RING TUNES

[Curt McGirt]

Because I was cruel enough to subject you to what I'm sure is the wonderful music of Tony Halme, I'll listen to it a little later, but boy... Vampiro. That's a big leap for me to make.

[Curt McGirt]

The first song on this being titled Aquelarre is especially funny to me because earlier I was thinking of the Hadez album of the same title. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leMt-bLKUoc

I was given a vinyl copy of it from a close friend of mine years ago because, well, I guess he thought I liked it more than him. He'd play it for his roommates and they hated it. It's... pretty hard to listen to, but as metallic audio terror I like it a lot. 

Anyway, not a bad intro. 

What is this shit? Rammstein? Ministry? No, I hate this. I'm sorry but it's not my thing. "Mainline" starts like it wants to be Big Black and fucks that up (just like Rammstein and Ministry). That's about as good as it gets.

I just downloaded a bunch of Buzzcocks so I'm going to wash the taste out of my mouth with that.

[twiztor]

16 minutes ago, Curt McGirt said:

The first song on this being titled Aquelarre is especially funny to me because earlier I was thinking of the Hadez album of the same title. 

Anyway, not a bad intro. 

What is this shit? Rammstein? Ministry? No, I hate this. I'm sorry but it's not my thing. "Mainline" starts like it wants to be Big Black and fucks that up (just like Rammstein and Ministry). That's about as good as it gets.

I just downloaded a bunch of Buzzcocks so I'm going to wash the taste out of my mouth with that.

ahh, bummer. i legit thought you might get some enjoyment out of it. mea culpa.

probably me overrating it because i'm trapped in the wrestling/music bubble and there's just so much trash. I certainly try to stay positive when writing these up. some make it easier than others (and then there's some, like Jillian Hall, that haunt me simply by existing!)

[Curt McGirt]

I have some of the strangest tastes in music and can be very extreme in my opinions, heh. Don't feel bad.

[twiztor]

WWF Superstars – WRESTLEMANIA: THE ALBUM

1. WWF Superstars – WrestleMania (3:35)
2. WWF Superstars – Slam Jam (3:16) *alternately, “SummerSlam Jam”
3. Hacksaw Jim Duggan – USA (3:13)
4. Nasty Boys – Nasty Boys Stomp (3:36)
5. Bret “Hitman” Hart – Never Been a Right Time to Say Goodbye (3:40)
6. Undertaker – The Man in Black (3:33)
7. Randy ‘Macho Man’ Savage – Speaking from the Heart (3:25)
8. Tatanka – Tatanka Native America (3:39) *alternately, “Tatanka Native American”
9. Mr. Perfect – I’m Perfect (3:44)
10. Crush – Cold Crush (3:51)
11. Big Boss Man – Hard Times (3:31)
12. WWF Superstars – Slam Jam 12” (5:44)

https://www.discogs.com/release/1965386-World-Wrestling-Federation-Superstars-Wrestlemania-The-Album

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lblDaZfKF1U&list=PLF-kxtaaTH5Vp5_HzQDJ0YiZGQuxSiqDf

Ring Introductions
released in 1993, this album saw Simon Cowell as the Executive Producer. I have no idea why this exists. I owned this cd way back in the day, but I can’t for the life of me imagine why. I know I didn’t spend my money on it, since I would have been like 10, so I have to assume that some family member bought it for me? You would think that would mean that I have some sort of nostalgia for this, but you would be mistaken. I only have memories of the Macho Man song, and even those I wouldn’t call “fond”.

The Match:
“WrestleMania” acts as a de facto sampler for the album, as it intersperses lines from the upcoming songs. And there’s a guy who cuts a rap in here too. It has good energy, I’ll give it that much.

“Slam Jam” is kind of the same thing as the previous song. But it also features the British Bulldog, who isn’t on the album. It also features a guy with a rap verse.

