Track by Track Reviews

[Lex Diamonds]

Anyone ready to post theirs yet? I need a couple more listens I think but it's always interesting to see how people rate different tracks and the cohesion of thoughts on the album as a whole.

If someone else can kick it off I'll come in with my 2 cents in a day or two.

[Junker]

I wont do a full review of each song. But I'd say to you guys to take a good listen to 'Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win' and 'Crazy Ass Shit'. Great tracks!


And there's also a instrumental song which is awesome: "Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament". It reminds me of some Gorillaz songs.

[Kid Presentable]

Make Some Noise - 4/5 if only diminished a little by the impact it has lost since its first listen. Placed well as the opener as a statement of intent and just a good time track. I like the irreverence of a fully played break and outro and the questions that raises about how it would be recreated live.

Non-stop - 4.5/5 I wasn't that interested in the snippets but this is flawlessly executed. My concern was it would come off a little too Jurassic 5-ish. It's more like (very lazy comparison coming up) a Flowin Prose that they all rhyme on. Basslines are off the toilet-chain.

OK - 3/5 Not bad by any means, just not up my alley as far as the 'goofy', BS2000 sound goes. One for the ladies, perhaps. The robot-voice break is great though, and the (very) brief drum fill at the start sounds like an outtake from Lee Majors. Love little touches like that. I suppose the whole complaining about telephones thing is sticking to themes, too. If not for that it would probably be a 2.75/5.

TMR - 4/5 I already loved it, but knew it would be well long in the tooth by the time the album came along. The synth is fucking badass and a well-deserved focal point, makes just enough of a change along with MCA's new verse. Would have rated it higher if Adrock spit some new shit too, but Phil's influence is clear by this point.

Say It - 3.5/5 Good song, not the best on the album, but a great one-two combo with TMR. My favourite part is the outro, but I quite like the musicality of it in the middle sections too; the bass revving back up for the second verse is but one touch that gives it a bit of out-of-studio energy. Can definitely see it growing on me, but for now not blown away by the vocals.

Bill Harper - 1/5 Skits ahoy

Don't Play No Game that I Can't Win - 4/5 On the back of the journey we've gone on to this point of the album, this is perfectly placed as a bit of a party track and reminds me what we're doing here. Really took me by surprise, since I too loved her self-titled album but couldn't see this working. It's executed well, just enough B-Boys but is unmistakably Santi. Great basslines, too. New Zealand will flip for this.

Long Burn The Fire - 4.5/5 Have to be careful here, since I'd give it a 5 based on shock posting alone. I remember posting about 4 or 5 years ago, wondering aloud to no-one in particular about how the 808/fuzz-bass combo would sound. Got my answer it seems, and we got much more than the 4 bar rotation of verses, we got a non-formulaic approach all over and deliveries that make me think of the B-Boys as MCs like the way hip-hop fans think of MCs. Fucking amazing, to be honest.

Funky Donkey - 2.5/5 Surprising myself here because I didn't think I'd be real into it at all. Sort of sounds like an Eminem single, but it freaks out in a pretty enjoyable fashion. Just a little bit forgettable, unfortunately.

Larry Routine - 2/5 Adds something to the aforementioned track, for sure. Never really felt the whole B-Boys in the Cut thing, this is what it was really a vessel for. It is what it is.

Tadlock's Glasses - 4/5 Can't really explain this, it's like Madvillian the way it gets in my head. MCA sounds like he blacked out and woke up to a bunch of basslines, the other two do their damn things too, special mention to discombobulation since it's the theme of this broken rapping robot nightmare.

Lee Majors Come Again - 4.5/5 As good as it ever was to me, and I don't really expect everybody to get that. Sounds lush but rough as guts at the same time, onya Phil. Liked hearing Mike D sound unconvinced after the track finished, something we didn't have in the old days. That tiny little bit of studio banter at the end takes me back to The Mix Up.

Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament - 4.5/5 I have big fanboy nipples over this. As someone who put Something's Got to Give and Car Thief into my top 5, this lush fucking instrumental is like somebody has been stealing my dreams. I like the outright boldness of slapping an instrumental in the mix too, especially after the whole TMU thing. The basslines are orgiastic, and this is quite unlike anything I've heard them do.

Here's a Little Something For Ya - 4/5 Shits on the mash-up, love the deliveries, in particular MCA's new verses. All over a strong track to place at this juncture, really my kind of thing.

Crazy-Ass Shit - 3/5 It's a family affair, the Diamond Familia is in full effect. A bit standard but it sounds like fun times all over.

Lisa Lisa - 3.5/5 It's offensive to like a skit this much so I marked it down. I get that it's not an orginal routine but it would be awesome to hear an exploration of this. The beat is nice, the interplay is another one of them MC type shits. I also recall fondly that when the boys hosted music program Rage here, Mike expressed his love of BBD's 'Poison'. I can't help but think of that when I hear this. Too funny.

An overall score (not an average) would be 4/5. I finally don't have to mine through old albums, but can dedicate my ears to this for a fair old while.

Happy for this score to go down over time, but as dust monkey said it's confident and fun, and one can't really ask for more than that. On a personal note, I would love to see it performed live in full, from finish to start.

Really just nice fucking work guys, can't say anything more than that. Except for: get well MCA!

[Lex Diamonds]

Cheers KP, was hoping you'd come in on this. Gonna listen through again tonight and take into account the shit you said.

[Kid Presentable]

I've probably gushed more than necessary.

[Darko]

Make Some Noise: 4.5/5
Nonstop Disco Powerpack: 5/5
OK: 3.5/5
Too Many Rappers: 4.5/5 (I'd give the original version 4/5)
Say It: 5/5
Bill Harper: Meh/5
Don't Play: 4/5
Long Burn the Fire: 5/5
Funky Donkey: 3.5/5
The Larry Routine: 3/5
Tadlock's Glasses: 3.5/5
Lee Majors Come Again: 5/5
Multilateral: 3/5
Here's A Little Something For Ya: 3.5/5
Crazy Ass Shit: 4/5
The Lisa Lisa: 3/5

Unbiased review score: 4/5
Biased hardcore Beastie Boys fan review score: 80/5

[checkyourprez]

Make Some Noise - 4/5 if only diminished a little by the impact it has lost since its first listen. Placed well as the opener as a statement of intent and just a good time track. I like the irreverence of a fully played break and outro and the questions that raises about how it would be recreated live.

Non-stop - 4.5/5 I wasn't that interested in the snippets but this is flawlessly executed. My concern was it would come off a little too Jurassic 5-ish. It's more like (very lazy comparison coming up) a Flowin Prose that they all rhyme on. Basslines are off the toilet-chain.

OK - 3/5 Not bad by any means, just not up my alley as far as the 'goofy', BS2000 sound goes. One for the ladies, perhaps. The robot-voice break is great though, and the (very) brief drum fill at the start sounds like an outtake from Lee Majors. Love little touches like that. I suppose the whole complaining about telephones thing is sticking to themes, too. If not for that it would probably be a 2.75/5.

TMR - 4/5 I already loved it, but knew it would be well long in the tooth by the time the album came along. The synth is fucking badass and a well-deserved focal point, makes just enough of a change along with MCA's new verse. Would have rated it higher if Adrock spit some new shit too, but Phil's influence is clear by this point.

