Songs That Don't Suck

"Songs That Don't Suck" is a podcast hosted by an aging GenXer who scours through hundreds of newly released songs each week, seeking fresh artists and sounds to avoid replaying the hits of his youth. Covering all genres from folk to heavy metal, this dedicated music enthusiast navigates through the overwhelming daily deluge of 100,000 new songs, separating the gems from the noise. Tune in weekly to discover standout tracks as the host unearths the best of the best from the streaming platforms' vast and varied offerings.

Episode 140: Live Vibes from the Bridge City Sinners + Fresh Tracks You Need to Hear

Join host Mark on this week’s episode of Songs That Don’t Suck — from a rollicking Bridge City Sinners concert review to deep dives on fresh tracks by Megadeth, The Utopiates, Twin City, The Clause, and Scarhaven. To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky#MusicDiscovery #NewMusic #IndieMusic #MusicPodcast #GenX #NowPlaying #MusicLovers #MusicIsLife #ListenNow #TuneIn #SupportIndieArtists #DiscoverNewMusic

10-06
19:21

Episode 139: Spotify’s AI Crackdown & Concert Ticket Outrage + 4 New Tracks You’ll Love

On this week’s Songs That Don’t Suck, Mark rants on Spotify’s AI crackdown, Live Nation’s price gouging, and serves four new tracks you need to hear — from Wednesday to Tom CorscaddenTo check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

09-29
16:11

Episode 138: The Lost Art of Listening: Alone with the Music

This week on Songs That Don't Suck, Mark reflects on the lost art of truly listening to music—alone, undistracted, and emotionally immersed. Plus, he dives into five killer new tracks you need to hear now from Roxferry, RAGEFLOWER, YungBlood + Aerosmith and More!To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

09-22
23:39

Episode 137: Planning Final Playlists: Death, Grief & Songs That Don’t Suck

In this powerful episode of Songs That Don’t Suck, host Mark Bradbourne opens up about pre-planning his parents' funerals and the deeply personal role music plays in saying goodbye. Plus, he dives into killer new tracks from KT Tunstall, Stella and the Very Messed, Brian Dunne, and Hayden Everett.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

09-15
22:35

Episode 136: Nostalgia Strikes Back: The Cassette Revival and 5 Songs You Need to Hear

Explore the surprising comeback of cassette tapes, the enduring power of physical media, and discover five fresh tracks from artists like Glitterfox, Will Hoge, and Big Thief in this week's episode of Songs That Don't Suck.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

09-08
22:17

Episode 135: Nine Inch Nails in Cleveland + 5 New Tracks You Need Now!

Dive into Mark's electric concert recap of Nine Inch Nails’ Peel it Back Tour in Cleveland, plus five new songs from Maya Lakhani, Sydney Shea, The Mukherjee Development, Giobia, and Cinema Stereo. Discover music that doesn’t suck!To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

09-01
25:28

Episode 134: Fake Folk, Real Rage & Songs That Actually Rock

This week on Songs That Don’t Suck, Mark dives into the eerie rise of AI-generated music faking indie and folk artists—including full albums appearing under real artist names on Spotify. Plus, killer new tracks from The Bogards, The Publics, Scarhaven, and Nuns of the Tundra. Tune in for truth, riffs, and resistance.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

08-25
18:07

Episode 133: The 18%: Why Super Fans Are Keeping Music Alive (and Festivals Are Failing)

In this episode of Songs That Don't Suck, Mark Bradbourne dives into Luminate’s 2024 mid-year report, unpacks the decline of music festivals, champions physical media, and shares five fresh tracks from Goose, The Royston Club, The Trusted, Grace Potter, and Spinal Tap (ft. Elton John). Are you part of the 18%? Let’s find out.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

08-18
20:35

Episode 132: The Struts & Dirty Honey Live in Cleveland + 4 Must-Hear Indie Rock Tracks

Live music lovers, rejoice 🎸 — full review of The Struts & Dirty Honey at House of Blues Cleveland + 4 new indie rock tracks you need in your playlist.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

08-11
18:21

Episode 130: Ship of Theseus Meets Rock Bands — When Is a Band Still the Band?

