🎧 Songs That Don’t Suck – Episode 13 Recap: Live Show Letdowns, Listener Shoutouts, and a Killer Wolfgang Van Halen Track
Welcome back to Songs That Don’t Suck—Episode 13, a lucky number if you’re into tasty bass tones, big guitar riffs, and British indie gems. This week, Mark Bradbourne recaps a personal concert misfire (earplugs ✅, expectations ❌), connects with bands from past episodes, and delivers five tracks worthy of your “repeat” button.
Let’s jump in 👇
🧢 Listener Shoutouts: Bands That Got Back to Me
Two bands from Episode 12 reached out—and we love to see it:
- ✅ The Wans (not the Waaaans, as Mark mispronounced)—thanks for the kind correction!
- 🥁 The Lags—Unsigned and surprised to be playlisted in the US. Shoutout to Brad the drummer!
Artists: your music is landing. And yes, Mark is reading his DMs. 😎
🎤 Live Show Breakdown: They Might Be Giants @ Columbus
Mark caught They Might Be Giants live in a Masonic Temple… and came away kinda cold.
“This show was more of a listening event than a live show. A lot of head bobbing. Very little movement.”
Despite having a deep personal connection to albums like Lincoln, Flood, and Apollo 18, the energy didn’t land. Not a bad show—just not a Songs That Don’t Suck show.
🎧 This Week’s 5 Songs That Don’t Suck
🎸 1. Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard – “Chew”
- 📍 Cardiff, Wales
- 🎶 Vibe: Retro ’70s rock, modern edge
- 🧠 For Fans Of: T. Rex, early Queen
Big layered harmonies, fuzzy guitar tones, and a very tasty bass effect. It’s got a vintage flavor, but never feels like cosplay. Their debut album Backhanded Deals is one to watch.
“I say ‘really’ three times because it’s Buzzard, Buzzard, Buzzard.” 🐦🐦🐦
🎧 2. Overpass – “Right Time”
- 📍 UK
- 🔁 Vibe: Groovy indie rock
- 🧠 For Fans Of: Oasis, Catfish & The Bottlemen
This one feels like navigating a crowded club with a pint in hand and your favorite boots on. The UK indie invasion is strong on Mark’s playlists lately—and Overpass is leading the charge.
🎧 3. Big Wreck – “Full Display”
- 📍 Toronto, Canada
- 🧠 For Fans Of: Soundgarden, Alter Bridge
Mark saw Big Wreck open for Dream Theater in ’97 and never forgot them—or the damage they did to his eardrums (before the earplug epiphany). Frontman Ian Thornley gives major Chris Cornell vibes here.
“In Canada, Ian can do no wrong.”
Their 1997 debut is a hidden gem. This new single proves they’re still swinging for the fences. 🧨
🎧 4. Rina Sawayama – “Eye for an Eye”
- 🎬 From the John Wick: Chapter 4 Soundtrack
- 🧠 For Fans Of: Halsey, Billie Eilish with bite
Mark hasn’t seen the new John Wick yet, but this song hits like a slow-motion gunfight. Dark, cinematic, and absolutely made for your “walking away from the explosion” playlist.
“Caught my ear—and my imagination—immediately.”
🎧 5. Mammoth WVH – “Another Celebration at the End of the World”
- 🧬 Wolfgang Van Halen doing everything
- 🧠 For Fans Of: Foo Fighters, Alter Bridge, Prince (yes, really)
Wolfie plays every instrument on the track—and it shows. Big guitars, bigger vocals, and a groove that announces he’s not just Eddie’s kid anymore.
“He got me. Good job, Wolfie. This track has everything I want in a rock song.”
🔥 Feature Track of the Week 🔥
🧼 Housekeeping: How to Support the Show
👍 Rate, follow, share—especially if you’re on Goodpods or Spotify!
Until next time…
Keep digging for real music. Support unsigned bands. And always keep listening to songs that don’t suck. 🎧🔥
