Disappointed with the Mix Up

[PaddyBoy]

Sorry to be a wet blanket but: anyone else disappointed? I do think its a good album, but not incredible or amazing by any means. Off The Grid is easily the best song (a GREAT song), but after that not too many do it for me. Instrumental music to me needs to be emotive and inspiring, I don't think these songs are.

I suppose there are some good songs and it hums-drums along nicely, but its hardly an album to 'blow your wig off'. A few of the songs i.e Dramastically Different and Kangaroo Rat are just plain poor. Fredo's percussion is nice but its all a bit...uninspiring to me.

I'll still be buying it though!

[paul jones]

Sorry to be a wet blanket but: anyone else disappointed? I do think its a good album, but not incredible or amazing by any means. Off The Grid is easily the best song (a GREAT song), but after that not too many do it for me. Instrumental music to me needs to be emotive and inspiring, I don't think these songs are.

I suppose there are some good songs and it hums-drums along nicely, but its hardly an album to 'blow your wig off'. A few of the songs i.e Dramastically Different and Kangaroo Rat are just plain poor. Fredo's percussion is nice but its all a bit...uninspiring to me.

I'll still be buying it though!
I've only heard off the grid so far but will be buying it in 7",12",Cassingle,CD-single,Gatefold vinyl,Japanese import with bonus tracks and stickers,poster,T shirt,Limited T shirt,Ukrainian bootleg and inflatable armchair(y)

[PaddyBoy]

I've only heard off the grid so far but will be buying it in 7",12",Cassingle,CD-single,Gatefold vinyl,Japanese import with bonus tracks and stickers,poster,T shirt,Limited T shirt,Ukrainian bootleg and inflatable armchair(y)

The inflatable armchair version blows.

[SugarInTheRaw]

Sorry to be a wet blanket but: anyone else disappointed? I do think its a good album, but not incredible or amazing by any means. Off The Grid is easily the best song (a GREAT song), but after that not too many do it for me. Instrumental music to me needs to be emotive and inspiring, I don't think these songs are.

Get out! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoTfC243D6I)

[TimDoolan]

I really didn't want more instrumental material. The Beasties were more than adequate on IN SOUNDS and I think they either unable or unwilling to make current hiphop sounding material, radio worthy or otherwise. Which is probably for the best.
Still it's nice to have any new bboy material these days.

[kll]

Saying you're disappointed when you haven't received the album in the way it was intended is a bit premature in my opinion.

Seeing the songs performed live has given me a different view on the entire sound and I definitely think that this album will be a classic rotation at every party (for us at least).

[cookiepuss]

Saying you're disappointed when you haven't received the album in the way it was intended is a bit premature in my opinion.


that's what I was thinking.

[YoungRemy]

The Beasties were more than adequate on IN SOUNDS

those songs sound familiar to 10 tracks from IC and CYH...

coincidence, or conspiracy?

[balohna]

In Sounds is boring as hell... the main reason being that it isn't a fucking album, people need to stop acting like it is.

[Lex Diamonds]

The album is pretty much exactly how I expected it would be when I heard what they were doing with it. I was holding out hope that they would blow me out of the water and create a classic but to be honest it's just kinda... average. Obviously it takes a lot to be able to create such a wide variety of musical styles as the Beastie Boys can (and for that they are undoubtedly very gifted) but if I want to listen to some experimental lounge jazz/funk then I'll listen to a lounge jazz/funk band. It's not a BAD album, but for me there is an underlying feeling of experimentalism overtaking quality.

Whatever, they're entitled to release whatever they want and I will support them, but they are certainly capable of putting out a much better quality album of a different genre, or even with 3 or 4 of these songs and some other styles mixed together.

It's solid background music, but after a 3 year wait some people might hope for more.

6.5/10

[martijn]

In Sounds is boring as hell... the main reason being that it isn't a fucking album, people need to stop acting like it is.


in sound boring as hell? no way, im glad they picked up the instruments (y) i hope they bring us some more instrument tracks in the near future.

[cookiepuss]

hey. us old folks like instrumental music ok. Maybe this album is for us to listen to while we recover from hip replacements. just back off ya whippersnappers.

[funk63]

im dissapointed with this thread.

[dust monkey]

The album is pretty much exactly how I expected it would be when I heard what they were doing with it. I was holding out hope that they would blow me out of the water and create a classic but to be honest it's just kinda... average. Obviously it takes a lot to be able to create such a wide variety of musical styles as the Beastie Boys can (and for that they are undoubtedly very gifted) but if I want to listen to some experimental lounge jazz/funk then I'll listen to a lounge jazz/funk band. It's not a BAD album, but for me there is an underlying feeling of experimentalism overtaking quality.

Whatever, they're entitled to release whatever they want and I will support them, but they are certainly capable of putting out a much better quality album of a different genre, or even with 3 or 4 of these songs and some other styles mixed together.

It's solid background music, but after a 3 year wait some people might hope for more.

6.5/10

Well well put and I'm dissapointed I didn't have the words to say myself what I was feeling but you nailed it. This IS absolutely everything I thought it would be upon hearing that it was all instrumental, nothing more nothing less. It sounds like CYH, IC, Son of Neckbone....in other words it sounds like them playing the type of music I would expect them to play, nothing more nothing less for better and worse. It's great background music on my xbox, it's cool to listen to, I love that I only waited 3 years, it's got some great like Transitions, Ricky's Theme, Futterman's Rule (B for my name, Cousin of Death, Off the Grid), and it's got some bad Eugene's Lament (Dramastically Different), and a lot of average that don't quite dissapoint, yet don't quite stand-out as anything special.

