Episode 113 Recap

🎧 Welcome to Songs That Don’t Suck

Hey friends! Mark Bradborne here, your host of Songs That Don’t Suck. If you’re new around here, welcome to the podcast where I sift through hundreds of new songs every week to bring you the absolute best tracks. To my long-time listeners, welcome back! I’m glad to have you here.

A Quick Recap from Episode 112

Last week’s episode (112) was a bit different—no new music, but a fantastic interview with the guys from Rock and Roll Autopsy. We talked about my music discovery process, why I love doing this podcast, and more. If you missed it, go back and check it out!

Amsterdam Adventures and Artistic Inspiration

I recently took a much-needed vacation to Amsterdam—my first time there! Instead of my usual music-filled days, I completely unplugged. No work, no TV, and surprisingly, no music. The only tunes I caught were from a few talented street musicians.

One of the coolest experiences was visiting the Straat Museum, a massive space showcasing graffiti and street art. The art was bold, vivid, and thought-provoking. It reminded me of how music, especially in the ‘60s and ‘70s, was a medium for protest and social change. Today, it feels like street art has taken on that role. I was especially moved by pieces tackling topics like climate change, mental health, and social justice. If you’re into art and activism, definitely check it out.

New Music Discovery

Let’s dive into this week’s song picks! As always, I’ve got five tracks that don’t suck.

1. Turn Off the Lights by The Backfires

A catchy blend of alt-rock with pop sensibilities. Think Arctic Monkeys meets Wallows. Great production and a hooky chorus make this one stand out.

2. All in My Head by Over Under

Hailing from Salt Lake City, this indie rock track blends elements of jazz fusion and even hints of Radiohead. The guitar solo has a Santana vibe—definitely worth a listen.

3. Heavy by Florence Road (aka Flo Rowe)

Irish indie-pop with rich vocal harmonies and dynamic instrumentation. Their style feels like a more laid-back version of The Last Dinner Party.

4. Over and Over by Wishy

Poppy and rhythmic, with a hint of Incubus influence. The programmed drums work surprisingly well here, but I’d love to catch a live version.

5. We Don’t Talk by The Dregs

A folk-pop track with catchy melodies and a bit of a Yacht Rock feel. The banjo and acoustic guitar blend beautifully.

Bonus Track: Caroline by Mumford and Sons

If you love Mumford and Sons, you’ll dig this new release. It’s classic Mumford—emotional and melodic.

Final Thoughts

That’s it for this week’s episode! Don’t forget to check out all the songs featured by heading to SongsThatDontSuck.net. You’ll find links to Spotify playlists from this and past seasons.

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast, follow me on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes content, and grab a Songs That Don’t Suck t-shirt if you want to support the show. Until next week—keep searching for songs that don’t suck! 🎶