The Midlife Critics Podcast

Surprise! Your host Burke Wasson counts down our top 10 songs from #FreshCuts Vol. 121 with Steve Strait! We also reminisce on last weekend's Front Porch Fest in Evansville, Indiana, and uncover the story behind Nathan Ferrell's hat. Plus, a shocking #1 song for reasons you'll understand. And Steve makes #FreshCuts history. If you enjoy this podcast and want to show your love for that work, you can donate any amount you like, big or small, $1, $5, $10, $25, or whatever you see fit at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWasson

Burke is back, babies! Your group runner returns to the podcast to count down our top 10 songs from #FreshCuts Vol. 120, preview Vol. 121, reveal the algorithm picks, and deliver a heartfelt thank you at the beginning and end of this episode. If you enjoy this podcast and want to show your love for that work, you can donate any amount you like, big or small, $1, $5, $10, $25, or whatever you see fit at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWasson

Grant's back at the helm this week, counting down the top 10 and taking some time to focus on the dearly departed. Yes, to create this podcast on this level, it does take some coin. A labor of love but still, if you enjoy this podcast and want to show your love for such work, you (or anyone you know such as your grandma, local demolition derby union, stamp-collectors' guild, Ted Lasso, Spock, Bilbo Baggins, cheese mongers, and your local dormouse can donate any amount you like at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWasson

Burke's brother Grant returns this week, offering to help out as Burke is thrown back into school / work life and I'm sure many more responsibilities and exciting ventures. He is kind of a big deal, you know. Yes, to create this podcast on this level and as speedily as Burke normally does, it does take some coin. A labor of love but still, if you enjoy this podcast and want to show your love for such work, you (or anyone you know such as babysitter, mom, dad, cat, dog, proctologist, cardiologist, anthropologist, and most importantly, bullshitologist) can donate any amount you like, big or small, $1, $5, $10, $25, $100, $1000, $1,000,000 or whatever you see fit (currently not taking buttons, jacks, or small rubber balls) at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWasson

A quick 26-minute countdown podcast episode is here! Burke dives into our songs, share some #FreshCuts history, and feel grateful to have these songs to turn around a rough start to the week. ☮️ If you enjoy this podcast and want to show your love for that work, you can donate any amount you like, big or small, $1, $5, $10, $25, or whatever you see fit at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWasson

Which rock band just started their own complaint hotline? And what complaint did Burke leave? Wellington Davis and Steve Strait join your host Burke Wasson to count down our top 10 songs from Vol. 116 and spout their takes on a few #StrayCuts at the end of the episode. Plus, Steve has a few thoughts on people who nominate the same artists over and over. Stay tuned.If you enjoy this podcast and want to show your love for that work, you can donate any amount you like, big or small, $1, $5, $10, $25, or whatever you see fit at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonListen to #FreshCuts Vol. 116 here on the following apps:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6tdfqC59Q6LKs4Y6SPQIoe?si=qXMGgQCFSWO1iVlRs8UzwQ&utm_source=copy-link&pi=dYcBmdHSTDGunApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-116/pl.u-pMylbblfyvAqNAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/c15041f5fc79491799cbf99b9f951a07sune?ref=dm_sh_IIloE62A6M0t7nvcFvEoTAvbkYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEdKnOZPOMUw&si=TEXnr1w3EDL2xtol

In the shortest episode yet of the podcast, Burke and Jennifer break down our top 10 songs of the week, and Jen introduces new criteria to judge each song. If you enjoy this podcast and want to show your love for that work, you can donate any amount you like, big or small, at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees. And follow The Midlife Critics in private Facebook groups.Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 115 on any of the following apps at these links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5iUqimtSGF8xOBnRiAfkXT?si=OCPPqkQvRk6sC5BvmXH10w&utm_source=copy-link&pi=9qtJbXnFT7WJ6Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-115/pl.u-55D630ys1ZAyrYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBUy_ORTdAio&si=-pSGgSW8L_wn4_0HAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/3145c8e1f02d483e92464aa829d92ca0sune?ref=dm_sh_RTsid0R0Zn6xUy0VIDQ4B4T0gPandora: Save the final volume here on Pandora:https://pandora.app.link/uExhcCY6d5b

Travis Boots and a special guest join your host Burke Wasson to count down our top 10 songs from #FreshCuts Vol. 114. Stick around for the last segment, when Travis entertains a reward for the group. He also offers some advice to #FreshCuts listeners. Plus, find out which country and which two of our members boast three songs in our top 10, which artist hated the album that featured one of this week's songs, which artist has Disney villain energy, and a special salute to Benjamin Linus from the classic TV show "Lost". If you enjoy this podcast and want to show your love for that work, you can donate any amount you like, big or small, at the following apps: PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees. And follow The Midlife Critics in private Facebook groups.

Bob Szurgot makes his podcast debut, joining Steve Strait, Nathan Ferrell, and me to reveal our songs of the week and the first of The Astonishing Tales of Bob.If you enjoy this podcast and want to show your love for that work, you can donate any amount you like, big or small, at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.And follow The Midlife Critics in private Facebook groups.

Your host Burke Wasson counts down our top 25 songs from #FreshCuts Vol. 112 in solo fashion and efficient results! Enjoy! If you enjoy this podcast and want to show your love for that work, you can donate any amount you like, big or small, at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.And follow The Midlife Critics in private Facebook groups.

Sue Walnut, Wellington Davis, Nathan Ferrell, Steve Strait, Travis Boots, and Grant Wasson join your host Burke Wasson to count down the group's top 26 songs so far of 2026. This episode is well worth it, but was a LOT of work. If you enjoy this podcast and want to show your love for that work, you can donate any amount you like, big or small, at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.The playlist of our top 50 songs of the year so far will attach to this episode by Monday, July 6.

Your host Burke Wasson looks ahead to our Songs of the Midyear poll coming this week and counts down our top 25 songs from #FreshCuts Vol. 111. If you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 111 here on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ZL3mRiIY9zIA50qxRdBRx?si=MjfbBkPVSdSiGEcmQUcBrg&pi=4Y1KALYrThC2AApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-111/pl.u-yZyVLDAI6JLG1Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/717a5fad9d504da48af463b49b4d3d3asune?ref=dm_sh_t3l8X0GulnMS6Sh0fJXtFboRfYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc--LD_V2rmgfV-neqYHxBvQ5&si=oQbbR5FaCPTldHp7YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc--LD_V2rmgfV-neqYHxBvQ5&si=J6z1YUsmaeJb4v9ZPandora: https://pandora.com/playlist/PL:103854372949076782:862612427

Burke Wasson runs through a rapidfire top 25 countdown of songs that most of us hadn't heard in less than an hour. Enjoy!If you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 110 here on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2ocObIwQV2sRDUvFcPwGRJ?si=LJ2jnSM3SCOzA8KHE6CnnQ&pi=x_dr5KbzSPmOKApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-110/pl.u-XkD0L3EuWxM9y

For the first time in a month, your host Burke Wasson is back, baby! Steve Strait, Travis Boots, and Bryan Mosby join Burke to count down our songs of the week from #FreshCuts Vol. 109. This episode is a lot of fun, with a recurring theme of Steve being at odds with his daughter on music. Travis and Mosby also speculate on a reason for an unfortunate trend that's happened on The Midlife Critics private group Facebook page. Also, we find out why there have been so many Bruce Hornsby songs recently in #FreshCuts. This one is more fun than usual with rapidfire commentary. Carve out 2 hours and play it on normal speed, or you might miss the comedic timing.If you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.Listen to our songs of the week in #FreshCuts Vol. 109 here on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1nbovXQpSoX8ZRoQyoLjfG?si=2VwTt5q_RS-fdleMfqrJ1g&pi=f8aEyiPvRxmbAApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-109/pl.u-XkD0LxkuWxM9yAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/1393b262a9664fd29202d401e6981674sune?ref=dm_sh_KO3PYPIMTCxTvpZVgDdy9WJh6YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-9nR0nO7FfBhECsOeAuNYyC&si=LIY-uOsw2Sf2_9Tt

While our fearless leader, Burke Wasson is away for a bit, his brother, Grant Wasson steps in for this week's countdown. The illustrious, Jesse Morgan guests on this week's episode. Enjoy the countdown! As usual, AI seems to wreak havoc, creating its own chapters so please just listen to the whole pod so no songs are skipped.If you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.

While our fearless leader, Burke Wasson is away for a bit, his brother, Grant Wasson steps in for this week's countdown. Guests include Wellington Davis and Claire Estelle Knight. Enjoy the countdown from our largest selection of fresh cuts ever!If you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.(00:00) Intro (01:53) 28. The Warning - Kerosene (03:19) 27. Descendents - Glad All Over (w/ Claire Estelle Knight) (05:33) 26. The Velvet Underground - Rock & Roll(07:28) 25. Morcheeba - Trigger Hippie(08:47) 24. Muse - Hysteria(10:22) 23. Drive-By Truckers - The Living Bubba(11:49) 22. Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys - Her Hair Is a Mess(13:21) 21. ivri - slip & let go (w/ Wellington Davis) (16:43) 20. Silverada - Hour on the Hour(19:20) 19. Maya Hawke - Lioness(21:25) 18. Minor Threat - Seeing Red(23:35) 17. Graveyard BBQ - Cheat on the Church(25:24) 16. Vitamin X - Flip the Switch (feat. J Mascis) (w/ Wellington Davis) (27:42) STRAY CUT.  AFI - The Leaving Song (w/ Wellington Davis) (29:22) 15. Little Simz - Thief (w/ Claire Estelle Knight)(31:20) 14. Joe Walsh - A Life Of Illusion (w/ Wellington Davis) (34:53) 13. Jeremy Pinnell - Joey(36:34) 12. Wu-Tang Clan, Aesop Rock & Del the Funky Homosapien - Preservation(38:16) 11. Thee Oh Sees - The Dream(40:17) 10. John Craigie - Fire Season (w/ Wellington Davis)(43:14) 9. Jack White - G.O.D. and the Broken Ribs(45:22) 8. Kraftwerk - Autobahn(47:54) 7. Black Flag - Wasted(49:39) 6. Violent Femmes - Old Mother Reagan(50:43) 5. Wall Of Death - Main Obsession (w/ Wellington Davis)(53:44) 4. Anna Justen - Individualism (w/ Claire Estelle Knight & Wellington Davis) (57:26) 3. Bad Brains - Attitude(58:51) 2. Bjork - Come To Me (Live)(01:01:40) 1. (w/ Wellington Davis)(01:05:53) Outro

Your host Burke Wasson runs a solo countdown episode, revealing every person who nominated every song. Plus, an announcement at the start of the episode. Steve Strait is also on hand to hear who nominated the songs in his #FreshFour. #FreshCuts Vol. 104: The Mystery Volume exceeded expectations. Enjoy hearing each song in the countdown. If you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.

If you want to hear a detailed chat on our issues with legendary prog frontman Greg Lake, this is the episode for you. Steve Strait joins your host Burke Wasson to reveal his #FreshFour favorite songs from #FreshCuts Vol. 104: The Mystery Volume. Steve also discusses his drawings of each song in his #FreshFour, shown on this episode cover. This episode lives up to its season and number. Dig it.If you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.

Your host Burke Wasson tackles this week's countdown solo, but there's an early story from Travis Boots to explain one of his nominations that missed the cut by one vote. This episode has a shocking and frankly concerning reveal, so keep your ears perked. And enjoy this episode! If you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.

King Wellington Davis was kind enough to stop by the podcast to give his #FreshFour for #FreshCuts Vol. 103. He and your host Burke Wasson also get into a newfound appreciation for classical and German music, as well as classical German music. If you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.

Travis Boots and Bryan Mosby join your host Burke Wasson for the first-ever live #FreshCuts countdown reveal. Find out which songs made the countdown and what each of you can do each week to try to get a third pick. Plus, we share tales of junior high and reminisce on a classic 1994 album. We also have a first-time winner in the countdown.If you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.

Up until now, we've always waited to put out any #FreshCuts episodes until after the poll closes. Don't worry, we still will. But now we're going to be treated every Monday night or Tuesday morning to some of our fellow Critics' #FreshFour picks before the poll closes at noon Central each Wednesday. So anyone still on the fence with their votes and #FreshFour can hear some #Fresh perspective. In the maiden voyage of these preview episodes, Jesse Morgan, Nathan Ferrell, and Steve Strait join your host Burke Wasson to reveal their #FreshFour and discuss the songs they nominated as well. Steve and Burke also kick off this episode talking about our upcoming Mystery Volume in Vol. 104 on May 1st. But first, vote by noon Central on the Vol. 102 poll and pick your #FreshFour if you haven’t. Then, nominate two songs that most of us haven’t heard for Vol. 103, out on April 24th.If you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.

Current events. Underground pop. #FreshCuts-induced confusion in the drive-thru. A great, old but fresh song from a band we don't like. Anonymous trendsetters. And a retort to our fellow Midlife Critic Bryan Mosby. All of that and so much more are on this episode. Nathan Ferrell (seen in the cover artwork as a doctor) and Grant Wasson count down #FreshCuts Vol. 101 with your host Burke Wasson. This one will make you think. It'll make you laugh. And it'll make you want to listen to these songs that were fresh to our ears, regardless of the years. And find out why our #2 song is featured after our #1 song in the countdown. Plus, Nate and I preview Record Store Day, coming up on Saturday, April 18. And King Tuff is from Vermont. Not Britain. My apologies. If you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 101 at the following links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1x1I9hbUqJLeBp4IMhb6B5?si=SPa8UT_bREC2TdBlDNRyew&pi=ApzTkRksS-q-nApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-101/pl.u-yZyV5VmI6JLG1YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-9KRUDTdDY2l37d1ZdYvgsB&si=ETTbc9E3FcQbmvszAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/28727aa36c0e4bd1b22172031e3edd97sune?ref=dm_sh_wC8oxs6ZI0wwQ4D4xcyevdLaJFreedom Rock link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eGWW8KOQio

Angel Grit comes from the concrete of New York City’s Lower East Side. They are a collision of hardcore, punk, and metal that doesn’t fit neatly into one box. The band exists to cut through a male-dominated scene with a ferocious, female-forward presence that is as melodic as it is heavy. Frontwoman Melissa Schainker and drummer Louis Iacobelli sit down with Wellington Davis and Steve Strait to discuss the band’s formation, balancing personal life with band dynamics, and the expectations of women in society. Follow the band on Instagram @angelgrit and at their Web site at angelgrit.com. 

Angel Grit comes from the concrete of New York City’s Lower East Side. They are a collision of hardcore, punk, and metal that doesn’t fit neatly into one box. The band exists to cut through a male-dominated scene with a ferocious, female-forward presence that is as melodic as it is heavy. Frontwoman Melissa Schainker and drummer Louis Iacobell sit down with Wellington Davis and Steve Strait to talk about the band’s dynamic, juggling their personal lives with their band dynamics, and the expectations of women in society. Follow Angel Grit on Instagram @angelgrit and also at angelgrit.com.

