60 Songs That Explain the '90s
A podcast by The Ringer that explores iconic songs from the 1990s, hosted by Rob Harvilla. Each episode delves into the cultural and musical significance of a hit track from the decade. The show has expanded to include a series on the 2000s. New episodes are released weekly on Wednesdays.
Episodes
Bon Iver — “Skinny Love”
Pack up your winter gear—we’re headed to the Wisconsin woods. This week, Rob retreats into Justin Vernon’s cabin to remember the buzzy indie album ‘For Emma, Forever Ago,’ which launched the career of the eventual Grammy-winning band Bon Iver. He looks back on how critics and audiences were enamored with the narrative that Vernon wrote the album while heartbroken and alone in the woods, and the wa
Black Eyed Peas — “I Gotta Feeling”
Are bad lyrics good lyrics? That’s the question Rob posits as he tackles the Black Eyed Peas, who may have mastered the art of good-bad songwriting. He looks back on how the Peas jumped from hip-hop to pop after they added Fergie to their crew, until they ultimately hit dance music in 2009—but they maintained their goofy sensibility the whole way. Later, Rob’s joined by columnist Leslie Gray Stree
Lee Ann Womack — “I Hope You Dance”
She sings both kinds of music—country and Western—and you better be grateful for it. Lee Ann Womack followed in the footsteps of icons like Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Tammy Wynette, but she took even greater inspiration from male country stars like George Jones. After making a name for herself with her captivating tunes, Womack reckoned with love and faith on the beautiful—and melancholy?—"I
An Overdue 60 Songs Mailbag
It’s been [redacted] years since our last mailbag episode, and Rob is finally back to answer all your burning questions about the ’90s, 2000s, and more. He’s joined by Bandsplain’s Yasi Salek to discuss everything from Jason Mraz to Weird Al to chain restaurants. Tune in to hear their responses to your queries (as well as Yasi’s plea for a Fuel episode).
(00:00) Intro with Yasi Salek(07:57) Openi
Peter Bjorn and John — "Young Folks"
Twee aesthetics, songs about fleeting youth (sung by people who are objectively young), and lots and lots of blogs—that’s right, we’re talking about indie rock in the aughts. Today, Rob recounts how Swedish trio Peter Bjorn and John came from humble beginnings before their single “Young Folks” whistled its way to many best-of lists and became one of the era’s defining indie anthems. Later, he’s jo
Evanescence — “Bring Me To Life”
Although this podcast has continuously shown that we cheer for the underdog, every now and then we must tip our cap to the suits and head honchos. When Evanescence’s record label insisted that Amy Lee sing alongside a rapper on their song, “Bring Me To Life,” their seemingly cringey idea only accentuated Lee’s angsty vocals and became a multigenerational anthem. Later, Rob is joined by Brittany Sp
Sade — “By Your Side”
This week’s episode is all about comfort. It’s about being remembered and what better person to commemorate that feeling with than the person whose music doesn’t seem to age- Sade. Sade came out with “By Your Side” after disappearing with no explanation for 8 years because she felt that was best for her. That quiet confidence lends itself to making some of the, in Rob’s words, horniest music imagi
Spoon — “The Underdog”
Today, Rob explains how even after five successful studio albums, Spoon still felt vengeful enough to write the most triumphant song about being the underdog. He reflects on how Spoon's major label dropped the Austin rockers and became the opposite of a muse for the band, shaping their swaggery image. Finally, he is joined by music critic Ryan Dombal who greatly appreciates the snobbery of Spoon a
My Chemical Romance—“Welcome to the Black Parade”
We should have known that, despite the irony, the kid from New Jersey who defended the purchasing of serial killer comics would grow up to become the defender of the broken, beaten, and damned. Today, Rob recollects the discovery of his emo phase with the enduring anthem “Welcome to the Black Parade,” by My Chemical Romance. He recounts the rise of the young band in a post-9/11 New Jersey and the
Bush — “Glycerine”
We’re going back to our roots this week—back to our Toyota Corollas and Chrysler LeBarons or whatever other shitty cars we drove back in the ’90s—to blast some Bush. Rob ponders whether frontman Gavin Rossdale is a good lyricist and extends some empathy in the age of Nirvana, when no alt-rock band could compare, especially those singing about their “willies.” Finally, Rob is joined by national tre
Shakira — “Hips Don’t Lie”
This episode is for the ladies up in here tonight! Before her hips became internationally renowned, Shakira was making Spanish rock music from the age of 14. Today, Rob looks back at her crossover album 'Laundry Service,' which was released as other Latin American artists were also starting to make music in English. Later, he is joined by music journalist Suzy Exposito, who talks about why Shakira
Feist — “1234”
Imagine, you’re on the road with an indie sleaze band making sock puppets sing obscenities when Sesame Street gives you a call. Leslie Feist’s career can most similarly be compared to the life of Benjamin Button with her most successful and youthful song, “1234,” coming later in her colorful and previously raucous music career. Rob breaks down Feist’s magical ability to bring new perspectives to c
Joanna Newsom — “Emily”
This episode is for all of the people who don’t know the difference between a meteor, meteoroid, and meteorite. Rob finally opens up about his hipster phase of life that nearly got him killed (his words, not ours). He recounts all of the “freak folk” music he discovered in the Bay Area, all of which led him to the harp virtuoso and wordsmith Joanna Newsom. He tries his best not to describe her uni
Wolf Parade — “I’ll Believe in Anything”
Will you come to my cottage this summer and blast Canadian rock music? Rob is asking … for a friend! This week, we analyze the dramatic comeback of the Wolf Parade song “I’ll Believe in Anything” after its use in the hit gay hockey show ‘Heated Rivalry.’ He explains how his focus on the ferocity of Wolf Parade’s music distracted him from the meaning of the lyrics and how they surprised him years l
Radiohead — “All I Need”
Keep those negative thoughts to yourself! They are a parasite to those around you, and who knows that better than Thom Yorke? This week, Rob proves that Radiohead has the ability to sully the minds of even the most innocent by discussing “All I Need,” from their 2007 album, 'In Rainbows.' He breaks down the initial reaction to the pay-what-you-can release of 'In Rainbows’ and discusses why the alb
TV On The Radio — “Wolf Like Me”
This week, Rob takes a trip down memory lane, a.k.a. 2000s Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Now that we are in the dark ages of social media and virality, there is a set-in-stone Mount Rushmore of late-night TV band performances, including the high-energy TV On The Radio debut of “Wolf Like Me.” Rob discusses how TV On The Radio was affected by post-9/11 New York, giving us the iconic opening album line, “
Madvillain — “All Caps”
This week, Rob makes a solid argument that the coolest thing a person can do is watch cartoons and play pretend. He breaks down the many personas of Daniel Dumile, starting with Zev Love X and ending with his villain persona Madvillain. He argues that his best work was done with fellow children’s show lover Madlib before he is joined by rapper and podcaster Open Mike Eagle to talk about getting to
The White Stripes — “Seven Nation Army”
You’ve heard the song a million times, and you can sing along with the crowd when it comes on. But come trivia, would you be able to name the artist and song title? Today, Rob is going to drill every jock jam into your head, leading up to the iconic opening eight bars of “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes. He breaks down the unusual nature of Meg and Jack White’s relationship and the perfect
Kelis — “Milkshake”
Today, Rob talks about the song that left him speechless upon his first listen—“Milkshake”. He retraces his steps back to the beginning of Kelis’s career when she was screaming at a Glastonbury crowd. He analyzes the trend of not being able to place Black women into neat and separate genres, as rock, rap, punk, pop, and R&B start to blur lines. He is blissfully confused, and that is okay. Later, h
Paramore — “Misery Business”
Imagine the angstiest, cringiest art you made as a teenager. Now imagine the entire world singing to it in their cars and at karaoke forever. Today, Rob is breaking down the emotionally turbulent emo-bop factory machine that is Paramore. He applauds the incredible and messy lyrics of ‘Riot!,’ which differentiate the album from those of similar bands of the time. Later, he talks to The Ringer’s Rob
The Darkness — “I Believe in a Thing Called Love”
There is a select handful of people who were never meant to step foot into an office due to their proclivity to screw around. Just like we sent Rob packing to Ohio to bother no one but himself, Lowestoft, England shipped us The Darkness. During the post-grunge era when rock was murkily defined, we were gifted front man and lead singer Justin Hawkins on a silver platter (his manager’s shoulders) to
D’Angelo—“Untitled (How Does It Feel)”
Today, Rob breaks down one of the many impossible expectations we have for our musical stars—the memorial performance. After years of staying out of the public eye, D’Angelo paid tribute to the artist he grew up imitating, Prince, not because he was expected to but because he had something to share. The bulk of D’Angelo’s career was spent defying our expectations, from taking his time between each
Bruce Springsteen — “The Rising”
In the uncertain moments following 9/11, we were searching for comfort and someone to help us make sense of it all. Today, Rob discusses the one musician who was capable of stepping up and capturing the emotions the American people were feeling: Bruce Springsteen. Rob recaps the political statements Springsteen had been making in the decades before, which prepared him for the creation of “The Risi
Britney Spears – “Toxic”
Before he vows to leave her alone, Rob breaks down the cataclysmic career of a pop star who did it for the love of the game and the disgust of the fame. Britney Spears had the power to shift culture with a single VMAs performance, yet her music reflected a desperation to control her own personal life. Despite the public’s continuous mistreatment of Britney, she selflessly gifted us one of the most
“Buy U a Drank”— T-Pain
At long last, Rob has returned to your speakers and screens, triumphant in the face of his haters. In this way, he is no different than the subject of today’s episode: T-Pain. Even though he wrote, produced, and performed some of the greatest hits of the 2000s, T-Pain’s use of auto-tune overshadowed his talent. However, after his 2014 Tiny Desk Concert, it is safe to say we all owe T-Pain an apolo
“Hallelujah” — Jeff Buckley
Today, Rob returns with a gift in time for the holidays, breaking down what many would call the voice of an angel. He takes us back to the ’90s, when one of the most covered songs on the planet was merely a forgotten, horny track from Leonard Cohen’s catalog. While many artists cover songs in an attempt to replicate the original (or just sing it more loudly), Rob explains how Jeff Buckley covered
“A-Punk” — Vampire Weekend
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
"Grindin’"— The Clipse
This week, Rob explores the biblical complexities of brotherhood throughout popular song, and uses those musical examples to highlight this eternal dichotomy: Some days when you aren’t Abel, there is always Cain. This sentiment rings glaringly true as he dissects the career of Virginia brothers The Clipse and their massive 2002 hit ‘Grindin’’, arguably the Neptunes finest production moment. Later,
“Heavy Metal Drummer”—Wilco
In this week’s episode, Rob uses the blueprint he learned from all of his favorite rock band movies, like 'Dig!' and 'The Great Muppet Caper,' to better understand the self-proclaimed misunderstood band Wilco. He takes us through Jeff Tweedy’s journey, starting with Wilco’s predecessor Uncle Tupelo, which diverged from the marketable grunge movement of its time to make forthright folk music. Unsur
"The House That Built Me"— Miranda Lambert
This week, Rob shines a light on the many ways singer-songwriters have utilized the concept of the word ‘home’ to convey where the heart and the human spirit truly reside. These musings serve as a springboard for a thorough analysis of country superstar Miranda Lambert’s hit song from 2010 ‘The House That Built Me’, and the defiantly authentic discography that preceded it. He’s then joined by frie
“Live Like You Were Dying”— Tim McGraw
This week, Rob puts his pretensions about country music aside with a closer look at Tim McGraw’s simple but moving song, “Live Like You Were Dying,” that encourages even the most sarcastic of 20-something-year-olds to romanticize their life. He talks about his late father-in-law who shared the same zest for life as the song’s narrator, and he encourages all his listeners to go sky diving, rocky mo
“Ms. Jackson”— Outkast
Why would the best ever want to stop being the best? Rob tries to figure this out in this week's episode covering Outkast. He proves that Big Boi and André 3000 will always be better together by comparing the tag team effort in their hit song, “Ms. Jackson,” and their split album ‘Speakerboxxx/The Love Below’. Later, he is joined by ‘Last Song Standing’ hosts, Cole Cuchna and Charles Holmes, to di
“Can’t Stop”—The Red Hot Chili Peppers
Rob initiates this week’s show by waxing poetic on the mortality of his musical idols and the treasure trove of emotional tribute songs that proliferated after the tragic passing of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. His insightful homage leads perfectly into a loving soliloquy on the chaotic beauty of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' catalog, particularly their gigantic hit from 2002, “Can’t Stop.” Rob is t
“Since U Been Gone”— Kelly Clarkson
Rob contemplates the art of making an ironic cover song sincere as he enters the dark realm of the 2000s hit TV show, ‘American Idol’. He follows the inevitable success of Season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson, who proves with her impossible-to-sing hit song, “Since U Been Gone,” that she is more than just a pop princess. Later, he is joined by ‘Breakaway’ tour-goer and Clarkson connoisseur Jodi Walker t
“How to Save a Life”—The Fray
This week, Rob examines the hallowed art of employing songs within the soundtrack of a crucial TV scene to emotionally manipulate the viewing audience. Along the way, he evokes classic moments from ‘General Hospital’ , 'ER', and ‘Scrubs’ before ultimately expounding on the highly effective use of the Fray’s “How to Save a Life” in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ to tug on the proverbial heart strings. He’s then
“Ether”—Nas
This week, we’re breaking down the Nas vs. Jay-Z feud, and Rob has to argue, which makes him deeply uncomfortable. After he breaks down the basic contents of a diss track, he is joined by The Ringer’s Joel Anderson to discuss the history of rap beef and his thoughts on Nas’s career after 'Illmatic.'
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Joel Anderson
Producers: Bobby Wagner, Jonathan Kermah, and Justin S
“No One Knows”—Queens of the Stone Age
It’s Queens of the Stone Age Day here at 60 Songs! Listen as Rob finds a way to juxtapose heavy metal and stand-up comedy like only he can on his journey to celebrate the song “No One Knows.” Later, Rob is joined by The Ringer’s head of content and host of The Big Picture, Sean Fennessey, to further discuss the greatness of Queens of the Stone Age.
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Sean Fennessey
Produ
“Jenny From the Block”—Jennifer Lopez
Rob peruses the limelight love story of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck while celebrating J.Lo’s 2002 smash hit, “Jenny From the Block.” Later, he is joined by writer Julianne Escobedo Shepherd to discuss the music and the drama that came with J.Lo in the 2000s.
Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Julianne Escobedo ShepherdProducers: Bobby Wagner, Jonathan Kermah, and Justin SaylesAdditional Production Suppo
“Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue”—Toby Keith
Rob homes in on the specific and strange political moment in which Toby Keith made "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue." Then, he’s joined by New Yorker music writer Kelefa Sanneh to discuss the song’s themes, cultural reception, and musical merit and the state of how we talk about Keith’s career.
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Kelefa Sanneh
Producers: Bobby Wagner, Jonathan Kermah, and Justin Sa
“Maps”—Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Rob heads back to Brooklyn to explore the 2003 indie-rock staple “Maps” and the history of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Later, he is joined by Niko Stratis to further explore the indie jam’s success.
Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Niko StratisProducers: Bobby Wagner, Jonathan Kermah, and Justin Sayles
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Feel Good Inc.”—Gorillaz
Rob is back from hiatus with a loaded episode! Join him as he straddles the line between real life and virtual reality when discussing the virtual band Gorillaz and the career of its creator, Damon Albarn. Later, Rob is joined by Jeremy Gordon, the author of 'See Friendship' and senior editor at The Atlantic, to get to the bottom of how Gorillaz became so popular (1:07:00).
