Tom Morello is a genius ... the first time

This is simply a blog test, to make sure I know what I'm doing, which is very unlikely ... we'll see. I was thinking about underrated guitar solos amidst the staccato terror of Tom Morello's first Rage Against the Machine album. Talk about supremely talented playing -- the guy was seriously inventing four different styles all at once. My favorite solo, though, is on "Settle for Nothing," a throw-away track on an album known for "Killing in the Name Of," which radio stations butcher beyond recognition. Back to "Settle for Nothing" ... the solo is exquisite, like Wes Montgomery playing with heroin dripping from his fingers. And then one track later, "Know Your Enemy," another terrific song with a stellar solo. They're solos in the classical style, yet they are exploding with contemporary energy. If you haven't heard them yet, please do yourself a favor and pack your bags for 1992 pre-Global Warming weather.