The Basement Yard Episode #471 - The Best One Hit Wonders Ever

Release Date: October 7, 2024

Introduction and Celebrity Banter

The episode kicks off with Joe Santagato and his co-host Frank Alvarez engaging in their signature humorous banter. Early into the conversation, Frank brings up the unsettling nature of celebrity smiles, particularly highlighting Jack Nicholson's enigmatic grin.

Frank Alvarez (00:15): "Any celebrity smiles scare the shit out of you? And why was it Jack Nicholson's?"

Joe responds with his own apprehension towards Nicholson's smile, setting a lighthearted yet intriguing tone for the episode.

Joey Santagato (00:21): "I've never seen him smile."

This playful exchange segues into a brief discussion about their newly launched Basement Yard merchandise, featuring their signature drinks with a Halloween twist.

Nostalgia and Personal Anecdotes

The hosts reminisce about their past experiences, including Joe's stint working at Target, where Frank shares entertaining stories about challenging customers and the grueling work schedule. This segment offers listeners a glimpse into the hosts' personal lives and builds a connection through relatable workplace humor.

Frank Alvarez (03:13): "I had to kick her out. And she would call me on the phone screaming because of me."

Joe also delves into cultural references, discussing classic movies and actors like Diane Keaton and reviewing their performances and personal preferences in a humorous manner.

Diving into One Hit Wonders

As the episode progresses, the conversation naturally transitions to the main topic: one-hit wonders. Joe and Frank explore various artists and songs that fit this category, sharing their thoughts and personal opinions on why these tracks stand out despite the artists not sustaining long-term fame.

Joey Santagato (55:03): "Bro, when I was younger and I was like, holy lesbians. Like I had to tune in because..."

The hosts compile a diverse list of one-hit wonders across different decades, discussing iconic tracks such as:

• Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up": They reflect on the song's enduring popularity and its unexpected resurgence through internet memes.

  Frank Alvarez (52:09): "That's a great song to let you down."

• Macy Gray's "I Try": They analyze how this track captured the essence of Gray's unique voice and style.

  Joey Santagato (55:18): "Love that. James Blunt, you're beautiful."

• Eiffel 65's "Blue (Da Ba Dee)": The duo discusses the catchy yet simplistic nature of the song that made it a memorable hit.

  Frank Alvarez (54:24): "Why do you say oh? Like, everyone knows Eiffel 65."

Throughout their discussion, Joe and Frank inject humor and personal anecdotes, making the exploration of one-hit wonders both informative and entertaining. They debate the definition of a one-hit wonder, considering artists like Vanilla Ice and discussing whether certain musicians qualify based on their subsequent works.

Joey Santagato (57:05): "Never heard another song."

Audience Interaction and Cultural Impact

The hosts touch upon the cultural impact of one-hit wonders, contemplating why certain songs remain in public memory despite the artists not maintaining commercial success. They explore themes such as the timing of song releases, marketing strategies, and the fickle nature of the music industry.

Frank Alvarez (35:00): "That's wild, dude. These things are built to last, Duralast."

Joe and Frank also reference various media appearances and performances by one-hit wonder artists, analyzing how these moments contribute to the songs' lasting impressions.

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, Joe and Frank summarize their favorite one-hit wonders and express their appreciation for the memorable tracks that have left a mark on listeners. They also joke about the possibility of creating their own one-hit wonder, blending humor with genuine admiration for the artists discussed.

Joey Santagato (62:49): "James Blunt, you're beautiful. I..."

Frank Alvarez (63:41): "I think Travis Kelsey's a good looking dude."

The conversation wraps up with lighthearted exchanges, reinforcing the camaraderie between the hosts and leaving listeners with a sense of enjoyment and nostalgia.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Frank Alvarez (00:15): "Any celebrity smiles scare the shit out of you? And why was it Jack Nicholson's?"
• Joey Santagato (00:21): "I've never seen him smile."
• Frank Alvarez (03:13): "I had to kick her out. And she would call me on the phone screaming because of me."
• Frank Alvarez (52:09): "That's a great song to let you down."
• Joey Santagato (57:05): "Bro, when I was younger and I was like, holy lesbians. Like I had to tune in because..."
• Frank Alvarez (35:00): "That's wild, dude. These things are built to last, Duralast."
• Joey Santagato (62:49): "James Blunt, you're beautiful. I..."
• Frank Alvarez (63:41): "I think Travis Kelsey's a good looking dude."

Conclusion

Episode #471 of The Basement Yard masterfully blends humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions on the phenomenon of one-hit wonders. Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez engage listeners with their dynamic chemistry, making the exploration of fleeting musical fame both entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether you're a fan of nostalgic tracks or curious about the stories behind one-hit wonders, this episode offers a comprehensive and enjoyable listen.