Rise Above
“24 Black Flag Song to Benefit to West Memphis Three”
(Sanctuary Records)
Let’s face the facts, most tribute records suck. They are nothing more than a feeble attempt from record companies to cash in on what was already done before. Usually tribute records have no more than a few good tracks, that aren’t better than originals, and their lifespan in your CD player is a few weeks tops. With that in mind I was hesitant when I found this Black Flag tribute in my mailbox. Much to my surprise this was the exact opposite of what I had expected. The songs are all done with conviction and remain true to the original versions of these Black Flag classics.
Highlights on the record come from a new modernized version of ‘TV Party’ by Henry Rollins himself, an energized ‘Room 13’ by Corey Taylor (Slipknot) and an venom spewing performance by Jeff Moreira (Poison the Well). There are tons of big names on this record all the way from Slayer and Queens of the Stoneage to Motorhead and Ice T.
Not only is this a really cool record but it also serves a purpose as well, this is a benefit to the West Memphis Three. “Who the hell are the West Memphis Three?” you ask? Well imagine being stripped of all your rights and imprisoned for a murder you didn’t commit. That’s exactly what happened to the Jessie Misskelley, Jason Baldwin and Damien Echols. Convicted of a murder they didn’t commit and yet they still sit on death row despite irrefutable evidence that they had nothing to do with the horrible crimes.
A fitting testament to the bullshit judicial system of the United States. Bottom line, this a great record for anyone who ever dug a Black Flag record and a fitting tribute to the band. My only hope is that the fact that this is a tribute doesn’t overshadow the fact that there has been a horrible injustice committed here. Do you part to help the West Memphis Three. Go the website, donate money, write members of congress, something! Anything to help these guys get out of jail.
Just think it could be you in their place and wouldn’t you want people to help you?