This is an old-school episode wrapped totally around a chat between your host Burke Wasson, Travis Boots, Bryan Mosby, and Steve Strait. We discuss our #FreshMadness tournament of #1 songs of the week from the first 99 volumes, get into discussion of the top 4 #FreshestCuts, and spend the last hour or so complaining, laughing, and getting into what's ahead in Vol. 101, out this afternoon.

Each month, our Grand Poobah Wellington Davis gets to pick a topic that we must discuss on the podcast. For his first, he chose how we pick the songs we nominate in #FreshCuts. But that's not all! We also discuss what genres or artists we've got into from #FreshCuts, what genres we STILL don't enjoy despite (and because of ) repeated exposure, and what changes are coming to #FreshCuts starting next week with Volume 101. Your host Burke Wasson is joined by Wellington, Bryan Mosby, Wes Dorris, and Grant Wasson to cover all of this. Plus, pay attention to the background music. Sometimes it has to do with the artist we're discussing. Others, it was inspired by a word or phrase said in conversation. Laughter will be had. Pearls will be clutched. Thoughts will be provoked. Plus, hear Mosby and Burke discuss why your opinion doesn't matter. if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.

Travis Boots, Bryan Mosby, Steve Strait, Wellington Davis, and Claire Knight join your host Burke Wasson to count down a massive week of #FreshCuts Vol. 99. The songs that made the top half were more inspired than usual, and we get into those songs as well as which country we'd be willing to call our new home. This one was a lot of fun, but the music is our source. Plus, hear what plans are in store for #FreshCuts Vol. 100.Listen to the #FreshCuts Vol. 99 playlist on the following apps at these links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/51YHebBzg1ejG4suhBZIRU?si=RtaJJRV8SjCvW-XKj0LVuA&pi=C_4-H64yR5igBApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-99/pl.u-06oxB1asyNk0ZAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/658039e9c45145c386ed0532a3258654sune?ref=dm_sh_9WaDzXOhUbwRS6bF7Dlzr1oanYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_Gbg-g5OGzPDzy-PpD40lh&si=FcNUY3dKcgaR2HwRAnd if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.

To discuss the largest #FreshCuts volume we've ever had, your host Burke Wasson brings in some heavy hitters: Wellington Davis and Nathan Ferrell. We count down our top 22 songs plus 2 Stray Cuts. We discuss how often we'd like to have a supersized volume of #FreshCuts where each person can pick 3. And we marvel at the level of songs in this volume. Listen to the #FreshCuts Vol. 98 playlist on the following apps at these links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0xNi9xrGJA8yO5w9Km37L7?si=-RxoKHnQS12qbl0pmqFBzQ&pi=hGGzPzCZRg6NpApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-98/pl.u-XkD0XkLFWxM9yAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/620c9a68f5f743ccb60bb06bde0a0c62sune?ref=dm_sh_3D9vItz0KK4mC3MkpeA7H6lW9YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-8fqrVjVTIYpHVBBCw8Uzpz&si=2cpu9mhYxC4slJ6dAnd if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.

Your host Burke Wasson gets into every single song in our Songs of the Week countdown from #FreshCuts Vol. 97. Which three songs does he think the group snubbed? Which three would he remove from the countdown, if he could? Find out. Plus, which artist this week sounds like Herbert from Family Guy? And our #1 song this week adds a cool fact to some #FreshCuts history. Nerd out. Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 97 on the apps at these links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4d5d7pc6jXoojal1r7rbxh?si=nd5LiLgzS2WkGg1i0UP1UQ&pi=PHuaza7aS6KUOApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-97/pl.u-MDAW0D6CXv1okYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_xQHmCQ6Z7_OsTQbmEKnAW&si=a5qhXdV9cfRRrGFHAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/3728b3f65d374990998eba9bb573e4a9sune?ref=dm_sh_7Lm3pFBidSRL9ZLZsYW9uqqQpLink to Courtney Barnett / Kurt Vile video: https://youtu.be/3KNsBCf34fQ?si=FUYfSfPHUD1fFDdBAnd if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.

Wellington Davis, Nathan Ferrell, Steve Strait, Travis Boots, and Bryan Mosby join your host Burke Wasson for one of the most genuinely thoughtful and humorous episodes we've done, counting down our songs of the week from #FreshCuts Vol. 96. Be warned. There are voices, a preview of an upcoming album, and a Grand Poobah announcement. And as always, great music. And if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 96 at the links below on the following apps:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ebXkwctoz6hbfuqZgFFzj?si=-7pNLH-iRLCByinV7NzDWgApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-96/pl.u-yZyVbYZT6JLG1YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_YxAw0ZE44ezQBBP2mpl8H&si=Iyo0f-Lb592EsmQbAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/782b4968983c416ab7bc21df124d8a0esune?ref=dm_sh_6pHwlesTWb4gqP0Z2qpXDinE5Watch Angine de Poitrine on KEXP: https://youtu.be/0Ssi-9wS1so?si=IQKPWFh4CPpZ-w6b

Year of October is a Nashville-based trio with Kentucky roots and a heavy fuzz rock soul sound. Their 6th album, I've Given You Everything, was released in October and is a bloozey trip that sounds just as rewarding in your living room as it does at a kegger in the woods. Phlecia Sullivan's soulful vocals mingle well with her husband Josh Sullivan's thick but nimble guitar tone and James Varner's thunderous drums. The album's opening track, "Rabid Badger", was The Midlife Critics' #5 song of 2025, so Phlecia and Josh are in good company with your host Burke Wasson and Steve Strait. We talk about the band's creative process, their new album, new music recommendations, their label Watch It Burn Records, and personal likes and dislikes from their audience. Year Of October plays tonight at Bokeh Lounge in Evansville, Indiana, and next Friday, Feb. 27, at The Paducah Beer Werks in Paducah, Kentucky. Support the band at https://yearofoctober.bandcamp.com, where albums, merchandise, and tour dates are available. The band can also be reached at [email protected]. And if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at [email protected] at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.

Bryan Mosby, Travis Boots, Steve Strait, Nathan Ferrell, Grant Wasson, and Claire Knight join your host Burke Wasson to count down #FreshCuts Vol. 94. What would a Mosby sandwich look like? And which of us would be the mayonnaise? Is Jello Biafra the punk version of Fred Schneider? What music video did Steve Strait thoroughly enjoy? What does Travis Boots think of high school reunions? What revelation made Nathan Ferrell go “ugh”? What song did Grant Wasson inspire, even though he forgot it? Whose head is on a spike in the music video for one of our songs? And what the hell is going on with Claire Knight’s algorithm? All of those questions and more are answered in our new podcast episode. ☮️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 fees.

Wellington Davis, Nathan Ferrell, Steve Strait, and Bryan Mosby join your host Burke Wasson to dig into our songs of the week from #FreshCuts Vol. 93. Steve, Mosby, and Burke also discuss Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show at the start of the episode. Plus, find out which tribute albums in the '90s are worth seeking. Mosby and Burke get into social media pet peeves. And find out which home appliance Burke yelled at in the middle of this episode.