“U.S.A.” features Duggan cutting a promo over a techno beat. If this interests you, you’re really going to enjoy this album. If it sounds like your version of hell, strap in. The chorus goes “U.S.A….. U-U-U-U.S.A……U.S.A…….HOOOOO!” I want to hate on this, but that part is actually catchy.

“Nasty Boys Stomp” begins with a swipe of Janet Jackson’s “Nasty”, and that is the most positive thing I can say about this song. I feel like somebody heard that song, knew there were wrestlers called the ‘Nasty Boys’, and decided that this needed to exist. They were wrong.

“Never Been a Right Time to Say Goodbye” sees Bret Hart speaking soulfully over music that seems to be amping up, which is completely at odds with the words he’s saying. Seriously, he’s talking about not wanting to disappoint the woman he loves, while this upbeat happy made-for-tv music is playing. Complete disconnect.

“The Man in Black” starts with a guitar solo. Yes! We’re still in OG Deadman ‘Taker mode, so he cuts a short promo in his deep, gravelly voice. But by about 30 seconds in, the upbeat dance music kicks in, as if asking the question “can we make a song feel more out of place than the Bret Hart song?”

“Speaking from the Heart” arguably works. Macho Man is the first performer to utilize a style that even somewhat matches the vibe that the music is going for. I still wouldn’t call it “good”, but at least it feels like it was made in the same universe. Also, it really bothers me that the backup singers are referring to him as “the Match-Oh Man”. Is this the common UK pronunciation?

“Tatanka Native America” makes me curious about if it would be possible to create an interesting Native American/Techno crossover that works with both concepts. My initial thought was “NO” because those two concepts seem to be at odds, but I’m not super well versed in either, so maybe it’s possible. THIS isn’t that. We do get a fucking random rap verse that seemingly cuts off mid-verse. The best thing that I can say is that at least they didn’t reference him as an “Indian”, which is sort of a win for mid ‘90s pro wrestling.

“I’m Perfect” actually incorporates Perfect’s theme music throughout the song, which is a decent starting point. Unfortunately it never really does anything better than that. Perfect’s promo verses are decent enough, but the chorus just has Hennig say “Mr. Perfect” like six times in a monotone voice that drains any credit I would give this straight out.

“Cold Crush” is a UK-exclusive song, song congrats to my friends across the pond. Or maybe I should say condolences. I say that because it’s funny, but this song is no worse than anything else. It’s also no better, but I think by this point I’m becoming numb to the whole thing.

“Hard Times” isn’t bad. I feel like WCW used this song as their basis for their Slam Jam album, except that THAT album came out in 1992. Maybe he was using this song earlier? I don’t know.

The Finish:
what the fuck was this? Why is there a Eurodance WWF album? This is terrible on pretty much every level. I questioned why I owned this CD as a kid, but I think the answer to that is “somebody bought it by mistake and pawned it off on the first kid they knew that liked wrestling”.

Standout Track(s):
Speaking from the Heart. If you only listen to one song on this album, this is the only choice.

I’m feeling EXTREMELY generous, so I’m going to give this 1 ringbell out of 5.

[Curt McGirt]

2 hours ago, twiztor said:

Seriously, he’s talking about not wanting to disappoint the woman he loves

Well... topical? 

[NikoBaltimore]

NGL I bought this with money my aunt gave me for Christmas.  I don't regret buying it but only needed one play to realize I'm good and kept it around somewhere.

[DreamBroken]

Big nostalgia with this one! Lmao.  I still love the Bret, Taker, and Savage songs along with the WrestleMania intro, classic.

[twiztor]

Rikishi Fatu – OFF THE TOP

1. Dynasty Forever (2:49)
2. Still a Bad Man (3:18)
3. The Sultan (3:12)
4. Something for the Juggalos (5:57)
5. Do It for the Bay (3:14)
6. We the Ones (3:10)
7. Down with the Kish (2:47)
8. Late Nights, Early Flights (2:48)
9. Sika’s Song (3:23)
10. God Is (Good) (4:18)
11. Still Look Fly (3:35)
12. Make a Difference (Hold On) (2:40)

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_ky7fsAEJrBNhvWDWVeptTrcMENKkdsKJA

Ring Introductions:
first off, this isn’t technically an album. But over the course of 2024, Rikishi uploaded 12 songs to his YouTube podcast channel, so I’m presenting them here in the order that they were uploaded. He has a playlist on said youtube channel that has them in an alternate order, but I honestly don’t think it makes much of a difference here.
I have a memory that Rikishi was big into hip-hop music, so I expect this to be at least decent. I haven’t listened to his songs from the WWF albums in literal years, but I don’t recall them being awful or anything. I’ve been looking forward to this one.

The Match:
“Dynasty Forever” is a song where Rikishi speaks to his family heritage, the roots of pro wrestling, the Usos and the Bloodline, and intertwines them all. There’s a simple beat that works, and this was a good way to kick this off.

“Still a Bad Man” is a followup to his song from WWF the Music, Vol. 5. This feels like a very throwback song, from the D.O.C. “It’s Funky Enough” sample to the Gorilla Monsoon clips sprinkled in. I dig it.

“The Sultan” kicks off with a clip from an Iron Sheik promo, and acts as a diss track or promo against Hulk Hogan. I think Rikishi is channeling his former persona as a way to honor Sheiky Baby here, and it’s fine, but seems out of place. Not sure why Hogan is so explicitly called out here, as I’ve never heard of any sort of beef there, but OK.

“Something for the Juggalos”. Really, a praise track towards ICP? He invokes JCW, Faygo, and other Juggalo touchstones. I don’t dislike this, and it had me nodding my head a little, but this just feels like bizarro world.

“Do It for the Bay” is a banger. Real old school party vibe. I wouldn’t say it’s a deep song, but damn is it a fun one. I just want to keep this one on repeat all day.

“We the Ones” sees ‘Kish drop a bunch of wrestling references and is another nod to the Bloodline storyline and his family ties therein. It doesn’t quite hit the bombastic braggadocio that I think a track like this needs.

“Down with the Kish”. If this song’s title and artwork didn’t invoke the Run-D.M.C. connection clearly enough, the jacked beat and explicit shoutout in the first line sure does. Luckily for me, I like that song, so this is fun as well.

“Late Nights, Early Flights” is Rikishi’s attempt to lay out the wear and tear that pro wrestling puts on your body. It’s not my favorite song that I’ve heard so far, but it’s inoffensive and does serve to break up the style.

“Sika’s Song” serves as Rikishi’s tribute song to his uncle. His earnestness really shines through in this one.

“God is (Good)” sounds fine. Pro-God things don’t really excite my soul, but ‘Kish’s faith comes through and isn't off-putting. The Gospel-inspired singers in the chorus were a nice touch. Sounds good, even if I probably won’t listen to it again.

“Still Look Fly” is a said to be a Remix of the Too Cool theme “U Look Fly Today”. And it’s very obviously inspired by it, but I think ‘Remix’ really underplays what this is. It takes that original instrumental song and uses it as a baseline, but adds multiple layers on top, plus Rikishi’s verses throughout. It’s fun, as you would expect.

“Make a Difference (Hold On)” doesn’t tread any new ground, but is a fun funky listen. He’s shooting for it to be inspirational, and I think it falls a bit short of that goal, but I couldn’t stop myself from enjoying it.

The Finish:
Wow, this was WAY more fun and significantly better than I expected. Rikishi has a laidback flow that really feels comfortable and familiar. His voice sounds good, his wordsmithing abilities are above average, and the beats chosen just meld everything together fantastically.

Standout Track(s):
Do It For the Bay, for being a whole vibe.
Still a Bad Man

I’m really on the fence about this rating. I wanted to give it the full 5, since I had so much fun listening, but ultimately, the best I could muster was 4. It’s really excellent though.

