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Have you ever heard a song and wondered, "How was that band not huge?"

In this brand new recurring series, Christopher reopens five musical case files to investigate artists who had the right song, the right sound, and every reason to become major stars, but somehow never reached the level of success they seemed destined for.

This episode features The Smithereens' "Blood and Roses," Marshall Crenshaw's "Someday, Someway," Michael Penn's "No Myth," The Plimsouls' "A Million Miles Away," and The Producers' "What's He Got."

Along the way, you'll hear the stories behind the songs, the chart success, MTV exposure, record label decisions, and missed opportunities that shaped these careers. You'll also hear Christopher's personal memories of discovering Marshall Crenshaw through Beatlemania and why the missing Valley Girl soundtrack frustrated music fans for years.

Then it's time to close the case files, open the bar, and mix this episode's featured cocktail, "The Power Pop."

If you love classic rock, power pop, new wave, MTV, and the stories behind the songs, this episode is for you.

Here's to loud riffs, quiet sips, and the stories in between.

Support the show

Who Ordered the Pie? a music history podcast with custom cocktail pairings.
Show notes, recipes, and extras: WhoOrderedThePie.com
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