🎙️ Songs That Don’t Autopsy: Inside the Mind of a Musical Curator
This week’s Songs That Don’t Suck is unlike any other. It’s a simulcast episode with the fellas from Rock and Roll Autopsy — Scott and Rico — who sit down with host Mark Bradbourne for a full-on, music-nerd roundtable. Think of it as a podcast episode about making podcast episodes… but with more riffs, arguments, and popcorn. 🍿
🎤 A Curator’s Confession: Mark’s Process Unveiled
Mark dives deep into the inner workings of Songs That Don’t Suck, offering listeners a candid look into how he combs through 500+ songs every week (😱) in search of the 1% that actually slap. From Friday-morning binge-listens to falling asleep on planes only to be awakened by a killer track — Mark’s process is as obsessive as it is inspiring.
💡 Key Takeaways:
- Uses Spotify as his base (but occasionally gets Bandcamp links from indie artists).
- Listens in “active” and “passive” modes — even subconscious listening has value.
- Makes quick decisions: 30 seconds to impress, 10 seconds if it’s garbage.
- Covers genres from metal to folk, rock to country — genre-agnostic and proud.
💬 The Debate: New Music vs. Nostalgia
Scott and Rico ask the hard question: Is the hunt for new music even worth it when you already love your classic favorites? Mark’s answer is nuanced:
“You don’t have to toss your old vinyl — just add to it.”
🎶 Whether you’re a Kiss die-hard or a prog-rock scholar, Mark argues that finding new tracks to love — even from the past — is essential for keeping your musical soul alive. The podcast even entertains the idea of an “Old Songs That Don’t Suck” spinoff. 👀
🎧 What Makes a Song “Not Suck”?
Mark’s holy trinity of great music:
- 🎼 Lyricism — Lyrics that punch you in the gut or hug your heart.
- 🥁 Musical Complexity — He’s a sucker for odd time signatures and Dream Theater-level intricacy.
- ❤️ Passion — Whether it’s a three-chord garage jam or a prog epic, passion is non-negotiable.
From Beyoncé criticism to Latin music challenges, Mark explains that it’s not about genre, it’s about connection. And if a song can make you feel — whether in English or Spanish — it has potential.
📌 Standout Moment from the Episode:
“I fell asleep on a plane, and a song was so good it woke me up. I don’t remember the track, but it made the podcast.”
Talk about an ear for talent. 🎧💥
🎯 Why It Matters
In an era where algorithms often lead us astray, a human touch — someone willing to wade through a sonic ocean — is more necessary than ever. Mark isn’t just your host. He’s your musical lighthouse 🗼 guiding you through the fog of mediocrity to the shores of sound that truly matters.