               

Edited April 22 by twiztor

[twiztor]

Beauregarde – BEAUREGARDE

1. I Got Something (3:06)
2. Super Star Super Star (5:28)
3. If You Got Soul (4:35)
4. Tomorrow, Tomorrow (2:47)
5. Everybody Ball (2:56)
6. I’m Talkin’ Time (4:27)
7. Testify (2:40)
8. Pass Away (3:13)
9. “I” (3:19)

https://www.discogs.com/master/282180-Beauregarde-Beauregarde

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXe4diEfojg&list=PLxd59AxpBecKXVYzJODtBeaF0_UkvXCFo

Ring Introductions:
Beauregarde (real name Larry Pitchford) was a wrestler in the ‘60s and ‘70s, primarily in the Pacific Northwest. He was renowned for his ability to play a character and being eccentric (but then, what wrestler isn’t?) This album was released in 1971 and features Greg Sage of the Wipers on guitar.

I think the first I’d heard of Beauregarde was when he passed away last summer and he was mentioned in the RIP thread. I remember thinking that I should check out his music, but alas, I never did, and promptly forgot that it existed. Fast forward to starting this thread and @Pete brought those memories back up. So here goes!

The Match:
“I Got Something” kicks off the album and it has a funky jazz vibe to it. That’s incredibly uncommon for an album this early in the decade. It’s smooth and draws you in. Beau’s lyrics are simple but his delivery is on point.

“Super Star Super Star” is a sad song lamenting the loss of past musicians Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Jim Morrison. Whoa, this is a heavy and haunting song. It has a darkness around it that reminds me of “Superstar” by Sonic Youth, although the styles and genres are vastly different.

“If You Got Soul” is a soulful song wherein Beau induces us to transcend racism and all unite under the auspices of soul music. I want to take this time to point out that the musicianship so far on this album has been varied and excellent all around. The organ on display in this song in particular really infuses the gospel sound into it, and I am better for having heard it.

“Tomorrow, Tomorrow” takes us back to the earlier days of rock and roll and we get some fun brass accompaniment. It is fun and energetic. I am really loving the ride this album is taking me on.

“Everybody Ball” feels like the first mis-step on this album. It is trying to be a dance/party song that is also walking that line of being risqué vs. innocent. Think of it with the attitude of AC/DC’s ‘Big Balls’, but inferior and without the charm.

“I’m Talkin’ Time” gives Halloween energy right away, so you know I’m in. This song is kind of about the mysticism of time, which has its charms, but for my money, everything else about this song is more interesting. Why is there howling, and maniacal laughter, and other sound effects? I don’t know the answer, but I do know that this is pretty rad.

“Testify” is not a return to the gospel sound that I was anticipating based on the song’s title. It is instead a raucous roller about a man who’s seen some shit and wants to spill. Beau’s vocals carry this, even with a pretty kick ass solo running through the middle.

“Pass Away” is pulled along by the Bo Diddley Beat, and we get alternating Beau verses and guitar solos. It feels a bit like two songs that were mashed together. Both parts are good.

“I” brings some of the gospel sound back and is a bit of an introspective take. This may surprise you to hear, but I liked this one a lot too.

The Finish:
WOW, this was awesome. Every song was different than what came before. I have heard dozens of singers that don’t have the presence, even after multiple albums, that Beau presents here. His range isn’t amazing, but the way he uses it really is impressive. And let me again praise the musicianship. Not a single bad song out of the nine presented.

Standout Track(s):
Super Star Super Star because I didn’t expect to feel such an emotional connection from this.
I’m Talkin’ Time for surprising me, even on an album that I never knew what sound would come next.

I have to rate this one the full 5 ringbells out of 5. Fantastic, top to bottom.

          

          

[zendragon]

Hasn't been mentioned I don't believe

[zendragon]

Hasn't been mentioned I don't believe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_HUw1xTLFU

[twiztor]

Michael Hayes & the Badstreet Band – OFF THE STREETS

1. Everything is Alright (4:00)
2. When the Loves Comes Down (3:55)
3. The Night You Can’t Remember (4:15)
4. Ain’t Superstitious (3:47)
5. Touch My Level (3:32)
6. I Gotta Have It (3:34)
7. Boys Are Back in Town (4:51)
8. You Made Me the Way I Am (4:51)
9. Blue Jean Queen (5:26)
10. Heart Beat Away (4:42)
11. Badstreet USA (4:22)
12. Michael P.S. Hayes Theme (

https://www.discogs.com/release/31871930-Michael-Hayes-The-Badstreet-Band-Off-The-Streets

Ring Introduction:
This was released at some point in 1987. I’m guessing this is shortly after JCP purchased UWF and Hayes went there, while the other Freebirds returned to WCCW. Hard to say for sure, as an exact release date is tough to pin down. Whatever you do, don’t check out the insert for this album. It shows Hayes, presumably nude, draped only in a version of the confederate flag. He has on a ridiculous smirk and his mullet is in full effect.

For those keeping track at home, you might be thinking, ‘was Southern Rock still a valid genre in 1987?’ and that answer is no. Lynyrd Skynyrd’s plane crashed in 1977, a full decade before this album. Likewise, the Allman Brothers Band was finished (after Duane’s death in 1971) and the Marshall Tucker Band was on hiatus and had long since fallen out of favor. Even later band .38 Special had passed their prime. But hey, if you listen to Hayes tell the tale, he was a contemporary with these guys, so don’t let me stop that story.

The Match:
“Everything is Alright” is a bizarre track. Hayes is using some weird inflection of his voice, so I spent the first minute or so trying to figure out if this was even him. It has an upbeat vibe and is about his best gal. This was a weird song to start the album with.

“When the Love Comes Down” sees a more hard rock sound. But now Hayes is doing that weird half-whisper half-growl type of singing (it reminds me of some mid 80s Billy Idol) through the verses, and it feels a little disjointed. The guitar work is pretty excellent and the chorus is JUST short of being great, so I wish they were in a better song so I could listen to them more.

“The Night You Can’t Remember” is the requisite party song, and it’s the best song yet by a country mile. The lyrics are pretty simplistic, but they definitely work in this scenario. “the Night You Can’t Remember, But the One You Won’t Forget” is the implication of the title.

“Ain’t Superstitious” is a perfectly acceptable song. I like the subject matter, but it never rises above the level of “fine”

“Touch My Level” starts out with some fun guitar work, and the song is OK, but there’s a BIZARRE spot in the middle of the song. Like 30 seconds of just sparse percussion. Not drums, not rhythmic, not a solo. Just fucking weird.

“I Gotta Have It” is a pretty decent song. Nice driving beat, great guitar work. Hayes’ vocals continue to remind me of Billy Idol, but not in the weird way from the earlier song.

“Boys Are Back in Town”. Have you ever thought ‘I wish Thin Lizzy was less rocking and more sing-songy”? If so, this song is made for you. Otherwise, this is a sub-par remake.

“You Made Me the Way I Am” seems like at points that it’s going to be a hateful song, but it never really rises to that level. But it’s also not really about overcoming hardship, so I it just feels like it is a bit directionless and/or misses its mark.

“Blue Jean Queen” kicks off with some brass. Then Hayes sings an ode to his girl. He absolutely does not have the vocal chops to carry this, and it comes across to me as corny and dumb.

“Heart Beat Away” approaches a really fun song and has its moments.

“Badstreet USA” is the theme song we all know and love. Top notch.

“Michael PS Hayes Theme”
 

The Finish:
Well this is not nearly as Southern Rock as it is made out to be. It definitely shoots more for the ‘80s Arena Rock sound, which is more topical, but less in-character. It also never rises above the level of ‘acceptable’ for me. It doesn’t really do anything interesting, either for better or worse. The guitar work is certainly the highlight.

Standout Track(s):
The Night You Can’t Remember, I guess.
Badstreet USA, of course.

I found this, overall, disappointing. 2 ringbells out of 5.

     

 

 

 

Here’s some bonus tracks, since I’ve already come this far:

Michael Hayes – I’M A FREEBIRD, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIJKcr5vRpA

this starts out as a live performance, then transitions into a studio version before swinging back around. The live portions are TERRIBLE. The backing track seems OK, but I can't find a clean version as it seems to have not been released anywhere. Point me in the direction if you see something i've overlooked.

Michael Hayes – FREEBIRD ROAD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kd6MCIEkztQ

Hayes released this on YouTube in 2014, as a tribute to his fallen friend Terry Gordy. It is heartfelt and the emotion shines through. Give it a listen if you’re so inclined.

Hayes also released an EP in 2014, with at least the back cover art featuring illustrations by Jerry Lawler. I didn’t see it in a quick YouTube search, and don’t feel obligated to do a deep dive.

 

[twiztor]

NRBQ and Captain Lou Albano – LOU AND THE Q

1. The Captain's Roll Call (0:29)
2. Captain Lou (2:30)
3. Tiddlywinks Radio Ad (1:00)
4. Me and the Boys (3:28)
5. La Vie en Rose (1:07)
6. Lou Interview (3:30)
7. Boardin' House Pie (2:57)
8. Terry and the Raccoon (1:23)
9. Introductions (1:06)
10. Want You To Feel Good Too (2:50)
11. Michael Row the Boat Ashore (2:24)
12. It Was A Accident (3:44)
13. Don't She Look Good (2:50)
14. (Encores) (1:08)
15. Tiddlywinks TV Spot (0:30)
16. One Time (0:26)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGeACei7-4E

https://www.discogs.com/master/423304-NRBQ-And-Captain-Lou-Albano-Lou-And-The-Q

Ring Introduction:
NRBQ was the “New Rhythm and Blues Quintet”, originally formed in the mid 1960s. Somehow in the early '80s, Captain Lou was brought on to play their manager. He filmed a TV commercial for their then-current album, Tiddlywinks. A couple years later, this release pops up. I don't really understand why this release exists, as Captain Lou isn't really their manager, and never joins the group or anything.

 

The Match:
“Captain Lou” is the band's tribute to the beloved wrestling manager. Captain Lou himself provides some backing vocals, which largely amount to sing his own name and cut a bit of a promo. This feels like an early, poppy, Kinks song.

“Me and the Boys” has a good tempo yet a laid-back feel. It's fun and feels like a then-modern take on the surf rock genre. It's fun and kinda catchy.

“Boardin' House Pie” is entertaining as it takes a pretty classic blues rhythm, and Captain Lou just riffs on different takes on the title. It doesn't set itself out to be amazing, but it's a fun ditty.

“Want You to Feel Good Too” is pretty much a jam rock song that works way better live in person than on record. Musically, it's fine, but this type of thing doesn't really set my world on fire.

“Michael, Row the Boat Ashore” sucks. I don't really get what they were even going for with this. Whoever sings lead on this is wildly off-key and out of time. But the music is good. So it's not bad enough to be entertaining, it's just so bad it's bad.

“It Was A Accident” feels like we're listening to a real song again. It is a relief, and a fun song too. While this is a blues rocker, it gives off the same vibes as a reggae song. I quite enjoyed this one.

“Don't She Look Good” is fine. Features a piano and hearkens back to Bill Haley's sound.

 

The Finish:
I didn't know what to expect from this, having never heard of the group itself before I started planning this project. Any tracks not listed above can be assumed to be Captain Lou cutting a promo or some antics from a live show. I don't know if, overall, the blending of poppy R&B rock with Albano really works, or even if it tries to. It feels very disjointed, but that also has a way of keeping you listening because it's such a sudden shift. But then the second half seems to be a live set, which has its own set of unevenness.

Standout Track(s):
Boardin' House Pie probably represents the best that this collaboartion could hope for. The album would be better off if it leaned further into this vibe.

Overall, the inconsistency holds me back from rating this higher or recommending it. 2 ringbells out of 5.