Explore the Ship of Theseus paradox in rock bands: who’s the real band when no originals remain? Plus, discover six standout new tracks in this week’s episode of Songs That Don’t Suck. Includes Leona Rue, Jayler, Dinosaur Pile‑Up, The Thing, Oston, and Laura Jane Grace.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

07-28
23:48

Episode 129 - MTV Was Our Algorithm: Singer-Songwriter Gems & a Farewell to Music Television

This episode of Songs That Don't Suck dives deep into the cultural power of MTV as the original social media, before spotlighting five powerful new singer-songwriter tracks. From synth-soaked nostalgia to protest folk-rock, it’s a playlist you won’t want to miss.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

07-21
18:57

Episode 128 - The Art of the Cover: What Makes a Great One?

What makes a truly unforgettable cover song? In this episode of Songs That Don't Suck, Mark breaks down the art of the perfect cover—from lounge-style rap medleys to Johnny Cash's legendary take on NIN. Plus, five new tracks you need to hear right now.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

07-14
21:02

Episode 127 - 3rd Annual Songs That Don’t Suck Mid-Year Review: Top Tracks of 2025 (So Far)

Take a trip through the best new music of 2025 (so far) with Mark on the 3rd Annual Songs That Don’t Suck Mid-Year Review. Discover 10 standout tracks that have dominated the year and playlists alike.To check the website Songs That Don’t Suck for all things.Connect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

07-07
27:34

Episode 126 - Concert Review + Fresh Song Picks (Ryan Adams, Blü Eyes, Zilch & More!)

Relive the cozy and captivating Ryan Adams Heartbreaker 25th anniversary show at Akron’s Goodyear Theater, plus fresh song picks from Blü Eyes, Zilch, The Lemonheads, Red Rum Club, and Ando San—tuned for pop, grunge, indie, alt-country‑punk, and funky hip‑hop vibes on Songs That Don’t Suck!To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

06-30
21:46

Episode 125 - Rock’s Next Generation & Five New Songs That Don’t Suck

In this episode Mark explores the musical legacy of rockstar offspring and dives into five standout new tracks—from Michigander’s collaboration to Big Wheels’ gritty vocals. A melodic journey you won't want to miss!To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky

06-23
18:27

Episode 124 - What Happens the Day the Music Dies & 5 Songs You Need Now

This episode Mark reflects on the fragility of streaming, highlights the importance of owning physical music media, and shines the spotlight on five powerful new tracks from Dropkick Murphys, The 4411, Richy Mitch and the Coal Miners, Roe Kapara, and Biffy Clyro.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky2025 Songs That Don’t Suck ||  2024 Songs That Don’t Suck || 2023 Songs That Don’t Suck

06-16
19:58

Episode 123 - "another ancient headache..."

Dive into Episode 123 of Songs That Don’t Suck, where Mark Bradbourne explores the euphoric science of live music and reviews fresh tracks from Ethan Bortnick, Big Wreck, Paige Fish, and Kanadia. A must-read for Gen X music lovers still chasing that perfect riff.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky2025 Songs That Don’t Suck ||  2024 Songs That Don’t Suck || 2023 Songs That Don’t Suck

06-09
19:49

Episode 122 - "..you pick up the gun or become the target..."

The week I tell you the tale of Aware Records and their amazing compilations they released over the years... and of course, I've got some killer new tracks for you!To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky2025 Songs That Don’t Suck ||  2024 Songs That Don’t Suck || 2023 Songs That Don’t Suck

06-02
15:33

Episode 121 - "It's a foreign language fever dream"

This week I take a look at The Loudness Wars in all their ridiculousness. .. and of course, the reason you're here... new music.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky2025 Songs That Don’t Suck ||  2024 Songs That Don’t Suck || 2023 Songs That Don’t Suck

05-26
18:45

Episode 120 - "she's drinking diamonds and lying on the phone"

This week I've got a quick review of the Bridge City Sinner most recent show in Cleveland at the House of Blues, and 5 new tracks that you need to check out.To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to Songs That Don’t SuckConnect with Songs That Don’t Suck ~ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ | BlueSky2025 Songs That Don’t Suck ||  2024 Songs That Don’t Suck || 2023 Songs That Don’t Suck

05-19
17:18

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