PODCAST · music
Songs That Don't Suck
by Mark
"Songs That Don't Suck" is a podcast hosted by an aging GenXer who scours through hundreds of newly released songs each week, seeking fresh artists and sounds to avoid replaying the hits of his youth. Covering all genres including folk, rock, pop, indie, alternative, heavy metal, and more! This dedicated music enthusiast navigates through the overwhelming daily deluge of 100,000 new songs, separating the gems from the noise. Tune in weekly to discover standout tracks as Mark unearths the best of the best from the streaming platforms' vast and varied offerings. Looking for music releases that aren't on mainstream radar? Welcome!
Episodes
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Record Profits, Empty Pockets, and 5 Songs That Don't Suck
The RIAA says the music industry pulled in $6 billion this year. So why are musicians filing bankruptcy and orchestras voting to strike? Plus five new songs worth your time including Ghost Funk Orchestra, Brian Fallon, and more! Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s...
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The Badge That Doesn't Ask the Right Question
Spotify's new "AI Persona" badge claims to bring transparency to AI music, but does it actually solve anything? Plus four new songs worth your ears. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs, join the Patreon (it’s Free), and more. Be sure and like, review, and...
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Two Arenas, One Weekend, Zero Regrets
Mark hits two sold-out Detroit arenas in one weekend — Rush and Ed Sheeran back to back — then digs deep for four songs that still don't suck this week.
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AI Vinyl Is the Dumbest Idea in Music Right Now
Mark torches Suno's AI vinyl scheme, then serves up five real songs worth your time from Squirrel Flower's Cleveland ode to Blondshell's vocal range flex. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs, join the Patreon (it’s Free), and more. Be sure and like, review…
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Old Person Prom and 5 Songs That Don't Suck
Foo Fighters played a three-hour marathon in Cleveland, a Prince tribute band turned into old person prom, and five new songs deserve your ears this week. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs, join the Patreon (it’s Free), and more. Be sure and like, review…
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Seventy-Three Years, Broken! Oh yeah, and 5 Songs That Don't Suck
It took "I Believe" 73 years to lose its UK chart record. Here's why "Rein Me In" finally did it, plus five new tracks worth your ears this week. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs, join the Patreon (it’s Free), and more. Be sure and like, review, and…
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Cover Bands vs. Tribute Acts: Where I Draw the Line
A confession about hating cover bands, a cruise-ship Beatles tribute band that changed the argument, and six new songs worth your ears this week. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs, join the Patreon (it’s Free), and more. Be sure and like, review, and…
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The Science of Earworms & Hidden Gems From the Vault
Discover the fascinating science behind earworms (Involuntary Musical Imagery) and explore five "from the vault" track recommendations that will get stuck in your head for all the right reasons. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs, join the Patreon (it’s…
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Brain Bending Covers That (Actually) Don't Suck
~Episode 179~ Explore the wild history of cover songs, from 1950s "covers" to modern "Brain Bending" masterpieces! Plus, we breakdown 5 must-hear covers by Dirty Honey, Cake, Anthrax, and more. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs, join the Patreon (it’s Free),...
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When Your Favorite Band Calls It Quits
~Episode 178~ The Wild Feathers' hiatus has this longtime fan reflecting on band breakups, loyalty, and letting go, plus five new songs worth your time this week. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs, join the Patreon (it’s Free), and more. Be sure and like,...
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Top 10 of the First Half of 2026
~Episode 177~ The top 10 songs from the first half of 2026 ranked by gut and listening data. Indie rock, swampy grooves, and a few artists you genuinely need to know about. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs, join the Patreon (it’s Free), and more. Be sure…
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Raise Your Hand If You Can Play
~Episode 176~ A 21-year-old politics major sat in with a professional orchestra on a whim. This episode is about what happens when musicians stay ready — and one pop-operatic, and three bands keeping the grunge flame burning. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s…
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The Last DJ
~Episode 175~ The DJ who broke Rush to America isn't a legend, she's a lesson. How local radio DJs shaped music discovery, and why their disappearance matters. We've also got new music from Michigander, Tough Cookie, and more! Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s...
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The Rock Hall Can Go “Eat It” and 5 new songs that don't suck
~Episode 174~ Weird Al Yankovic has sold 12 million albums, won 5 Grammys, and debuted at #1. The Rock Hall has never once nominated him. This week, we make the case. Plus, we have new music from Des Rocks, DMAs and more! Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs,...
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The Third Wheel Theory on Rush and 5 Songs That Don't Suck
~Episode 173~ Rush was always Geddy and Alex's band from the friendship, to the music, to the legacy... and of course five songs this week that hit just as hard as the argument. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs, join the Patreon (it’s Free), and more. Be…
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Licensed to Steal; More AI Where it Doesn't Belong
~Episode 172~ The RIAA sued a 12-year-old for downloading Avril Lavigne. Now Spotify wants you to pay extra to remix Paul Simon with AI. Some things never change... at least we found a few great human-created songs this week! Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s…
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Blue Dot Fever and the Revenge of the $25 Concert Ticket
~Episode 171~ Stadium tours are crashing hard from "Blue Dot Fever." Mark breaks down why corporate greed is emptying arenas and why the independent club scene is winning this summer... and of course, new tracks for your listening ears. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this...
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Did the Music Industry Kill the Album, or Did We? (Plus 5 New Songs That Don't Suck)
~Episode 170~ Is the album actually dead, or did the music industry just stop trusting us? Mark dives into the corporate streaming rollout vs. the Lemon Twigs, plus fresh tracks from Anthrax, Arcy Drive, and more. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs, join the...
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50 Years of the Beast, an Alternate Beatles Reality, and Bollywood Gangster Rap
~ Episode 169~ Mark returns from a San Diego work trip with a new tattoo and a "travel crud" to review the Iron Maiden documentary Burning Ambition. Plus, a look at a "new" Beatles track and this week's best indie finds. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs…
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Live Albums That Don’t Suck: 5 Legendary Concert Releases That Still Hit Hard
Discover five live albums that don’t suck from Rush and Iron Maiden to Peter Gabriel and Tesla. ark shares the best live recordings that capture energy without the crowd noise chaos. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs, join the Patreon (it’s Free), and more.…
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Resurrecting the CD: High-Fidelity Nostalgia and This Week’s Best New Tracks
~Episode 167~ Mark explores the Brennan B3 audio jukebox, a "graduation gift" that’s reviving his massive CD collection. Plus, new music reviews featuring Culture Wars, Fantastic Cat, Dylan Santiago, and Man/Woman/Chainsaw. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs,...
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The 2026 Rock Hall Results: Snubs, Surprises, and a Wu-Tang Takeover
~Episode 166~ Mark and Seymour break down the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, from the Oasis "pissing match" to Mariah Carey’s surprising snub. Plus, five new songs from Plini, Tigercub, and more that you need to hear. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s...
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The Nostalgia Spectrum - From Rush’s Tribute Tour to the Stones’ Secret Society
~Episode 165~ Explore the 2026 reunion circuit as we dive into the "Reunion Industrial Complex." From Rush’s heartfelt tribute to the Rolling Stones' cryptic marketing, discover why nostalgia is a spectrum and check out five fresh indie tracks you need to hear. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck...
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Who Murdered the Power Ballad? (And 5 Songs That Don’t Suck)
~Episode 164~ Explore the rise, fall, and "murder" of the power ballad with Mark on Episode 164 of Songs That Don’t Suck. Plus, discover five new tracks from Fred Waves, Stanley Simmons, Julez and the Rollers, and more! Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs…
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Symphonies That Don't Suck: When Classical Music Goes Full Metal
Ever thought classical music was just for nap time? Think again. We’re diving into "Symphonies That Don’t Suck," featuring head-banging Shostakovich, riots in Paris, and the mechanical chaos of John Adams. Strap in for a wild ride through the metal side of the orchestra! Head to the Songs That...
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Friction Over Shortcuts: Why AI Can’t Replace the Garage Band
~Episode 162~ Discover why human imperfection beats AI "slop" in music. Mark dives into the controversy of AI-generated tracks, the "Fortnite" comparison, and reviews 5 must-hear songs from The Sheepdogs, Angine de Poitrine, Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s…
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The Death of the Middle-Class Musician & 5 Songs That Don't Suck
~Episode 161~ Dive into the reality of Spotify's Loud and Clear report, the "infinite shelf" myth, and 5 fresh tracks from Marc Valentine, Michael Stipe, and more that actually deserve your ears. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs, join the Patreon (it’s…
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Folk Legend Live, Kismet Encounters, and 4 Songs That Don't Suck
~Episode 160~ From a "totally f***ing acoustic" set with folk legend Ellis Paul to swampy crooner covers by Barns Courtney, Mark breaks down this week's top tracks and shares a "kismet" encounter with an old friend. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs, join…
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Rock Hall Chaos 2026: Fan Vote Myths, Hot Takes, and Who Actually Gets In
Episode 159 Dive into the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominations with host Mark and guest Seymour. They break down the fan vote math, the 17 nominees, who’s a lock (and who isn’t), plus why the Rock Hall keeps lighting the internet on fire every single year... oh, and after all that, there are…
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The Death of the Unavoidable Anthem (And What Replaced It)
Episode 158 Is music still capable of being “unavoidable” in the streaming era? From Michael Jackson’s MTV dominance to Taylor Swift’s algorithm-powered empire, we explore how monoculture died and what replaced it. Plus, new music from Cardinals, Evermore, Highland Cinema, Alan Doyle, and The...
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Can You Engineer a Music Scene? Huntsville’s Strategy, 90s Nostalgia & 5 Songs That Don’t Suck
Episode 157! Can a city engineer a music scene? This week on Songs That Don’t Suck, Mark dives into Huntsville’s music strategy, questions whether scenes can be optimized, and spotlights killer new tracks from Hollerado, Leith, Big Big Train, Crooked Fingers, and The Other End. Head to the Songs...
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Rock Isn’t Dead, Bands Are: Surviving the Love of the Game
Episode 156 Rock isn’t dead it’s just exhausted. In this episode of Songs That Don’t Suck, Mark reflects on the brutal reality of band life, the slow fade of rock on the charts, and four killer new tracks that prove the genre still has a pulse. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check…
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Why Movies Don’t Make Hit Songs Anymore (And 5 New Tracks That Prove Music Still Rules)
Episode 155 From Dirty Dancing to Barbie, we break down why iconic movie soundtrack hits have disappeared—and spotlight 5 new indie songs that absolutely don’t suck. A deep dive into music, movies, culture, and discovery in the streaming age. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out...
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Perfect Is Boring: Why Imperfect Music Still Hits Harder
Episode 154 Why modern music sounds “perfect” (and why that’s boring). This week on Songs That Don’t Suck, we explore quantization, imperfect tempos, and five standout new songs from The Brook & The Bluff, The Claypool Lennon Delirium, The Band LIGHT, Lime Garden, and Silversun Pickups. Head to…
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F*** AI, Long Live Vinyl: Bandcamp’s Stand, Luminate’s Data, and Songs That Don’t Suck
Episode 153: Bandcamp takes a bold stand against AI music as Luminate’s 2025 data reveals streaming slowdowns, vinyl’s rise, and rock’s resurgence plus five killer new songs that definitely don’t suck. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this week’s songs, join the Patreon…
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Streaming 2.0, Monoculture Myths, and Five Songs That Don’t Suck
A fiery Songs That Don’t Suck episode takes on monoculture, streaming 2.0, and the myth of the music industry’s “golden age,” before spotlighting five standout new tracks from Ellur, Dark Sun, Telander, Puscifier, and The Steel Wheels. Head to the Songs That Don’t Suck website to check out this...
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Season 4 Reset: Beating the "Best-Of"Lists & Finding New Music That Doesn’t Suck
Episode 151 - Season 4 of Songs That Don’t Suck kicks off with host Mark resetting the mission, dunking on media “best of” lists, and spotlighting five killer new tracks—from Dicey Hollow to Tom Morello—that prove great new music is still out there if you know where to look. Head to the Songs…
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The 3rd Annual Don’t Sucky Awards
Celebrate the Songs That Don’t Suck Season 3 finale (Episode 150) with a look back at three years of music discovery, Spotify Wrapped insanity, big podcast growth, “concert church” highlights, and the 2025 Don’t Sucky Awards winners across seven gloriously chaotic categories. To check out this...
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Episode 149: When Christmas Music Got Cool: Nostalgia, New Tracks, and Year-End Vibes
Dive into the holiday spirit as Mark revisits the legacy of A Very Special Christmas and spotlights this week’s four standout tracks from Snocaps, AVTT/PTTN, Van Buren, and The Lone Bellow. A nostalgic, music-packed episode perfect for indie fans and Christmas-playlist builders alike.
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Episode 148: Power Pop, Ticketing Chaos, and Olivia Dean’s Stand Against Scalpers
A power-pop-packed week on Songs That Don’t Suck! Mark breaks down Olivia Dean’s battle against scalpers, the live music ticketing crisis, and five retro-influenced tracks you need to hear right now. Discover Beatles-esque harmonies, indie grooves, and baroque-pop brilliance. To check out this...
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Episode 147: Symphonies, Silicon Ghosts & Songs That Don’t Suck
Dive into this week’s episode of Songs That Don’t Suck as Mark contrasts the soul of human-made music with the rising tidal wave of AI-generated tracks. Plus: four incredible new indie, emo-leaning, and atmospheric songs from Juno Pearl, Spanish Love Songs, Searows, and The Rooks. To check out…
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Episode 146: Uncharted Territory and 5 Songs That Don’t Suck
Dive into this week’s episode of Songs That Don’t Suck, where host Mark Bradbourne geeks out over a new book that fuses music history with deep data—Uncharted Territory by Chris Dalla Riva. Plus, five must-hear new tracks from The Format, The Boondocks, Ugly UK, The Pale White, and Scarhaven.…
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Episode 145: Mixtapes, Not Algorithms: Sequencing Songs That Don’t Suck
This week on Songs That Don’t Suck, Mark dives into the lost art of mixtapes, what made them magical, and contrasts them with today’s algorithm-driven playlists. Plus, four killer tracks from Robert Delong, Tors with Jade Bird, Black Orchid Empire, and Howl Owl Howl. To check out this week’s…
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Episode 144: Stop Reusing That Song! Nostalgia Overload in TV & Film + 5 Tracks That Actually Feel Fresh
On this episode of Songs That Don't Suck, Mark dives into the overuse of nostalgic songs in TV and film, asking when it’s clever versus just lazy. Plus, five killer new tracks you’ve probably never heard — and should. To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website...
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Episode 143: High Fade Live & Fresh Tracks to Wrap the Month
Mark dives into the latest episode of Songs That Don’t Suck, where we deliver a high‑voltage concert review featuring the funk‑rock powerhouse High Fade and the prog‑jam juggernaut Round Trip — plus four freshly released tracks you gotta hear. To check out this week’s songs on your platform of...
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Episode 142: When Metallica Headlines Your Work Conference + 5 Songs That Don’t Suck
This week on Songs That Don’t Suck, host Mark shares an unreal experience: seeing Metallica perform live… at his company’s corporate conference. 🤯 Yes, you read that right. Plus, he unpacks a heavy week of live music and brings us five fresh tracks you need on your radar—from grunge revival to...
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Episode 141: Concert Crisis & Songs That Don’t Suck: Why Indie Venues Are Flatlining While Feeding the Economy
America’s indie venues are powering local economies—and still going broke. This episode of Songs That Don’t Suck breaks down why your favorite small venue is barely hanging on, plus fresh tracks from Spanish Love Songs, Blonde Rose, Joel Tyler King, AIRFLO, and Shua. To check out this week’s…
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Episode 140: Live Vibes from the Bridge City Sinners + Fresh Tracks You Need to Hear
Join host Mark on this week’s episode of Songs That Don’t Suck — from a rollicking Bridge City Sinners concert review to deep dives on fresh tracks by Megadeth, The Utopiates, Twin City, The Clause, and Scarhaven. To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs...
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Episode 139: Spotify’s AI Crackdown & Concert Ticket Outrage + 4 New Tracks You’ll Love
On this week’s Songs That Don’t Suck, Mark rants on Spotify’s AI crackdown, Live Nation’s price gouging, and serves four new tracks you need to hear — from Wednesday to Tom Corscadden To check out this week’s songs on your platform of choice head to the website Songs That Don’t Suck Connect with...
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Episode 138: The Lost Art of Listening: Alone with the Music
This week on Songs That Don't Suck, Mark reflects on the lost art of truly listening to music—alone, undistracted, and emotionally immersed. Plus, he dives into five killer new tracks you need to hear now from Roxferry, RAGEFLOWER, YungBlood + Aerosmith and More! To check out this week’s songs on...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
"Songs That Don't Suck" is a podcast hosted by an aging GenXer who scours through hundreds of newly released songs each week, seeking fresh artists and sounds to avoid replaying the hits of his youth. Covering all genres including folk, rock, pop, indie, alternative, heavy metal, and more! This dedicated music enthusiast navigates through the overwhelming daily deluge of 100,000 new songs, separating the gems from the noise. Tune in weekly to discover standout tracks as Mark unearths the best of the best from the streaming platforms' vast and varied offerings. Looking for music releases that aren't on mainstream radar? Welcome!
HOSTED BY
Mark
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Songs That Don't Suck have?
Songs That Don't Suck currently has 192 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Songs That Don't Suck about?
"Songs That Don't Suck" is a podcast hosted by an aging GenXer who scours through hundreds of newly released songs each week, seeking fresh artists and sounds to avoid replaying the hits of his youth. Covering all genres including folk, rock, pop, indie, alternative, heavy metal, and more! This...
How often does Songs That Don't Suck release new episodes?
Songs That Don't Suck publishes regularly with 192 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Songs That Don't Suck?
You can listen to Songs That Don't Suck on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Songs That Don't Suck?
Songs That Don't Suck is created and hosted by Mark.
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