     

[zendragon]

Does this predated his working with Cindi Lauper?

[Mister TV]

3 hours ago, zendragon said:

Does this predated his working with Cindi Lauper?

Yes, the single for Captain Lou came out in 1982, this LP was kind of compilation since Me and the Boys was released as a single in 1980. 

[Travis Sheldon]

It's been MANY years since I listened to this, but Me And The Boys was a catchy tune.

[zendragon]

7 hours ago, Mister TV said:

Yes, the single for Captain Lou came out in 1982, this LP was kind of compilation since Me and the Boys was released as a single in 1980. 

that just makes it weirder for me, I first assumed it was an attempt at second hand success. Now it just feels random

[Mister TV]

16 hours ago, zendragon said:

that just makes it weirder for me, I first assumed it was an attempt at second hand success. Now it just feels random

They were never a huge band and bounced around various labels both big & small over the years, so there's a lot of randomness to their releases.

[twiztor]

WWE Superstars – WWE ORIGINALS

1. Steve Austin – Where's the Beer (Segment 1) (2:36)
2. Dudley Boyz – We've Had Enough (3:07)
3. Trish Stratus – I Just Want You (3:35)
4. Rey Mysterio, Jr. - Crossing Borders (2:52)
5. Steve Austin – Did You Feel It? (Segment 2) (2:01)
6. Booker T – Can You Dig It? (3:33)
7. Kurt Angle – I Don't Suck (Really) (3:05)
8. Lita – When I Get You Alone (3:27)
9. Steve Austin – You Changed the Lyrics (1:31)
10. Lillian Garcia – You Just Don't Know Me At All (4:09)
11. Eddie & Chavo Guerrero - We Lie, We Cheat, We Steal (3:43)
12. Chris Jericho – Don't You Wish You Were Me? (3:31)
13. Steve Austin – Drink Your Beer (Segment 4) (1:50)
14. Rikishi – Put A Little Ass On It (4:45)
15. Stacy Keibler – Why Can't We Just Dance? (3:18)
16. John Cena – Basic Thugonomics (3:14)
17. Steve Austin – Don't That Taste Good? (0:46)

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLC59E7F0446D5B74C

https://www.discogs.com/master/571458-WWE-WWE-Originals

Ring Introduction:
Released in early 2004, featuring a good variety of the WWE roster, all performing original songs (hence the name). I knew a couple friends who owned this CD back in the day. Some of the tracks' names stand out in my memory, but only the couple songs that were used as entrance themes really hold any space in my memory.

The Match:
“We've Had Enough” is a pretty good early '00s rap song. Bubba's flow is certainly better than average while D-Von shows promise. If the chorus had been a little bit harder, and if it didn't kind of fall apart in the second half, this could have been really damn good.

“I Just Want You” is a long-distance love song from Trish Stratus. It's a pretty stripped down sound, so relies heavily on the vocals to bear the burden. Trish doesn't really have the chops to do so, and the song is pretty middling.

“Crossing Borders” I like the Latin-infused Rap sound here. Gives off a laid back feel. Rey weaves between English and Spanish pretty flawlessly while his vocals fluctuate between good to 'just ok'. It's not bad for a wrestling song, but that's about the most praise I can give it.

“Can You Dig It?” has a funky undertone to the beat that I really like. Booker's delivery is adequate. It loses steam in the back end and really could have been like a minute shorter.

“I Don't Suck (Really)” feels like a throwback to those early “The Wrestling Album” releases, where the song is more of a novelty than an actual song. Kurt is speaking his “motivational speech” heel talking points over the beat. There is a breakdown late in the song that leans more into a “rap” than a “promo”, and it is pretty awful.

“When I Get You Alone” sounds like if “pop punk” and “boy band” had a baby, where it has the worst tendencies of both. Lita's vocals feel disconnected from the instruments, and she's not very good to boot. The chorus is actually really catchy, however.

