🎸 Songs That Don’t Suck: Episode 11 — A Loud Night, A Sad Exit, and 5 Killer Tracks

Welcome back to another episode of Songs That Don’t Suck! I’m your host, Mark Bradbourne—your friendly Gen X Forrest Gump—stumbling, hustling, and headbanging my way through the world of music to find those hidden gems that deserve a spot on your playlist.

This week’s episode comes with a personal tale of concert heartbreak, five fresh tracks you need to hear, and a reminder that earplugs are not optional when you’re over 40 (or honestly, at any age).

🎤 When the Music’s Too Loud: My White Reaper Woes

Let’s kick things off with a cautionary tale. Last Saturday, I hit up a show at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland—a beloved haunt of mine—to catch White Reaper, a band I featured in a previous episode.

😬 The Problem? No Earplugs.

Yep. I forgot my trusty hearing protectors. And when the decibel levels hit triple digits, my Apple Watch practically screamed at me to leave. White Reaper was fantastic for the four songs I stuck around for, but at 100+ decibels, I wasn’t going to gamble with my hearing. Been there, done that (shoutout to Dream Theater in ‘95 🧏‍♂️).

Pro tip: Always carry backup earplugs. Your future self will thank you.

🔎 How I Find New Music (Spoiler: It’s a Grind)

Each week, I sift through 500+ new tracks—yes, really. Most get skipped within 30 seconds. But the good ones? They end up here, in your ears, via this podcast.

🎶 This Week’s Playlist: 5 Songs That Don’t Suck

Let’s dive into this week’s curated collection of fresh cuts that made the “Mark-approved” list:

1. “Quiet” by Nadia Sheikh

Genre: Indie Rock / Alt-Pop🎧 Listen on Spotify

This one starts with a charming AM radio vibe—tinny and distant—before it bursts into full fidelity. Nadia’s voice is mesmerizing, and her songwriting? All her. No ghostwriters, no fluff. Just raw talent.

🔎 With fewer than 2,000 monthly listeners, Nadia Sheikh is criminally under-the-radar. That won’t last long.

2. “Lucky” by Megan Moroney

Genre: Country🎧 Listen on Spotify

Sometimes a country track sneaks onto the list—and this one’s a gem. Megan Moroney’s voice stands out in the crowded world of modern country. The theme? Drunken ex-text regret. 🥴 We’ve all been there.

💡 If you’re a fan of Kacey Musgraves or Maren Morris, you’ll love this one.

3. “Long Overdue” by Kortini

Genre: Blues Rock / Swamp Rock🎧 Listen on Spotify

Swampy. Dirty. Groovy. Courtini brings Delta blues energy with an irresistible, chunky guitar riff and a downright filthyshuffle from the drummer. It’s soulful and slick, but here’s the kicker—I couldn’t find anything about them online besides a French Yahoo email. 😅

🕵️‍♂️ Know anything about Kortini? Hit me up.

4. “Under the Influencer” by The Summer Set

Genre: Pop Punk / Emo Rock🎧 Listen on Spotify

Not my usual scene, but the lyrics here are hilarious and sharp. It’s a breakup song dripping with sass, sarcasm, and style. Think early 2000s Warped Tour vibes, but make it clever.

📍 They’re playing Cleveland soon. Will I brave the Beachland again? Maybe…

5. “Squeeze” by The Bites

Genre: Glam Rock / Hard Rock🎧 Listen on Spotify

The Bites are back with “Squeeze,” the title track off their upcoming July album release. Think Sunset Strip rock ‘n roll, but modern and full of energy. Their last single “Do Me a Favor” was a hit for me, and this one? Same electric joy.

🎉 Get excited—this might be the most fun rock band in 2023.

🙌 Thanks for Listening

As always, thank you for being here, sharing the show, and building this little music-loving community. Hit subscribe, tell a friend, and don’t forget:

Episode 11 Recap