60 Songs That Explain the '90s

This week’s episode is all about comfort. It’s about being remembered and what better person to commemorate that feeling with than the person whose music doesn’t seem to age- Sade. Sade came out with “By Your Side” after disappearing with no explanation for 8 years because she felt that was best for her. That quiet confidence lends itself to making some of the, in Rob’s words, horniest music imaginable, and the world is better for it. Finally, he is joined by Danyel Smith who explains how Sade laid the groundwork for artists like Rihanna to be the ultimate cool girl and how younger generations are still discovering Sade.

(00:00) Intro: Let’s remember some guys

(28:19) This week’s song: “By Your Side” by Sade

(31:46) Pride, “Smooth Operator,” and ‘Diamond Life’

(42:50) The legacy of Quiet Storm

(49:25) Sade’s public silences and ever-growing myth

(58:01) “By Your Side” and Sade’s comforting presence

(01:07:19) Interview with Danyel Smith

(01:42:50) Outro

Host: Rob Harvilla

Producers: Olivia Crerie, Julianna Ress, Chris Sutton, and Justin Sayles

Guest: Danyel Smith
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, Rob explains how even after five successful studio albums, Spoon still felt vengeful enough to write the most triumphant song about being the underdog. He reflects on how Spoon's major label dropped the Austin rockers and became the opposite of a muse for the band, shaping their swaggery image. Finally, he is joined by music critic Ryan Dombal who greatly appreciates the snobbery of Spoon and the rockstar frontman energy of Britt Daniels.

(00:00) Intro: The three phases of major-label rock stardom

(21:23) This week’s song: “The Underdog” by Spoon

(25:39) Britt Daniel’s origins and ‘Telefono’

(34:56) How Spoon got dropped from Elektra Records

(40:48) Spoon’s evolution as the 21st century's most consistent band

(56:44) “The Underdog,” the ultimate mouth-horn song

(01:02:28) Interview with Ryan Dombal

(01:33:02) Outro

Host: Rob Harvilla

Producers: Olivia Crerie, Julianna Ress, Chris Sutton, and Justin Sayles

Guest: Ryan Dombal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/60songsthatexplainthe90s/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@60songsthatexplainthe90s?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

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

We should have known that, despite the irony, the kid from New Jersey who defended the purchasing of serial killer comics would grow up to become the defender of the broken, beaten, and damned. Today, Rob recollects the discovery of his emo phase with the enduring anthem “Welcome to the Black Parade,” by My Chemical Romance. He recounts the rise of the young band in a post-9/11 New Jersey and the pinnacle of their success with the grandiose showmanship of the 'Black Parade' album. At the end, he is joined by former My Chemical Romance producer and mentor Geoff Rickly, lead singer of the band Thursday, who knew early on that the band would be a global phenomenon.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Producers: Olivia Crerie, Julianna Ress, Chris Sutton, and Justin Sayles

Guest: Geoff Rickly

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/60songsthatexplainthe90s/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@60songsthatexplainthe90s?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re going back to our roots this week—back to our Toyota Corollas and Chrysler LeBarons or whatever other shitty cars we drove back in the ’90s—to blast some Bush. Rob ponders whether frontman Gavin Rossdale is a good lyricist and extends some empathy in the age of Nirvana, when no alt-rock band could compare, especially those singing about their “willies.” Finally, Rob is joined by national treasure and Rob’s daughter Yasi Salek, who comes to defend the lyricism of cheekbone himbo Gavin Rossdale.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Producers: Julianna Ress, Olivia Crerie, Chris Sutton, and Justin Sayles

Additional Video Editing: Kevin Pooler

Guest: Yasi Salek

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

This episode is for the ladies up in here tonight! Before her hips became internationally renowned, Shakira was making Spanish rock music from the age of 14. Today, Rob looks back at her crossover album 'Laundry Service,' which was released as other Latin American artists were also starting to make music in English. Later, he is joined by music journalist Suzy Exposito, who talks about why Shakira deserves to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, her initial disappointment when Shakira dyed her hair blonde and started singing in English, and what it was like getting to interview her.

Host: Rob Harvilla

Producers: Julianna Ress, Olivia Crerie, Chris Sutton, and Justin Sayles

Additional Video Editing: Kevin Pooler

Guest: Suzy Exposito
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices