One Hit Wonder Wednesday: April 8, 2009

Admit it! A few of you out there are as drawn to VH1's One Hit Wonder countdowns as I am! If I switch to that channel and one of those shows is on, I'm sitting down and watching it until the end.

Why not bring that fun to the web for our Central Georgia audience? Nothing brings a smile to your face faster than a little 80's video footage. Or a fond nod at a nineties favorite. We're offering up both, right at your fingertips, and you don't need to get to the TV. It's right here.

China by Red Rockers: The Red Rockers, a New Wave band from New Orleans, Louisiana, formed in 1979 and disbanded in 1985. They are best known for their 1983 hit single "China". They toured the United States opening for The Cars, Men at Work, U2, Joan Jett and The Go-Go's.



Fun Note: Lead singer John Thomas Griffith co-founded the band Cowboy Mouth with Paul Sanchez and Fred LeBlanc in 1990. He played guitar and sang.

Beds Are Burning by Midnight Oil: This Australian rock band from Sydney originally performed as Farm from 1972 to 1975. Their very unique lead singer, Peter Garrett, joined the band at a later date and they began touring in 1975. Though their only American chart-topper was Beds are Burning, I remember they did get minimal radio play with a couple other singles, including One Country and my favorite...Dead Heart.



Fun Note: The band chose the name Midnight Oil by drawing it out of a hat.

The Freshman by The Verve Pipe: The Verve Pipe, an American rock band from Michigan was formed in 1991 by Brian and Brad Vander Ark, Brian Stout and Donny Brown. There only chart topper came off their 1995 release, Villains. But, the Freshman was actually a re-release from their first album in 1992.



Connection by Elastica: Elastica, a British alternative rock-band, was formed in mid 1992 by ex-Suede guitarist Justine Frischmann and ex-Spitfire and Suede drummer Justin Welch. Their self-titled first LP was released in 1995, and two songs got radio play, but only one topped the charts, ensuring Elastica's spot on the one-hit wonder list.



Fun Note: Frischmann's relationship with Blur's Damon Albarn made tabloid headlines and created further buzz about the band, but didn't help them leave a more lasting impression.