Listen to Nathan Ferrell, Steve Strait, Wellington Davis, Claire Knight, Bryan Mosby, and Grant Wasson join your host Burke Wasson for the most conversation we've ever had on this podcast, counting down the results of our group's songs of the year poll. The full list will be revealed in the Facebook group shortly . For now, find out what they are, which song is #1, and what we think of all of it. Plus, a celebrity drops by. And the panel hijacks the podcast when Burke loses his connection.

Special message from Burke Wasson:Curt and Gretchen Wasson's span of influence on their sons is far-reaching and our topic of this very special episode. My brother Grant and I talk for an hour and 19 minutes on memories from childhood, when our parents were 10 years or more younger than we are now. You're going to hear some great stories, clips from several songs, and how Grant and I became who we are musically. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you may need Kleenex. You'll also hear a recording that I made 3 years ago at a concert. That came up organically, and I have the audio proof. And as a bonus to this very special bonus episode, I've included a playlist of songs from this episode. You can hear it on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, or YouTube. Links below:Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/merry-christmas-mom-dad/pl.u-zPyLK2gI4vV7qSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0G14raSS0DkVHpaFuJnKBM?si=3FMDrSYITPedBFq54-cd5w&pi=tBkBHhB_QrCYouTube:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_Rs3IFtQtF8HyWPgxW9jxc&si=a40OEmEYMh81cg3uAmazon Music:

Wellington Davis and Claire Knight join your host Burke Wasson to get into this week's songs - which will go into our big songs of the year poll on Friday, Dec. 12. We also reveal a specially themed future #FreshCuts volume, discuss how our kids integrate our music into their lives, and put some perspective on Travis Boots' efforts to infuse more hip-hop into the group.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 fees.2025 LAST CHANCE #FRESHCUTS1. My Morning Jacket - Half a Lifetime 13 + Garrett, Wes, Zach, JJJ 172. Portugal. The Man - Denali 12 + Burke, Steve, Wes, Grant 163. Year of October - Rabid Badger 11 + Wellington, Claire, Nathan, Scotty, Grant 164. Hayley Williams - True Believer 12 + Burke, Claire, Travis, Nathan 165. Jeff Tweedy - Caught Up In The Past 11 + Burke, Nathan, Grant 146. THEE OH SEES - Infected Chrome 10 + Claire, Steve, Zach, Mosby 147. Deftones - ecdysis 11 + Wes, Nathan 138. Tycho & Paul Banks - Boundary Rider 10 + Wellington, Travis, Jesse 139. RIO KOSTA - Unicorn 10 + Wellington, Steve, Jesse 1310. Father of Peace - No Complaints 9 + Jen, Scotty, Zach, JJJ 1311. Ty Segall - Shining 10 + Scotty, Grant 1212. Big Thief - Los Angeles 10 + Scotty, Garrett 1213. Aesop Rock - Poly Cotton Blend 10 + Burke 1114. Turnstile - LIGHT DESIGN 10 + Garrett 1115. Lifeguard - Under Your Reach 9 + Mosby 1016. Vondré - Hola de Nuevo 8 + Claire, Mosby 1017. billy woods - Corinthians (feat. Despot & El-P) 7 + Wellington, Steve, Wes 10

In this specially themed episode, Wellington Davis and Steve Strait join your host Burke Wasson to get into songs reconsidered. These songs didn't get enough votes the first time around, and now we've given them the respect that they're due. We now like a good number of songs that we originally rejected...but we still don't like others. More episode info will post by Friday, Dec. 5. Enjoy!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 fees.

In this special Thanksgiving episode, your host Burke Wasson gives thanks to The Midlife Critics and is joined by fellow critics Wellington Davis, Nathan Ferrell, and Steve Strait. We discuss everything from Sigourney Weaver, Bill Paxton, and the movie "Creepshow" to cross-genre bands, artists better to hear as an album than in #FreshCuts, "unc" rock hate gone too far. And Wellington perhaps performed surgery during recording. It's all part of the fun, and we have a great discussion on our songs of the week from #FreshCuts Vol. 87. 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 fees.1. Portugal. The Man - Angoon (2025) 13 + Wellington, Zach, Jenny, Grant 172. At The Drive-In - Starslight (1996) 12 + Wellington, Nathan, Travis, Jesse 163. This Is Lorelei - Dancing in the Club (MJ Lenderman Version) (2025) 10 + Steve, Zach, Scotty, Wes 144. Earl Sweatshirt - Hoarse (2013) 11 + Travis, JJJ 135. Dr. Dog - Where’d All the Time Go? (2010) 11 + Wellington, Grant 136. Urban Dance Squad - Good Grief (1994) 9 + Nate, Steve, Scotty 127. They Might Be Giants - Santa’s Beard (1988) 11 + Nathan 128. Alice Phoebe Lou - Old Shadows (2025) 10 + JJJ 119. Crumb - Ice Melt (2021) 8 + Wellington, Mosby, Jesse 1110. Field Music - Measure (2010) 7 + Burke, Wes, Grant, Jesse 1111. American Aquarium - Casualties (Live at Red Rocks) (2025) 8 + Zach, Scotty 1012. Pinback - Loro (1999) 8 + Jenny, Jesse 1013. Stephen Malkmus - China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider (2016) 9 + Wes 1014. Stephen Wilson Jr. - Gary (2025) 7 + Steve, Wes 915. AVTT/PTTN - Received (2025) 916. Tuba Skinny - Kansas City Stomps (2024) 7 + Jenny, Mosby 917. Minutemen - #1 Hit Song (1984) 918. Cyril Ferguson - Ya Mar (1974) (YouTube exclusive) 8 + Burke 919. John Grant - Sigourney Weaver (2010) 5 + Burke, Nathan, Steve 820. Dead Air - Teeth Grinder (2022) 6 + Travis, JJJ 821. Super Furry Animals - Slow Life (2003) 822. Holger Czukay - Ode to Perfume (1982) 6 + Grant, Mosby 8Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 87 on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6rV01tnvfyXlR1GTpOFqnR?si=SqFsaXuaQTmQbhY4N9iNVQ&pi=hd10Qw99TEOScApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-87/pl.u-06oxRgNTyNk0ZAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/1137299818c146a5afee82810f8724b2sune?ref=dm_sh_02WeNp4B8k13rWmni7en3Y0SPYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-8X45XQ-5_eVFuwMwH-2C3-&si=6IjttQExyZ-mQzr0And listen to Travis Boots’ Amazon Music playlist here on Amazon Music: Cedric Suckshttps://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/f0ecab79f62a46bfa7d78c79476b6033sune?ref=dm_sh_CcARPi9bShhh7M4hnV3Itzf2s

In a frankly honest episode, we cover more personal territory than perhaps ever in the first half-hour and discuss how to critique songs we don’t like. Wes Dorris, Steve Strait, Travis Boots, Nathan Ferrell, and Wellington Davis join your host Burke Wasson to cover this and our songs of the week from #FreshCuts Vol. 85. Synth soundscapes, loving optimism, quality trap rap, double-digit-minute epics, German psych garage rock, Afro-beat, and new Roy Orbison-esque crooning highlight our songs of the week. Plus, Travis (still) has a bone to pick with the year 1994. Nate finally hears an Orville Peck song that he likes. Wes likens a song to sonic sativa. Steve discusses his recent "social experiment" in #FreshCuts. And Burke is frightened of one our songs. Plus, Burke shares an idea for a #FreshCuts volume in the near future. NOTE: I’m aware that Tunde Adebimpe is the lead singer of TV On The Radio. But during the intro of our #2 song, I said he’s in The War On Drugs. I am just a fool. They’re going to cancel the podcast if these kind of slip-ups continue. Otherwise, solid episode. Thanks again to Wes Dorris, Wellington Davis, Nathan Ferrell, Travis Boots, and Steve Strait for making this one an insightfully entertaining ride. - Burke 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.#FreshCuts Vol. 85 Standings:​Deltron 3030 - Mastermind (2000) 13 + Steve, Travis, Wes, Scotty, Nate, Zach , Jesse 20​Sleater-Kinney & Margo Price - Turn It On (2022) 15 + Wellington, Garrett, Grant 18​Orville Peck - Drift Away (2025) 12 + Burke, Eric, Nate, Jesse, Grant 17​Guided By Voices - Lucy’s World (2025) 14 + Steve, Jeremy 16​Cusp - Follow Along (2025) 13 + Travis, Scotty, Jesse 16​The Black Crowes - Exit (1994) (2025) 14 + Steve, Jeremy 16​Fela Kuti - Zombie (1976) 13 + Burke, Wes, Eric 16 4:26​Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Dragonfly Pie (2008) 13 + Nate, Mosby 15 0:13 0:29 1:50​Turin Brakes - What’s Underneath (2025) 10 + Burke, Scotty, Zach, Jenny 14​Brandi Carlile - A War With Time (2025) 13 + Jeremy 14​DOM - DOM (1972) 10 + Wellington, Travis, Eric, Nate 14 1:26​Djustin - New Preset (2017) 11 + Wellington, Jesse 13​Panda Bear - Bros (2006) 11 + Steve, Eric 13​Leo Kottke - Vaseline Machine Gun (1969) 11 + Zach, Jenny 13​Dr. John - Ramblin’ Man (2022) 12​Grandmaster Flash - The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheel of Steel (1984) 12​Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Sedan Delivery (1979) 12​Bruiser Wolf & Harry Fraud - Raised By Dope (feat. Benny the Butcher) (2025) 10 + Travis 11 ​Hohnen Ford - Tomorrow’s Tomorrow (2025) 9 + Wellington, Zach 11 0:30-1:01​This Mortal Coil - Sixteen Days / Gathering Dust (1983) 9 + Wes, Mosby 11 1:16 -1:46STRAY CUTS:​Buddha Sentenza - Greek Ancestry (2016) 10 + Grant 11 0:49​Stereolab - Jenny Ondioline (1993) 9 + Wes 10Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 85 at the links on the following apps:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7scrTeyXHm6zu0pohtbMyx?si=E9cCkQmNRsGT1HUAXWp57g&pi=nHGQ5IscS7-1jApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-85/pl.u-EdAVmaYsNykz6Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/36d7e1a0986e4411a1bf2000432a1bf2sune?ref=dm_sh_9NGVavcXrTzLHuVrTJO9dzXIsYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-8nPByLXhDdNMbLXW2iUIad&si=bpGixih0Fx0ZNDWU

This is a heck of an episode counting down our songs of the week from #FreshCuts Vol. 83 (Standings below). Bryan Mosby, Jesse Morgan, Travis Boots, Wellington Davis, and a mystery guest join your host Burke Wasson. Plus, we have insights on a bite or a scar or perhaps a birthmark in a video of one of our songs, the roots of Travis' underground hip hop taste, physical ailments of middle age, and Wellington closes the episode with a horror flick idea for Travis. 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.Vol. 83 Standings 1. Year of October - Crow on the Line (2025) 13 + Wellington, Travis, Mosby, Grant, JJJ, Wes 192. Foo Fighters - Asking For a Friend (2025) 14 + Jesse, Scotty, Claire 173. Night Tapes - drifting (2023) 12 + Wellington, Burke, Travis, Eric, Jenny 174. Lukas Nelson & Sierra Ferrell - Unknown Legend (with The Travelin’ McCourys) (2025) 13 + Burke, Jesse, Jeremy 165. The Rolling Stones - Time Waits For No One (1974) 14 + Jenny, Grant 166. Howlin’ Wolf - Sitting on Top of the World (1958) 167. Foals - Mountain at My Gates (2015) 10 + Travis, Scotty, Steve, Claire 148. ShitKid - Get jealous (2019) 11 + Wellington, Steve 139. Caroline Rose - Tightrope Walker (2014) 11 + Mosby, Steve 1310. Son Volt - Afterglow 61 (2005) 12 + Grant 1311. Ween - The Stallion, Pt. 1 (Live) (2003) 12 + Jeremy 1312. Big Thief - All Night All Day (2025) 10 + Eric, Wes 1213. Graduate - Elvis Should Play Ska (1980) 10 + Burke , Grant 1214. Arcy Drive - Creatures of the Night (2025) 9 + Jesse, Jenny 1115. Upchuck - Homenaje (2025) 8 + Mosby, Eric, Claire 1116. Teddy Swims - You’ve Got Another Thing Coming (2025) 9 + Scotty, JJJ 1117. Royal Blood - Where Are You Now? (2017) 10 + Jeremy 1118. Warpaint - Biggy (2014) 10 + Jesse 1119. Puscifer - Self Evident (2025) 9 + Jeremy 1020. Lonesome Wyatt and the Holy Spooks - S-K-E-L-E-T-O-N (2013) 9 + Wes 1021. North American Hallowe’en Prevention Initiative - Do They Know It’s Hallowe’en (2005) (YouTube exclusive) 1022. Felt - I Shot a Warhol (2005) 8 + Steve, Claire 1023. Child Rebel Soldier (Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams) - Us Placers (2007) (YouTube exclusive) 8 + Travis 924. Cloudkicker - Tip Your Van Driver (2008) 7 + Wellington 825. Emmett Cohen w/ Cyrille Aimée & Wayne Tucker - Crazy Race (2022) (YouTube exclusive) 7 + Mosby 8

