Episode 28 Recap

🎙 Songs That Don’t Suck – Episode 28: Eight New Songs to Kick Off the Second Half of 2023
Mark’s back with a double dose of new music from the last two weeks—and a killer cover mashup to boot.

🚀 Back in Action: Welcome to the Second Half of 2023!

If you missed Episode 27, Mark dropped his Top 10 tracks of the year (so far). Definitely worth a listen if you’re just catching up after the July 4th break 🇺🇸. But now it’s time for new music—and Mark’s making up for lost time with a list of eight killer tracks from the past two weeks.

But first, as always…

🎧 Brain-Bending Cover of the Week

🥣 The Real McCoys – “A Whole Lot of Folsom”

Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” meets Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues” in the weirdest, coolest way.

A mashup and a cover, this genre-bending track is funky, gritty, and full of surprises. It’s also a throwback to Mark’s pandemic-era playlist of unique covers—now clocking in at over 7 hours.

💡 Got a wild cover suggestion? Drop it at songsthatdontsuck.net!

🎶 This Week’s Featured Tracks (x8!)

🎤 1. The Struts – “Too Good at Raisin’ Hell”

Big riffs. Bigger swagger. Pure rock spectacle.
Mark’s seen them live (opening for Foo Fighters), and they stole the crowd. This one’s built for the stage.

“The Struts just might save rock and roll—and this track proves it.”

🪕 2. Fox Royale – “So Different”

Indie-pop sunshine with a hint of Cage the Elephant charm.
Mark caught them live—shirtless in freezing Cleveland—and they killed it.

“This is bop-around-your-house music. Put it on and try not to smile.”

🎸 3. Dirty Honey – “Won’t Take Me Alive”

Classic rock riffs, raw vocals, and an irresistible hook.
Reminiscent of their breakout hit “When I’m Gone,” but dialed up.

“As a drummer, I love the hi-hat groove. As a fan, I just want to sing the chorus over and over.”

🎧 4. Hollows – “The Floor”

British alt-rock with a cool, early-days polish.
Reminds Mark of previous fave “Mystic Pizza” by The Sheritons.

“Not flashy—but solid, addictive indie goodness.”

🎵 5. The Glorious Sons – “Mercy Mercy”

Not as gritty as their breakout hit “SOS,” but deeper, smoother, and maybe more mature.

“Alongside The Struts and Dirty Honey, these guys could really lead the rock revival.”

🎸 6. Brad – “Hey Now What’s the Problem”

Grunge revival with true ’90s Seattle roots.
A side project of Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard—and it sounds like it.

“This is textbook Seattle sound. Think early Soundgarden with a looser groove.”

☕ 7. High Fade – “Burnt Toast and Coffee”

Funk rock done right. Tight bass, syncopated drums, and no guitar backing track during the solo = chef’s kiss.

“This could’ve been early Chili Peppers or Jamiroquai. If you love grooves, do not skip this.”

🌈 8. Back to Yours – “I Must Be Confused”

Power-pop bliss with Jellyfish and Beatles DNA.
Surprising chords, lush harmonies, and a musical journey you won’t want to end.

“This one gave me chills. Like, actual chills.”

🧠 What’s the Theme Here?

A quiet movement is brewing. Between The Struts, Dirty Honey, Brad, and The Glorious Sons, rock music isn’t dead—it’s just been napping.

“Maybe this is the push. Maybe rock is waking up again. I’m here for it.”

💬 Got a Pick? Get Involved!

Let him know what you’re loving, and maybe your pick will end up on a future episode.

🎙 That’s a wrap for Episode 28 of Songs That Don’t Suck.
Thanks for being here—Mark will be back next week with another round of discoveries.

Until then… keep searching for and listening to songs that don’t suck. 🎶