I always loved how the bass was another instrument in rage songs and not just to keep time. Reminds me very much of how much flea's bass work pushes the Chillis
Tom Morello is actually moving his entire hand up and down the fret board as he’s using the Killswitch, it’s basically like he’s scratching the guitar fret board as a DJ would be scratching a record on a turntable… JUST AMAZING SKILLS
Exactly, what it does is emulate the scratch sound of a Rap DJ, anyone can do it by scratching the strings even of an acoustic guitar, although not with as much grace as Tom
The other thing she might not be realizing is that unlike some orchestral strings, 3-4 of the strings on the guitar (depending on the weight he's using, I imagine he's using 9s) are wound with nickel, so there's a texture there that Tom can use there (and which is responsible for the pick slides that have confused her on other pieces).
It’s a combo: he’s not just using pedal board (and he’s not “scratching” fret) - his hand on the fret is also *palm muting* chords. For the record scratching sounds, he’s sliding his finger on open, highly distorted guitar strings, and looks like he’s hugging the guitar because he swaps to palm muting with his hand/forearm that’s otherwise on the fretboard. This technique of palm muting for staccato and/or distorted guitar chords originates in Punk & Grunge. Morello primarily incorporates Punk, Funk, and Acid Rock elements. The Hip Hop influence in Rage (besides the infrequent incorporation of the “record scratching” guitar sound) is primarily in the drums & incorporation of sampling, just like Nü Metal.
The most astounding think about RATM is that their lyrics are still relevant. The most devastating think about RATM is that their lyrics are still relevant.
"All sounds made by guitar, bass, drums and vocals" was printed on their first album cover because who could ever believe a person could make those sounds with a guitar. Tom Morello is an all time great.
I don't know this band apart from what the radio plays ( of their music). I agree that Tom is a incredible musician. I think it was a interview on Howard Stern,he didn't start playing guitar till he was in college? He's certainly playing things in a new and intovative way like Hendrix and EVH did.
Premier Guitar's series of "Rig Rundowns" is a great resource for having guitarist demonstrate their gear and explain the choices they make. Here is an episode with Tom at the time stamp where he gets to showing his pedal board. ua-cam.com/video/WpY4IIy6b98/v-deo.html
"It's important that music be a voice in current events..." This song is nearly 30 years old and maybe even more relevant today than when it was released.
It's too bad members of the band are mouth pieces for that same "machine" that was so terrible to Tom while he was at Harvard I love their music, I loved it when I was a kid, I love it now, but they are hypocritical frauds
Those ticket prices at their "reunion" were a crime bigger than their hypocrisy, but the words should be preached from rooftops, can't let crimes go unspoken... Freedom dies in silence.
@@pdgoblue2518Bingo!!!!! everyone feeds off the machine you would be blind and ignorant to not see that....I listen to RATM to do the same as they have 😂😂😂
Bulls on Parade, from 1996, in my opinion the most important musical indictment against the Military-Industrial Complex ever made, is now extremely topical. "Weapons, not food, not homes, not shoes, not need, just feed the war cannibal-animal" is pure 2024. Thank you for your in-depth analysis of this fantastic protest song. Really impressive.
@@Barnaclebeardmost involved in the military industrial complex, at least at the higher levels, whenever the government decides whether or not to get involved in combat, you very often see donations from people involved in the companies who produce the weapons, in order to get a vote *for* getting involved, as it basically means the government will give them as many blank checks as they want as long as there is combat somewhere in the world.
Zack was barely 24 when this album was produced, and 21 in the first one. He was the youngest member and if you think about this while listening to the first two albums, it becomes even a greater experience knowing these young men wrote such amazing political speeches. I'm glad they were discovered.
Check out his earlier work, he was doing it even younger. The name of the band actually comes from a song he wrote in his previous Hardcore band Inside Out
I remember seeing RATM and Senser at festival in the mid 90s Pumped The non conformity movement of the 90s is something we will never see in the mainstream again they were good times. Senser are a UK rap metal dance crossover group way ahead of the time that never made it to the US , they have the same sort of message as RATM. you should check out their tunes State of mind, Age of Panic, Eject, No Comply and Switch.
And Tim Commerford, the bass player needs to be acknowledged as much as Tim Morello. The whole band was just ahead of its time, lyrically, musically and are still relevant. This band has been in a league of its own since the first album. Renegades of Funk🤔🤦 Nevermind, there's no point I saying WHICH should come next. R A T M are just phenomenal.
"and are still relevant." I came across a quote somewhere, I can't recall where, that said, "I wish to live in a time when RATM lyrics are no longer relevant."
Rage covers often don't land because the vocalists forget one major component of Zack De La Rocha's delivery: Seething anger. (this too is why Denzel Curry's cover is the best cover of this song)
There are better, more technical singers and rappers with better flow and more complex lyricism. Yet noone can match Zack when it comes to the shere conviction. When it comes down to that true belief and rightous anger his delivery is unmatched.
His lyricism is still astounding (and relevant) now. The start of the second verse will always be some of my favourite lines of his "weapons, not food, not hopes, not shoes, not me, just feed the war... Walk the corner to the rubble that used to be a library, line up to the mind cemetery now" 🔥
I think it's actually "not *need*, just feed the war cannibal animal, I..." Tool may have some great lyrics, but Zack is just on another level of putting into words the broken world that we share here
From the source- "Weapons not food, not homes, not shoes Not need, just feed the war cannibal animal I walk the corner to the rubble that used to be a library Line up to the mind cemetery now"
@@randomations11funny you mention Tool; idk if you know, but Maynard contributed vocals on their song Know Your Enemy! I'd like to think the two groups influenced each other as they grew
@@ivyrose779 Undoubtedly. But the next part "they don't gotta burn the books they just remove 'em" is so applicable to the US. Not only with book bans, but also the TikTok legislation. They haven't got to destroy the app, they just have to remove everyone's access to it so the US population doesn't get to see what's happening across the world...
I talked to a kid once who picked up a guitar because of Tom Morello. He loved the fact that he incorporated turntables into the music. I delivered the news as gently as i could.
@@brysons8934 And to call anything The Sex Pistols were doing "guitar-playing", is putting it nicely. They often sound like the instruments were thrown down a flight of stairs.
As amazing as Zach and Tom are.. the rhythm section of Commoford on Bass, and Will on drums really punch these songs. Commoford is very very underrated.
For the verses, Tom engages the wah wah peddle in a top-side (toes end of the peddle) down manner which gives the gritty/trebbly sound. So when you point out that “sound in the background” around 18:25, Tom is taking his foot back on the wah so he can shut it off which is a button at the top-side. So he’s quickly turning it to the neutral position so he can engage the button, cleaner. That motion is the sound. A wah sound. The chorus is straight distortion channel so he wouldn’t want the wah wah engaged.
I came here to say the same thing. Tom get a lot of the light, but that bass is hard AF and those drums. One of the greatest bands, so tight and groovy. Every single person in this band is crazy talented.
From a guitarist’s pov, there’s a lot to take in with Tom’s playing. Sometimes, instead of using the Wah, which filters the tone in a legato fashion, he does pick-up switching which makes it more staccato. Basically, each pick-up in his guitar can be independently set to a different eq, then he uses the toggle switch next to his volume/tone knobs to rapidly switch back and forth between those different frequencies with a certain rhythm. He’s an absolute masted at utilizing every function of the guitar.
Actually no....there is an old Guitar World video where he shows that the bridge pickup is used EXCLUSIVELY on this particular song INCLUDING during the solo and on almost every other RATM song ever. Tom always has 1 tone knob set all the way down, and the other set to all the way up, and so the pickup switch acts as a killswitch, and his wah and whammy together create a high pitch to the scraping, then add in the rhythm of cutting it off at the right time and boom there ya go.
@@Shadow0fd3ath24 Bud...I said there's a lot to take in with "Tom's playing." That's an all-inclusive statement about his style. No where did I specify that I'm only referring to this song. I'm well aware of what he's doing here. Just trying to highlight an aspect of his technique for laymen if they ever come across it.
@@tylerbuckner3750 "Bud" no you didnt, Tom ONLY ever uses his bridge pickup pretty much, especially when switching and i only used this song as an example of that, reread what i said...you LITERALLY and i QUOTE said "Basically, each pick-up in his guitar can be independently set to a different eq, then he uses the toggle switch next to his volume/tone knobs to rapidly switch back and forth between those different frequencies with a certain rhythm." This is something he specifically states that he doesnt do because it complicates things. Even in Audioslave he only does this to go from a humbucker to a single coil in 3 songs as of that recording
@@Shadow0fd3ath24 You used "only" and "pretty much" in the same sentence, so which is it? Never mind, you're the pro. Who am I to question your omniscience? You're right, and also a very big, very handsome boy. Who am I to even dare comment...
Have to say, after watching dozens of your videos is your genuine excitement for music! All different types, styles, you find the real of it and revel in it. Beautiful!
