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Jul 18, 20234 min read

The Union Underground — ...An Education in Rebellion

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓𝐒 - 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐁𝐔𝐌 𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐊 & 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐓𝐀𝐋…

On this day (July 18) in 2000, THE UNION UNDERGROUND released their debut full-length studio album "...An Education in Rebellion” via Columbia Records.

The album sold nearly 400,000 copies and featured the singles "Turn Me On 'Mr. Deadman'", "Revolution Man", and "Killing the Fly", along with the "Rebellion EP".

This would be the group's only major label effort and last studio album before disbanding.

Background:

After selling more than 5,000 copies of their self-recorded, self-produced 1997 EP, THE UNION UNDERGROUND gained the attention of Columbia A&R executive John Weakland. They performed for three Columbia representatives before being signed to Columbia's Portrait imprint by John Kalodner, who commented, "I'd bet my bottom dollar this band will be around 10 years from now." Its summer 2000 release, “…An Education in Rebellion”, resided on the American music charts for four months.

The album's lead single, "Turn Me On 'Mr. Deadman'", proved key in its success and held on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart for six months. The song jabs at the rock star image and found its title from a myth surrounding the Beatles song "Revolution 9". It would go on to become The Union Underground's best known song and received both significant radio play and MTV rotation thanks to its music video. Because of the single, “…An Education in Rebellion” also made AN's Hottest Sales Nationwide chart. It was later featured on the 2001 compilations “Corrosion” and “KROQ New Music”. "Killing the Fly" peaked at No. 13 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks while the final single, "Revolution Man", reached No. 26 and became an Active Rock top 30 hit. A live performance of "South Texas Deathride" was included on “Ozzfest 2001: The Second Millennium”.

Four tracks from the band's self-released EP – "Drivel", "Bitter", "Until You Crack", and "Natural High" – were included on “…An Education in Rebellion”. A large amount of demo material had been recorded prior to their major label debut, which allowed the band to choose the "cream of the crop" for its inclusion. Lyrically, the album features various autobiographical themes including household drug use, particularly in tracks like "Trip with Jesus". In an interview, THE UNION UNDERGROUND described the meaning behind their major label release;

"…An Education in Rebellion” is kind of a personal thing with us. You know when we were 14 – 15 years old, we just decided that this is what we're going to do with our lives regardless what anyone around us says or wants us to do. We just stayed completely focused on that and that's really what that's about. It's not about fuck your parents and fuck your teachers and tell them all to fuck off."

Album Art & Layout:

The cover artwork depicts a young New York model named Anna Belise, whom the band found in a magazine model search. According to John Moyer, the model participated in a three-hour photo shoot in "freezing cold" New York weather. He elaborated that the short-sleeved Belise had blue in her complexion not because of makeup but simply due to the severe weather conditions. In addition, the writing on the chalkboard, seen on the album's back cover, was created by Belise and not later added to the photo.

Touring:

In promoting “...An Education in Rebellion”, THE UNION UNDERGROUND began headlining the “Road Rage Tour”, with opening acts Linkin Park and Systematic, prior to the album's release. They headlined club dates in fall 2000 and joined Marilyn Manson in late October. According to the band, Manson heard "Turn Me On 'Mr. Deadman'" in a strip club and subsequently hand picked THE UNION UNDERGROUND as his tour mates.

The next year, they performed on the SnoCore Tour, Ozzfest 2001 in both the United States and Europe, and various festivals in Germany, London, and Paris. To correspond with the excitement of their live show, the band incorporated a large video screen depicting footage pieced together by the band members themselves to play in sync with the song rhythms.

Personal Note:

My friend Dion and I caught THE UNION UNDERGROUND’s live performance at Ozzfest 2001. After their set, we met Patrick Kennison and talked with him for a bit. He was a very down to earth guy and a huge Metal fan. Below was their setlist and lineup.

THE UNION UNDERGROUND Setlist:

Killing the Fly

Until You Crack

Turn Me on "Mr. Deadman"

Revolution Man

South Texas Deathride

THE UNION UNDERGROUND Lineup:

Bryan Scott - Vocals, Rhythm Guitar

Patrick Kennison - Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals

Josh Memelo - Drums

John Moyer - Bass

Critical Reception:

AllMusic's Tim Sheridan gave the album 3 out of 5 stars and commented, "While their sonic punch is undeniable, blending guitar skronk with Bryan Scott's snarled vocals, the rebellious posing of songs like “Revolution Man” comes off as a calculated marketing ploy rather than true agitation. Rather than start a revolution, this is music that will likely lead to skateboarding and headbanging." (“will likely lead to skateboarding and headbanging…” and, this is a bad thing how? 😂 — E.N. Wells)

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

▶ Listen to “...An Education in Rebellion” via Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/an-education-in-rebellion/158608066

▶ Listen to “...An Education in Rebellion” via Spotify: ...An Education In Rebellion https://open.spotify.com/album/5owwvzRpYAdnhc2Xe8aq76

▶ Watch the official music video for “Turn Me On ‘Mr. Deadman’”: https://youtu.be/V-WehSAYGxk

▶ Watch the official music video for “Revolution Man”: https://youtu.be/aHbPApEvpoc

▶ Watch the official music video for “South Texas Deathride”: https://youtu.be/_Hhv0M0vyGY

▶ Watch the official music video for “Killing The Fly”: https://youtu.be/t-8bGHSW9_o

▶ Follow The Union Underground on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunionundergroundofficial

▶ Follow Patrick Kennison on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepatrickkennison

Note: The reviews shared here are for historical reference. The views and opinions expressed within are not always supported (in full or in part) by Into the Wells. — E.N. Wells

The Union Underground — ...An Education in Rebellion

Background:

Album Art & Layout:

Touring:

Personal Note:

Critical Reception:

Links to Artists, Albums, and Music Videos:

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