🎙️ Songs That Don’t Suck – Episode 25 Recap
AI awkwardness, Beatles nostalgia, and five killer new tracks (plus a Kelly Clarkson cover with punk bite)
🥩 AI, Steakhouses, and… Songs That Don’t Suck?
Before we even get to the music, host Mark Bradbourne shares a story about getting invited to a CEO-filled steakhouse dinner where the topic of the night was Artificial Intelligence.
Spoiler: Mark doesn’t use AI for corporate ops—but he does use it to transcribe and summarize this very podcast. And when he mentioned Songs That Don’t Suck, the room went from business tech to music nerds in 30 seconds flat. 💥
Lesson? Talk to people about your favorite music podcast. It works.
🎸 AI-Enhanced Beatles? Yes, Please.
Also in AI news: Paul McCartney announced he’s releasing the final Beatles song—likely called “Now and Then”—by using AI to isolate John Lennon’s vocals from a decades-old cassette demo.
“This is the use of AI I can get behind—reclaiming something that already existed and giving it life.”
Stay tuned, Beatlemaniacs. 2023 might have a surprise for you.
🧠Brain-Bending Cover: Meet Me at the Altar – “Miss Independent” (Kelly Clarkson Cover)
đź“Ť Spotify Singles Series
🎸 Pop-punk twist on a 2000s classic
Kelly Clarkson is no stranger to powerful vocal hooks, but Meet Me at the Altar injects a shot of energy and punk flairinto this early-2000s banger. Think Paramore meets Kelly with a sprinkle of Avril attitude.
“I always thought her stuff would work in pop-punk—and this proves it.”
🎧 For fans of: Paramore, PVRIS, early Fall Out Boy
🎧 This Week’s Songs That Don’t Suck
1. Secondhand Sound – “Rorschach”
🎸 From: Nashville
🛣️ Vibe: Road trip-ready, full-band chemistry
A no-frills, straight-ahead rock song built for windows-down, volume-up moments. Mark praises the band’s mission to be “the biggest band in your world,” and with clean vocals and tight composition, they’re off to a great start.
“Dare you not to bob your head. I really do.”
2. Stepsons – “Mary’s Getting Married”
🎶 Emotional depth meets alt-rock edge
There’s a Vertical Horizon-era vibe in the DNA here—emotional lyrics, melodic drive, and syncopated vocals that hit you in the gut if you’ve ever experienced heartbreak or nostalgia.
“It reminded me of moments I’d lived—and that’s when music becomes unforgettable.”
3. Spanish Love Songs – “Clean-Up Crew”
đź“Ť From: Los Angeles
đź’” For fans of: The Menzingers, Talking Heads (weirdly)
The opening groove hints at Talking Heads, but this track quickly becomes something else entirely. Full of emotional weight and gritty, honest vocals, it’s a song you feel more with each listen.
“Pain in the vocals you can feel—and that’s always a good sign.”
4. Young the Giant – “Dancing in the Rain”
🎻 Live-in-studio magic with rich harmonies and texture
Recorded live with full instrumentation, this is a reminder of why live studio takes still matter. The string accents, subtle percussion, and lyrical warmth give this track a welcome organic energy.
“Maybe this is my gateway drug to really diving into their discography.”
🎧 Off their new EP: “Both Sides”
5. 🎸 Featured Track: The Pink Spiders – “Let’s Go Home”
đź“» Nostalgic rock that fuses 1950s swagger with modern edge
Mark discovered The Pink Spiders back in 2005 via Slacker Radio (RIP), and they’re back with a track that feels like a time machine and a banger all at once. Think vintage rockabilly rhythms, updated with fuzzy guitars and punchy lyrics.
“It feels like two songs in one—and I loved both of them.”
🎧 Fans of: OK Go, Jet, Foxboro Hot Tubs
🧹 Housekeeping Corner
💬 Word of mouth still rules the world—so tell your friends.
🛍️ Merch: Stickers, shirts, and other good stuff to support the pod
🎧 That’s a wrap on Episode 25. Whether you’re discovering new music or just vibing with your old favorites, remember:
Thanks for listening, and until next week, keep searching for and listening to Songs That Don’t Suck.
