The Anhedonic Headphones Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

It's the season ten finale! And the show's 60th episode. And Kevin welcomes writer, podcaster, his co-host from A Reasonable Day, and his best friend, Alyssa Savino back onto the program where the two discuss the best songs to sing in the privacy of your car, as well as the evolution of the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast as it does, in fact, kind of come to an end. 

Alyssa Savino is a writer, a pop culture enthusiast, and is "deeply Midwestern." Subscribe to her newsletter, Soft Earlobe, listen to her "mini-podcast" (often about snacks) Xylophone Break, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

For additional information about Anhedonic Headphones, please click here; or follow Kevin on Instagram and on Twitter. Please consider listening to the podcast Kevin and Alyssa co-host, A Reasonable Day. 

Intro Music: “6 Underground,” written by John Barry, Chris Corner, Liam Howe, and Ian Pickering; performed by Sneaker Pimps. Becoming X, Clean Up, 1997.

Closing Music: “Numb,” written by Beth Gibbons, Geoff Barrow, and Adrian Utley; performed by Portishead. Dummy, Go Disc, 1994. 

Episode Music Credits:

“Imitation of LIfe,” written by Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe; performed REM. Reveal, Warner Brothers, 2001

“Northern Sky,” written and performed by Nick Drake. Bryter Layter, Island, 1971

“Alive,” written by Sia Fuller, Adele Adkins, and Tobias Jesso Jr; performed by Sia. This is Acting, RCA, 2016

“Coronation Day,” composed by Christophe Beck. Frozen, Disney, 2013

“I Could Fall In Love,” written by Keith Thomas; performed by Selena. Dreaming of You, EMI Latin, 1995

“Needy Girl,” written by David Macklovitch and Patrick Gemaye; performed by Chromeo. She’s In Control, Vice, 2004

“We’re All Gonna Die” written by James Droll, Joy Oladokun, Noah Kahan, and Ian Fitchuk; performed by Joy Oladokun and Noah Kahan. Proof of Life, Republic, 2023

“What’s Up” written by Linda Perry; performed by 4 Non Blondes. Bigger, Better, Faster, More!, Interscope, 1992

“Feminionomenon” written by Dan Nigro and Kayleigh Amstutz; performed by Chappell Roan. The Rise and Fall of A Midwest Princess, Island, 2023

“False Alarm,” written by Abel Tesfaye, Martin McKinney, Benjamin Diehl, Henry Russell Walter, and Emmanuel Nickerson; performed by The Weeknd. Starboy, XO/Republic, 2016

“Omigod You Guys,” written by Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin, and Heather Hach; performed by the cast of Legally Blonde The Musical. Legally Blonde The Musical (Originally Broadway Cast Recording), Sh-K-Boom Records, 2007

In the 59th episode of the podcast, and the sixth (and penultimate) episode in the show's tenth season, Kevin welcomes writer Lauren Morrill onto the program, where the two talk about their love of 1990s "alternative rock" and how Taylor Swift held them down during 2020 and 2021. 

They also discuss Lauren's novel Sister of The Bride, which was released in September of 2023. Her forthcoming novel, More Than A Feeling, arrives on February 13th. 

To learn more about Lauren, click here. 

For additional information about Anhedonic Headphones, please click here; or follow Kevin on Instagram and on Twitter. And please give the podcast he co-hosts with Alyssa Savino, A Reasonable Day, a listen. 

ntro Music: “6 Underground,” written by John Barry, Chris Corner, Liam Howe, and Ian Pickering; performed by Sneaker Pimps. Becoming X, Clean Up, 1997.

Closing Music: “Numb,” written by Beth Gibbons, Geoff Barrow, and Adrian Utley; performed by Portishead. Dummy, Go Disc, 1994. 

“Jesus Was A Cross Maker,” written and performed by Judee Sill. Judee Sill, Atlantic, 1971.

“That’s How Strong My Love Is,” written by Roosevelt Jamison; performed by Otis Redding. The Great Otis Redding Sings Soul Ballads, Atco, 1965.

“Hey Jealousy,” written by Doug Hopkins; performed by Gin Blossoms. New Miserable Experience, A&M, 1992.

