🎙️ Songs That Don’t Suck – Episode 47
🎶 Music Is for Everyone (Even When It Sucks… to You)
On a quiet ride in a Lyft with hardcore hip hop blasting, Mark has a moment of clarity: even music that he thinks sucks is somebody’s favorite. And that’s the beauty of it. From baby smiles to healing trauma, music is arguably the most democratic, divine, and universal art form we have. 🎵
đź’ˇ A Quick Reflection: Music Is Bigger Than Taste
While Songs That Don’t Suck may sound judgmental, the real goal is discovery—not dismissal.
🎤 Mark’s Lyft epiphany reminds us:
- Every song has an audience—even if it’s just the artist’s mom
- Music is felt, not measured
- From therapy sessions to surgeries to toddler dance parties, music heals, connects, and uplifts
So yes, most songs Mark listens to each week do suck—to him. But even sucky songs serve a purpose.
🎙️ Mark’s Podcast Cameos
Mark was a guest scientist on the 100th episode of Rock and Roll Autopsy 🧪
- Autopsy target: “Brown Sugar” by The Rolling Stones
- Did it kill rock and roll? Listen and find out.
He also joined Data + Love with Zach Bowders (aka the voice of this podcast) to talk data, design, and of course, music. Both are worth your ears.
🎸 Brain-Bending Cover:
“Satisfaction” – Dolly Parton feat. P!nk & Brandi Carlile
Off her new Rockstar album, Dolly’s Stones cover is a no-frills but soulful spin.
- P!nk and Brandi pass lead vocals like pros
- Surprisingly natural fit for Dolly’s voice
- Still sticks close to the Stones’ original arrangement
The album is a mixed bag (30 tracks!), but this one definitely satisfies.
🔥 New Songs That Don’t Suck – Week 47
1. “Crooked House” – Alberta Cross (feat. Band of Skulls)
Indie rock warmth with British soul.
- Strong Oasis vibes in the chorus
- Vocals remind Mark of Band of Horses
- Anchored by a tight rhythm section and lush textures
This one had Mark diving into their back catalog—and you should too.
2. “Plant Milk” – Really Good Time
Sarcastic. Angular. Unexpectedly groovy.
- Dissonant chords and sarcastic lyrics? Yes, please.
- Feels like the musical love child of Parquet Courts and early Modest Mouse
- Syncopated rhythms trick you into thinking it’s in an odd time signature
Also, Mark’s vegan cheese Costco story is worth a listen. 🧀
3. “Nimijito” – Sultans of String (feat. Northern Cree)
World music fusion at its finest.
- Violin and electric guitar intro evokes Kansas
- Northern Cree’s vocal chants elevate the energy
- A true cultural collaboration with soul
Mark loved the vibe so much, he didn’t even care about not understanding the lyrics—a rarity. Big shoutout to the Sultans for connecting via Threads.
🏆 Coming Soon: The 2023 Don’t Sucky Awards
Episode 50 will be the first annual Don’t Sucky Awards, crowning the best tracks from the pod this year.
- 🗳️ Submit your nominations! Head to songsthatdontsuck.net
- 🎉 Winners will be revealed in Episode 50
- đź’ˇ Mark already has some favorites, but you get a vote too
🔊 Listen to the Episode
🎧 Embed audiogram here
🎵 Or stream directly at SongsThatDontSuck.net
📲 Stay Connected
- 📸 Instagram
- 🎥 TikTok
- đź’» SongsThatDontSuck.net
Let your music-loving friends know where to find the good stuff.
🎶 Until next week, keep searching for—and listening to—songs that don’t suck.
