60 Songs That Explain the '90s - podcast cover

60 Songs That Explain the '90s

The Ringerwww.theringer.com
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

“Ice Ice Baby”—Vanilla Ice

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 Sayles Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 14, 20222 hr 31 min

“Yellow Ledbetter”—Pearl Jam

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 Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Productional Support: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 07, 20222 hr 39 min

“Stay (I Missed You)”—Lisa Loeb

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 in ‘Reality Bites,’ the ‘Reality Bites’ soundtrack, mourning a high school friend, and much more. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Rider Strong Producer: Justin Sayles Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 30, 20221 hr 27 min

“Return of the Mack”—Mark Morrison

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,” along with other hip-hop-influenced '90s R&B songs. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Justin Charity Producer: Justin Sayles Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Productional Support: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 16, 20221 hr 22 min

“It Was a Good Day”—Ice Cube

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 Guest: Van Lathan Producer: Justin Sayles Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Productional Support: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 09, 20221 hr 28 min

“Goodbye Earl”—The Chicks

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 Producer: Jonathan Kermah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 02, 20221 hr 26 min

“Walk”—Pantera

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 Championship Wrestling’ has to do with Pantera. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Sean Fennessy Producer: Justin Sayles Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 26, 20222 hr 50 min

"Zombie”—The Cranberries

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 and the impact of lead singer Dolores O'Riordan. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Shadrach Kabango Producer: Justin Sayles Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 17, 20221 hr 28 min

“Firestarter”—The Prodigy

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 Harvilla Guest: Jeremy D Larson Producer: Justin Sayles Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah Audio Intern: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 10, 20222 hr 33 min

“Together Again”—Janet Jackson

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 Guest: DJ Louie XIV Producer: Justin Sayles Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah Audio Intern: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 03, 20221 hr 28 min

“In Circles”—Sunny Day Real Estate

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 Emo Week. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Ian Cohen Producer: Justin Sayles Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah Audio Intern: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 27, 20222 hr 34 min

“Sabotage”—Beastie Boys

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 Renaldo Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 20, 20222 hr 35 min

“Closer”—Nine Inch Nails

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 Snipes from .clipping Producers: Justin Sayles and Devon Renaldo Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 13, 20222 hr 30 min

“Real Love”—Mary J. Blige

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: Leslie Streeter Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles Audio Intern: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 29, 20221 hr 25 min

“Bitter Sweet Symphony”—The Verve

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 22, 20221 hr 25 min

“Doll Parts”—Hole

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 available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Yasi Salek Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 15, 20221 hr 27 min

“Shook Ones, Part II”—Mobb Deep

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 available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Paul Thompson Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 08, 20221 hr 18 min

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

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 exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. .Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Zack Mykula Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 01, 20221 hr 21 min

“Been Caught Stealing”—Jane’s Addiction

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: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 25, 20222 hr 31 min

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

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 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 Harvilla Guest: Emma Carmichael Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcast...

May 18, 20221 hr 21 min

“Whoomp! (There It Is)” — Tag Team

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 Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Rodney Carmichael Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 11, 20221 hr 11 min

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

'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, the song's perfect chorus, and much more. 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 Harvilla Guest: Doreen St. Félix Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Say...

May 04, 20221 hr 26 min

"Would?“—Alice in Chains

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 available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or wherever you get your music. Host: Rob Harvilla Guest: Chuck Klosterman Producer: Justin Sayles Associate Producer: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 09, 20221 hr 16 min

“It’s Good to Be King”—Tom Petty

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 “It’s Good to Be King,” and how Petty prepared him for the most transformative experience of his life. Plus, a big announcement about the future of the show. This episode was originally produced as a Music and Talk show available exclusively on Spotify. Find the full song on Spotify or...

Feb 02, 20221 hr 13 min

“California Love”—Tupac

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 latter-day stint at Death Row Records, including the mega-hit “California Love.” 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 Harvilla Guest: Andreas Hale Pro...

Jan 26, 20221 hr 21 min

“Killing In The Name”—Rage Against The Machine

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 the most rebellious bands of the 1990s and brought socialist and revolutionary ideas to the mainstream. 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 Harvilla Gu...

Jan 19, 20221 hr 8 min

“Ex-Factor”—Lauryn Hill

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 greatest singers and rappers ever. 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 Harvilla Guest: Daphne Brooks Producer: Justin Sayles Associate Producer: Devon...

Jan 12, 20221 hr 13 min

“A Long December”—Counting Crows

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 contemplate Adam’s struggle to prioritize happiness. 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 Harvilla Guest: Bill Simmons Producer: Justin Sayles Associate...

Dec 22, 20211 hr 14 min

“Criminal” - Fiona Apple

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 exploitation, that infamous Spin article, and more. This episode contains content about sexual assault and eating disorders. 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: R...

Dec 15, 20211 hr 9 min

“Smooth” - Santana

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 collaboration and how record mogul Clive Davis took the ’70s rock legend and turned him into a 1990s Billboard chart-topping force. 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. H...

Dec 08, 20211 hr 10 min