“The Eagle and The Hawk,” written by John Denver and Mike Taylor; performed by John Denver. An Evening With John Denver, RCA, 1975.

“I Wish I Was A Girl,” written by Adam Duritz and Charlie Gillingham; performed by Counting Crows. This Desert LIfe, DGC, 1999.

“Water is Wide,” traditional ; performed by Jewel, Indigo Girls, and Sarah McLachlan. Lilith Fair: A Celebration of Women in Music Vol 1, Nettwerk, 1998.

“Feel Flows,” written by Carl Wilson and Jack Rieley; performed by The Beach Boys. Surf’s Up, Reprise, 1971.

“Walt Grace’s Submarine Test, January 1967,” written and performed by John Mayer. Born and Raised, Sony, 2012.

“Ivy,” written by Aaron Dessner and Taylor Swift; performed by Taylor Swift. Evermore, Republic, 2020.

“Tell Me What You See,” written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney; performed by The Beatles. Help!, Apple Corps, 1965.

In the second episode of the ninth season, or the landmark 50th episode since the Anhedonic Headphones Podcast launched in 2019, Kevin welcomes writer and musician Daphne Sidor onto the show where the two talk about third wave ska serving as a gateway to better things, and the pains of not being able to sing a Shakira song in your school's musical assembly. 

For additional information about Anhedonic Headphones, please click here; or follow Kevin on Instagram and on Twitter. 

To learn more about Daphne Sidor, please subscribe to her Substack, The Approach. 

Musical Credits:

Intro Music- "Hip 2 Da Game" (Instrumental) performed by Lord Finesse. The Awakening: 25th Anniversary Edition, Tommy Boy, 2021.

Closing Music- "Buck 'Em Down," performed by Black Moon. Black Moon: Instrumentals, Fat Beats, 2017. 

"Estoy Aqui," written by Luis Fernando Ochoa and Shakira Ripoll; performed by Shakira. Pies Descalzos, Sony, 1995.

"Rudie Can't Fail," written by Mick Jones and Joe Strummer; performed by The Clash. London Calling, Epic, 1979.

"Lovers Town Revisited," written and performed by Billy Bragg. Life's A Riot With Spy VS Spy, Go! Discs, 1983.

"Heart Attack," written by Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker; performed by Sleater-Kinney. Call The Doctor, Chainsaw, 1996.

"I Never Dreamed," written by Gerry Goffin and Russ Titelman; performed by The Cookies. Dimension, 1964.

"Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying," performed by Belle and Sebastian. If You're Feeling Sinister, Matador, 1996.

"Heretic Pride," written by John Darnielle; performed by The Mountain Goats. Heretic Pride, 4AD, 2008.

"We Will Commit Wolf Murder," written by Kevin Barnes; performed by of Montreal. Paralytic Stalks, Polyvinyl, 2012.

"Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy," written by Farrokh Bulsara; performed by Queen. A Day At The Races, EMI, 1976.

"Seventeen," written by Sharon Van Etten and Kate Davis; performed by Sharon Van Etten. Remind Me Tomorrow, Jagjaguwar, 2019.

In the 49th episode of the podcast overall, and the premiere of the ninth season, Kevin welcomes Collette Andrea, aka Gollden, a singer, songwriter, ambient performer, and podcaster from Toronto—the two talk about her journey from listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan to Stars of The Lid, her new EP, and the podcast she started at the beginning of 2023.

For additional information about Anhedonic Headphones, please click here; or follow Kevin on Instagram and on Twitter. 

To learn more about Collette and Gollden, visit her website, listen on Bandcamp, or follow her on Instagram; or subscribe to her Gollden Hour Podcast on Spotify.

Musical Credits:

Intro Music- "Hip 2 Da Game" (Instrumental) performed by Lord Finesse. The Awakening: 25th Anniversary Edition, Tommy Boy, 2021.

Closing Music- "Cypress" written and performed by Collette Andrea. Before You Sleep, self released, 2023.

"Little Wing," written by James Marshall Hendrix; performed by the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Axis: Bold As Love, Reprise, 1967.

