60 Songs That Explain the '90s

Episodes page 3 of 4

1. “F--k and Run”—Liz Phair

   18 Jan 2023 · 1 h 14 min

   Rob looks back at ‘Ferris Bueller's Day Off’ when diving into Liz Phair’s “F--k and Run” and the rest of her career. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Sam Lipsyte Producer: Justin Sayles Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah…

2. "Only Wanna Be with You”—Hootie & The Blowfish

   11 Jan 2023 · 1 h 27 min

   Rob spills on his love/hate relationship with LeBron James over the years while deep diving on how Hootie & The Blowfish got their name, the difference between primarily fun music and totally disposable music, and the…

3. “Tyrone - Live”—Erykah Badu

   4 Jan 2023 · 1 h 31 min

   Rob explores his love for live albums while looking back at Erykah Badu’s “Tyrone.” Along the way he explains why the live version of the song is the clearly superior recording. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Clover Hope…

4. Mailbag

   21 Dec 2022 · 1 h 23 min

   Rob is joined by ‘Bandsplain’ host Yasi Salek to read some of your fan mail and answer questions. Why do you live in Ohio? Which band do you regret not having an episode on? Nirvana or Pearl Jam? Tune in to hear Rob…

5. “Ice Ice Baby”—Vanilla Ice

   14 Dec 2022 · 1 h 30 min

   Rob dives into his top five all-time favorite '90s white rapper songs when looking back at the rise and fall of Vanilla Ice with his 1990 hit “Ice Ice Baby.” Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Tom Breihan Producer: Justin…

6. “Yellow Ledbetter”—Pearl Jam

   7 Dec 2022 · 1 h 38 min

   Rob looks back at some of the first CDs he ever owned when diving into Pearl Jam’s lyrically incomprehensible B-side hit “Yellow Ledbetter.” Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Steven Hyden Producer: Justin Sayles Associate…

7. “Stay (I Missed You)”—Lisa Loeb

   30 Nov 2022 · 1 h 26 min

   Rob is joined by ‘Boy Meets World’ star and host of the podcast ‘Boy Meets 90’s’ Rider Strong to look back at Lisa Loeb’s 1994 hit “Stay (I Missed You).” Along the way, Rob dives into whether Winona chose the right guy…

8. “Return of the Mack”—Mark Morrison

   16 Nov 2022 · 1 h 21 min

   Rob reminisces on his first days working in a newsroom and watching ‘ThunderCats’ outtakes, all while riding on the sleek R&B roads of memory lane when looking back at Mark Morrison’s big hit “Return of the Mack,”…

9. “It Was a Good Day”—Ice Cube

   9 Nov 2022 · 1 h 27 min

   Rob dives into the world of N.W.A. and gangsta rap, looking back at Ice Cube’s more peaceful hit, “It Was A Good Day.” Along the way, he finds time to reminisce on his life as an RA in college. Host: Rob Harvilla…

10. “Goodbye Earl”—The Chicks

    2 Nov 2022 · 1 h 25 min

    Rob is back to dive into the empowering anthem that is “Goodbye Earl,” along with the impact of the Chicks and other women in country music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Amanda Shires Producer: Justin Sayles Associate…

11. “Walk”—Pantera

    26 Oct 2022 · 1 h 49 min

    Bring your electric guitars and join us as Rob dives into the world of heavy metal when taking a look back at Pantera’s certified head smasher, “Walk.” Later, Sean Fennessy joins the show to discuss what ‘Extreme…

12. "Zombie”—The Cranberries

    17 Aug 2022 · 1 h 27 min

    What do ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,’ The Smiths, and Rob’s lack of basketball skill have to do with the Irish rock band the Cranberries and their 1994 hit “Zombie”? Press play to find out as Rob deep dives on the song…

13. “Firestarter”—The Prodigy

    10 Aug 2022 · 1 h 32 min

    Rob celebrates the song “Firestarter” while looking back at the electronic band the Prodigy. While contextualizing the band, he also discusses the backlash surrounding their song “Smack My Bitch Up.” Host: Rob…

14. “Together Again”—Janet Jackson

    3 Aug 2022 · 1 h 27 min

    Rob looks back at the house-influenced 1997 pop hit that is “Together Again.” Along the way, he highlights the sensational career of pop icon Janet Jackson, and some of her best laughs on songs. Host: Rob Harvilla…

15. “In Circles”—Sunny Day Real Estate

    27 Jul 2022 · 1 h 33 min

    Listen as Rob delves into his most vivid memories of late-night video game binges with his band. Somewhere along the way, we’ll look back at Sunny Day Real Estate’s “In Circles” to fulfill our duties for The Ringer’s…

16. “Sabotage”—Beastie Boys

    20 Jul 2022 · 1 h 34 min

    Rob dives into the Beastie Boys' evolution from frat boy rap group to enlightened men while he looks back at the anthem that is “Sabotage.” Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Jane Coaston Producers: Justin Sayles and Devon…

17. “Closer”—Nine Inch Nails

    13 Jul 2022 · 1 h 28 min

    Rob reminisces about the first time he heard “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails, the state of industrial rock during that time, and his deep love for Trent Reznor. Host: Rob Harvilla Guests: William Hutson and Jonathan…

18. “Real Love”—Mary J. Blige

    29 Jun 2022 · 1 h 23 min

    Rob explores the making of Mary J. Blige and Method Man’s “I’ll Be There For You / You’re All I Need,” the pain in Mary’s music and real life, and much more when looking back at “Real Love.” Host: Rob Harvilla Guest:…

19. “Bitter Sweet Symphony”—The Verve

    22 Jun 2022 · 1 h 23 min

    Rob looks back at The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony” and the band's legal battles over royalties owed to The Rolling Stones. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Niko Stratis Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles…

20. “Doll Parts”—Hole

    15 Jun 2022 · 1 h 26 min

    Rob looks back at the Los Angeles based band Hole, the pain within the lyrics of “Doll Parts,” and Courtney Love coping with the death of Kurt Cobain. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show…

21. “Shook Ones, Part II”—Mobb Deep

    8 Jun 2022 · 1 h 17 min

    Rob brings the pod to Queensbridge this week as he looks back at the ‘Infamous’ rap duo that is Mobb Deep and their legendary song “Shook Ones, Part II.” This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show…

22. “Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)“—The Offspring

    1 Jun 2022 · 1 h 19 min

    Rob looks back at the comedic punk rock classic that is “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)” along with much more from the Offspring’s catalog. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available…

23. “Been Caught Stealing”—Jane’s Addiction

    25 May 2022 · 1 h 30 min

    Rob brings his own bass to the party as he looks back at Jane’s Addiction’s “Been Caught Stealing,” along with some of his favorite basslines in rock music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Karina Longworth Producers:…

24. “I Can’t Make You Love Me” — Bonnie Raitt

    18 May 2022 · 1 h 20 min

    Rob looks back at the heartbreak anthem that is “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” while also looking back at the phases of Bonnie Raitt’s lengthy career, as well as some of the biggest heartbreaks of his own past. This…

25. “Whoomp! (There It Is)” — Tag Team

    11 May 2022 · 1 h 10 min

    Rob looks back at Tag Team’s no. 2 charting single “Whoomp! (There It Is)” along with the controversy surrounding the song and 95 South’s release of “Whoot, There It Is.” This episode was originally produced as a…

26. " ... Baby One More Time"—Britney Spears

    4 May 2022 · 1 h 24 min

    '60 Songs' returns for another batch of songs by covering the Big Bang of late '90s teen pop, Britney Spears's " ... Baby One More Time." Rob breaks down Britney's early career, how the media handled the young star,…

27. "Would?“—Alice in Chains

    9 Feb 2022 · 1 h 14 min

    Rob closes out the first set songs with a heartfelt appraisal of Layne Staley via an exploration of the Seattle band’s tribute to vocalist Andrew Wood. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show…

28. “It’s Good to Be King”—Tom Petty

    2 Feb 2022 · 1 h 11 min

    Rob explores the joy, terror, and fulfillment of fatherhood through one of classic rock’s dynamic frontmen, Tom Petty. Rob runs down Petty’s career, including his MTV music video impact, the ‘Wildflowers’ standout…

29. “California Love”—Tupac

    26 Jan 2022 · 1 h 19 min

    Rob Harvilla explores the legacy of Tupac Shakur, one of the most important figures hip-hop ever birthed and a person whose life was defined by contradictions. He breaks down Tupac’s rise in music and Hollywood and his…

30. “Killing In The Name”—Rage Against The Machine

    19 Jan 2022 · 1 h 06 min

    Rob explores the history of Los Angeles rock band Rage Against the Machine and their debut single, “Killing in the Name.” By calling out police brutality and political corruption, the furious four-piece became one of…

31. “Ex-Factor”—Lauryn Hill

    12 Jan 2022 · 1 h 11 min

    Rob explores the memory of a lost love in Lauryn Hill’s “Ex-Factor.” Tracking her rise to fame first as a member of the Fugees then as a solo star, he dissects how she spoke her truth and in doing so became one of the…

32. “A Long December”—Counting Crows

    22 Dec 2021 · 1 h 12 min

    Rob explores what happens when you make music your everything. Through the lens of Counting Crows lead singer Adam Duritz, Rob breaks down the band’s ballad “A Long December” before The Ringer’s Bill Simmons joins to…

33. “Criminal” - Fiona Apple

    15 Dec 2021 · 1 h 07 min

    Rob explores the radical and blunt nature of Fiona Apple. Nearly 25 years after “Criminal” made a jaded 18-year-old into an alt-rock superstar, Harvilla looks at the songstress’s outspoken antics, her views on…

