

60 Songs That Explain the '90s
The Ringer
First came '60 Songs That Explain the '90s.' (We did that.) Then came '60 Songs That Explain the '90s: The 2000s.' (We're doing that now—and yes, that's the actual name.) But whether you want to jump back to the Clinton years or join us as we reboot our old iPods, you can find all of the collected works of Rob Harvilla below. Come back each Wednesday for a new episode.
Episodes
Mentioned books

10 snips
May 5, 2021 • 47min
Weezer—“Say It Ain’t So”
The podcast explores Weezer's hit song 'Say It Ain't So', discussing the band's unique identity within alternative rock, the story behind the song's lyrics, and how Weezer's music provided a sense of belonging to fans. It also covers Rivers Cuomo's childhood, influences behind Weezer's sound, and their journey in the music industry. A discussion with Bobby Bones touches on Weezer's sustained success and energetic performances, as well as the nerdy energy in other country music artists.

Apr 28, 2021 • 49min
Dave Matthews Band—“Crash Into Me”
Guest Yasi Salek discusses the musical prowess of the Dave Matthews Band and their fandom's reputation. Topics include the band's impact on pop culture, the controversial lyrics of 'Crash Into Me', and the emotional resonance of the song in the '90s.

Apr 21, 2021 • 37min
Björk—“Hyperballad”
Rob explores Icelandic musician Björk’s hit “Hyperballad” by discussing her unique artistry and the various ways she stretched beyond the conventions of popular music.This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Rumaan AlamProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 14, 2021 • 59min
A Tribe Called Quest—“Scenario”
Rob explores A Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario” by discussing the chemistry at the center of the group’s excellence and where the song ranks among the best posse cuts in rap history.This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Shea SerranoProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 7, 2021 • 53min
Luniz—"I Got 5 on It"
Rob explores the Luniz’ weed anthem “I Got 5 on It” by discussing the history of Bay Area rap and how the song’s remix showcases the region’s all-stars.This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.Host: Rob HarvillaGuests: Logan Murdock and Marcus ThompsonProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 31, 2021 • 52min
Selena—“Dreaming of You”
Rob explores Tejano superstar Selena’s posthumous crossover hit “Dreaming of You” by discussing her success in both Spanish-language and English-language music as well as the monumental legacy she left behind for Latinx artists.This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Suzy ExpositoProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 24, 2021 • 48min
Pulp—“Common People”
Rob explores Britpop band Pulp’s signature anthem “Common People” by discussing the layers of class criticism in its lyrics and the exciting but combative Britpop moment of the ’90s.This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Dorian LynskeyProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

8 snips
Mar 17, 2021 • 44min
Tool—“Stinkfist”
Rob explores Los Angeles metal band Tool’s “Stinkfist” by discussing how they found success mixing visceral shock and poetic depth in their music.This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Laina DawesProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 10, 2021 • 45min
Shania Twain—“Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”
Rob explores country icon Shania Twain’s crossover hit “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by discussing her pioneering within and outside of Nashville as well as her professional and personal relationship with producer Mutt Lange.This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Marissa R. MossProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 3, 2021 • 46min
The Notorious B.I.G.—“Juicy”
Rob explores the East Coast rapper the Notorious B.I.G.’s mainstream breakout single, “Juicy,” by discussing Biggie’s life and legacy as it compares to the narrative around him and his music.This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Jon CaramanicaProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices