Podcast Summary: All Of It – "Songs that Explain the 2000s with Rob Harvilla"

Release Date: January 8, 2025

Introduction

In the premiere episode of the 2000 series of WNYC's All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the vibrant and transformative music landscape of the early 2000s. Joining her is music writer and podcast host, Rob Harvilla, renowned for his podcast 60 Songs that Explain the 90s. Together, they explore the defining songs, artists, and cultural shifts that characterized the decade often referred to as the "Aughts."

Setting the Scene: The Music of the 2000s

Alison Stewart opens the conversation by framing the first quarter-century as comparable to the final weeks of freshman year, signaling the end of an era. She highlights the transition from 90s boy bands to contemporary R&B artists like Missy Elliott and Usher, the continuation of the Britpop wave with Oasis and Blur, and the emergence of electronic genres such as dubstep and grime. Iconic hits from the decade mentioned include:

• The Killers – Mr. Brightside
• System of a Down – Chop Suey
• Avril Lavigne – Complicated
• Eminem – Outcast
• Jay-Z – Empire State of Mind

Rob Harvilla’s Perspective: Redefining the Decade

[02:44] Rob Harvilla shares his discomfort with the term "Aughts," describing it as "arbitrary" and "rudely phrased." He emphasizes his preference for simply referring to the 2000s without the moniker, stating, “I can’t like it. It just doesn’t sit right in my mouth.”

Reflecting on his role as a professional music critic, Rob discusses how his relationship with the music of the 2000s differs from his teenage years. He mentions engaging critically with genres like nu metal and artists such as Britney Spears and Avril Lavigne, noting the shift from personal enjoyment to analytical appreciation.

Defining the Era: "Mr. Brightside" as an Anthem

[04:47] Alison asks Rob why he selected The Killers' Mr. Brightside as a representative song for the 2000s. Rob responds, “I really do think, has come to define the Aughts. It is the Don't Stop Believin’ of the 2000s, if that means anything to you.” He highlights the song's pervasive presence, with over two billion plays on Spotify, and its universal appeal across diverse settings—from hockey arenas to weddings.

Rob praises the song's enduring quality and its ability to resonate with multiple generations, attributing its success to elements like its compelling percussion. Alison adds, “[05:36] I think it's the percussion,” noting the drums are "high up and placed forward," making the beat accessible to all listeners.

Avril Lavigne’s "Complicated": The Anti-Pop Icon

[07:22] The discussion shifts to Avril Lavigne's Complicated, which Alison introduces, prompting Rob to explore the song's cultural significance. He explains how Avril was marketed as the "anti-Britney Spears," aligning her with artists like Michelle Branch and Vanessa Carlton who were portrayed as more authentic and musician-driven compared to the polished pop image of Britney.

Rob delves into the media narratives of the time, describing Avril and her contemporaries as a backlash against the dominant teen pop scene. He emphasizes the media's role in framing these artists as "real and more authentic,” thereby shaping public perception and influencing the musical landscape.

The Impact of 9/11 on Music Perception

A listener calls in at [08:50] to inquire about how the September 11 attacks influenced the music of the 2000s. Rob acknowledges that 9/11 served as a significant filter through which he interprets the decade's music. He discusses how even songs not directly related to the events were perceived differently, citing examples like System of a Down's Chop Suey and Jimmy Eat World's The Middle.

Rob mentions the restrictive measures taken by organizations like Clear Channel, which advised against playing certain songs that could be considered insensitive or too utopian in the post-9/11 context. He reflects on how this period led to a blend of pop songs that were joyful yet carried an unintended ironic undertone due to the nation's collective trauma.

Listener Contributions: Diverse Musical Memories

Listeners share their personal connections to the 2000s music scene:

• Mike from Huntington ([11:29]) reminisces about listening to Wilco’s Summerteeth, Ben Lee, Ryan Adams’ Post 9/11, and Nelly’s Country Grammar.

• Natalie from California ([23:47]) reflects on the transition from the MySpace to Tumblr era, enjoying tracks like Them Franchise Boys' Lean Would It Rock and Vampire Weekend's Oxford Comma.

Rob engages with these anecdotes, highlighting the diverse tastes and regional influences that shaped the decade's music.

Political and Social Commentary in Music: "Paper Planes"

Alison introduces M.I.A.'s Paper Planes, prompting a deep dive into its political and social undertones. Rob explains that the song critiques immigrant stereotypes, portraying immigrants in a satirical, gangster-like manner. He discusses M.I.A.'s role as a provocative political artist and her ability to maintain her edge despite mainstream success, referencing her controversial actions like referencing conspiracies and selling unconventional merchandise.

Rob underscores the significance of Paper Planes in representing the decade's intersection of pop culture and political discourse, noting its widespread acclaim and critical acclaim.

The Rise of Indie Rock and Its Enduring Legacy

Rob elaborates on the rise of indie rock in the mid-2000s, particularly in Brooklyn, New York. He cites bands like MGMT, TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Grizzly Bear, Animal Collective, and Arcade Fire as the vanguard of this movement. Rob remarks on the enduring appeal of songs like MGMT's Kids, emphasizing their ability to transcend generations and remain relevant.

He reflects on the cultural shift from college rock in the 80s to alternative in the 90s and then to indie rock in the 2000s, highlighting how these genres encapsulated the mood and aspirations of the era.

Green Day’s "American Idiot": A Political Rock Anthem

Discussing Green Day, Rob points out the band's rare ability to maintain popularity from the 90s into the 2000s. He highlights American Idiot as a standout album that serves as a potent anti-war statement, contrasting it with the less widespread protest music of the time. Rob praises Green Day for their "second act," where American Idiot became as emblematic of the band as their earlier work, Dookie.

Amy Winehouse’s "Back to Black": Celebrating a Singular Talent

A listener requests a discussion on Amy Winehouse, and Rob eagerly complies. He describes Back to Black as a monumental album featuring Winehouse's "distinctive, most majestic voice of the early 2000s." Rob emphasizes his intent to celebrate Winehouse's musical genius rather than focus solely on her tragic personal struggles. He praises her ability to blend jazz phrasing with hip-hop elements authentically, placing her alongside legendary artists like Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald.

Rob expresses a desire to honor her legacy through her music, stating, “I want to celebrate what made her so unique,” highlighting the profound impact she had on the music world despite her untimely death.

Final Reflections and Listener Engagement

As the episode wraps up, Alison Stewart plays Jimmy Eat World's The Middle, allowing listeners to reflect on the discussed themes. Rob shares his admiration for the song's enduring message of self-acceptance and perseverance.

The episode concludes with listener interactions, where fans express their nostalgia and personal connections to the music of the 2000s, reinforcing the decade's lasting influence on contemporary culture.

Notable Quotes:

• Rob Harvilla [02:44]: “I cannot like it. It just doesn’t sit right in my mouth.”

• Rob Harvilla [04:47]: “Mr. Brightside, I really do think, has come to define the Aughts. It is the Don't Stop Believin’ of the 2000s.”

• Rob Harvilla [07:28]: “I really dig just going back and seeing how these people were framed and sort of sold to us, you know, and how that marketing sort of holds up now.”

• Rob Harvilla [12:46]: “Mia has one of the most fascinating, you know, most frustrating arcs of any pop musician, you know, of this century so far, I think.”

• Rob Harvilla [21:52]: “I want to celebrate what made her so unique… The albums that really helped people process and heal and sort of come together.”

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It offers a comprehensive exploration of the 2000s music scene, highlighting the era's defining songs and artists while contextualizing them within broader cultural and social shifts. Through insightful discussions with Rob Harvilla and engaging listener contributions, Alison Stewart provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of how the music of the 2000s continues to resonate and influence today’s cultural landscape.