Episode 26 Recap

🎙 Songs That Don’t Suck – Episode 26 Recap
Dolly goes rock, Irish grunge lives, and Barenaked Ladies are back (yes, really).

🌍 Halfway Through the Year—and Over 140 Songs Shared

Welcome to Episode 26, the official halfway point of Songs That Don’t Suck for 2023! Host Mark Bradbourne kicks things off with a little gratitude 🙌—over 140 songs have made the cut so far between podcast episodes and social posts, and we’re only getting started.

“Thanks for riding along. It’s been a blast—and the second half looks even better.”

🤘 Brain-Bending Cover: Dolly Parton & Ann Wilson – “Magic Man”

🎸 Rock duets and legacy queens unite

After being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (despite her own protests), Dolly Parton vowed to go full rock—and she wasn’t bluffing. Her upcoming album features 21 covers, 9 originals, and the latest release is a duet with Heart’s Ann Wilson on “Magic Man.”

“Is it brain-bending? Maybe not. But Dolly belting next to Ann Wilson at 77 is impressive AF.”

Also on the album? A cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain.” Stay tuned. 👀

🎧 This Week’s Songs That Don’t Suck

1. Ayron Jones – “My America”

📍 Seattle, WA
🎸 Genre: Bluesy hard rock, modern protest

Ayron Jones channels the guitar soul of the Pacific Northwest, blending gritty blues with lyrical fire. If you’re into Dirty Honey or Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, you’ll feel right at home.

“There were vocal moments that gave me Corey Glover (Living Colour) flashbacks—in a good way.”

🎧 Also check out: Blood in the Water

2. Vendetta Love – “On and On”

📍 Ireland
🎶 Genre: Grunge revival, Alice in Chains vibes

From the opening riff that nods to “Wood” by Alice in Chains, this Irish band delivers a cleaner vocal version of the classic Seattle sound, proving that grunge has gone global—and still hits hard.

“Grunge may have been short-lived, but its echoes are timeless.”

3. Old Mervs – “Sweetheart”

📍 Australia
🌊 Genre: Surf-rock meets alt-pop

This Aussie duo brings jangly, laid-back surf rock with just enough pop sparkle. If Neon Trees grew up near Bondi Beach with a bit more grit, it might sound like this.

“Rawer than Neon Trees, but that same earworm DNA is there.”

🎧 For fans of: Sunroom, DMA’s, and sunny indie playlists

4. Good Terms – “Old Friends”

📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔥 Genre: Emo-pop-punk-prog hybrid (yep)

An ambitious blend of emo, pop-punk, and even prog-metal, this song grabs attention with its complex drum work and shifting dynamics.

“Even if emo isn’t your thing, the drummer might just win you over.”

🎧 Stick around for the syncopated outro—it rips.

5. Barenaked Ladies – “Loving Life”

📍 Canada, eh?
💡 Genre: Power-pop positivity

Yes, Barenaked Ladies are still going strong—and “Loving Life” proves it. It’s warm, catchy, and a reminder that even without Stephen Page, they’ve still got it.

“Maybe it’s my age… but I like songs that remind me not everything sucks.”

🎧 If you forgot about BNL, this is your re-entry point.

📬 Quick Housekeeping

🧢 Want to support the show? Grab some merch from the site—stickers, shirts, and good vibes guaranteed.

🎧 That’s a wrap on Episode 26. If you’ve been here since January, you’re a legend. If this is your first episode—welcome to the ride.

Thanks for listening, and until next week, keep searching for and listening to Songs That Don’t Suck. 🎶