Episode 18 Recap

🎧 Songs That Don’t Suck – Episode 18 Recap: Ed Sheeran on Trial, a German “Toxic” Cover, and Six Songs Built for Summer

Welcome back to Songs That Don’t Suck, the podcast that refuses to settle for musical mediocrity. In Episode 18, your host Mark Bradbourne covers everything from Ed Sheeran’s copyright fight to one-man-band blues rock. This week’s lineup is packed with feel-good summer tracks, gritty grooves, and brain-bending covers—so buckle up.

Let’s dive in. 🎧👇

⚖️ Ed Sheeran vs. Marvin Gaye’s Legacy: Copyright Chaos

This week’s hot take centers on the lawsuit against Ed Sheeran, whose hit “Thinking Out Loud” is being scrutinized for similarities to Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On”. The chord progression? Basic. The groove? Similar. But thanks to the 2015 Blurred Lines case (remember Thicke vs. Gaye?), “vibe infringement” is now a legal thing.

“There are only so many progressions that make true sense. Duplication is inevitable.”

Mark predicts trouble—and a big payout—for Ed. Stay tuned, because this trial could reshape how songs are judged forever.

🔁 Brain Bending Cover of the Week: Anand May Cantorit – “Toxic” (Britney Spears)

This week’s featured cover comes from Cologne, Germany and it is… oddly elegant. Anand May Cantorit take Britney Spears’ “Toxic” and turn it into a slow, haunting cinematic piece that sounds straight out of a Tarantino soundtrack.

“It felt German. Then I looked them up—and it was German. I laughed so hard.”

It’s minimal, moody, and magnetic. Just the kind of left-field twist the Brain Bending Covers segment is made for.

🎧 Got a cover worth sharing? Send it in → songsthatdontsuck.net

🆕 This Week’s Six Songs That Don’t Suck

⚡️ 1. The Gaslight Anthem – “Positive Charge”

📍 From: New Jersey
🔊 Vibe: Big rock hooks + Tom Petty energy
📀 Comeback: First album since their 2022 reunion

A straight-ahead, feel-good rock track with grit and heart. Mark loves that the vocal matches the vibe—something that’s surprisingly rare.

🌞 2. Deertick – “Forgiving Ties”

📍 From: Rhode Island
🎸 Style: Americana meets Stones swagger
🎯 Sounds like: Honky Tonk Woman intro, Tom Petty vibe

Mark admits he’s never been deep into Deertick’s catalog, but this song could change that. A strong contender for your summer playlist—despite the questionable horn flourish in the chorus.

🎙️ 3. Crawlers – “That Time of Year Always”

📍 From: Merseyside, UK
🎧 Genre: Alt-rock meets grunge revival
🧲 Hook: It’s magnetic—you won’t know why, but you’ll keep hitting replay

Blending modern alt sensibilities with crunchy ‘90s attitude, Crawlers might just be the genre-breaking band rock has been waiting for.

“Rock music needs this right now.”

🇦🇺 4. The Murlocs – “Undone and Unashamed”

📍 From: Melbourne, Australia
✨ Vibe: Bright, bouncy, and bluesy
🔊 RIYL: Alabama Shakes, Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Equal parts retro and fresh, The Murlocs deliver a groove-heavy track that screams windows-down summer joy—unless you’re in Australia, where it’s winter. ❄️

🥁 5. Cam Cole – “Vibes”

📍 From: London, UK
🎥 Breakout: Appeared in Ted Lasso
🎶 Format: One-man-band with serious stage presence

From busking in the streets to U.S. tours, Cam Cole is living proof that grind + grit can take you places. His latest song, “Vibes,” is exactly that—groovy, gritty, and road-ready.

“Perfect for motorcycles… or just driving with the windows down.”

🧼 Housekeeping + Where to Find More

🛍️ Podcast merch available now: T-shirts & stickers—because good music deserves good branding.

Until next time…
Keep your ears open, your playlists fresh, and keep listening to songs that don’t suck. 🎧🔥