Tom Morello has said he views himself in this band as both the guitarist and the DJ. This is the best example of his DJ hip hop record scratching on the guitar.
The RATM cover of Bob Dylan's "Maggie's Farm" is another monster track. It's interesting on a couple of levels. First, it's snother example Morello's experimental guitar techniques, and second, the fact that Dylan recorded it in '65 and it refers to events decades earlier in addition to current events at that time shows how little progress has been made on many of these issues.
I saw RATM live last year and Zack's power/presence is just insane. He was sitting down for all of it, because of his injury early in the tour, and he still gave one of the most impresive performance I've ever seen. They didn't lose a beat, even 25+ years later.
I too saw them at Ottawa Bluesfest last summer and Zach was on point even though he was sitting down. However (and keep in mind that I have been a Rage fan since their first album, saw them in 1994 at Varsity Arena in Toronto) I thought they struggled to keep the rhythm in parts. Tim Commerford is a great bassist, and I think I chalk it up to being rusty after all these years and then the stress of Zach's injury probably didn't help. I was shocked when the beat started to drop and the rhythm got out of sync. And then I was amazed at how Tom Morrello pulled them right back together. That man is amazing not only as a solo guitarist but as a band member. It was impressive and an amazing concert.
Watching people react to RATM for the first time is one of my favorite things. My favorite band of all time, by far. Love seeing people discover them and have that same feeling I did all those years ago.
Killing in the name, Bulls on parade, Calm like a bomb, Sleep now in the fire, Wake up, Know your enemy, Testify,... what a discography. ALL of their songs have at least a couple of absolute gold phrases in its lyrics. Their power is absolutely unbeatable.
'Settle for Nothing' from the first album is one of their really underrated tracks in my opinion "Caught between my culture and the system, Genocide..."
💣 Calm Like A Bomb-one of my absolute favs-typically evoking a sense of freedom to express any and all pent-up anger and frustration. RAGE is always guaranteed to stir up something buried deep within-if this music doesn't cause you to feel any emotion whatsoever, well, then might I suggest you check your pulse? 📈💀
1 of Rage’s most pivotal tracks. Also one of their most well-known songs. And the tune where Zack’s flow earns the respect of major rap and hip-hop fans. This guitar solo might be Morello’s most famous lead ever. It even fools some people that there’s a DJ scratching records on this track. But the guy is just so wildly inventive it’s unreal. And on a very serious note, a lyric from 1996 has proven to be ominously prophetic in 2023: “They don’t gotta burn the books, they just remove ‘em.” To me that is less about politics than freedom of thought vs. oppression. Rage already knew that dangerous scenario was possible.
I wouldn't say prophetic because that suggests he foresaw something that hadn't happened yet. He was commenting on something that's been a problem since the printing press was invented... People in power have ALWAYS tried to control what others can read.
I would say that’s primarily because the issue has been politicized by the recent actions and policies of politicians; they’ve made it a political point. In the same way that science has been tainted. It still boils down to a struggle much bigger than politics.
I'm 57 and my heart beat still escalates every time I hear this band. Tom's solo sounds like his version of a verse. Nothing is better to me than the concentrated intensity of RATM.
Goose bumps. Rage informed my worldview and politics for the rest of my life. My love and respect for hip-hop extended to Zack's poetry and deep lyrical content. There was NOTHING like this sound in 1996. And it had me literally GOING TO THE LIBRARY to get the books in the CD liiner pictures.
Nothing like it in white music but let's be clear there was plenty of it in Hip Hop throughout its history and in this time. PE, Nas, Kris 1, EPMD, Mobb Deep just to name a few. Prior to that plenty more. RATM merit respect but let's be honest here, if they were a Black rap band singing lyrics like this? They would get nowhere near the wealth and fame and? Whats make Morello and Zach et all "alright" is they know this and recognize it.
@@joshsmith3598 respectfully, I reject your argument out of hand. There was no combination of vocals, lyrics, and sound, like Rage; black white brown or purple. And if it was four black guys making that music, they would have found a huge audience.
@@joshsmith3598 Lol that's not white music, I'm 45 years old & black. I have been listening to RATM since I was about 14 or 15. Music doesn't have a color, the ppl playing it do.. but not the music. It's a personal preference, I hate how someone's skin color is always a factor.
Almost 30 years early, we're seeing this played out in America almost lyric by lyric. "They don't gotta burn the books they just remove 'em While arms warehouses fill as quick as the cells"
They weren't early, the issues have been pervasive. In fact... if you really study their lyrics they sing about things that have been happening for a long time, *even back then*
Zacks lyrics will have you going to google to reference the backstory he’s talking about then completely blow your mind to what you have been woken up to. The man is a true poet
You could write a four thousand word thesis on ANY RATM song. EVERY freakin' line is a rabbit hole of social, historical and political injustice. Discovered them late 90's and to this day, their music gives me goosebumps.
Your analyses of all these songs (I especially love the SOAD ones tbh) is just amazing- I love all these songs and it’s so amazing to hear and see your reactions to them because for one, it allows me to understand why I love these songs and what it is technically about them that make them so amazing, and two, your genuine awe and amazement that you show for music you weren’t originally trained for or even very aware of- your open-mindedness is inspiring and I really do think that your videos help me to “fall more in love with music every day”
The most fascinating thing to me is that Zack De la Rocha and Chris Cornell put so different spins on their songs that even though RATM and Auidoslave are the exact same band, they sound very different from one another.
@@steveparris1806 I remember when Audioslave came into scene I was already an RATM fan, and when they told me it was the same band but with Chris Cornell on the vocals I thought they were just messing with me. As you say, there's something about Zack's vocals that brings out this funk feeling or rapcore that RATM has, kinda like the Beastie Boys, while Audioslave sounds more grunge to me in an Alice in Chains kinda vibe
Rage is +/- 30 years old, and their songs are timeless and still relevant today. Unless changes are made, I don’t think their tracks will ever not be relevant, even in another 30 years.
@@jamesfarina5764 Here ya go: "a political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition", literally the first result after googling "define fascism." I'm pretty comfortable with hating everything Fascism is. A government is not meant to and should not get to harm, subjugate, or threaten its citizens, instead it should be a concentrated body of effort directed towards assisting, protecting, aiding, and ensuring the full list of rights of their citizens in an unbiased, unprejudiced fashion. Unfortunately, at the time of this song's writing up to now, and well before the song's writing, the United States government has done the opposite, being incredibly cruel to its citizens, especially on the basis of race/ethnicity as well as social and economic class. The US Government is currently moving towards a Fascist Theocracy, and if that isn't something to oppose with great force and vigor, I don't know what is.
A perfect blend of Rap, Rock and Funk. There are no weak links in this chain- everyone is talented. RATM was ahead of their time; provocative, motivational and always real.
Tom Morello uses a funny mixture of a Whammy pedal for the high pitch sounds and sometimes a wah-wah (which makes the exact sound of the name). But Tom also said that he was very inspired by hip hop and DJ scatch music. Which is why many of the sounds he makes is actually him scratching (like a DJ) on a guitar while manipulating the sound with a whammy pedal. It's super fascinating and is also many of the reasons of why his tone is so freaking different. If you look up Cochise with Audioslave the intro is him slapping the guitar with a pick. His creativity is insane.
I saw an interview with him a few years ago. He said while other guys were sitting in their room trying to learn Van Halen or whatever shred stuff, he was trying to figure out how to make his guitar sound like a helicopter. (Paraphrased). But he is also a very good "traditional" guitarist.
4:01 THIS is just one of the reasons why elizabeth's reactions are so unique. always great to see your smiling face, your wisdom and insight. you've gotta remember there was NOTHING, repeat NOTHING that sounded like this when it came out. not the beastie boys, not RHCP. this redefined anger and angst.
Redefined anger and angst? Nah.....maybe for "rock" or even "metal", but the best OG rappers (like Chuck D) had that same indignation, and (I strongly suspect) HEAVILY influenced Zach
@@ruthylopezyeah, agreed there and probably some underground artists at the time as it always goes with alternative artists since the 60s But, now white boy rapped this angrily at you back then, that and telling exactly how the government fucks the average blue and white collar sheep combined something that has never existed at that point, a lot of influences but none quite like this
@@ruthylopez Chuck D was talking about the same things, but something about Rage combines those thoughts with the music to make you feel the same thing. The entire thing is melodic anger against inequality, the military industrial complex, and national lies.
Chuck D was doing this before Rage. Love Rage, but i have a live recording where Chuck joins them for Black Steel and Zack refers to him as a father of revolutionary music.
OMG Elizabeth!! Your re-creation of Tom Morello's guitar with your voice is a time capsule moment if I ever saw one!! That was such a precious gesture. This is one of the reasons that you are the #1 vocal analyst of Gotham City!!
I first stumbled onto RATM as an angry, broody teenager in the mid 90’s. I couldn’t describe what it was, but something about de la Rocha’s vocals popped with how I viewed the world at the time. Another thing that makes RATM unique is how well thought-out the lyrics are in reflecting their message. You do such a good job about explaining the vocal and sonic theory behind the emotional energy of anger and rage in his sound. I can see why you enjoy teaching because you are excellent at it!
too bad he is an establishment sellout. They call themselves Rage Against the Machine but when government came out with tyrannical policies and mandates for a jab they we all for it and pushing it on their fans. surprised you didnt see this.
effects. ('fewer affects' would be something different - English is tricky as all of effect (noun), affect (noun), effect(verb) and affect (verb) are real words, although only 3 of them are commonly used). And yes his guitar-inventiveness is quite something to behold. He's up there with Buckethead.
@@PrelectXBL Fair comment. I just meant that they were both inventive guitarists and proponents of the killswitch. This notable solo reminded me of some of Buckethead's work.
I had the unfortunate abilility to see zach fuck up his achilles. got carried off stage. But that hard ass mf still finished the show. showed me what ive known about them for the past 30 years.
You sincerely get this sister…thank you for aiming your very particular set of skills to this piece, your insight is refreshingly nuanced! Be well, triple non secular blessings to you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I’ve seen this band 4 times across two countries, they literally changed the trajectory of my life, I’m a classically trained bassist by degree which of course translates in modern parlance to being a Systems Engineer for a Global Financial Institution. Active Listening is an art…but you already know that, please forgive me this blush, but I just giggle with glee & appreciation for the craft! Thank you
"All sounds made by guitar, bass, drums and vocals" - the now famous line they added to their album cover, because Tom's guitar style was so innovative and unique to him!
Just recently discovered your channel, and have been spending way too much time watching your videos 😁 I just can't get enough of your faces and giggles when you hear something really cool and interesting. A lot of this is the music I grew up with that helped shape my formative years, and its pretty awesome seeing someone experience it for the first time. Even more so because you have the technical knowledge. Makes watching your videos fascinating. The gorgeous hair doesn't hurt, either.
Appreciate you covering something outside of your comfort zone. Tom Morello's guitar work, to me at least, sounds like "scratching"--the early hip-hip technique of using moving the stylus back and forth rapidly on vinyl records. Morello turned this urban dance sound into an aggressive call for revolution.
yes, you're onto something, in fact, that's the desired effect. Tom himself considers himself the DJ in the band. it really gave him a unique style and approach to his instrument
Elizabeth, the "squeaking" sound that you hear from Tom in that guitar solo is emulating the sound of a DJ "scratching" a record on a turntable, which is basically old school rap. Tom's incredible and distinctive, as is RATM in general, one of a kind!
@@Genesisrequiem em·u·late /ˈemyəˌlāt/  verb gerund or present participle: emulating match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation. "lesser men trying to emulate his greatness" Similar: imitate copy reproduce mimic mirror echo follow model oneself on take as a model take as an example match equal parallel be the equal of be on a par with be in the same league as come near to come close to approximate compete with contend with rival vie with surpass imitate. "hers is not a hairstyle I wish to emulate" COMPUTING reproduce the function or action of (a different computer, software system, etc.). "the adaptor is factory set to emulate a Hercules graphics board"
Tom Morello is such a cool guitarist and has such a unique playing style and sound. You should definitely check out this video that goes over his pedalboard setup. Super cool to see how he accomplishes everything.
He's said that he used to practice 8 hours a day playing guitar at the height of the 80's shred guitar era. Competition was fierce. One day he was going to play a gig and noticed that every other guitar player was shredding like crazy and he felt that he wasn't going to stand out that way. And on these few songs where he does play normal lead I get it as its nothing special. But realizing this he began to study DJ's and trying to emulate their sounds. Discovering the Whammy pedal, which was then brand new, didn't hurt either. He has also said that he stopped chasing tone when he realized he could never find the tone he wanted, so he was going to use what he had from that time on. I guess that made him explore his effects pedals and amp a lot more thorough then most. He's mostly still using the same rig and pedals.
I really love Zach's contrast in the chorus. He goes from fast-paced & high energy, to a slower-paced calmer sound, and back each line. Each one accentuating the other.
If you want a real live performance where Tom Morrello's genius really shines, I'd recommend watching his performance with Bruce Springsteen when they take on "The Ghost of Tom Joad" together at the anniversary concert of Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame from 2009. Morello has several solos with amazing close up shots of him blowings minds with his guitar. He also sings parts of the song, which could be a fun experience!
I lost a brother a couple years ago who gave me his mp3 player and this was on there and this song makes me think of my brother! I will definitely watch this !
I just realized that Elizabeth should do a track by Morphine. Guitars do influence voices. Mark Sandman sang like a saxophone and his bass and they were so unique. I’d love to see “I Know You - Part 3” or “Wishing Well”
Love that you can analyze the vocals and song structure on something no matter the genre or style. Sometimes I'm pretty sure the best thing to ever come out of UA-cam is more people discovering RATM
No idea how this channel was recommended to me by youtube but I'm so glad it was! Watching her react to great music and analyzing it is amazing. Currently binge watching Years of videos! Thank you for what you do
I really miss the 90s. We had so many unique genres and artists inside a pretty small time frame. Another pretty unique artist I'm still missing on your channel is Alanis Morissette. For me she is one of the artists that always come to mind when thinking about 90s music. The Album Jagged Little Pill was packed with great songs like You Oughta Know, Ironic or Hand in My Pocket etc. It is probably one of the best albums of the 90s, although I also like many of her later songs like Thank U. In terms of choosing possible reactions I think most of the studio recordings sound better because the instruments are kinda too loud on many live performances of the 90s but it is also a must to see at least one of her live performances. She always had a kinda weird but unique stage presence.
Yes! Alanis is so underrated. Jagged Little Pill is a great album but I feel like she hit her peak artistically and emotionally with her next album Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie.
I'm glad that you finally came across Rage. They came out of left field with a sound that had never been done. And their aggressiveness was off the hook!
I listened to them alot in highschool and got to see them live this year. The energy was so powerful everyone was on their feet the whole show. Was the best concert I've been to ever
I love when you put together detailed analysis of ‘90s rock and metal, it brings me back to my childhood! This probably won’t get too many upvotes on our side of the border but as a kid who grew up close to Canada, I would love to see you do a deep dive into The Tea Party, kind of a ‘90s version of The Doors with heavy Middle Eastern influences and instruments. Sister Awake is probably the song that captures them best.
Tom also plays a really wild solo with Bruce Springsteen on Ghost of Tom Joad. He toured and recorded with the E Street Band for a little while after Rage.
Keep in mind that Rage was one of the forerunners of rap metal, and where a lot of bands that came after them had a dedicated DJ on a set of turntables, Rage did it with a 4-piece rock band. Tom Morello considers himself the DJ of the band, and in many ways his solos are meant to call back to turntables scratching. During the verses, the "melody/countermelody" you're trying to piece together on the bass and guitar is better thought of in terms of "flow" and "groove", as if you were listening to hip hop or funk instead.
It's the combo of hip hop, metal, and funk, in a way that no one else has ever really successfully pulled off. The political angle is essential too IMO, you need the raw anger of viciously attacking oppression and global imperialism.
As a guitarist who has been playing for 30+ years and who appreciates all musical expression through guitar solos, in my opinion, this is the greatest solo of all time. It's just so outside of the box and inspiring. Just like the message of the band as a whole, his guitar work stands in opposition to norms and tradition. It's beyond powerful.
This is gonna be a ride back to my youth. They were extremely popular in certain political environments, but also managed to get a broader audience by the pure energy of the music. You should try to explore Black Flag with Henry Rollins as lead, that would be interesting.
Eddie Van Halen did a similar scratching effect on his guitar using a phaser on Atomic Punk on their first album. I hear a lot of EVH influence in Morello's playing in terms of strange guitar noises.
I agree with all you guys, about the EVH infuence. As far as "tone" and sound, but as far as the rhythm, I'm picking up a lot of Led Zep feel as well. The staccato and what I call "rhythmic jaggedness" reminds me of Zep. Maybe I'm crazy.@@jeffreyperry7911
HI! Thanks for Your insight! The most beautiful thing I find, watching Your (reaction) videos, is Your heartwarming, pure and loving way of You, listening to music and always finding the best within it., Your enthusiasm and empathy, all the feelings you share, often give me goosebumps and tears of emotion. I'm touched. THANKS for all this joy and feelings
You need to listen to more RATM. There's never been any band like them but they've inspired so many other musicians. They did metal + rap PERFECTLY and nobody has been able to compete. Truly legendary band.
Cochise by Audioslave (same band, diff singer for those who don't know) has REALLY awesome riffs that sorta change, much like this song. Tom is a master
I didn't realize it was Morello's guitar making the opening "helicopter sounds" when I first heard it. I was ignorant (and still am) to many guitar styles, but when the factoid started circling about how he created the sound, immediately his name was immortalized in my mind as a guitarist to pay attention to. His humbleness while explaining it too is endearing >>> ua-cam.com/video/mO_3ATtgIs0/v-deo.html Edit: and, his Bulls On Parade solo, for Elizabeth (or anyone) to check out: ua-cam.com/video/kyxKJLgfT7A/v-deo.htmlsi=8w16nZ0tvgLcgjQR&t=100
Recovering opera singer here- I wish you were around when I was in high school in college- my thinking about singing was so rigid it really held me back. I don't sing any more because of a vocal injury, but I am trying to get back into making music. You are a huge inspiration.
I know you said you weren't sure if you were going to do anymore Rage, but if this kept you interested please do Wake Up, it's one of the most important songs of an entire generation
20:03 The creation of that sound is from taking his fingers (or even the guitar pick edge-on) and sliding them ALONG the guitar string. That makes a pretty badass alternate sound. Tom takes what might have been considered a mistaken sound and turns it into music. Listen to "Black Rain" by Soundgarden (around the 2:50 mark) for another example of guitar sounds that you're "not supposed to use" - amp feedback in the melody all over there. Plus Cornell's AMAZING vocals....
Not only does Tom use his fingers and pick replicate DJ scratching; he also pulls his guitar cord jack out the guitar and rubs it against the strings, creating feedback that bypasses the pickups on the guitar even. Something I had never seen before. Truly a brilliant innovator on guitar.
If you watch his live stuff carefully, he uses an Allen key for this. You can just about see him palm it as the scratching section finishes on this video. Gotta wonder how he came up with it 😂
Nah it's just the palm of his hand up and down the neck while toggling the kill switch with the whammy engaged. He never ever quite replicated it live either, was never quite right ever again lol
I wish i could hear this again for the first time like you are now. The rabbit hole of their talent is amazing and all their albums are remarkable. Also the most incredible group i have ever seen live.
Awesome reaction!! As well as pedals for his "sound effects", Tom also sometimes plays with 1 of his pickups on the guitar turned allllllllll the way down so when he starts flicking the toggle it gives a staccato effect, such as the intro riff for "Know your enemy" :) Would love you to react to "Wasted Time" by Skid Row - Sebastian Bach's best performance showing the range and power he had, as well as being full of passion...written about their friend Steven Adler who was the original Guns'n'Roses drummer.
Tom’s solo reminds me of a DJ scratching a record. This was originally released in the early nineties. They definitely had a fair amount of inspiration from hip-hop music.
The sounds that Tom makes with his guitar are reminiscent of record scratching that a dj would do. It is a cool meshing of their rock and rap/hip hop styles.
I often watch you doing reactions and analysis of music that I really like... which is cool. I'd like to see you breakdown something classical/operatic and explain, in your opinion, what makes it so good. Maybe it wouldn't get too many hits likes, but I'd definitely be interested.
I remember back in the Guitar Hero hype days seeing the behind the scene work with Tom Morello, capturing his playing and style. He did something I've only seen Steve Vai do before which is removing the whammy bar and use it on the strings to create wild sounds.
yeah, I saw Steve do that live. he let the bar fall and hit the strings. he did it where if something falls the distance of rebound naturally decreases, and thus the intervals between hits get shorter and shorter. they are both mad scientists on a guitar.
Eddie Van Halen took the electric guitar to the next level. Tom Morello attributes his work as influential and undeniable. Check out Eddie's "Eruption" guitar solo, "Cathedral," or the beginning of "Mean Street." He's a watermark for many guitar players.
The most under-appreaciated part of RATM (and Audioslave) is Tim Commerford's bass playing. His bass adds a ton of layering and depth to the music.
Agreed
You need a strong rhythm section in a band as it allows the lead guitarist to do their thing.
Agreed, I love his bass sound so much
Indeed
I always loved how the bass was another instrument in rage songs and not just to keep time. Reminds me very much of how much flea's bass work pushes the Chillis
Tom Morello is actually moving his entire hand up and down the fret board as he’s using the Killswitch, it’s basically like he’s scratching the guitar fret board as a DJ would be scratching a record on a turntable… JUST AMAZING SKILLS
Exactly, what it does is emulate the scratch sound of a Rap DJ, anyone can do it by scratching the strings even of an acoustic guitar, although not with as much grace as Tom
Thank you for this explanation.
It is much appreciated.
He's using an Allen wrench to do the scratching
The other thing she might not be realizing is that unlike some orchestral strings, 3-4 of the strings on the guitar (depending on the weight he's using, I imagine he's using 9s) are wound with nickel, so there's a texture there that Tom can use there (and which is responsible for the pick slides that have confused her on other pieces).
It’s a combo: he’s not just using pedal board (and he’s not “scratching” fret) - his hand on the fret is also *palm muting* chords. For the record scratching sounds, he’s sliding his finger on open, highly distorted guitar strings, and looks like he’s hugging the guitar because he swaps to palm muting with his hand/forearm that’s otherwise on the fretboard.
This technique of palm muting for staccato and/or distorted guitar chords originates in Punk & Grunge. Morello primarily incorporates Punk, Funk, and Acid Rock elements. The Hip Hop influence in Rage (besides the infrequent incorporation of the “record scratching” guitar sound) is primarily in the drums & incorporation of sampling, just like Nü Metal.
The most astounding think about RATM is that their lyrics are still relevant.
The most devastating think about RATM is that their lyrics are still relevant.
T H I S
Artists are always the first to put the pieces together and see the future
@@chrishaugen8648 they're the most observant
Their lyrics will be endlessly relevant.
Unfortunately they will always be true
"All sounds made by guitar, bass, drums and vocals" was printed on their first album cover because who could ever believe a person could make those sounds with a guitar. Tom Morello is an all time great.
The sheer number of people who immediately assume there's a DJ scratching somewhere when a Morello solo starts will never cease to amuse me.
I don't know this band apart from what the radio plays ( of their music). I agree that Tom is a incredible musician. I think it was a interview on Howard Stern,he didn't start playing guitar till he was in college? He's certainly playing things in a new and intovative way like Hendrix and EVH did.
@@SabreNation1 Honestly, I thought it was turntables until I saw Audioslave live. Dude is super creative with his instrument.
Tom isn't necessarily the best guitarist of all time. But his sound is probably the most recognizable.
Premier Guitar's series of "Rig Rundowns" is a great resource for having guitarist demonstrate their gear and explain the choices they make.
Here is an episode with Tom at the time stamp where he gets to showing his pedal board.
ua-cam.com/video/WpY4IIy6b98/v-deo.html
The first time I heard RATM was at a music festival. When Tom Morello played, all of us guitar nerds thought ”What?!?!”
I could spend days just watching her analyze RATM songs. This is one of the best things I’ve ever seen. Just awesome!
"It's important that music be a voice in current events..."
This song is nearly 30 years old and maybe even more relevant today than when it was released.
It's too bad members of the band are mouth pieces for that same "machine" that was so terrible to Tom while he was at Harvard
I love their music, I loved it when I was a kid, I love it now, but they are hypocritical frauds
Those ticket prices at their "reunion" were a crime bigger than their hypocrisy, but the words should be preached from rooftops, can't let crimes go unspoken... Freedom dies in silence.
I hope one one day they will not be relevant anymore, but unlikely will be in moo l my lifetime.
@@pdgoblue2518 Sorry I don't know that much about RATM. Can you explain me why are there "mouth pieces"?
@@pdgoblue2518Bingo!!!!! everyone feeds off the machine you would be blind and ignorant to not see that....I listen to RATM to do the same as they have 😂😂😂
Check out "Freedom" for a real range of Zach's vocals, from whisper to maximum screaming rage. The album cut, naturally.
Yes! The first second!
I third this!
My favorite Rage Against The Machine song. Total power.
The live version is so amazing too
Yes please do this one !
Bulls on Parade, from 1996, in my opinion the most important musical indictment against the Military-Industrial Complex ever made, is now extremely topical. "Weapons, not food, not homes, not shoes, not need, just feed the war cannibal-animal" is pure 2024.
Thank you for your in-depth analysis of this fantastic protest song. Really impressive.
What are the politics of the hypothetical person who might be against this message???
@@Barnaclebeard greed above all
@@Barnaclebeardmost involved in the military industrial complex, at least at the higher levels, whenever the government decides whether or not to get involved in combat, you very often see donations from people involved in the companies who produce the weapons, in order to get a vote *for* getting involved, as it basically means the government will give them as many blank checks as they want as long as there is combat somewhere in the world.
@@BarnaclebeardAs a former right-winger, I can attest to there being a ton of people on the right who would oppose that message
Zack was barely 24 when this album was produced, and 21 in the first one. He was the youngest member and if you think about this while listening to the first two albums, it becomes even a greater experience knowing these young men wrote such amazing political speeches.
I'm glad they were discovered.
Check out his earlier work, he was doing it even younger. The name of the band actually comes from a song he wrote in his previous Hardcore band Inside Out
Rage might not be the best for analyzing a singers voice, but definitely deserve a deep dive into the lyrics of EVERY song
Yup. ❤
I remember seeing RATM and Senser at festival in the mid 90s
Pumped
The non conformity movement of the 90s is something we will never see in the mainstream again they were good times.
Senser are a UK rap metal dance crossover group way ahead of the time that never made it to the US , they have the same sort of message as RATM. you should check out their tunes State of mind, Age of Panic, Eject, No Comply and Switch.
@@krs4976 One Minute Silence....
The problem being, is trying to maintain a "politically neutral" channel? How can you analyze such a politically charged group's lyrics?
zack may not be a big singer, be he most definitely has a powerful voice. very distinctive too
This song is so fucking iconic. How many years later and this song still gets me so pumped.
Yeah this song is still one long giant pump
And Tim Commerford, the bass player needs to be acknowledged as much as Tim Morello.
The whole band was just ahead of its time, lyrically, musically and are still relevant.
This band has been in a league of its own since the first album.
Renegades of Funk🤔🤦
Nevermind, there's no point I saying WHICH should come next. R A T M are just phenomenal.
Tim and Brad are simply one of the greatest rhythm sections in rock ever.
Tim is such an underrated bass player. His bass grooves are so good!
Yes!! Notable in Freedom!
"and are still relevant." I came across a quote somewhere, I can't recall where, that said, "I wish to live in a time when RATM lyrics are no longer relevant."
@@josefu_velenthat's a bloody powerful statement!
Rage covers often don't land because the vocalists forget one major component of Zack De La Rocha's delivery: Seething anger. (this too is why Denzel Curry's cover is the best cover of this song)
I also loved the way he incorporated his own verse from the taboo album, it fit the tone of the song excellently
Yeah the seething anger is what draws me to their earlier stuff soo much more. Same way for Tool... Opiate just hits different u know?
This is what makes the covers by Richard Cheese so effective 😂
I always thought it was more of a nasally bitching then seething anger.
There are better, more technical singers and rappers with better flow and more complex lyricism.
Yet noone can match Zack when it comes to the shere conviction. When it comes down to that true belief and rightous anger his delivery is unmatched.
His lyricism is still astounding (and relevant) now. The start of the second verse will always be some of my favourite lines of his "weapons, not food, not hopes, not shoes, not me, just feed the war... Walk the corner to the rubble that used to be a library, line up to the mind cemetery now" 🔥
I think it's actually "not *need*, just feed the war cannibal animal, I..."
Tool may have some great lyrics, but Zack is just on another level of putting into words the broken world that we share here
From the source-
"Weapons not food, not homes, not shoes
Not need, just feed the war cannibal animal
I walk the corner to the rubble that used to be a library
Line up to the mind cemetery now"
@@randomations11funny you mention Tool; idk if you know, but Maynard contributed vocals on their song Know Your Enemy! I'd like to think the two groups influenced each other as they grew
This is relevant in Gaza right now.
@@ivyrose779 Undoubtedly. But the next part "they don't gotta burn the books they just remove 'em" is so applicable to the US. Not only with book bans, but also the TikTok legislation. They haven't got to destroy the app, they just have to remove everyone's access to it so the US population doesn't get to see what's happening across the world...
I talked to a kid once who picked up a guitar because of Tom Morello. He loved the fact that he incorporated turntables into the music. I delivered the news as gently as i could.
Which is fun cause I remember Morello saying he started playing because of the Sex Pistols.
😂
@@brysons8934 And to call anything The Sex Pistols were doing "guitar-playing", is putting it nicely. They often sound like the instruments were thrown down a flight of stairs.
As amazing as Zach and Tom are.. the rhythm section of Commoford on Bass, and Will on drums really punch these songs. Commoford is very very underrated.
Bass players nearly always get done dirty
They're so tight together it almost seems fake. They play like they're 1 instrument.
Tim Commerford* and Brad Wilk*
I don't normally like correcting misspellings but these are their names.
For the verses, Tom engages the wah wah peddle in a top-side (toes end of the peddle) down manner which gives the gritty/trebbly sound. So when you point out that “sound in the background” around 18:25, Tom is taking his foot back on the wah so he can shut it off which is a button at the top-side. So he’s quickly turning it to the neutral position so he can engage the button, cleaner. That motion is the sound. A wah sound. The chorus is straight distortion channel so he wouldn’t want the wah wah engaged.
As a librarian, "They don't gotta burn the books they just remove'm" hits deep these days.
Conservative Christofascist Fundamentalism never changes
While arms warehouses fill as fast as the cells.
Glad I retired after 30 years as a school librarian before the madness began!
@@neilpatrickhairlessRight … conservatives trying to ban obscene literature is not equivalent to leftists trying to ban Shakespeare
Sad
When the lyrics start the bass line is so powerful, Tim Commerford is an underrated master
I came here to say the same thing. Tom get a lot of the light, but that bass is hard AF and those drums. One of the greatest bands, so tight and groovy. Every single person in this band is crazy talented.
Love them but I don't believe anyone from RATM can be considered "underrated" these days lol
Rage was definitely ahead of their time. Zach and the whole band are amazing. Still sounds fresh and electrifying today!
The guitar and the vocal are both used like percussion.
Love the rhythm of this band.
One of the most iconic drum intro ever. That snare hit is outstanding
Its so fucking good
I was just thinking how iconic that is!
From a guitarist’s pov, there’s a lot to take in with Tom’s playing. Sometimes, instead of using the Wah, which filters the tone in a legato fashion, he does pick-up switching which makes it more staccato. Basically, each pick-up in his guitar can be independently set to a different eq, then he uses the toggle switch next to his volume/tone knobs to rapidly switch back and forth between those different frequencies with a certain rhythm. He’s an absolute masted at utilizing every function of the guitar.
That wah might be a bass wah pedal. I have a bass and guitar wah and heard the difference in frequencies and it sounds close to Tom's wah tone.
Actually no....there is an old Guitar World video where he shows that the bridge pickup is used EXCLUSIVELY on this particular song INCLUDING during the solo and on almost every other RATM song ever. Tom always has 1 tone knob set all the way down, and the other set to all the way up, and so the pickup switch acts as a killswitch, and his wah and whammy together create a high pitch to the scraping, then add in the rhythm of cutting it off at the right time and boom there ya go.
@@Shadow0fd3ath24 Bud...I said there's a lot to take in with "Tom's playing." That's an all-inclusive statement about his style. No where did I specify that I'm only referring to this song. I'm well aware of what he's doing here. Just trying to highlight an aspect of his technique for laymen if they ever come across it.
@@tylerbuckner3750 "Bud" no you didnt, Tom ONLY ever uses his bridge pickup pretty much, especially when switching and i only used this song as an example of that, reread what i said...you LITERALLY and i QUOTE said "Basically, each pick-up in his guitar can be independently set to a different eq, then he uses the toggle switch next to his volume/tone knobs to rapidly switch back and forth between those different frequencies with a certain rhythm." This is something he specifically states that he doesnt do because it complicates things. Even in Audioslave he only does this to go from a humbucker to a single coil in 3 songs as of that recording
@@Shadow0fd3ath24 You used "only" and "pretty much" in the same sentence, so which is it? Never mind, you're the pro. Who am I to question your omniscience? You're right, and also a very big, very handsome boy. Who am I to even dare comment...
Have to say, after watching dozens of your videos is your genuine excitement for music! All different types, styles, you find the real of it and revel in it. Beautiful!
Tom Morello has said he views himself in this band as both the guitarist and the DJ. This is the best example of his DJ hip hop record scratching on the guitar.
RATM - KNOW YOUR ENEMY
Has Maynard of Tool on it
Hoping for "Freedom"
This is the Maynard from Tool song in case CV was wondering what song it was. (Know Your Enemy not Freedom)
lol if y’all ain’t paying she ain’t playing
@@ItsAllGood_ what did Maynard have to do with KYE? I'm not aware and love to learn music trivia :)
@@Mechanic618he does a guest vocal on it. Tool and RATM came up around the same time in the LA music scene.
The RATM cover of Bob Dylan's "Maggie's Farm" is another monster track. It's interesting on a couple of levels. First, it's snother example Morello's experimental guitar techniques, and second, the fact that Dylan recorded it in '65 and it refers to events decades earlier in addition to current events at that time shows how little progress has been made on many of these issues.
I saw RATM live last year and Zack's power/presence is just insane. He was sitting down for all of it, because of his injury early in the tour, and he still gave one of the most impresive performance I've ever seen. They didn't lose a beat, even 25+ years later.
Saw it too. Couldn't believe it. Zack sitting down is better than 85% of frontmen out there.
Rage and Metallica still give their fullest effort at every performance. Top level at 50s and 60s is unreal.
I sure hope they get the chance to tour again. They’ve clearly still got it.
The leg of the tour I had tickets for was cancelled😭😭😭 I wish they'd reschedule but my hope is pretty much run out
I too saw them at Ottawa Bluesfest last summer and Zach was on point even though he was sitting down. However (and keep in mind that I have been a Rage fan since their first album, saw them in 1994 at Varsity Arena in Toronto) I thought they struggled to keep the rhythm in parts. Tim Commerford is a great bassist, and I think I chalk it up to being rusty after all these years and then the stress of Zach's injury probably didn't help. I was shocked when the beat started to drop and the rhythm got out of sync. And then I was amazed at how Tom Morrello pulled them right back together. That man is amazing not only as a solo guitarist but as a band member. It was impressive and an amazing concert.
Major props to Zack for achieving a serious sense of flow, as the rap masters strive for. It's tough to meld aggression and flow.
Watching people react to RATM for the first time is one of my favorite things. My favorite band of all time, by far. Love seeing people discover them and have that same feeling I did all those years ago.
Killing in the name, Bulls on parade, Calm like a bomb, Sleep now in the fire, Wake up, Know your enemy, Testify,... what a discography. ALL of their songs have at least a couple of absolute gold phrases in its lyrics. Their power is absolutely unbeatable.
Take the power back is one of my favorites as well
Down Rodeo
'Settle for Nothing' from the first album is one of their really underrated tracks in my opinion "Caught between my culture and the system, Genocide..."
People of the Sun is another of their epics
💣 Calm Like A Bomb-one of my absolute favs-typically evoking a sense of freedom to express any and all pent-up anger and frustration. RAGE is always guaranteed to stir up something buried deep within-if this music doesn't cause you to feel any emotion whatsoever, well, then might I suggest you check your pulse? 📈💀
1 of Rage’s most pivotal tracks. Also one of their most well-known songs. And the tune where Zack’s flow earns the respect of major rap and hip-hop fans. This guitar solo might be Morello’s most famous lead ever. It even fools some people that there’s a DJ scratching records on this track. But the guy is just so wildly inventive it’s unreal. And on a very serious note, a lyric from 1996 has proven to be ominously prophetic in 2023: “They don’t gotta burn the books, they just remove ‘em.” To me that is less about politics than freedom of thought vs. oppression. Rage already knew that dangerous scenario was possible.
That's still politics, unfortunately.
I wouldn't say prophetic because that suggests he foresaw something that hadn't happened yet. He was commenting on something that's been a problem since the printing press was invented... People in power have ALWAYS tried to control what others can read.
I would say that’s primarily because the issue has been politicized by the recent actions and policies of politicians; they’ve made it a political point. In the same way that science has been tainted. It still boils down to a struggle much bigger than politics.
Fair enough. Unintentionally prophetic, then. As well as very unfortunately and even eerily.
Thirty years loving this powerful music and you discover it right now...
Me too! My top 5 band
I'm 57 and my heart beat still escalates every time I hear this band. Tom's solo sounds like his version of a verse. Nothing is better to me than the concentrated intensity of RATM.
The look on her face when the guitar "solo" starts is absolutely priceless.
pretty much everyones face when first listened to this bald guy doing scratchers simulating a turn table on a guitar!
I always look for people's reactions to that solo
Goose bumps. Rage informed my worldview and politics for the rest of my life. My love and respect for hip-hop extended to Zack's poetry and deep lyrical content.
There was NOTHING like this sound in 1996. And it had me literally GOING TO THE LIBRARY to get the books in the CD liiner pictures.
Nothing like it in white music but let's be clear there was plenty of it in Hip Hop throughout its history and in this time. PE, Nas, Kris 1, EPMD, Mobb Deep just to name a few. Prior to that plenty more. RATM merit respect but let's be honest here, if they were a Black rap band singing lyrics like this? They would get nowhere near the wealth and fame and? Whats make Morello and Zach et all "alright" is they know this and recognize it.
@@joshsmith3598 respectfully, I reject your argument out of hand. There was no combination of vocals, lyrics, and sound, like Rage; black white brown or purple. And if it was four black guys making that music, they would have found a huge audience.
@@joshsmith3598yeah the RATM members are so white. True Caucasian names like Tom Morello and Zak De La Rocha. Oof
@@joshsmith3598 Lol that's not white music, I'm 45 years old & black. I have been listening to RATM since I was about 14 or 15. Music doesn't have a color, the ppl playing it do.. but not the music. It's a personal preference, I hate how someone's skin color is always a factor.
@@gs2162I agree 💯
Almost 30 years early, we're seeing this played out in America almost lyric by lyric.
"They don't gotta burn the books they just remove 'em
While arms warehouses fill as quick as the cells"
Sadly they applied then and still apply or in some cases even worse: apply again.
*STILL*
They weren't early, the issues have been pervasive. In fact... if you really study their lyrics they sing about things that have been happening for a long time, *even back then*
It's like politicians listened to RATM and thought 'that's a good idea, lets do that'.
Like how Amazon removed When Harry Became Sally for being too correct.
Zacks lyrics will have you going to google to reference the backstory he’s talking about then completely blow your mind to what you have been woken up to. The man is a true poet
You could write a four thousand word thesis on ANY RATM song.
EVERY freakin' line is a rabbit hole of social, historical and political injustice.
Discovered them late 90's and to this day, their music gives me goosebumps.
Well said all.
Your analyses of all these songs (I especially love the SOAD ones tbh) is just amazing- I love all these songs and it’s so amazing to hear and see your reactions to them because for one, it allows me to understand why I love these songs and what it is technically about them that make them so amazing, and two, your genuine awe and amazement that you show for music you weren’t originally trained for or even very aware of- your open-mindedness is inspiring and I really do think that your videos help me to “fall more in love with music every day”
The most fascinating thing to me is that Zack De la Rocha and Chris Cornell put so different spins on their songs that even though RATM and Auidoslave are the exact same band, they sound very different from one another.
I struggled with Audioslave because I couldn't find the funk that was present in RATM. I guess Zach brought the funk out of the group.
@@steveparris1806 I remember when Audioslave came into scene I was already an RATM fan, and when they told me it was the same band but with Chris Cornell on the vocals I thought they were just messing with me. As you say, there's something about Zack's vocals that brings out this funk feeling or rapcore that RATM has, kinda like the Beastie Boys, while Audioslave sounds more grunge to me in an Alice in Chains kinda vibe
Rage is +/- 30 years old, and their songs are timeless and still relevant today. Unless changes are made, I don’t think their tracks will ever not be relevant, even in another 30 years.
RAGE will always be relevant. The battle just isn’t always Los Angeles
Being opposed to Fascists is NEVER wrong.
True story.
True, except you don't understand what that means or who they are
if you are a fan from mao, kim jong, lenin, stalin, putin, xi jinping, castro or all that other bstrds, then go to this countries...
@@jamesfarina5764it’s the cops.
@@jamesfarina5764 Here ya go: "a political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition", literally the first result after googling "define fascism." I'm pretty comfortable with hating everything Fascism is. A government is not meant to and should not get to harm, subjugate, or threaten its citizens, instead it should be a concentrated body of effort directed towards assisting, protecting, aiding, and ensuring the full list of rights of their citizens in an unbiased, unprejudiced fashion. Unfortunately, at the time of this song's writing up to now, and well before the song's writing, the United States government has done the opposite, being incredibly cruel to its citizens, especially on the basis of race/ethnicity as well as social and economic class. The US Government is currently moving towards a Fascist Theocracy, and if that isn't something to oppose with great force and vigor, I don't know what is.
The aggressiveness of Zack's vocals come from pure righteous indignation.
*misplaced righteous indignation
@@notimportant3686Nope
@@notimportant3686?
And now he rages with the machine.
Yes, yes. The outraged mega millionaire.
A perfect blend of Rap, Rock and Funk. There are no weak links in this chain- everyone is talented. RATM was ahead of their time; provocative, motivational and always real.
Sadly, still painfully relevant.
Tom Morello uses a funny mixture of a Whammy pedal for the high pitch sounds and sometimes a wah-wah (which makes the exact sound of the name). But Tom also said that he was very inspired by hip hop and DJ scatch music. Which is why many of the sounds he makes is actually him scratching (like a DJ) on a guitar while manipulating the sound with a whammy pedal. It's super fascinating and is also many of the reasons of why his tone is so freaking different. If you look up Cochise with Audioslave the intro is him slapping the guitar with a pick. His creativity is insane.
I saw an interview with him a few years ago. He said while other guys were sitting in their room trying to learn Van Halen or whatever shred stuff, he was trying to figure out how to make his guitar sound like a helicopter. (Paraphrased). But he is also a very good "traditional" guitarist.
4:01 THIS is just one of the reasons why elizabeth's reactions are so unique. always great to see your smiling face, your wisdom and insight. you've gotta remember there was NOTHING, repeat NOTHING that sounded like this when it came out. not the beastie boys, not RHCP. this redefined anger and angst.
Redefined anger and angst? Nah.....maybe for "rock" or even "metal", but the best OG rappers (like Chuck D) had that same indignation, and (I strongly suspect) HEAVILY influenced Zach
@@ruthylopez no one sounded like this at all. truly unique
@@ruthylopezyeah, agreed there and probably some underground artists at the time as it always goes with alternative artists since the 60s
But, now white boy rapped this angrily at you back then, that and telling exactly how the government fucks the average blue and white collar sheep combined something that has never existed at that point, a lot of influences but none quite like this
@@ruthylopez
Chuck D was talking about the same things, but something about Rage combines those thoughts with the music to make you feel the same thing. The entire thing is melodic anger against inequality, the military industrial complex, and national lies.
Chuck D was doing this before Rage. Love Rage, but i have a live recording where Chuck joins them for Black Steel and Zack refers to him as a father of revolutionary music.
OMG Elizabeth!! Your re-creation of Tom Morello's guitar with your voice is a time capsule moment if I ever saw one!! That was such a precious gesture. This is one of the reasons that you are the #1 vocal analyst of Gotham City!!
I first stumbled onto RATM as an angry, broody teenager in the mid 90’s. I couldn’t describe what it was, but something about de la Rocha’s vocals popped with how I viewed the world at the time. Another thing that makes RATM unique is how well thought-out the lyrics are in reflecting their message. You do such a good job about explaining the vocal and sonic theory behind the emotional energy of anger and rage in his sound. I can see why you enjoy teaching because you are excellent at it!
Tom Morello is a mad scientist genius when it comes to getting weird sounds out of a guitar with fewer effects than people realize.
too bad he is an establishment sellout. They call themselves Rage Against the Machine but when government came out with tyrannical policies and mandates for a jab they we all for it and pushing it on their fans. surprised you didnt see this.
effects. ('fewer affects' would be something different - English is tricky as all of effect (noun), affect (noun), effect(verb) and affect (verb) are real words, although only 3 of them are commonly used). And yes his guitar-inventiveness is quite something to behold. He's up there with Buckethead.
He is not up there with Buckethead. Ryan actually has immense talent and can shred. Tom relies on effects and a kill switch to do what he does.
@@PrelectXBL Fair comment. I just meant that they were both inventive guitarists and proponents of the killswitch. This notable solo reminded me of some of Buckethead's work.
RATM are so timeless to me. It's a shame their 2023 tour had to be cancelled due to injury.
Just crying shame it's partly so timeless because all the things they were singing about 30 years ago are still effed up :(
@@torunamoknow they are commonly acce reality... Go figure.
I had the unfortunate abilility to see zach fuck up his achilles. got carried off stage. But that hard ass mf still finished the show. showed me what ive known about them for the past 30 years.
@@iamasicksickman
It's called "karma".
That's what you get for selling out.
Everything adds up in the end.
You sincerely get this sister…thank you for aiming your very particular set of skills to this piece, your insight is refreshingly nuanced! Be well, triple non secular blessings to you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I’ve seen this band 4 times across two countries, they literally changed the trajectory of my life, I’m a classically trained bassist by degree which of course translates in modern parlance to being a Systems Engineer for a Global Financial Institution.
Active Listening is an art…but you already know that, please forgive me this blush, but I just giggle with glee & appreciation for the craft!
Thank you
"All sounds made by guitar, bass, drums and vocals" - the now famous line they added to their album cover, because Tom's guitar style was so innovative and unique to him!
The bass on this track is amazing. It’s like a constant growl.
Yeah Tim's tone on this one is nuts.
His bass tone is so meaty. Everyone gives Tom the credit he deserves, but Tim is a savage on this beat
- Frank -
Just recently discovered your channel, and have been spending way too much time watching your videos 😁 I just can't get enough of your faces and giggles when you hear something really cool and interesting. A lot of this is the music I grew up with that helped shape my formative years, and its pretty awesome seeing someone experience it for the first time. Even more so because you have the technical knowledge. Makes watching your videos fascinating. The gorgeous hair doesn't hurt, either.
Appreciate you covering something outside of your comfort zone. Tom Morello's guitar work, to me at least, sounds like "scratching"--the early hip-hip technique of using moving the stylus back and forth rapidly on vinyl records. Morello turned this urban dance sound into an aggressive call for revolution.
yes, you're onto something, in fact, that's the desired effect. Tom himself considers himself the DJ in the band. it really gave him a unique style and approach to his instrument
yep he was hired to be the bands Dj and turntableist originally
Elizabeth, the "squeaking" sound that you hear from Tom in that guitar solo is emulating the sound of a DJ "scratching" a record on a turntable, which is basically old school rap. Tom's incredible and distinctive, as is RATM in general, one of a kind!
no turntables or syncetizers were used in this recording its all guitar sounds , It is printed on the record
@@alfonsogalan4935 hence the word "emulating."
On their debut album they actually mention all sounds on this record are vocals, guitar, bass, and drums
@@Genesisrequiem em·u·late
/ˈemyəˌlāt/

verb
gerund or present participle: emulating
match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation.
"lesser men trying to emulate his greatness"
Similar:
imitate
copy
reproduce
mimic
mirror
echo
follow
model oneself on
take as a model
take as an example
match
equal
parallel
be the equal of
be on a par with
be in the same league as
come near to
come close to
approximate
compete with
contend with
rival
vie with
surpass
imitate.
"hers is not a hairstyle I wish to emulate"
COMPUTING
reproduce the function or action of (a different computer, software system, etc.).
"the adaptor is factory set to emulate a Hercules graphics board"
@@wille769 I've never known someone so proud they own a dictionary and/or thesaurus. Well done, would you like a gold star?
Tom Morello is such a cool guitarist and has such a unique playing style and sound. You should definitely check out this video that goes over his pedalboard setup. Super cool to see how he accomplishes everything.
Tom Morello is a rabbit hole unto himself.
High school honours student, Bachelor of political science, stripper, and one of the most creative and underrated guitarists to ever grace the scene
The entire Night watchman project and all the collabs with the most unexpected artists, you could write a book about Tom Morello
He's said that he used to practice 8 hours a day playing guitar at the height of the 80's shred guitar era. Competition was fierce. One day he was going to play a gig and noticed that every other guitar player was shredding like crazy and he felt that he wasn't going to stand out that way. And on these few songs where he does play normal lead I get it as its nothing special. But realizing this he began to study DJ's and trying to emulate their sounds. Discovering the Whammy pedal, which was then brand new, didn't hurt either. He has also said that he stopped chasing tone when he realized he could never find the tone he wanted, so he was going to use what he had from that time on. I guess that made him explore his effects pedals and amp a lot more thorough then most. He's mostly still using the same rig and pedals.
@@jgee9272former political aide who was mistreated and said fuck politicians
@@chaptermasterpedrokantor1623Hr made an honest pedal out of that digital wah.
I really love Zach's contrast in the chorus. He goes from fast-paced & high energy, to a slower-paced calmer sound, and back each line. Each one accentuating the other.
If you want a real live performance where Tom Morrello's genius really shines, I'd recommend watching his performance with Bruce Springsteen when they take on "The Ghost of Tom Joad" together at the anniversary concert of Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame from 2009. Morello has several solos with amazing close up shots of him blowings minds with his guitar. He also sings parts of the song, which could be a fun experience!
That's also part of the High Hopes album, that's an amazing work by Morello.
I lost a brother a couple years ago who gave me his mp3 player and this was on there and this song makes me think of my brother! I will definitely watch this !
RIP to your brother, he had excellent taste. 🙏
@@The_Yodelstein thank you for that! He actually really did have good taste in music! Nirvana and the beetles were also his favorites!
I just realized that Elizabeth should do a track by Morphine. Guitars do influence voices. Mark Sandman sang like a saxophone and his bass and they were so unique. I’d love to see “I Know You - Part 3” or “Wishing Well”
Yes!! This! Especially, Top floor bottom buzzer
Their cover of Bruce Springsteen's GHOST OF TOM JOAD and Bob Dylan's MAGGIE'S FARM and their own NO SHELTER from the Godzilla soundtrack are all gems!
I was a teen when I found these guy's to this day my favourite band Zack's words make even more sense today with the way our world is.
Love that you can analyze the vocals and song structure on something no matter the genre or style.
Sometimes I'm pretty sure the best thing to ever come out of UA-cam is more people discovering RATM
No idea how this channel was recommended to me by youtube but I'm so glad it was! Watching her react to great music and analyzing it is amazing. Currently binge watching Years of videos! Thank you for what you do
I really miss the 90s. We had so many unique genres and artists inside a pretty small time frame. Another pretty unique artist I'm still missing on your channel is Alanis Morissette. For me she is one of the artists that always come to mind when thinking about 90s music. The Album Jagged Little Pill was packed with great songs like You Oughta Know, Ironic or Hand in My Pocket etc. It is probably one of the best albums of the 90s, although I also like many of her later songs like Thank U. In terms of choosing possible reactions I think most of the studio recordings sound better because the instruments are kinda too loud on many live performances of the 90s but it is also a must to see at least one of her live performances. She always had a kinda weird but unique stage presence.
You oughta know still hits hard. Great song
The entire Jagged Little Pill album is phenomenal
Yes! Alanis is so underrated. Jagged Little Pill is a great album but I feel like she hit her peak artistically and emotionally with her next album Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie.
