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-zPyLK2gI4vV7q
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0G14raSS0DkVHpaFuJnKBM?si=3FMDrSYITPedBFq54-cd5w&pi=tBkBHhB_QrC
YouTube:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_Rs3IFtQtF8HyWPgxW9jxc&si=a40OEmEYMh81cg3u
Amazon 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. The 2025 Last Chance #FreshCuts playlist and standings will come out on Friday.
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.com
Venmo at @Burke-Wasson
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Thank 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:
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1. Portugal. The Man - Angoon (2025) 13 + Wellington, Zach, Jenny, Grant 17
2. At The Drive-In - Starslight (1996) 12 + Wellington, Nathan, Travis, Jesse 16
3. This Is Lorelei - Dancing in the Club (MJ Lenderman Version) (2025) 10 + Steve, Zach, Scotty, Wes 14
4. Earl Sweatshirt - Hoarse (2013) 11 + Travis, JJJ 13
5. Dr. Dog - Where’d All the Time Go? (2010) 11 + Wellington, Grant 13
6. Urban Dance Squad - Good Grief (1994) 9 + Nate, Steve, Scotty 12
7. They Might Be Giants - Santa’s Beard (1988) 11 + Nathan 12
8. Alice Phoebe Lou - Old Shadows (2025) 10 + JJJ 11
9. Crumb - Ice Melt (2021) 8 + Wellington, Mosby, Jesse 11
10. Field Music - Measure (2010) 7 + Burke, Wes, Grant, Jesse 11
11. American Aquarium - Casualties (Live at Red Rocks) (2025) 8 + Zach, Scotty 10
12. Pinback - Loro (1999) 8 + Jenny, Jesse 10
13. Stephen Malkmus - China Cat Sunflower -> I Know You Rider (2016) 9 + Wes 10
14. Stephen Wilson Jr. - Gary (2025) 7 + Steve, Wes 9
15. AVTT/PTTN - Received (2025) 9
16. Tuba Skinny - Kansas City Stomps (2024) 7 + Jenny, Mosby 9
17. Minutemen - #1 Hit Song (1984) 9
18. Cyril Ferguson - Ya Mar (1974) (YouTube exclusive) 8 + Burke 9
19. John Grant - Sigourney Weaver (2010) 5 + Burke, Nathan, Steve 8
20. Dead Air - Teeth Grinder (2022) 6 + Travis, JJJ 8
21. Super Furry Animals - Slow Life (2003) 8
22. Holger Czukay - Ode to Perfume (1982) 6 + Grant, Mosby 8
Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 87 on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6rV01tnvfyXlR1GTpOFqnR?si=SqFsaXuaQTmQbhY4N9iNVQ&pi=hd10Qw99TEOSc
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-87/pl.u-06oxRgNTyNk0Z
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/1137299818c146a5afee82810f8724b2sune?ref=dm_sh_02WeNp4B8k13rWmni7en3Y0SP
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-8X45XQ-5_eVFuwMwH-2C3-&si=6IjttQExyZ-mQzr0
And listen to Travis Boots’ Amazon Music playlist here on Amazon Music: Cedric Sucks
https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/f0ecab79f62a46bfa7d78c79476b6033sune?ref=dm_sh_CcARPi9bShhh7M4hnV3Itzf2s
Your host Burke Wasson is joined by the return of “King Wellington” Davis, Bryan Mosby, Jesse Morgan, and Nathan Ferrell to discuss our favorite songs from #FreshCuts Vol. 87. We discuss. And now that we’ve figured out how to discuss songs we don’t like, we take advantage of that in this episode.
If you enjoy this podcast, you can donate any amount, big or small, to keep it going through the following apps:
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Thank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees.
STRAY CUT:
Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 87 at the links on these apps:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6R2JvigWtiSw29XLgl0USV?si=EN1vCLLHTIyXH_M8gpSrwA&pi=D03A5tZgRjyCY
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-86/pl.u-06oxR0bFyNk0Z
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_yHft6FoZONcvZNcrpwY20&si=bmaQDumtUafjGq30
Amazon Music:
https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/ec4a38b8de7d4c29a89c1dd4698d58a5sune?ref=dm_sh_C37o8gsKD0NWTW38aP1AUGjCR
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:
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Thank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees.
