'Axis of Justice' - Morello/Tankian project's CD/DVD

‘Axis of Justice: Concert Series Volume 1’ was recorded at the Avalon in Los Angeles as one in a series of benefits for Axis of Justice, the non-profit organization founded by Serj Tankian of System Of A Down and Tom Morello of AudioSlave in an effort to bring concerned musicians, fans of music and grassroots political organizations together to fight for social justice. This very unique night of music featured performances and surprises by a number of special guests, including Flea, Maynard James Keenan and Pete Yorn.

The album includes the donated track from Chris Cornell and Maynard James Keenan of their cover of Nick Lowe's ‘(What's So Funny 'bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding’, recorded at last year's Lollapalooza. Other highlights include all-star jams of U2's ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’, Bob Marley's ‘Get Up, Stand Up’, ‘Alice in My Fantasies’ by Funkadelic and the Bob Dylan classic ‘Chimes Of Freedom’. The CD also includes ‘Union Song’ & ‘Until The End’ by The Nightwatchman, the Tom Morello’s alter-ego; the man also plays on many tracks on the album.

The companion Bonus DVD contains live footage of the Avalon show as well as some excerpts from past Axis shows which include appearances by artists such as Boots Riley of The Coup and Wayne Kramer. Plus as an added bonus, the DVD includes audio excerpts from the Axis of Justice radio show which include interviews with Michael Moore and Janeane Garofalo.

‘Axis of Justice: Concert Series 1’ is far from a perfect record and, in the circumstances, you have to congratulate the people involved here for their beliefs and commitment. What, importance all this can have on a young American more interested in far too immediate issues - is anybody’s guess. But then, despite its musical shortcomings, you can’t diss it…

One has a feeling that the same tactic is employed here as Band Aid have been doing for years - emotional blackmail. Buy it, hear it [or not as in the case of ‘…Christmas’] and put it on a shelf. One feels than by buying it one’s good deed’s done, the goodwill well proven.

7/10