CD reviews
Fahrenheit 9/11 (Songs and Artists That Inspired the Film)
If you build it, or bomb it, they will come. Michael Moore’s
critically acclaimed documentary film now has music to parallel its
message. It is clear in this day and age that Moore has an
established name in politics as well as in popular culture. It is
also clear that his message has influenced many different people,
been hit with negative opposition and praised with positive
support. This album is a collection of big names in entertainment,
making music to support his cause. Even listeners unsupportive of
Moore’s campaign can at least appreciate that half the album’s
proceeds go to the Fallen Patriot Fund, helping military families
of those who were injured or killed in the current Iraq
conflict.
The music is eclectic, and hits on every genre of music. Bob
Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, two veterans of rock n’ roll, start
out the compilation with their stories about American patriotism.
Two members of the former band Rage Against the Machine, boost the
message on Moore’s soundtrack. Tom Morello, a.k.a. the
Nighwatchman, plays solo on the surprisingly Johnny Cash-like,
guitar/harmonica song “No One Left.” Zach de le Rocha is solo as
well on the Rage-like screamer “We Want It All.” On the song Rocha
vents: “Someone’s at my door screaming hate is love and fiction is
fact/honesty is deceit/that silence is security and war is
peace.”
Little Steven’s reggae on “I Am A Patriot,” states: ” I only
know one party/its name is freedom.” Although over-played, the
Black Eyed Peas’ ballad “Where is the Love?” holds onto its
meaning, while the timeless rock song “Fortunate Son,” by John
Fogerty, is still amazingly applicable to the present state of the
new war, over thirty years after it was written.
The Dixie Chicks’ “Travelin’ Soldier” is a sad story of a young
girl in love with a soldier who’s not home. Calling all punk
rockers, the Clash command you to “Know Your Rights.”
Fahrenheit 9/11 has a nice collection of contemporary artists
and their perspectives, and will no doubt end up becoming a
timepiece soundtrack.
Helmet, “Size Matters”
The hits come heavy and size does matter on Helmet’s anticipated
fourth album. Helmet is as heavy as they are intelligent. The band
was spawned out of Berkeley College of Music in Boston with music
degrees galore, and over the past decade has created some of the
smartest progressive heavy metal out there with the likes of Tool
and Queens of the Stone Age.
Every inch of “Size Matters” is crafted for destruction. The
percussion beats harder than a Salvation Army drum, and the
distorted, choppy guitar and bass riffs will leave your neighbor
with a new definition of noise. Helmet continues to hold onto their
heaviness, but they have added some new tricks to the game. The
grinding vocals have improved and melody prevails in almost every
chorus. One thing hasn’t changed for Helmet, their cynicism.
On the single “See You Dead,” chunky guitar lines break into
loving lyrics: “I could miss you more right now or I could slit
your throat.” Oh, how sweet! The sarcastic “Everybody Loves You” is
out for vengeance, and the tone gets even meaner on the closing
song “Last Breath” when they scream: “Your last breath on earth is
all I can take.”
Helmet is lots of fun, in a contemptuous sort of way.
You can here more of Helmet on KCSU 90.5 FM
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