🎧 Songs That Don’t Suck – Episode 41: From Symphonic Soundscapes to Indie Gems
🎼 A Different Kind of Debut: Symphonic Music Enters the Chat
This week, Mark takes a detour from the usual rock and alt scene to highlight something a little more… orchestral. 🎻
He attended a world premiere of a new piece titled “Uplift We Rise Together” by composer Kevin Day, performed by the University of Akron Wind Symphony. The composition was commissioned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma—honorary music organizations dedicated to college bands.
“It was breathtaking. A wall of sound, no amps—just 40+ musicians locked in.”
💡 If you’ve never attended a live orchestra or symphonic performance, consider this your nudge. Metal and prog fans especially—you’ll find some familiar DNA in there.
🎙️ Brain-Bending Cover of the Week
🎵 “You Don’t Own Me” – Deep Sea Diver
(Originally by Leslie Gore)
This 2019 version keeps the song’s defiant spirit but drapes it in moody synths and modern texture.
- 🧊 Underwater synths
- 🎤 Gritty, empowered vocals
- 🎸 Dissonant guitar solo to close it out with an art-rock flourish
“It’s got more attitude, more edge, and it ends in a gloriously messy way.”
And while you’re at it, check out Aretha Franklin’s version of Eleanor Rigby—a cover Mark originally had queued up. (Trust us, it’s worth the detour.)
🆕 New Music That Doesn’t Suck – Week of October 7, 2023
This week’s picks span complex composition, 90s earworms, classic blues structure, and minimalist beauty. As always, Mark does the digging so you don’t have to 🎧
🏃 1. “Running Start” – Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan returns with another orchestral indie masterpiece. The song is deceptively simple on first listen—but it’s hiding some very nerdy time signature sorcery.
🧠 “It took me six listens to realize it’s in five. But he writes it in a way that feels like four.”
Fans of unconventional songcraft: this is your jam.
🎸 2. “Walking on Ice” – Last Dinosaurs
Mark almost cut this one—but it kept haunting his inner monologue, which earned it a slot.
“It wormed into my brain with this Weezer-meets-Beach-Boys harmony thing.”
🎧 Poll Time!
Mark wants your vote: Would you have kept this one in the episode? Spotify listeners—check out the poll on the episode page and weigh in!
🔥 3. “Light Rail Blues (Heart Attack)” – Deadbeat Cousins
Classic blues moves meet a killer riff that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Think Jack White and The Black Keys, but with a fresh coat of distortion.
“Play the riff. Drop out. Let the drums carry the verse. Bring it back. Magic.”
Simple, effective, and timeless blues rock structure.
🌧️ 4. “Pocket Full of Rain” – The Paper Kites
Stripped-down and raw, this song hits with emotional resonance. Mark breaks his no-repeat-artist rule for good reason—this track is a vibe reset.
- 🎙️ Stunning vocal harmonies
- 🎸 Minimal instrumentation + tasteful slide guitar
- 🧘♂️ Best enjoyed with headphones, eyes closed
“It’s a songwriter’s song. A headphone gem.”
🎤 And as always:
“Thanks for listening. And until next week, keep searching for and listening to… songs that don’t suck.” 🎶
