Archive for the 'Rage Against The Machine' Category
TOM MORELLO’S NEW BAND
STREET SWEEPER SOCIAL CLUB
Tom Morello made a name for himself as the guitarist for Rage Against The Machine, a rap/rock band who set the bar for a genre and is still to this day one of the most respected bands of this generation. He has been named to multiple Top 10 guitarists lists for his unique style and groundbreaking technique.
After Rage’s breakup in 2000, Morello and his band mates, sans lead singer Zack de la Rocha, formed Audioslave with Chris Cornell, and released 3 critically-acclaimed studio albums in the process. Since then, Morello has released a couple of solo albums - none of which people have cared about.
His latest project, Street Sweeper Social Club, carries some intrigue. Morello has teamed up with former The Coup rapper Boots Riley to release a rock/rap record set for release in June.
“It’s revolutionary party jams,” Morello said in a press release posted on the band’s MySpace. “It’s got huge steamroller riffs combined with depth, charge, funk, while Boots unloads clip after clip of incendiary rhymes rich with satire and venom.”
Yes, Tom Morello is a nerd, hence his political science degree from Harvard … but he’s still a badass.
Take a list to their first single,”Fight! Smash! Win!”, below:
This project looks good on paper, but it just doesn’t work and has been executed poorly. Sounds like they need the help of a seasoned producer.
Visit Street Sweeper Social Club on MySpace to hear more music.
Visit Street Sweeper Social Club’s official website for more info and tour dates.
10 BEST ROCK SONGS OF THE 90s (by year)
The early 1990s were three or four of the most important years in the history of rock. Unlike the 1960s, when rock was popularized, the early 1990s did something almost equally as important as the genre’s inception: a resurrection.
I consider 1990 to be one of the most interesting years in popular music history. The first year of the decade was more of an extension of 1989. A year when bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden were perfecting their sound and polishing their craft, with eventual plans to change the landscape of rock for the foreseeable future.
While you read this list, as you glance through the years, you’ll notice that the songs listed from 1990 will seem almost out of place. It wasn’t until 1991 that hair bands were virtually obsolete because a few bands from Seattle buttoned up their flannel and pleasantly surprised us all.
Alternative rock was born. And for someone who discovered rock in the early 90s, that word - alternative - is one of the best words in the musical dictionary.
Here’s a dedication to an important decade. When if you wanted a song from the radio, you didn’t download it from iTunes - you sat in front of your stereo for hours just waiting for that opportunity to press record on your tape player.
This list was formed with popularity in mind. I wanted to include songs that were not only great, but were at one point radio singles.
Also, remember that it isn’t a “Top 10″ list, the only thing this list achieves is naming the best songs, by year, of the 90s, with honorable mentions. Feel free to comment with your changes/additions.
THE 10 BEST ROCK SONGS OF THE 90s (by year)
1999 | Red Hot Chili Peppers - “Californication”
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: since the advent of the microphone, 1999 has been by far the worst year in the history of music. Luckily, there was still some good music being made. “Californication” beats out “Guerrilla Radio” on a technicality: I am not allowing one band to occupy the top spot in more than one year.
Honorable Mention: Rage Against the Machine - “Guerrilla Radio”
1998 | The Verve - “Bittersweet Symphony”
One of the most well-rounded rock songs of the 90s. Production value and composition are top-notch from this British quartet whom probably have other songs - none of which I can name.
Honorable Mentions: Fuel - “Shimmer”, Goo Goo Dolls - “Iris”
1997 | Radiohead - “Karma Police”
Radiohead hasn’t released an album this decade that will match 1997’s OK Computer, and “Karma Police” is a rock song that will influence for decades. One of the most beautifully somber, masterfully eerie songs of the 90s.
Honorable Mentions: Marcy Playground - “Sex and Candy”, Foo Fighters - “Monkey Wrench”, Third Eye Blind - “Jumper”, Blur - “Song 2″
1996 | The Wallflowers - “One Headlight”
Bob Dylan’s son makes a name for himself on 1996’s Bringing Down the Horse, an album whose single and first track, “One Headlight”, is accompanied by 10 other great tunes from an extremely under-appreciated album. It’s a shame to highlight only one.