Take the best 5 though, add 1 hardcore, 3 Live at PJ's/Maestro/Stand Together, one Sabotage or Gratitude, and 3 Prof Booty/Get it Together/The Vibes; and wow wow wow. It just doesn't quite feel like an official release...but if that's what their calling it then I must add it to the list.

And it goes like this:
PB
CYH
LTI
IC
TT5B
TM-U
HN

[pm0ney]

Yeah, i dont like this album very much.

[Kid Presentable]

I was insanely disappointed. I couldn't even listen to the whole thing first time through.

But I like it more with each listen. On a number of other songs Yauch seems to just be keeping the rhythm for a change. Although a self-confessed "hack", I always thought he played with a lot of flair, so it was unnerving to hear him play so straight on some of the tracks.

I would love to hear the songs live, and also see how the album is put together, to really give it an identity.

[gorilla]

Good views being expressed here. Let me chime in...

So far so good. It's average at best, if it's great in one area it's great background music. But you know what, there's no problem with that.

I need background music more than anything else right about now.

I'm confused to how some early thoughts said it was nothing like In Sounds.
Sounds exactly like it to me. Sure Son of Neckbone doesn't sound like Groove Holmes but they're both from that collection.. Get my drift?

Hey - Did you notice one of the songs is like boogie nights and apache combined into one?

[Kid Presentable]

Hey - Did you notice one of the songs is like boogie nights and apache combined into one?

Which one?

[gorilla]

Freaky Hijiki ... boogie nights kicks in at 00:39...... Boogie Nights....

The apache drums kick in about 1:05.....

Don't fret on the bassline on this track. I see what your saying about the structure on the other tracks. Not typical beastie if you ask me...

[Kid Presentable]

OK, cool. I'll listen out for that.

[BCK]

It's alright, but it's boring in the ride.

It's something to smoke/zone out to.

[Justin]

I gotta say guys...I LOVE IT!

There are a few things on this album that I've heard that really reminds me of bs2000.

I'm a big fan of the BS!



I'm really hoping this new album will make some fans HATE the beastie boys! I'm lovin it!

[JobDDT]

Sorry to be a wet blanket but: anyone else disappointed? I do think its a good album, but not incredible or amazing by any means. Off The Grid is easily the best song (a GREAT song), but after that not too many do it for me. Instrumental music to me needs to be emotive and inspiring, I don't think these songs are.

I suppose there are some good songs and it hums-drums along nicely, but its hardly an album to 'blow your wig off'. A few of the songs i.e Dramastically Different and Kangaroo Rat are just plain poor. Fredo's percussion is nice but its all a bit...uninspiring to me.

I'll still be buying it though!

Oh no, you're disappointed with an album you illegally downloaded!

Woe is you! Oh the humanity! REFUND!

[Kid Presentable]

Oh no, you're disappointed with an album you illegally downloaded!

Woe is you! Oh the humanity! REFUND!

You know, Spike Jonze never paid to use the locations in Sabotage or Sureshot. I suggest you get in touch with him, and chide him heartily.

Oh no you're upset about people downloading an album! Get a girlfriend!

[dust monkey]

Good views being expressed here. Let me chime in...

So far so good. It's average at best, if it's great in one area it's great background music. But you know what, there's no problem with that.

I need background music more than anything else right about now.

I'm confused to how some early thoughts said it was nothing like In Sounds.
Sounds exactly like it to me. Sure Son of Neckbone doesn't sound like Groove Holmes but they're both from that collection.. Get my drift?

Hey - Did you notice one of the songs is like boogie nights and apache combined into one?

Once again someone else nailed it; as soon as I heard Rat Cage all I thought was CYH / IC era, or In Sounds... as Gorilla put it. It all sounds the same, different and cool and unique but basically it sounds like there shit. In fact the only instrumental that I think doesn't have THAT sound is Song for Junior off HN, which happens to be my least favorite instrumental song off my least favorite album.

And all that "goofy" "bs2000" talk, WTF was that. I wouldn't use goofy to describe any of this, maybe the look on their face when they play but come on.....the music goofy, no way. And for the record BS2000 is probably the worst side project in the history of the Beasties and those comparisons scared the shit out of me, luckily there is very little of that garbage to be found on this album. And don't say a word, the Scrappy is ok but the rest of that album is horrible, not even cute horrible just horrible. Ask DFL, now that is Ad Rock at his side project best.

[Kid Presentable]

Once again someone else nailed it; as soon as I heard Rat Cage all I thought was CYH / IC era, or In Sounds... as Gorilla put it. It all sounds the same, different and cool and unique but basically it sounds like there shit. In fact the only instrumental that I think doesn't have THAT sound is Song for Junior off HN, which happens to be my least favorite instrumental song off my least favorite album.

And all that "goofy" "bs2000" talk, WTF was that. I wouldn't use goofy to describe any of this, maybe the look on their face when they play but come on.....the music goofy, no way. And for the record BS2000 is probably the worst side project in the history of the Beasties and those comparisons scared the shit out of me, luckily there is very little of that garbage to be found on this album. And don't say a word, the Scrappy is ok but the rest of that album is horrible, not even cute horrible just horrible. Ask DFL, now that is Ad Rock at his side project best.

That early review was found to be fairly shit once people started hearing the music. I for one found it to be miles off, and find all the "goofy" talk ludicrous.

It doesn't really sound like a finished album in any case.

Post first Listen:

I don't really like it. It's fun in parts, and there's some good ideas. It sounds like a half finished album; I couldn't help think how far through a deeper album I'd be at the point where The Kangaroo Rat starts. That's not to say it's crap.

Post second listen:

It put me in a mood where I couldn't even enjoy Off The Grid. But I'm picking up moments that I like here and there. Sadly for the most part it's just Break or Build, or Build-Break-Build-Build.

They should have sat on these for a few more months. There's more to be done, but fuck it if they want this out there, more power. The response seems positive, so that's something. It's just such a little album.

Now, I enjoy it. But it's easy to put down. As in I can turn it off and not want to rush back to it. Hello Nasty I didn't really like, but I listened to it continuously when I first got it. Every new release the same, except this, sadly.

And it does bum me out. Nobody wants their favourite people to not meet their potential, but if they're happy, it's all good.

[balohna]

in sound boring as hell? no way, im glad they picked up the instruments (y) i hope they bring us some more instrument tracks in the near future.

The In Sound From Way Out! is a compilation of pre-existing instrumental tracks. I like all the songs themselves, but a disc full of them is boring to listen to unless you have it as background music.

The Mix Up, on the other hand, is awesome.

[Kid Presentable]

The Mix Up, on the other hand, is awesome.
What's the difference? The only one I can see is you haven't had time to get bored of the new ones.

[balohna]

The difference is these ones are much more diverse. In Sound From Way Out isn't all of their instrumentals, just the mellow ones. The play order isn't really all that interesting. The songs work really well as interludes and some of them I just straight up love (In 3's, Transitions, Ricky's Theme, Sabrosa) but a whole disc of them gets tiresome by the end. The Mix Up is generally more upbeat and was constructed as an album, not a compilation.

[Kid Presentable]

The difference is these ones are much more diverse. In Sound From Way Out isn't all of their instrumentals, just the mellow ones. The play order isn't really all that interesting. The songs work really well as interludes and some of them I just straight up love (In 3's, Transitions, Ricky's Theme, Sabrosa) but a whole disc of them gets tiresome by the end. The Mix Up is generally more upbeat and was constructed as an album, not a compilation.

The Melee would work well as an interlude, as would Dramastically Different. And the only one missing from In Sounds that isn't mellow would be Futterman's, if I'm not mistaken. Unless you want to start counting Funky Boss and such, but then we're not comparing In Sounds with The Mix Up anymore.

I think it's fair that The Mix Up gets a pass because it's new. At the end of the day, even label press had this album positioned as a successor to In Sounds, so we'll just have to wait and see how it holds up.

[balohna]

I think the biggest difference, all things told, is that I'd rather listen to CYH or IC than ISFWO and there's only two tracks (4 if you count alternate versions) that aren't on those albums. Plus that other stuff I said. There are some interludish tracks, but I think there are many more songs that are concise on their own and don't need to be bookended by hip-hop/rock.

[Kid Presentable]

I think the biggest difference, all things told, is that I'd rather listen to CYH or IC than ISFWO and there's only two tracks (4 if you count alternate versions) that aren't on those albums. Plus that other stuff I said. There are some interludish tracks, but I think there are many more songs that are concise on their own and don't need to be bookended by hip-hop/rock.
I'm not saying that songs like these need to be bookended by rap/rock. I'm just saying that they can come off nice on their own, and a little nicer in a stew of styles.

[gorilla]

definitely a plus on the arrangement. the songs do flow as an album.

[balohna]

I'm not saying that songs like these need to be bookended by rap/rock. I'm just saying that they can come off nice on their own, and a little nicer in a stew of styles.

I agree with that, but I think The Mix Up stands on it's own better than The In Sound From Way Out. It might be the freshness, but I personally think it's the style of songs.

[pshabi]

definitely a plus on the arrangement. the songs do flow as an album.

True, true. I'll drop some "deeper" thoughts on this tomorrow when I'm not so tired. Gather the wife and kids around the monitor for that one.(y)

[PaddyBoy]

Saying you're disappointed when you haven't received the album in the way it was intended is a bit premature in my opinion.


Thats fair enough. I've heard how its intended to sound musically, but hopefully the finished product (that I will be buying!) will be an all-round excellent audio-visual product. I'm sure it will be.

The album to me sounds as if it just builds up to the Off The Grid & Rat Cage tracks, which seem to me to be the only songs really going somewhere with purpose, by and large.

I'm still happy they're bringing this instrumental album out...its a courageous new direction, and I admire the way they take chances.

[beastieangel01]

of what I've heard, I really enjoy it. I agree it's nothing that blows me away but that's not a bad thing. They played Electric Worm yesterday on the radio here. I was happy.

[Chicka B]

I haven't heard the whole thing yet, but judging by the song samples and live performances I'm really gonna like it. I didn't even know I liked this type of music, but it sounds really cool. Of course it's the Beastie Boys, I don't think they could ever disappoint me! (as ass-sucky as it sounds)

[cypressphil]

I have 2 viewpoints on this:
I like the music, what I've heard anyway, and I like instrumental guitar based music.

BUT at the same time I'm 'disappointed' its not mixed up (forgive the pun) with other styles. I love the blue print that was laid down with CYH & IC.

Ironically I was 'disappointed' that TT5B was purely hip hop & not a mixture of styles, though I liked that album.

Anyway, it is possible to be 'disappointed' and like the album at the same time, for different reasons.

