When Metallica Headlines Your Work Conference | Songs That Don’t Suck
This week on Songs That Don’t Suck, host Mark shares an unreal experience: seeing Metallica perform live… at his company’s corporate conference. 🤯 Yes, you read that right. Plus, he unpacks a heavy week of live music and brings us five fresh tracks you need on your radar—from grunge revival to Americana gems.
🤘 A Corporate Gig for the Ages: Metallica Melts Faces
Mark’s teenage dreams collided with his 9-to-5 when Metallica hit the stage at his company’s annual customer conference. Yes, that Metallica. The crowd? Corporate badges. The vibe? Pure metal mayhem.
Setlist Highlights:
- Creeping Death
- For Whom The Bell Tolls
- Fuel
- Nothing Else Matters
- Enter Sandman
A buddy joined Mark in the third row, and together they soaked in an intimate, high-octane show from legends who once would’ve laughed at the idea of a “corporate gig.”
And yes, Benson Boone was also playing. But, uh… there was no contest.
🎶 Other Shows Worth Shouting Out
Four shows in eight days? Mark isn’t slowing down. Alongside Metallica, he also caught:
- Johnnyswim – Awesome
- Carbon Leaf – Amazing
- Dream Theater — with James LaBrie sounding better than ever. Mark notes that after decades of hit-or-miss performances, LaBrie’s vocals are finally back in top form.
🆕 New Songs That Don’t Suck
1️⃣ “Wait for You” – Dark Sun
There’s a New Grunge movement brewing, and Dark Sun is leading the charge. Channeling Alice in Chains energy with a modern twist, “Wait for You” brings harmony-laced heaviness without losing its edge. 🎸
📝 RIYL: Layne Staley, early ‘90s Seattle vibes
2️⃣ “Cold at Night” – The Mountain Goats
John Darnielle returns with a percussive, slow-burning masterpiece. “Cold at Night” builds tension without ever fully exploding, layered with flutes, strings, and mind-bending composition.
📝 RIYL: Experimental folk, lyrical genius
3️⃣ “Blood and Custard” – MIRADOR
Southern-fried riffs meet arena-ready hooks in this classic rock revival anthem. Think Allman Brothers with a post-modern polish. Mark’s heart is full of hope for real rock’s return. 🤠🎸
📝 RIYL: Southern Rock, modern riff lords
4️⃣ “Re; Valentine’s Day” – Hotel Mira
Returning to the pod for the 4th time, Hotel Mira delivers another energetic banger. Think The Killers meets Neon Treeswith a splash of glam.
📝 RIYL: Indie dance rock, unapologetic attitude
5️⃣ “Waiting Around to Provide” – Florry
A heartfelt pick from listener Clayton, this one blends Dylan-esque vocals, harmonica soul, and alt-country warmth. It’s what Mark needed most this week—and maybe what your soul needs too. 🌾🎶
📝 RIYL: Dawes, Ryan Adams, Uncle Tupelo
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