"Lenny," written by Stephen Ray Vaughan; performed by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble. Texas Flood, Epic, 1983.

"Where Did You Sleep Last Night?," attributed by Huddie William Ledbetter; performed by Nirvana. Nirvana Unplugged in New York, DCG, 1994.

"Metal Heart," written by Chan Marshall; performed by Cat Power. Moon Pix, Matador, 1998.

"Intuition," written and performed by Leslie Feist. The Reminder, Polydoor, 2007.

"Love," written and performed by John Lennon. Plastic Ono Band, EMI, 1970.

"Your Hand in Mind," written and performed by Explosions in The Sky. The Earth is Not A Cold Dead Place, Temporary Residence, 2003.

"East of The Full Moon," written and performed by Georg Deuter. East of The Full Moon, New Earth, 2005. 

"Piano Aquieu," written by Brian McBride and Adam Wiltzie; performed by Stars of The Lid. The Tired Sounds of Stars of The Lid, Kranky, 2001.

"LA11," written by Richard Hall; performed by Moby. Long Ambients 1: Calm, Sleep, self-released, 2016.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains a lengthy discussion on mental health, depression, anxiety, self harm, and suicidal ideation.

In the season eight finale of the show (the fifth episode of the season, and the 48th episode overall) Kevin welcomes writer and podcast host Anna Borges to the show. Anna is the author of The More or Less Definitive to Self-Care, and the host of the mental health podcast Mood Ring. The two talk about the expression "theatre kid," being depressed teenagers who turned into depressed adults, and Anna's love of the Spotify algorithm.

To learn more about Anna, please follow her on Twitter or Instagram. The essay "I Am Not Always Very Attached to Being Alive," can be read here. Subscribe to the podcast she hosts, Mood Ring, here. For additional information about Anhedonic Headphones, please click here. 

Episode Musical Credits

Intro Music: "Brooklyn Zoo (instrumental)," written by Russell Jones, Dennis Coles, and Robert Diggs; originally performed by Ol' Dirty Bastard. Taken from the Get On Down reissue of Return to The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, 2011. 

Outro Music: "What Does Your Soul Looks Like (Part 4)," performed by DJ Shadow. Endtroducing..., Mo Wax, 1996.

Incidental Music: "Cymbal Rush," written by Thom Yorke; performed by Christopher O'Riley.

“My Immortal,” written by Amy Lee, Ben Moody, and David Hodges ;performed by Evanescence. Fallen, Wind Up, 2003.

“Addicted,” written by Pierre Bouvier, Chuck Comeau, Arnold Lanni, Sébastien Lefebvre, and Jeff Stinco ;performed by Simple Plan. No Pads, No Helmets, Just Balls, Warner Brothers, 2003.

“All Hail The Heartbreaker," written and performed by The Spill Canvas. Sunsets and Car Crashes, One Eleven Records, 2003.

“Be Calm,” written by Nate Ruess, Andrew Dost, Jack Antonoff, and Sam Means; performed by fun. Aim and Ignite, fun music, 2009

“Are You Satisfied,” written by Marina Diamandis; performed by Marina And The Diamonds. The Family Jewels, 679 Recordings, 2010.

“Black Sheep,” written by Gin Wigmore and Butch Walker; performed by Gin Wigmore. Gravel and Wine, Universal Music, 2011

“Scream," written by Harry Springer; performed by The Midnight Club. Self released 2019

“C’est La Mort,” written by Joy Williams and John Paul White; performed by The Civil Wars. Barton Hollow, Columbia, 2011.

“Dust and Ashes,” written by Dave Malloy; performed by Josh Groban. Natasha, Pierre, and The Great Comet of 1812, Reprise, 2017.

“House by The Sea,” written by Pål Moddi Knutsen; performed by Moddi. Set The House on Fire, Propeller, 2013.

“Stranger,” written by Thomas Freeman; performed by Covey. Self-released, 2015

Kevin welcomes Minneapolis-based writer Cody Raisch to the show for the fourth episode of season eight, or the 47th episode overall. Cody writes the blog The Roller Codester (get it?) and the two talk about her love of BTS, living through the pandemic with Taylor Swift being the thing to hold you down, and the problematic nostalgia of Gwen Stefani.

As you are able, take a look at Cody's blog, The Roller Codester, or follow her on Instagram and Twitter. For additional information about Anhedonic Headphones, please click here. 

Episode Musical Credits

Intro Music: "Brooklyn Zoo (instrumental)," written by Russell Jones, Dennis Coles, and Robert Diggs; originally performed by Ol' Dirty Bastard. Taken from the Get On Down reissue of Return to The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, 2011. 

Outro Music: "What Does Your Soul Looks Like (Part 4)," performed by DJ Shadow. Endtroducing..., Mo Wax, 1996.

“The 1,” written by Taylor Swift and Aaron Dessner; performed by Taylor Swift. Folklore, Republic, 2020.

“Northern Downpour,” written by Ryan Ross and Jon Walker; performed by Panic at The Disco. Pretty. Odd, Fueled By Ramen, 2008.

“Cool,” written by Dallas Austin and Gwen Stefani; performed by Gwen Stefani. Love. Angel. Music. Baby., Interscope, 2004.

“Dimple,” written by Matthew Tishler, Allison Kaplan, and Kim Nam-joon; performed by BTS. Love Yourself, Big Hit, 2017.

“Home,” written by Kim Nam-moon, Lauren Dyson, Tushar Apte, Krysta Youngs, Julia Ross, Bobby Chung, Song Jae-kyung, Kang Hyo-won, and Park Soo-hyun; performed by BTS. Map of The Soul, Big Hit, 2019.

“Sanctuary,” written by George Miller, Daniel Wilson, Justin Raisin, and Luke Niccoli; performed by Joji. Nectar, 88 Rising, 2020.

“Ivy,” written by James Ryan Ho and Christopher Beaux; performed by Frank Ocean. Blonde, XL, 2016.

“Sometimes,” written by Ilya Salmanzadeh, Max Martin, Peter Svensson, and Savan Kotecha; performed by Ariana Grande. Dangerous Woman, Republic, 2016.

“Fantasy,” written by Mariah Carey, Dave Hall, Adrian Belew, Chris Frantz, Steven Stanley, Tina Weymouth; performed by Mariah Carey. Daydream, Columbia, 1995.

“This Must Be The Place,” written by David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth, and Jerry Harrison; performed by Talking Heads. Speaking in Tongues, Sire, 1983. 

Season eight continues with its third episode, and the 46th episode of the show overall, and the guests continue to nothing but illustrious as Kevin welcomes multi instrumentalist Tom Morris to the show. Tom primarily makes music under the band name Swim Camp, but this fall he went on tour playing drums for Victoria Park's project Pictoria Vark. Tom talks about his love of both jazz music and downer indie rock, and they give Phil Collins his flowers.

For information about Tom's project Swim Camp, take a listen to his output on Bandcamp, or follow him on Instagram and Twitter; For additional information about Anhedonic Headphones, please click here. 

Episode Musical Credits

Intro Music: "Brooklyn Zoo (instrumental)," written by Russell Jones, Dennis Coles, and Robert Diggs; originally performed by Ol' Dirty Bastard. Taken from the Get On Down reissue of Return to The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, 2011. 

Outro Music: "What Does Your Soul Looks Like (Part 4)," performed by DJ Shadow. Endtroducing..., Mo Wax, 1996.

"Self Portrait in Three Colors," written and performed by Charles Mingus. Mingus Ah Um, Columbia, 1959.

"Fields of Gold," written by Gordon Sumner; performed by Sting. Ten Summoner's Tales, A&M, 1993.

"Solsbury Hill," written and performed by Peter Gabriel. Peter Gabriel 1: Car, ATCO, 1977.

"Nefertiti," written by Wayne Shorter; performed by Miles Davis. Nefertiti, Columbia, 1968

"Glass," written and performed by Blue Smiley. Return, self-released, 2016.

"Steps - What Was," performed by Chick Corea. Now He Sings, Now He Sobs, Solid State, 1968.

"Inside Out," written and performed by Duster. Stratosphere, Up, 1998.