[Kid Presentable]

Anyway, it is possible to be 'disappointed' and like the album at the same time, for different reasons.

Yeah man, fully. I find myself clapping and whistling the intro to 'B For My Name' all the time at work. So as disappointed as I may seem, it can't be all that bad.

Man, we are some of the worst fans around.

[dust monkey]

Yeah man, fully. I find myself clapping and whistling the intro to 'B For My Name' all the time at work. So as disappointed as I may seem, it can't be all that bad.

Man, we are some of the worst fans around.

I had Cousin of Death cranked on the way to work to this morning and man I was having a good time, especially that part with the repeating bass line and guitar licks, at that moment the planets are aligned and they are rocking...I love it. I have also listened to it about 20 times in the background at work this week so yes it's good and I like it and all that other stuff but you just can't help to think about what could have been with a little more time, variety, MMM, Mario (?), and most of all vocals. VOCALS come on....that's what we love, the sarcasm, the pop references, the politics, the synergy of the 3 vocal styling’s and tones and vocabulary and on and on and on.

Again though thank God it's not goofy or bs2000; I'm just so blown away by those comparisons.

[Brother McDuff]

i think some may have expected too much out of this album. we all know they are not world-class musicians, therefore an album's worth of instrumentals should have never had too much expected from it. not to say it wouldn't be good, but you knew off the bat it wasn't going to blow your lid off like one of the scattered beastie records.

that said, i'm still quite pleased with the result. different types of records lend themselves to different experiences and the TMU is definitely great background music for a party, driving, etc. i even like to put it on just to listen to str8 up. yes, it's got it's bland points (i.e. dramstically different), Yauch definitely held back too much on his bass parts, and this and that, but it wasn't a total bust of a project. it serves its purpose, and coulda been ALOT worse. it was a relief hearing it at first knowing how it coulda turned out.

i agree with dust monkey that a little more time, mmm, mario, etc. would have made an enormous improvement, but still. i trust what the beasties are feeding me right now. if this is how they wanted, then this is how i'll take it (with a big fuckin smile).

[Mookie Blaylock]

I'm still happy they're bringing this instrumental album out...its a courageous new direction, and I admire the way they take chances.

I agree w/ this 100%

[kingcrimson024]

I love the new album, and I'm buying it the day it drops.

[Randetica]

everything is better than tt5b LOL

[Kid Presentable]

I had Cousin of Death cranked on the way to work to this morning and man I was having a good time, especially that part with the repeating bass line and guitar licks, at that moment the planets are aligned and they are rocking...I love it. I have also listened to it about 20 times in the background at work this week so yes it's good and I like it and all that other stuff but you just can't help to think about what could have been with a little more time, variety, MMM, Mario (?), and most of all vocals. VOCALS come on....that's what we love, the sarcasm, the pop references, the politics, the synergy of the 3 vocal styling’s and tones and vocabulary and on and on and on.

Again though thank God it's not goofy or bs2000; I'm just so blown away by those comparisons.

Yes, I must say when Mike starts that rolling beat, and the Adams are just wailing in separate directions, and it builds into that 'MAH MAH MAH MAH' escape from the facility before it explodes rock-out, well sheesh that's pretty close to a perfect Beastie moment.

[Kid Presentable]

And that's not to say the thing about the straight-in-places bass playing is a complaint as such. It just takes some getting used to.

What would really set this album off is a listening party. Not a party of people going on an adventure to sit down and listen to the album, but rather a party where we could all get a little sloppy/lifted, and stand around (or boogie) giving this album all it deserves. Like-minded folk. That's what this album really needs.

[Tzar]

if i may drop my opinion, why not huh...

the way i look at it, i see this album and all the instruments they've EVER made (dating back to CYH) as just jamming things; things they don't want their fans to judge them on, or to assess as a beastie boys 'song'. essentially, this sorta shit is jamming... but more formalised.

i feel that even their earliest instrumental stuff, they've taken it with a grain of salt and thought 'fuck it, if the fans don't like it, oh well... it's just us having some fun, playing the instruments and doing the stuff we did back in the day' (their har-core-punk days...sorta). i reckon they still carried this motion into this record. i reckon they really would not care about bad reviews from even their closest fans. they've lived the "hip hop" life for so long, an album like this, they know, wouldn't dent that image/perception of themselves to the world.

that's pretty much how i looked to this record... i felt they knew it wouldn't bust as much ass as anything they did with rhymes over it, so i felt the same way. i enjoy the album... definately not dissapointed.

i sound like broken record here but... fuck, they're old, man. whatever prime they had, they never rode it's arse for profit or fame. they know they're over it all - they're here to make some records they enjoy. let them do it. just enjoy it, i guess.

[Kid Presentable]

^^^Yeah, man they're having fun and shit. And although we might sound like we're complaining, everybody likes something about it. They always get the one-up on us.

You and hitmonlee should join me for a drunken listening party sometime after the 26th.

[Tzar]

after your exams or is that when it drops?

[Kid Presentable]

after your exams or is that when it drops?

It's both. Sound good?

[mathcart]

i think some may have expected too much out of this album. we all know they are not world-class musicians, therefore an album's worth of instrumentals should have never had too much expected from it. not to say it wouldn't be good, but you knew off the bat it wasn't going to blow your lid off like one of the scattered beastie records.

First off I have not heard the album other than the stuff they have "put out" thus far, so I don't really have an opinion yet, although from what I've heard on here and live at Sasquatch I can't imagine being disapointed. But you never know.

