The terrorist attacks in Paris earlier this month, struck the hearts of millions. Not only for the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic event, or the generally peaceful country in which it happened, but it also on a level in which is far more personal than some even imagine: music lovers. It would be disgusting and ignorant to say that the attacks were worse because they happened at a concert of all places, but when you think about how personal music is to listeners, it’s hard not to affected. Music is a universal language that brings so many together regardless of race, age, sex, or religion. Next to breathing or food, (which are things we need to live) I can’t think of anything else that can bring people all over the world together in agreement. Without getting too hypothetical here, I like to think of music as almost a spiritual experience, and to hear of these vicious attacks happening at a concert where people just go to have fun with loved ones and enjoy the music, it hurts. This wasn’t just an attack on a group of people, it was an attack on us. It was personal.
Dave Grohl obviously feels the same way. The Eagles Of Death Metal are personal friends of Grohl and Foo Fighters so it was expected that Grohl would somehow share his feelings on the matter. After recording a handful of songs in Austin back in October, the original idea was to put together an EP as some sort of thank you to the fans for an amazing tour and sticking with The Foo Fighters for over 20 years. After the Paris attacks, it was obvious that the original thank you, took on an all new meaning. In the lengthy letter on the band’s site, Grohl adds a new opening in which he says
“…now there is a new hopeful intention that, even in the smallest way, perhaps these songs can bring a little light into this sometimes dark world. To remind us that music is life, and that hope and healing go hand in hand with song. That much can never be taken away.”
And with that statement, Foo Fighters’ Saint Cecilia EP takes shape as something bigger than a simple thank you, it’s a celebration of all the things we love about music and maybe even life itself.
With only five songs, Saint Cecilia manages to sum up Foo Fighters as a whole. From the stadium ready anthem of the title track, the Hüsker Dü power-pop of “Sean,” the DC punk meets Motörhead influence on “Savior Breath,” the Neil Young flavored “Iron Rooster,” and the sonic symphony that is “The Neverending Sigh,” this is the twenty plus years of the Foo Fighters in one tight little package. Even for casual listeners or the five people on the planet who have never given a listen to them, Saint Cecilia acts just as much as a tribute as it is a meta-sampler. This is band that’s the every-man of the music industry. They were never about following the trends or changing the world with a song,Foo Fighters have always been about being good old fashioned, authentic rock n roll, with no apologies or preconceptions. The kind of music that you could always turn to no matter the state of mainstream radio, and know exactly what to expect. And while this may not be the best batch of songs Foo Fighters have crafted, it’s a fantastic tribute to themselves for us fans that even if they were to call it quits today, it would be more than a fitting conclusion to their run as one of America’s finest bands.
Over all, the Saint Cecilia EP feels like more than a freebie, it’s more of a reminder as to why so many people love the Foo Fighters, and ultimately rock n roll itself. Not an instant cash-in to capitalize upon the tragedy of the terrorist attacks in Paris, or some sort of pseudo-poltical statement issued by a band who needs media attention to stay relevant. This is a simple thank you to all the fans who are as passionate about the Foo Fighters as the Foo Fighters are to music as an art form. If that kind of passion can extend further than just simply enjoying it casually, and reach out and console someone who is hurting, scared, or uncertain in turbulent times, then so be it.
Rating: 5/5