Rise Above: 24 Black Flag Songs to Benefit the West Memphis Three

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 8, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sanctuary Records
• ASIN: B00006JBKR
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #107,403 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Brutal Benefit for a Travesty of Justice, October 9, 2002

By 

Dan Nykolayko (Dana Point, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rise Above: 24 Black Flag Songs to Benefit the West Memphis Three (Audio CD)

I first saw the documentary, Paradise Lost, many years ago. While I initially watched it because it had been the first movie which Metallica's music had been featured in (they had donated 3 songs). However, the precense of Metallica's music quickly became overshadowed by the injustice featured in the documentary. I'll spare you the details, since Henry has been so vocal about it, but pick up the book Devil's Knot and read about it yourself.

I was pleased to hear that Rollins was backing the West Memphis Three and was surprised to hear about his idea about this benefit record. Since Henry hasn't performed a Black Flag song since 1986, I figured he liked to keep the band in the back of his mind. However, when I first heard about the conception of this benefit album, I was intrigued. When the tracklisting surfaced, I became extremely excited. Mike Patton, Nick Oliveri, Tom Araya, Iggy Pop, and Lemmy all lending their voices to amazing Black Flag tunes. Of course, I wondered how the music would turn out... I love the current incarnation of Rollins Band, but there is always a sense of doubt when you're dealing with something sacred.

Let me just say this... this record harnasses the anger of the West Memphis Three case and channels it out tenfold. The Rollins Band perform each song to near perfection. The guitar tone is just right, and the rhythm section delivers constant shots to the kidneys. For the most part, each vocalist delivers. I'm not the biggest fan of Slipknot, but Corey Taylor's 'Room 13' is incredible. Other highlights? 'American Waste' w/ Neil from Clutch, 'Nervous Breakdown' w/ original Flag singer Keith Morris, 'Six Pack' by Mike Patton, 'Jealous Again' by Nick Oliveri, and Henry's look back on 'My War.' Hank III absoultely destroys 'No Values' and Lemmy's 'Thirsty & Miserable' sounds better than the original.

This album is required listening for any fan of the Flag and would honestly be a nice introduction to the band, as well. True... Greg Ginn is absent... but his songs are here in full force. Educate yourself on this case and RISE ABOVE!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great tribute, something for everyone, October 9, 2002

By 

Conrad (Astoria, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rise Above: 24 Black Flag Songs to Benefit the West Memphis Three (Audio CD)

This is a great album for fans of Black Flag, Rollins Band, or any of the variety of vocalists on the album. There's something for everyone. Both older pre-Rollins Black Flag songs (Nervous Breakdown, Six Pack), as well as later songs (Slip It In, Annihilate This Week).

And the guest vocalists are amazing and from all over the world of music. You've got the godfather of Punk, Iggy Pop. Former BF members Rollins, Chuck Dukowski, Kira Roessler, and original vocalist Keith Morris. There are a few metal singers: Lemmy, Tom Araya from Slayer, and the guy from Slipknot for the nu-metal crowd. There's even Ice T and a brief introduction by Chuck D for the hip-hop fans.

The only complaint I have is that the music from every song's background music is performed by Rollins Band. It might have been nice to have some variety in the sound of music, but they do a great job.

This CD is definately worth the money, and it's for a good cause, too. For more info on that, go to ... or buy the CD and read the booklet.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a testament to the surviving power of music, December 23, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Rise Above: 24 Black Flag Songs to Benefit the West Memphis Three (Audio CD)

I had never heard of the west memphis three case until this benifit CD came out. It wasn't until recently that I bought the CD, and ever since I've purchased it, I've been blown away by the intensity and quality. I think it's a testament to the still surviving power of music, and especially Black Flag style punk rock that so much talent has come together for such a controversial but noble cause. If you're a Black Flag, Rollins Band, Henry Rollins, etc., fan, buy this CD. If you're not a rock fan, at least check out the case, or at least how it's laid out by the CD insert. Without voices like Rollins, there will never be hope for justice in America.