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August 14, 2025 36 mins

Bert McCracken from The Used shares 5 songs that 'got him through'.

The frontman and founding member of The Used found his tribe through music, and he’s gathered a huge community of fans over the last 25 years.

It's the occasion of that quarter century that’s taking them around the world, to play out their first three albums in full night after night.

It’s why I invited Bert to Take 5. His music has helped so many people overcome the hardest of times, you can see people’s faces and memories as they sing back the classics to their favourite band… and I wanted to know about the songs that got him through. From the godfathers of emo, to vampire punk, to synth pop, this is a beautiful window into a big-hearted Bert.

  • Sunny Day Real Estate - 'How It Feels To Be Something On'
  • Nirvana - 'Molly’s Lips'
  • Ink & Dagger - 'Philapsychosis'
  • Elliott Smith - 'Angeles'
  • Robyn - 'Call Your Girlfriend'

Bert McCracken's Take 5 song choices:

  • Sunny Day Real Estate - 'How It Feels To Be Something On'
  • Nirvana - 'Molly’s Lips'
  • Ink & Dagger - 'Philapsychosis'
  • Elliott Smith - 'Angeles'
  • Robyn - 'Call Your Girlfriend'

01:33 Bert McCracken's Musical Journey

02:08 Life in Australia and Citizenship

04:03 SONG 1: Sunny Day Real Estate 'How It Feels To Be Something On'

09:52 SONG 2: Nirvana 'Molly’s Lips' 

11:47 Impact of Kurt Cobain and Growing Up Mormon

15:49 Band Beginnings and Personal Struggles

16:58 The Brotherhood with Jeff

19:02 SONG 3: Ink & Dagger - 'Philapsychosis'

22:04 Memories of Ozzy Osbourne

24:01 Connecting with Fans Through Music

26:53 SONG 4: Elliott Smith - 'Angeles'

30:04 Performing Nostalgic Songs

32:57 SONG 5: Robyn - 'Call Your Girlfriend'

34:02 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

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