Advocating a point: We are not Rage Against the Machine

If Tom Morello ventures into a new project, it will be compared to Rage Against the Machine.

Audioslave was anticipated to be a hybrid of Soundgarden and RATM, but few songs ever achieved the energy of a RATM ballad, or the political meaning. But lead singer Chris Cornell never wanted it to be political, and after his most recent album, one doesn’t have to wonder why Audioslave had a soft, pop side, as seen in tracks such as “Be yourself,” “Doesn’t remind me,” and “I am the highway.”

Nix the Cornell and add a Raymond “Boots” Riley, however, you get Street Sweeper Social Club, and there is zero chance of a mysterious and existential pop song, and twice the opportunity for advocacy and activism.

Political lyrics. Heavy and choppy slams of distorted guitar. Music that makes you want to just punch a yuppie in the face and set his BMW on fire.

Wait, is Street Sweeper Social Club the new Rage Against the machine?

[MP3s, full-album streams and photos, click more]

“No, Street Sweeper Social Club isn’t the new RATM,” Riley posted to his Twitter account. “We’re the new Sly & The Family Stone. With a plan.”
Riley has been preaching the plan of a “revolution” for years in his hip-hop group The Coup. His political activism has been prevalent on all of The Coup’s albums. RATM lead singer Zach de la Rocha was extremely political, as is Morello, so it should be expected that fans and critics would see the obvious parallels between the two Morello combinations.

Street Sweeper Social Club, originally just Street Sweeper, released its first self-titled album recently after finishing up a U.S. tour with Nine Inch Nails and Jane’s Addiction. Although the album has had a quiet week, fans of Audioslave, RATM and The Coup may catch on as they figure out there are hints of all Morello and Riley’s previous groups, but there are a few things to look forward to.

- This album is for people who liked Audioslave because songs like “Cochise” grabbed you by the balls, not people who liked Audioslave’s “Doesn’t Remind Me” because it made them feel blissful, or like taking a walk.

-Yes, Morello’s guitar style is still punchy and prevalent, so there are times when it’s very heavy metal, but Street Sweeper’s production is much simpler and the music isn’t overpowering. Fans of RATM will notice a lack of unique bass lines that differ from the guitar, as seen in “Sleep now in the fire,” by bassist Tim Commerford. This almost makes the entire album sound like a demo it’s so simple.

- Riley’s voice is much easier to listen to than de la Rocha. This isn’t screaming-rap music, but it’s equally belligerent. There are also a few tracks, such as “100 little curses,” that have backup harmonies and vocals that are unlike anything seen by RATM, but still not entirely unique. They do blend well with Riley’s rap, though.

- There’s a decent chance you won’t be pissed off when you finish listening to the album, and might even feel inspired. Riley’s message comes through clearly, and the band’s walking their talk, too. Check out their Web site for good causes to help.

One of the biggest downsides to this album, which may end up being the band’s demise, is that with being created with a political theme in mind, some of the songs feel forced. Writing an entire album with a goal in mind can be tough. Entire albums of The Coup may have a political theme, but many of the songs had a comical relief of sorts, and some tracks were just fun. You’re not going to get that with Street Sweeper, however, Riley’s sideburns are still as comical as they are awesome.

If you like RATM, The Coup or Audioslave’s self-titled album, you will like Street Sweeper. But if you’re new to the Morello and Riley, or not sure if you want to be preached at for 11 tracks, then you might should hold off and try a few streams of the album first.

Should you decide to buy the album, though, don’t be surprised when you’re actually considering the meaning behind the band’s songs. Riley writes some intensely truthful and brutal lyrics about American culture.

And if he doesn’t inspire you to think about your actions, you might at least grow out some sweet sideburns.

Click here to listen to Street Sweeper Social Club, download two of their songs, plus one RATM/The Coup MP3