“You Just Don't Know Me At All” is better than I expected. We all know Lillian has a good voice, but it's emphasized here with almost everyone else being subpar. Very good song.

“We Lie, We Cheat, We Steal” finds the right balance for me between a catchy song, a novelty song, and a good song. It also encapsulates the characters of Los Guerreros pretty much perfectly.

“Don't You Wish You Were Me?” starts off with what I think is supposed to be a real punk rock start, but it sounds like a mess. But then the song settles into a pretty good groove and I like it.
(I mainly remember this for the Stacker2 commercial that used to play constantly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVS4Qm3Mga8)

“Put A Little Ass On It” sees Rikishi test the waters of soul singing. I wouldn't say it's good, but it certainly has its charm. The chorus is just ridiculous, and without the context of Rikishi's character, it would be baffling. Luckily, I have that context, so it is merely weird.

“Why Can't We Just Dance?” is a terrible techno pop song. Completely vapid.

“Basic Thugonomics” this song kicks ass.

The Finish:
So yeah, this bounces all over the place with genres, with very little rising above the level of “OK”. Again, very hard to score. So much of it was just acceptable, but the number of songs that I outright DIDN'T like outnumber the number that I DID like. So, with that, I bestow a rating of 2 ringbells out of 5.

     

[Curt McGirt]

What about the Stone Cold interludes? (Also, I would have loved to hear him "sing". He's probably a riot trying to do karaoke.)

[twiztor]

3 hours ago, Curt McGirt said:

What about the Stone Cold interludes? (Also, I would have loved to hear him "sing". He's probably a riot trying to do karaoke.)

they're fine. i mean, they're somewhat entertaining the first time. i haven't listened to this cd in well over 15 years, so most of the songs themselves, unless they were used as entrance themes, didn't retain space in my brain. But as soon as the album started and i heard the first Austin skit, they came right back to me. they did an OK job of breaking up the genres/sounds/vibes, but after the first one i found them largely groan worthy.  But i absolutely would be down to hear Austin make a karaoke attempt.

[zendragon]

Was the Kurt song supposed to be bad? Like bad white boy rap?

[twiztor]

On 5/21/2025 at 5:40 PM, zendragon said:

Was the Kurt song supposed to be bad? Like bad white boy rap?

yeah, it definitely wasn't an earnest attempt at a good song. I think they were going for a more in-character feel, back when he was oblivious and didn't understand why he wasn't being cheered. This is along the same lines as the Jillian Hall record (although that one is WAY worse), in that i see what they were going for and i guess it makes sense for the character, but why would you actually expect your fans/customers to pay money for this?

[twiztor]

Austin Idol & the Idolators – Heart Throb (Wild Thing) / Austin Idol for President

1. Heart Throb (Wild Thing) (3:26)

2. Austin Idol for President (3:12)

https://www.discogs.com/release/13271998-The-Idolators-Heart-Throb-Wild-Thing

Ring Introduction:
This was released in 1980. I'll be honest: I don't know anything about Austin Idol. I've heard his name, of course, but until he showed up in Billy Corgan's NWA a few years ago, I don't believe that I had ever seen him. So I don't have any expectations going into this listen.

The Match:
“Heart Throb” is a straight up swipe of the Troggs' Wild Thing. It works for that reason, and also for not needing Idol to adhere to such abstract concepts as “pitch” or “rhythm”. He runs down other stars of the era, such as Harley Race and Ric Flair. Honestly, this is a fun novelty song that I don't hate.

“Austin Idol for President” reverts to a song that would have been more relevant in 1960 than 1980. It feels significantly less than Side A. They're definitely going for more of a James Brown vocal style, but it has crossed the line and ends up as a pale imitation rather than an earnest effort.
 

The Finish:
Overall, this is pretty much the definition of inoffensive. It's fine. Nothing to really get excited about, and if the novelty of ripping off Wild Thing doesn't do anything for you, there's nothing else here either.

I'll be generous and grant it 2 ringbells out of 3.