The Midlife Critics Podcast

Travis Boots, Nathan Ferrell, Bryan Mosby, and Steve Strait join Burke Wasson to discuss our Songs of the Week and so much more. We discuss Mike McCready being restrained in Pearl Jam in the '90s, engage in some quality Grateful Dead talk, Nate and Burke discuss our favorite late night unwinding albums and the roles in Crosby Stills & Nash, Mosby gives Burke crap for liking one of our Stray Cuts, and Travis and Burke paint a vivid picture of how much we love Stone Temple Pilots' "Crackerman" and Sponge's "Plowed". Dig it. Mad Season - Wake Up (1995) Led Zeppelin - Tea For One (1976) Florence + The Machine - Free (2022) Wu-Tang Clan - Mandingo (2025) The Rolling Stones - Dead Flowers (1971) Marcus King - Lie Lie Lie (2022) Sponge - Plowed (1994) Van Morrison & The Chieftains - Star of the County Down (1988) John Prine - In a Town This Size (feat. Dolores Keane) (1999) Valerie June - Joy, Joy! (2025) Du Blonde - Coffee Machine (2019) Brad Paisley & Dawes - Raining Inside (2025) The Grateful Dead - Dire Wolf (Live) (1981) The Grass Is Dead - Brown Eyed Women (2004) Chet Faker - Gold (2014) Woods - Where Do You Go When You Dream? (2020) Teen Mortgage - Party (2025) The Hold Steady - Constructive Summer (2008) Rainbow - Stargazer (1976) Built To Spill - Goin’ Against Your Mind (2006)Interpol - Specialist (2002) Wye Oak - The Louder I Call, the Faster It Runs (2018) Coheed and Cambria - Goodbye, Sunshine (2025) Stray CutsGangstagrass - Obligatory Braggadocio (2024) L.A. WITCH - 777 (2025)Lost Dog Street Band - Lazy Moonshiner (2019)Mark Curry - Sorry About the Weather (1992)Check out the #FreshCuts Vol. 53 playlist at the links to the following apps:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1i7S1JQMFcoU2XeM8IXfU5?si=yIqsK3LzSdKeDO552kL7Uw&pi=vcDIyIH_RNi8jApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-53/pl.u-zPyL84vF4vV7qAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/7e11cf8bc1334430bb3553e64fd153e7sune?ref=dm_sh_7JtKf04bJ8Pm4Pc1gzbqoTDvPYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_gIbOb68td7Pj8Sfs4PGHA&si=UemaW4MB1yc6RDVaAnd if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees. 

This is a sound experience with songs and discussion. You'll dig it. Every week, we pick songs most of us haven't heard. Out of a record 49 submissions, we have our Songs of the Week with the most votes. Burke Wasson has plenty to talk about with Travis Boots, Wellington Davis, and Nathan Ferrell, who ends the episode sharing his experience as a clown at Long John Silver's in 1998. Dig it. Find The Midlife Critics on Facebook private groups. Chances are I'll let you in. #FRESHCUTS VOL. 52 SONGS OF THE WEEKLed Zeppelin - In The Light (1975) Aimee Mann - Save Me (1999) Treaty Oak Revival - Bad State Of Mind (2025) Thin Lizzy - Borderline (1976)The Shins - So Says I (2003) Metallica - My Friend Of Misery (1991)Beck - Black Tambourine (2005) Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi - Black (feat. Norah Jones) (2011) Apathy - Don’t Give Up The Ship (2014) Whiskeytown - Jacksonville Skyline (2001)Arctic Monkeys - Mardy Bum (2006) Jason Isbell - Eileen (2025) David Grisman - Sawing On The Strings (1976) The Weather Station - Neon Signs (2025) Sharon Van Etten - Live Forever (2025) Vulfpeck - In Real Life (2025) The Devil Makes Three - Ghosts Are Weak (2024)Butterfly Boucher - Life Is Short (Birthday Version) (2014)Sleeper’s Bell - Room (2025) The Ocean - Mesopelagic: Into The Uncanny (2013) The Cure - I’m Cold (1986) T-Pain - Tennessee Whiskey (Live) (2023) Jesse Welles - Fear Is The Mind Killer (2025) Mark Pritchard & Thom Yorke - Back In The Game (2025) Patterson Hood - Pinocchio (2025) STRAY CUTS The Aquabats - CD Repo Man (1995) Arlo McKinley - Bag Of Pills (2020)Sufjan Stevens - John Wayne Gacy, Jr. (2005)Save the #FreshCuts Vol. 52 playlist at the links on the following apps:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1V45UecmbbcqP4GFTtgOzF?si=aK4BERhOT6SqK_V45RqahA&pi=t4MJIhGmT4KIOApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-52/pl.u-yZyV86Xu6JLG1Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/ad02c9cd794443c4a3f700a405882053sune?ref=dm_sh_MOQdHCZnBkrJJ1eWfRtJhGr6oYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-89JbEc1HOLVlFzguD5fMyr&si=U0iJYWg_AsGPpgBlPAnd if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees. ☮️

In time for the Facebook group's polls for Saturday, March 8th, Travis Boots, Nathan Ferrell, and Burke Wasson discuss butt rock. Is there anything more you need? We also get into new nicknames for Kiss and Scott Stapp. And Nate takes this episode to 11, literally. And if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees. ☮️

Every week, people in The Midlife Critics pick 1 or 2 songs that most of us haven't heard. We vote and then award our top half as our Songs Of The Week. It's a great way to turn ourselves onto music new to us, both from this year and decades ago. Nathan Ferrell and Wellington Davis jump in and out of this episode with Burke Wasson to discuss our Songs Of The Week. You'll also hear clips of those songs, some occasionally heady banter, and Nathan's dead-ringer impression of Andy Rooney. If you want in on the voting and picking songs, search on Facebook under Private groups for The Midlife Critics . Chances are you’ll get in.#FreshCuts Vol. 51 Songs Of The Week:​ New York Dolls - Temptation To Exist (2009) (Grant Wasson)​ Nathaniel Rateliff & Gregory Alan Isakov - Flowers (2025) (Wes Dorris) ​ Roberta Flack - Compared To What (1968) (Wellington Davis) ​ Samantha Fish - Sweet Southern Sounds (2025) (Burke Wasson) ​ Greensky Bluegrass - Money For Nothing (2020) (YouTube only) (Jeremy Cook): https://youtu.be/eh8z0ci6C2s?si=RdOrAHYdT_jPPba5​ Queens Of The Stone Age - I Appear Missing (2013) (Claire Estelle Knight) ​ The Dead Milkmen - Grandpa’s Not A Racist (He Just Voted For One) (2023) (Brandon Simmons) ​ The Roots - Don’t Say Nuthin’ (2004) (Steve Strait) ​ Chalk Dinosaur - Stuck In Between (2023) (Jason Robey) ​ Eddie Vedder - Goodbye (2011) (Neil Carr) To play these songs and see the rest of our Songs Of The Week for Vol. 51, listen on each of the apps at the links below:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7uExszFZufOoYBinugahJG?si=X4ocJ4RGRZacEbp6aIi9Wg&pi=AN7PPgZnTnqjnApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-51/pl.u-XkD0ABEUWxM9yAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/550b69511f444f798fee0605534080b6sune?ref=dm_sh_agR33liASszxueLLOgYw0hFJVYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-9Gg6aU-VNZRAxeqpLaYHjK&si=0m5cDUBPChCSV4xCI’m supporting this fundraiser for Wes Dorris on GoFundMe. If you can, please consider supporting by donating or sharing the link. Every bit of support makes a huge difference.https://gofund.me/1fff2165And if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees. ☮️

Originally from Baltimore, previously serving in the Coast Guard, and now living in Harrisburg, Illinois, Doug Blimline is a traveled man with a knack for crunchy guitar riffs. HIs 2021 song “[Do I Have] Bad Intentions” recalls the bare-knuckle riffs of AC/DC. Doug talks with Burke Wasson about his path, the music industry and social media in general, how depressed he is to follow the news, and his time making songs. Doug was even kind enough to share practice versions of two original songs: “I Hate Mondays” and “I’m Tired”. You can follow Doug Blimline on Instagram and YouTube. And you can hear his music on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. And if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees. ☮️

From Harrisburg, Illinois, Franko Teston is an up and coming craftsman of hooky alternative rock melodies, first with the band Mayfall and now solo alongside friends and bandmates Jake Evans, Garrett Phillips, and Cash Thomas. Franko’s songs are packed with emotion, and his melodies are both fresh and retro at once, owing as much to modern rock as grunge influences. Franko talks here with Burke Wasson about his plans to release an album this year, preparing to move to Indianapolis, and the psychology of how introverts feel more comfortable performing than interacting socially. This is a deep, fun talk, and Franko is a very nice guy as well as a talented singer songwriter. Follow Franko Teston on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. And hear his music on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube. Franko will release his next single, “A Note From Mom & Dad”, this Friday, March 7, on those streaming platforms.And if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees. ☮️

From Carmi, Illinois, to Nashville, Tennessee, Lucas Wayne is making a name for himself in live shows with a breathtaking voice in the high range and a blistering band - The Cottonmouths. With Nate Graham, Tim Whiteford, and Max Senteney backing him, Lucas is carving a path for himself with sweet country songs of everything from Great Value Pizza to abandoned lamps, with plenty of heartbreak and revelry in between. Lucas talks here with Burke Wasson about his recent album, Wookin’ Overtime, family stories inspiring his songs, and the story of how The Cottonmouths recruited him to be his band. Lucas will next play on Friday, March 14, from 8 to 11 p.m. at PK’s in Carbondale, Illinois. Keep up with Lucas on his Web site at https://lucaswaynemusic.com/, on Facebook ,and on TikTok at LucasWayneMusic.You can hear Lucas's music on the following apps at these links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3OzCTfuA45Ue8DHlesBapq?si=yqAxbltBTCO6l7vi35trJgApple Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3OzCTfuA45Ue8DHlesBapq?si=yqAxbltBTCO6l7vi35trJgAmazon Music: https://amazon.com/music/player/artists/B001481WXG/lucas-wayne?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_y0rDMiJfrzTNXAolLrAjG6Km4YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LucasWayneAnd if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees. ☮️

For the first in our ongoing Local Artist Showcase episodes, we have southern Illinois folk singer-songwriter Jonah McGuire. Jonah talks with Burke Wasson about the Harrisburg school band program leading him to develop his songs, which he is also kind enough to pick apart in a very engaging talk. At 21 years old, Jonah is just getting started. His latest EP, Honey I Don’t Love You, can be heard on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Deezer, and other streaming platforms. Jonah is scheduled to play next on Friday, March 14, at The Little Nashville Cafe in Marion, Illinois. For all things Jonah, follow him @jonahmcguire on Instagram and @jonahmcguire on YouTube.You can hear Jonah’s music on the following apps at these links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2m0PWoxHpOYO8cL3NyK0DS?si=GKTcUWXOT-yD9WjbQnqjwAApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jonah-mcguire/1769808126Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B0DBQ2ZMWK?ref=dm_sh_G3OEBXWdvk01EpPuKSF03XqYMAnd if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees. ☮️

The Midlife Critics' newly elected Grand Poobah Jennifer Bowles Hutchinson joins Burke to discuss her new role in the Facebook group and dive into our top 30 Short Ones (our favorite songs under 2 minutes). And Nathan Ferrell continues his streak of podcast episodes, diving into our new category of polls in the Facebook group - butt rock. What is butt rock? Listen and find out. And Nathan and Burke debate whether Guns N' Roses is butt rock at the end of the episode.0:00:00 - 0:05:05: Intro 0:05:06 - 0:24:14: Jennifer Bowles Hutchinson and I talk about her new role as Grand Poobah of The Midlife Critics.0:24:15 - 0:25:39: Short Ones Intro 0:25:39 - 0:58:44: Jennifer Bowles Hutchinson and I talk our top 30 2-minutes-or-less songs 0:58:44 - 1:00:31: Butt Rock Intro 1:00:32 - 1:44:37: Nathan Ferrell and I talk butt rock. 1:44:38 - 1:45:56: ClosingYou can hear our Short Ones playlist on the following apps:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0Vad8ZYnqcbGn7P0OYrL6W?si=HLOoeJnsQ3etPtJcHPLAow&pi=GpQ4h59WSWeT0Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/short-ones/pl.u-06oxez3TyNk0ZAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/9342bfb5174540fcaff8c5f5ebaed37asune?ref=dm_sh_6UTrAX3t2cBR4p7JPs2lkgBNdYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-801yhHBsNTaQRQDYAzdq2-&si=6locn9huWBhIRWnhYou can hear our Butt Rock playlist of nominees on the following apps:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Ou9oGxnLgVJszI0Yx4bH0?si=HhEbOK4BQTelFD-e5WF5XQ&pi=td8hKDDxS0q1xApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/butt-rock/pl.u-yZyV833u6JLG1Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/06b58bfd4e0a49a08c7408076f3c8dafsune?ref=dm_sh_tTNagyA5A0nYNznn21VyOC3VFAnd if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees. ☮️

