đïž Vinyl, Slash, and Songs That Actually Donât Suck
Welcome back, music explorers. Mark Bradbourne here, and in Episode 60 of Songs That Donât Suck, weâre digging into vinyl nostalgia, blues legends, and fresh finds from some artists you need on your radar. But first, a trip down memory laneâŠ
đïž A New Era of Old Vinyl
What do Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd, and the Singles soundtrack have in common? They now live in Mark’s new vinyl collectionâresurrected thanks to a $99 turntable find and a wave of nostalgia stronger than a Slash guitar solo. If you’re near Fairlawn, Ohio, Hollowbone Records is the spot to start (or restart) your record collection. No judgmentsâjust great music.
đ§ This Weekâs 5 Songs That Donât Suck
1. Killing Floor â Slash feat. Brian Johnson & Steven Tyler
- đ„ Blues. But with edge.
- From Slashâs upcoming May 2024 blues album, Orgy of the Damned, this cover of Howlinâ Wolfâs classic brings an all-star power trio into the mix.
- Brian Johnson’s vocals? Surprisingly soulful.
- Steven Tylerâs harmonica? đ„
- Slashâs guitar solo? Say less.
đ Bonus: Keep your ears out for Slashâs track with Demi Lovato covering Papa Was a Rolling Stone.
2. This Is Nowhere â The Black Keys
- đ Akronâs finest return to their fuzzy, groove-heavy roots.
- With synth sweeps and thick bass tones, this track walks a tightrope between grungey garage and vintage soul.
- Another killer entry in the bandâs bulletproof discography.
3. Please Advise â Sapphire Sun
- đ§ Grunge meets dreamy alt-pop with some prog sprinkled in.
- Think: Alice in Chains meets a more melodic side of the 2020s.
- From the LP Dreamboat to Nowhereâevery track is a stylistic swing that somehow lands perfectly.
đ§ Recommended spins:
- Velvet Tile â Acoustic beauty with haunting vibes
- I Hear Your Call â Funky and unexpected
4. Love of a Girl â The Avett Brothers
- đȘ Folk-punk is real and it lives here.
- This track swings with Subterranean Homesick Blues energy but adds edge and Americana warmth.
- Pacing changes between verse and chorus keep it fresh, fun, and unpredictable.
5. Pretender â Bennett Coast
- đ Early Coldplay vibes, but with a twist.
- Gorgeous falsetto, a flowing melodic line, and emotional songwriting make this a standout.
- If Yellow and Ghost Stories had a Gen Z baby, this might be it.
đïž Note: Other Bennett Coast tracks feel more exploratory, but âPretenderâ is the one to start with.
đŒïž …and I quote…
âBrian Johnson missed his calling as a blues singerâthis man is channeling Tom Jones and Howlinâ Wolf in the same breath.â
âMark Bradbourne, Ep. 60
Until next weekâŠ
Keep searching for and listening to songs that donât suck. đ¶