"Graceland," written and performed by Paul Simon. Graceland, Warner Brothers, 1986.

Vordhosbn," written by Richard D. James; performed by Aphex Twin. Drukqs, Warp, 2002.

"M," written by Emily Sprague; performed by Florist. Emily Alone, Double Double Whammy, 2019.

Season 8! Episode 2! The 45th episode overall! Illustrious guests? You bet! Kevin welcomes his new pal, writer Alyssa Savino, onto the program where the two talk about the importance of Sisqo, spending time in the out of doors, and their shared love of Carly Rae Jepsen, as well as the delightful collection of songs Alyssa wanted to bring onto the show and the variety of stories she has to share about each. 

To learn more about Soft Earlobe, Alyssa's newsletter, please click here; and to learn more about Alyssa, follow her on Instagram or Twitter. For additional information about Anhedonic Headphones, please click here. 

Episode Musical Credits

Intro Music: "Brooklyn Zoo (instrumental)," written by Russell Jones, Dennis Coles, and Robert Diggs; originally performed by Ol' Dirty Bastard. Taken from the Get On Down reissue of Return to The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, 2011. 

Outro Music: "What Does Your Soul Looks Like (Part 4)," performed by DJ Shadow. Endtroducing..., Mo Wax, 1996.

"Kiss From A Rose," written by Henry Samuel; performed by Seal. Seal II, Sire/Warner, 1994.

"Dreams," written by Sammy Hagar, Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, and Michael Anthony; performed by Van Halen. 5150, Warner Brothers, 1986.

"Thong Song," written by Mark Andrews, Tim Kelley, Bob Robinson,and Draco Rosa; performed by Sisqo. Unleash The Dragon, Def Soul, 1999.

"I Don't Want to Miss A Thing," written by Diane Warren; performed by Aerosmith. Armageddon: The Soundtrack, Columbia, 1998.

"Dynamite," written by   Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Benny Blanco, and Bonnie McKee; performed by Taio Cruz. Rokstarr, Island/Universal, 2009.

"Run," written by Ed Roland; performed by Collective Soul. Dosage, Atlantic, 1999.

"You Ruin Me," written by Anthony Egizii, David Musumeci, Lisa Origliasso, and Jessica Origliasso; performed by The Veronicas. The Veronicas, Sony, 2014.

"I Can't Fall in Love Without You," written by   Christian Waltz,Hampus Lindvall, and Jerker Hansson; performed by Zara Larsson. So Good, Epic, 2017.

"Smoke Alarm," written and performed by Carsie Blanton. Idiot Heart, self released, 2012.

"Your Type," written by Rami Yacoub, Carl Falk, Wayne Hector, Tavish Crowe, and Carly Rae Jepsen; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. Emotion, School Boy/Interscope, 2015.

The podcast is back! It's the eighth season! Nothing but illustrious guests! Kevin welcomes comedian and podcast host Ashley Hamilton to the program, and the two chop it up about living with relatively young dogs, alternative rock from the 1990s, and how difficult podcasting during the pandemic has been. They also discuss the eclectic mix of music Ashley selected to bring onto the show.

To learn more about the podcast Ashley co-hosts, Celebrity Memoir Book Club, click here; to learn more about Ashley herself, follow her on Instagram or Twitter. For additional information about Anhedonic Headphones, please click here. 

Episode Musical Credits

Intro Music: "Brooklyn Zoo (instrumental)," written by Russell Jones, Dennis Coles, and Robert Diggs; originally performed by Ol' Dirty Bastard. Taken from the Get On Down reissue of Return to The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, 2011. 

Outro Music: "What Does Your Soul Looks Like (Part 4)," performed by DJ Shadow. Endtroducing..., Mo Wax, 1996.

"Losing My Religion," written by Michael Stipe, Bill Berry, Peter Buck, and Mike Mills; performed by R.E.M. Out of Time, Warner Brothers, 1991.

"Deadbeat Club," written by Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider, Keith Strickland, and Cindy Wilson; performed by The B-52's. Cosmic Thing, Reprise, 1989.

"Song For Someone," written by Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen; performed by U2. Songs of Innocence, Interscope, 2014.

"Ocean Avenue," written by Ryan Key, Ben Harper, Pete Mosely, Longineu W. Parsons III, and Sean Mackin; performed by Yellowcard. Ocean Avenue, Capitol, 2003.

"Like Real People Do," written by Andrew John Hozier-Byrne; performed by Hozier. Hozier, Island/Columbia, 2014.

"Ultralight Beam," written by   Kanye West, Michael Dean, Kelly Price, Terius Nash,Nico Segal, Kirk Franklin, Kasseem Dean, Chancelor Bennett, Noah Goldstein, Jerome Potter, Samuel Griesemer, Cydel Young, Malik Jones, and Derek Watkins; performed by Kanye West featuring Chance The Rapper and Kirk Franklin. The Life of Pablo, G.O.O.D Music/Def Jam, 2016.

"Strong Enough," written by Sheryl Crow, Bill Bottrell, Kevin Gilbert, Brian MacLeod, David Ricketts, and David Baerwald; performed by Sheryl Crow. Tuesday Night Music Club, A&M, 1993.

"Dear John," written and performed by Taylor Swift. Speak Now, Big Machine, 2010.

"Undone—The Sweater Song," written by Rivers Cuomo; performed by Weezer. Weezer (The Blue Album), DGC, 1994.

"Autobiography," written by  Ashlee Simpson, John Shanks, and Kara DioGuardi; performed by Ashlee Simpson. Autobiography, Geffen, 2004. 

In the SEASON FINALE of the seventh season of the show (the seventh episode of this season and the 43rd overall) Kevin welcomes O.G. palington Eric Buegler AKA Buegs onto the show. Buegs is the co-host of the movie podcast "The Avid Indoorsmen," and the two catch up over their love of girl pop, Buegs' time on a cruise ship, his love of romantic comedies, and his complicated relationship with music.

For more information about the "award winning" music criticism site, Anhedonic Headphones, click here! To learn more about "The Avid Indoorsmen," head to their website.

Episode Musical Credits

Intro Music: "Brooklyn Zoo (instrumental)," written by Russell Jones, Dennis Coles, and Robert Diggs; originally performed by Ol' Dirty Bastard. Taken from the Get On Down reissue of Return to The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version, 2011. 

Outro Music: "What Does Your Soul Looks Like (Part 4)," performed by DJ Shadow. Endtroducing..., Mo Wax, 1996.

Incidental Music: "It Never Entered My Mind," written by Lorenz Hart and Richard Rogers; performed by Miles Davis. Workin', Prestige, 1954.

"Home," written by Marc Broussard, Shannon Sanders, Marshall Altan, Ted Broussard, and Andrew Ramsey; performed by Marc Broussard. Carencro, Island, 2004.

"Stand by Me," written by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike stoller; performed by Ben E. King. Don't Play That Song!, ATCO, 1961.

"Respect" written by Otis Redding; performed by Aretha Franklin. I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You, Atlantic, 1967.

"Superstition," written and performed by Stevie Wonder. Talking Book, Motown/Tamla, 1972.

"Adagio for Strings, Op. 11," written by Samuel Barber; conducted by Leonard Bernstein and performed by the New York Philharmonic. Barber: Adagio for Strings & Violin Concerto - Schuman: In Praise of Shahn & To Thee Old Cause, Sony, 1971.

"Stop This Train," written and performed by John Mayer. Continuum, Aware/Columbia, 2006.

"Fields of Gold," written by Gordon Sumner; performed by Eva Cassidy. Songbird, Blix Street, 1998.

"Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World," written by Harold Arlen, Yip Harburg, Bob Thiele, and George David Weiss; performed by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. Facing Future, Big Boy, 1993.

"Goodbye Until Tomorrow/I Could Never Save You," written by Jason Robert Brown; performed by Sherie Rene Scott and Norbert Leo Butz. The Last Five Years, Sh-K Boom, 2002.

"Cut to The Feeling," written by Carly Rae Jepsen, Simon Wilcox, and Nolan Lambroza; performed by Carly Rae Jepsen. School Boy/Interscope, 2017.