🎬 Songs That Don’t Suck – Episode 23 Recap: Soundtrack Power, Time Signatures, and a Double Dose of UK Rock
Welcome back to Songs That Don’t Suck, your weekly shot of handpicked new music that actually deserves your ears 🎧. This is Episode 23, and host Mark Bradbourne kicks things off with an unexpected detour to the movies, reminding us that soundtracks can often outlive the films they score. 🎬💿
Let’s get into it 👇
🍿 Movie Soundtracks That Deserve More Than the Movie
Mark finally saw Air, the film chronicling Nike’s all-in gamble on Michael Jordan, and while the movie itself is a slam dunk, the 1984 soundtrack steals the show. That got him thinking…
🎶 3 Movie Soundtracks That Outlived the Movies:
- Dazed and Confused – A classic rock fever dream.
- Singles – A grunge-era masterpiece. (Still on repeat.)
- Garden State – Never saw the film. Still obsessed with the music.
“Let me know which soundtrack you think eclipsed its movie—leave a voicemail or message me on social!”
🎙️ This Week’s Brain-Bending Cover
🎶 Lydia Loveless – “Portions for Foxes” (Rilo Kiley Cover)
📍 From: Ohio → North Carolina → Chicago
🎸 Genre: Alt-Country / Indie
Lydia brings a Wilco-esque twang to this early-2000s indie staple. It’s a thoughtful reinterpretation that both pays tribute and carves new sonic ground.
“It reminded me that Rilo Kiley existed… and that’s a win.”
🎧 This Week’s Songs That Don’t Suck
1. Hotel Mira – “Everything at Once”
🇨🇦 Canada (now LA)
🎵 Genre: Indie Rock
Formerly known as Japanese Girls (yep, with no vowels), Hotel Mira has tightened up their sound over a decade and a half.
This track blends sharp song structure, killer production, and compelling instrumental breaks.
“Their sound has matured, but the DNA hasn’t changed.”
2. Jelly Roll – “Halfway to Hell”
🇺🇸 USA
🎸 Genre: Country Rock / Genre-Bender
If you’ve been skeptical of country on this podcast before, give this one a shot.
CMT award-winner Jelly Roll straddles the line between rock and country with swagger and grit.
“This one’s going on my motorcycle playlist—and I’ll be playing it loud.”
3. The Mysterines – “Begin Again”
🇬🇧 Liverpool, UK
🎤 Genre: Indie Rock
Lead singer Leah Metcalf makes a huge impression vocally, and the band brings serious momentum from the UK scene.
“They’re getting buzz across the pond—I want to help that buzz reach our ears, too.”
4. Crystal Tides – “Animated”
🇬🇧 UK (Southern Coast)
🎶 Genre: Indie Pop Rock
Radio-ready, super catchy, and sonically consistent across their catalog, Crystal Tides deliver a hooky anthem that lives up to their growing airplay.
“If this gets stuck in your head, dig into the rest. You won’t regret it.”
5. 🎙️ Featured Track: Half Moon Run – “Nine Beat”
🇨🇦 Canada
📚 Genre: Indie Folk / Rhythm-Driven Rock
This one’s for the music nerds (and everyone else too).
Half Moon Run builds their track around an unusual 9/8 time signature, making it as technical as it is beautiful.
“The chorus snaps back to 4/4, but that opening rhythm—chef’s kiss. Total Dave Matthews Band vibes in the best way.”
🔧 Housekeeping Corner
- 🌐 songsthatdontsuck.net: Recommendations, show transcripts, social links, and merch (🎽 T-shirts, 🪧 stickers)
- 🗣️ Tell a friend! Word of mouth still rules the game.
🔮 Coming Soon…
- ✍️ Mid-year recap
- 🎟️ Live concert reviews
- 👩 Guest appearance by Jenna (Mark’s daughter)
Feeling nostalgic. Feeling fresh. Feeling ready for more.
Until next week…
🎶 Keep searching for and listening to songs that don’t suck. 🎧✌️
