Episode 34 Recap

🎸 Songs That Don’t Suck – Episode 34: The Bites Live, Lemmy Shreds Beatles, and 5 Songs You Need Now

Welcome back to Songs That Don’t Suck—the podcast where Mark Bradbourne filters through the noise to bring you the absolute best new music that doesn’t make you want to run screaming into the void. 🎧

This week’s episode is equal parts personal milestone and full-throttle fanboying. Let’s just say it: The Bites stole the show. And yes, they’re back in the weekly picks—again.

🎤 Front Row for The Bites: “It Was Awesome. Full Stop.”

In what can only be described as a “rock and roll pilgrimage,” Mark hit Cleveland to catch The Bites live for the first time, and it was everything he hoped for.

“I was front row(ish), singing along to every song I knew—and based on the band’s smiles, they noticed.”

Despite a missing bassist (running tracks off a laptop), the band crushed it. And after the set, Mark got to meet them all, snag autographs, and even walk away with a signed setlist.

💡 Takeaway:
If The Bites roll into your town, go. This is one of those bands you want to say you saw before they blew up.

👋 Gen X Dad Moment: College Drop-Off Bittersweetness

Before we dive into the music, Mark marks a milestone: his daughter Jenna officially headed off to college. Regular listeners will recognize Jenna from concert reviews on previous episodes.

“I know she’s going to do amazing things—and I’m proud. But still…it’s a moment.”

Cue the feels 🥹

🎧 Brain-Bending Cover: Lemmy, Scott Ian & Friends – “Twist and Shout” (The Beatles)

If Motorhead frontman Lemmy covering The Beatles sounds like chaos—you’re right, and it rules. 🛠️ This raucous cover of “Twist and Shout” features:

🎸 Scott Ian (Anthrax) on guitar
🥁 Greg Bissonette on drums
🗣️ Lemmy doing what only Lemmy can do with Lennon/McCartney lyrics

Add in sweet female backing vocals and you’ve got a gritty-metal-meets-Motown sandwich that hits just right.

🔍 From the compilation album: Harder & Heavier: ’60s British Invasion Goes Metal

📣 Got a wild cover you think no one’s heard? Submit it at SongsThatDontSuck.net

🎶 This Week’s Songs That Don’t Suck

1. 🎹 Guns N’ Roses – “Perhaps”

Genre: Piano Rock / Classic GNR
🎧 Vibe: Use Your Illusion B-side in the best way
🔊 RIYL: “November Rain,” “Yesterdays,” epic ballads

Straight from the Chinese Democracy archives and polished up with Slash, Duff, and crew, this slow-burner reminds us that Axl still has it—especially on those high notes.

“Never say never on a new album. This makes three new tracks since the reunion.”

2. 🇦🇺 The Grogans – “I Cannot Read Your Mind”

Genre: Alt Rock / Surf Punk
🎧 Vibe: Unpredictable but punchy
🔊 RIYL: The Strokes, King Gizzard, genre-blenders

These Aussies switch genres like outfits, but this track hits hard and leans into a jangly, surfy punk groove that works.

“Normally I need consistency—but this one had energy I couldn’t ignore.”

3. 👊 Hawxx – “Embrace the Ugly”

Genre: Alt-Metal / Punk
🎧 Vibe: Feminist rage meets melodic hooks
🔊 RIYL: Hole, Amyl & The Sniffers, Paramore

From growling screams to angelic choruses, Hawxx shred expectations—and the patriarchy. The lyrics speak truth. The riffs bite hard.

“Female-fronted rock is not a novelty act. This band proves it.”

4. ⚡ Des Rocs – “I Am The Lightning”

Genre: Arena Rock
🎧 Vibe: Roll down the windows, crank it
🔊 RIYL: Muse, Royal Blood, Queens of the Stone Age

Des Rocs is a returning favorite, and this latest single thunders with swagger, riffs, and arena-sized ambition.

“He’s now officially on my ‘must see live’ list. No question.”

5. 💥 The Bites – “Good Love”

Genre: Hollywood Rock Revival
🎧 Vibe: Sunset Strip without the sleaze
🔊 RIYL: The Struts, early Guns N’ Roses, Jet

A new drop from The Bites, and yeah—Mark isn’t sorry. Formulaic in the best way, it’s catchy as hell and arena-ready.

“Put them on tour with The Struts. Do it. Manifest it.”

🧼 Housekeeping & Final Shoutouts

🎙 Share the pod! Word-of-mouth is the ultimate endorsement.
📊 Podcast audience is still growing—thank YOU for listening and spreading the love.

🎤 Parting Words

“Whether it’s massive names like Guns N’ Roses or an upstart band playing for 30 people—if it doesn’t suck, it belongs here.”

Until next week…

Keep searching for—and listening to—songs that don’t suck.