Say It - 3.5/5 Good song, not the best on the album, but a great one-two combo with TMR. My favourite part is the outro, but I quite like the musicality of it in the middle sections too; the bass revving back up for the second verse is but one touch that gives it a bit of out-of-studio energy. Can definitely see it growing on me, but for now not blown away by the vocals.

Bill Harper - 1/5 Skits ahoy

Don't Play No Game that I Can't Win - 4/5 On the back of the journey we've gone on to this point of the album, this is perfectly placed as a bit of a party track and reminds me what we're doing here. Really took me by surprise, since I too loved her self-titled album but couldn't see this working. It's executed well, just enough B-Boys but is unmistakably Santi. Great basslines, too. New Zealand will flip for this.

Long Burn The Fire - 4.5/5 Have to be careful here, since I'd give it a 5 based on shock posting alone. I remember posting about 4 or 5 years ago, wondering aloud to no-one in particular about how the 808/fuzz-bass combo would sound. Got my answer it seems, and we got much more than the 4 bar rotation of verses, we got a non-formulaic approach all over and deliveries that make me think of the B-Boys as MCs like the way hip-hop fans think of MCs. Fucking amazing, to be honest.

Funky Donkey - 2.5/5 Surprising myself here because I didn't think I'd be real into it at all. Sort of sounds like an Eminem single, but it freaks out in a pretty enjoyable fashion. Just a little bit forgettable, unfortunately.

Larry Routine - 2/5 Adds something to the aforementioned track, for sure. Never really felt the whole B-Boys in the Cut thing, this is what it was really a vessel for. It is what it is.

Tadlock's Glasses - 4/5 Can't really explain this, it's like Madvillian the way it gets in my head. MCA sounds like he blacked out and woke up to a bunch of basslines, the other two do their damn things too, special mention to discombobulation since it's the theme of this broken rapping robot nightmare.

Lee Majors Come Again - 4.5/5 As good as it ever was to me, and I don't really expect everybody to get that. Sounds lush but rough as guts at the same time, onya Phil. Liked hearing Mike D sound unconvinced after the track finished, something we didn't have in the old days. That tiny little bit of studio banter at the end takes me back to The Mix Up.

Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament - 4.5/5 I have big fanboy nipples over this. As someone who put Something's Got to Give and Car Thief into my top 5, this lush fucking instrumental is like somebody has been stealing my dreams. I like the outright boldness of slapping an instrumental in the mix too, especially after the whole TMU thing. The basslines are orgiastic, and this is quite unlike anything I've heard them do.

Here's a Little Something For Ya - 4/5 Shits on the mash-up, love the deliveries, in particular MCA's new verses. All over a strong track to place at this juncture, really my kind of thing.

Crazy-Ass Shit - 3/5 It's a family affair, the Diamond Familia is in full effect. A bit standard but it sounds like fun times all over.

Lisa Lisa - 3.5/5 It's offensive to like a skit this much so I marked it down. I get that it's not an orginal routine but it would be awesome to hear an exploration of this. The beat is nice, the interplay is another one of them MC type shits. I also recall fondly that when the boys hosted music program Rage here, Mike expressed his love of BBD's 'Poison'. I can't help but think of that when I hear this. Too funny.

An overall score (not an average) would be 4/5. I finally don't have to mine through old albums, but can dedicate my ears to this for a fair old while.

Happy for this score to go down over time, but as dust monkey said it's confident and fun, and one can't really ask for more than that. On a personal note, I would love to see it performed live in full, from finish to start.

Really just nice fucking work guys, can't say anything more than that. Except for: get well MCA!

No 5/5 barn barners iyo?

[Kid Presentable]

No 5/5 barn barners iyo?

Always pretty wary of saying anything is 5/5 but at the very least Long Burn and Multilateral if I were that way inclined. It's all relative; my high scores may as well be 5/5, I'm just trying to keep the excitement in check. You should know that I would be burning barns and ruining motherfucking livelihoods to these songs if there were barns around this part of town.

[laurie_hammy]

Make Some Noise - Been listening to it flat out an still hasnt got old, love it.

Nonstop Disco Powerpack - Favorite of the album so far. Whole tracks awsome but been repeating Adrock's verse a lot on this one, just so fresh an clean.

OK - Really like this one, love the beat drop at 1:06 into nice an quick head bopping rap. Top quality simple hook to it too.

Too Many Rappers - Still used to the old version so im gonna have to listen to this more. Would also have loved a new Adrock verse on it.

Say It - Good as solid track, love the heavy sounding beat. Just want the official lyrics of it to help with the spazzing out.

The Bill Harper Collection - Skit

Dont Play No Game That I Can't Win - Love this girls sound an its cool how they all kind of rap with each other. Very summery sounding.

Long Burn The Fire - Top notch. Iv been feeling the long verses lately e.g "NonStop Disco Powerpack" "Rhyme The Ryhme Well" "Crawlspace" types.

Funky Donkey - Really want see this live. Good to be back throwing the mic round. Been listening to this one a lot an its grown on me heaps. Cartoony sounding at first but just got better.

The Larry Routine - Cool

Tadlocks Glasses - One of my favs for sure. Cool hook, just wished for longer verses by the kings cause its just so bouncy.

Lee Majors Come Again - Always loved it, always will.

Heres A Little Somethin For Ya - So refreshing hearing this in good quality. Mike an MCA's new verses are awsome too. The break starting at 1:58 an dropping at 2:02 had me actualy smiling to myself like a douche.

Crazy Ass Shit - Havnt got into this one yet. Need more listens I think.

The Lisa LisaFull Force Routine - Cool

[facedownfall]

Too Many Rappers - Still used to the old version so im gonna have to listen to this more. Would also have loved a new Adrock verse on it.



I haven't listened since the MSG thing but did Mike D drop a new verse too? I thought it was just Yauch's at the beginning.

[laurie_hammy]

I haven't listened since the MSG thing but did Mike D drop a new verse too? I thought it was just Yauch's at the beginning.

Nah only Yauch did a newie. Id just love to hear another Adrock verse ontop of the ones already there cause I really like them too. His voice just really suits the track.

[checkyourprez]

Always pretty wary of saying anything is 5/5 but at the very least Long Burn and Multilateral if I were that way inclined. It's all relative; my high scores may as well be 5/5, I'm just trying to keep the excitement in check. You should know that I would be burning barns and ruining motherfucking livelihoods to these songs if there were barns around this part of town.

i figured as much. sounds good tho, i prefer a tempered review at first, time is needed to fully digest and provide a proper review imo. ill drop one next tuesday.

[Guy Incognito]

Make Some Noise: 4/5 Classic bboys, wouldnt sound out of place on CYH,IC or HN.

Nonstop Disco Powerpack: 4/5 funny and groovy.

OK:3.5 /5 err..ok

Too Many Rappers:4.5 /5 Yes, much improved. Everything sounds cleaner and it makes a lot more sense. And it really worked well as an instrumental in the film

Say It:4.5 /5 The best put together track on the album. Strong Rhymes. A great chorus. And a great feedback sample thing.

Bill Harper:3 /5 Its funny dont see why people arent rating the skits. if it makes you laugh smile or cringe then rate it as a skit.

Don't Play No Game:4 /5 Brilliant, cant work out if they played all that or if there are samples in the house. summer single.

Long Burn the Fire:4/5 i wasnt sure at first but now its a solid track. lots more going on than i first thought.

Funky Donkey:3 /5 and most of those marks are for "put this on a zip disk, send to your lawyer and file me under funky". Silly but short enough to get away with it

The Larry Routine:3 /5 A silly little skit but its nice way to link two very different tracks

Tadlock's Glasses:3 /5 I just think that groove is over produced. a little bit too much effects for me. it says a lot that "discombobulated" is a highlight.

Lee Majors Come Again:4.5 /5 Hell yes. most of their other rock stuff seems like it was a quick jam and there werent too many takes before moving on to something else but this sounds like its had some work done and they really thought about it. Its the rapping that nails it. there other punk was mainly shouting. I love it. Just wish knew what the fuck they were saying in the chorus

Multilateral:3.5 /5 Cool instrumental, but could sound good with rhymes

Here's A Little Something For Ya:4.5 /5 Very strong, in with a shout to be a single.

Crazy Ass Shit:4 /5 All over the place in two minutes but good fun, lots going on.

The Lisa Lisa: 3/5 If it was longer it'd get more marks. But i guess you should always leave your audience wanting more.

Its a really good album, i'm still a bit in shock because i wasnt uber hopeful of anything as strong as this. Sounds like they had a proper think about stuff with the enforced delay and put the album in good hands and come out with a result. Nothing self indulgent and a good time vibe. There is a definitive sound running thru the album and its a bit more concise than previous albums but i think thats to its credit.

[Brother McDuff]

Make Some Noise: The most comparable to the beasties of yore, while still claiming it's own identity. A predictable though justified opener and single. A successful nod to, well, themselves.

Nonstop Disco Powerpack: I think Kid P nailed it when he made the Flowin Prose comparison; consistent, mellow groove with a feature on the vocal delays. Straight up MC shit and a very welcome return to full-out verses from each member. Goes down real smooth, and sets a hopeful precedent.

OK: Once again agree with Kid P on this one, the title says it all. Not directly up my alley, though I don't intend on ever skipping over it either. Robot break is a high point for sure. Dig the adventurism and it's 'sega genesis soundtrack'-like steez indeed adds a flavor to the record that's unique among the other cuts.

Too Many Rappers: What the original should have been. The first version had a lot of potential that was kind of under-explored, IMO. Couldn't have asked for a better revision. The cascading bass synth and vocal effect shocks offer a more reckless, unpredictable experience to the mix.

Say It: Brooding, macho romp suggesting a love affair between Gratitude's bass mentality and So What'Cha Want's doomsday tank barreling through your neighborhood. Beat and vocals seamlessly match each others' intentions. A riotous mean machine.

The Bill Harper Collection: I personally preferred when the bboys chose to tag their skits onto the ends of songs, rather than grant them their own track number, but they still serve the same purpose I suppose. Skits always add to the playfulness, so I can't really argue.

Don't Play No Game I Can't Win: Even before said collaboration was conceived, I've always considered Santi the ideal 'B-Girl' (the B standing for 'beastie' rather than 'break', that is). Solid, dubbed out party track. Great horn sample, magnificent drum fill work. Could do without the 'beastie boys and santigold' shout at the beginning though.

Long Burn the Fire: [EDIT] Upon hearing the official mix, this motherfucker is a beast!! BBoys marching through hell with a giant mic.

Funky Donkey: Straddles funky heater and just completely absurd. It's never sounded so much like the beasties without really sounding like anything they've ever done (if that makes any sense). Equal parts funky, and donkey. It's really hard to wrap your head around, it's just so spunky, but I do know I enjoy it.

The Larry Routine: Definitely think it's a beneficial inclusion, though still feel it would have served better as an outro on another song (as long as that song is not BBITC).

Tadlock's Glasses: This joint sounds like it was made smack-dab at the very mid-point between IC and HN, to a T. It's like swishing around inside of a malfunctioning washing machine. Really defines the beasties' knack for making something completely different and unique sound 'just as it should'. Stellar jam.

Lee Majors Come Again: Makes me wish there were more straight ahead rock tracks on the album. Had they not decided to rap over this hardcore pillage it may have sounded a bit out of place. But they did, and it doesn't. An enthusiastic, nostalgic bathe in 90s b-boydom.

Multilateral Nuclear Disarmement: Assuming that the buried vocoder is speaking something along the lines of the song's title, it raises a 'Something's Gotta Give' vibe at times. While the vocoder may very well disqualify it from eligibility, I think this jam is a testament to how TMU could have maybe been improved upon in some regards. Candy-coated, thought-provoking cut.

Here's A Little Something For Ya: Easily one of the records strongest efforts. Worthy single and classic bboy mentality. A whole lotta energy, nothing overtly fancy, just straight ahead hard rhymes, harder beat, hardest chorus. Breakdown is a shining provision of lightness before plowing right back into the meat.

Crazy Ass Shit: The energy, vibe, and tempo sounds like it could even be an alternate section of the previous song for a spell. Not quite though. Feels a bit like HALSFY's handicapped little brother. Not a horrible track by any stretch, in fact really fun, though would have been a bit more substantial were it developed a little more. Yauch's vocal break saves the day!

Lisa Lisa Full Force Routine: I agree with everyone else on this guy; just a real pleasure. Sure it could have been longer, but I think it's quaintness is what makes it so savory. Fitting outro, for any bboy album really.


Now that this record has settled into my psyche a bit, I find it a gritty delight. It's fun, it's dirrrrrty, it's the bboys. Common themes include delay, distortion, rampant quotables, heavy drum patterns, and complete unpredictability (I think that qualifies as a beastie success!). The official mix is excellent!!! Zdar delivered.

I don't know if y'alls are into the bboys, but you should check this album out.

[jayjacobson16]

Nah only Yauch did a newie. Id just love to hear another Adrock verse ontop of the ones already there cause I really like them too. His voice just really suits the track.

Mike D's first verse is different than the original.

[Brother McDuff]

this record is sick.

that's my new review.

[Bradleystp]

Mike D's first verse is different than the original.

No, it is the same.

[KevG]

I listened to this CD for the past 3 days repeatedly.. I like it a lot.. I don't think it is better than anything they did in the 90's but I do like it a lot better than TT5B.

(not including skits)

Make Some Noise - 5
Nonstop Disco Powerpack - 2
OK - 4
Too Many Rappers - 4
Say It - 4
Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win - 1
Long Burn the Fire - 4
Funky Donkey - 2
Tadlock's Glasses - 2
Lee Majors Come Again - 5
Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament - 5
Here's A Little Something For Ya - 5
Crazy Ass Shit - 4

47/65 (72%)

[JoLovesMCA]

All I gotta say is damn you guys are tough on the BB's lol. Your expectations are set pretty high and I guess considering how critical some of you are the guys did a pretty good job overall.

I dont' see anything wrong with that though. True fans will tell it like it is. (y)

As for me well honestly I give every track 5 stars with the exception of one track and that's Lisa Lisa. I am so disappionted because the way MCA started it off got me so excited and then seconds later it ended and I'm like wtf? why??!!!!!!!!!! It's the one thing that really pisses me off lol. damn.

At first I didn't like the shortness I heard on each track but now I love it, it all wraps up nicely and I feel like I got the full effect of each song with the exception of the one I just mentioned. ;)

[Brother McDuff]

damn you guys are tough

maybe you're too easy. ;)


haha, that sounded bad. :o

[Bernard Goetz]

All I gotta say is damn you guys are tough on the BB's lol. Your expectations are set pretty high

Or, people are just giving their honest reactions?

[pm0ney]

Aint gonna get too in depth, but I've had the Santigold joint on repeat like, all day. Fucking amazing.

[kaiser soze]

They have a Soundcloud?

Awesome!

[JoLovesMCA]

maybe you're too easy. ;)


haha, that sounded bad. :o

I don't know, maybe I am! Or maybe I don't really dissect it or take time to listen to the way it's produced and stuff. I guess you guys have more experience with this stuff. I don't know!

But let me reiterate I don't think it's a bad thing analyzing the music, if anything I think that makes you more of a fan because you really do like the band for the music. I've learned a lot about the tracks just by reading ya'lls reviews. ;)

[jayjacobson16]

No, it is the same.

Oh shit lol. I thought they were talking about Here's a Little Somethin' For Ya. My bad. I must have been really tired.

[Kid Presentable]

I don't know, maybe I am! Or maybe I don't really dissect it or take time to listen to the way it's produced and stuff. I guess you guys have more experience with this stuff. I don't know!

But let me reiterate I don't think it's a bad thing analyzing the music, if anything I think that makes you more of a fan because you really do like the band for the music. I've learned a lot about the tracks just by reading ya'lls reviews. ;)

This is what music does for me and I generally like to consider why and what I'm perceiving....specifically I wouldn't give many artists the kind of consideration I'm giving the Beastie Boys. They're like family to me. Their music shaped my tastes to a large degree and I can't help but think about their art.

If you asked right this minute which B-Boys album is my favourite, I'd honestly have to say this one. It's awesome, and it's new. Just because I'm not 5 out of 5 gushing about every track doesn't mean it's not exactly what Quack Sawbones ordered.

FYI I've forwarded the fuck out of the streams on facebook and seen long-lapsed heads getting into it. It's about more than reviewing the tracks; those were just my honest thoughts. Nothing's perfect. The band would give my review a 1/5 and say I have left talcum powder all over the bathroom and haven't told my wife. That's true fact.

[Lex Diamonds]

It's growing on me fast... the opening 3 tracks are all great (I was never keen on TMR, Nas pretty much ruined it by phoning in some average bullshit but this version is infinitely better than the original). It's a strong structure, doesn't sag in the middle and some of the best tracks come at the end. A very impressive package, I have to admit my expectations were low and they've been blown out of the water.

Not ready for a track-by-track yet but I will say this: it's definitely a fans' album. While every other Beastie Boys album has been concerned with experimentation, reinvention and pushing a new sound (even IC to an extent), this one seems to be more self-aware, plucking out the best parts from their back-catalogue and recognising what it is they have done best in the past to bring it all together.

It is the first regressive album from constantly progressive band and with a history like theirs, that can only be a good thing.

[Nerd Fight]

Not ready for a track-by-track yet but I will say this: it's definitely a fans' album. While every other Beastie Boys album has been concerned with experimentation, reinvention and pushing a new sound (even IC to an extent), this one seems to be more self-aware, plucking out the best parts from their back-catalogue and recognising what it is they have done best in the past to bring it all together.


Yeah, I thought the title of the album set the agenda. Rather than experimenting or going down a new path, it seems like they just wanted to make a strong album with the type of songs they do best. I heard they recorded like 40 tracks for the album before deciding on the tracklisting. In my mind they sat down at the end of the recording process and formed the 'Hot Sauce Committee', an elite listening organisation with the task of selecting the illest tracks from the sessions.

[dirtydan11]

Funky Donkey is averaging a lot lower than I thought it would. It's so good. I honestly (really honestly) think all tracks are 5 out of 5 --minus the first 2 skits of course ;) of course i have my few favorites that i would have to give a 6. i think this is top notch triple A production through and through.

HSC has 13 all good hip hop songs if you count lisa lisa. When is the last time a Beastie Boys album had 13 all good hip hop songs? I would say TT5B. If you don't think TT5B has 13 good rap songs on it then you have to go way back 22 years to 1989! sometimes i forget just how few rap songs are on CYH, IC and HN, especially CYH! i know that has nothing to do with reviewing each track. I've been thinking about this fact so i thought i would spit it out there.

i do like my original Lee Majors Come Again the way I've been listening to it the last 2 years, though.. but still 5 out of 5...or 6 lol

[dave790]

the beasties own track by track run through!

http://www.nme.com/news/beastie-boys/56320

edit: the santigold hook up bit is gold. also they've changed up the link: http://www.nme.com/nme-video/beastie-boys---new-album/914370478001

[cj hood]

how could anyone digest this at this point? i won't be done studying this til July at the earliest....

[dave790]

yeah, my thoughts will be different on just about every track in a few months time. and a few months after that. and so on...

still, that doesn't mean people can't express their views on tracks at present. i mean immediate reaction...that's the way i see this thread.

[Kid Presentable]

the beasties own track by track run through!

http://www.nme.com/news/beastie-boys/56320

edit: the santigold hook up bit is gold.

Cheers Dave (y)

[Matchstikk]

the beasties own track by track run through!

http://www.nme.com/news/beastie-boys/56320

edit: the santigold hook up bit is gold.

BRILLIANT. Thank again for the link, my man.

[Bradleystp]

Oh shit lol. I thought they were talking about Here's a Little Somethin' For Ya. My bad. I must have been really tired.

No problem man! I was second guessing that maybe I didn't have the 'final' version somehow.

[dave790]

with the NME interview...must be from 2009. pop your baloon is on it, and mike d introduces it as pt.1.

[Kid Presentable]

Yeah I gather all of the stalled promo is being dusted off.

[Lex Diamonds]

the beasties own track by track run through!

http://www.nme.com/news/beastie-boys/56320

edit: the santigold hook up bit is gold. also they've changed up the link: http://www.nme.com/nme-video/beastie-boys---new-album/914370478001
(y)

[Kid Presentable]

how could anyone digest this at this point? i won't be done studying this til July at the earliest....

Good point, just thoughts as they occur to me. I probably overcompensated for my belief that this will be the best hip-hop album of the year by being a bit critical.

[cj hood]

Good point, just thoughts as they occur to me. I probably overcompensated for my belief that this will be the best hip-hop album of the year by being a bit critical.

i'm not dissin'.....thats just how i am. if i love a record...it takes me a while to digest it.

[Kid Presentable]

i'm not dissin'.....thats just how i am. if i love a record...it takes me a while to digest it.

Sort of the opposite here, if I love it it's pretty much all I can think about and it takes my mind all over the shop. Like this has.

[JoLovesMCA]

This is what music does for me and I generally like to consider why and what I'm perceiving....specifically I wouldn't give many artists the kind of consideration I'm giving the Beastie Boys. They're like family to me. Their music shaped my tastes to a large degree and I can't help but think about their art.

If you asked right this minute which B-Boys album is my favourite, I'd honestly have to say this one. It's awesome, and it's new. Just because I'm not 5 out of 5 gushing about every track doesn't mean it's not exactly what Quack Sawbones ordered.

FYI I've forwarded the fuck out of the streams on facebook and seen long-lapsed heads getting into it. It's about more than reviewing the tracks; those were just my honest thoughts. Nothing's perfect. The band would give my review a 1/5 and say I have left talcum powder all over the bathroom and haven't told my wife. That's true fact.


That makes a lot of sense, “the family” comment. Something or somebody close to you wouldn’t just get a “yeah dude that was a good song.” Someone who has invested a lot of time and money into their music respect it enough to give it a good critique. I think the band would appreciate it too! I totally get it! And you don’t have to overly gush either to love it, leave that up to me. It’s what I do!

[Jay Stone]

Really surprised to hear them overdubbing vocals on "Here's a Little Something For Ya." I don't think they've ever used that technique before.
"Tadlock's Glasses is my shit though. The kicks on that are friggin hypnotizing!

[pshabi]

Really wish they could've come up with a little bit more for Crazy Ass Shit. Fun track but too damn short.

[Turchinator]

that link dave shared sheds light on a couple of ongoing debates

1. Long Burn the Fire was "inspired by a sample"
2. Mike D and MCA chime in on the long debated "emcee" argument... each with a different response

[Guy Incognito]

how could anyone digest this at this point? i won't be done studying this til July at the earliest....

err..do you mean you wont be reading any reviews or making your own till july. do you never pay attention to reviews by anyone? They arent always reliable but i think its good to seek opinion

[Justin]

Really wish they could've come up with a little bit more for Crazy Ass Shit. Fun track but too damn short.

Amen brother!

That track is MONEY.....MONEY!

[checkyourprez]

err..do you mean you wont be reading any reviews or making your own till july. do you never pay attention to reviews by anyone? They arent always reliable but i think its good to seek opinion

meaning hes not going to be fully able to appreciate the album for what it is until giving it numerous listens and having time to break down lyrics and beats.


sometimes you dont "get" the genius of music right away, it takes a little bit to sink in. so to try and break it down with only a short time being exposed to it does not do the album justice.

in my opinion of his post.

[cj hood]

meaning hes not going to be fully able to appreciate the album for what it is until giving it numerous listens and having time to break down lyrics and beats.


sometimes you dont "get" the genius of music right away, it takes a little bit to sink in. so to try and break it down with only a short time being exposed to it does not do the album justice.

in my opinion of his post.

(y)

[dave790]

Really wish they could've come up with a little bit more for Crazy Ass Shit. Fun track but too damn short.

i never know about stuff like this though. i agree, by the way, but then if a track leaves you wanting more, it's kinda served it's purpose. that said, a killer third verse is crying out to be heard!

[dave790]

with the NME interview...must be from 2009. pop your baloon is on it, and mike d introduces it as pt.1.

somehow i missed the bit at the start where it says - this was recorded in two thousand and fucking nine :o

[brooklyndust]

Funky Donkey is averaging a lot lower than I thought it would. It's so good.

(y)

It's a fun tune. Reminds me a lot of Unite for some reason. Maybe because it's late in the album.

[NiceJerk]

how could anyone digest this at this point? i won't be done studying this til July at the earliest....

I'm totally with you matey... each song is like the movie Inception... complex! Cannot wait to get HSC2 on CD... literally cannot wait.

[Lex Diamonds]

Here it is sports fans, the one you've all been waiting for:

Make Some Noise
The first song from the album I "properly" listened to. I'd heard the other leaks/releases and wasn't impressed enough to persevere with them. Once this leaked out and I knew it was the first single I started getting into it. Although underwhelming at first (partly due to the poor mix of the original audio that was floating around), the lyrics grew on me more and more and I've come to appreciate the classic hip-hop structuring with the breaks and cowbell. A weak chorus but overall, a strong, classic opening single.
4/5

Nonstop Disco Powerpack
A quintessential "album track", never destined to be popular amongst non-fans but a rewarding effort nonetheless. A smooth, chilled bassy beat and the extended flows & standard Beastie bullshit lyrics on the individual verses give it an unintrusive, almost background-music feel. A song you could fall asleep to, but not necessarily in a bad way.
3.5/5

OK
An infectious beat, robot-sounds and party vibe lyrics. This song is like CYH meets HN at TT5B's garden party. Catchy and the type of shit that stays in your head all day if you listen to it last thing before you leave the house. Some interesting flows and lyrics too, it's just lacking a certain energy to make it a really good song for me and I don't really know why. Maybe it's just a little too candy-painted for me.
3.5/5

Too Many Rappers ft. Nas
When I first heard the original version of this I was devastated. The beat was boring, it's one of Nas' worst guest appearances I've heard and the Beastie Boys brought their most old skool '83-sounding "emcee rhymes" (this isn't a compliment). It's a testament to the scale of Zdar's contribution to this album that I've actually ended up enjoying it- Yauch's new material is fire, too. Shame about the rest of the lyrics. I'm feeling this version a LOT more, not enough to play on its own but I don't want to skip it in the album line-up at all. The beat itself is a strong 4, but the lyrics get a 2.5 for me.
3.2/5

Say It
The song everyone's been waiting for since 1994- first time I heard this I got an instant semi.
The Beastie Boys finally compile all their disparate talents into something cohesive... the electronic trickery they learnt on HN & TT5B combines with their rediscovered love of fuzz-bass and grungey feedback that CYH/IC pioneered and The Mix Up brought back to the table. A memorable enough (although kind of generic) chorus and strong enough lyrics round off a unmistakeably "Beastie Boys" song that is hard to fault.
4.5/5

The Bill Harper Collection
This has made me laugh out loud more than once. It depends on your sense of humour I guess. Skits are kind of pointless to rate but it's not intrusive and the grandiose effect is done pretty well.
3.5/5

Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win ft. Santigold
The Beastie Boys' most up-to-date track musically, the echoing alt-electro influenced melody and vocals blend well with the perfectly dub bassline to create a typically 2011 track; this one's for the kids. The BBoys wisely stay unobtrusive and let the guest star do her thing, so much so that it feels more like a Santigold track. It's not going to be moving many crowds but expect it to be played in many outdoor spaces by many hipster kids this summer. A collabo that lives up to its expectations, for a change.
4.5/5

Long Burn The Fire
The best track on the album, lyrically. The most meaningful shit Yauch's spit since Flowin' Prose and the most badass from any of the boys since his verse on Professor Booty. The name of this track says it all, and a triumphant Yauch shows doubters that he stays bringing the Popeye shit in the booth with the spinach. The attitude on this is like a sleeping giant who's just been woken by a snotty nosed young emo-rapper... some Godzilla shit. The beat's repetitive and nothing special but a nice enough bassline keeps things moving and it's definitely a lyrically-focussed track anyway.
4.2/5

Funky Donkey
A short mess-around. The kind of song that was probably more fun to make than to listen to, although it's by no means bad. In fact it's musically pretty well put together- the words take a back seat and are tossed around by effects and distortion. The chorus feels like it could have been a hilarious in-joke between the Boys themselves, but really it's not something I'll be bumping too loud. It just doesn't have the same ring to it as "Brass Monkey".
3.5/5

The Larry Routine
Hehe, funny voices. Next.
2.5/5

Tadlock's Glasses
Robotic screeches once again soundtrack a meeting between early 90's/turn of the millennium BBoys. The structure, vocal effects and lyrics of the song are all very Ill Communication, but the actual soundbites being used are pure space/robot shit, a la TT5B & Hello Nasty. The lyrics don't dip but they're not a high point either. A solid song, and another one that can only be described as "an album track".
3.6/5

Lee Majors Come Again
It's boner time for the hardcore BBoys fans. The first proper rock track they've done for about 15 years, the Beastie Boys take their style back to the beginning and show that they're still capable of the dirty but structured, thrashing but eloquent punk shit that they are rooted in. An anthemic chorus tops it all off and makes this one of the most thrillingly punk, youthful-sounding songs I've heard from a group of 45-year olds.
4.5/5

Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament
A lush instrumental track, better than anything off The Mix Up. If that whole album had to happen so we could get cuts like this, then that's cool. I'll forgive it, but still not gonna include it in any lists of "real" BBoys albums. Regardless, this is the work of some experienced-ass musicians.
4.2/5

Here's A Little Something For Ya
Another quintessential Beastie track. Could have been a single contender were it a little more catchy. Nice little Beastiecentric touches like the "M-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-Mike D" and the rhyme-trading in the chorus make it a memorable album track. The beat's not bad either, which a nice pulsating bass sound and some pretty cool tingling high-end. The break is also pretty enjoyable, sounds like something out of Pingu and that can only be a positive.
4/5

Crazy Ass Shit
Another one for the fans. Reminding us how cool the BBoys are and how badass their kids are gonna be. Crazy experimental sounds and that much-resurrected bullshit mic raise the energy levels, which along with some healthy fucking around makes this a short but sweet treat, but this one is for fans only.
3.5/5

The Lisa Lisa/Full Force Routine
Again short but sweet, this time with some more conventional musical quality. A tantalisingly powerful driving beat slowly distorts and gives away to some simple rhyme-juggling to close out the album. Nice that they topped it off with "New York Citaay" as well. Just a shame this beat wasn't used for something substantial, the short time it's at full force it is one of the best on the album.
4/5


Overall, I'm very happy with this album. It's better than TT5B and could even fight with a couple of the top 5 in my list, given some time. It's early days still but I think everyone is agreed that they've not only pulled it out of the bag but they've dived into the bag and rediscovered all their old classic shit and brought it all out together in one piece.

It's the first album where they've not tried to push the envelope with a new sound (barring IC which is basically CYH Pt 2) and giving their past a chance to catch up with them has paid dividends.

The switch from progression to regression has delivered a rich tapestry of their many different musical talents, and it's almost like a resume of 30 years in the game. The best fucking resume ever.

I have to admit I had stopped listening to the BBoys the last few years, but I just fell in love with these guys all over again.

Overall: 4.3/5

[dave790]

good words.

[cj hood]

nice work Padster....

[Bernard Goetz]

Say It is the only track that hasn't hit me hard yet. Looking forward to that.

[jennyb]

Say It is soooooo thick and gooey and juicy, oozing with sound... I didn't realize how much so until I listened in the car and my face went -->:eek:(y)

Guaranteed to be amazing live. Catchy chorus that everyone can shout along with. It has fuzzy goodness reminiscent of Gratitude. This track didn't get me out the gate, but the best songs usually don't.

[fonky pizza]

SAY IT kills it in any style!
(y)

[checkyourprez]

ill do a track by track review in due time.


im with cjhood on this, i need some time.



i am pleasantly underwhelmed by the album after first listen, if that makes any sense whatsoever and does not seem like the biggest oxymoron of all time.


i was not a big fan of over half of hello nasty when i first heard it. it took me a while to truly appreciate the full genius of the album. if i posted a review for that album the first time i heard it as opposed to years later even it would be severely contradictory. for which now i regard it as tied for my second favorite beastie album with pb, and ic.

i will give HSC pt II its due amount of spins and give it time to properly marinate in my brain. ya diggg.

[paul jones]

Listening to it right now,on the stereo instead of the feeble sound you get off mp3's.

I can't do a track by track thing as I'm not a music journo.Them people probably scrutinize the freshness of each sock when they take them out of the laundry.

Anyway.I like it.That's all that matters.

(y)

[Lex Diamonds]

It's not about journalism, it's about debate and comparing views! But at least you enjoy it, that's the main thing. (y)

[roosta]

I'll probably do one of these once i get the album proper (no thanks to you topspin)....but at the moment, Padster's sentiments seem to mostly match my own over all.

[paul jones]

It's not about journalism, . (y)

you're right.it's not.I shouldn't have dragged the filthy word onto this fine thread(y)

[abbott]

This is what separates the actual audio production genius and people that are not. Picked up my copy yesterday, I was waiting outside the record store at 8:55 and actually bought my CD at 8:59 per the receipt. I was happy that it was on sale for $10.99.

Anyway, I have listened to it 2 times now and I am excited about it overall. I also assume that my taste will evolve for the CD. I would say there were 4 tracks that I wanted to hit rewind on and one that I wanted to fast forward, but shit, the one I wanted to fast forward might just be my favorite in a week. SO the production is audio delight. I did feel a few times it was a little more mainstream than usual, but maybe Im just old.

Seems this album has potential to gain momentum.

[Turchinator]

BLASTING HSC2.

only my third full album listen after MSN MSG and last night.

each track comes hard from the get-go.

my first note- Nonstop Disco Powerpack has a fat bassline.

my (non fan) friend described "Dont Play..." as a "chunky Champion song"

congrats to Zdar and Switch

[Monsieur Decuts]

Bought some new Studio Monitors and a Dime bag .... had an hour to kill -> enjoy

Make Some Noise :

Starting with a lazy drawl Mike’s drums deliver a punch felt with every album opener to date. This song sets the tone for the rest of the album: bouncy drums, strong choruses, sonic treats in the mix, monologue flows and a heavy bottom end.
Not wasting any time to drop the F bomb, the songs rhymes are on point. Steady bragging with great imagery (brains on shelves?!). No flute loops to be found, MSN is a great way to introduce the instrumentation to follow.
8/10

Non Stop Disco Powerpack :

Clean calm entry, allowing time for MSN to fade and the listener to shake off the trip. Nice layering in of the beat leads to a band regroup, and a welcome to the album. You with us? You made some noise? We feel it now sit back and nod that head. Adrock’s voice echoes off as he dances around the effects with a lazy flow. Mike nails his classic steady flow, challenging the listener to parse out a new set of non sequiturs to digest. Is there such thing as douche powder? Really? Love the vocal effects on his flow… and profiterole eh? Sounds delicious. MCA flows sways him nicely into the cut where he passes his ever humble respects to the OGs. Its not often you hear them get to run at 16 uninterrupted bars each. NSDP is a subtle nudge to the listener to remind them that they better not forgot that this is all about the rhymes…enjoy the instruments, but they’re here to spit.
9/10

OK :

I’ll admit, first few listens I branded this one as a potential skip. I enjoy the bouncy bass lines the boys can throw behind their playful tracks, in the proper setting…and not often. Then the vocals go robotic, obviously not a first but unique in its thick, speaker shaking electro mix. Adrock’s self head check saves the track for me. The first three tracks of this album are a good example of themes of the last few rap releases : an offensive rebound fast break cut, a lazy flow vocal spotlight cut and a bouncy electro cut.
6/10

Too Many Rappers

Hey, I own this track don’t I? I think all my neighbours on my street know this track as well. These is one of my favorite drum mixes on any Beasties record. This is Mike’s track. The OG version was built around the drums sprinkled with some bassy wahs and stabs. This new version still does it for me, but at 5 minutes long there are probably over two dozen repetitive phaser samples. It began to take away from the vocals for me, as I had been exposed to the stripped down drums vs. hip hop legends motif of the first release. I’m starting to get past the phasers and dig the snare and cymbals out of the mix. I know I’ll get back to where I was two summers ago with this mix, it’ll just take time. Let’s not skip over the fact that the Beastie Boys just rapped with Nasir Jones. Wow. I can’t begin to think about what a Beastie Boys album full of heavyweight collaborations would sound like…no wait I just did and its about 17 tracks like this forward sounding, old school cipher.

