Best Eric Shaffer Podcasts (2026)

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Chris DeMakes A Podcast: Ian Dench discusses EMF's "Unbelievable" 1:15:22

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1d ago1:15:22

1:15:22

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 262 on 6/9/25)... In this episode, Ian Dench of EMF joins the show to discuss the writing and recording of the band’s explosive 1991 hit, “Unbelievable.” From itsinstantly recognizable hook to its genre-blending sound, the song became a cultural phenomenon and an enduring stadium anthem. …

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“I Melt With You” by Modern English 45:38

5d ago45:38

45:38

Modern English’s “I Melt With You” is one of those songs everyone knows, but most people don’t realize how much is packed into its seemingly happy 80s charm. On the surface, it’s a catchy love song, but listen closer and you catch hints of nuclear anxiety and darker undertones that make it surprisingly layered. In this week’s episode, we explore ho…

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Chris DeMakes A Podcast: Stacy Jones discusses American Hi-Fi’s “Flavor of the Weak” 1:15:57

9d ago1:15:57

1:15:57

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 256 on 5/5/25).... This week, Stacy Jones sits in to share the story behind American Hi-Fi’s 2001 breakout hit, “Flavor of the Weak.” From his early days as Veruca Salt’s touring drummer to stepping into the spotlight as a frontman, Stacy discusses the evolution of his career, the challen…

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“The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades” by Timbuk 3 50:57

12d ago50:57

50:57

Feeling optimistic about the new year? We hope so, because we thought it was the perfect time to dive into Timbuk 3’s “The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades.” On the surface, it sounds hopeful, but the lyrics reveal something much darker once you really listen. In this week’s episode, we explore how a married couple with a drum machine manage…

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Chris DeMakes A Podcast: Danbert Nobacon discusses Chumbawamba’s “Tubthumping” 1:01:49

16d ago1:01:49

1:01:49

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 247 on 3/3/25)... This week, Danbert Nobacon of Chumbawamba sits in to break down the writing and recording of the band's massive 1997 hit, "Tubthumping." He and Chris explore the song’s punk-influenced origins, its anthemic structure, and how its themes of resilience and working-class pu…

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“The Christmas Shoes” by NewSong 56:28

19d ago56:28

56:28

In this week’s episode, we dig into NewSong’s “The Christmas Shoes,” a holiday hit that somehow became a cultural phenomenon despite being, frankly, awful. The song relies on emotional manipulation instead of real storytelling, and we still cannot understand how it convinced so many people that it was profound. We take apart the lyrics, talk throug…

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Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately? Reaction Episode 51:42

20d ago51:42

51:42

In this episode, Chris and Matt discuss the new HBO Original Documentary from their Bill Simmons-produced Music Box series. Using the categories from Bill’s very popular The Rewatchables podcast, the guys discuss their favorite parts of this look into the meteoric rise of Counting Crows in the early 90s. Join our Patreon Buy a Shirt Follow us on In…

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Chris DeMakes A Podcast: A discussion on The Waitresses “Christmas Wrapping” 51:16

23d ago51:16

51:16

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 288 on 12/15/25)... In the 1981 holiday season, The Waitresses delivered a refreshingly offbeat gift with their single “Christmas Wrapping.” Written by Chris Butler, who openly admitted his dislike for the holidays, the song was pieced together from leftover riffs and lyrics he scribbled …

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“Jim Dandy” by Black Oak Arkansas (f/Josh Ireson) 49:30

26d ago49:30

49:30

Doesn’t escaping into the hills to do nothing but write music with your friends sound like the ultimate dream? By the mid-60s, this was a reality for Black Oak Arkansas, a Southern rock band that refined their sound and mastered their instruments while living off the land. Led by charismatic frontman Jim “Dandy” Mangrum, they built a reputation for…

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Chris DeMakes A Podcast: Mike Edwards discusses Jesus Jones “Right Here, Right Now” 1:13:20

