Review Summary: Relate to the matter as I drop the bomb.
I have and will always be a fan of fantasy and science fiction novels. Despite however thoroughly explored certain concepts seem to be in these subgenres of fiction, there are always books out there that breathe new life into otherwise conventional tropes. But considering the freedom of expression and imagination inherent in these genres, why bother treading well-known territory in the first place? There are thousands of authors out there trying to emulate Tolkien, Asimov & Heinlein – thousands of iterations of absolute good versus absolute evil, of love, loss, and triumph.
Authors and readers are continually drawn to these same plot lines and literary devices because they are relatable, immersive and inspiring. Music, however, is even more flexible with its expressiveness, more fluid in terms of its possibility and influence. It seems to me that musical progression is more of a tribute to one’s influences than any cover album. So why rehash songs that were definitive in their time? Like many contemporary fantasy writers are wont to do, if only to wrap old bones in new flesh.
In this sense Rage Against The Machine’s Renegades is one of the most original and underrated cover albums of which I’ve had the pleasure of listening. At first the songs were so different from their progenitors – and the delivery of the lyrics so unique – that I didn’t realize it was a cover album of songs I’d encountered before. Zack de la Rocha is in fine form here (a sort of incensed composure), and while he doesn’t really get to let loose like on previous releases, his voice still effectively communicates the seething vitriol fans have come to know and love. And the diversity of their influences, from old-school punk to political folk-pop to hip-hop, never really makes RATM sound aimless; they remain focused on grooving out their unique style of fat ***ing basslines, drum patterns clean enough to eat off of and powerful riffs that click like the hammer of a gun.
As a matter of fact, Renegades probably has the best production of any RATM album. Zack’s voice remains at the forefront of the mix but doesn’t tame or garble the other performances. Commerford’s bass is as distinct as ever, and while he doesn’t outshine Morello in terms of making or breaking the song he often takes advantage of his presence in creative ways (see I’m Housin’ and Kick Out The Jams). There are times when the bass and guitar vie for attention and can blend together (How I Could Just Kill A Man) but overall stay identifiable. Wilk’s drums are crispy delicious – he shines the most during bridges and when guiding the band through quiet-loud transitions. And while I think he provides the most marginal performance overall, I cannot get enough of his dirty, dirty groove on Microphone Fiend.
I will posit that there isn’t a bad song on this album, but it certainly has its weaker moments. Kick Out The Jams can feel a bit hollow and repetitive at times (even with the cool staccato solo), Beautiful World never provides the cathartic instrumental release it makes me yearn for, and I don’t think Down On The Street’s chorus riff really excuses the bland melody surrounding it. But like any RATM album, its strengths are more memorable than its weaknesses. Zack’s tonal diversity is subtle but surprising, at his most frenetic and unhinged on the reformist punk runaway In My Eyes, relaxed and confiding on slow-burner I’m Housin’. The most progressive song on this album has to be The Ghost of Tom Joad, boasting tons of character and a buttload of great effects. I think Morello honestly outdid himself (literally, he partnered up with Springsteen on the original), successfully encapsulating all of the album’s best elements in one package.
Many people criticize this release as lacking in its political messages, unnecessary or too different from the songs it covers. It’s certainly less incendiary than previous releases, and in many moments falls short of the band’s impressive standards. But it would be a mistake to judge Renegades by its lack of faithfulness to the original content, because though the stories are be the same, they are reimagined so vividly and with so much character that it becomes hard to deny the originality of its obeisance.
