Hosts
Rob Harvilla
Rob HarvillaAbout the episode
Twee aesthetics, songs about fleeting youth (sung by people who are objectively young), and lots and lots of blogs—that’s right, we’re talking about indie rock in the aughts. Today, Rob recounts how Swedish trio Peter Bjorn and John came from humble beginnings before their single “Young Folks” whistled its way to many best-of lists and became one of the era’s defining indie anthems. Later, he’s joined by Such Great Heights author Chris DeVille to discuss the legacy of Peter Bjorn and John’s album Writer’s Block and how it signals a shift in the commercialization of indie rock.
Host: Rob Harvilla
Producers: Julianna Ress, Chris Sutton, Justin Sayles, and Olivia Crerie
Guest: Chris DeVille
Email us at 60songspod@spotify.com
Summary
- 0:01
Intro: Is the Beach Fossils bass toss indie rock’s peak?
- 26:43
This week’s song: “Young Folks” by Peter Bjorn and John
- 31:43
The band’s early days in Sweden
- 36:43
Falling Out and PB&J’s songs of fading youth
- 45:31
Indie twee and Rob’s whistling perils
- 52:38
“Young Folks” and highlights from Writer’s Block
- 1:02:55
Interview with Chris DeVille
- 1:27:55
Outro