30d ago1:13:20

1:13:20

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 224 on 9/16/24)... This week, Mike Edwards sits in to discuss the writing and recording of the 1991 hit single from Jesus Jones, “Right Here, Right Now." The conversation explores the creation and impact of the song, including the inspiration behind it and the cultural context of the time…

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“Lean on Me” by Club Nouveau 55:20

1M ago55:20

55:20

In 1972, Bill Withers wrote, produced, and performed the #1 hit “Lean on Me,” a timeless single about being there for someone you care about. Fifteen years later, Club Nouveau flawlessly brought the song into the 80s, achieving a modern sound without losing its signature heart and soul. Despite topping the charts and even winning a Grammy for their…

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Chris DeMakes A Podcast: Justin Currie discusses Del Amitri's "Roll To Me" 1:04:01

1M ago1:04:01

1:04:01

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 137 on 1/9/23)... Glasgow's Del Amitri has had a long and storied career, releasing five albums that reached the Top 10 in the UK and selling over 6 millions albums worldwide. In the United States, it was the 1995 hit single "Roll To Me" that showcased the band to the whole country via po…

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“All For You” by Sister Hazel (f/ Caleb George) 1:03:13

1M ago1:03:13

1:03:13

If you were living in Gainesville, Florida, in the late 90s, Sister Hazel’s “All For You” was probably a hit song to YOU way before it was a hit for the rest of the country. The band had already sold tens of thousands of copies of their album …Somewhere More Familiar when they signed to Universal and re-released it. The album would go platinum, tha…

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Chris DeMakes A Podcast: Vaden Todd Lewis discusses Toadies "Possum Kingdom" 1:00:36

1M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 139 on 1/23/23)... In this episode, Toadies vocalist and guitarist Vaden Todd Lewis discusses the writing, recording, and release of the band's 1994 hit single "Possum Kingdom". The song's eerie lyrical content matched with its unique composition made it stand out in an era of inventive r…

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“What’s Up Doc? (Can We Rock?) [with Shaquille O’Neal]” by FU-Schnickens (f/ Matt DiStefano) 1:11:04

2M ago1:11:04

1:11:04

In the summer of 1993, an up-and-coming Brooklyn hip-hop trio collaborated with an NBA rookie sensation to create a Bugs Bunny-inspired track that cracked the Top 40. In a world of athletes releasing embarrassing novelty singles, “What’s Up Doc? (Can We Rock?)” had people far and wide asking if Shaq was as diesel on the mic as he was on the court. …

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Chris DeMakes A Podcast: Kevin Martin discusses Candlebox's "Far Behind" 1:06:17

2M ago1:06:17

1:06:17

From Chris DeMakes A Podcast (originally released as Episode 68 on 9/13/2021)... Candlebox's 1993 smash hit single "Far Behind" is still in regular rotation on rock radio today. On this episode, lead singer Kevin Martin discusses the writing, recording, release, and legacy of this timeless single. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the…

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“Wherever You Will Go” by The Calling (f/ Erin Mallory Long) 1:00:48

2M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

This week, we’re exploring the career and music of The Calling, a band that somehow managed to define the early 2000s with their massive hit “Wherever You Will Go.” Whether it was the song’s appearance in Coyote Ugly or simply the right sound at the right time, The Calling burst onto the scene with one of the biggest songs in the history of Billboa…

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“I Ran (So Far Away)” by A Flock of Seagulls 57:40

2M ago57:40

57:40

What happens when a hairdresser decides to buy a used synthesizer and start a band with his friend and his brother, despite having little musical experience? You get A Flock of Seagulls, a group whose sound (and haircuts) perfectly capture the spirit of the early 80s. The unforgettable music video for “I Ran (So Far Away)” became an MTV staple in t…

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“Fooled Around and Fell in Love” by Elvin Bishop (f/ Erik J. Brown) 59:04

2M ago59:04

59:04

Long before his 1976 hit, Elvin Bishop was already one of the world’s most respected blues guitarists. Everyone from the Grateful Dead to Bo Diddley was eager to collaborate with him, and his work with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band eventually earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Despite his confidence and experience as a world-cl…

