RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE – XX

On November 27, the epic political rockers Rage Against The Machine are realeasing, ‘XX’ to mark the 20th anniversary of the band’s self-titled, debut album.

Now I’m not usually a fan of reissues (first pressings and originals FTW!) but when a band manages to put together something a little different, I’m more inclined to whip out my wallet. RATM went ahead and did just that, and are planning to release ‘XX’ on three different formats, all including brand new liner notes from Public Enemy’s, Chuck D.

The three formats that you’ll be able to get ‘XX’ in are:

1) A single CD w/ 3 bonus tracks
2) The Special Edition double CD and 6-track DVD
3) The Deluxe Box Set w/ 2 CD’s, 2 DVD’s, a 12″ 180 gram vinyl LP plus 40 page book and poster

The solo disc will have the remastered album plus 3 B-sides, the special edition will also include the band’s first 1991 demo and the two DVD’s feature the 2010 Finsbury Park in London concert and a collection of music and live videos from 1991-1994. There will also be a pair of vinyl records, one a picture disc, released but they won’t have any extras on them.

For those of us who remember RATM’s self-titled album when it first came out, it’s hard to believe that was 20 whole years ago now. RATM broke ground in 1992 for being the first band to successfully merge rap with metal and the band’s leftist messages about government and oppression were loud, angry and unapologetic. Not only does this reissue make me feel ancient in age, more frightening still, it makes me realize that many of the oppressions we raged about 20 years ago are still major issues today. For that reason, (and for the sweet vinyl LP), I’d be leaning towards the deluxe set. Which format, if any, will you be getting ‘XX’ in?