I just wanted to address the Brothers point about the Boys musicianship. I think theres an unnecessary correlation that gets made between quality of music and the quality of the mucisians making it. You don't need to have a doctural degree in music, or more to the point, be a classically trained muscian to make great music. I know you were talking about peoples expectations, but the beasties have made GREAT music, why wouldn't people have high expectations for their new shit.

But I think my point is more that simple or musically uncomplicated (which is not to say unchallenging/ unoriginal or not slamming) can't be amazing, complex music that rewards serious listening. I think this was a school of thought that was used to try and discredit hip-hop as music back in the day. More clearly would you deny the incredible musianship of blues musicians who are certainly not playing classical guitar difficult songs- but they are incredibly moving/ rich/ lush/ textured. Simple does not mean it can't blow your fuckin' top. I know you weren't really dissing all those styles but I have always found that argument weak/ lame/ borderline offensive. Just something to think about.

[Brother McDuff]

First off I have not heard the album other than the stuff they have "put out" thus far, so I don't really have an opinion yet, although from what I've heard on here and live at Sasquatch I can't imagine being disapointed. But you never know.

I just wanted to address the Brothers point about the Boys musicianship. I think theres an unnecessary correlation that gets made between quality of music and the quality of the mucisians making it. You don't need to have a doctural degree in music, or more to the point, be a classically trained muscian to make great music. I know you were talking about peoples expectations, but the beasties have made GREAT music, why wouldn't people have high expectations for their new shit.

But I think my point is more that simple or musically uncomplicated (which is not to say unchallenging/ unoriginal or not slamming) can't be amazing, complex music that rewards serious listening. I think this was a school of thought that was used to try and discredit hip-hop as music back in the day. More clearly would you deny the incredible musianship of blues musicians who are certainly not playing classical guitar difficult songs- but they are incredibly moving/ rich/ lush/ textured. Simple does not mean it can't blow your fuckin' top. I know you weren't really dissing all those styles but I have always found that argument weak/ lame/ borderline offensive. Just something to think about.


word up, math. i agree. i didnt mean to come off that way. you're definitely right. i guess when i said "blow your lid off" i was overstating it. i think feel and musical awareness goes lengths beyond technicality and complexity. thats what makes the bboys so accessible. i definitely question the wording i used in that post.

oh well, cheers. (y)

[RoryMC]

I'm pretty sure I'll be disappointed by it, much in the same way I have been with every BB release since Hello Nasty.

They're too old to rap now.

[RadioPWEi]

ok, i gotta chime in here, and this is pure speculation. It was reported that the boys signed some ridiculous deal years ago (HN time) for some crazy advance of like 100 million. (looking for article now) It was reported to be one of the biggest advances in capitol records history. Anyhow, as dissappointed as some of us are with this release, I'm personally pleased with it after TT5B whatever that shit was, the Beastie Boys are a band. They're on a label. They're fulfiilling a contract to release X albums, etc. I'm sure that with their sales numbers they get a lot of control over what type of albums they want to release and have not agreed to any kind of bullshit regarding keeping their fans happy, etc. Like Mike D said in Rhyme the Rhyme well, "went to the top and never went pop and came back down and never stoppin" or something along those lines. Point being, they're doing what they want, I think they're past the point of trying to get new fans, they're just doing what they want to do these days. I think that TT5B pretty much proved that they still have that funny aspect to them, but realistically, it's getting old and they're not on top of the hip hop game. This album is intentionally under produced, it's a freakin jam session, people. I don't think they really care what anyone, aside from themselves, thinks about it. Get over yourselves, don't buy it if you don't like In Sounds, etc. You know it's not hip hop. I'm 33 years old and listening to this is so much more refreshing than watching them get stale with that last album.

Just my 32 cents.

[PaddyBoy]

[QUOTE=RadioPWEi;1474721] listening to this is so much more refreshing than watching them get stale with that last album.
[\QUOTE]

I aggree with this much..

[mathcart]

word up, math. i agree. i didnt mean to come off that way. you're definitely right. i guess when i said "blow your lid off" i was overstating it. i think feel and musical awareness goes lengths beyond technicality and complexity. thats what makes the bboys so accessible. i definitely question the wording i used in that post.

oh well, cheers. (y)

It's all love, brother, respect.

ok, i gotta chime in here, and this is pure speculation. It was reported that the boys signed some ridiculous deal years ago (HN time) for some crazy advance of like 100 million. (looking for article now) It was reported to be one of the biggest advances in capitol records history. Anyhow, as dissappointed as some of us are with this release, I'm personally pleased with it after TT5B whatever that shit was, the Beastie Boys are a band. They're on a label. They're fulfiilling a contract to release X albums, etc. I'm sure that with their sales numbers they get a lot of control over what type of albums they want to release and have not agreed to any kind of bullshit regarding keeping their fans happy, etc. Like Mike D said in Rhyme the Rhyme well, "went to the top and never went pop and came back down and never stoppin" or something along those lines. Point being, they're doing what they want, I think they're past the point of trying to get new fans, they're just doing what they want to do these days. I think that TT5B pretty much proved that they still have that funny aspect to them, but realistically, it's getting old and they're not on top of the hip hop game. This album is intentionally under produced, it's a freakin jam session, people. I don't think they really care what anyone, aside from themselves, thinks about it. Get over yourselves, don't buy it if you don't like In Sounds, etc. You know it's not hip hop. I'm 33 years old and listening to this is so much more refreshing than watching them get stale with that last album.

Just my 32 cents.

I'm certainly with you on a few points here

- their definitely doing what they want (although I'm not sure that doesn't help them to reach out to new fans by not becoming stale and formulaic- as if they could!)
- I'm certainly happy their together and putting out great music,
But
I'm not sure what you were saying about the (speculated) huge advance and how it relates to the direction they took with TMU.
-I think they are on top of their game on all fronts (musically, lyrically, ballin, scrabble playin, etc)- they are the best at what THEY do- you can't compare what they do to what 50cent or any new school head is doing and conclude their not on top of their hiphop game. I think its like comparing different generations of ballplayers. Just because they ain't doing whats viewed as "the thing" now don't mean they ain't the bomb squad. Their hiphop has vision, is always lyrically rich(isn't this the essence of what makes for dope mcs?) and the beats and samples have ranged from stripped down oldschool thumpers to more complex richly layered tracks that are downright revolutionary. The fact that they respect their musical roots and want to make new shit that reflect their influences makes me respect them more. When I heard off the grid live (and the entire Sasquatch sets) I thought that not only was this a band on top of their game, they were taking the game to the next level- it was truely sick.

[dust monkey]

Yauch on Bad Brains

"With that in mind, Yauch went into "Build a Nation" with a plan. "I kind of felt like I knew the way they should sound, because I grew up listening to them, going to see them when they first came up to New York from [Washington] D.C. and were playing CBGB and Max's [Kansas City]," he says. "My feeling was that the ROIR tape [Bad Brains' self-titled debut record, released on cassette only] really sounded right-a lot of the stuff after felt to me like people were trying to clean them up and make them sound more palatable for radio. So I guess I sat around thinking, 'Man, if I could just get in there.'"

Now don't start flinging poop because I do like the Mix-Up; read my other posts in this thread. But.....again with the buts, maybe an impartial objective outsider/fan/etc. could really bring the whole package together next time in a heed your own advice type of way. Surrounding yourself with yes men is sometimes counterproductive, but someone fresh, a fan, who makes a very strong statement like Yauch made with regards to the Brains - challenging one's own self or being challenge by a third party can often times result in magic, which is almost what the follow-up to TT5B is in a Steve Miller type of way.

By the way the new Brains album yes is that good, 37 minutes of pure energy, riffs, and dub.

[Brother McDuff]

"If we were trying to maximize our demographic or whatever, I'm not sure we'd come with an instrumental record right now," says Michael "Mike D" Diamond....." [from the "starbucks" article]


don't know exactly how, but i feel this quote in some way pertains to the discussion going on here.:o

[Rock On]

No, I'm actually kind of impressed with it.

[RadioPWEi]

I"m really glad Mike D said that and I believe it's true, based on my prior post. These guys have done it all. HN put the wobbles in the wheels and TT5B wrecked the cart in my opinion. Both albums have their high points, but with HN it was half of the tracks and with TT5B it was half of the versus on half of the tracks in my opinion.

Think about this... for such an outspoken band (and Adrock loves to fucking yell), it's probably somewhat difficult to make a completely instrumental album and it shows quite a bit in regards to where they're at. In my opinion they sort of a) dropped off from their wobbly wheels; and b) ran straight into a ditch; when they did a full hip hop album. As much as I hate to say it, it's just not them, they're *not* a hip hop group. I really think TT5B lacked their ingenuity with mixing punk and melody with hip hop to create another Beastie Boys album. I do believe, though, that The Mix Up displays a friendly gathering of, possibly, session musicians that have gotten together to jam. That's all. I don't think they have the least bit of interest in this album going platinum. I can only imagine it gets old having to grab a freakin mic during every concert and blurt out the same damn lyrics over and over and over and over again... they seem to enjoy it, but they also seem, as seasoned artists, to enjoy jamming and enjoying their music. I'm happy to see the kids that put out Fight for your Right to Party put out Fight for your Right to Play Music and Jam with your Friends.

[Brother McDuff]

HN put the wobbles in the wheels and TT5B wrecked the cart in my opinion.

as much as i hate to stray from the topic, i cant help but be amazed by how many fans feel that hello nasty wasn't up to par. not only do i feel it was off the hook, it easily makes my top 3 records of all time. oh well, to each their own. (y)

IMO, you can argue all you want, but hello nasty is undoubtedly the most versatile work in their catalogue. not that versatility alone makes a great album, of course.

[Kid Presentable]

as much as i hate to stray from the topic, i cant help but be amazed by how many fans feel that hello nasty wasn't up to par. not only do i feel it was off the hook, it easily makes my top 3 records of all time. oh well, to each their own. (y)

IMO, you can argue all you want, but hello nasty is undoubtedly the most versatile work in their catalogue. not that versatility alone makes a great album, of course.

How are you defining versatility though? Yeah there was a Bossa Nova song on there, but too much of the album sounded throwaway to me. Again, to each their own.

[Brother McDuff]

How are you defining versatility though? Yeah there was a Bossa Nova song on there, but too much of the album sounded throwaway to me. Again, to each their own.

to me, i feel that no two songs on that record are alike. each song has a unique voice. when i compare the extremes of genre, like say, "instant death" and "putting shame in your game", or "and me" and "i don't know", or even "song for the man" and "electrify", you see that the boys are moving all across the board, in longitude and latitude.

i can see how it feels thrown together, but i also think that's it's charm. it's like opening up your junk drawer to find all of these little treasures and little nuggets of illness, with all the little interludes, breakdowns, and just pure sillyness. i dont think there's a weak moment on the record, but that's just my opinion.

[dust monkey]

How are you defining versatility though? Yeah there was a Bossa Nova song on there, but too much of the album sounded throwaway to me. Again, to each their own.

Yes, too long, over-stuffed, two many guests, too two too too and too everything.

But.....the genius of ipod allows one to check and uncheck, and if you uncheck enough and just the right amount, HN is pretty freakin' brilliant. But I rank the checked versions, my unchecks are not for consideration. IC teeters on the same totter, think of the filler that should have been B-Sides; hence the pure genius of LTI, PB and CYH, not one throw-away/filler/maybe B-side.

I fuckin' love these guys and all these albums and nobody can be or is perfect; but god damn as fans we can want and wish all we want even if we know it's totally impossible to accomplish.

So what, HN is my least favorite album, I've still listened to it about million times complete even disregarding the checks and unchecks.......just got an ipod a couple years ago!!!!!

[MaestroDenis]

The songs are everything I expected however, I think a lot of these tracks would sound pretty good on an Ill Communication type album, as fillers a la ricky's theme, sabrosa and shit. But this as an album, sorry I cannot help but think "hmmm this is The In Sound From Way Out 2".

MD

[Brother McDuff]

The songs are everything I expected however, I think a lot of these tracks would sound pretty good on an Ill Communication type album, as fillers a la ricky's theme, sabrosa and shit. But this as an album, sorry I cannot help but think "hmmm this is The In Sound From Way Out 2".

MD


yeah, i would definitely equate the majority of this record to IC era.

[kingcrimson024]

How are you defining versatility though? Yeah there was a Bossa Nova song on there, but too much of the album sounded throwaway to me. Again, to each their own.

Versatility in the sense that this new material is completely different than their hiphop and their hardcore ect blah blah. I love the new album, and I'm glad the beasties took an instrumental approach. To the 5 boroughs was entirely drum machines & samples so this is a great switch.

[Kid Presentable]

Versatility in the sense that this new material is completely different than their hiphop and their hardcore ect blah blah. I love the new album, and I'm glad the beasties took an instrumental approach. To the 5 boroughs was entirely drum machines & samples so this is a great switch.

I was referring to Hello Nasty.

Anyway, I get less diappointed with each listen. I forget my approach to a new Beastie Boys album every time, and that's part of the approach. I listen to the whole thing all the way through a few times , then I just spend the next few sessions listening to 60% of it because I can't concentrate on things. I've done it with all of them. And I always try to go against it, and ultimately just end up doing it anyway. Eventually I start listening to the whole thing at random.

[Chicka B]

I am actually the complete opposite of being disappointed, this is actually the greatest album EVER!! Even though I haven't heard it yet besides the samples so I don't even know what I'm talkin about. :p But if any of the songs are half as good as Off the Grid and The Rat Cage then...sheah. One of the greatest things about it is the bass, like at the end of The Rat Cage...funky as hell. And yeah at first I thought "what is this?" not exactly in a disappointed way, but that's what I think with the first listen of every album since they're always so different...then I end up thinkin "this is fuckin genius" as always. Sooo...just takes some getting used to I guess. And to those who are disappointed for whatever reason it doesn't make you bad, you might just have different taste or whatever. But if the reason is other then the actual music, like comparing it to their other albums or thinkin they didn't put as much effort into it (as some thought with TT5B) you gotta be more open minded and accept the music for what it is instead of speculatin and thinkin "ohhh these are just computer beats, all they did to do that was bladiadida" you know what I'm saying. Just listen and let yourself like it! If it sounds good then...enjoy it! (God who says enjoy). = /

[hitmonlee]

^^^Yeah, man they're having fun and shit. And although we might sound like we're complaining, everybody likes something about it. They always get the one-up on us.

You and hitmonlee should join me for a drunken listening party sometime after the 26th.

i'm pretty good at drinking and listening (y)

[Mookie Blaylock]

I"m really glad Mike D said that and I believe it's true, based on my prior post. These guys have done it all. HN put the wobbles in the wheels and TT5B wrecked the cart in my opinion. Both albums have their high points, but with HN it was half of the tracks and with TT5B it was half of the versus on half of the tracks in my opinion.

Think about this... for such an outspoken band (and Adrock loves to fucking yell), it's probably somewhat difficult to make a completely instrumental album and it shows quite a bit in regards to where they're at. In my opinion they sort of a) dropped off from their wobbly wheels; and b) ran straight into a ditch; when they did a full hip hop album. As much as I hate to say it, it's just not them, they're *not* a hip hop group. I really think TT5B lacked their ingenuity with mixing punk and melody with hip hop to create another Beastie Boys album. I do believe, though, that The Mix Up displays a friendly gathering of, possibly, session musicians that have gotten together to jam. That's all. I don't think they have the least bit of interest in this album going platinum. I can only imagine it gets old having to grab a freakin mic during every concert and blurt out the same damn lyrics over and over and over and over again... they seem to enjoy it, but they also seem, as seasoned artists, to enjoy jamming and enjoying their music. I'm happy to see the kids that put out Fight for your Right to Party put out Fight for your Right to Play Music and Jam with your Friends.

I agree with almost all of this - except the assessment of Hello Nasty. To me, that's an incredibly genius album. I've been listening to it lately to get a feel of the Boys on the instruments - slept on it for a few years. Song's like "Song For The Man", "Remote Control", "Picture This", "Song For Junior", and "Sneakin' Out of the Hospital" are really cool tracks, and it's because of songs like that why I love the Beasties so much. When I firs heard "Song For the Man" I couldn't believe I was listening to the Beasties. IMO, it's one of their best songs. Money Mark's playing on the song is incredible. Anyway, HN is pure quality to my ears.

