Tunesmate's Podcast

Van Halen's 5150 - Episode 113

Join Ray and Marc as Tunesmate takes a ride back to 1986 to celebrate the release of 5150 by Van Halen. The album was a turning point for the band after David Lee Roth left and Sammy Hagar took over lead vocals. Do you remember where you were when you first heard it? The album features tracks like Why Can't This Be Love, Dreams, Best of Both Worlds, and Love Walks In. Sammy brought a new energy, and fans still debate to this day who is the best lead singer. Eddie Van Halen continued to explore keyboards after his success on 1984 and still delivered iconic guitar riffs. Alex Van Halen and Mike Anthony provided a steady rhythm section that supported this new Van Halen sound, commonly called Van Hagar. Wherever you land, it’s hard to deny that this album left a lasting mark on rock history.

Woodstock 1969 Rock Hall Snubbed Inductees - Episode 112

In episode #112 of the Tunesmate podcast, Ray and Marc investigate the 1969 Woodstock music festival and put your rock history knowledge to the test. Can you guess how many out of the 29 artists who performed at the 3-day event still haven’t been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Tune in as we count them down, debate the biggest snubs, and explore why they deserve to earn a place in rock history. Find out that folk pioneers like Richie Havens and Arlo Guthrie to blues rock artists like Johnny Winter and Canned Heat, and many other Woodstock performers remain outside the Hall.

The Long & Winding Phone - Episode 111

In this episode, check out a conversation with author Helen Marketti about her book The Long & Winding Phone. The book features interviews with people who were close to The Beatles, including discussions with Julian Lennon, Pete Best, Pattie Boyd, and May Pang. The Beatles legend seems to be stronger than ever, and this book delivers an intriguing backstory. Whether you're a Beatles fan or just love music, this book is a great read.
 

Goodbye MTV - Episode 110

In this episode of Tunesmate, join Ray and Marc as they say goodbye to MTV. The groundbreaking cable music television channel launched on August 1, 1981, and signed off on December 31, 2025 playing the same video "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the Buggles. Take a moment to reflect back on when you first watched MTV and pay tribute to the station that forever changed the way we experienced music.

Stew Cutler Returns - Episode 109

Join Ray and Marc as they welcome back bluesman guitarist and composer Stew Cutler to talk about his new album Undercover (Mostly). Cutler’s eighth studio recording is scheduled to be released on February 6, 2026, and features seven covers and two originals. Seven tunes are completely instrumental, while the other two feature Bobby Harden on vocals. Listen to the episode to discover how this musician created his latest release with his friends and what it takes to make a collection of cover songs.
 
 

2025 Music Rewind – Episode 108

Join Ray and Marc as they count down the top tunes from 2025.  What made your top five song list from the year? Demon Hunters, Chappell Roan, Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, SZA, Ariana Grande, and Alex Warren all made an impact. Reflect on the year in music and hear what will be remembered with Tunesmate.

"All I Want for Christmas is You" - Episode 107

In this episode, join Ray and Marc as they discuss Mariah Carey's record-breaking #1 song "All I Want for Christmas is You". After years of being considered just a holiday song, Mariah's tune has reappeared each year at the top of Billboard's chart to become the #1 song of all-time. Tune-in to find out the impact that this holiday classic will have on music history and why it matters going forward. 

Rock Hall 2025 Inductees - Episode 106

In this episode, Ray and Marc break down the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class, celebrating performers Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Cyndi Lauper, Joe Cocker, OutKast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes. Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon are also recognized for their groundbreaking influence. Additional honors include Musical Excellence Awards for Carol Kaye, Nicky Hopkins, and Thom Bell, along with the Ahmet Ertegun Award presented to legendary industry executive Lenny Waronker. Tune in as they explore the lasting cultural impact this diverse and influential class has had on the world of music.

Ace Frehley Tribute - Episode 105

In this episode, Tunesmate celebrates guitarist, singer, and producer Ace Frehley, also known as the Spaceman, whose sound helped launch Kiss into rock and roll history. From his unmistakable riffs to his larger-than-life persona, Ace’s influence has shaped generations of guitarists and fans alike.
Join Ray and Marc as they honor Ace Frehley’s storied career with a special Top 5 countdown of his greatest tracks. Explore classics like “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Cold Gin,” “Rock Soldiers,” and Ace’s signature anthem “New York Groove.” Strap in for a journey through the cosmic, gritty, and unforgettable music of one of rock’s true originals and discover why Ace Frehley remains one of the most iconic guitarists of all time.

Best TV Theme Songs of the 1980s - Episode 104

In this episode, Marc and Ray dive into the unforgettable TV theme songs of the 1980s, from the uplifting Cheers opening to the comforting Golden Girls anthem, the upbeat fun of Perfect Strangers, and the positivity of The Greatest American Hero. These songs weren’t just introductions to shows - they became cultural classics that still resonate today.
What’s your favorite theme from the ’80s? Tune in to see if it made the list - or to rediscover a classic you haven’t heard in years.