Critical Wade Theory

Today, we’re talking about a band that managed to revitalize funk as a musical form, crash Spotify’s business model, and sell out Madison Square Garden — all without a record label. This is the story of Vulfpeck — the internet’s favorite funk band.

The episode image is a moment from the music video itself. Steamy and creepy! (Sex sells, baby!)

Today we’re heading to Osaka, Japan — home of one of the wildest, loudest, most unpredictable bands to ever exist: Boredoms.

There are times when obedience makes sense. Not just to keep some authority from putting a bullet in your brain, but because— well — sometimes, following direction is actually the wiser move. So this episode is about discernment. When should we rebel, when should we obey (or listen)?

Welcome back to the show. Today we’re diving into something both abstract and deeply real: the strange way that human beings hand over their lives, their communities, and their identities to symbols, systems, and structures that are — when you really think about it — completely made up.

Amazon MGM Studios has announced that Melania, a documentary about Melania Trump, will open exclusively in theaters on January 30, 2026. The film will later move to streaming, and Amazon also plans a three-part docuseries tracing her movements between Trump Tower in New York City, Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, and Washington, D.C.

Sometimes, the most emotional moments in rock history don’t explode with volume. They arrive quietly, and are fragile. Take Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.” Released in 1975, it opens not with fireworks, but with understatement.

Back when I was writing for more websites, I wrote some recaps of episodes of The Boys, so I became familiar with the character of Frederick Vought and his powerful company Vought International. So when I first learned of a man named Russell Vought connected with the neo-fascist organization Project 25, I couldn't help but try to connect the two thematically.

Today, we’re talking about The Walkabouts. A band that lived in the same scene as the grunge giants, but created something entirely their own.

In modern Greek history, few names cast a darker shadow than Mariam Soulakiotis. She was called many things: the Nun of Loutraki, the Serial Killer Nun, even Mother Rasputin.

Elvis Presley. You’ve heard the name. Maybe you picture the pompadour, the leather, the rhinestones… or maybe just the hips that had America clutching its pearls. But who was Elvis, really? And why does he still matter almost fifty years after his death? Today, we’re breaking down the life, music, and legacy of the King of Rock and Roll.

Today we’re diving into "After We Collided" — the second movie in the "After" film series, based on Anna Todd’s novels that started as One Direction fanfiction on Wattpad. Yes, you heard that right.

While battling a terrible cold, I belittle Ken Paxton, John Cornyn, and a scandalous Texas Democrat few people remember. Long story short: John Cornyn may be more boring than Paxton, but that really does not make him much better. I also get into redistricting.

What a normal, practical, sane immigration policy might look like.

Jeff Beck was one of the most innovative and influential guitarists in rock history.

Yes — there’s a long, bloody history of leftist and progressive activists being killed in the U.S. and elsewhere, often by right-wing extremists, vigilantes, or through direct or indirect state action. Here are some notable examples and context. (Main photo: MLK holds up a photo of slain civil rights workers James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner)

Today, we're talking about a band that's been floating through space rock, psych jams, and ambient soundscapes for over four decades now: Ozric Tentacles.

Today, we’re diving into the story of a band that has built an entire universe of cosmic soundscapes: Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso U.F.O.

In today's episode I look back at what happened in Santa Monica on June 14th, 2025 — a day branded nationwide as No Kings Day. I also emphasize that, yes, this is still intended as a "No Kings" podcast (even if I am not always doing an overtly political episode).

As the title of this episode notes: FCC Censors Trump Critics Colbert and Kimmel. What does this mean?

How many prominent members of the ultra-patriotic, pro-military Trump family have served?

Talking about a man who has worn many hats — physicist, biochemist, educator, artist, film scholar, and fingerstyle guitarist. His name is Harry Arthur Taussig.

Welcome to today’s episode. We’re diving into some big questions: What does patriotism really mean? Is it always a right-wing idea? And how does perception shape not just politics, but the very meaning we assign to the world around us?

Today, we’re diving into the sprawling, surreal world of The Orb — a British electronic group that helped invent a new genre and guided an entire generation through the outer edges of sound.

Charlie Kirk is deceased. Who was he? Why are some of us not mourning his loss?