, The Cyrkle and Ray Conniff would find themselves on the Billboard Hot 100. Join our host Micah McKee, his trusty robot sidekick, Rando, and special guest, Keith Mannina for a trip back to 1966 to talk about a couple of the less likely tunes to make the charts on this installment of American 100!

1981: Connections & Breakups

2021/05/21

The DeLorean hits the markets; President Reagan appoints Sandra Day O’Conner, the first woman Supreme Court Justice; and the Columbia spacecraft is launched and safely returned. It’s 1981, of course, and both Barbara Streisand and Ronnie Milsap would hold places on the Billboard Hot 100. Join our host, Micah McKee, his trusty robot companion and special guest James Rose for this episode of American 100.

1962: Walls & Elevation

2021/05/03

John Glenn would become the first American to orbit Earth; the Cuban Missile Crisis would threaten, once again, to plunge the planet into war; and Marylin Monroe would sing an especially concupiscent “Happy Birthday” to the leader of the free world, John F. Kennedy. Also, in 1962, The Shirelles and Sam Cooke would make the Billboard Year End Hot 100.

1959: Black, Gold & Grey

2021/04/17

Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper would be killed in an infamous plane crash; the Guggenheim would open; and both Alaska and Hawaii would become states. In 1959 the Hot 100 would feature The Fiestas and proto-surf rockers, Jan and Dean. Join Micah McKee and trusty robot sidekick, Rando, for yet another philosophical jaunt into the past to examine the most important and puzzling metric for what Americans want in their earholes! This is American 100.

1982: Reincarnation & Juxtaposition

2021/03/27

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.

1969: Loneliness & Convergence

2021/02/27

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.

Podcast reviews

Read American 100 podcast reviews

5 out of 5

12 reviews

★★★★★

Seth Sam 2021/11/20

Essential!

Informative, original and well-written. A complete joy to listen to.

★★★★★

labbycakes 2020/09/06

Love this podcast

I really enjoy the breakdowns of songs I’ve listened to and loved for years. I’ve learned some things too. Micah does a great job on this podcast. I r...

★★★★★

algno 2020/08/16

Unique take on the history of popular music

I like the unique format and appreciate Micah’s take on different songs from the Billboard charts. I love how he points out the weird juxtaposition be...

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