Yeah I was born in 80 and grew up with this music. Bing from Netherlands there was a lotto choose from. We also had gabber back then :)
@@amberfaulkner8930fuggin YES!
Your vocal impression of Tom on the guitar was amazing !
I'm glad that you finally came across Rage. They came out of left field with a sound that had never been done. And their aggressiveness was off the hook!
I listened to them alot in highschool and got to see them live this year. The energy was so powerful everyone was on their feet the whole show. Was the best concert I've been to ever
I love when you put together detailed analysis of ‘90s rock and metal, it brings me back to my childhood! This probably won’t get too many upvotes on our side of the border but as a kid who grew up close to Canada, I would love to see you do a deep dive into The Tea Party, kind of a ‘90s version of The Doors with heavy Middle Eastern influences and instruments. Sister Awake is probably the song that captures them best.
There's a few Tragically Hip songs I'd love to see her do. Gord Downie is exactly the kind of vocalist this channel was made for
@@crendra11 Imagine a breakdown of "Wheat Kings", "Fiddler's Green" or even "New Orleans is Sinking"
New Orleans is Sinking for sure
You're such a great appreciator of music. I love your videos, and your reactions make me smile. Thanks for the great content.
That groove is infectious!! First few bars and the head starts to rock🤘🏻
I love seeing you enjoy Rage. Hopefully your nest Rage song is "Sleep now in the fire". Looking forward to it!
how ? just tell me how you turn all of these burndown song so cosy ? impactable, just....freaking impactable. For a god sake - continue, please
Tom also plays a really wild solo with Bruce Springsteen on Ghost of Tom Joad. He toured and recorded with the E Street Band for a little while after Rage.
That is something she should definitely check out. it was awesome.
Great version of that song.
I will be sending Elizabeth several suggestions for analysis of The Boss when she’s ready. Morello’s version of Tom Joad is absolutely in the mix.
Keep in mind that Rage was one of the forerunners of rap metal, and where a lot of bands that came after them had a dedicated DJ on a set of turntables, Rage did it with a 4-piece rock band. Tom Morello considers himself the DJ of the band, and in many ways his solos are meant to call back to turntables scratching. During the verses, the "melody/countermelody" you're trying to piece together on the bass and guitar is better thought of in terms of "flow" and "groove", as if you were listening to hip hop or funk instead.
Ratm is more like poetry in rock form. You can feel the rage and the lyrics are really deep
It's the combo of hip hop, metal, and funk, in a way that no one else has ever really successfully pulled off. The political angle is essential too IMO, you need the raw anger of viciously attacking oppression and global imperialism.
As a guitarist who has been playing for 30+ years and who appreciates all musical expression through guitar solos, in my opinion, this is the greatest solo of all time. It's just so outside of the box and inspiring. Just like the message of the band as a whole, his guitar work stands in opposition to norms and tradition. It's beyond powerful.
Well said. RATM is a genre into themselves.
This is gonna be a ride back to my youth. They were extremely popular in certain political environments, but also managed to get a broader audience by the pure energy of the music.
You should try to explore Black Flag with Henry Rollins as lead, that would be interesting.
I would love see this take! It'd be also be interesting to see what she makes of Dead Kennedys and Jello Biafra on vocals
Hearing her take on California Uber Alles would be a trip and a half
Not taking a side IS taking a side. Inaction IS an action. ❤
Eddie Van Halen did a similar scratching effect on his guitar using a phaser on Atomic Punk on their first album. I hear a lot of EVH influence in Morello's playing in terms of strange guitar noises.
Hendrix on the intro to Voodoo Chile' as well.
I agree with all you guys, about the EVH infuence. As far as "tone" and sound, but as far as the rhythm, I'm picking up a lot of Led Zep feel as well. The staccato and what I call "rhythmic jaggedness" reminds me of Zep. Maybe I'm crazy.@@jeffreyperry7911
Every member is amazingly talented. Tom Morello is so creative. This band is worth a deeper dive.
HI! Thanks for Your insight! The most beautiful thing I find, watching Your (reaction) videos, is Your heartwarming, pure and loving way of You, listening to music and always finding the best within it., Your enthusiasm and empathy, all the feelings you share, often give me goosebumps and tears of emotion. I'm touched. THANKS for all this joy and feelings
You need to listen to more RATM. There's never been any band like them but they've inspired so many other musicians. They did metal + rap PERFECTLY and nobody has been able to compete. Truly legendary band.
Cochise by Audioslave (same band, diff singer for those who don't know) has REALLY awesome riffs that sorta change, much like this song. Tom is a master
I didn't realize it was Morello's guitar making the opening "helicopter sounds" when I first heard it. I was ignorant (and still am) to many guitar styles, but when the factoid started circling about how he created the sound, immediately his name was immortalized in my mind as a guitarist to pay attention to. His humbleness while explaining it too is endearing >>> ua-cam.com/video/mO_3ATtgIs0/v-deo.html
Edit: and, his Bulls On Parade solo, for Elizabeth (or anyone) to check out: ua-cam.com/video/kyxKJLgfT7A/v-deo.htmlsi=8w16nZ0tvgLcgjQR&t=100
Recovering opera singer here- I wish you were around when I was in high school in college- my thinking about singing was so rigid it really held me back. I don't sing any more because of a vocal injury, but I am trying to get back into making music. You are a huge inspiration.
I know you said you weren't sure if you were going to do anymore Rage, but if this kept you interested please do Wake Up, it's one of the most important songs of an entire generation
20:03 The creation of that sound is from taking his fingers (or even the guitar pick edge-on) and sliding them ALONG the guitar string. That makes a pretty badass alternate sound. Tom takes what might have been considered a mistaken sound and turns it into music. Listen to "Black Rain" by Soundgarden (around the 2:50 mark) for another example of guitar sounds that you're "not supposed to use" - amp feedback in the melody all over there. Plus Cornell's AMAZING vocals....
Not only does Tom use his fingers and pick replicate DJ scratching; he also pulls his guitar cord jack out the guitar and rubs it against the strings, creating feedback that bypasses the pickups on the guitar even. Something I had never seen before. Truly a brilliant innovator on guitar.
If you watch his live stuff carefully, he uses an Allen key for this. You can just about see him palm it as the scratching section finishes on this video. Gotta wonder how he came up with it 😂
Everyone joked, but Rage was right.
Right about protesting the machine which is currently the Democrat party.
How were they right? They made tons of money while claiming to be Socialists.
@@getbendt2970 should you be not on toby keith"s channel!!
Rage was right even before they were born.
One of my top 5 all time bands! This was a banger. Keep doing SOAD and Rage. I could watch them all day!
The guitar solo is created by scratching the guitar pick up and down the strings at different speeds - combined with the kill switch.
Nah it's just the palm of his hand up and down the neck while toggling the kill switch with the whammy engaged. He never ever quite replicated it live either, was never quite right ever again lol
Not true it’s his palm rubbing on the neck with the pick-up switch going back and forth
I wish i could hear this again for the first time like you are now. The rabbit hole of their talent is amazing and all their albums are remarkable. Also the most incredible group i have ever seen live.
Awesome reaction!! As well as pedals for his "sound effects", Tom also sometimes plays with 1 of his pickups on the guitar turned allllllllll the way down so when he starts flicking the toggle it gives a staccato effect, such as the intro riff for "Know your enemy" :)
Would love you to react to "Wasted Time" by Skid Row - Sebastian Bach's best performance showing the range and power he had, as well as being full of passion...written about their friend Steven Adler who was the original Guns'n'Roses drummer.
I think he has an actual killswitch these days
Tom’s solo reminds me of a DJ scratching a record. This was originally released in the early nineties. They definitely had a fair amount of inspiration from hip-hop music.
The sounds that Tom makes with his guitar are reminiscent of record scratching that a dj would do. It is a cool meshing of their rock and rap/hip hop styles.
I often watch you doing reactions and analysis of music that I really like... which is cool. I'd like to see you breakdown something classical/operatic and explain, in your opinion, what makes it so good. Maybe it wouldn't get too many hits likes, but I'd definitely be interested.
I remember back in the Guitar Hero hype days seeing the behind the scene work with Tom Morello, capturing his playing and style. He did something I've only seen Steve Vai do before which is removing the whammy bar and use it on the strings to create wild sounds.
yeah, I saw Steve do that live. he let the bar fall and hit the strings. he did it where if something falls the distance of rebound naturally decreases, and thus the intervals between hits get shorter and shorter. they are both mad scientists on a guitar.
Zacks aggressive sound is the sound of 400 years of ethical outrage...and it was wonderful watching your 'mind blown' reaction during Tom's solo.
Eddie Van Halen took the electric guitar to the next level. Tom Morello attributes his work as influential and undeniable. Check out Eddie's "Eruption" guitar solo, "Cathedral," or the beginning of "Mean Street." He's a watermark for many guitar players.
That comparison is appropriate because of all the great guitarists I've seen live, Tom and Eddy were the most creative.