AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Rage Against The Machine

Artist:Rage Against The Machine

Song:Testify

Album:The Battle of Los Angeles

Though they never had a big hit single, Rage Against The Machine (RATM) were a very successful album and touring band mostly because of politically charged lyrics. The 1999 single Testify was typical of this. They are from Los Angeles. After the 1991 split of his band Lock Up, guitarist Tom Morello started jamming with bassist Tim Commerford and singer songwriter Zach de la Rocha who had been friends since fifth grade. Morello brought in drummer Brad Wilk who had auditioned for Lock Up. The band name Rage Against The Machine was a song de la Rocha had written for his previous band Inside Out. They made a cassette which was sent to record companies. They signed with Epic mainly because RATM maintained creative control. Their 1992 debut album Rage Against The Machine was certified 3XPlatinum driven by heavy radio play of the single Killing in the Name. As I said, RATM never had a big hit single. Some radio stations refused to play them because they were too controversial. But that controversy drove their success. The 1996 album Evil Empire was just as successful. RATM donated all tour profits to liberal support organizations. And in some cities, police tried to cancel RATM concerts due to the band's "violent and anti law enforcement philosophies". I'm sure that helped record sales. Testify is from the 1999 album Battle of Los Angeles. It was also successful. And I'm sure RATM could have continued. But Commerford's behavior at the 2000 MTV Music Video Awards led to de la Rocha's departure. After the 2000 album of covers Renegades, RATM split up. Morello said they were squabbling over everything. Though de la Rocha worked on a couple of solo albums, neither was released. Morello and the others formed Audioslave with Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell. Morello released a solo album in 2007. RATM first reunited in 2007 and they continue to tour. But they have not released new music Morello is not interested in recording new music. RATM have not released a comp. But Battle of Los Angeles is available as a budget CD. Here's the video for Testify by Rage Against The Machine.