🎙️ Songs That Don’t Suck – Episode 45

🧠 The Beatles, The Rock Hall, and the Future of Rock (Also, TLC. Trust Us.)

Let’s get one thing straight: music nostalgia and discovery aren’t mutually exclusive. In this week’s episode, Mark bridges the gap between tech-fueled resurrection (The Beatles’ AI-powered single), Rock Hall frustrations, and gritty new tracks that keep rock’s spirit alive.

Whether you’re an album purist, AI skeptic, or just here for killer new tracks, this episode is for you.

🎹 New Beatles Song: “Now and Then” – Powered by AI

It finally happened. The Beatles released what is likely their last new song.

• Demo cassette from Yoko to Paul in the ‘90s
• AI isolated Lennon’s vocals & piano
• Guitar/vocal work from George Harrison (recorded during “Free as a Bird” sessions)

🎧 Verdict? Not a top-tier Beatles track, but a beautifully preserved artifact.
🧠 Geek bonus: Rick Beato did a great breakdown of the tech process. Check it out.

🎸 Rock Hall Induction: Random Thoughts & Rants

• Bernie Taupin: Should’ve been in with Elton in ‘94. Finally got his due.
• Sheryl Crow: Just…legend.
• Jimmy Page: Performed “Rumble” live for the first time in a decade 🔥
• Willie Nelson: Rocking at ninety.
• RATM: Mixed feelings on being inducted, but Tom Morello nailed the speech.
• The real issue? The name. It’s time to call it what it is: The Music Hall of Fame.

🎭 Brain-Bending Cover:

“Waterfalls” – Blues Traveler feat. Train & Deysha McBride

Yes, that “Waterfalls.”

• Blues Traveler brings funk & harmonica soul
• Train adds vocals (hey, they’ve improved since ‘99 😅)
• Deysha McBride’s rap section is 🔥

An unexpected update to a hip hop classic that works shockingly well.

📀 Albums Worth Spinning

🎸 Can’t Find the Breaks – Dirty Honey

• Bluesy, gritty, classic rock energy
• “Rebel Sun” = must-hear
• Worth a full album listen. Yes, really.

🎤 Pretty Vicious – The Struts

• Glam, swagger, and nods to INXS
• Album #4 is their strongest yet
• Another win for #AlbumRock

🔥 New Songs That Don’t Suck – Week 45

1. “Mother Nature” – MGMT

MGMT reinvents itself.

• No more synth-heavy haze
• Beatles-style harmonies + psychedelic guitar outro
• Unexpectedly cohesive and catchy

If Sgt. Pepper’s went indie pop, it might sound like this.

2. “Lean Into It” – Wayside

Grunge meets emo with a post-rock twist.

• “Lazy” Kurt Cobain-style vocal delivery
• Bursts of emotional energy in the chorus
• Extended solo jam outro (rare these days!)

A sonic time capsule that still feels fresh.

3. “You’re the One” – The Thing

Garage-rock rawness with serious Kinks vibes.

• Lo-fi production charm
• Catchy, unpretentious rock
• But please, someone fix their SEO 😅

4. “Looking Good” – Jamie Webster

What if The Commitments had a 2023 sequel?

• Brass, groove, and a gritty UK vocal
• Infectious and theatrical
• Blues-soul-pop fusion that works

One of the most distinct tracks in recent episodes.

🔊 Listen to the Episode

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🎵 Stream Episode 45 now on SongsThatDontSuck.net

🎶 Outro

Only five episodes left in 2023—and Mark’s planning something special for the year-end wrap-up. Stay tuned.

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📩 Send your song recs or rant-worthy thoughts!

🧠 Until next week, keep searching for—and listening to—songs that don’t suck.