Spring Break
The Playlist: The essential Rage
Stephen Ortiz
Issue date: 9/11/08 Section: Focus
Last Tuesday, Rage Against the Machine was going to perform a free show on the lawn of the Minnesota State Capitol. Police shut down the show just as it was about to begin at 6:30 p.m. The band led a march towards the Xcel Center (site of the Republican National Convention) with almost 3,000 people in tow but the crowd wasn't able to get past the main gates. The power that these four musicians from Los Angeles, Calif. wields with their music is truly awe-inspiring. It was tough to compile this list, but here it is - the top five essential Rage songs.
"How I Could Just Kill A Man"
The best track off of "Renegades," and a cover of the Cypress Hill song of the same name, "How I Could Just Kill A Man" sounds like it should have been a Rage song the entire time. Gone is the funky hip-hop loop of the chorus, replaced by the crashing guitar work of Tom Morello and Brad Wilk's crashing drums. Zach de la Rocha feels right at home with the lyrics.
Key Lyric: "Didn't have to blast him but I did anyway / Young punk had to pay."
"Guerilla Radio"
The spark that lit the explosion that was "Battle of Los Angeles." It's loud, it's fast paced and it's a perfect example of what makes Rage Against the Machine who they are. Nothing's better then when the music drops out entirely and de la Rocha whispers, "What better place than here? / What better time than now?"
Key Lyric: "No shelter if you're looking for shade."
"Killing In The Name Of"
Arguably the biggest fan favorite of their catalog. Yes, the song is very repetitive, but that's where it draws its power. Example, the ending, where de la Rocha yells, "F--- you, I won't do what you tell me," 16 times.
Key Lyric: "Some of those that work forces / Are the same that burn crosses."
"Bulls On Parade"
The highlight of "Evil Empire," "Bulls On Parade" sports one of the angriest vocal performances by de la Rocha. Morello's guitar solo, combined with Tim Commerford's bass line in the background, make for one of the most memorable Rage instrumentals.
Key Lyric: "Weapons / Not food, not homes, not shoes, not need, just feed / The war cannibal animal."
"Freedom"
The final track from their debut, "Rage Against the Machine," The track jumps from fiery, slow tempo verses from de la Rocha to the explosive combination of Morello and Wilk. What sets this track apart from the rest though is the ending - de la Rocha screaming, "Freedom / Yeah, right!" at the top of his lungs as his band rocks on.
Key Lyric: "Your anger is a gift."
"How I Could Just Kill A Man"
The best track off of "Renegades," and a cover of the Cypress Hill song of the same name, "How I Could Just Kill A Man" sounds like it should have been a Rage song the entire time. Gone is the funky hip-hop loop of the chorus, replaced by the crashing guitar work of Tom Morello and Brad Wilk's crashing drums. Zach de la Rocha feels right at home with the lyrics.
Key Lyric: "Didn't have to blast him but I did anyway / Young punk had to pay."
"Guerilla Radio"
The spark that lit the explosion that was "Battle of Los Angeles." It's loud, it's fast paced and it's a perfect example of what makes Rage Against the Machine who they are. Nothing's better then when the music drops out entirely and de la Rocha whispers, "What better place than here? / What better time than now?"
Key Lyric: "No shelter if you're looking for shade."
"Killing In The Name Of"
Arguably the biggest fan favorite of their catalog. Yes, the song is very repetitive, but that's where it draws its power. Example, the ending, where de la Rocha yells, "F--- you, I won't do what you tell me," 16 times.
Key Lyric: "Some of those that work forces / Are the same that burn crosses."
"Bulls On Parade"
The highlight of "Evil Empire," "Bulls On Parade" sports one of the angriest vocal performances by de la Rocha. Morello's guitar solo, combined with Tim Commerford's bass line in the background, make for one of the most memorable Rage instrumentals.
Key Lyric: "Weapons / Not food, not homes, not shoes, not need, just feed / The war cannibal animal."
"Freedom"
The final track from their debut, "Rage Against the Machine," The track jumps from fiery, slow tempo verses from de la Rocha to the explosive combination of Morello and Wilk. What sets this track apart from the rest though is the ending - de la Rocha screaming, "Freedom / Yeah, right!" at the top of his lungs as his band rocks on.
Key Lyric: "Your anger is a gift."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Doug Donaldson
posted 9/11/08 @ 9:21 AM EST
All good songs, but I don't know if listing their biggest singles really constitutes the "essential" Rage. How could you leave out "Vietnow", "Wake Up", and "No Shelter"?
Igt slot machine
posted 12/16/08 @ 11:43 AM EST
Good topic!)
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