The Midlife Critics Podcast

What new character was created during the making of this episode? What does the band behind our #1 song this week have to do with Anthony Kiedis? What mood must you be in to listen to a 19-minute jazz song? And what songs shocked us to hear? Hear all of that and our songs of the week, as Wellington Davis, Wes Dorris, and Grant Wasson join your host Burke Wasson for a finely fun-filled podcast episode. Plus, at the end of this episode, listen to the debut of The Midlife Critics Podcast spin-off Pumpkinhead.

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 yearofoctobermusic@gmail.com. And if you enjoy this podcast, you can donate at the following apps:PayPal at wasson.burke@gmail.comVenmo 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 wasson.burke@gmail.comVenmo 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.

Bryan Mosby, Travis Boots, Nathan Ferrell, Steve Strait, and Wellington Davis join your host Burke Wasson to break down our songs of the week countdown. You'll hear a lot of great stories, comparisons between shoegaze and dreampop, and which song might get Steve punched in the face. The standings and playlist will post by the end of Friday. Enjoy ! This one gets weird, in a good way!If you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at wasson.burke@gmail.comVenmo at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.

Wellington Davis joins Burke to discuss our Songs of the Week from #FreshCuts Vol. 90. Steve Strait, Wes Dorris, and Zach Anthony share their words on songs from this week. And after Burke had the #1 song the first 2 weeks of 2026, we have a new champion. The standings will be revealed by Friday, Jan. 23. To hear our countdown, listen to 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 wasson.burke@gmail.comVenmo at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly fees.

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-cd5wπ=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 wasson.burke@gmail.comVenmo 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 wasson.burke@gmail.comVenmo 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 wasson.burke@gmail.comVenmo 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=SqFsaXuaQTmQbhY4N9iNVQπ=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 wasson.burke@gmail.comVenmo 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=E9cCkQmNRsGT1HUAXWp57gπ=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 wasson.burke@gmail.comVenmo 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 wasson.burke@gmail.comVenmo 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

What happens when pigeons play ping pong while some butthole surfers look on in front of some pruning shears in a beach bar with an Otis Redding poster? Listen to this episode to find out. Travis Boots, Wellington Davis, and Nathan Ferrell join your host Burke Wasson to discuss our songs of the week from #FreshCuts Vol. 81. If you're feeling anxious, listen to some music. And enjoy this podcast. The Vol. 81 vote standings will post Friday, Oct. 17. For now, listen and enjoy. If you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:PayPal at wasson.burke@gmail.comVenmo at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees.

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 wasson.burke@gmail.comVenmo 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=ybTYPAvFRb2tjPFbw6pPowπ=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 wasson.burke@gmail.comVenmo 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 wasson.burke@gmail.comVenmo 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-cu1wπ=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 wasson.burke@gmail.comVenmo 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=KE1NZGHPSUyh0HjwrEqWxQπ=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 wasson.burke@gmail.comVenmo at @Burke-WassonCashApp at $BurkeWassonThank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees.