Rage goes out with a bang

Think of it as the only good consolation prize.\n With the departure of lead vocalist Zach de la Rocha a few short months ago, Rage fans were left with less fire in their lives. Renegades perhaps eased their pain. It is not only a quality album, but also a testament to the sure-to-be-lasting influence of the original Rage setup.\n Creating an album of solely covers is not an original idea. Creating an album of covers that sound as if they were their own is. Rage took an eclectic collection of songs and turned them into a record of the band's ferocity and unique sounds.\n From Devo to the Rolling Stones to EPMD, Renegades is not lacking for a selection of high caliber sound to choose from.\nExploding out of the Robert Indiana-inspired cover art, the co-conspirators open up with Tom Morello's prowess in "Microphone Fiend" by Eric B. and Rakim. From the first roaring guitar lick on, the energy level never drops.\n Following Rage tradition, the songs have a mostly political influence. These renegades have something to say and chose songs that fit with their rebellious and soul-searching tendencies. For years musicians have used their art as a tool to influence people and politics. Rage is preserving this tradition in its first sense, taking old songs and giving them new life.\n To really appreciate the artistry of the album beyond the natural Rage musicality, one needs to hear the originals. Imagine Bob Dylan's raspy voice and the mellower sounds of Maggie's Farm transformed into de la Rocha's fiery vocals and loud electric pulses.\n Also included is an alternate version of "The Ghost of Tom Joad," a Bruce Springsteen cover previously released as a single a few years ago. One bonus to the first pressing of the CD is the live\nrecordings of two tracks, "Kick out the Jams," originally by MC 5, and "How I Could Just Kill a Man," complete with help from Cypress Hill. Take it as the last blast from the loudest politically bent group of the day.\n In the end, all I'm saying, ain't no question who the band is.