#FreshCuts Vol. 85 Standings:
STRAY CUTS:
Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 85 at the links on the following apps:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7scrTeyXHm6zu0pohtbMyx?si=E9cCkQmNRsGT1HUAXWp57g&pi=nHGQ5IscS7-1j
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-85/pl.u-EdAVmaYsNykz6
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/36d7e1a0986e4411a1bf2000432a1bf2sune?ref=dm_sh_9NGVavcXrTzLHuVrTJO9dzXIs
YouTube: 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.com
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Thank 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 19
2. Foo Fighters - Asking For a Friend (2025) 14 + Jesse, Scotty, Claire 17
3. Night Tapes - drifting (2023) 12 + Wellington, Burke, Travis, Eric, Jenny 17
4. Lukas Nelson & Sierra Ferrell - Unknown Legend (with The Travelin’ McCourys) (2025) 13 + Burke, Jesse, Jeremy 16
5. The Rolling Stones - Time Waits For No One (1974) 14 + Jenny, Grant 16
6. Howlin’ Wolf - Sitting on Top of the World (1958) 16
7. Foals - Mountain at My Gates (2015) 10 + Travis, Scotty, Steve, Claire 14
8. ShitKid - Get jealous (2019) 11 + Wellington, Steve 13
9. Caroline Rose - Tightrope Walker (2014) 11 + Mosby, Steve 13
10. Son Volt - Afterglow 61 (2005) 12 + Grant 13
11. Ween - The Stallion, Pt. 1 (Live) (2003) 12 + Jeremy 13
12. Big Thief - All Night All Day (2025) 10 + Eric, Wes 12
13. Graduate - Elvis Should Play Ska (1980) 10 + Burke , Grant 12
14. Arcy Drive - Creatures of the Night (2025) 9 + Jesse, Jenny 11
15. Upchuck - Homenaje (2025) 8 + Mosby, Eric, Claire 11
16. Teddy Swims - You’ve Got Another Thing Coming (2025) 9 + Scotty, JJJ 11
17. Royal Blood - Where Are You Now? (2017) 10 + Jeremy 11
18. Warpaint - Biggy (2014) 10 + Jesse 11
19. Puscifer - Self Evident (2025) 9 + Jeremy 10
20. Lonesome Wyatt and the Holy Spooks - S-K-E-L-E-T-O-N (2013) 9 + Wes 10
21. North American Hallowe’en Prevention Initiative - Do They Know It’s Hallowe’en (2005) (YouTube exclusive) 10
22. Felt - I Shot a Warhol (2005) 8 + Steve, Claire 10
23. Child Rebel Soldier (Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams) - Us Placers (2007) (YouTube exclusive) 8 + Travis 9
24. Cloudkicker - Tip Your Van Driver (2008) 7 + Wellington 8
25. 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:
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Thank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees.
#FreshCuts Vol. 82 Standings
1. John Prine - Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore (Live) (2018) 13 + Jennifer, Zach, Wes 16
2. Blurt - The Ruminant Plinth (1982) 11 + Burke, Steve, Zach, Grant, Mosby 16
3. Laufey - Mr. Eclectic (2025) 10 + Wellington, Jenny , Jesse, JJJ, Mosby 15
4. King Woman - I Wanna Be Adored (2018) 13 + Steve, Grant 15
5. Fishbone - Racist Piece of Shit (2025) 13 + JJJ 14
6. The Beta Machine - The End (2014) 10 + Wellington, Steve, Jesse , Scotty 14
7. Billy Bragg and Wilco - Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key (feat. Natalie Merchant) (1998) 12 + Jenny, Jesse 14
8. BLACKSHAPE - itiiitiatiihylihyl (2021) 11 + Burke, Wes 13
9. GoGo Penguin - Hopopono (2014) 10 + Burke, Jennifer, Mosby 13
10. Stephen Malkmus - No More Shoes (2005) 11 + Burke, Wes 13
11. Courtney Barnett - Stay In Your Lane (2025) 11 + Scotty 12
12. Boko Yout - IGNORED (2024) 10 + Wellington, Grant 12
13. JEFF the Brotherhood - Idiot (2016) 10 + Scotty, Claire 12
14. Wild Nothing - Nocturne (2012) 10 + Jenny, Jesse 12
15. Scissor Sisters - Take Your Mama (2003) 12
16. Willie Bobo - Fried Neck Bone and Some Homefries (1966) 11 + Jenny 12
17. Problem Patterns - Classic Rock Has Become My Prison (2025) 10 + Steve 11
18. Town Portal - Archright (2018) 10 + Mosby 11
19. Leon Bridges - Ain’t Got Nothing On You (2018) 9 + Jennifer, Scotty 11
20. Arcade Fire - It’s Never Over (Hey Orpheus) (2013) 11
21. Colour Revolt - Circus (2005) 8 + Wellington, Claire, Wes 11
22. Leon Russell - Tight Rope (1972) 11
23. Cheech & Chong - Earache My Eye (with Alice Bowie) (1974) 11
24. Julian Casablancas - 11th Dimension (2009) 10 + Claire 11
25. Nourished By Time - BABY BABY (2025) 8 + Grant, JJJ 10
26. Brownsville Station - The Martian Boogie (1977) 10
27. Thou - Suck (2025) 10
28. Mammoth - I Really Wanna (2025) 8 + JJJ 9
29. Gerard Way - Baby You’re a Haunted House (2018) 9
30. The Aquabats! - I Fell Asleep on My Arm (2000) 9
31. KISS - Cold Gin (1974) 8
32. The 6ths - San Diego Zoo (1995) 8
33. The Charlie Daniels Band - The Legend of Wooley Swamp (1980) 7 + Zach 8
34. JOON - Cruel Summer (2020) 8
35. Realname Kash - that’s how you count bitch (2025) 6 + Zach 7
36. Mick Gordon - Rip & Tear (2016) 7
37. We Are Scientists - After Hours (2008) 7
38. PIG - My Sanctuary (Spent Sperm Mix) (1996) 6 + Claire 7
39. billy woods - BLK ZMBY (feat. Steel Tipped Dove) (2025) 6
40. Rowland S. Howard - Breakdown (And Then…) (1999) 6
41. Marilyn Manson - Angel with the Scabbed Wings (1996) 6
42. 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:
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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.com
Venmo at @Burke-Wasson
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Thank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees.
Listen to the #FreshCuts Vol. 80 countdown playlist at the following links on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2LohtWBb8oCgyKZDszk5qI?si=ybTYPAvFRb2tjPFbw6pPow&pi=dH528py3QCqPZ
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-80-countdown/pl.u-zPyLkL9s4vV7q
Amazon 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_DgUDMxehXUNMB98paZyRebZPB
YouTube: 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:
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0:00: Kicking Off Vol. 77 with a Supertramp Tribute
6:03: Claire Estelle Knight’s Alt-J Pick and Wellington Davis’ Ecuador Mission
11:51: 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 Travis
26:48: 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 Claire
42:06: Grind and OYAHYTT with Nate and Travis
51:46: “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 Claire
1:20:04: 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 Mosby
This 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.com
Venmo at @Burke-Wasson
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Thank 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=77lurXGmTbOr8
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-77/pl.u-yZyVM2XC6JLG1
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_Ew_DrHZQi068bmpHf64G4&si=Dc5_rhtVk_EbloK1
Amazon 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 Tiebreaker
4:54-14:29: Diving into Heatmiser's 'Get Lucky' and Victory Theatre Experiences
14:29-21:02: Exploring Ozark Mountain Daredevils and Other Fresh Cuts from the Mid-List
21:02-30:42: From Detroit Cobras to ‘Cocaine Hippo’
30:42-42:30: The Flaming Lips' Foresight, Neil Merriweather, and Wednesday's Unique Vocals
42:30-47:39: Unpacking Danger Mouse's Prolific Production with Karen O and Beyond
47:39-56:56: Analyzing Wednesday's 'Pick Up the Knife' and the Weight of Adulting
56:56-1:10:04: Jeff Tweedy's 'Feel Free' Lyrics and the Eternal Rolling Stones Album Debate
1:10:04-1:21:58: Wellington's First Win and Danger Mouse's Signature Sound
In 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:
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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:
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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:
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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 wasson.burke@gmail.com
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Thank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees.
#FRESHCUTS VOL. 73:
STRAY CUTS:
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=WGJhN9OVQSmt4
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-73/pl.u-MDAWggDIXv1ok
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/05ee7438acda4a9c901c9bdc975d152bsune?ref=dm_sh_0or8fW2HOYtYjPeQQZCQiB0ee
YouTube: 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 wasson.burke@gmail.com
Venmo at @Burke-Wasson
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Thank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees.
#FreshCuts Vol. 72
1. S.G. Goodman - Fire Sign (2025) (Nathan Ferrell) 15 + Wellington, Jen, Mosby 18
2. Lord Huron - Nothing I Need (2025) (Garrett Gaskins) 13 + Jesse, Jen, Scotty, Kevin 17
3. The Postal Service - Such Great Heights (2003) (Zach Anthony) 15 + Kevin 16
4. New Order - Your Silent Face (1983) (Wes Dorris) 14 + Zach 15
5. Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist - Ensalada (feat. Anderson Paak) (2025) (Franky Fairway) 9 + Burke, Jesse, Nathan, Travis, Garrett 14
6. Madeline Kenney - Breakdown (2025) (Burke Wasson) 12 + Eric, Grant 14
7. S.G. Goodman - Heaven Song (2025) (Steve Strait) 12 + Scotty, Mosby 14
8. Fisher Smith, Matthew Meyer & Bladel - 2nd Gear (2025) (Jesse Morgan) 10 + Jen, Burke, Garrett 13
9. shame - Quiet Life (2025) (Jesse Morgan) 11 + Burke, Kevin 13
10. Baroness - Cocainium (2012) (Burke Wasson) 9 + Jesse, Steve, Nathan, Grant 13
11. Tool - 7empest (2019) (Jeremy Cook) 10 + Wellington, Eric 12
12. David Rawlings - Cumberland Gap (2017) (Scott Deuel) 9 + Jesse, Eric 11
13. Anthrax - Refuse To Be Denied (2002) (Steve Strait) 10 + Travis 11
14. Cam - Slow Down (2025) (Scott Deuel) 8 + Burke, Zach, Mosby 11
15. Lucinda Williams - Car Wheels on a Gravel Road (1998) (Kevin Glen) 9 + Steve, Grant 11
16. Pulp - Spike Island (2025) (Garrett Gaskins) 10
17. Dizgo - Honey (2024) (Jason Robey) 9 + Nathan 10
18. Andrew Gurruwiwi Band - Gatjumak (2022) (Willie Deuel) 7 + Wellington, Zach, Travis 10
19. Lucero - Nights Like These (2002) (Kevin Glen) 9 + Steve 10
20. Chris Cornell - When I’m Down (1999) (Travis Boots) 10
21. Billy Bragg - Cindy of a Thousand Lives (1991) (Grant Wasson) 8 + Jesse, Garrett 10
22. Bruce Springsteen - Follow That Dream (1983) (2025) (Franky Fairway) 8 + Garrett 9
STRAY CUTS
23. 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)
In this countdown format episode of our songs of the week from #FreshCuts Vol. 71, your host Burke Wasson is joined by Travis Boots, Bryan Mosby, Jesse Morgan, Wellington Davis, and Steve Strait in a voyeuristic turn sneaking up on us in the studio. You’ll hear some new audio features and clips from some fantastic songs. Travis marvels at hearing “the only Billy Joel song that matters.” Burke and Travis discuss the surprising influx of synthwave into #FreshCuts and bemoan shoegaze. Mosby is in “a mood,” yet bloviates both positively and negatively, especially at some of our group members for not voting for a certain song. Mosby also contemplates how much he sings and dances every day. Jesse discusses finding new music from “behind my son’s bedroom door.” Wellington remains the coolest dude in the group. Burke shares a story of a late night misadventure and feeling “obnoxious” while listening to prospective #FreshCuts. And we close this episode with our #1 song of the week, which had the most combined votes in #FreshCuts history.
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.com
Venmo at @Burke-Wasson
CashApp at $BurkeWasson
Thank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees.
Listen to #FreshCuts Vol. 71 at the folllwing links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6TGDrtNSnPowieGYEexoh2?si=EjnfMmZjQSKxfPLl7b7xcg&pi=xsq0JUSYR4qpS
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-71/pl.u-MDAWglJtXv1ok
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/30230fad76fb40929ba983eec56c9e88sune?ref=dm_sh_QKLgdGF7EBFD0UwzUVXqWRl81
YouTube:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc--Igz67xuzC6GafNbddi9hE&si=8HrV9Vh-xKLXupNJ
#FreshCuts Vol. 71:
STRAY CUTS:
We start the episode paying tribute to the late great Ozzy Osbourne before getting into our songs of the week in #FreshCuts Vol. 70. Nathan Ferrell, Steve Strait, Wellington Davis, and Claire Knight join your host Burke Wasson. We discuss the changing dynamics of the crowd at live shows, Trent Reznor making songs for Disney movies, and we ponder if The Midlife Critics are a curse or in tune with the world. You'll also hear a clip of Bryan Mosby rapping to Wu-Tang Clan.
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.com
Venmo at @Burke-Wasson
CashApp at $BurkeWasson
Thank you for your support. It means a lot and helps cover monthly operating fees.
Listen to the #FreshCuts Vol. 70 playlist on the apps at the following links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2DC3ikutjQMLVo8mZdjxte?si=FlzsJ3h2TdmvtC1Qa_5ofg
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/freshcuts-vol-70/pl.u-55D6y76S1ZAyr
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/22433c6e2a084633857cca6e49d1d384sune?ref=dm_sh_qyNo6ayBf0RyvNnmD6cTFf4Qy
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-9NKLflLWjVVuhh9SWdIkAk&si=meeO2cQJUac5xFVC
Listen to #OzzyCuts - The Midlife Critics’ handpicked favorite 50 songs featuring Ozzy Osbourne, at the links on the following apps:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3WeTJbjGZ1HuvJv635l2jz?si=yCsxnEhYTBSNOwLtF0-YxQ
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/ozzycuts/pl.u-EdAVGlqsNykz6
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/4c28b16c8a9140598d2811f7320424fbsune?ref=dm_sh_ZwzsooO7yEIgzrZDoruI7f9ax
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhGwwDGyNc-_miPKoAM3T8g34sMYtUU6u&si=7K1sD9Wgf13HrkMS
#FreshCuts Vol. 70: