Advije
09-29-2007, 03:02 PM
Beastie Boys man the instruments
By Althea Legaspi
Special to the Tribune
September 28, 2007
Who could have predicted that a group made famous through hit songs about a prank call, fighting to party and drinking bad liquor more than 20 years ago could eventually be described as having achieved a certain level of sophistication? Looking swank in suits, ties and one fedora -- and moving comfortably behind an upright bass, guitar and drum kit at the Riviera Theatre on Wednesday, the Beastie Boys threw a surprisingly mature party. Billed as "A Gala Event -- Exclusive Instrumental Show," the B-Boys were matched in dress by its audience, many of whom were decked to the nines.
Touring on "The Mix-Up," the Beastie Boys' first album of all-new instrumental songs, its sold-out Chicago appearances (Thursday the boys put on a vocal-centric show at Charter One Pavilion) marked its final tour stop. Guitarist Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz, bassist Adam "MCA" Yauch, and drummer Mike "Mike D" Diamond have been mining funk and soul-jazz instrumental territory since 1992's "Check Your Head." Keyboardist Money Mark, percussionist Alfredo Ortiz and Mix Master Mike joined the trio.
While it was recently reported that Beastie Boys might re-release "The Mix-Up" with added guest vocalists, for now songs such as the hand-clapped strut of "B For My Name" and the shuffle-beat funk of "14th St. Break" stood on their own. Songs devoid of lyrics showcased that the group, while not always technically savvy, has a stranglehold on '70s smoky funk and grooved-up beats and revel in the pure joy of playing.
Though it was billed as Beastie Boys' "instrumental" show, the set included a fair amount of hip-hop and nods to the band's hardcore punk roots during nearly two hours of music. Songs such as "Tough Guy" and "Heart Attack Man" brought Mike D front and center, abandoning his kit for some spastic dancing and venomous lyrical flow.
While the group seemed assured behind its instruments, funkifying the summer stroll of a song such as "Ricky's Theme," it was just as comfortable abandoning its gear to rap and jump along to "Sure Shot," or combining both for the crowd-pleasing "So What'cha Want."
Whether it was delivering the heavy riffs of "Gratitude," dropping slick flow on "Three MC's and One DJ" or finding some finesse on the instrumental "Off the Grid," from crass to class, the Beastie Boys are testament that there is indeed grace to be found in growing up.
By Althea Legaspi
Special to the Tribune
September 28, 2007
Who could have predicted that a group made famous through hit songs about a prank call, fighting to party and drinking bad liquor more than 20 years ago could eventually be described as having achieved a certain level of sophistication? Looking swank in suits, ties and one fedora -- and moving comfortably behind an upright bass, guitar and drum kit at the Riviera Theatre on Wednesday, the Beastie Boys threw a surprisingly mature party. Billed as "A Gala Event -- Exclusive Instrumental Show," the B-Boys were matched in dress by its audience, many of whom were decked to the nines.
Touring on "The Mix-Up," the Beastie Boys' first album of all-new instrumental songs, its sold-out Chicago appearances (Thursday the boys put on a vocal-centric show at Charter One Pavilion) marked its final tour stop. Guitarist Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz, bassist Adam "MCA" Yauch, and drummer Mike "Mike D" Diamond have been mining funk and soul-jazz instrumental territory since 1992's "Check Your Head." Keyboardist Money Mark, percussionist Alfredo Ortiz and Mix Master Mike joined the trio.
While it was recently reported that Beastie Boys might re-release "The Mix-Up" with added guest vocalists, for now songs such as the hand-clapped strut of "B For My Name" and the shuffle-beat funk of "14th St. Break" stood on their own. Songs devoid of lyrics showcased that the group, while not always technically savvy, has a stranglehold on '70s smoky funk and grooved-up beats and revel in the pure joy of playing.
Though it was billed as Beastie Boys' "instrumental" show, the set included a fair amount of hip-hop and nods to the band's hardcore punk roots during nearly two hours of music. Songs such as "Tough Guy" and "Heart Attack Man" brought Mike D front and center, abandoning his kit for some spastic dancing and venomous lyrical flow.
While the group seemed assured behind its instruments, funkifying the summer stroll of a song such as "Ricky's Theme," it was just as comfortable abandoning its gear to rap and jump along to "Sure Shot," or combining both for the crowd-pleasing "So What'cha Want."
Whether it was delivering the heavy riffs of "Gratitude," dropping slick flow on "Three MC's and One DJ" or finding some finesse on the instrumental "Off the Grid," from crass to class, the Beastie Boys are testament that there is indeed grace to be found in growing up.