

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

Feb 24, 2021 • 47min
Temple of the Dog—“Hunger Strike”
Eric Harvey, a critic and author known for his work in Pitchfork and The New Yorker, joins the conversation to dive into Temple of the Dog's haunting anthem "Hunger Strike." They explore Seattle's grunge movement, the profound themes of grief and nostalgia in the song, and the iconic vocal duet between Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder. The discussion also reflects on how '90s nostalgia impacts cultural perceptions today and the fashion evolution driven by the grunge scene. Prepare for a poignant and enlightening journey through music history!

Feb 17, 2021 • 49min
TLC—“No Scrubs”
Rob explores TLC’s blockbuster R&B hit “No Scrubs” by discussing the iconic girl group’s underappreciated impact on culture, the unjust media coverage of female artists, and their unique place in history as champions of Black women in America.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: Danyel SmithProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 10, 2021 • 42min
No Doubt—“Just a Girl”
Rob explores ska-punk sensation No Doubt’s feminist anthem “Just a Girl” by discussing the rise of third-wave ska and Gwen Stefani’s turn as a solo artist.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: Puja PatelProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 4, 2021 • 50min
Dr. Dre—“Nuthin’ But a G-Thang”
Rob explores legendary producer Dr. Dre’s iconic debut album ‘The Chronic’ and its lead single, “Nuthin’ But a G-Thang,” by discussing Dre’s extraordinary chemistry with other rappers, his towering influence on West Coast gangsta rap, and his dark history of violence against women.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: Sheldon PearceProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 28, 2021 • 42min
C+C Music Factory—“Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)”
Rob explores the C+C Music Factory’s debut hit “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” by discussing the group’s rise to popularity from the underground dance scene and the controversy surrounding their exclusion of featured singer Martha Wash.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: Craig SeymourProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 21, 2021 • 40min
New Radicals—“You Get What You Give”
Rob explores the New Radicals’ signature hit, “You Get What You Give,” performed for the first time in 22 years at President Joe Biden’s inauguration.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: Rob SheffieldProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 snips
Jan 14, 2021 • 49min
Metallica—“Enter Sandman”
Rob explores thrash metal icon Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” by discussing the band’s trajectory from their early work to their mainstream turn and their wide influence thereafter.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 musicHost: Rob HarvillaGuest: Dave ChangProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4 snips
Jan 7, 2021 • 36min
The Breeders—“Cannonball”
Rob explores alternative rock darlings The Breeders’ breakout hit “Cannonball” by discussing the band’s predecessor, The Pixies; Kim Deal’s uniquely captivating voice; and the song’s charming disregard for music norms.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: Open Mike EagleProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 31, 2020 • 42min
Master P—“Make 'Em Say Uhh!”
Rob explores Master P’s platinum single “Make 'Em Say Uhh!” by discussing the rapper’s famed business acumen, what he means to New Orleans hip-hop, and how his label No Limit Records paved the way for empowering rappers.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: Micah Peters and Taylor CrumptonProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 snips
Dec 17, 2020 • 34min
Backstreet Boys—“I Want It That Way”
Rob explores one of the greatest boy band songs of all time, “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys, by discussing the nonsensical yet sonically pleasing lyricism and the perception of boy bands in larger cultural criticism.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: Maria ShermanProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices