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American 100

American 100

By: Cicada Radio
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About this listen

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.

2020 Music
Episodes
  • GRIEF: Aretha & Dolly

    GRIEF: Aretha & Dolly
    May 26 2023

    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.
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    35 mins
  • A Season Break Announcement & Updates

    A Season Break Announcement & Updates
    Jan 18 2022
    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!
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    1 min
  • 1968: Hymns & Hums

    1968: Hymns & Hums
    Nov 6 2021
    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!
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    31 mins
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