Hit Parade

The Bridge: Why Is This Episode No. 100?

Your Hit Parade host talks with Slate culture editor Forrest Wickman about the changing meaning of a No. 1 hit and how it informs the podcast.

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Episode Notes

In this Slate Plus bonus episode: With Hit Parade’s 100th episode in the books, Chris Molanphy welcomes Slate’s culture editor Forrest Wickman for an in-depth chat about how Slate covers the charts. Wickman, the longtime editor of Chris’ “Why Is This Song No. 1?” column, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the column and how it has shaped Hit Parade over the past decade. Forrest and Chris also dig into the philosophy of “poptimism” and discuss how streaming has made the Hot 100 more accurate—and more bizarre.

Also: Chris Molanphy tests a Slate Plus listener’s music knowledge and gives him a chance to turn the tables with a question of his own. Slate Plus members can sign up for a chance to be our trivia contestant on a future episode here.

Podcast production by Kevin Bendis.

This episode is for Slate Plus members only. Join for monthly early-access episodes, bonus episodes of “The Bridge,” and ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Visit slate.com/hitparadeplus to get access wherever you listen.

About the Show

Chris Molanphy, a pop-chart analyst and author of Slate’s “Why Is This Song No. 1?” series, tells tales from a half-century of chart history. Through storytelling, trivia, and song snippets, Chris dissects how that song you love—or hate—dominated the airwaves, made its way to the top of the charts, and shaped your memories forever.

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Host

  • Chris Molanphy is a feature writer and critic who writes widely about music and the pop charts.