In this short but sweet episode, Steve Strait joins your host Burke Wasson to discuss our songs of the week from #FreshCuts Vol. 82. Steve and Burke ponder classic rock being an ironic prison, the movie that "The Hangover" ripped off, progressive jazz and progressive rock, the perfect 2 a.m. song, and taking back the American flag. Plus, Steve forgets one of his #FreshFour picks from 2 weeks back. It's all in good fun, so enjoy this brief 54-minute episode. There is no mention of songs without discussion, so look for the #FreshCuts Vol. 82 standings in this episode info.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.#FreshCuts Vol. 82 Standings1. John Prine - Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore (Live) (2018) 13 + Jennifer, Zach, Wes 162. Blurt - The Ruminant Plinth (1982) 11 + Burke, Steve, Zach, Grant, Mosby 163. Laufey - Mr. Eclectic (2025) 10 + Wellington, Jenny , Jesse, JJJ, Mosby 154. King Woman - I Wanna Be Adored (2018) 13 + Steve, Grant 155. Fishbone - Racist Piece of Shit (2025) 13 + JJJ 146. The Beta Machine - The End (2014) 10 + Wellington, Steve, Jesse , Scotty 147. Billy Bragg and Wilco - Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key (feat. Natalie Merchant) (1998) 12 + Jenny, Jesse 148. BLACKSHAPE - itiiitiatiihylihyl (2021) 11 + Burke, Wes 139. GoGo Penguin - Hopopono (2014) 10 + Burke, Jennifer, Mosby 1310. Stephen Malkmus - No More Shoes (2005) 11 + Burke, Wes 1311. Courtney Barnett - Stay In Your Lane (2025) 11 + Scotty 1212. Boko Yout - IGNORED (2024) 10 + Wellington, Grant 1213. JEFF the Brotherhood - Idiot (2016) 10 + Scotty, Claire 1214. Wild Nothing - Nocturne (2012) 10 + Jenny, Jesse 1215. Scissor Sisters - Take Your Mama (2003) 1216. Willie Bobo - Fried Neck Bone and Some Homefries (1966) 11 + Jenny 1217. Problem Patterns - Classic Rock Has Become My Prison (2025) 10 + Steve 1118. Town Portal - Archright (2018) 10 + Mosby 1119. Leon Bridges - Ain’t Got Nothing On You (2018) 9 + Jennifer, Scotty 1120. Arcade Fire - It’s Never Over (Hey Orpheus) (2013) 1121. Colour Revolt - Circus (2005) 8 + Wellington, Claire, Wes 1122. Leon Russell - Tight Rope (1972) 1123. Cheech & Chong - Earache My Eye (with Alice Bowie) (1974) 1124. Julian Casablancas - 11th Dimension (2009) 10 + Claire 1125. Nourished By Time - BABY BABY (2025) 8 + Grant, JJJ 1026. Brownsville Station - The Martian Boogie (1977) 1027. Thou - Suck (2025) 1028. Mammoth - I Really Wanna (2025) 8 + JJJ 929. Gerard Way - Baby You’re a Haunted House (2018) 930. The Aquabats! - I Fell Asleep on My Arm (2000) 931. KISS - Cold Gin (1974) 832. The 6ths - San Diego Zoo (1995) 833. The Charlie Daniels Band - The Legend of Wooley Swamp (1980) 7 + Zach 834. JOON - Cruel Summer (2020) 835. Realname Kash - that’s how you count bitch (2025) 6 + Zach 736. Mick Gordon - Rip & Tear (2016) 737. We Are Scientists - After Hours (2008) 738. PIG - My Sanctuary (Spent Sperm Mix) (1996) 6 + Claire 739. billy woods - BLK ZMBY (feat. Steel Tipped Dove) (2025) 640. Rowland S. Howard - Breakdown (And Then…) (1999) 641. Marilyn Manson - Angel with the Scabbed Wings (1996) 642. Snõõper - Come Together (2025) 4

This episode makes history, being the first to preview two future #FreshCuts nominated for Vol. 81. But before that, your host Burke Wasson is joined by Wellington Davis, Steve Strait, and Bryan Mosby to get into our #FreshCuts countdown from a raucous Vol. 80. There was a lot more metal than typical. Also some deep punk talk. And some controversy over a certain #FreshCut being included. This episode is fun, deep, and highly entertaining. Don't play this one on 1.5 speed. It's meticulously assembled, and you don't want to ruin the mood of the two future #FreshCuts that will be in Vol 81. Standings and playlists will post Friday. 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.​ Ratboys - Light Night Mountains All That (2025) 14 + Burke, Claire, Eric, Scotty, JJJ, Kevin 20​ Chris Cornell - Seasons (1992) 15 + Jenny, Wes, Jeremy 18​ The Stone Roses - I Wanna Be Adored (1989) 13 + Travis, Steve, Jesse, Fodor, Grant 18​ Robin Trower - I’m Out To Get You (1978) 15 + Jennifer, Nate 17​ The Decemberists - A Beginning Song on(2014) 13 + Burke, Jennifer, Eric 16​ Goose - Thatch (2025) 14 + Fodor, Kevin 16​ Cut Chemist - What’s the Altitude (feat. Hymnal) (2006) 12 + Steve, Mosby, Wes 15​ Wednesday - Wasp (2025) 12 + Claire, Mosby, Nate 15​ Bad Brains - Supertouch / Shitfit (1979) 13 + Jeremy, Fodor 15​ Melvins - Night Goat (1993) 12 + Wellington, Jesse 14​ Slayer - Repentless (2015) 13 + Jeremy 14​ Blockhead - Mississippi (feat. Aesop Rock) (2023) 11 + Steve, Mosby, JJJ 14​ Jacuzzi Fire - Robocop (2025) 10 + Wellington, Nate, Zach 13​ Neko Case - Neon Grey Midnight Green (2025) 10 + Scotty, Mosby, Nate 13​ Danger Mouse & MorMor - Wonder (2025) 11 + Travis, Jesse 13​ Lamont Landers - America (2025) 12 + Scotty 13​ George Harrison - Beware Of Darkness (1970) 13​ Twin Tribes - Monolith (2023) 12 + Wellington 13​ Arrested Development - United Front (1994) 12 + Jennifer 13​ The Velvet Underground - Oh! Sweet Nuthin’ (1970) 12 + Zach 13​ Sebastian Ingrosso, Martin Garrix & Citadelle - Peace of Flood (2025) 9 + Burke, Claire, Jennifer 12​ Conor Oberst - Souled Out!!! (2008) 11 + Burke 12​ Swimming Tapes - See It Out (2019) 6 + Wellington, Jenny, Jesse 9 (STRAY CUT)​ The Halluci Nation - Electric Pow Wow Drum (2012) 5 + Steve 6 (STRAY CUT)Listen to the #FreshCuts Vol. 80 countdown playlist at the following links on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2LohtWBb8oCgyKZDszk5qI?si=ybTYPAvFRb2tjPFbw6pPow&pi=dH528py3QCqPZApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-80-countdown/pl.u-zPyLkL9s4vV7qAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e45fc46e-e911-405f-8fd2-ee1917814c21/episodes/8b0861fe-14e1-4fa4-bde6-f5606d8dac45/the-midlife-critics-podcast-s-3-e40-freshcuts-vol-80-with-new-features?ref=dm_sh_DgUDMxehXUNMB98paZyRebZPBYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_GKObxNU3fZiJ_GfvkbgPg&si=3gqKWQckNkY6SLdJ

Steve Strait joins your host Burke Wasson to discuss our emotionally and politically charged songs of the week from #FreshCuts Vol. 78. We cover a lot of ground, go a lot of places we didn't expect, and even discuss what our pets think of our music. 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.

0:00: Kicking Off Vol. 77 with a Supertramp Tribute 6:03: Claire Estelle Knight’s Alt-J Pick and Wellington Davis’ Ecuador Mission11:51: Travis Boots’ Prime Hip-Hop Pick and The Commodores’ “Night Shift”20:02: #FreshGrass Is Coming and We Go Off the Rails on the Sasquatch Festival and “Night Shift” with Nathan Ferrell, Steve Strait, and Travis26:48: Jeremy Cook’s Ministry Pick and More #FreshCuts wit Travis, Wellington, and Claire 32:51: Smoko and Bitch Don’t Fuckin’ Quit with Bryan Mosby, Wellington, and Claire42:06: Grind and OYAHYTT with Nate and Travis51:46: “Too Drunk to Fuck” with Mosby, Nate, Wellington, and Claire, and Willie Deuel’s #FreshGrass 1:02:14: A Female Metal Trio with Claire and Wellington, and Mosby Hates Joe Jackson 1:12:42: Chicano Batman and The Wytches with Wellington and Claire1:20:04: Tame Impala and Neko Case with Wellington, Travis, Steve, and Mosby 1:33:04: Billy Strings’ #FreshGrass and Stereolab Making “Temper of the Times” Music with Claire and Wellington 1:41:41: Poppy Jean Crawford with Wellington, Claire, and Mosby and the Authenticity of Charley Crockett with Travis and Mosby 2:03:48: R.I.P. Mark Volman, Flo & Eddie’s Reggae Twist, and David Byrne’s Moisturizing Tale with Nate, Steve, and MosbyThis past week's #FreshCuts will go down in Midlife Critics history as maybe our best yet. And so will this episode - which vacillates between sharp analysis, personal insight, and off the rails commentary. It also has a ton of guests, as your host Burke Wasson is joined by Wellington Davis, Claire Knight, Bryan Mosby, Travis Boots, Nathan Ferrell, and Steve Strait to discuss our songs of the week. This episode will have chapters and playlist links by Wednesday. In the meantime, enjoy! 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.Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 77 at the links on the following apps:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3HDWTNmP5wEY4cXni3WKgf?si=xE9MANK8TD63FQaBS-cu1w&pi=77lurXGmTbOr8Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-77/pl.u-yZyVM2XC6JLG1YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_Ew_DrHZQi068bmpHf64G4&si=Dc5_rhtVk_EbloK1Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/29497577b56140249207c66789b86fcbsune?ref=dm_sh_crH8U1sTmRlsLvJ1wwQBIQNIS

