Episodes

  • One Shot: The Dark Masterpiece of Nine Inch Nails Closer
    Aug 26 2025

    Rewind & React descends into the provocative and unsettling world of Nine Inch Nails with a deep dive into their most infamous music video—“Closer.” Adam and Rob unravel the disturbing imagery, the artistic influences, and the controversy that cemented this video as one of the most iconic and polarizing visuals of the 1990s.


    Here’s what we’re covering:

    • The haunting, surreal visuals inspired by Francis Bacon and Joel-Peter Witkin

    • Director Mark Romanek and his inspiration for the creepy imagery

    • The iconic spinning pig’s head, medical instruments, and grainy vintage aesthetic

    • How Trent Reznor balanced shock value with artistry to create a lasting statement

    • The edited vs. uncut versions—and why MTV couldn’t keep it off the air despite censorship

    • The lasting legacy of “Closer” as both a cultural lightning rod and a groundbreaking piece of visual art


    Along the way, Adam and Rob share their reactions—equal parts fascinated and unsettled—while digging into how this one video defined the boundary between music and art film.

    It’s raw, it’s unsettling, and it’s unforgettable—just like Nine Inch Nails intended.

    Stream it now and subscribe for more deep dives into the music videos that changed pop culture forever.

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    28 mins
  • Eminem: The Legacy of the Marshall Mathers LP
    Jul 31 2025

    Rewind & React dives headfirst into the provocative, personal, and pop-culture-piercing world of Eminem. Adam and Rob dissect three of Slim Shady’s most iconic and visually arresting music videos, tracing his evolution from chaos agent to self-aware auteur.


    Here’s what we’re covering:


    • The Real Slim Shady: A surreal comedy sketch set to music—complete with Eminem clones, pop star parodies, and one of the most quoted hooks in music video history.

    • The Way I Am: Dark, fast, and defiant. Rob and Adam unpack the gothic architecture, the movie references, and why falling out a skyscraper might be the most grounded metaphor in the video.

    • Stan: The cinematic masterpiece that spawned a cultural term. They break down the storytelling, the Dido sample, the set design, and Devon Sawa’s haunting portrayal of an obsessive fan.


    You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories, like how Eminem’s real-life frustrations with fame shaped the tone of these videos, and how his signature blend of satire and sincerity made even the darkest visuals impossible to look away from.


    Plus, a trivia game double feature, where Adam and Rob try to guess different bits of information. (Spoiler: it’s harder than it sounds.)


    Stream it now and subscribe so you never miss a moment.


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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • The Offspring: From Satire to Social Commentary
    Jul 15 2025

    Rewind & React takes on the raw energy and unfiltered attitude of The Offspring in this week’s episode! Adam and Rob break down five of the band’s most memorable and stylistically diverse music videos—each one packed with social satire, absurdist humor, and generational chaos.

    Here’s what we’re covering:

    • Pretty Fly (For a White Guy): A clueless suburban teen tries way too hard to act cool. It’s a masterclass in satire, directed by McG (Charlie’s Angels), complete with lowriders, FUBU, and a surprise pool toss.

    • The Kids Aren’t Alright: One of the band’s darkest and most powerful videos—featuring morphing characters, tragic backstories, and a hauntingly realistic take on life’s diverging paths.

    • Hit That: CGI chaos and canine metaphors. A surreal dog chase unfolds in unique animation, ending in one poor pup’s unfortunate neutering.

    • You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid: A down of his luck man works his way through high society in a stylish visual thriller filled with seduction, betrayal, and revenge.

    • Dividing by Zero / Slim Pickens Does the Right Thing and Rides the Bomb to Hell: A double-feature cartoon explosion of war imagery, underground robots, and post-apocalyptic punk chaos.

    You’ll hear behind-the-scenes trivia (like how “Pretty Fly” almost starred Seth Green), laugh through the band's Spanish song title quiz, and get a taste of how The Offspring blended punk attitude with unexpected artistry.

    Whether you were moshing in the 2000s or just discovering these videos for the first time, this episode is pure punk nostalgia—served with a side of sarcasm.

    Stream it now and subscribe to keep the rebellion going!

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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • One Shot: The Heist Universe of Hoobastank’s The Reason & Same Direction
    Jun 24 2025

    In this One Shot double feature, Adam and Rob rewind to the early 2000s for a rare two-part music video experience from Hoobastank.

    First up is their megahit ballad “The Reason,” followed by the sequel-slash-prequel video for “Same Direction,” creating an unexpected mini-heist universe packed with slow-motion reveals, undercover twists, and surprise cameos.

    They dig into how a band known for post-nu-metal alt-rock dropped a surprisingly emotional single—wrapped in a cinematic car crash and safe-cracking caper—and followed it with a cop drama that might make the Ocean’s Eleven crew proud.


    Here’s what we’re covering:

    • Why “The Reason” looks like a heartfelt breakup ballad but plays like a short crime film

    • How the emotional lyrics clash (and somehow work) with a diamond heist plot

    • The twist in “Same Direction” that turns the whole story around

    • Cameos from Kanye West, Chester Bennington, and Joel Madden during a band audition

    • Behind-the-scenes trivia, including the MasterCard contest that led to an alternate video


    Plus, Adam and Rob play a round of “Hoobastank or Incubus,” where questionable Halloween covers, early DJ use, and disaster relief tracks all come into play.


