Category: Series

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60 Songs That Explain the '90s - “Amber”—311

Rob explores the genre-fluid positive energy of rap/reggae/rock ‘90s holdovers 311 and their hit ‘Amber.’ Among other things, he also talks about them as a bridge from a previous era, the musicality of their bass in particular, and the way they’re in conversation with bands that petered out in the ‘90s, as well as bands that grew in popularity in the 2000s. Then, Rob is joined by New York magazine music critic Craig Jenkins to discuss why 311 is actually good and situates their legacy as it stands today.


Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Craig Jenkins

Producers: Jonathan Kermah, Justin Sayles, and Bobby Wagner

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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60 Songs That Explain the '90s - “Yeah!”—Usher

Rob examines the crossroads of Usher’s pop star persona and Lil Jon’s unique vocal and musical genius this week when taking a look back at the smash hit “Yeah!” (1:00). Then, he is joined by Clover Hope to talk about the construction of Usher’s career, the imagery and storytelling that went into making him more interesting to audiences, his staying power, and more (59:00).


Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Clover Hope

Producers: Jonathan Kermah, Justin Sayles, and Bobby Wagner

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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60 Songs That Explain the '90s - “Complicated”—Avril Lavigne

Rob looks back at the music career of pop star Avril Lavigne while celebrating her smash hit “Complicated.” Along the way, Rob dives deep into the idea of the anti-Britney Spears and much more! Later, he is joined by Marissa Moss to discuss Avril Lavigne’s potential influences, debating what song is her best, and more.


Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Marissa Moss

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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60 Songs That Explain the '90s - “Hurt”—Johnny Cash

Listen as Rob celebrates the life and career of the music icon who is Johnny Cash and his 2002 legendary cover of “Hurt.” Along the way, Rob discusses Cash’s work with Rick Rubin and much more. Later, Rob is joined by the Ringer’s Brian Phillips to further celebrate Johnny Cash’s greatness.


Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Brian Phillips

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie


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60 Songs That Explain the '90s - “In the End”—Linkin Park

Rob travels down memory lane and looks back at his not-so-kind review of Linkin Park’s diamond-selling debut album, 'Hybrid Theory,' before celebrating the band’s undeniable greatness. Along the way, he also pays respect to the late Chester Bennington. Later, Rob is joined by John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats to discuss Linkin Park’s ability to connect with the youth of the early 2000s, and much more.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: John Darnielle

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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60 Songs That Explain the '90s - “Work It”—Missy Elliott

Join us in a moment of 60 Songs history being made as Missy Elliott becomes the first artist with not one, but two songs in the 60 Songs hall of fame with “Work It” added to the mix. In celebration, Rob shares memories from his time at DJ camp as well as a list of some of his favorite songs of all time! Stay and hear Justin Charity join the mix and discuss Missy’s legacy and Virginia’s impact on hip-hop.


Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Justin Charity

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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60 Songs That Explain the '90s - “Kids”—MGMT

This week, Rob assures you that yes, he was there, boots on the ground, for the indie rock (nay, indie sleaze?) boom that hit New York City in the 2000s. Rob sets the stage for the music scene that MGMT launched itself into, before he ultimately unpacks the pop sensation qualities of its megahit “Kids.” Later, music writer Larry Fitzmaurice joins to parse the indie pop scene, share what it was like to cover MGMT during its ascension, and weigh in on the legacy that the band's music and particular aesthetic have today.


Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Larry Fitzmaurice

Producers: Jonathan Kermah, Justin Sayles, and Bobby Wagner

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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60 Songs That Explain the '90s - “The Middle”—Jimmy Eat World

It’s Jimmy Eat World Day here at '60 Songs,' and in typical Rob fashion, we take the scenic route to get to “The Middle.” Before we talk Jimmy Eat World’s smash hit, we discuss the time Rob’s friend got hit with a t-shirt cannon. Later, Rob is joined by ‘The Watch’ host Andy Greenwald to discuss his days of interviewing Jimmy Eat World, and more.


Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Andy Greenwald

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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60 Songs That Explain the '90s - M.I.A—“Paper Planes”

Rob looks back at some major performances that came with pregnancy announcements, before focusing in on M.I.A and her 2008 hit “Paper Planes.” Along the way, Rob also touches upon the controversies that came with M.I.A’s fame. Later, writer and editor Puja Patel joins to discuss dancing on stage with M.I.A, the political and cultural conversation around the artist back in 2008, and much more.


Host: Rob Harvilla

Guest: Puja Patel

Producers: Jonathan Kermah and Justin Sayles

Additional Production Support: Olivia Crerie

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