34. “Smooth” - Santana

    8 Dec 2021 · 1 h 08 min

    Rob explores the spiritual and sexy Carlos Santana. Assisted by Matchbox 20 vocalist Rob Thomas, Santana created what may have been the song of the decade, “Smooth.” Rob looks into the guitarist’s passion for…

35. Spice Girls—“Wannabe”

    1 Dec 2021 · 59 min

    Rob explores the Fierce Five, a.k.a. the Spice Girls, who became the biggest-selling girl group in the world following the success of their smash hit “Wannabe.” Rob tracks their rise to international stardom, a failed…

36. DMX—“Ruff Ryder’s Anthem”

    24 Nov 2021 · 1 h 03 min

    Rob explores the spiritual genius of the late rapper DMX. He observes X’s power of prayer, recounts the rapper’s destructive childhood, and tells the tale of how the breakout hit “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” came to be. This…

37. Radiohead—“Creep”

    17 Nov 2021 · 1 h 06 min

    Rob explores the obsessive and eerily constructed hit “Creep,” which arrived on Radiohead’s debut album, ‘Pablo Honey.’ He discusses the origins of the track, the exhaustion caused by the song’s commercial success, and…

38. Celine Dion—“My Heart Will Go On”

    3 Nov 2021 · 1 h 09 min

    Rob explores legendary Canadian vocalist Celine Dion’s blockbuster hit “My Heart Will Go On” by discussing her illustrious career, the sheer force she brings to every song, and the unapologetic attitude with which she…

39. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony—“Tha Crossroads”

    27 Oct 2021 · 59 min

    Rob explores Cleveland rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony’s hit “Tha Crossroads” by discussing the origins of the quintet, their innovative musical style, and the power of singing about grief. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest:…

40. Blink-182—“What’s My Age Again?”

    20 Oct 2021 · 1 h 10 min

    Rob explores punk royalty Blink-182’s “What’s My Age Again?” by discussing the band’s unapologetic celebration of immaturity, their musical influences, and what so-called selling out meant for rock artists during that…

41. Billy Ray Cyrus—“Achy Breaky Heart”

    13 Oct 2021 · 56 min

    Rob explores Billy Ray Cyrus’s smash hit “Achy Breaky Heart” by discussing the new traditionalist movement in country music and how it affected Cyrus’s career. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk…

42. Aaliyah—“One in a Million”

    6 Oct 2021 · 1 h 06 min

    Rob explores R&B sensation Aaliyah’s hit single “One in a Million” by discussing her meteoric rise to pop stardom at an early age, her innovative musical style, and her legacy. This episode was originally produced as…

43. R.E.M.—“Nightswimming”

    29 Sep 2021 · 1 h 02 min

    Rob explores alternative rock band R.E.M.’s piano ballad “Nightswimming” by discussing the band’s musical journey and their songs’ frequent lack of lyrical coherence. This episode was originally produced as a Music…

44. Outkast—“Rosa Parks”

    22 Sep 2021 · 58 min

    Rob explores legendary hip-hop duo Outkast’s hit “Rosa Parks” by discussing their deep roots in Atlanta and the change they brought to the then-bicoastal rap landscape. This episode was originally produced as a Music…

45. Tori Amos — “Cornflake Girl”

    15 Sep 2021 · 58 min

    Rob explores singer-songwriter Tori Amos’s hit single “Cornflake Girl” by discussing her performing prowess, her unique artistry, and her tense relationship with the press. This episode was originally produced as a…

46. Oasis—“Wonderwall”

    8 Sep 2021 · 1 h 12 min

    Rob explores Britpop icon Oasis’s enduring megahit “Wonderwall” by discussing the Gallagher brothers’ notoriously contentious relationship and the band’s place in the lineage of British rock. This episode was…

47. Boyz II Men—“End of the Road”

    28 Jul 2021 · 1 h 06 min

    Rob explores the legendary R&B quartet Boyz II Men’s record-smashing single “End of the Road” by discussing the group’s universal appeal, their unprecedented success, and the massive footprint they left on the music…

48. Limp Bizkit—“Nookie”

    21 Jul 2021 · 58 min

    Rob explores rap-rock band Limp Bizkit’s signature single “Nookie” by discussing the rise of nü metal and how the genre centers around rage in its many expressions. This episode was originally produced as a Music and…

49. Madonna—“Vogue”

    14 Jul 2021 · 55 min

    Rob explores Madonna’s ’90s house hit “Vogue” by discussing the Queen of Pop’s remarkable ability to reinvent herself, her meticulous involvement in her work, and how those within the ballroom scene received her…

50. Coolio—“Gangsta’s Paradise”

    7 Jul 2021 · 54 min

    Rob explores Los Angeles rapper Coolio’s megahit “Gangsta’s Paradise” by discussing the distance between the stark realities behind much of hip-hop’s lyrical content and rap songs’ public reception as pop music. This…