Host: Rob Harvilla
Gu
Proof of Life: 60 Songs is Back on April 30
We know, it's been a while. But, Rob and his producer pals are working hard on the show. See you in two weeks!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Poetic Justice: The Year of Kendrick Lamar
Ahead of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance, Ringer senior staff writer Justin Charity explores some of the critical moments of Kendrick’s story: from a legendary come-up in the rap blog era of the late 2000s to his early stardom in the 2010s to his fiery resurgence in the past several months as he takes a never-ending victory lap after winning his war against Drake.
Host: Justin C
The Soundtrack Draft | 60 Songs x Bandsplain LIVE
Listen to Rob and Yasi, joined by Chris Ryan and Sean Fennessey live from the Lodge Room in Los Angeles! In this song draft, the crew is picking between the best soundtracks of the 2000s.
Hosts: Rob Harvilla and Yasi Salek
Guests: Chris Ryan and Sean Fennessey
Producers: Adrian Bridges, Jonathan Kermah, and Justin Sayles
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“How You Remind Me”—Nickelback
This week, we’re celebrating the Canadian rock band Nickelback! Along the way, Rob discusses butt rock, anti-Nickelback memes, and his friend stealing his girlfriend in high school. Later, author and columnist Leslie Gray Streeter joins the show to defend Nickelback fans and much more.
Pre-Order, Leslie’s new book, ‘Family & Other Calamities: A Novel’ here.
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Leslie Gray
“Umbrella”—Rihanna
Rob celebrates pop icon Rihanna while looking back at her smash hit “Umbrella.” While combing through Rihanna’s expansive career, Rob also discusses whether Jay-Z’s guest verse on “Umbrella” is the worst of his career. Later, Brittany Spano joins the show to answer the difficult question of what song is Rihanna’s best, and much more.
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Brittany Spano
Producers: Jonathan K
“Amber”—311
Rob explores the genre-fluid positive energy of rap/reggae/rock ‘90s holdovers 311 and their hit ‘Amber.’ Among other things, he also talks about them as a bridge from a previous era, the musicality of their bass in particular, and the way they’re in conversation with bands that petered out in the ‘90s, as well as bands that grew in popularity in the 2000s. Then, Rob is joined by New York magazine
“Yeah!”—Usher
Rob examines the crossroads of Usher’s pop star persona and Lil Jon’s unique vocal and musical genius this week when taking a look back at the smash hit “Yeah!” (1:00). Then, he is joined by Clover Hope to talk about the construction of Usher’s career, the imagery and storytelling that went into making him more interesting to audiences, his staying power, and more (59:00).
Host: Rob Harvilla
Gues
“Complicated”—Avril Lavigne
Rob looks back at the music career of pop star Avril Lavigne while celebrating her smash hit “Complicated.” Along the way, Rob dives deep into the idea of the anti-Britney Spears and much more! Later, he is joined by Marissa Moss to discuss Avril Lavigne’s potential influences, debating what song is her best, and more.
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Marissa Moss
Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin S
“Hurt”—Johnny Cash
Listen as Rob celebrates the life and career of the music icon who is Johnny Cash and his 2002 legendary cover of “Hurt.” Along the way, Rob discusses Cash’s work with Rick Rubin and much more. Later, Rob is joined by the Ringer’s Brian Phillips to further celebrate Johnny Cash’s greatness.
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Brian Phillips
Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles
Additional Productio
“In the End”—Linkin Park
Rob travels down memory lane and looks back at his not-so-kind review of Linkin Park’s diamond-selling debut album, 'Hybrid Theory,' before celebrating the band’s undeniable greatness. Along the way, he also pays respect to the late Chester Bennington. Later, Rob is joined by John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats to discuss Linkin Park’s ability to connect with the youth of the early 2000s, and muc
“Work It”—Missy Elliott
Join us in a moment of 60 Songs history being made as Missy Elliott becomes the first artist with not one, but two songs in the 60 Songs hall of fame with “Work It” added to the mix. In celebration, Rob shares memories from his time at DJ camp as well as a list of some of his favorite songs of all time! Stay and hear Justin Charity join the mix and discuss Missy’s legacy and Virginia’s impact on h
“Kids”—MGMT
This week, Rob assures you that yes, he was there, boots on the ground, for the indie rock (nay, indie sleaze?) boom that hit New York City in the 2000s. Rob sets the stage for the music scene that MGMT launched itself into, before he ultimately unpacks the pop sensation qualities of its megahit “Kids.” Later, music writer Larry Fitzmaurice joins to parse the indie pop scene, share what it was lik
“The Middle”—Jimmy Eat World
It’s Jimmy Eat World Day here at '60 Songs,' and in typical Rob fashion, we take the scenic route to get to “The Middle.” Before we talk Jimmy Eat World’s smash hit, we discuss the time Rob’s friend got hit with a t-shirt cannon. Later, Rob is joined by ‘The Watch’ host Andy Greenwald to discuss his days of interviewing Jimmy Eat World, and more.
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Andy Greenwald
Producer
“Paper Planes”—M.I.A
Rob looks back at some major performances that came with pregnancy announcements, before focusing in on M.I.A and her 2008 hit “Paper Planes.” Along the way, Rob also touches upon the controversies that came with M.I.A’s fame. Later, writer and editor Puja Patel joins to discuss dancing on stage with M.I.A, the political and cultural conversation around the artist back in 2008, and much more.
Ho
“Chop Suey”—System of a Down
Join Rob in watching a mosh pit from a safe distance away while we celebrate System of a Down’s “Chop Suey.” Along the way, Rob discusses tension amongst band members, their potent political messages, and Rick Rubin’s impact on the band. Later, Rob is joined by Bandsplain’s Yasi Salek to further discuss System of a Down’s impact, their hometown of Glendale, and much more!
Host: Rob Harvilla
Gues
“In da Club”—50 Cent
Rob looks back at some of the greatest haters in the history of music in celebration of the legendary hater and rapper that is 50 Cent. Later, Rob guides us through the rise of 50 Cent in the early 2000s. Then, he’s joined by The Ringer’s Charles Holmes to discuss 50 Cent’s history of rap beefs and more!
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Charles Holmes
Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles
Additio
“Back to Black”—Amy Winehouse
Join Rob in celebrating Amy Winehouse, and missing her voice like the rest of us. Along the way, Rob discusses the biopic ‘Back to Black’ and ‘Amy’ before taking some time to cherish Amy Winehouse’s iconic song and album ‘Back to Black.’ Later, Rob is joined by writer Julianne Escobedo Shepherd to discuss her memories of interviewing Amy Winehouse and more.
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Julianne Esco
“Mr. Brightside”—The Killers
Join us as Rob kicks off a new era of '60 Songs' with a deep dive into the 2000s anthem “Mr. Brightside” by the Killers. Of course, along the way, Rob brings the head-scratching tangents that you know and love. New decade, same Rob. What are you waiting for?
Later, Rob is joined by The Ringer’s Chris Ryan to discuss more about the magic of “Mr. Brightside.”
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Chris Ryan
P
Introducing 60 Songs That Explain the '90s: The 2000s
We are so back! Join us on another musical journey through a new decade as Rob Harvilla digs through the biggest songs of the 2000s like only he can. The Strokes, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Arcade Fire, Missy Elliott, Kanye West, and many more are on table. New episodes every Wednesday!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Closing Time”—Semisonic
It’s last call for '90s songs and Rob’s memories as the show draws to a close. So there couldn’t be a more fitting moment for Semisonic’s “Closing Time” to be chosen as the episode’s focus. Listen as Rob grapples with his feelings of discomfort with the word goodbye, and stay for a final sendoff to the greatest '60 Songs' guest of all time, Yasi Salek.
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Yasi Salek
Producer
“Friends in Low Places”—Garth Brooks
In the penultimate episode of 60 Songs, Rob takes it way back. Listen as he recalls the first song he remembers consciously hearing as a baby before diving into the world of Garth Brooks and 90’s country music. Later, Tyler Parker joins the show to discuss what Garth Brooks means to Oklahoma and much more.
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Tyler Parker
Producer: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles
Additiona
“Give Me One Reason”—Tracy Chapman
Rob ranks the books he was forced to read in high school before turning his focus on the greatness of Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason” from her 1995 album ‘New Beginning.’ Later, Rob is joined by fellow Ohio native and author Hanif Abdurraqib to discuss why Ohio breeds such great writers such as Tracy Chapman. The guys also get into Chapman’s appearance at the Grammy’s and much more.
Host: Rob
The Songs We Didn’t Do (Everyone Yells At Rob)
Hello friends, and thank you for stopping by for a very special episode of 60 Songs. With just three songs remaining, it felt like a great week to have some of Rob’s favorite guests as well as producers stop by and yell at him over songs that he missed. Enjoy!
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guests: Andrew Savage, Yasi Salek, Elamin Adelmahmoud, Alex Steed, Leslie Gray Streeter, Isaac Lee, Jonathan Kermah, an
“Hard Knock Life”—JAY-Z
Rob looks at JAY-Z’s career backwards this week before reaching the rap legend’s 90’s pop crossover hit, “Hard Knock Life.” Along the way, Rob highlights the masterclass that is Funkmaster Flex premiering Kanye West and JAY-Z’a “Otis” on Hot 97 and much more. Later, the Ringer’s Wosny Lambre joins the show to discuss what JAY-Z’s rise to power in New York in the 90s, the importance of Hot 97 to Ne
“Black or White”—Michael Jackson
Rob reminisces on his time witnessing Janelle Monae perform at South By Southwest in the year of Michael Jackson’s passing, before looking back at the King of Pop’s televised funeral. Along the way, Rob looks back at the height of Jackson’s powers in the '80s as well as a bit more tumultuous era in the '90s. Later, Wesley Morris joins the show to aid in deciphering how to process Michael Jackson’s
“Iris”—Goo Goo Dolls
Rob looks back at the movie ‘High Fidelity’ and observes the similarities between himself and one of the characters, who is also named Rob. Somewhere along the way, our Rob focuses in on Matthew Sweet, the Knack, Material Issue, and other artists singing power-pop songs about women they usually don’t get in the end. Finally, Rob gives attention to the Goo Goo Dolls and “Iris.” Later, Rob is joined
“Freedom! ’90”—George Michael
Rob looks back at the top five songs that make him still feel like a 6-year-old, before turning his attention to the great George Michael. Along the way, Rob highlights a letter written to Michael from Frank Sinatra with his best dramatic reading. Later, Rob is joined by Rob Tannenbaum to discuss whether George Michael is on the MTV Mount Rushmore, and much more.
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Rob Tann
"Believe"—Cher
Rob takes a trip down memory lane and once again back to his days of watching ‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ before stopping at his memory of the time Beavis and Butt-Head met a woman. That woman was Cher. Cher’s influence in the world of auto-tune is also discussed along the way. Later, Rob is joined by DJ Louie XIV to discuss the impact of Cher’s “Believe.”
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: DJ Louie XIV
Produce
“Are You Gonna Go My Way”—Lenny Kravitz
Rob looks back at his MTV watching days as a child in the late 80s before turning his attention to Lenny Kravitz. Along the way in his monologue, Rob highlights Kravitz’s appearance on ‘The Arsenio Hall Show’ in 1991 and the perceived disconnect between black radio/publications and Kravitz’s music. Later, Rob is joined by writer Elamin Abdelmahmoud to further discuss Kravitz’s recent comments on t
“What’s Up”—4 Non Blondes
Rob indulges in outright negativity when focusing on some of the worst songs of the '90s before turning his attention 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up,” voted one of the worst songs of the '90s by Rolling Stone. Later, Rob is joined by journalist and host of ‘Fine Beats and Cheeses’ Leslie Gray Streeter to discuss how '90s music criticism discredited the music of 4 Non Blondes.
