Rage for number 1

Fans of one of my favourite bands ever, Rage Against the Machine have created a facebook group in an attempt to get the band's 1992 hit "Killing in the Name" to Christmas Number 1. Over 800,000 people have joined the group which is predominately a backlash against Simon Cowell and the X Factor parade which has dominated the Christmas Chart for the last few years. Although they're signed franchises of the same record label, it's a inspirational statement of anarchy by over three quarters of a million people, who do not wish to see a brand control the music industry. Although singles do not hold the same credible chart status that they once did, the fact that the chart has developed into more of a wiped up, glossed over karaoke competition is shameful. Britain has the most decorated and established music scene and produced more world-famous bands than any other nation in the world, and when this age old tradition becomes tarred with reality shows, rather than unique, cutting edge and experimental musicians breaking onto the scene, action had to be taken. Rage themselves have backed the bid and appeared on morning radio performing the song, which you can listen to here http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/audio/2009/dec/17/rage-against-the-machine-bbc-5live

Ok, so it's not friendly listening, but since when was music supposed to be? Music is about a cause and emotion, not hand-picked models on glorified talent shows singing a song written by a Disney icon, which is why this Christmas it will be a refreshing change to have musicians who write and play their own music at the top of the charts, so download Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the Name" and give music it's voice back.