Folk Legend Live, Kismet Encounters, and 4 Songs That Don’t Suck
What’s up, friend? Welcome back to Songs That Don’t Suck, the podcast where hundreds of tracks enter the ring, but only the elite survive the final cut. After last week’s marathon episode, we’re keeping things lean, mean, and musically supreme.
🎤 An Evening with Ellis Paul
This week started with a trip to the “church” of folk music to see the legendary Ellis Paul at the Beachland Tavern. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, you likely know his hit “The World Ain’t Slowing Down” from the Jim Carrey flick Me, Myself and Irene. +2
Ellis is a true troubadour who’s been at it for 35 years with 19 albums under his belt. While I was a little bummed he skipped some of my personal favorites, his performance was masterclass. The highlight? He went TFA (Totally Fucking Acoustic), stepping into the middle of the intimate, 40-person crowd to sing unplugged.
My favorite track from the set was “What Could a Horse Do”: A moving song written for a nonprofit about a veteran finding peace through horse therapy.
Kismet Alert! 🍻 While waiting for the show, I ran into my old friend Chris Nickvinda. We used to play together in Lost in America, and he’s back in Cleveland recording again. Don’t be surprised if you hear some of my percussion work on his upcoming tracks!
💿 This Week’s Final Cut: 4 Tracks You Need
1. Barns Courtney – “Green Door”
Barns is back, but not how you’d expect. This is a cover of a 1956 Jim Lowe crooner pop song, but Barns gives it a “swampy,” pained wail that feels like a mystery unfolding in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Think Robert Plant vibes with a dash of voodoo.
See him live: Barns is doing a solo acoustic tour and hitting the Grog Shop in Cleveland next month.
2. Baby Nova – “Ain’t It Such a Bitch”
This track is a “big dose of fuck you” served in a high-reverb room. It’s got massive drums, a nice string arrangement (likely keys), and a “pseudo-bridge” that overlays beautifully with the final chorus. It’s the ultimate “I’m doing better without you” anthem.
3. Pacific Avenue – “Tell Me It Ain’t Over”
Making their return to the pod (last seen in Episode 51), Pacific Avenue delivers a “solid in the pocket” pop-rock banger. It features an active bassline and—bless them—an actual, authentic guitar solo. This is going straight to the “windows down” summer driving playlist.
4. Ace of Wands – “Uncanny”
If you like music that sits comfortably on the “fringe,” this is for you. Led by Lee Rose, this group blends violin and guitar with a killer, complex drum groove. Lee even plays bass synth pedals with her feet while performing! I might have to hop the border to Canada just to see this live.
🚀 What’s Next?
Which of these tracks hit home for you? Go out and support these artists!
