Rock 'n' Roll Grad School

You could say, oops, we did it again.

This time we're starting a new music show, "Tribute- A Tribute to Tributes." Each episode, we'll break down and talk through another tribute record and decide whether it's worth listening (or re-listening) to. Here's our first episode, all about the Carpenters tribute record, "If I Were A Carpenter."

Did you know that The Professional Production Company makes other podcasts? We sure do. This week, have a listen to a music-themed episode of Famous Last Words, a study of the final words of some of the most fascinating people in history.

The legend of Johnny Ace is unforgettable. A singer with an incredible voice, cut down in his prime, in the interest of making life on the road a little more exciting.

For a full transcript and credits, check out our website. You can also follow us on Facebook and on Instagram.

Famous Last Words is a proud partner of the Darkcast Network

This week we sit down with Monte Mallin, the host and moderator of the Sparks: Entertainment and Art podcast and Facebook page.

We discuss the beauty and art that is the Mael brothers and their popular group, Sparks. You can watch Sparks: Entertainment and Art on their YouTube page and you can send a request to join the Facebook group.

You may remember seeing Kevin Sonny Gullage on American Idol a few seasons ago. But Sonny has grown and evolved since then. His new record is one of the first records on the rebooted classic blues label Blind Pig. What other endorsement do you really need? Go Be Free is available wherever you get your music on August 23rd.

Maybe you're closed minded and don't think cellos and the music of Metallica go together. Well, the folks who make up Apocalyptica, the all-cello quartet who first came to fame with their all-Metallica covers album are back at it with their newest release- a vol. 2 of Metallica songs. And this time they're even joined on one track by bassist Robert Trujillo.

For more information and to order your copy of "Apocalyptica Plays Metallica Vol. 2," check out their website. Or you can follow them on Facebook.

What can you say about DownTown Mystic other than there music is straight ahead, fun rock music. And what better way to kick off the holiday weekend than with their new album, "Rock n' Roll 4 Soul?"

For more information, you can visit their website or you can follow them on Facebook.

Plus, we talk about the Outlaw Country Tour.

Marillion is one of the important bands in prog-rock and, they prove it yet again with their latest live album, An Hour Before It's Dark. Recorded at the band's annual weekend, the record shows the band at the peak of their power. We talked with keyboardist Mark Kelly about the making of setlists, the joys of performing live and whether or not he ever got to play the organ at the Royal Albert Hall.

For more information or to order the record, you can check out the band's website and you can follow them on Facebook.

If you're looking for quality songwriting with impassioned singing and guitar playing, look no further than Joanne Shaw Taylor. Her most recent record, Heavy Soul, is available now. For more information you can check out her website, or follow her on Facebook.

You may not have heard of Noel, but if you listen to this show, you've definitely heard us sing the praises of two people who wrote and produced a record for her.

Ron and Russell Mael from Sparks made "Is There More To Life Than Dancing?" for Noel shortly after completing their "No. 1 Song in Heaven" album.

Noel's record is more of the same great dance music. (Good luck getting "Dancing is Dangerous" out of your head after you hear it.) Thankfully, the record is now available again on both CD and vinyl AND it's got bonus tracks.

We talked with the rather private Noel about the whole experience and so much more in this fascinating interview.

"Is There More To Life Than Dancing?" is available right now wherever you get your music, and you can order directly from the Sparks website as well.

If you’re looking for some good rock music, look no further than Robert Jon and the Wreck. Their newest record, “Red Moon Rising,” is out now. It’s a fun record that promises an exciting live show.

For more information and to find out when they are playing near you, check out their website and follow them on Facebook.

Plus, we see the Surfrajettes live and the Wilson sisters are not fighting. So, everyone wins!