1994
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beastie_Boys
www: http://www.beastieboys.com/
This is a great album in my books. I was never a huge Beasties fan, but when I heard Sabotage I loved it. I eventually went out & made Ill Communication my first Beasties CD. As is my habit, I got the limited edition (the way I figure is that it’s only a few dollars more, so very much worth it), which has a few bonus tracks.
One of the things I love about this album is how diverse it is. The songs aren’t just a bit different, but they are completeely different genres. There’s an absolute smorgasboard of music with hip-hop, rock, punk, funk/jazz and variations and combinations of all of them. There are also a few instrumentals (just to show that they’re actually serious musicians), which I love.
Whilst their sound is unmistakable due the MC’s, the music is amazingly diverse. They are actually extremely talented musicians and songwriters, with a LOT of influences (and they ain’t afraid to show their roots).
The punk side of things is somewhat reminiscent of Dead Kennedys, some of the funk/jazz reminds me of Shaft and the hip hop is, well, Beastie Boys.
Incidentally, both the instrumentals and punk songs went on to inspire two further recordings.
Standout tracks are too many to mention them all, but suffice to say when the CD’s playing I don’t skip any tracks.
If you’re not sure about the Beastie Boys, then get this album. NOW.
9/10
Beastie Boys – Aglio E Olio [Japanese import edition]
1995
With 9 tracks, this E.P. goes for just over 12 minutes.
That is 12 minutes of in yo’ face punk ass bitch attitude, mofo’s!
It’s dirty, it’s raw, it sounds like it was recorded in a garage on a 4-track. That’s what I love about it.
To me it’s a real back-to-roots in the parents’ garage recording. It was done because they love the music. It was done without care of perfection, but also captured the exciting energy of when a new young punk band rehearse and get it right for the first time.
If you love raw energy punk rock, I’d highly recommend giving this a go. If you love the Beasties for their rap, or are a purist, you’ll be disappointed.
I have to be honest; if the album went for much more than 12 minutes I wouldn’t be able to handle it!
Considering none of the tracks are over 2 minutes they each have their own special charm (ie, again no standout tracks).
7.5/10
Beastie Boys – The In Sound From Way Out
1996
This is an instrumental album and if the Beastie Boys’ name weren’t on the front of the CD you would never have guessed it was them.
It’s the kind of CD you could sit down to with a glass of red in front of an open fire and candles (wearing flares)… That reminds me of the one time dad wore flares in the 70′s and they caught on fire. Anyway, back to the music…
This album is full on 70′s groove and psychadelic funk. It reminds me of a more conservative George Clinton/Parliament (with better recording equipment).
I remember reading somewhere that they site Pink Floyd as a major influence of theirs. This is clearly evident (to die hard Floyd fans at least) in a few of the tracks, which could’ve been taken from the Floyd’s Live At Pompeii session.
The only song that really bugs me is the last track, Drinkin’ Wine (I think it sould’ve been called Droppin’ Acid). It’s just a song being played backwards. It’s just annoying.
If you dig 70′s grooves then these tunes are for you, man.
Standout tracks are Sabrosa, POW, In 3′s, Ricky’s Theme & Transitions.
8/10
Beastie Boys – To The 5 Boroughs
2004
Okay, I’m a sucker for a limited edition release. I saw that the Beastie Boys had just released a new album, so I bought it.
You’d think that I would’ve learnt my lesson from Ace Of Base.
Okay, it’s not actually quite that bad, but it’s just bland. There is nothing original about this release.
The music is uninspired, the lyrics are daft, and the beats & samples are repetitve and dull.
I know I may sound harsh, because it’s by no means the worst thing I’ve heard, but when I’ve been spoiled by Ill Communication, To The 5 Boroughs is a hard pill to swallow.
There are no standout tracks. Seriously.
5/10