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“Werewolves of London” by Warren Zevon 1:00:57

3M ago1:00:57

1:00:57

It’s Halloween, so we thought it would be crazy not to dive into the legendary artist who brought us the lyric “little old lady got mutilated late last night.” That’s right…this week, we’re diving into the life and career of Warren Zevon and his most famous single, 1978’s “Werewolves of London.” A dark sense of humor paired with a songwriting voice…

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“Flood” by Jars of Clay (f/ Katie Hampton) 1:07:11

3M ago1:07:11

1:07:11

This week, we’re joined by Matt Kelly’s Christian Cringe co-host Katie Hampton to become one with the mud. Yes, we’re exploring the career and music of Jars of Clay, the rare mainstream crossover from the Christian music scene who made their mark in 1996 with the alternative rock radio hit “Flood.” Despite a bit of blowback from their religious fan…

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“You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” by Dead Or Alive 58:07

3M ago58:07

58:07

This week, our Patreon voted for us to explore the music and career of Dead or Alive, the British pop band responsible for the endlessly catchy and danceable 1985 single, “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record).” Led by the eccentric and androgynous Pete Burns, Dead or Alive were a perfect mix of the end of disco and the start of new wave. Their rise up…

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“A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton (f/ Eric Taft) 1:17:18

3M ago1:17:18

1:17:18

Whether you were rockin’ out to it in 2002 or watching Terry Crews sing every word to it a few years later, Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles” is a song that can stir up a lot of feelings and emotions for those who lived it. Even though the song’s earnest delivery and theater-kid presentation SHOULD make it an artifact from the turn of the centur…

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The 2005 Albums Fantasy Auction Draft 1:13:10

3M ago1:13:10

1:13:10

The DREAM TEAM of Chris Fafalios, Matt Kelly, Matthew Milligan, and Tony Hartman are BACK to draft the very best albums from the year 2005. From the launch of YouTube to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, these albums were the soundtrack to a year filled with highs, lows, and in-betweens. Who will draft the very best collection of records with t…

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“The Rain” by Oran “Juice” Jones (f/ Zak Shaffer) 48:29

4M ago48:29

48:29

This week, we're diving into one of the most bizarre R&B hits of the 80s. With its slick production and dramatic monologue, “The Rain” by Oran “Juice” Jones became a Top 10 smash in 1986 before fading into obscurity. Not EVERYONE forgot the track, however, as Donald Glover and the cast of Saturday Night Live resurrected it in 2018 with a spot-on an…

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The School of Advanced Warfighting and the Training of Operational Planners with Brian Kerg 40:18

4M ago40:18

40:18

In this episode of the Strategy Bridge Podcast, we are joined by Brian Kerg to talk about the School of Advanced Warfighting and the training of operational planners. Kerg is a Lt. Col. in the Marine Corps and the author of "Dare to Know: Pursuing the Path of the Operational Planner" in the August 2025 issue of the US Naval Institute's "Proceedings…

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“Harlem Shake” by Baauer (f/ Chris Dalla Riva) 54:32

4M ago54:32

54:32

In early 2013, the Billboard Charts underwent a major change by incorporating YouTube streams into their formula. Almost immediately, the internet responded with chaos. The bizarre, bass-heavy electronica track “Harlem Shake” by producer Baauer skyrocketed to #1, fueled by a wave of absurd, meme-fueled dance videos that dominated social media. It b…

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Punchline “Somewhere To Land” Instant Reaction 51:03

4M ago51:03

51:03

Punchline’s new album Somewhere To Land was just released a few hours ago, and One Hit Thunder is here with some thoughts! Matt shares his feelings about every track, and Chris shares some insight into the writing, recording, and release of the next chapter in the Punchline story. One Hit Thunder is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner…

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“Take My Breath Away” by Berlin 44:39

4M ago44:39

44:39

This week, we’re discussing the music and career of Berlin, a band whose biggest hit was, strangely, not really a Berlin song at all. “Take My Breath Away” soared into the stratosphere on the tailwinds of Top Gun in 1986, but it wasn’t a great representation of the sexy, upbeat new wave synth-pop that Berlin was known for. Join us as we journey dee…

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The 2025 MTV VMAs: Thoughts and Reactions 47:47

4M ago47:47

47:47

Chris and Matt discuss their thoughts on the 2025 VMAs, which strangely aired on CBS instead of MTV (which couldn’t be bothered to interrupt their nonstop stream of the show Ridiculousness to air their signature awards show!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Geekscape

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“Bodies” by Drowning Pool (f/ Kyle Kuchta) 1:03:39

4M ago1:03:39

1:03:39

To be honest, when this week’s guest Kyle Kuchta pitched Drowning Pool’s “Bodies” to us for an episode, we braced ourselves for a terrible listening experience. Instead, what we got was some solid hard rock and a tragic story about vocalist Dave Williams, who seemed to be a solid dude with a great attitude who was taken from this world much too soo…

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“Always Something There to Remind Me” by Naked Eyes (f/ Mark Popeney) 1:03:30

5M ago1:03:30

1:03:30

This week on One Hit Thunder, we’re joined by special guest Mark Popeney of the Nevermind The Music podcast to discuss Naked Eyes and their 1983 hit “Always Something There to Remind Me.” Originally written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, the song found new life in the synth pop era thanks to Naked Eyes' inventive production and reliance on cuttin…

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“Walking In Memphis” by Marc Cohn (f/ Evan Fonseca) 50:24

5M ago50:24

50:24

In an attempt to combat a case of writer's block, struggling songwriter Marc Cohn took a trip to Memphis. A chance encounter at a café resulted in one of the most beloved adult contemporary songs of the 90s. “Walking In Memphis” has stood the test of time, and this week, we’re joined by Phantom of the Podpera co-host Evan Fonseca to touch down in t…

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“It Takes Two” by Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock 39:53

5M ago39:53

39:53

HIT IT! Few tracks ignite a dance floor like Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock’s 1988 classic, “It Takes Two.” Built around an infectious sample from Lyn Collins’ “Think (About It),” this platinum-certified anthem didn’t just dominate clubs—it helped hip-hop cross over into the mainstream. Despite the duo’s explosive debut, follow-up efforts like Rob Base’s…

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“Tainted Love by Soft Cell (f/Paul Menotiades) 45:06

5M ago45:06

45:06

This week, our good friend Paul Menotiades returns to help us unpack the unlikely rise of Soft Cell’s 1981 synth-pop smash, “Tainted Love.” Originally a 1965 Northern Soul obscurity by Gloria Jones, Soft Cell's eerie, slowed-down cover became a global sensation, topping charts in 17 countries and spending a record-breaking 43 weeks on the U.S. Bill…

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“Runaway” by Del Shannon (f/ Scott Mellinger) 52:09

6M ago52:09

52:09

In this episode, we're joined by special guest Scott Mellinger to explore Del Shannon's 1961 chart-topping hit, "Runaway." This early rock and roll classic is renowned for its haunting falsetto vocals and the groundbreaking Musitron solo—a keyboard instrument invented by Shannon's collaborator, Max Crook, that added a futuristic flair to the track.…

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“Who Let the Dogs Out” by Baha Men (f/ Jim Logrando) 39:48

6M ago39:48

39:48

Twenty-five years ago, Baha Men unleashed “Who Let the Dogs Out” on the world—and whether you loved it or hated it, there’s no denying its impact. This week, we’re joined by our friend Jim Logrando to celebrate the song’s silver anniversary and dig into everything we never knew about this Bahamian group's wild ride. From Grammy wins and Kids' Choic…

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Ideology and Soviet and American Correspondents during the Cold War with Dina Fainberg 52:32

6M ago52:32

52:32

In this episode we talk with Dina Fainberg about the Cold War ideologies that shaped how Soviet and American foreign correspondents reported on each other's countries and how their reporting influenced the views of policy makers, commentators, and citizens. Fainberg is an assistant professor of modern history at City University of London and the au…

