| Various Artists - Axis of Justice: Concert Series, Vol. 1 |
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| Music Disc Reviews Audio CD | ||||||||||||||||||
| Written by Dan MacIntosh | ||||||||||||||||||
| Tuesday, 16 November 2004 | ||||||||||||||||||
This Axis of Justice concert CD gathers together a rather unlikely group of brothers in arms to speak out about various social causes. It’s not every day that you hear Jurassic 5’s militant hip-hop, side by side with The Nightwatchmen, which is the folk-ish side project of Tom Morello (from Audioslave). Musical style is the least important common denominator for this event. Instead, it is clearly an evening where passions run hot, and the temperature of music matches these heated emotions. Along with the original songs performed this night, it’s also a show where artists reframe a few familiar protest tunes. For instance, Chris Cornell (Audioslave) and Maynard James Keenan (A Perfect Circle) can be heard singing Nick Lowe’s “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding” (this track, by the way, was actually culled from a recent Lollapalooza date). There is also a group-sing of Bob Marley’s “Get Up, Stand Up,” which – like Lowe’s tune – retains a timeless quality. Its message about standing up for one’s rights can be applied over and over again effectively, since social assertiveness is oftentimes in short supply. Speaking of timeless songs, Bob Dylan’s “Chimes of Freedom” is given an urgent acoustic reading here. Additionally, "Alice in My Fantasies" by Funkadelic is also included in this set, although it’s not exactly what you might call a familiar protest anthem. The album opens with “Where the Streets Have No Name,” which is also somewhat of a surprise inclusion. Granted, U2 is no stranger to singing about social justice (or lack thereof), but this particular song, which seems to be more about the promise of an afterlife, doesn’t apply any (social) pressure tactics in its lyrics. Of the original stuff, Tony Morello’s The Nightwatchmen is represented first by “Until the End,” which finds the normally more funky electric guitarist singing in a nearly Johnny Cash country mode. It’s a performance that is stripped down and acoustic, providing a fascinating alternate view of what this artist can do. Later, his group plays the appropriately titled “Union Song,” which is a straightforward, acoustic folk tune. It also includes a few lines in Spanish. One of the more out of place participants -- musically speaking -- is Serj Tankian, who is usually heard leading the aggressive rap-metal group System of a Down. While Tankian’s vocals in that context are powerful enough to be heard above all the bombast, he many times sounds just a little too hyperactive here. Although they’re not as readily recognizable, this concert also features contributions from Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Peter Yorn. In addition to its aural soundtrack, this package also includes a companion DVD of footage from the Avalon show. This visual aid showcases appearances by Roots Riley of The Coup and Wayne Kramer (formerly of the MC5). If all the music is not enough for you, this DVD also includes audio excerpts from the “Axis of Justice” radio show, with Michael Moore and Janeane Garofalo interviews. With the recent reelection of George Bush, don’t be surprised if you see more musical protest projects like this one. It’s highly doubtful that Mr. Bush was the candidate of choice for the liberal left. Ironically, troubled social climates oftentimes bring out the best in musicians. So, for what it’s worth, injustice is sure good for art. Like this article? Bookmark and share with any of the sites below.        |
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