Honorable Mentions: Rage Against the Machine - “Bulls on Parade”, The Cardigans - “Love Fool”
1995 | Smashing Pumpkins - “Tonight, Tonight”
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness produced two of the best rock songs of 1995. “1979″ and “Tonight, Tonight” were unparalleled for the 365 days of the middle year of the 90s. I couldn’t decide between the two, so I gave it to Tonight because of its music video.
Honorable Mentions: Everclear - “Santa Monica”, Oasis - “Wonderwall”, No Doubt - “Don’t Speak”, Smashing Pumpkins - “1979″, Radiohead - “High and Dry”, 311 - “Down”
1994 | Soundgarden - “Black Hole Sun”
A lot of damn good rock music was released in 1994, one of the best years of the decade. Every one of these songs could make an argument to be the best of the year, but Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” earns the spot. Why? Because I like it slightly better than the others. That’s about all I’ve got for you.
Honorable Mentions: Bush - “Machinehead”, Cake - “The Distance”, Green Day - “When I Come Around”, Nine Inch Nails - “Closer”, Offspring - “Self Asteem”, Stone Temple Pilots - “Interstate Love Song”, Weezer - “Buddy Holly”
1993 | Nirvana - “Heart Shaped Box”
“Heart Shaped Box” is Nirvana’s best song. Great description.
Honorable Mentions: Counting Crows - “Mr. Jones”, Smashing Pumpkins - “Disarm”, Pearl Jam - “Daughter”
1992 | Rage Against the Machine - “Killing in the Name”
Rage Against the Machine is my favorite band of the 90s, Rage Against the Machine is my favorite album of the 90s, and “Killing in the Name” is the best song of 1992.
Honorable Mentions: Stone Temple Pilots - “Plush”, Alice In Chains - “Would?”, Blind Melon - “No Rain”
1991 | Pearl Jam - “Jeremy”
Pearl Jam’s catalogue is incredible, but “Jeremy” is, for me, their flagship song. One of the most important and moving rock songs of the last 25 years.
Honorable Mentions: Metallica - “Enter Sandman”, Nirvana - “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, R.E.M. - “Losing My Religion”, Red Hot Chili Peppers - “Under the Bridge”, U2 - “One”
1990 | Tom Petty - “Free Fallin’”
To be completely honest, I didn’t even want to do 1990. Boring. Hell, “Free Fallin’” came out in 1989 - but didn’t become a hit until ‘90. Maybe you can email me some better rock music from 1990…
Honorable Mentions: Aerosmith - “Janie’s Got a Gun”, Faith No More - “Epic”
Like this list? Check out these:
Top 20 One-Hit Wonders of the 90s
Top 10 American Rock Bands of All Time
TOP 10 DEBUT ALBUMS OF ALL TIME
I was under the impression that this list would be easy. I was wrong. A band’s first CD usually isn’t amazing. For example, the best band of all time, The Beatles, didn’t even make the list. Please Please Me is a good album, but not great. Each album on this list is either great from start to finish, highly influential to its genre, or both.
THE TOP 10 DEBUT ALBUMS OF ALL TIME
10. Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin I (1969)
This is a great album, but not Led Zeppelin’s best. But, it is the Zep, and it has ranked in at #10 on the list.
9. Dr. Dre - The Chronic (1992)
This album ushered in Dr. Dre as the best Hip-Hop producer of all time. With guest spots from Snoop, this album is great from beginning to end and contains two of the best songs in the history of Hip Hop, “Wit Dre Day (And Everybody’s Celebratin’)” and “Nuthin’ But A “G” Thang”.
8. Third Eye Blind - Third Eye Blind (1997)
As one of the best rock albums of all-time, this album will live the test of time and be listened to by generations to come. This album is one of the best of the 90s and every single song is outstanding.
7. Guns ‘n Roses - Appetite For Destruction (1987)
“Welcome To The Jungle”, “Paradise City”, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” …. enough said.
6. Weezer - Weezer (1994)
This album means a lot to us kids born in the 80s. This album is a soundtrack of the early 90s and every last song is a classic. This album is alternative rock perfection.
5. Boston - Boston (1976)
8 tracks of outstanding rock music. Every single track on this album could be a single, and most were. Each one of these songs you have probably heard at some point in your life - even if you’ve never actually sit down and listened to it all the way through.
4. Pearl Jam - Ten (1991)
The best album to come out of the Seattle Grunge movement in the early 90s. Pearl Jam is what everything Nirvana wishes they were. Nirvana gets more attention because Kurt Cobain killed himself - but slowly people are starting to realize that Nirvana was good and Pearl Jam was great.
3. Alanis Morissette - Jagged Little Pill (1995)
I remember when I first bought this album in 1995 and popped it in the CD player - I was blown away. Never had I heard so much emotion through a female pop record. The entire album works and flows amazingly.
2. The Beastie Boys - Licensed To Ill (1986)
The best hip hop album of all time. Also, the first platinum selling hip hop album ever - and it’s members are all white. From start to finish, this album delivers.
1. Rage Against The Machine - Rage Against The Machine (1991)
Rage Against The Machine’s first album is the best hard rock album of all time. Not only did Rage start Rap-Rock, Rage defines Rap/Rock. There have been many imitators, but this 4 piece, pissed-off-politically-driven group made a statement that they are the best band to come out of the 1990s.
THE TOP 15 ALBUMS OF THE 2000s
1999’s boy band infestation and the pop explosion infiltrated the 2000s with full force. Groups like ‘NSYNC and Destiny’s Child were at the top of the charts at the beginning of 2000, but luckily, this pop trend began to lose steam and just like anything else, what goes up must come down.
I decided to allow only one album from each band. This rule was put in place to insure the list wouldn’t get stale. 2 or 3 albums from the same band is boring. I want people to read these lists and see not only albums they haven’t heard, but bands they’ve never listened to.
Every album on this list is incredible. I will be giving you the best 2 songs from the album so you know where to start. If you haven’t heard an album from this list, get the songs I recommend. You will not be disappointed.
Oh and I’m not one of those list makers who puts albums on a list because everyone else likes them. For example, I think Wilco is overrated. So is Radiohead (sorry).
THE TOP 15 ALBUMS
OF THE 2000s
(As of July 2008)
15. TOOL
10,000 Days
Best Songs: “Vicarious“, “The Pot“
TOOL is known for their excellent instrumentation, unique time signatures, and great vocals from lead singer Maynard James Kennan and nothing has changed on this album. TOOL’s first studio album in 5 years does not disappoint.
14. Muse
Absolution
Best Songs: “Apocalypse Please,” “Hysteria“
British rockers, Muse, have a unique and sonically wide sound. When you listen to this album with headphones you feel like you are literally inside of the music. This album is epic.
13. Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift
Best Songs: “Our Song”, “Should’ve Said No”
I know what you’re thinking. “Taylor Swift…really…?” Yes, really. You have to take into account what this album has become and how young she was (16) when it was made. She is the FIRST female country artist to have written or co-written every song on a Platinum-selling album. Show some respect…
12. Third Eye Blind
Out of The Vein
Best Songs: “Crystal Baller“, “Good Man“
The best song on this album is the last song. There are a lot of albums that are this way and I have no idea why (Taylor Swift’s album as well). Third Eye Blind is one of the best rock bands of my time and they have never swayed from their mid-90s alternative rock sound.
11. The Avett Brothers
Four Thieves Gone
Best Songs: “Denouncing November“, “Famous Flower of Manhattan“
The best band of the 2000s. This album is Folk/Bluegrass perfection. Not every song is The Avett’s at their best, but there are so many great songs on this album. The Avett Brothers are what Old Crow Medicine Show wishes they were…
10. System of A Down
Toxicity
Best Songs: “Science“, “Toxicity“
I saw System of A Down open for Limp Bizkit (yes, Limp Bizkit, sue me) in 1999 and knew that they were going to take the Hard Rock genre by storm. This album kicks your ass and leaves you begging for more. Serj Tankian is an incredible vocalist.
9. Rooney
Rooney
Best Songs: “If It Were Up To Me,” “Simply Because“
Every song on this album is Pop-Rock perfection. These guys are swell. I think they were like 19 when they recorded this album? Anyways, it’s outstanding. Every…single….song. It was hard to pick the best two.