SEASON 3 EPISODE 7: The O.G. (Show Notes Below)00:00:00: Intro (Burke Wasson)00:07:22: #FreshCuts Vol. 49 Songs Of The Week (with Nathan Ferrell, Wellington Davis, and Bryan Mosby)01:24:02: Stray Cuts (with Nathan Ferrell)01:33:21: #FreshFlicks with Nathan Ferrell (Psycho Goreman, Sweet Darling, Body Double, Heretic)02:04:31: #FreshFlicks with Steve Strait (The Substance, Sound Of Metal, The Peanut Butter Falcon, Sweet Darling, Heretic)#FreshCuts Vol. 49 Songs Of The WeekDe La Soul - Say No Go [House Of Love Mix] (1989) (2025) My Morning Jacket - Squid Ink (2025)Sturgill Simpson - Sing Along (2019) Ty Segall - Every 1’s A Winner (2017) Sierra Ferrell - Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down (2025) Bob Dylan - It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding) (1965) Vincent Neil Emerson - Co’dine (2023) The Nude Party - Chevrolet Van (2018)David Lynch - True Love’s Flame (2020) Marlowe (L’Orange & Solemn Brigham) - Future Power Sources (feat. DJ Trackstar) (2020) Puscifer - Potions (Deliverance Mix) (2009) Lucy Dacus - Ankles (2025) Ashe & FINNEAS - Till Forever Falls Apart (2021) S.G. Goodman - Lungs (2021) The Cardigans - Paralyzed (1998) Neil Young - Let’s Impeach The President (2006) The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band - Shifting Sands (1967)Lucius - Old Tape (feat. Adam Granduciel) (2023) Amythyst Kiah - I Will Not Go Down (feat. Billy Strings) (2024) Peter Bjorn and John - The Chills (2006) STRAY CUTSThe Baseball Project - Disco Demolition (2023) The Easthills - Mothers & Fools (feat. Doug Gillard) (2016) Lucero - Tears Don’t Matter Much (Live From Atlanta) (2014) Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 49 on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/06Yg0WAkmU1N8gyWdyIMnq?si=wEVOyOu0QVOwnjLbJXzWkgApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-49/pl.u-MDAWYlGFXv1okAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/fa9f3fb0b01c4d878e3ff9aea3490d39sune?ref=dm_sh_aveZeg0mWXNQFwYLfRlgU0qqOYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_6_E9ubImEublucJx5e8Zn&si=P9-CIjv8OTg-W7PmApple Podcasts link to this podcast episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-midlife-critics-podcast/id1751814582?i=1000694585592And if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees. ☮️

In a bonus episode, Travis and Burke discuss the star-studded Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary homecoming concert. And then Steve joins us for an in-depth talk on the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame nominations. Lots of talk. You'll dig this one. And if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees. ☮️

Follow The Midlife Critics private group on Facebook.Subscribe to The Midlife Critics Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts for free, and Amazon Music.Show Times: Season 3 Episode 6: They Not Like Us00:00: Intro05:26: Mosby and Burke talk Kendrick Lamar and future Super Bowl halftime shows19:06: Travis and Burke talk the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame nominees. 29:28-#FreshFlicks: The Midlife Critics get into movies! Nathan and Burke talk movies38:37: Short Ones: Burke discusses our Facebook group polls on best songs under 2 minutes.42:52: #FreshCuts Vol. 48 Songs Of The Week (our biggest yet!) Burke, Wellington, Travis, Mosby, and Nathan discuss. 01:50:19: #StrayCuts#FreshCuts Vol. 48Beck - Feather In Your Cap (1994) Alison Krauss & Union Station - Looks Like The End Of The Road (2025) Meat Puppets - Violet Eyes (1994) Massive Attack - Teardrop (1998) Jakob Dylan & Cat Power - You Showed Me (2015) Audioslave - #1 Zero (2005) Silversun Pickups - Kissing Families (2005) Randy Newman - God’s Song (That’s Why I Love Mankind) (1971) Ben Howard - Keep Your Head Up (2011) Indian Goat - So High (2018) Guster - Airport Song (1997) Futurebirds - Up And Out (2024) The Black Keys - The Night Before (2025) Patterson Hood - A Werewolf And A Girl (feat. Lydia Loveless) (2025) Cory Branan - Pocket Of God (2022) Thee Sacred Souls - Live For You (2024) Elton John & Brandi Carlile - Who Believes In Angels? (2025) Nolan Taylor - Don’t Have The Words (2025)The Weather Station - Parking Lot (2021) Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs - Stitches (2025) #StrayCutsPeter Bjorn and John - Young Folks (2006) Mk.gee - ROCKMAN (2024) The Oxen - Le Grande Orange (2024)Tripping Daisy - Piranha (1995)David Lynch & Lykke Li - I’m Waiting Here (2013)Like Machines - Kaiser (2019)Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 48 and save the playlist  on the following services:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3pFlheDKdE2J7Xog8djcAm?si=XB9CjbJjQ-64nJ2Y07BnxQApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-48/pl.u-EdAVZzYuNykz6Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/cd9f2a238ec44789b3d52d32fd50c604sune?ref=dm_sh_yreD3CdfIZS3TCrUrMjs6juIOYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_BsZAdHzmza6ohgvTWAwXs&si=Avx68NG5B0m4yBwq#FreshFlicks Vol. 1Heretic (2024)The Substance (2024)Sound Of Metal (2018)Body Double (1984)PG: Psycho Goreman (2020)Scanners (1981)The Jack Bull (1999)Strange Darling (2023)Wind River (2017)The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)Watch by March 10. And if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees. ☮️

Travis Boots, Nathan Ferrell, Steve Strait, and Wellington Davis join Burke to discuss our biggest Songs Of The Week yet for #FreshCuts Vol. 47. Nate and Burke close the episode by previewing this year's Bourbon & Beyond festival in Louisville. But mostly, this episode feels personal, cathartic, and connected. With a lot more sound clips this week! Join The Midlife Critics Facebook private group. #FreshCuts Vol. 47 Songs Of The Week​ Steely Dan - The Fez (1976) ​ Chet Atkins & Mark Knopfler - There’ll Be Some Changes Made (1990) ​ Neil Young - Don’t Cry (1989) ​ Justin Townes Earle - The Saint Of Lost Causes (Demo) (2021) (2024) ​ Stephen Wilson Jr. - I’m A Song (Live at the Print Shop) (2023) ​ Myron Elkins - Nashville Money (2023) ​ Flight Of The Conchords - The Most Beautiful Girl (In The Room) (2008) ​ Olivia Rodrigo - bad idea right? (2023) ​ The New Pornographers - The Bleeding Heart Show (2005) ​ Martin Luke Brown - hello ! (2025) ​ Willow Avalon - Stranger (2023) ​ Craig Finn - God In Chicago (2017)​ Vienna Vienna - God Save The Queens (2025) ​ Tunde Adebimpe - Drop (2025) ​ Camu Tao - Plot A Little (2010) ​ Lambrini Girls - Bad Apple (2024) ​ Concrete Blonde - God Is A Bullet (1989) ​ Willy DeVille - Hey Joe (1992) ​ Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Accidents Will Happen (1979) ​ Ken Yates - The Big One (feat. Kathleen Edwards) (2022) Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 47 on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Z6WSiDnGTnehbJ4GY230L?si=MTWhZRMWSiWFrvsznW0i9gApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-47/pl.u-r2yB81BTaoDmZAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/29a14cdd1ab847849a92b312d28a5d14sune?ref=dm_sh_bVloYt1VvlVkeDCXt2PDr4xevYouTube:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_V3-tC4Tp4vNyeb7GK2-vD&si=IKoDav8uAq903YYgSubscribe to The Midlife Critics YouTube channel here: https://youtube.com/@midlifecritics?si=V2F3QzgOUbTPB-O-And if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees. ☮️

In a historic episode with increased sound clips, Bryan "Ol' Wheeler" Mosby (pictured here) enforces his group tiebreaker status and picks our #1 Dick & Pussy Song Of All Time. Nathan Ferrell and Mosby join Burke for a rousing discussion on our top 50 Dick & Pussy Songs. And Burke breaks down #FreshCuts Vol. 46 with The Midlife Critics' Songs Of The Week. Out of a record number of votes and 40 submissions, we have our top 20 Songs Of The Week. 00:00-03:15: Intro03:16-52:12: Burke, Nate & Mosby talk our Top 50 Dick & Pussy Songs52:13-55:32: Transition55:33-01:28:53: #FreshCuts Vol. 46 Songs Of The WeekHear our Top 50 Dick & Pussy Songs on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3O1oLaMsWZl5mktWuPiNlw?si=b9MqZCHoQi-xk2jzC_ZzIQ&pi=u-zPr0fTy-ScuzApple Music:https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/top-50-dick-pussy-songs/pl.u-55D60a6U1ZAyrAmazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/612a4e35c70442e59eb167bbfb0884dbsune?ref=dm_sh_RsMhlaIZawdrBYZi03GFPZwlAYouTube:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_EjKiW13AxRJ5NDoFaTIkr&si=gmLXBFu5CavK-i25Hear #FreshCuts Vol. 46 Songs Of The Week on:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4lT5craBiLMVU9U0KMsZ30?si=ZTwww4FeRiewpgDjykL87AApple Music:https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-46/pl.u-EdAVZDbsNykz6Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/31b0214eec364a77b614aaa8540bc920sune?ref=dm_sh_CI4Xn3Vcgz6zOZg8xq7Tn1pDzYouTube:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-8C6T85NrFUhXTDYDZv9HTT&si=ubR7zNs43L6gYahROur Songs Of The Week are:Billy Strings - Wargasm (feat. RMR) (2021)  The Yardbirds - Stroll On (1965)  Jimi Hendrix - Midnight (1969) Ice T - Shut Up, Be Happy (feat. Jello Biafra) (1989)  The War And Treaty - Save Me (2025)  The Doobie Brothers - Walk This Road (feat. Mavis Staples) (2025)   Puscifer - The Remedy (2015)  Cake - Guitar (1998)  Jeff Beck & Johnny Depp - Isolation (2020)  Lou Reed - This Magic Moment (1997)  The Smashing Pumpkins - Tear (1998)  Better Than Ezra - King of New Orleans (1996) Widespread Panic - All Time Low (1999)  Bill Callahan & Bonnie “Prince” Billy - Wish You Were Gay (feat. Sean O’hagan) (2020)  Larkin Poe - If God Is A Woman (2025)  Under High Street - Strawberry Blonde (2023)  The Doobie Brothers - Lahaina (2025)  Paul Cauthen - Black On Black (2024) Bear In Heaven - Lovesick Teenagers (2009)  Token & Tech N9ne - YouTube Rapper (2018)Our Top 25 Dick & Pussy Songs Of All Time are:Prince - P. Control (1995) King Missile - Detachable Penis (1992) Awkwafina - My Vag (2014) Flight Of The Conchords - Too Many Dicks (On The Dance Floor) (2009) Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer (1986) Spinal Tap - Big Bottom (1984) Wheeler Walker Jr. - Eatin’ Pussy/Kickin’ Ass (2016) Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love (1969) Cyndi Lauper - She Bop (1983) Warrant - Cherry Pie (1990) Harry Roy - My Girl’s Pussy (1931) Primus - Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver (1995) AC/DC - Big Balls (1976) Dinah Washington - Big Long Slidin’ Thing (1954) Too $hort - Yo Neck Yo Back My Dick My Sack (1997) Peaches - Dick In The Air (2015) Mojo Nixon - Tie My Pecker To My Leg (1995) Gillette & Sticky Fingers - Short Dick Man (1995) 2 Live Crew - Face Down Ass Up (1990) Led Zeppelin - The Lemon Song (1969) ZZ Top - Pearl Necklace (1981) Ween - Waving My Dick In The Wind (1997) Led Zeppelin - Trampled Under Foot (1975) 24. Pixies - Gigantic (1988) 25. Nirvana - Heart-Shaped Box (1993)Subscribe to The Midlife Critics YouTube channel here:https://youtube.com/@midlifecritics?si=P8GNtoM40x_oaVttAnd if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees. ☮️

THE MIDLIFE CRITICS PODCAST:SEASON 3 EPISODE 3 (Jan. 23, 2025)00:00: Intro (The Band - Chest Fever) 04:59: #FreshCuts Vol. 45 Songs Of The Week (My Morning Jacket - Time Waited)18:11: Garth Hudson Tribute/#FreshCuts Vol. 45 Songs Of The Week (The Band - Twilight)29:17: Riff Of The Week/#FreshCuts Vol. 45 Songs Of The Week (Spiritual Beggars - Magic Spell)31:43: Our Final Song Of The Week (Jesse Welles - Gtfoh)34:37: Dick & Pussy Polls with Nathan Ferrell & Steve Strait Poll 1: Spinal Tap - Big Bottom (1984) vs. AC/DC - Let Me Put My Love Into You (1980)Poll 2: Ween - Waving My Dick In The Wind (1997) vs. Cyndi Lauper - She Bop (1983)Poll 3: Rodney Carrington - Letter To My Penis (1998) vs. Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer (1986) Poll 4: Pixies - Gigantic (1988) vs. King Missile - Detachable Penis (1992) Poll 5: Wheeler Walker Jr. - Eatin’ Pussy/Kickin’ Ass (2016) vs. Nirvana - Heart-Shaped Box (1993) Poll 6: Peaches - Dick In The Air (2015) vs. Led Zeppelin - Trampled Under Foot (1975)Poll 7:  Awkwafina - My Vag (2014) vs. ZZ Top - Pearl Necklace (1981)Poll 8: Fred Schneider - Monster (1991) vs. Harry Roy - My Girl’s Pussy (1931)01:27:53: Closing (Peaches - Dick In The Air)#FreshCuts Vol. 45 Songs Of The Week:My Morning Jacket - Time Waited (2025) Jason Isbell - Bury Me (2025) Wilco - Kamera (2002) The Flaming Lips - The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song (Extended Version) (2006) Kurt Vile - Speed Of The Sound Of Loneliness (2020) Wilderado - In Between (2024) Rival Sons - Pressure & Time (2011) The Band - Twilight (1977) Zach Bryan - Sandpaper (feat. Bruce Springsteen) (2024) Limbeck - Bird Problems (2007) Watchhouse - Wildfire (2016) June Carter Cash - Ring Of Fire (1999)DANGERDOOM, MF Doom, Danger Mouse - Benzi Box (feat. CeeLo Green) (2005) D.R.I. - Thrashard (1989) Spiritual Beggars - Magic Spell (1996) Down - Dog Tired (2002)Jesse Welles - Gtfoh (2024) Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 45 on:Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4HI0JRqv5HdfP9MrIp9Jwc?si=8MZyeqrmQOqWJluM7iD1bQ&pi=u-puIGnaZFTJ6PApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-45/pl.u-pMyl80EcyvAqNAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/6a4b13f127cd4c3498b2332cfe973907sune?ref=dm_sh_5veX3EBpXyIql8mnQO1f37en1YouTube:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_kggRUZWDfY5QDy2zeiuJy&si=7UZ3vi94dJUOnGDMBonus Content from Nate & Steve’s talk:Robert Loggia Minute Maid Commercial Spectacular - Laser TimeAnd if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees. ☮️

A tribute to David Lynch, our Songs Of The Week you’ve never heard, our 50 greatest yacht rock songs, and songs about dick and pussy are the topics of a fun episode. Nathan Ferrell and I discuss yacht rock, and Wellington Davis and Bryan Mosby join me to discuss dick and pussy songs. Find The Midlife Critics on Facebook groups.  Enjoy yourselves and check out the songs at the links below, Burke#FreshCuts Vol. 44 Songs Of The Week:​ Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings - Blackjack County Chains (1983)​ Grizzly Bear - Yet Again (2012)​ JD McPherson - A Little Respect (2017)​ PyPy - She's Back (2024)​ The Rural Alberta Advantage - Don't Haunt This Place (2008)​ Air - La Femme D'Argent (The Silver Woman) (1998)​ sir Was - I Don't Think We Should Wait (2021)​ almost monday - jupiter (2024) ​ The Gaslight Anthem & Karina Rykman - Ocean Eyes (2023)​ Magoo - West Dakota Rose (2024)​ Sue Foley - How Strong (2000)​ Lambrini Girls - Cuntology 101 (2024)​ Candlebox - He Calls Home (1993)Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/62PhnsySRTsFylOPMuDOkg?si=_de4l74qTresk29EwA2L-g&pi=u-jGkyITRBS1qOApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-44/pl.u-4Jom0pNsypqDPAmazon Music (doesn’t have “Blackjack County Chains”:https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/407af9574b004330bd3aa9e4069fb7a5sune?ref=dm_sh_XK7ZB0GTA9Oq891ptrfp5a1uBYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-9mQMcRh8zzrMCTQ-l2aghR&si=pP4z1C1T_ZAP9bSFOur Top 50 Yacht Rock songs:Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Gerry Rafferty, Christopher Cross, The Doobie Brothers, England Dan & John Ford Coley, Boz Scaggs, Toto, Hall & Oates, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Billy Ocean, Donald Fagen, Bobby Caldwell, Ambrosia, Michael Jackson, Supertramp, Kenny Loggins, George Benson, Little River Band, Thundercat, Player, Jackson Browne, Paul Davis, Rupert Holmes, The Bee Gees, Joe Jackson, and James Ingram are featuredSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6JGg9s6uUmxnar0WqPQNto?si=mYDjFrfySMKteb61MdBA2w&pi=u-m3lzftR1SJugApple Music:https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/yacht-rock/pl.u-zPyL8rXs4vV7qAmazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/ce4761251ebe4a0dad21bcb0ee7a3c72sune?ref=dm_sh_t48Wsk7fDoT0KpVyt0mDxPVndYouTube:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_8yJcShUsgV4HCQO7UYOdn&si=hx97TilBaPrcNht7Dick & Pussy Songs:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/55s397NzdzDWZ17pa42jdg?si=JkbiTtyBTRegT1mr-e4P8g&pi=u-UGsP97o2T6acApple Music:https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/dick-pussy/pl.u-55D60a6U1ZAyrAmazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/17d2a3abfa354a70944cdecdd0e8f646sune?ref=dm_sh_ocOmUrzy6szXnrvNqEXmurCgxAnd if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees. ☮️

Nathan Ferrell and Burke Wasson mine the depths of yacht rock - a retroactively named genre that we grew up with. Even if you don't like yacht rock, you'll appreciate this episode and the HBO Max documentary Yacht Rock. We dive into that documentary, the music itself with plenty of talk about Christopher Cross, Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, Toto, Ambrosia, and more, and get into Tuesday's yacht rock polls. We'll be down to our 16 greatest yacht rock songs tomorrow, so get your votes in on The Midlife Critics Facebook group. And if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees. ☮️

In a surprisingly scholarly talk, Bryan Mosby, Steve Strait, and Burke Wasson talk about all facets of our Songs of Destruction, from our love and hate of Metallica to social commentary. This was a deep talk. Do it up. And Riverside generated show chapters, so check it out! 3:06: Introspection vs. Destruction in Songs 6:00: The Role of Social Commentary in Songs 9:00: Diverse Interpretations of Destruction Sam Cooke vs. Metallica: A Battle of Ideals 21:00: Sam Cooke vs. Metallica: A Battle of Ideals 38:30: Tool vs. Pantera: A Battle of Intensity 45:52: Social Commentary in Music: Revolution vs. Institutionalized 54:40: Bad Brains: Exploring the Depths, Social Commentary, Evolution, and Influence of Punk 1:10:47: Concert Etiquette

After a long break, Bryan Mosby, Travis Boots, and Burke dive back into the podcast arena, discussing our rankings for greatest solo debut albums and getting into the diminishing legacies of Eric Clapton and John Lennon. We also make our picks for Monday Nov. 11's polls of our favorite songs by artists we dislike, or guilty pleasures.

Travis Boots, Bryan Mosby, and Burke Wasson dive into the group's picks for best current artists with a few detours along the way. We get into the inevitable Black Keys/White Stripes comparison, lick our chops at the prospective group arguments on Chappell Roan vs. Billy Strings, lament that we have to choose between Marcus King and Sturgill Simpson, and reveal what midlife critics whine about more than anything. The conversation is great on this one, and you'll dig it if you enjoy music as much as we do.

Travis, Mosby & Burke are back on their bullshit with discussions, jokes, debates, and predictions for our best current artists. This is a real one, so strap in.

We talk about #FreshCuts Vol. 26 and the first 2 days of our polls for best current artists.

Travis and I get into a wide ranging discussion on nominations for #FreshCuts Vol. 25 as well as this week's 1st round of polls to decide our best current artists. And we get criticize the lazy criticism of Oasis.

Bryan Mosby, Travis Boots, and I dive into ours and Wes Dorris' picks for greatest current artists. We also ponder what the music world would have looked like if Kurt Cobain hadn't died.

Jennifer and I break down all 27 of this week's #FreshCuts (songs that most of us haven't heard, picked and voted on by the Live Wire private Facebook group). We ponder if you can appreciate a song without understanding its language, the king of daddy-daughter dance songs, Waylon Jennings at a rave, metal songs that Jennifer actually likes, buying a bug zapper, new songs that stoke nostalgia, authentic vs. performative singing voices, how young Grace Bowers is, and why the hell anyone would title a song after their garage code. We also get YouTube-exclusive #FreshCuts out of order. It's a fun listen. You can hear all 27 of this week's #FreshCuts at this YouTube link: https://youtu.be/Pgum6OT_VH8?si=LSPm_II-YLOmC12f. You can also hear 25 of #FreshCuts Vol. 23 on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Rz4zNUwIYySUteWLxd9rh?si=b4738fae6cb04c62, Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-23/pl.u-yZyV1MVF6JLG1, and Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/2f24d3092aa34d55be4f1ce492525118sune?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_gEIFKCmtZDHuHEw4m27rMBU68

Travis Boots, Bryan Mosby, and I discuss the 1st day of polls for the Live Wire private Facebook group's top 32 feel-good songs of all time. But before that, we get into a discussion on #FreshCuts and what we can do to increase engagement with songs that most of the group has never heard. It's always a great talk with Mosby and Travis, and this episode is no exception.