[mathcart]

I agree with almost all of this - except the assessment of Hello Nasty. To me, that's an incredibly genius album. I've been listening to it lately to get a feel of the Boys on the instruments - slept on it for a few years. Song's like "Song For The Man", "Remote Control", "Picture This", "Song For Junior", and "Sneakin' Out of the Hospital" are really cool tracks, and it's because of songs like that why I love the Beasties so much. When I firs heard "Song For the Man" I couldn't believe I was listening to the Beasties. IMO, it's one of their best songs. Money Mark's playing on the song is incredible. Anyway, HN is pure quality to my ears.

Word, can I get an Amen, brother, preach it, PREACH IT! :D
Don't sleep on Hello Nasty or Robert Goulet will sneak into your house and fuck with your stuff. Its true, don't sleep, Goulet's a total dick!(n)

[Parkey]

For a band whose reputation has been forged in the gobby depths of their collective larynx, the Beastie Boys decision to dispense entirely with verbals for ‘The Mix Up’ represents a punk aesthetic far more tangible than a face full of piercings or vat of hair dye ever could.

[Brother McDuff]

For a band whose reputation has been forged in the gobby depths of their collective larynx, the Beastie Boys decision to dispense entirely with verbals for ‘The Mix Up’ represents a punk aesthetic far more tangible than a face full of piercings or vat of hair dye ever could.

great point, park.

[Mr. Smacktackle]

Yall should just relax (and BUY the new material when it's time). Maybe it's a bigger project. First an instrumental record, then videos for all songs, then a reissue with vocals, and then an ''unplugged'' (actually meaning unturntabled) live recorded comp. i hope!!

Root down and get it!

[KevG]

I love it. I think it blows "TISFWOY" out of the water.

I most definitely like "The Gala Event". That bass shit almost kicks a hole in the world, let alone the back window of my car.

[Parkey]

great point, park.

If a little wordy in retrospect...

[CHECKHEAD2004]

Haven't heard it yet. I am being GOOD. : )

[pshabi]

I'm disappointed with people who are disappointed with The Mix Up. Let's let this thread fall off the front page, please.

[Documad]

Haven't heard it yet. I am being GOOD. : )
Me too. I'm going to hear the stupid songs live long before I hear the CD. :rolleyes:

[MC Drop]

Wow I hear a lot of people complaining about the album that has not been released. Beastie Boys have done a lot of instrumental's if this is new to some of you then wtf. And if you don't like it then whatever. I hate people that sit there and judge someone else. Skeptic's. I can understand if your not one for instrumental's then cool stick to the hip hop. I mean there playin hip hip shows in the us wtf else could you ask for. And if you just dont think its all that good the go realease your own fukn album. Really I dont wont to hear it here. Im getting hyped for the show and ur bitching about somthing you could never come up with. Ive never been one for instrumentals but im not gonna bitch about it like a baby. I support the beasties and there endevors and Im glad I could see em before the stopped hip hop for good.

[pshabi]

Wow I hear a lot of people complaining about the album that has not been released.

You realize a vast majority of the people in this thread have heard the album, right?

[U-Stubs]

OK ok OK!! Remember the BEASTIOGRAPHY, when asked what does Beastie Boys mean to you? DJ Hurra replied," do what the fuck you want!" Welp, guess waht people, the beasties are "renegades of funk" and they are artists, they continually cross boundaries and break barriers over and over again. They pick up new fans and lose old ones,but they constantly consistently produce awesome musique. Hello Nasty is a fucking classic album, their lyrics,their flow, their rhyme design, their beats and their musical talents. TT5B is a great album and it will be a classic also, remember when people slept on PB, and now people are recognizing that albm as a classic.
Lissen up, they are ahead of the game and will always be that way. Remember what their name stands for, yeah they created it is a joke,but sometimes jokes become relaity, example-Licensed to Ill , where they became the snotty assholes they mocked. Boys Entering Anarchistic States Towards Internal Excellence!!! They are what they stand for and I respect and love them for that. They continue to explore and break all musical and social barriers. They stand up for what the believe in. They have put out albums that are ahead of the game and will always be that way. Thats whats up

[pshabi]

OK ok OK!! Remember the BEASTIOGRAPHY, when asked what does Beastie Boys mean to you? DJ Hurra replied," do what the fuck you want!" Welp, guess waht people, the beasties are "renegades of funk" and they are artists, they continually cross boundaries and break barriers over and over again. They pick up new fans and lose old ones,but they constantly consistently produce awesome musique. Hello Nasty is a fucking classic album, their lyrics,their flow, their rhyme design, their beats and their musical talents. TT5B is a great album and it will be a classic also, remember when people slept on PB, and now people are recognizing that albm as a classic.
Lissen up, they are ahead of the game and will always be that way. Remember what their name stands for, yeah they created it is a joke,but sometimes jokes become relaity, example-Licensed to Ill , where they became the snotty assholes they mocked. Boys Entering Anarchistic States Towards Internal Excellence!!! They are what they stand for and I respect and love them for that. They continue to explore and break all musical and social barriers. They stand up for what the believe in. They have put out albums that are ahead of the game and will always be that way. Thats whats up

Right on, Stubbs.

[midzi]

The songs sound great live and you can see the band really enjoys playing them live and that makes me excited for the new album.