The Classics Series:
Rage Against the Machine- Rage Against the Machine
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OVER the next week or two…
I am looking at a range of different musicians and songs- across various countries and genres- and seeing what new music has to offer. Aside from my reviews and interviews, I will focus on a new series: Looking at classic albums that have changed music. Starting off with one of the ‘90s most scintillating albums: The groundbreaking and unstoppable juggernaut, Rage Against the Machine.
Released in 1992, it saw vocalist Zach de la Rocha join with guitarist Tom Morello; drummer Brad Wilk and bass player Tim Commerford. The L.A. group’s Rapcore blends were a breath of fresh air in a music scene that were seeking a mouthpiece against the inequalities and struggles of modern life. Looking at police corruption, racism and political injustices: The quartet concentrated these angers into a stunning record that inspired a legion of musicians and young listeners. From that stunning cover- featuring the self-immolation of Thích Quảng Đức- to the sheer consistency and quality throughout: Critics were united in their support and love of a masterclass creation.
Whilst the genres of Rap and Heavy Metal were strangers to one another; Rage Against the Machine were one of the first bands to bring them together- throughout the ‘90s bands such as Beastie Boys would perfect the art. Few were expecting a band like Rage Against the Machine to arrive. The U.S. had (up until that point) seen some terrific young rappers come through- and great Heavy Metal bands for that matter- nothing has arrived like the Los Angeles boys. Led by angry white boy de la Rocha; their Molotov cocktail of rebellion and disgust came together in songs that were surprisingly disciplined, focused and nuanced.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp3kcHchD1Y&w=420&h=315]
Bombtrack is a number that perfectly kicks the album off. Kicking with tripping and sneaky guitar strings; the track builds into a stunning explosion. With each player coming-together with aplomb and purpose: the song sees our lead deliver one of his most swaggering vocal performances. Offering beat-downs and truths: Our hero leads an elite charge against the “power whores and landlords”. Rallying against the social inequities he sees; de la Rocha sounds completely in control and purposeful. Brad Wilk provides some stunning double-kick flourishes- rare for any drummer- and is backed by the electricity of Morello and Commerford. The name of the track uses the word ‘bomb’ to mean ‘greatest’: Rage’s braggadocio and proclamations are evident right from the offset.
Killing in the Name is the obvious standout from Rage Against the Machine: The anthem that remains their most popular song; its chorus tag- “Fuck you, I won’t do what you tell me!”- became the rallying cry for disaffected youth. A track that looked at police violence and institutional racism; it was one of the most politically-charged and angry songs on record. A hit-back against the ills of American society it sees de la Rocha build the tension: Those “Fuck you”s start mumbled and teasing- before building into a firework crescendo. Released six months after the Los Angeles riots; the song perfectly captured the imbalance and problems that pervaded society at the time. Fiery bass lines and militaristic drumming brutality was at the core: It was perhaps Morello’s guitar work that defined the track (for me at least). Few guitarists have arrived on the scene- and have since in fact- that have such a range of moves and innovations in their bag. Ingenious and original riffs sparred with sparkling diversions and firecracker scratches: A player with limitless potential; it was all laid bare in a track that became Rage Against the Machine’s defining anthem.
Away from the obvious anthems; the band created songs which build and mutated: Songs that developed and grew like a blood-baying animal. Bullet in the Head was inspired by the belief (the band had) the media were controlling people’s thoughts. Packing in some meaty and gut-punching riffs; it sees Morello open his magic box and produce some of his most scintillating creations. Take the Power Back is a chant-able beast of a track: An obvious call that rebels against the ineptitude of government; a song that resonated with those listening upon its release.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg8zR91tgSE&w=420&h=315]
What strikes me about Rage Against the Machine is how its songs grip the attention from the very off. Those introductions are so considered and perfect; you are captivated from the very first notes. Settle for Nothing builds the tension with a moody and twilight introduction: All danger and uncertainty; it leads to one of the band’s most tense and tight performances. Know Your Enemy starts with that dizzying and head-spinning introduction assault. Surprisingly direct and to-the-point the song looks at the contradictions the U.S. perpetrates: It is the “land of the free” yet invades other countries at will- a furious attack against the hypocrisy of government. Wake Up sees Morello employ Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir (and that biblical riff) for his own measures. Running in at over six minutes long- an epic by the album’s standards- it looks at the racial problems in the U.S. Putting figures such as Malcom X. and Martin Luther King Jr. under the microscope: Here the song suggests government agencies such as the F.B.I. arranged those assassinations.
Fistful of Steel remains a favourite for me. One of the finest introductions on the album; it builds from woozy and warped guitars. From there you get that scuffed and echoed metallic punch; the percussion rifles in- de la Rocha elicits a brief “Hup!” before the band combine in an orgasmic, cool-as-fuck swagger. With Freedom providing a suitably epic conclusion; you have an album that was- and still is among many- considered one of the finest in all of music.
Rage Against the Machine would go onto create three more albums- 2000’s Renegade was their last- and would never burn as bright as they did on their debut. Whilst by no means a case of diminishing returns; Rage Against the Machine perfectly captured the anger felt by many: Perfectly assessed across an album that brimmed-over with explosive anger and hard truths. The partnership and bond between front-man de la Rocha and guitar genius Morello seemed unlikely but worked perfectly. The former was at his strongest when focused on particular issues- less inspired when widening his scope. Few artists at the time had any particular political stance: de la Rocha’s leftist anthems saw him mix street preacher fanaticism with militaristic Rap assaults. Morello brought in a
Few artists at the time had any particular political stance: de la Rocha’s leftist anthems saw him mix street preacher fanaticism with militaristic Rap assaults. Morello brought in a truckload of wizardry, invention and colours. Bringing new life into the genres of Rap and Heavy Metal: Marking him as one of the world’s greatest guitarists; the album would have been far weaker in anyone else’s hands. Joined by some tremendous percussion and bass work- the entire band had no equals in terms of musicianship and quality- Rage Against the Machine remains a peerless and landmark creation.
The sad thing is- showing foresight and prescience by the L.A. band- the album remains crucial and relevant to this day. Police racism and inequality burns bright and unchallenged. Across the U.S., we keep hearing stories of police brutality and racially-motivated shootings. With political lunatics like Sarah Palin and Donald Trump spewing their right-wing insanity and propaganda: Has U.S. politics and society changed since 1992? It seems insane the country- and the world at large- has not matured and evolved in the past 24 years. Whilst the music (of Rage Against the Machine) captivated and spoke to listeners at the time: Here is an album that continues to inspire and amaze listeners. If you have not witnessed one of music’s finest-ever albums; ensure you change this…
AND watch your mind being blown away.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNzIKoAy2pk&w=420&h=315]
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TRACKLISTING:
Bombtrack
Killing in the Name
Take the Power Back
Settle for Nothing
Bullet in the Head
Know Your Enemy
Wake Up
Fistful of Steel
Township Rebellion
Freedom
DOWNLOAD:
Bombtrack; Killing in the Name; Know Your Enemy; Fistful of Steel; Freedom
STANDOUT TRACK:
Killing in the Name