Does a song have to be longer than 6 minutes to be considered a jam band song? The group has some psychedelic song tendencies this week in our #FreshCuts Vol. 22 nominations, and Jennifer and Burke discuss it.  If a song is #FreshCuts-caliber, that means it’s enough to tell your friends about it. There are some strong ones this week. We also ponder the current situation of the underboob woman on Ween’s 1994 “Chocolate And Cheese” album cover, urge our male listeners over 40 to get their prostate checked, talk about not trying to know too much about a #FreshCut that we’ve never heard, get into new country dad rock, discuss how Freedy Johnston sounds like a mix of Elvis Costello and Neil Young, and we talk about people in the group shifting from recommending songs they like to recommending songs that we will like. Growth. It’s awesome. And Burke has an on-air allergic reaction to fake blues, but recovers to close out the episode with a Harry Caray impression. Hear #FreshCuts Vol. 22 on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/72mT6oANFVLt4fj1EBAG8B?si=44db21eff72e4df9), Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-22/pl.u-yZyV1yLT6JLG1, Amazon Music (https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/57ce1f32b7da4135a2183a9621a9624esune?ref=dm_sh_S6OqmNYAIoS6JSFx10TTmTB2W), and YouTube (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-9hUlXblVAKEfZH9bo-q1UM&si=iQE6yoScg-PtHKuR).

It's Sunday. So Jennifer and I are picking apart all of the #FreshCuts for this week. These are songs so new or so rare, most of us in the Live Wire private Facebook group haven't heard them. We get into songs by Elbow, Goldfrapp, Thou, Bukka White, Ken Pomeroy, Jack White, Simon Stokes & The Nighthawks, ODIE, Chromatics, The Wildwoods, EquallyOpposite, Phantogram, moe., Widespread Panic, Delbert McClinton & Dick50, smit, Brainstory, Pinegrove, Sharon Van Etten & Angel Olsen, Toro y Moi feat. Wet, Parlor Greens, Noah Kahan, The Cold Stares, and Billy Strings.

It's time for our weekly Saturday reveal of our top 12 new and unheard songs of the week. This week's #FreshCuts are mostly roots-based. But they also have a sense of adventure, veering into electronic pop and hip-hop. Each song has meaning, and we get into that in this episode. I'm joined by Mosby, Jennifer, Jeremy, Jimmi, Wes, Zach, and Travis to discuss our reasons for picking these songs. This week's #FreshCuts (which can be downloaded below) feature songs by Sierra Ferrell, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Brittany Howard, Greensky Bluegrass, Lindsay Lou w/Billy Strings, Basic Printer, Kid Cudi, Modest Mouse, Big Grams (Big Boi and Phantogram), Kashus Culpepper, Donavon Frankreiter w/The Blind Boys Of Alabama, and Boy Golden. Download #FreshCuts Vol. 20 on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4SkdhNPpFEUvC443qWLKDs?si=b46383699e8d4c1c), Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-20/pl.u-06oxbobuyNk0Z), and Amazon Music (https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/9d4d3e04d5c7443f9e4ea1e91786d315sune?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_Ua1W2AEjlVKISmCBkzo2BufgP).

Jennifer and I dive into the Live Wire Facebook group's 24 #FreshCuts for Vol. 20. These are songs that most of the group hasn't heard, and we have a great time pondering word pronunciations, song meanings, and what Charley Crockett would sound like with a British accent. This is a strong collection. You can hear #FreshCuts Vol. 20 on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4SkdhNPpFEUvC443qWLKDs?si=1601a717be604872, on Apple Music at https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-20/pl.u-06oxbobuyNk0Z, and Amazon Music at https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/9d4d3e04d5c7443f9e4ea1e91786d315sune?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_BQLopJAwjryDd3S1hWyemWpLr

I'm joined by Travis Boots and Bryan Mosby to discuss and give our picks on feel-good songs for the polls in the Live Wire Facebook private group for Sunday, July 28. Each set of polls, I look at songs that had more votes in a trailing poll than others in a leading poll. Then I pit them against each other as a way of quality control to ensure that we advance the songs that we really want. Travis and Bryan always bring their A game to every episode, and this was a great and revealing talk.

Steve Strait and I discuss all of Thursday July 25's polls for our feel-good songs in the Live Wire private Facebook group. This was two friends talking about music for an hour, and it sounds just like that. We get into some great discussion on songs by The Police, Tina Turner, Gary Jules, The Rascals, Amos Lee, The Grateful Dead, Juanes, Living Colour, New Order, My Morning Jacket, The Stooges, Neil Diamond, Donny Benet, Gene Austin, Prefab Sprout, Los Lobos, Pearl Jam, and Fleetwood Mac.

Travis Boots and Bryan Mosby join me to discuss polls on feel-good songs picked by the Live Wire private Facebook group. Starting with 200 feel-good songs, we’re now trying to see which songs make the group collectively feel good. On the surface, it seems light. But we still have a great discussion, debating the merits of Van Halen, sharing our personal experiences with some of these songs, and breaking down some songs to their bare bones. If you like to contemplate music from its construction to your experiences, you’ll love this episode. We discuss songs by Van Halen, Katrina & The Waves, Aesop Rock, The Beach Boys, Foo Fighters, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Byrds, Talking Heads, Nicki Minaj, David Lee Roth, Radiohead, Rush, Candi Staton, Lucy Dacus, and Drive-By Truckers.

Jennifer and I walk through all 25 of this week’s #FreshCuts in provocatively spirited fashion within the best sound quality we’ve had…and probably the silliest episode we’ve done. But the songs are great. There are deep discussions, impromptu comedy bits, and even a false start with our new microphone. Download the #FreshCuts Vol. 19 playlist on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, and YouTube. This week’s songs are from Deerhunter, Tad, Johnny Blue Skies (Sturgill Simpson), Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, MJ Lenderman, Big Thief, Triple One, Bastille, Plains, Ry Cooder, Steely Dan, Childish Gambino, Deep Purple, Beach Weather, Gunship (feat. Carpenter Brut and Gavin Rossdale), Liar, Boot Camp Clik, Dylan LeBlanc, Hiss Golden Messenger, The Joy Formidable, Portishead, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, The Devil Makes Three, Chandler, and Mac Miller. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6aB9IegtxNhAjbYPRr6xkP?si=qWE6krJ0TpyTo7m1XSYOvw&pi=u-zi03pf8ZTs6Y, Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-19/pl.u-XkD0JDZSWxM9y, Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/eeb20ca2c2d942319ebf772c554bd034sune?ref=dm_sh_7vFtc867EtTS3ia1WzOjG5POs, and YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-8MyH4mQ-hF0ktWgAPBsh4W&si=8mSFs9JKSBOmwWpX

