Music of the Mat #162: New Japan Grab Bag Vol. 4

On February 11, Hirooki Goto defeated Zack Sabre Jr. to become IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, accomplishing a career-long goal to be the top champion in New Japan Pro Wrestling. His reign has been widely praised for its match quality, business success, and feel-good vibes. To commemorate Goto's reign, Andrew is joined once again by Damon McDonald (Super J-Cast) to play bands and artists that start with the letter G. Artists played include The Go-Go's, Green Day, Glass Tiger, Grimes, George Michael, Garbage, and more. Paint your body white and stand under a waterfall, because this episode is a great one!Theme song: "Hemispheres" by Silent PartnerBluesky: @MusicoftheMat / @justandrew / @thesuperjcastTwitter: @thesuperjcastAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When you're a pro wrestler and you're "making towns," that means you're on the road, hitting up all the cities and towns in which you perform. The same goes for touring musicians. On this episode, Andrew is joined by returning guest and musician Jon Hernandez (Voices of Wrestling, Timeshares) to play songs that have cities and towns in the title. Artists played include Billy Joel, The Kinks, Drive-By Truckers, Fountains of Wayne, N.W.A, Lucinda Williams, Randy Newman, Simple Minds, and many more. Climb into this trusty van and get comfortable, this episode is a long ride around the country and the world!Theme song: "Hemispheres" by Silent PartnerBluesky: @MusicoftheMat / @justandrew / @oldjonhernandezCheck out Jon's band Timeshares: linktr.ee/timesharesSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Pro wrestling stables come in all shapes and sizes, but many of the most memorable groups are the ones with lots of people in them: nWo, Bullet Club, Planet Jarrett, Mad Blankey, The Alliance, etc. Similarly, there are plenty of bands that boast a large roster of people. On this episode, Andrew and returning guest Brady Trappett (Voices of Wrestling) play bands with at least five members in them at one time. Some of the picks have only five, but many others go well beyond that into double digits. Artists include Jurassic 5, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Earth, Wind & Fire, BROCKHAMPTON, INXS, Slipknot, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, and many more. There are so many people on this episode, it's a miracle they were all able to fit!Theme song: "Hemispheres" by Silent PartnerBluesky: @MusicoftheMat / @justandrew / @ydarbAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Most wrestlers do not use their real names; instead, they use a gimmick name which better fits their character or just works better for wrestling. Gimmick names are not just part of wrestling, they're used in many other facets of entertainment as well. On this episode, Andrew and first-time guest Erin Quinn play artists who use their own gimmick names instead of their real ones. Artists played include Lady Gaga, Scissor Sisters, Alabama 3, Poe, P!nk, Boy Jr., Alice Cooper, Elvis Costello, and many more. It doesn't matter which name you use, you'll still enjoy this episode!Theme song: "Hemispheres" by Silent PartnerTwitter: @MsErinQuinnBluesky: @MusicoftheMat / @justandrew / @erinquinnAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

There are few better moments during a wrestling match that make you want to raise your fist and say "Hell yeah" than when a wrestler defiantly kicks out at one. The one count, when used at the right time, can send a jolt of energy through the crowd and put a little extra mustard on a match. On this episode, Andrew is joined by first-time guest Cola TheLodger from the VOW Discord to play songs that only have one word in the title. Yes, it's that simple, but this episode is anything but, as Cola's picks are entirely in the stoner metal/doom metal genre, while Andrew's picks are a lot more varied. It's a really fun hang with artists like Fu Manchu, Supergrass, the Pointer Sisters, Neurosis, Zero 7, Dr. Colossus, Mastodon, Seal, and many more. Fire yourself up with a one count kickout and fire up this episode for a great conversation about music!Theme song: "Hemispheres" by Silent PartnerBluesky: @MusicoftheMat / @justandrewAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In the world of lucha libre, a parejas increíbles match is when two rivals team up against another team of rivals in an attempt to put aside their differences for the sake of winning. We often see unusual collaborations in the world of music as well. On this episode, Andrew and returning guest Fred Morlan (The Good, The Bad & The Hungee) play songs that feature artists of different backgrounds, genres, and vibes coming together to make great music. These incredible pairs include The Lonely Island and Michael Bolton, Anthrax and Public Enemy, Tom Jones and The Cardigans, The KLF and Tammy Wynette, Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus, Daft Punk and Paul Williams, and many more. It doesn't matter if you're a técnico or a rudo, you can still enjoy this fun episode!Theme song: "Hemispheres" by Silent PartnerBluesky: @MusicoftheMat / @justandrew / @FlagrantStatsListen to Fred's radio show: radiolex.usAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

One of the ways to win a pro wrestling match is to go for the cover, or pin your opponent's shoulders to the mat for three seconds. It's an essential element of the sport, just as the cover song is an essential part of music. On this episode, Andrew and returning guest Andy LaBarre go for the cover, so to speak, and play a bunch of great cover songs from over the years. Artists played include Charles Bradley, Dolly Parton, D'Angelo, William Shatner, Eddie Hazel, Chris Cornell, The Power Station, Heart, and many more. The songs on this episode may not be originals, but they can still keep you down for the three count.Theme song: "Hemispheres" by Silent PartnerTwitter: @MusicoftheMatBluesky: @MusicoftheMat / @justandrew / @trillyrobinsonAndy's Substack: warmpathways.substack.comAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

"You still got it!" is a popular, albeit patronizing chant directed at older pro wrestlers who can still put on a good performance. Well, this show is turning eight years old, an elderly age in podcasting years, so maybe it's time to get that chant going. On this episode, Andrew reunites with show co-founder Chris Maffei for an anniversary show dedicated to older musicians who still put out quality work well into their careers and are worthy of a "you still got it" chant. Artists played include James Brown, AC/DC, Lenny Kravitz, Madonna, Loretta Lynn, Ozzy Osbourne, Blondie, Deep Purple, Santana, and many more. Thank you to everybody for listening to and supporting the podcast for the past eight years!Theme song: "Hemispheres" by Silent PartnerTwitter: @MusicoftheMatBluesky: @MusicoftheMat / @justandrew / @cmstrikeaudioChris's website: cmstrikeaudio.comAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It's time to make some history on Music of the Mat Remix. This is not only the first artist-centric episode of the new format, but also the first one with a pun title. It's a Beatles episode that came about by mashing arguably the greatest band of all time's nickname with The Four Horsemen, arguably the greatest wrestling stable of all time. Yes, it's that simple, but this episode is anything but! Andrew is joined by returning guest and Beatles superfan JoJo Remy to play a selection of songs spanning the group's relatively short, yet impactful run. From early love songs to experimental studio work to the last song the band ever recorded, this episode has legendary music and lively conversation. Cut your hair into a mop top and throw up the four fingers, because we're showing some love to the lads from Liverpool!Theme song: "Hemispheres" by Silent PartnerTwitter: @MusicoftheMatBluesky: @MusicoftheMat / @justandrew / @jojorunsAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The end of 2024 is just days away, but before we turn the calendar to 2025, it's time to look back on what the year offered us in terms of music. Andrew and first-time guest Dakota Jones (Voices of Wrestling) resurrect "A Taste of" from the old format of the podcast, looking at a sampling of songs that came out in 2024 that they enjoyed. It's not meant to be a definitive "best of" list, and there are some big names who did not make the cut, but Andrew and Dakota still have plenty of great music to gush about. Artists played include Brittany Howard, Sturgill Simpson, Ghost, The Smile, Magdalena Bay, Charley Crockett, Judas Priest, Sierra Ferrell, and many more. Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and thank you to everyone who listened to the podcast in 2024!Theme song: "Hemispheres" by Silent PartnerTwitter: @MusicoftheMatBluesky: @MusicoftheMat / @justandrewDakota's Substack: specialdeliveries.substack.comAll VOW podcasts, articles, previews, and reviews: VoicesofWrestling.comJoin the VOW Discord to discuss Music of the Mat and other shows/topics: VoicesofWrestling.com/DiscordDonate to Music of the Mat and other VOW podcasts: VoicesofWrestling.com/DonateSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/music-of-the-mat/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy