Category: Season 3

Explore the Ship of Theseus paradox in rock bands: who’s the real band when no originals remain? Plus, discover six standout new tracks in this week’s episode of Songs That Don’t Suck. Includes Leona Rue, Jayler, Dinosaur Pile‑Up, The Thing, Oston, and Laura Jane Grace.

This episode of Songs That Don’t Suck dives deep into the cultural power of MTV as the original social media, before spotlighting five powerful new singer-songwriter tracks. From synth-soaked nostalgia to protest folk-rock, it’s a playlist you won’t want to miss.

What makes a truly unforgettable cover song? In this episode of Songs That Don’t Suck, Mark breaks down the art of the perfect cover—from lounge-style rap medleys to Johnny Cash’s legendary take on NIN. Plus, five 🔥 new tracks you need to hear right now.

Take a trip through the best new music of 2025 (so far) with Mark Bradbourne on the 3rd Annual Songs That Don’t Suck Mid-Year Review. Discover 10 standout tracks that have dominated the year and playlists alike.

Relive the cozy and captivating Ryan Adams Heartbreaker 25th anniversary show at Akron’s Goodyear Theater, plus fresh song picks from Blü Eyes, Zilch, The Lemonheads, Red Rum Club, and Ando San—tuned for pop, grunge, indie, alt-country‑punk, and funky hip‑hop vibes on Songs That Don’t Suck!

Mark Bradbourne explores the musical legacy of rockstar offspring and dives into five standout new tracks—from Michigander’s collaboration to Big Wheels’ gritty vocals. A melodic journey you won’t want to miss!

What Happens the Day the Music Dies & 5 Songs You Need Now 🎶 🎧 What Happens…

🎧 Dive into Episode 123 of Songs That Don’t Suck, where Mark Bradbourne explores the euphoric science of live music and reviews fresh tracks from Ethan Bortnick, Big Wreck, Paige Fish, and Kanadia. A must-read for Gen X music lovers still chasing that perfect riff.

Mark Bradbourne gets nostalgic over the legacy of Aware Records, the iconic indie label that helped launch John Mayer, Five for Fighting, and more. Then he delivers four powerhouse tracks from D’Land Brass Band, Derrips, Fiona Lee, and grandson—each genre-blending and bold. 🎺🔥

In Ep. 121, Mark Bradbourne dives headfirst into the sonic arms race known as the “loudness wars.” From Metallica to guinea pig trauma (yep), he breaks down how compression nearly killed musical dynamics—and why it matters. Plus, four standout tracks from Yula, Runner, Jade Bird, and Bleach that prove dynamics aren’t dead yet. 🎶