    It’s a dive into an oddly ambitious music video universe—because if you’re going to drop a surprise twist ending, why not do it twice?


    Stream it now and subscribe so you don’t miss the next One Shot.


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    26 mins
  • One Shot: 2Pac's California Love leans into the Mad Max universe
    Jun 10 2025

    In this One Shot episode of Rewind & React, Adam and Rob travel to a dystopian 2095 to break down Tupac Shakur's "California Love," featuring Dr. Dre.

    This iconic 90s anthem comes to life in a music video that pays homage to the Mad Max universe, complete with wild, post-apocalyptic imagery, modified vehicles, and tribal punk costumes.


    Here’s what we’re covering:

    • The Mad Max universe setting, featuring warlords and a "Fury Road" style race.
    • The video's place as a potential first, and certainly best-known, homage to Mad Max in a music video.
    • The cultural impact of the "Thunderdome" concept.
    • Discussions on the Mad Max film series, including Fury Road, Road Warrior, Beyond Thunderdome, and the original Mad Max.
    • The significance of "California Love" as a West Coast anthem during the East Coast-West Coast rivalry.
    • Behind-the-scenes insights, including Jada Pinkett's initial involvement as director and Hype Williams taking over.
    • Notable cameos from Chris Tucker and George Clinton.
    • A trivia game distinguishing between Tupac Shakur and Will Smith.


    Tune in to relive the 90s and explore the cinematic masterpiece that is "California Love."


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    22 mins
  • One Shot: Walk the Moon's Shut Up and Dance brings back the 80's
    May 27 2025

    In this One Shot of Rewind & React, Adam and Rob throw on their neon headbands and dive into Walk the Moon’s retro-fueled 2014 hit, “Shut Up and Dance.” This high-energy music video might seem like a lighthearted party on the surface, but it’s packed with clever homages, tongue-in-cheek visuals, and enough 1980s throwbacks to make John Hughes proud.

    They break down the prom-night visuals, quirky character dynamics, and how the video captures that idealized moment of fearless connection on the dance floor.

    Here’s what we’re covering:

    • The prom-themed laser tag vibe and how it defines the video’s energy

    • How the low-budget aesthetic adds charm rather than taking away from it

    • Nicolas Petricca’s John Hughes-ready performance and goofy charisma

    • Lauren Taft’s iconic red Chucks and why her dream-girl character stands out

    • Say Anything references, Saved by the Bell graphics, and pixel art overload

    • The mysterious “glowing villain” and what he might represent (or not)


    • Plus, Rob shares how this song has become a must-have on his wedding playlist, and the hosts play a new round of trivia: Walk the Moon or 30 Seconds to Mars?, followed by a bonus challenge to rank iconic ‘80s movies by release year.

      Whether you're nostalgic for your own awkward prom or just want to dance in your kitchen, this episode celebrates the joy of letting go, turning it up, and shutting up to dance.

      Stream it now and subscribe so you don’t miss the next One Shot.

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    16 mins
  • One Shot: PSY's Gangnam Style kicks off the K-Pop boom
    May 13 2025

    In this edition of One Shot, Adam and Rob dive into a music video that didn’t just make waves—it created a global tsunami. PSY’s “Gangnam Style” exploded onto the scene in 2012, racking up over a billion views and introducing the world to K-pop in a way no one saw coming.


    They unpack the visual madness, comedic genius, and cultural context behind the video that defined a digital era—and became a global phenomenon without ever aiming to be one.


    Here’s what we’re covering:

    • How PSY leveraged absurdity, satire, and style to go viral

    • That iconic invisible horse dance—where it came from and why it worked

    • How the video subverts expectations in nearly every shot

    • The unexpected power of PSY’s “everyman” persona

    • What made “Gangnam Style” the perfect storm for early YouTube virality

    Plus, Rob quizzes Adam on his knowledge of K-Pop bands.

    It’s more than a catchy hook and a horse dance—this episode reveals how a single video kicked the K-pop door wide open for the world.

    Stream it now and subscribe so you don’t miss the next One Shot.


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    21 mins
  • One Shot: Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn” and the Soundstage of Heartbreak
    Apr 29 2025

    In this first edition of One Shot, Adam and Rob spotlight a music video from an artist who might not have a massive video catalog—but delivered one unforgettable visual that helped define an era. This time, it's Natalie Imbruglia's emotionally layered 1997 debut, “Torn.”

    They break down the deceptively simple one-room setup, the slow unraveling of the room, and how the video’s subtle choices—like bad dancing and visible film crews—mirror the emotional deconstruction in the song itself.


    Here’s what we’re covering:

    • The brilliance behind the one-shot setup and why it still holds up

    • How the crumbling set becomes a metaphor for a relationship falling apart

    • How the director and wardrobe choices helped define 1990s fashion aesthetics

    • Fun trivia: From “Torn” being a cover to the Billboard chart rules that kept it off the Hot 100


    Plus, the debut of their new trivia game, Natalie or Natalie, where Rob has to guess whether a fact belongs to Natalie Imbruglia or Natalie Merchant. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t go well.

    Torn may have been her first big single, but this episode shows just how much thought, artistry, and emotional impact went into making it a video worth remembering.

    Listen now and subscribe so you don’t miss the next One Shot.

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    18 mins