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest:
“Santeria”—Sublime
Listen as Rob reminisces on some of the funniest songs he heard from the back seat of the car as a child, before turning his focus to Sublime, the band’s frontman Bradley Nowell, and the jarring storytelling on the Sublime song “Date Rape.” Somewhere along the way, Rob is able to regain focus on the song at hand, “Santeria.” Later, Rob is joined by his “daughter” Yasi Salek from Bandsplain to disc
‘60 Songs’ x ‘Bandsplain’ Live at the Teragram
Listen as Rob and Yasi Salek are joined by Chris Ryan to hold the ultimate '60 Songs' draft! But before we get to that fantastic main event, Yasi roasts Robs for some of his worst mispronunciations across the history of the '60 Songs That Explain the 90s' pod, and there’s even a very special guest to kick off this special episode. This episode was taken from our live super show at the Teragram Bal
“I’ll Be Missing You”—Puff Daddy and the Family
Rob looks back at the “SADNESS” mixtape that he put together in 1996 before turning to the tragic passing of the Notorious B.I.G., and mogul Puff Daddy’s transition from executive producer in the background to full-blown artist honoring Biggie (01:48). Stay tuned to hear guest Sowmya Krishnamurthy share her experience as Puff Daddy’s assistant and much more (58:15)
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Sowmya
“Glory Box”—Portishead
Listen as Rob confesses about that time where he sorta…kinda…maybe…beat up a guy at a Portishead concert in 1997. Stay as he dives into the world of trip-hop while celebrating Portishead’s “Glory Box” as well as other bands such as Massive Attack.
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Simon Reynolds
Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles
Additional Production Support: Chloe Clark
Learn more about your a
“Lovefool”—The Cardigans
Listen as Rob lets us in on his dream of being the guy that plays piano at a party and serenades all the ladies. And if that isn’t enough for you, stay as he looks back at the 1996 film ‘Romeo + Juliet’ and the Swedish rock band the Cardigans while celebrating their hit “Lovefool.”
SIGNED BOOKPLATE COPIES are available for preorder via Premiere Collectibles: https://premierecollectibles.com/harvil
“My Name Is”—Eminem
Rob reflects on the times when he was a child in the car with his mother and inappropriate songs played on the radio, as well as his times as a parent driving his kids and explicit songs played in the car. This all leads to a deep dive on the ever-so-controversial rap icon, Eminem, and what his hit “My Name Is” meant to the '90s. Later, Rob’s editor and the host of ‘The Wedding Scammer,’ Justin Sa
“Black Hole Sun”—Soundgarden
Rob is back for the final stretch of '60 Songs That Explain the ’90s,' and this week, it’s all about guitar tone! Listen as Rob peruses Smash Mouth’s wild discography before turning to Soundgarden and their hit “Black Hole Sun.” Rob also somehow finds the time to share his top five favorite made-up band names. Later, author Mark Yarm joins the show to discuss Soundgarden’s place within the big fou
“One”—U2
Rob ranks the top five funniest moments in the film ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ to kick things off for this very special U2 edition of '60 Songs.' Later, Rob focuses in on what Bono and U2 meant to music in the ’90s versus their ’80s impact. Writer Annie Zaleski later joins Rob to dive into all things U2.
Host: Rob Harvilla
Guest: Annie Zaleski
Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles
Additional Prod
“Merchandise”—Fugazi
Rob blends his memories of watching Pee-wee Herman with flash backs of his punk rock era while praising Fugazi and their 1990 alternative rock head banger, “Merchandise.” Later he is joined by Touché Amoré singer and host of ‘The First Ever Podcast’ Jeremy Bolm to discuss how intimating Fugazi was as a post hardcore band and much more.
Preorder Rob’s new book, Songs That Explain the ’90s, visit th
Recommended
Booked, Blonde & Busy w/ Olivia Ponton
McKinsey on Consumer and Retail
megahired.com
Hard Knocks Podcast
Effective Weight Loss for Moms | High protein, Strength Training, Lose Weight, Meal Planning, Fat Loss, Healthy Habits
The Human-Animal Connection - Pet Life Radio Original
The Daily
World News Tonight with David Muir
English Vocabulary Help
The Joe Rogan Experience
TED Talks Daily
Learn English B1 with Daily News | English Listening Practice
