🎧 Songs That Don’t Suck – Episode 19 Recap: Ed’s in the Clear, Katie Covers “Ohio,” and Bush Is Back with a Banger
Welcome back to Songs That Don’t Suck, where your host Mark Bradbourne is shot out of a cannon this week—fueled by fuzzy riffs, court case closures, and a dose of good old-fashioned alt-rock revival. 🎸
Let’s break it down…
⚖️ Ed Sheeran Cleared in Copyright Case
Last week, Mark predicted trouble for Ed Sheeran in the Thinking Out Loud vs. Let’s Get It On lawsuit. This week?
“Ed’s free and clear to continue making music.”
The jury ruled that Sheeran didn’t lift Marvin Gaye’s classic, a reversal of the infamous Blurred Lines case that hinged on “vibe” more than substance. Mark now thinks that case was won simply because everyone hated Robin Thicke—and honestly? He might be right. 😅
🎙️ Brain-Bending Cover: Katie Pruitt – “Ohio” (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young)
It’s May in Northeast Ohio, and that means remembrance of the 1970 Kent State shootings. Enter Nashville-based artist Katie Pruitt, whose modernized-yet-reverent cover of “Ohio” hits like a thunderclap of emotional resonance.
“Didn’t stray too far from the original, but what she did to fill out the sound—I really appreciated.”
🌟 Mark’s Pick: This one’s not just good—it’s important.
🎧 This Week’s 5 Songs That Don’t Suck
🎸 1. Birdie Costello – “Bad Attitude”
- 📍 Mysterious origin
- 🎶 Vibe: Chill indie alt-pop
- 🧠 For Fans Of: Soccer Mommy, beabadoobee
Little info exists on Birdie, but this track caught Mark’s ear instantly—mostly because the guitar riff was identical to one from his old band.
“I thought Tim had re-recorded it. Wild moment.”
Regardless, the song is laid-back, vibey, and a perfect curtain-raiser for the week.
🦁 2. Wolfmother – “Stay a Little Longer”
- 📍 Australia
- 🎶 Vibe: Psychedelic hard rock
- 🧠 For Fans Of: Led Zeppelin, The Black Keys, Them Crooked Vultures
Mark associates Wolfmother with Las Vegas, thanks to The Hangover soundtrack, and this new track brings that same desert-fueled energy.
“Fantastic, fuzzy, chunky guitar riff… Just a vibe.”
This one demanded inclusion, big-name band or not.
⚖️ 3. Danielle Ponder – “Roll the Credits”
- 📍 Rochester, NY
- 🎶 Vibe: Soulful soundtrack energy
- 🧠 For Fans Of: Tina Turner, Brittany Howard, Grace Potter
A former attorney turned powerhouse singer, Danielle’s journey is as remarkable as her voice. This track lands with weight and power.
“Her voice thunders in. It’s got a little bit of Tina Turner.”
🎭 Bonus plug: Mark saw the Tina musical and was emotionally wrecked (in the best way).
🎧 4. The Utopiates – “Seekers”
- 📍 UK
- 🎶 Vibe: Expansive indie rock with polished pop edges
- 🧠 For Fans Of: U2, Kasabian, The Bravery
Mark was floored by this one, from name creativity to pristine production.
“The drums? Mic’d perfectly. The whole thing is the complete package.”
Brand new on the scene, very few listeners so far—but if “Seekers” is any indication, they won’t stay under the radar long. 🌟
🎤 5. Bush – “All Things Must Change”
- 📍 UK (OG grunge-era royalty)
- 🎶 Vibe: Alt-rock anthem, vintage meets modern
- 🧠 For Fans Of: Soundgarden, Foo Fighters, Stone Temple Pilots
Gavin Rossdale still has it. Period. This song grooves, hits hard, and refuses to sound dated.
“Bush is consistently good at groove-laden songs… This is a great example.”
🔥 Feature Track of the Week 🔥
💬 No Housekeeping? Just Real Talk.
Mark skips the usual plug section this time and instead hits us with a heartfelt plea:
“It’s like being in a local band—support only comes when people share your music.”
If you love this podcast, don’t just like or follow. Tell a friend. That one-on-one conversation goes a long way in keeping the music—and this community—alive.
Until next week…
Keep sharing the podcast. Keep supporting real music. And always—
Keep searching for and listening to Songs That Don’t Suck. 🎧🔥
