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.
165 episodes transcribedRob explores A Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario” by discussing the chemistry at the center of the group’s excellence and where the song ranks among the...
Rob explores the Luniz’ weed anthem “I Got 5 on It” by discussing the history of Bay Area rap and how the song’s remix showcases the region’s all-star...
Rob explores Tejano superstar Selena’s posthumous crossover hit “Dreaming of You” by discussing her success in both Spanish-language and English-langu...
Rob explores Britpop band Pulp’s signature anthem “Common People” by discussing the layers of class criticism in its lyrics and the exciting but comba...
Rob explores Los Angeles metal band Tool’s “Stinkfist” by discussing how they found success mixing visceral shock and poetic depth in their music. Thi...
Rob explores country icon Shania Twain’s crossover hit “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by discussing her pioneering within and outside of Nashville as wel...
Rob explores the East Coast rapper the Notorious B.I.G.’s mainstream breakout single, “Juicy,” by discussing Biggie’s life and legacy as it compares t...
Rob explores grunge supergroup Temple of the Dog’s signature single “Hunger Strike” by discussing the rise of Seattle as the center of the alternative...
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...
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 ar...
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 extraordi...
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 unde...
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....
Rob explores thrash metal icon Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” by discussing the band’s trajectory from their early work to their mainstream turn and thei...
Rob explores alternative rock darlings The Breeders’ breakout hit “Cannonball” by discussing the band’s predecessor, The Pixies; Kim Deal’s uniquely c...
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, an...
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...
Rob explores the Smashing Pumpkins’ shoegazing power ballad “Mayonaise” by discussing how the eccentricities of frontman Billy Corgan directed the ban...
Rob explores Mariah Carey’s modern classic Christmas anthem “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by discussing the transcendent vocalist’s tumultuous ear...
Rob explores the revolutionary Geto Boys single ‘Mind Playing Tricks On Me’ by highlighting how it expresses raw vulnerability through its lyrics and...
