Episode Recaps

In Episode 67 of Songs That Don’t Suck, Mark Bradbourne talks tour logistics and how artists use streaming data to shape shows, then dives into five fresh tracks from Sydney Sprague, The Old Revival, Wilt, Grace Bowers & The Hodgepodge, and The Dangerous Summer—plus reflections on genre, grit, and groovy gang vocals.

In Episode 66 of Songs That Don’t Suck, Mark Bradbourne reviews new albums from Taylor Swift and Pearl Jam, shares live show stories from Carbon Leaf and Spanish Love Songs, and highlights fresh heavy tracks from Unpeople, Laundry Day, and Low Lives—plus a Talking Heads-esque vault track from Bell X1.

In Episode 65 of Songs That Don’t Suck, host Mark Bradbourne shares his mind-blowing solar eclipse experience (set perfectly to Dark Side of the Moon), reflects on the death of local music scenes, and spotlights 4 standout tracks—including a facepalm-worthy Bowie cover recognition fail and an autobiographical gem from Duff McKagan.

In Episode 64 of Songs That Don’t Suck, Mark Bradbourne reflects on the 30th anniversary of Kurt Cobain’s death and the legacy of grunge. Plus, he unearths headphone-ready gems from Local Natives, The Coltons, Porno for Pyros, Lovelytheband, and delivers a glowing 10/10 review of a hauntingly beautiful track by Kaia Kater featuring Allison Russell.

In Episode 63 of Songs That Don’t Suck, Mark Bradbourne recaps a Canadian vinyl binge, an electrifying Bites show in Cleveland, and the ongoing mystery of Spotify’s unhinged playlists. Plus: a rich lineup of tracks from Pillow Queens, American Authors, Bully, Guster, Hozier, and a bonus duet from Iron & Wine with Fiona Apple.

In Episode 62 of Songs That Don’t Suck, host Mark Bradbourne rides the viral wave from TikTok, explains how to sync Dark Side of the Moon with the eclipse, explores bizarre Spotify playlists, and reviews fresh tracks from St. Luca, Augustana, Chris Helme, and Sarah Harmer. Plus: an AI-generated podcast theme song and rants on Suno's music tech.

In Episode 61 of Songs That Don’t Suck, Mark Bradbourne dives into a fresh stack of vinyl, unpacks the legal drama around Bad Bunny and concert recordings, and spotlights five killer new tracks from Phosphorescent, Kid Kapichi, Shade, The Commoners, and The Black Crowes. Plus: Bruno Mars' Vegas gamble and a covert Swiftie recommendation. 🎶

In Episode 60 of Songs That Don’t Suck, host Mark Bradbourne dives into a vinyl nostalgia trip, previews Slash’s upcoming blues album, and shares five standout tracks from Black Keys, Sapphire Sun, The Avett Brothers, and more. Plus, a surprise harmonica solo that'll melt your face 🎸🔥

🎧In Episode 59 of Songs That Don't Suck, host Mark Bradbourne imagines a modern-day Traveling Wilburys supergroup—featuring Dave Grohl, Sheryl Crow, Lenny Kravitz, and more—then dives into four fresh tracks spanning indie folk to retro Motown. 🎶🔥

🎧 In Episode 58 of Songs That Don’t Suck, Mark reminisces on the golden age of bootlegging, recaps Cleveland’s icy Bright Winter festival, and spotlights five new tracks—from The Snuts’ indie gold to Ray Flanagan’s local brilliance. 🔥🎶