Rage Against the Machine CD Reviews

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RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE

"The Battle of Los Angeles" (Epic)
"Renegades" (Epic)

I know this about Rage Against the Machine: They are perhaps the most critically respected of all metal bands, they are near legends in the eyes of their fans (no, on second thought, they ARE legends in the eyes of their fans) and their music isn't just rock'n'roll - it's IMPORTANT rock'n'roll.

That being said, this is one band I simply can't get into.

Rage veers more into the hip-hop genre than the metal genre. When I want to venture into hip-hop, I prefer the more light-hearted sounds of Limp Bizkit or Methods of Mayhem. I don't like politics in my rock'n'roll - I want to have a good time, forget my problems and bang my head. I can do that (just barely) with Limp Bizkit and it's easy with Methods of Mayhem. But with Rage, as with U2, you have to take your politics with your music and it just doesn't work for me. In addition - as I mentioned - Rage is more hip-hop than metal and I'm a heavy metal fan.

There were two songs in particular that I was most interested in hearing on this collection of cover songs: "Kick Out the Jams" - originally recorded by MC5 - and Devo's "Beautiful World." "Kick Out the Jams" is a strong number, heavy with guitars and attitude. "Beautiful World," however is slowed down even more so than the Devo version and is played on acoustic guitars. Frankly, the silly synthesizers of Mark Mothersbaugh and the yellow jumpsuit gang work much better for the song - giving even more potency to the thoughtful lyrics.

Fans of Rage Against the Machine will no doubt think that "Renegades" is the greatest thing since sliced bread and more power to them. It didn't do anything to change my mind about the band, but - at this point in the game - I guess that really doesn't matter. Hell, look at Snidermann's review of "The Battle of Los Angeles." Obviously, he hears something that I don't. And the band's record sales prove that Snidermann isn't alone.

More evidence that music is the most individual art.

For more information, please visit http://www.ratm.com.

"The Battle of Los Angeles" (Epic)

Reviewed by Snidermann

Rage Against The Machine’s third release, "The Battle Of Los Angeles," is more of the same. That's a good thing for Rage fans. Hey, what the hell - if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! I wondered if the band would be considered hypocritical if they made major cash with their Epic record deal and still sang about the problems with the oppressed of this world. After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that they are the same as they were before they were rich and famous. The record deal with Epic is just a launching point for their political views, as was their MTV (the non-musical television) concert.

I really liked this release right from the start. Tight, concise vocals; hard-driving, thundering bass and drums and nothing short of outstanding guitar work. Rage has all the elements of a major super group and I do believe they have achieved that status already, as was apparent by selling out a major Los Angeles arena of 17,000+ seats in minutes and the fact that this CD opened easily at the #1 position on the Billboard Top 100 Chart.

Back to Tom Morello’s guitar work: I have not heard anything so fresh in a decade of rock guitar. He makes some really strange sounds come out of his axe that are nothing short of brilliant. A very cool disclaimer appears on the CD's cover: "All sounds made by guitar, bass, drums and vocals." If that notice wasn't there, you'd swear a large synthesizer is making some of the music. Tom’s unique style reminds me of Frank Zappa, Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen and Steve Vai all rolled up into one incredible guitar master. Rock on Tom!

RAGE RULES!!!!

Rage Against The Machine is Zack De La Rocha, vocals; Tim Bob, bass; Brad Wilk, drums and Tom Morello, guitar.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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