This week’s #FreshCuts feature epic production, masterful songwriting, and a lot of fun. Ranging from blues, metal, vibe rock, bluegrass, hip-hop, and even a little bit of reggae beats, these songs have lots of life and you’ll enjoy them. I’m joined this week by Nathan Ferrell, Travis Boots, Bryan Mosby, Jeremy Cook, Matt Lehman, and Franky Fairway. This week’s #FreshCuts feature songs by Johnny Blue Skies (aka Sturgill Simpson), Deftones, Sublime, Billy Strings (YouTube and Nugs only), Royel Otis, The Hip Abduction feat. Greensky Bluegrass, Paramore, Robert Palmer, Phish, Aesop Rock, Jesse Welles, and X Ambassadors. Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 18 on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/72v3mHEPmoarvCKXH9Sq2m?si=J6WS3xo-RCmXCVFyJwyMoQ&pi=u-mbgCyr6lQ7KX) Apple Music (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/72v3mHEPmoarvCKXH9Sq2m?si=J6WS3xo-RCmXCVFyJwyMoQ&pi=u-mbgCyr6lQ7KX), Amazon Music (https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/6bd5370f10614eb4a3badeba5cfb40e0sune?ref=dm_sh_IYnNHwzsHFCyKtD74MOhXZO95, and YouTube (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_i4MMSg2nKWaITV65Tj54p&si=53zuksYodmBLFIJV).

Find Live Wire on Facebook private groups. Travis Boots, Bryan Mosby, and I get into Live Wire’s top 100 R&B/funk songs of all time. But we begin the episode talking about ways to make our group more individual. We also get into our reasoning and methods on the upcoming “feel good song” polls. We discuss Steve Wonder’s “Superstition” being our group’s #1 R&B/funk song. We agree that our #2 song - Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” - shouldn’t even be in the top 10. We also lament that James Brown’s “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” came in at #44. And, at the end of the episode, we each give our personal top 5 R&B/funk songs, with some surprises. This is a very well-rounded episode with great discussion. You can hear Live Wire’s Top 100 R&B/funk songs of all time on the following links at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0PGDswYYkvIgQWU9ftXZEB?si=KL7SIdW9R5-2n49ZOwKbHA&pi=u-etJVzK_rQ7Kq, Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/top-100-r-b-funk-songs/pl.u-yZyV1qAI6JLG1, YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-9S62uvgx7O3tXMj3txHIao&si=ttq8NtqtkYJOOSAh, and Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/28fa26d47ee349afa7a0c76ab20e9c12sune?ref=dm_sh_IHLYW0qOeowZTIptW9sQW47pv

Jennifer and I dive into all 24 of this week’s #FreshCuts picked by the Live Wire private Facebook group. Most of these are songs we haven’t heard before, and that’s the point - to expand our musical repertoire. We discuss songs from Sturgill Simpson’s new album under his alter ego Johnny Blue Skies (and I think we may have stumbled upon its real pronunciation). We also get into deep discussions about the cool theremin sounds on a Goldfrapp track, Aesop Rock sounding like a librarian with an attitude, and grooves on multiple songs. The group brought it this week, especially on the back end of this playlist, which you can hear at the links below on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube. This week’s #FreshCuts feature songs by Jess Glynne, Paramore, Royel Otis, X Ambassadors, Robert Palmer, Faye Webster, Escape The Fate, Robert Jon & The Wreck, Goldfrapp, Cults, Sturgill Simpson as Johnny Blue Skies, Phish, The Hip Abduction, Supertramp, This Is Lorelei, Cindy Lee, Aesop Rock, Deftones, Jesse Welles, Sublime & Stick Figure, Billy Strings, Steel Beans, The Flaming Lips, and we close with a second song from Johnny Blue Skies. You can hear these songs on the #FreshCuts Vol. 18 playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/72v3mHEPmoarvCKXH9Sq2m?si=ZkpYlBnxRMy93T86jAd-SQ&pi=u-_eLlqqvKSjS5, Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-18/pl.u-XkD0J1EfWxM9y, YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-9Rt7qw-aTdu8bIp42Omorr&si=9xL8l0AiDWzaf5Dw, and Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/80de94137c9d4991a3a5fc6d777b17f7sune?ref=dm_sh_gClXfLPQlw2BRHSgN6SsKLOo6

I reveal our top 12 #FreshCuts of the week, picked and voted on by the Live Wire group. This week’s #FreshCuts feature majestic acoustic folk harmonies, bass-slapping funk metal, electronica, and songs ranging from fuzzed-out hipster rock to acoustic ditties. I’m joined by Bryan Mosby, Wellington Davis, and Steve Strait to discuss these songs. This week’s #FreshCuts feature songs by Fleet Foxes, Les Claypool, Iron & Wine feat. Fiona Apple, Eddie Vedder, Aphex Twin, Jane’s Addiction, Timmy Thomas, Ron Gallo, Busman’s Holiday, John Moreland, The Arcs, and Robbie Robertson. Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 17 on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Sisj15xaCrx6guyCWV6kV?si=wpvVGxTVSECJ8Lh0Dm17dA&pi=u-znlU9w4URTu7, Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-17/pl.u-MDAW6XgtXv1ok, Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/0c634661167140b88494027cbf498eddsune?ref=dm_sh_YtCXK9BkFMbEU57Udhlk8nwl8, and YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_NT8UIQqkgVM1Ld3IHjcF_&si=Qpm9MbJ1fAuoEQQ9.

One of my oldest friends left this life at age 43 last week on July 6, 2024. Bryant Bartok was a unique, goofy, intelligent, and emotional person with a dedicated passion for music. In this episode, some friends and I share our memories of Bryant and try to process our grief. I’m joined by Joe Burtis, Scott Deuel, Shariff Shakir, Wes Dorris, Joel Graves, and my brother - Grant Wasson. This episode made me laugh as well as tear up. And it’s a reminder to take more notice of mental health in others and ourselves. If you are having a mental health crisis or problems with substance abuse, call the Crisis Lifeline at 988.

This was the most informationally entertaining episode we’ve done and probably the first time that anyone has enjoyed discussing cancel culture. It was a lot of fun. Travis Boots and Bryan Mosby bring their A game, breaking down 16 more R&B/funk songs. And Travis says how he would have separated these songs into two different tournaments. Look for the Live Wire private group on Facebook. This episode features discussion of songs by Kool & The Gang, Marvin Gaye, Sly And The Family Stone, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, James Brown, Funkadelic, Otis Redding, The Gap Band, The Isley Brothers, Isaac Hayes, and Prince.