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“Surfin’ Bird” by The Trashmen (f/Trevor Leonard and Jim Logrando) 47:31

6M ago47:31

47:31

This week, we're finally diving into the unhinged surf-rock chaos of The Trashmen’s “Surfin’ Bird”—a Patreon pick that, frankly, we can’t believe we haven’t covered until now. This 1963 burst of raw energy, stitched together from two Rivingtons songs, has been called everything from a novelty hit to an early blueprint for punk rock. With its unforg…

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“Your Love” by The Outfield (f/ Johnny Yetsconish) 1:01:20

6M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

This week, Johnny Yetsconish joins us to celebrate The Outfield’s timeless 1986 hit, “Your Love.” Though the British trio enjoyed a string of modest successes in the '80s, it's this power-pop anthem—with its unforgettable opening lyric and soaring vocals—that has etched itself into the fabric of pop culture. From its origins on the triple-platinum …

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The 1985 Albums Fantasy Auction Draft 58:58

6M ago58:58

58:58

Get ready for a battle of musical nostalgia in The 1985 Albums Fantasy Auction Draft, where Chris and Matt are joined by fellow music lovers Matthew Milligan and Tony Hartman to bid on the best albums of a stacked year in music. From blockbuster releases like Songs from the Big Chair and No Jacket Required to cult favorites like Tim and Dare to Be …

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"Space Lord" by Monster Magnet (f/Jim Logrando) 49:10

7M ago49:10

49:10

This week, Jim Logrando sits in to discuss the spaced-out swagger of Monster Magnet’s 1998 hit “Space Lord.” As a loyal listener since discovering the band in the late '90s, Jim brings his passion for these groove metal pioneers to the table as we dig into their unlikely brush with mainstream success. With its psychedelic riffs, tongue-in-cheek bra…

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Theater and the American Revolution with Jason Shaffer 31:26

7M ago31:26

31:26

In this episode of the Strategy Bridge Podcast, we talk with Jason Shaffer about the role of theater during the American Revolution and in 18th Century Anglo-American culture. We look at how theater portrayed the military, expressed the principles of Revolutionary ideology, and the role of propaganda plays during the Revolutionary War. Shaffer is t…

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“Down (feat. Lil Wayne)” by Jay Sean (f/ Andrés) 1:00:12

7M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Back in the fall of 2009, an unexpected voice from the UK took over American radio when Jay Sean’s “Down” (featuring Lil Wayne) knocked the Black Eyed Peas off the top of the charts after their epic run. This week on One Hit Thunder, Andrés joins us to revisit that moment in time—when ringtone sales mattered, Cash Money Records was everywhere, and …

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“My Boo” by Ghost Town DJs 31:44

7M ago31:44

31:44

This week, we explore the surprising journey of Ghost Town DJs’ 1996 single “My Boo,” a track that quietly debuted on the So So Def Bass All-Stars compilation before becoming a Top 40 hit. Though the group disbanded after two underperforming albums, this smooth blend of R&B vocals and Miami bass beats found new life two decades later, thanks to the…

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“Pop Goes the Weasel” by 3rd Bass (f/ PJ Caruso) 1:00:39

7M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

This past year, we witnessed a diss track win Grammys and get performed at the Super Bowl, but over three decades ago, there was another diss track that became an unlikely hit. “Pop Goes the Weasel” by 3rd Bass took aim at Vanilla Ice and the growing commercialization of hip-hop, delivering biting bars over a beat laced with samples from Peter Gabr…

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“Mad World” by Gary Jules (f/ Nichole Vatcher) 48:15

8M ago48:15

48:15

This week, Matt and I welcome Nichole Vatcher—cohost of the brilliant podcast Nevermind the Music—for a deep dive into Gary Jules’ haunting 2001 cover of “Mad World.” Originally a minor hit for a young Tears for Fears, the song took on a whole new life thanks to its stripped-down piano arrangement and its eerie, unforgettable appearance in Donnie D…