🎙️ Songs That Don’t Suck — Episode 64
Grunge memories, headphone-worthy new tracks, and the year’s first 10/10 song?
🖤 30 Years After Grunge Lost Its King
This week, Mark opens the show with a heartfelt reflection on the moment he—and the world—learned of Kurt Cobain’s death.
From sitting in a college apartment watching MTV News to diving deep into bootlegs and the impact of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden, this intro is part history lesson, part therapy session.
“It’s crazy to think we might never again see a musical movement as seismic as grunge. The scene is just too fragmented now.”
Kurt, Layne, Shannon, Chris, Scott… their ghosts still echo through the speakers of everyone who lived that moment. 🕯️
🎧 This Week’s Songs That Don’t Suck
1. “Alpharetta” – Local Natives
🌀 A calming, ethereal headphone journey
- Subtle guitar FX with a “liquid” quality
- Harmonies that gently build as the track fills out
- Best enjoyed in headphones—great stereo panning
🎧 If you like Band of Horses, Real Estate, or Lord Huron, check this one out.
2. “The Borderline” – The Coltons
🎤 Manchester DNA meets modern rock edge
- Echoes of Oasis in the chorus
- Classic UK rock tone with tight pre-chorus hooks
- Opens with a speaker-pan trick that hits hard
🛠️ Keep an eye on this band—they’re still early in their journey.
3. “Fingernail” – Porno for Pyros
🔮 Trippy alt-rock layered in existential metaphor
- Perry Farrell returns with a slow-burning track that grows on you
- Lyrically rich metaphor comparing life to the speed of nail growth
- Not immediate—but worthy of repeat listens
🎙️ Think: Jane’s Addiction if it went full dreamstate.
4. “Take Me to the Moon” – lovelytheband
🚀 Vocal hooks and groovy basslines for days
- Tight rhythm section—drums + bass hit that feel-good pocket
- Catchy, melodic vocal layering in pre-chorus and chorus
- Very different vibe than their hit Broken, but just as satisfying
💡 Great addition to your alt-pop playlist.
5. “In Montreal” – Kaia Kater ft. Allison Russell
🏆 Mark’s first 10/10 of the year
“This might be my favorite song I’ve found this year. It is flawless. I have no notes. 10 out of 10.”
- Banjo + strings = a hypnotic blend of folk and rhythm
- Sultry, airy vocals from Kaia
- Lyrically poetic, rhythmically rich, and emotionally resonant
- Allison Russell’s guest presence elevates the track into something transcendent
🎧 This is a must-hear. No, seriously. Stop what you’re doing.
🖼️ …and I quote…
“The shine that is the brightest sometimes burns out the fastest.”
—Mark Bradbourne, Ep. 64
🎸 Discover even more music that doesn’t suck at SongsThatDontSuck.net
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💌 Got a song tip or artist submission? Slide into the DMs or email the show!
Until next week… keep searching for and listening to songs that don’t suck. 🎵
