Episode 42: The Meaning of Life, the Universe, and Concert Etiquette (Seriously, Put Your Phone Away)
Welcome to Episode 42 of Songs That Don’t Suck, a number with deep meaning for Douglas Adams fans—if you know, you know. This week, we’re talking about soul-recharging live music, why Cleveland dropped the ball, and how concert etiquette (or the lack thereof) can seriously kill the vibe. Plus, as always, we’ve got five new songs that absolutely don’t suck. Let’s dig in. 
Cam Cole: The One-Man Band You Didn’t Know You Loved
If you’ve seen Ted Lasso, you’ve probably seen Cam Cole—he was the street performer in Season 1 who ends up in the charity gig. But beyond the cameo, Cam Cole is a musical force of nature: a gritty, high-energy one-man band who’s gone from London busker to global performer.
Seeing him live (again) was incredible. But Cleveland… what happened?
- The venue changed last-minute from the Beachland Ballroom to the smaller Tavern.
- Even the Tavern wasn’t sold out.
- Cam Cole deserves more from a city with such a rich musical history.
Pro tip: If Cam Cole hits your town, go. The man is electric.
Cleveland, We Need to Talk (About Concert Etiquette)
Let’s be real. Live music is sacred. It’s church for the soul. But lately, the experience is being hijacked by bad behavior—and Cleveland, you’re guilty.
Phones Are Killing the Moment
Yes, take one pic. Maybe one video. Then put the phone away.
- The glow ruins the ambience.
- Artists see you. And it’s distracting.
- Are you even watching the show, or your screen?
Remember that Tool show with the no-phones policy? Best. Show. Ever. More artists and venues need to follow suit.
Shut the F**k Up
Talking during a performance? Especially in the front row? Unforgivable.
- Someone at Cam’s show was chatting full-volume during “Look Into the Moon.”
- Not only is it rude to the artist—it’s disrespectful to everyone who paid to be there.
- Unless you’re cheering or singing along, zip it.
Brain-Bending Cover: “Super Bon Bon” by Sunfish
This week’s throwback twist came via Sunfish, covering Soul Coughing’s 1996 cult classic “Super Bon Bon.” Here’s what hit:
- More melodic and slightly slower than the original.
- The chorus pops with a modern energy.
- Still true to the original’s groove, but with added layers and nuance.
If you’re a fan of quirky alt-’90s bops, you’ll dig this.
New Music That Doesn’t Suck: Top 5 Picks This Week
1. “Drywall” – Paris Paloma
Ethereal, haunting, and vocally reminiscent of Joni Mitchell. Paloma builds tension with rising volume and screamed background vocals that erupt into a quiet outro. Check out her track “Labor” for more of her distinctive style.
Genre: Indie Folk / Art Pop
Vibes: Raw, poetic, quietly intense.
2. “Glass House” – Joe P
Not every track needs to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes, a perfectly crafted pop-rock tune just hits. This one’s got hooks, layered vocals, and a fade-out ending that leaves you craving more.
Vibes: Nostalgic, clean, radio-ready.
3. “Killing My Borrowed Time” – Geese
Starts off with La’s vibes but quickly goes rogue. The vocalist has that Dylan-meets-John McCrea energy: not technically perfect, but exactly right. Xylophones? Yep. Female backing vocals straight from a Black Crowes session? Also yep.
Vibes: Chaotic good, layered, unpredictable.
4. “Qualified” – Blues Traveler
New music from an old fave. The harmonica is sharp, the horn section is tight, and John Popper is lyrically digging into themes of self-worth and not judging others. It’s classic Blues Traveler—and that’s a good thing.
Vibes: Feel-good, funky, familiar.
5. “TK421” – Lenny Kravitz
The Star Wars nod is real (“TK421, why aren’t you at your post?”), and so is the Minneapolis-funk-meets-Kravitz-groove energy. Think Prince meets rock god. The media’s obsessing over the NSFW video, but ignore that—this track slaps.
Vibes: Sexy, swaggering, intergalactic.
Final Thoughts
This episode was equal parts musical discovery and a public service announcement. Let’s bring some respect back to live shows, yeah? And keep finding those songs that don’t suck.
Don’t forget to follow the pod and share it with fellow music lovers. Let’s keep the vibe alive.
