
60 Songs That Explain the '90s
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.
Latest episodes

Oct 18, 2023 • 1h 28min
“My Name Is”—Eminem
Eminem, the ever-controversial rap icon of the '90s, is the guest on this episode. They discuss Eminem's hit 'My Name Is' and its impact on the '90s. Also, the host's childhood memories of inappropriate songs in the car and the challenges of parenting in a media-filled world. Additionally, they reflect on Eminem's influence on the rap industry, white rappers in Detroit's rap scene, and missed collaborations in Eminem's career.

6 snips
Oct 11, 2023 • 1h 33min
“Black Hole Sun”—Soundgarden
Author Mark Yarm delves into Soundgarden's place in grunge music history. The podcast explores the creation of 'Black Hole Sun,' Chris Cornell's iconic accessories, and the making of the Superunknown album. It also touches on the underappreciated genius of a guitarist and Soundgarden's internal struggles and uncertain future.

7 snips
Aug 16, 2023 • 1h 27min
“One”—U2
Writer Annie Zaleski joins host Rob Harvilla to discuss all things U2. They delve into U2's impact on music in the '90s versus their '80s influence. They also explore U2's Popmart Tour, including the iconic performance inside a giant lemon. The chapter reflects on a personal and public connection to U2, their transition into the '90s, and their albums 'Zooropa' and 'Pop'.

Aug 9, 2023 • 1h 33min
“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 the Hachette Book Group website.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Jeremy BolmProducers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin SaylesAdditional Production Support: Chloe Clark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 2, 2023 • 1h 31min
“Say My Name”—Destiny’s Child
Jill Hopkins, host of 'Making Beyoncé,' joins Rob to discuss the '90s R&B group Destiny's Child, their journey from a buzzing group to Beyoncé's pop culture domination, and the impact of lineup changes and conflicts within the band. They also touch on the significance of the song 'Say My Name' and the importance of band collaboration.

19 snips
Jul 26, 2023 • 1h 35min
“Fade into You”—Mazzy Star
Before highlighting Mazzy Star and their moody hit “Fade into You,” Rob shares his new favorite song with us and dives into all things slowcore. Later Rob is joined by cultural columnist at De Los, the new Latino vertical at the Los Angeles Times, Suzy Exposito to discuss all things Mazzy Star, her goth yeehaw playlist, and more (1:06:00).Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Suzy ExpositoProducers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin SaylesAdditional Production Support: Chloe Clark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 19, 2023 • 1h 28min
“Birdhouse in Your Soul”—They Might Be Giants
In a very special 100th episode, Rob looks back at the records his parents played downstairs when he was supposed to be sleeping. Oh, and of course he dedicates a significant amount of time praising the band that unlocked 90 percent of his then-12-year-old identity, They Might Be Giants. Later, rapper and host of ‘What Had Happened Was,’ Open Mike Eagle, joins Rob to discuss his shared love for They Might Be Giants and how “Birdhouse in Your Soul” forever changed his perception of music at a young age.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Open Mike EagleProducers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin SaylesAdditional Production Support: Chloe Clark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 12, 2023 • 1h 27min
“Around the World”—Daft Punk
Rob shares a list of the 10 most repetitive songs of the '90s, before diving into Daft Punk and their electronic hit “Around the World.” Later, Rob is joined by Pitchfork features editor Ryan Dombal to discuss meeting Daft Punk without their helmets on, Daft Punk as Dombal’s entrance to electronic music, and much more (56:00).Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Ryan DombalProducers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin SaylesAdditional Production Support: Chloe Clark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 5, 2023 • 1h 23min
“Regulate”—Warren G & Nate Dogg
Rob looks back at some of his most embarrassing song lyric snafus caused by radio edits while deep diving on Long Beach legends Warren G and Nate Dogg. Later, Rob is joined by Logan Murdock to discuss west coast rap, Warren G’s orgin story, and more.Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Logan MurdockProducers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin SaylesAdditional Production Support: Chloe Clark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 snips
Jun 28, 2023 • 1h 29min
“Down by the Water”—PJ Harvey
Listen as Rob highlights why ‘Loaded Weapon 1’ is the single greatest movie he's ever seen in theaters before he eventually dives into PJ Harvey’s “Down by the Water” and plenty of other ’90s songs from the singer-songwriter. Later, Rob is joined by Yasi Salek of ‘Bandsplain’ to discuss their celebrity twins, PJ Harvey’s music catalog, and much more (56:30).Host: Rob HarvillaGuest: Yasi SalekProducers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin SaylesAdditional Production Support: Chloe Clark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices