

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

17 snips
Dec 10, 2020 • 40min
Smashing Pumpkins—“Mayonaise”
Bill Simmons, a prominent podcast host, joins to dive into the Smashing Pumpkins' haunting ballad "Mayonnaise." They discuss Billy Corgan's complex persona and how his introspective lyrics resonate with feelings of isolation. The conversation also touches on the band's tension between indie credibility and mainstream success during the '90s. Plus, they explore the rivalry with Nirvana and the evolving legacy of the Pumpkins. Journey through nostalgic memories and the art of album sequencing alongside these iconic sounds!

5 snips
Dec 3, 2020 • 42min
Mariah Carey—“All I Want for Christmas Is You”
Rob explores Mariah Carey’s modern classic Christmas anthem “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by discussing the transcendent vocalist’s tumultuous early life and career, her oft-overlooked songwriting prowess, and how the song builds on the long canon of Christmas 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: Kyla MarshellProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 19, 2020 • 27min
Geto Boys—"Mind Playing Tricks On Me"
Rob explores the revolutionary Geto Boys single ‘Mind Playing Tricks On Me’ by highlighting how it expresses raw vulnerability through its lyrics and its legacy in hip-hop to the present day.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: Kiana FitzgeraldProducers: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 12, 2020 • 38min
Guns N’ Roses—“November Rain”
Rob explores Guns N’ Roses’ signature power ballad “November Rain” in all of its extremely lengthy glory by discussing the band’s turbulent trajectory, the profound genius of Slash’s guitar playing, the song’s equally recognizable music video, and the moral detriment to enjoying the creative work of Axl Rose.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: Naomi FryProducers: Justin Sayles and Isaac Lee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 5, 2020 • 34min
Missy Elliott—“The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)”
Rob explores Missy Elliott’s breakout single “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” and the Hall of Famer’s singular career, highlighting her lasting influence on hip-hop and R&B as well as her longstanding partnership with legendary producer Timbaland.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Clover HopeProducer: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 29, 2020 • 27min
Wu-Tang Clan—“C.R.E.A.M.”
Rob explores the Wu-Tang Clan’s 1993 genre-defining classic “C.R.E.A.M.” and the unique circumstances that were seminal to the group’s identity.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: Lex PryorProducer: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4 snips
Oct 22, 2020 • 34min
Gin Blossoms—“Hey Jealousy”
Rob explores the 1992 jangle-rock hit “Hey Jealousy” and how it integrates the darkness of its lyrical content into its bright sonic framework.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: Hanif AbdurraqibProducer: Isaac Lee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

7 snips
Oct 15, 2020 • 34min
Alanis Morissette—"You Oughta Know"
Rob explores the iconic 1995 single "You Oughta Know" by Canadian singer Alanis Morissette by examining its cultural influence and distinct sound.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: Amanda DobbinsProducer: Isaac Lee and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices