This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music Entertainment, will release "Rage Against the Machine - XX," a commemorative 20th anniversary edition of the eponymous debut album by the band on Tuesday, Nov. 27. Originally released in November 1992, Rage Against the Machine straddled the worlds of hip-hop and heavy metal with a streetwise sound that rapped and rhymed across a musical backdrop as menacing and inspirational as expletive-laced political graffiti.

Formed in 1991, Rage Against the Machine was driven by Tom Morello's guitar wallop and vocalist Zack de la Rocha's salient bulletins.

From the press release:

Newly remastered for this anniversary release, "Rage Against the Machine - XX" will be available as a CD in three configurations: 1) 20th Anniversary Edition Deluxe Box Set housing two CDs, two DVDs, one 12" 180gm vinyl LP, one 40 page booklet and two-sided poster; 2) 20th Anniversary Special Edition featuring two CDs and a bonus DVD featuring six tracks in an oversized softpack and 3) 20th Anniversary Edition single compact disc (with three bonus tracks). 12" 180gm vinyl editions—a picture disc and a facsimile reproduction—of the original LP, remastered (no bonus tracks) will also be available. Compact Disc One of the newly remastered Rage Against the Machine - XX will include the original album, in its entirety, as well as three collectible b-sides from era. Compact Disc Two presents the original Rage Against the Machine demo tape. Recorded in 1991 and sold for $5 at the merch table at early Rage shows, the tape achieved mythical word-of-mouth status amongst music fans while helping to seal the band's deal with Epic Records. The 20th anniversary releases of Rage Against the Machine - XX marks the first time the entire RATM demo tapes have seen a full official release. DVD #1 included in the Deluxe Box Set features Rage Against the Machine's historic free concert in Finsbury Park on June 2010, performed as a thank-you to UK fans for making "Killing in the Name" the UK's Number One Single during Christmas week 2009. Also included are the band's groundbreaking music videos plus live concert performance clips. DVD#2 takes you back to the release of Rage's debut album focusing on live performance from 1991-1994, featuring the full set of RATM's first public performance as well as various live, rare clips. Rage Against the Machine - XX will include new liner notes penned especially for the band's 20th anniversary by longtime fan and hip-hop pioneer Chuck D.

In commemoration of the announcement, here is one of my favorite covers by the band. I remember seeing them at Lollapalooza '93, with them opening the main stage, and every act that followed failed to match the intensity and musicality of RATM.

Studio version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywZ7J-mRMaQ

Live, with "Bulls on Parade":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4w5LgzWgcXM