Rage Against the Machine....
What can you say about them other than they rock?! Evil Empire is the second of four studio albums (3 of original material, 1 of covers) and in my opinion, is the best, and most focused of the three.
This album (as all others) features the bands kick-ass lineup of:
GUITARS: Tom Morello
BASS: Tim Commerford
DRUMS: Brad Wilk
VOCALS: Zack de la Rocha
All sounds made on the album, are created by the instruments or de la Rocha's voice. Morello makes some interesting sounds with his uniqe style of guitar playing (especially on songs like Bulls on Parade)
TRACK BY TRACK:
1. People of the sun--Like all Rage Against the Machine(I'm not putting this for all songs, so just assume I mean it) this song is no exception. The lyrics focus on noen other than the "People of the Sun" the Mexicas. THe guitar is loud and in-your-face, the bass is prominent. The drums strong, and de la Rocha's voice...well...you either love it or you hate it, but for those of us that love it, is in your face, and conveying his message quite nicely.
4/5
2. Bulls on Parade--much the same as the review for the previos song, this is probably the most recognizable song on this album. Catchier than People of the Sun, and some cool noises made on Morello's guitar. The lyrics (I believe) refer to war (soldiers being Bulls and fighting/walking around=parading around)
4/5
3. Vietnow--Lyrics focusing on a radio station that informs the people of the REAL events...yada yada yada...This song is chock full of references to past political/cultural fiascos, most notably the KKK ("crosses and kerosine") excellent basslines and guitar work. drums are solid, and vocals are top notch.
5/5
4. Revolver--this song goes from quiet to loud, and makes it work. Few songs do this. Notable ones taht do are Tool's Parabol/parabola, but that is on a different scale. This song opens with mind boggling effects that sound like they would have had to be made on a synthesizer, and then goes into a soft drone with Zack singing about how men are worth more than women (relaying back to pre-WW2 ways of thinking) Once again, tight music, great vocals. It's a very good song, and the quiet-to-loud part works well, but it gets a bit (and I mean a TINY bit) annoying in the end. excellent song nonetheless.
3.5/5
5. Snakecharmer--(NOTE--a snakecharmer-for those who don't know-is the person who plays a clarinet like instrument, and make snakes seem to dance up out of a pot) I'm sure in some way, this is reflected in the lyrics, but I can't figure it out. The lyrics seem to be about .....I don't know really:( a good song nonetheless.
4/5
6. Tire Me-- Opens with a solid bassline and cymbals.....builds up to a great instrumental section with Zack screaming over it--awesome. About poeple getting in your way trying to slow you down (or tire you). nice effects on the guitar again in thios song. Fades into a bridge, which is just Zack singing, and Wilk going consistantly on his cymbal, the breaking into the chorus. excellently structured.
5/5
7. Down Rodeo--Pronounced Rodao (long A sound) nice effects again. The musci is once again very tight, and the lyrics seemingly about the old days (days of slavery) and all white domination.
"Now I'm rollin Down Rodeo with a shotgun,
these people ain't seen
a brown skinned man,
since their grandparents bought one"
the Effects are powerful throughout the song, through the verse and chorus. Powerful Lyrics, Musically together, great and consistent effects.
5/5
8. Without a face--This song is about being insignificant in the grand scheme of things. like I have said fro every other song, Great, tight, all-there music, good sound effects.
4.5/5
9. Wind Below 3.5/5
10. Roll Right 3.5/5
11. Year of the Boomerang. 4/5
these are three completely separate songs that havbe nothing to do with each other, however, rather than become tediously repetitive, these are all amazing songs, and are unmatched in terms of sound quality. Lyrics and everything. three great songs!
---OVER ALL REVIEW---
Tom Morello is a guitar genius, and Tim Commerford is amazing to be able to write the way he does, and keep up with Morello. Wilk is a great drummer, and can keep any beat that the others throw out. Zack de la Rocha's Lyrics are a unique, and very left wing combo of excellence, brilliance, meaningfulness and well presented beauty.
In My opinion, this is NOT the best album in the world, but it is certainly my favourite of all time (so far).
My totally biased opinion is ***** (5/5)
My totally unbiased opinion is ****(4/5)
few flaws, and great music and vocals. to be fair and objective, I give this cd a 4/5 rating. It is very much worth the money!