8. Cory Branan
The Hell You Say
Best Songs: “Tame“, “Crush“
As noted in a previous post, “Top 5 Bands You’ve Never Heard Of”, Cory Branan is the best singer/songwriter of my generation. This album has a great folk/rock/singer-songwriter/country vibe and some of the best lyrics I’ve ever heard.
7. Lucero
Tennessee
Best Songs: “Slow Dancing“, “Chain Link Fence“
Country-Alternative-Rock. Ben Nichols is the best out there. His voice takes some getting used to and upon first listen you will want to offer him some decongestants, but once you realize the greatness of this band … you’ll be happy you did. If you are thinking about starting a country rock band, listen to this album first.
6. Ryan Adams
Easy Tiger
Best Songs: “Two“, “Pearls On A String“
Ryan Adams is one of those artist that if you haven’t listened to his catalogue you don’t really know what he’s about. He has many different types of songs. If you have never listened to him, get this album. It’s very very very good. From the beginning to the end.
5. Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova
Once Soundtrack
Best Songs: “Falling Slowly,” “When Your Mind’s Made Up“
“Falling Slowly” won an Oscar for best song. It was 100% deserving. This album is beautiful. Their two voices blend together amazingly.
4. Foo Fighters
Echoes, Silence, Patience, & Grace
Best Songs: “Summer’s End“, “The Pretender“
Let’s put this album in perspective: 6 of the 12 songs are in my iTunes Top 25 Most Played Songs. So good. It is the best Foo Fighters‘ effort, hands down.
3. Arctic Monkeys
Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not
Best Songs: “From The Ritz To The Rubble“, “A Certain Romance“
The best British invasion since The Beatles. This album came out of nowhere in 2005, just when all of the Fallout Boys of the world were beginning to fade out. Their follow up album, Favourite Worst Nightmare would be on this list, but I had to choose one or the other.
2. Rage Against The Machine
Renegades
Best Songs: “Pistol Grip Pump“, “Microphone Fiend“
This is the only all cover songs album I ever listen to. They did an amazing job of taking great songs and making them even better. Each song they made their own. Everything Rage touches turns to gold.
1. Ben Folds
Rockin’ The Suburbs
Best Songs: “Not The Same“, “Fred Jones Pt.2“
I bought this album the first day it hit stores. Not only the day the best album of the 2000s was released, but also September 11, 2001. A terrible day, but this album is a happy, fun, and exceptional piece of music. Ben Folds’s best work.
12 commentsWEEKLY POP CULTURE UPDATE (7.22.08)
Ass of The Week : Christian Bale
According to reports, Christian Bale, who plays Bruce Wayne a.k.a. Batman, in The Dark Knight, assaulted his mother and sister in London over the weekend. They say never hit a girl … and one would assume that your MOTHER AND SISTER are at the top of that list. I just want to know, was he wearing the suit? Maybe he was pissed he had to use that lame Batman voice for half of the movie.
Nana-nana-nana-nana-nana-nana-nana-nana-nana-nana-nana-nana-DOUCHEBAG.
LINK
The Dark Knight - #1 on IMDB.com Top 250
There have been a lot of pissed off The Godfather fanboys as well as overzealous Batman fanboys at the largest internet movie database on earth, IMDB.com. The Dark Knight has taken over the #1 spot on IMDB’s Top 250 Movies Of All Time list (held by The Godfather as long as I can remember). New movies are generally inflated on the list and after a few weeks begin to cool down, but it doesn’t look like The Dark Knight is going anywhere anytime soon. I don’t think it’s the best movie of all time, but neither is The Godfather…
Download of The Week:
One Day As A Lion - EP
My favorite vocalist of all time, Zack De La Rocha of Rage Against The Machine, has FINALLY released his long awaited solo project, One Day As A Lion with the drummer from The Mars Volta. Released today, July 22, 2008, this EP is phenomenal. “Wild International” is old school Zack at his best and would fit in great on any Rage album. Buy this now.
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
YouTube Video of The Week:
Marketing majors take note. It does not get any better than this, folks.