2009 : 9/10
2011 : 7/10

Say It:

When I played this track for my wife her first reaction was an honest wince, what seems to be an autonomic reaction to guitar feedback. Then she heard it again and was puzzled, then again and got it. Genius sampling. Grabs the listener, slaps them, gives them a budwieser and informs them that the turntables and beat machines have been switched off. We know this territory, the bboys have mastered fuzzy guitars riffs, fuzzy drums and yes could it be…Bullshit Mics! MCAs bass distortion reaches epic levels in the break. This is their classic sound. The rock infused shout rap we’ve seen on just about every album. To note: Bullshit Mics just make their raps fun. Beastie rhymes are timeless, just when you finally figure out what they’re actually saying through the fuzz, you get to ask yourself WTF does that mean. The googlemachine certainly makes research much easier now but historically they’ve challenged the listener to get as close to the rap as possible, over and over again. Bullshit Mics with Bullshit References = Value Rap!

8/10

Don’t Play No Game I Can’t Win

I really don’t have much to say about this cut. I have zero frame of reference to help me digest the island sounds. I had no idea they had this in them. As linked to rap as it is I guess punk has the same sort of links to dub stylings (read: ska). Maybe they did always have this in them! They’ve certainly saved it for the right time in their careers. I’m aware Dr. Lee did his dub styling’s on HN…but you know I took that more as a homage than anything else. But here we are….with the sunset, lakeside BBQ joint of the summer. This has mainstream potential if it can get picked up and played…its current and fun. In an album full of classic posturing, this is definitely a nod to a career of evolving styles.

7/10

Long Burn the Fire :

Adrock wah loop, relatively gentle 808 handclaps…taking the mellowed, nodding heads from the previous track and slowly freezing them in place with one haunting, fading synth force field. The track then takes a sledgehammer and fucking smashes the suspended heads into 15000 pieces with bass that would eat through a warehouse of Toyota Tercel factory speakers. This song sits firmly in my top 5 Beastie Boys songs of all time. I close my eyes and see MCA at a 120 degree angle to the stage floor snapping his head into what is his hardest hitting rhyme since Professor Booty. He hits with a hilarious calling out of purp sippin’ rappers that exposes the depth of MCAs ability to paint visual assaults on sucker MCs. Adrock doesn’t disappoint either, bragging for bragging sake and dropping one of his best punch lines to date (pudding pants!). Mike gets to ride into his verse with a nice Humpty Dance bass line and doesn’t disappoint with left field references and vocal gymnastics. Mike proves that when it comes to absolutely fucking ridiculous self proclamation, no one can touch him. Did I mention I love the simple scratch break, sounds great and frames the song perfectly.

10/10

Funky Donkey:

Love zip disk references. I’ve spent too much time playing with zip disks in my day. Another bouncy Beastie beat here. Lots going on across the mix…vocal effects, melodies in the back, and a nice Bootsy slap bass. This song didn’t strike me at first listen. I know it didn’t because its too complex to immediately digest…my ears are frustrated because they can’t keep up. Again this is where a Beasties album has value…busy tracks that keep on giving! I can only reserve judgment on this one, much to be studied. The Funky Donkey is no slut, its best paired with those that like the thrill of the chase.

7/10

Tadlock’s Glasses

So this is how the record was to start eh? I get it, but I’m glad its not there anymore. I need my Beastie’s albums to fly out the gate. I do nominate it for first song, second side though (cassettes what!)…the start is great. Flanged out pings and snares…pulls the listener into a unique take on electro boom bap. Its like someone took an 808 and a microwave and threw them in a pool and recorded it with underwater speakers. Basic verse/chorus structure, this is another tune along the lines of Funky Donkey. This album has such strength on the open and the close that these middle tunes will provide a nice challenge to the ear when the playcounts begin to bookend drastically.

8/10

Lee Major’s Comes Again.

The punk Beastie Boys and I are okay friends. We’ve had our high point, like the Aglio album, but in my youth their guitars have mostly gotten in the way of the rap tunes. That’s changed for me with age, and I’ve grown to appreciate their hardcore for what it is, their first loves. LMCA is the perfect precipitation from an equal mix of what I love about their hardcore, and what I enjoy about their raps. The mix strides the divide between organic thrash and commercially viable punk, delivering a complex arrangement for the boys to kick out their shout rap. Love the break on this one. Summer 2009 was all about LMCA and TMR with their long breaks. You can feel an extension of The Mix up in the break as they let their instruments do the talking with what we now understand to be the defining sound of this record…a phassed out scratch. I’ll stop there…we know this…we love it…we put it aside…its back for a second fling and it fits where it sits.

8/10

Multinational Nuclear Disarmament :

Love at first listen. An arena anthem, a closing credits masterpiece, the score to every warm summer night blunt passing session of 2011. So they snuck an instrumental in, thank heavens for that! Deep down inside isn’t that what we were all drooling for on TT5B? I don’t feel this as an instrumental as much as a track playing and the boys forgetting to rap. I picture MMM alone on stage, standing at his tables and the boys riffing in the corner passing a joint oblivious to the fact that they’re supposed to be on..ah ah on. Just a great slow jam that doesn’t try to poke itself out of the track listing and proclaim its originality. It’s a more than suitable fit and for that I’m thankful.

9/10

Here’s A Little Something For Ya :

See in today’s world, two little scratches before a sample drop does not mean this is from a record…no sir…but man I want to believe it. I’m kind of dying for an overt record sample at this point…Something that screams ‘We Found this loop suckas…yes we still dig’. I’m sure there are samples littered in the mix of this album but I’m looking for the band to school me on something here. So if these bells are from vinyl then I am completely satisfied with this experience already, but won’t stop now. Strong drums again Mike…more phasers? Well okay these sit back and don’t take from the drums or bells. Love the synth hiding back in the mix. The boys sound tough, this isn’t just bragging this is boasting, posturing swagger. Love the break again…cheesy sure…but it works wonders….Mike’s drums kick in awesome. Is that a triangle at the end? Chime? Its great. I stayed away from the Shadow mix of this one and I’m glad because the it doesn’t come close to doing this justice.
Great classic rap track….can stand next to any of their up tempo deep cuts. I’m hoping, as this had been the closer in the previous track order, that the message of “what you get is not done yet” is an overt reference to the HSC vault!

10/10

Crazy Ass Shit :

I’ve always thought that Dope Little Song should have been an album cut….and now it is!!!!! Pretty much the same soundscape as HALSFY, but just different enough to create its own presence. Like Flute Loop is to Alright Hear This, HALSFY and Crazy Ass Shit aren’t just neighbours but hip hop blood brothers, inseparable yet able to step to most cuts on their own. I love Mike’s boys on this, being a new parent it’s a nice reminder of what this hip hop shit is all about…the children! I hope being a father fuels Mike to create the type of new music he wants his boys to be exposed to…keep this up! I want to see a Diamond v. Simmonds soundclash 2023. Back to the song, this is my current favorite cut on the record…its classic Ill Communciation era track and raps bring me back to high school…just good vibes from this. Dick in a cast? That’s a story I’d like to hear.