This episode accomplishes exactly what it set out to do. And that’s discuss the first day of polls to cut our 32 greatest R&B/funk songs in half to the top 16. I’m joined by Travis Boots and Bryan Mosby for a dive into these songs. And listen for a brief cameo from Jennifer. Find us on Facebook under private groups at Live Wire. In this episode, we discuss songs by Otis Redding, James Brown, Bill Withers, Prince, Sam & Dave, Stevie Wonder, Lakeside, Parliament, Hot Chocolate, The Commodores, Wilson Pickett, George Clinton, Dr. John, and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Jennifer and I break down all 24 of the next week’s #FreshCuts nominations. These are songs so new or so rare that most of us haven’t heard them. It’s also my favorite part of Live Wire, which you can find on Facebook private groups. Send us a join request and get in on a comprehensive music experience. The playlist is shared below on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, and YouTube. It features songs (in order) by Wooden Shjips, Orion Sun, Ron Gallo, Eddie Vedder, Spark Master Tape, Culture Wars, Iron & Wine feat. Fiona Apple, Dehd, Spiritualized, Timmy Thomas, Jane’s Addiction, Pailhead, Aphex Twin, Pavement, Sufjan Stevens, Les Claypool, Kitchen Dwellers, The Boomtown Rats, The Arcs, John Moreland, X, Busman’s Holiday, Fleet Foxes, and Robbie Robertson. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2KFwUGqnMdx5HYXMLkdZNY?si=n9F5cXkUT9G4mvztXC4VYA; Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-17/pl.u-MDAW6XgtXv1ok; Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/0c634661167140b88494027cbf498eddsune?ref=dm_sh_PKM7RA93nFbVIfAxO3sVCm2ZS; YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_NT8UIQqkgVM1Ld3IHjcF_&si=gkmGnCs0YaSYtjig

This is a very special episode of the Live Wire podcast, interspersing 6 guests in and out as we wind our way through our top 25 songs of 2024 so far. We also get into our thought processes of picking new music. If you’re looking for new songs, this episode is for you. And if that intrigues you so much, find us on Facebook under private groups at Live Wire. I won’t give away the actual list here, but artists included in this episode’s discussion in alphabetical order are: The Black Crowes, The Black Keys, Castle Rat, Gary Clark Jr., Greensky Bluegrass, Hurray For The Riff Raff, IDLES, Intervals, Justice & Thundercat, Marcus King, Kendrick Lamar, The Last Dinner Party, Mannequin Pussy, Mk.gee, Kacey Musgraves, Nas & DJ Premier, Paramore & David Byrne, Pearl Jam, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, The Secret Sisters & Ray LaMontagne, Sleater-Kinney, St. Vincent, Taylor Swift, Joey Valence & Brae feat. Danny Brown, The War And Treaty, and Waxahatchee. Hear the playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4oO1ayJCnBguX9I2CBSV0d?si=nArnSYb1SzWK_lUyrfde1w&pi=u-xKbtnoSWT8Cv, Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/2024-so-far/pl.u-EdAVbxbuNykz6, Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/63f720e1e7514e7cb7c43ef00ab97a94sune?ref=dm_sh_W58MVwBjGRNVjr5XrUA6IBBow, and YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-9XMpAtsohti1WiiKgH0Y72&si=u5D0a_YJbmACrUQS

For an immersive music experience, find us on Facebook private groups under Live Wire. I am joined by Bryan Mosby and Steve Strait to discuss the 2nd Chance polls for our greatest R&B/funk songs of all time. And if you could pick one album to hear again for the first time, what would it be? You’ll hear our picks. Deee-Lite - Groove Is In The Heart (1990) vs. Alabama Shakes - Dunes (2015) Michael Jackson - Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (1979) vs. Booker T & The MG’s - Green Onions (1962) The O’Jays - Love Train (1971) vs. Cameo - Word Up! (1986) Edwin Starr - War (1971) vs. Amy Winehouse - You Know I’m No Good (2006) Stevie Wonder - Sir Duke (1976) vs. Redbone - Come And Get Your Love (1972) The Temptations - Ain’t Too Proud To Beg (1966) vs. Gnarls Barkley - Crazy (2006) Prince & The Revolution - Erotic City (1984) vs. Sly And The Family Stone - Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) (1970)

I’m joined today by artist and music aficionado Steve Strait. Steve is a longtime friend, and we get into a wide variety of topics. If you’ve ever heard of Deke Leonard, May Blitz, Adam Blessing, or Back Jack, this episode is for you. And if you haven’t, listen and learn. We also reveal the polls for the final day of new songs in our R&B/funk polls for Wednesday, July 3. And we end with a wide-ranging conversation on how Steve isn’t into The Black Keys anymore, bands like Queen selling out their songs, songs being ruined by commercials, and Steve’s adventures with Bryan Mosby. This is a good one.

I’m joined by Travis Boots and Bryan Mosby to discuss the close votes so far in our greatest R&B/funk songs. We also go on a hell of a derailment over recently unearthed 1985 comments from Jerry Garcia about Eddie Van Halen. And with some encouragement, I issue a warning against any suspected hate voting in Tuesday’s polls. Get ready.

Nine episodes in, we already have a lost episode. 😱 If you want to hear how Jennifer and I come up with our votes and the ridiculous levels that can take, this episode is for you. This is a collection of bits from our first attempt at recording Episode 9. It did not go well. But 18 minutes of comedic gold that gets funnier as it goes ensued. Here are those 18 minutes.

With the year half-over, it’s a great chance to pay respect to our favorite songs of 2024 (so far). Jennifer and I review all 50 songs chosen by the Live Wire group. We pick the ones worthy of the top 25 (there are more than 25 worthy!), discuss whether Taylor Swift is more a poet than a singer, ponder the last generation of outside kids, and consider the deeper meanings of each song. We also get into Kendrick Lamar dissing Drake, whether the blues ceases to be the blues when it sounds happy, dying to be born again, songs that sound like they were written about Jennifer, Robert Plant’s shaman genius, and Taylor Swift being easy listening music for young women. This is not one to be missed, even though the episode is twice as long. But when you’re working with twice as many songs as a typical #FreshCuts week, it needs more time. You can also hear Live Wire’s 50 best songs of 2024 (so far) on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4oO1ayJCnBguX9I2CBSV0d?si=va-oVYuiQTusasw_L_T-Mw&pi=u-SBKdEwUFT3y1), Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/2024-so-far/pl.u-EdAVbxbuNykz6, Amazon Music (https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/63f720e1e7514e7cb7c43ef00ab97a94sune?ref=dm_sh_7YEhvExsJrDwOMrmMxpCbGUUQ), and YouTube (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-9XMpAtsohti1WiiKgH0Y72&si=ZR_DDxxRpVhnxAeE).

This is the most fascinating episode we’ve done. Part intervention, part therapy session, all relevant. The Geto Boys were ranked way too low, Biz Markie was ranked way too high, and we get into a pet peeve - voting without listening to both songs. This episode will provoke you. So you might as well give it a listen.

Jennifer and I crack open the new #FreshCuts posted on Saturday, June 22, and believe it is the strongest group we’ve had yet. On a 44-minute silly-sophical discussion, we uncover a theme of self-acceptance in this week’s songs. And we ponder 2 very different versions of the same song (twice!), how the ‘90s has turned retro cool, if in fact Brad sucks, and when does alternative become more of the same? You can hear all 24 songs in #FreshCuts Vol. 15 here on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_ELY8NOMG1X9FimYygch8b&si=aMM19JfLIstIsXP1. And you can hear 22 of them on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5SQYvkgJdoQukpjPlqykVq?si=A0BhBVqqRtCQgb10adfQqw&pi=u-SRHrz98lQfGQ