0:00-4:54: My Anxious Week, Community Support, and the #1 Song Tiebreaker4:54-14:29: Diving into Heatmiser's 'Get Lucky' and Victory Theatre Experiences14:29-21:02: Exploring Ozark Mountain Daredevils and Other Fresh Cuts from the Mid-List21:02-30:42: From Detroit Cobras to ‘Cocaine Hippo’30:42-42:30: The Flaming Lips' Foresight, Neil Merriweather, and Wednesday's Unique Vocals42:30-47:39: Unpacking Danger Mouse's Prolific Production with Karen O and Beyond47:39-56:56: Analyzing Wednesday's 'Pick Up the Knife' and the Weight of Adulting56:56-1:10:04: Jeff Tweedy's 'Feel Free' Lyrics and the Eternal Rolling Stones Album Debate1:10:04-1:21:58: Wellington's First Win and Danger Mouse's Signature SoundIn this historic podcast episode, our #1 song was decided by a tiebreaker, and Wellington Davis and Nathan Ferrell join your host Burke Wasson to discuss our songs of the week from #FreshCuts Vol. 76. Also, Steve Strait might want to listen. Nate and Burke share some recent insights that we've gleaned from Steve. The playlist and songs of the week standings will post Friday evening. For now, enjoy the countdown. And the occasional Stray Cut. 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.Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 76 at the links on the following apps:Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-76/pl.u-yZyV3Y3C6JLG1Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3C2XMTylzOrdbVvOQ8Tl21?si=KE1NZGHPSUyh0HjwrEqWxQ&pi=DR1TNzF_T1qo-Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e45fc46e-e911-405f-8fd2-ee1917814c21/episodes/cf2270ba-7590-48d5-ae6d-a296738a389a/the-midlife-critics-podcast-season-3-episode-36-w-is-for-wellington-wednesday-and-winning?ref=dm_sh_vrz59tX891zoqv5Xbl3Gcdew8YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-9eun2MoJhFoKCJfeaPkorZ&si=EivWd72cbFSW0LhE​ Norah Jones - 4 Broken Hearts (2012) 14 + Scott, Nate, Wes, Jenny (Grand Poobah tiebreaker) 18​ Jeff Tweedy - Feel Free (2025) 12 + Burke, Nate, Mosby, Zach , Garrett, JJJ 18​ Wednesday - Pick Up That Knife (2025) 13 + Wellington, Mosby, Eric, Jesse 17​ Karen O & Danger Mouse - Leopard’s Tongue (2019) 13 + Nate, Wes, Travis 16​ Leon Bridges - Bad Bad News (2018) 14 + Eric, Garrett 16​ Wednesday - Bitter Everyday (2025) 11 + Wellington, Garrett, Travis, Grant 15​ Neil Merryweather - Star Rider (1975) 11 + Zach, Steve, Grant, Travis 15​ Eddie 9V - Love Moves Slow (2024) 10 + Scott, Wellington, Wes, JJJ 14​ Joe Jackson - Look Sharp! (1979) 13 + Eric 14​ Blind Melon - Sleepyhouse (1992) 12​ Lord Huron - Watch Me Go (2025) 10 + Grant 11​ The Flaming Lips - Free Radicals (2006) 10 + Mosby 11​ Latyrx - Lady Don’t Tek No (1998) 10 + Steve 11​ Sonic Youth - Junkie’s Promise (1995) 11​ Tyler Childers - Watch Out (2025) 10​ The Detroit Cobras - Cha-Cha Twist (1995) 9 + Wellington 10​ The Ozark Mountain Daredevils - Spaceship Orion (1973) 7 + Zach, Jesse, Wes 10​ Jem - They (2004) 9 + Steve 10​ Sons Of Legion - Carolina (2024) 8 + Scott, JJJ 10​ Mavis Staples - Worthy (2024) 9 + Scott 10​ Brian Eno & Beatie Wolfe - Big Empty Country: II (2025) 7 + Jesse, Jen 9​ James McMurtry - Sailing Away (2025) 8 + Mosby 9​ Dawes - When My Time Comes (2009) 7 + Jenny, Travis 9​ Heatmiser - Get Lucky (1996) 7 + Nate, Garrett 9STRAY CUTS:​ Fire Down Below - Cocaine Hippo (2023) 6 + Burke, Wes 8​ Hot Tuna - Sunrise Dance with the Devil (1975) 6

Wes Dorris joins your host Burke Wasson to count down our mostly unheard by us songs of the week from #FreshCuts Vol. 75. We also ponder why no one is starting a music video channel in 2025. We want our MTV...because MTV is pure ridiculousness! Literally! The playlist will post Friday evening. For now, enjoy the episode. 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, Travis Boots, Steve Strait, and Wellington Davis join your host Burke Wasson to discuss our favorite #FreshCuts from the past week. Plus, find out what our kids think of last week's #1 song. We discuss our recent trip to St. Louis to see Broncho at Off Broadway, break down how patient you have to be to enjoy prog, and discuss why Kurt Cobain owes Killing Joke a sandwich. The #FreshCuts standings will be revealed in this episode info on Friday evening. For now, enjoy the ride on this episode. 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.1. Enola Gay - Sofa Surfing (2021) 13 + Wellington, JJJ, Jeremy, Claire, Mosby, Nate 192. Killing Joke - Eighties (1985) 13 + Steve, Travis, Grant, Nate 173. David Byrne & St. Vincent - Who (2012) 11 + Travis, Kevin, Scotty, Mosby, Jesse 164. Morphine - You Look Like Rain (1992) 14 + Mosby, JJJ 165. Molly Tuttle - Everything Burns (2025) 13 + Nate, Jeremy 156. Kings Of Leon - The Bandit (2021) 13 + Kevin, Eric 157. Moreish Idols - All in the Game (2025) 12 + Travis, JBH 148. Wolf Alice - The Sofa (2025) 13 + Wes 149. Peter Gabriel - I Don’t Remember (1980) 12 + Burke, Steve 1410. Flo & Eddie - Feel Older Now (1974) 12 + Grant, Mosby 1411. The Last Dinner Party - This Is The Killer Speaking (2025) 12 + Garrett 1312. CZARFACE & MF DOOM - Phantoms (feat. Open Mike Eagle & Kendra Morris) (2018) 9 + Burke, Steve, Wellington, Wes 1313. Malibu Ken - Dog Years (2019) 11 + Burke 1214. Pink Floyd - Poles Apart (1994) 10 + JBH, Nate 1215. And So I Watch You From Afar - A Little bit of Solidarity goes a Long Way (2009) 11 + Kevin 1216. John Hartford - With a Vamp in the Middle (1971) 1217. Dance With The Dead - Riot (2016) 8 + Travis, Jeremy, Claire 1118. BRONCHO - Funny (2025) 9 + Jeremy, Claire 1119. Lucy Dacus - Bus Back to Richmond (2025) 9 + JJJ, Garrett 1120. Alex G - Oranges (2025) 8 + Eric, Grant, JBH 1121. MUTEMATH - Composed (2015) 1122. The Brian Jonestown Massacre - Nevertheless (2001) 10 + Jesse 11Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 74 at the links on the following apps:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Zs0tnjFAX2bJDxYW73IAt?si=SMm4BCADSgmdMOphDQM1tA&pi=qd0eMBuuR22k9Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-74/pl.u-yZyV3erC6JLG1Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/06f2c65767134c8ca97026704013a63esune?ref=dm_sh_nIi6mxRCUmVGAuB4cnsvEaTqEYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc--3DW520p5Xx0MsoX9wHV3a&si=AcSiczfW5ND7ysZL

