60 Songs That Explain the '90s

“Mr. Brightside”—The Killers

12 snips
Oct 2, 2024
In this discussion, Chris Ryan, a co-host of The Watch podcast and contributor at The Ringer, joins to unpack the cultural phenomenon of 'Mr. Brightside' by The Killers. They delve into the clever wordplay and deeper themes of the song, connecting it to classic poetry. The conversation also explores the evolution of rock in the early 2000s, highlighting the band's theatrical performances and their lasting impact. Finally, they examine how 'Mr. Brightside' resonates as a communal anthem of jealousy and heartache, uniting audiences everywhere.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Rock's Death and Resurrection

  • Rob Harvilla recalls a time when rock and roll was declared dead.
  • He compares it to being out of town during a major event and returning to find things changed.
ANECDOTE

Rock is Back Marketing

  • Rob Harvilla describes a local rock show where the opening act repeatedly declared "rock is back."
  • He emphasizes the marketing push behind the Strokes, Hives, Vines, and White Stripes.
INSIGHT

The Uncool Factor

  • Rob Harvilla suggests that truly cool music often emerges from what's slightly uncool.
  • He gives the example of new wave following punk, and then introduces the Killers.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app