Rise Above: 24 Black Flag Songs to Benefit the West Memphis Three [EXPLICIT LYRICS]

Various Artists (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 8, 2002)
• Original Release Date: October 8, 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Explicit Lyrics
• Label: Sanctuary Records
• ASIN: B00006JBKR
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #28,683 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Holy countercultural confluence! For the cause of fundraising for the defense of a trio of legally bound Arkansas headbangers--one of whom is currently on death row on the basis of hearsay testimony--Henry Rollins has resurrected the sacrosanct songs of his legendary former Los Angeles hardcore band Black Flag. Much as he first joined the popular Flag by jumping on stage and grabbing the microphone, Rollins here assigns lead vocals to a bewildering array of guests, including Iggy Pop, Dean Ween, Corey Taylor of Slipknot, Tom Araya of Slayer, Queens of the Stone Age, and Ice T. The Rollins Band convincingly serves as caustic backing band throughout. Protest music godfather Chuck D. of Public Enemy appears as well, though simply to introduce the album. Many of the singers, whether inspired by the cause itself or the muscular caliber of Black Flag's music, deliver the rebellious message with heartfelt intensity. Motorhead leader Lemmy's ripping version of "Thirsty and Miserable" is a stunning highlight, as is Hank Williams III's psychotic "No Values." Former Flag singers Keith Morris and Chuck Dukowski bring their veteran intensity, and Rollins himself shouts "My War," "TV Party," "Black Coffee," "Annihilate This Week," "Slip It In," and the title track. (Flag guitarist-lyricist Greg Ginn is notably absent, though his trademark clear Lucite guitar joins the West Memphis Three defendants on the cover artwork.) The participating musicians' anger and frustration over the West Memphis Three case, which has been detailed in HBO's Paradise Lost documentaries, is well matched with the giant fury of this band. --Ian Christe

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

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 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

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.