What happens when you get your host Burke Wasson and stalwart midlife critics Travis Boots, Wellington Davis, and Steve Strait together in the same recording session? Hot four-way action. Hear Travis' continued evolution getting into "good shoegaze" and "bluegrass with balls." Hear Steve wax poetic on more Swedish stoner rock and dark hip-hop. Listen to Wellington marvel at the eclecticism of this week's songs. Wellington and Travis also react to news of one of their favorite overlooked artists finding great success in the group this year. This is great time with fantastic songs and revealing conversation. You'll dig it.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 $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees.#FRESHCUTS VOL. 73:​Aesop Rock - Roadwork Rappin’ (2025) 14 + Burke, Jen, Zach 17​Lukas Nelson - Born Runnin’ Outta Time (2025) 13 + Scotty, Jeremy, Kevin 16​The Dead South - Tiny Wooden Box (2024) 13 + Steve, Travis, Kevin 16​Aesop Rock - 100 Feet Tall (2023) 12 + Burke, Mosby, Grant 15​Cunninlynguists - Never Come Down (The Brownie Song) (2009) 11 + Steve, Mosby, Wellington, Wes 15​Snail Mail - Thinning (2016) 11 + Jesse, Mosby, Wes, JJJ 15​Band of Horses - Detlef Schrempf (2007) 12 + Jesse, Garrett, Zach 15​Goat - Let It Burn (2018) 11 + Steve, Burke, Wellington 14​Jeff Buckley - Last Goodbye (1994) 11 + Garrett, Scotty, Grant 14​best dressed ghost - Oyster City Utah (2024) 10 + Wellington, Mosby, JJJ 13​Todd Snider - The Story & The Ballad of The Devil’s Backbone Tavern (Live) (2003) 10 + Jesse, Steve, Grant 13​John Prine - It’s a Big Old Goofy World (1991) 11 + Jen, Kevin 13​Jeff Beck - Goodbye Pork Pie Hat (1973) 11 + Jeremy 12​Sade - By Your Side (Live) (2002) 12​They Might Be Giants - If I Wasn’t Shy (1992) 10 + Garrett, Jeremy 12​Son Volt - Sometimes You’ve Got to Stop Chasing Rainbows (2023) 11 + Garrett 12​The Wandering Hearts - Woodstock (2025) 11 + Scotty 12​Swedish House Mafia - Frankenstein (feat. A$AP Rocky) (2022) 8 + Jesse, Travis, Wes 11​Modest Mouse - One Chance (2004) 11​Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Scattered (1996) 9 + Jeremy, Wes 11​Slowdive - When the Sun Hits (1993) 10 + Travis 11STRAY CUTS:​Jerry Garcia & David Grisman - Dreadful Wind and Rain (1990) (1996) 10 + Burke 11​Thao & the Get Down Stay Down - The Evening (2016) ​MEUTE - LoCKeDoWN2 (2023) You can listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 73 playlist at the links on the following apps:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/632yhNsbeYRo8PCUfwpplR?si=v1z7UoF9SwiphJ0Rg_VALw&pi=WGJhN9OVQSmt4Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-73/pl.u-MDAWggDIXv1okAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/05ee7438acda4a9c901c9bdc975d152bsune?ref=dm_sh_0or8fW2HOYtYjPeQQZCQiB0eeYouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_gVF8NsAWuZ_SPf3KjadGy&si=lJULPOjB6fWj8VA4

Wellington Davis, Nathan Ferrell, Jesse Morgan, Travis Boots, and Bryan Mosby join your host Burke Wasson to break down our songs of the week from #FreshCuts Vol. 72. Wellington shares a big piece of his personal journey. Nathan ponders nominating songs to mess with people. Jesse shares his concern for people who nominate sad songs (even though he did, too!). Travis marvels at 2025 being a great year for new rap. And Mosby questions how Burke doesn't know a certain song that made our countdown this week. It's a good time. 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.#FreshCuts Vol. 721. S.G. Goodman - Fire Sign (2025) (Nathan Ferrell) 15 + Wellington, Jen, Mosby 182. Lord Huron - Nothing I Need (2025) (Garrett Gaskins) 13 + Jesse, Jen, Scotty, Kevin 173. The Postal Service - Such Great Heights (2003) (Zach Anthony) 15 + Kevin 164. New Order - Your Silent Face (1983) (Wes Dorris) 14 + Zach 155. Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist - Ensalada (feat. Anderson Paak) (2025) (Franky Fairway) 9 + Burke, Jesse, Nathan, Travis, Garrett 146. Madeline Kenney - Breakdown (2025) (Burke Wasson) 12 + Eric, Grant 147. S.G. Goodman - Heaven Song (2025) (Steve Strait) 12 + Scotty, Mosby 148. Fisher Smith, Matthew Meyer & Bladel - 2nd Gear (2025) (Jesse Morgan) 10 + Jen, Burke, Garrett 139. shame - Quiet Life (2025) (Jesse Morgan) 11 + Burke, Kevin 1310. Baroness - Cocainium (2012) (Burke Wasson) 9 + Jesse, Steve, Nathan, Grant 1311. Tool - 7empest (2019) (Jeremy Cook) 10 + Wellington, Eric 1212. David Rawlings - Cumberland Gap (2017) (Scott Deuel) 9 + Jesse, Eric 1113. Anthrax - Refuse To Be Denied (2002) (Steve Strait) 10 + Travis 1114. Cam - Slow Down (2025) (Scott Deuel) 8 + Burke, Zach, Mosby 1115. Lucinda Williams - Car Wheels on a Gravel Road (1998) (Kevin Glen) 9 + Steve, Grant 1116. Pulp - Spike Island (2025) (Garrett Gaskins) 1017. Dizgo - Honey (2024) (Jason Robey) 9 + Nathan 1018. Andrew Gurruwiwi Band - Gatjumak (2022) (Willie Deuel) 7 + Wellington, Zach, Travis 1019. Lucero - Nights Like These (2002) (Kevin Glen) 9 + Steve 1020. Chris Cornell - When I’m Down (1999) (Travis Boots) 1021. Billy Bragg - Cindy of a Thousand Lives (1991) (Grant Wasson) 8 + Jesse, Garrett 1022. Bruce Springsteen - Follow That Dream (1983) (2025) (Franky Fairway) 8 + Garrett 9STRAY CUTS23. U.S. Girls - No Fruit (2025) (Grant Wasson)24. True Loves & Nigel Hall - Dopus No. 1 (2025) (Willie Deuel)25. The Uncluded - Organs (2013) (Wellington Davis)