10/10

Lisa Lisa

Wonder where this track came from…did they pull it from the vault..did they record it after they delayed the album? It is amazing…..the organ sounding sample kills. The bass on this track is louder than anything I’ve ever experienced….anything in their catalogue…it destroyed one of my Jeep speakers…probably the most surreal way to end an album isn’t it…with the speakers just blowing the fuck up….throwing the mic down and leaving the stage...hilarious. Love the echo raps (that echo? I’m telling you). Great way to close the album. The Beasties run full press into most of their albums, but have never slammed the door on the way out before. It’s one huge blast to make sure the listener doesn’t forget what we all came here to do, and how we fucking nailed it!

9/10

Overall : I am overjoyed with this record I won’t gush but it’s a 9/10. Safe among the Top 3 Bboys record. In the story of my life, the chapters are named after each Beasties album in sequence. As I read it their goal is to make the world a better place you have defiantly accomplished your mission within my life and sphere of influence! Thanks again.

[pshabi]

Good shit right there, Monsieur.(y)

[midzi]

Long Burn the Fire: This motherfucker is a beast!! BBoys marching through hell with a giant mic.



great description :D

[Micodin]

My playlist is different... I basically listen to it the HSC1 style. I think it flows better... Just me own preference.

That being said...

I can listen to this record from front to back and boy without skipping one song does time fly.

Dope record.

9 out of 10.

It's gonna be a good summer! :)

[jayjacobson16]

My playlist is different... I basically listen to it the HSC1 style. I think it flows better... Just me own preference.

That being said...

I can listen to this record from front to back and boy without skipping one song does time fly.

Dope record.

9 out of 10.

It's gonna be a good summer! :)

It's almost bad that the tracks flow so well into eachother cause I made a playlist that has close to the original tracklist and the sounds cut off on some tracks. I don't like Make Some Noise as the first song. I mean say that has been the only track you heard off the album cause it's the lead single than you buy the CD. You are gonna skip it to hear the rest of the album unless you have even more patience but if you do skip then you miss out on the full album start to finish.

[titoratm]

I've already listened to the album like 8 times and I can say I like every track but 'Ok' I think that's the only weak song of the record. I hate those horrible robot voices :-S

[Guy Incognito]

I dont think Ok is great but i like the fact they try different stuff and TMR sounds fucking fantastic after it.

[midzi]

From the comments I'm reading it seems I'm in minority but the only track I don't like is the one with Santigold.

[Monsieur Decuts]

From the comments I'm reading it seems I'm in minority but the only track I don't like is the one with Santigold.

i'm with you...but think with enough sun and pot...it'll all come correct!

[JoLovesMCA]

Don’t Play No Game reminds me of my excellent adventures in Amsterdam. Must go back!

[Beastiefreak]

Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 is awesome!!! :D I love it! That's my immediate reaction, plain and simple.

I haven't listened to the album enough to review all the songs, but my favourite song is OK. I just don't get it why everyone keep saying something negative about it. I mean, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but whenever I listen to OK, I get into a really good mood. Same thing with The Larry Routine, which is absolutely hilarious.

My two other favourite songs are Funky Donkey and Here's A Little Something For Ya. Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament and Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win are also great. I love the relaxing mood in those songs.

Well, like I said, I can't review all the songs just yet, but there's definitely something to like about in each song. So, MCA, Mike D, Adrock: great job! That's all I can say. :)

[abbott]

track 12 vs track 7....

Ava says 7, I say 12

[jennyb]

From the comments I'm reading it seems I'm in minority but the only track I don't like is the one with Santigold.
Ahhh! Me too! I've been feeling guilty bout it too. I like her but I dunno...

[Kid Presentable]

My ratings for OK, Funkey Donkey/Larry Routine, Tadlock's, Here's a little somethin and Crazy Ass Shit have all gone up. Having a hard time not calling this album a 4.5/5. It's almost too good. I put it on an expect to be losing my jones, but it's still there. Only hesitating to laud it too much more because it's early days, but this thing is fucking crack rocks. (y)

[Lex Diamonds]

Yeah, shit is Stillmatic status. I'm sticking with my 4.3, strong arm steady.

[Bernard Goetz]

Make Some Noise 4/5
Great opener, wish it wasn't the first single. I love that Money Mark is all over it.
Non Stop Disco Powerpack 4.5/5
Has the best moment of the album (Ad Rock's 'Non-stop goin off kingpin microphone boss' flow).
OK 3.5/5
Sounds a bit like a 5Bs B-side, but it doesn't ruin the momentum of the album.
Too Many Rappers 4.5/5
This is just monumental. Not Nas at his best, but so what.
Say It 3/5
Not feeling this. I think it's going to end up the Remote Control of this album (loud and noisy sans inspiration).
Bill Harper/Don’t Play No Game I Can’t Win 4.5/5
A totally successful departure against all odds (a dub-heavy track featuring a hipster chick should not work).
Long Burn the Fire 4.5/5
White hot shit.
Funky Donkey 4/5
The most fun track.
Larry Routine/Tadlock’s Glasses 3/5
I can imagine skipping this one most often in the long run.
Lee Majors Comes Again 5/5
I prefer the grittier mix, but this is still epic.
Multinational Nuclear Disarmament 3.5/5
A nice break from the festivities, but since I don't smoke nearly as much weed as I once did, I'm not really blown away.
Here’s A Little Something For Ya 3.5/5
This is where the album starts to decline slowly but steadily. Nothing great comes after Lee Majors, and this one is pretty unremarkable.
Crazy Ass Shit 3.5/5
It took quite a few listens to decide: I don't like the kid. Four stars without the kid.
The Lisa Lisa/Full Force Routine 4.5/5 (was 3.5)
Damn, this one just sunk in.
Overall 4/5
It's only disappointing in that it peters out. The best albums can ebb and flow, but finishing off with a sustained ebb (HALSFY/CAS each lack something, even though LL is terrific, it's so short it doesn't have a huge overall impact) can only detract from the overall awesomeness (it also shines a light on the previous low points). That said, this is better than I expected or deserve from The Beastie Boys in 2011 (or 2009).

[Kid Presentable]

See, Lisa Lisa takes me back to the days of bootlegs, and liking the off-the-cuff routines as much as entire songs. It's really a 4/5 for me. Would be rad if the next album started with a whole song built on the routine. It's fucking nuts.

[Darko]

I don't like the kid.

Mike D is shaking his head in disappointment.

[Bernard Goetz]

Mike D is shaking his head in disappointment.

Haa, what can I say. Mike, leave the kid at home.

[Bernard Goetz]

See, Lisa Lisa takes me back to the days of bootlegs, and liking the off-the-cuff routines as much as entire songs. It's really a 4/5 for me. Would be rad if the next album started with a whole song built on the routine. It's fucking nuts.

This made me go back and really pay attention - and I have to agree. This tune is fan-fucking-tastic. Time to edit my review.

[Howie C]

At the moment HSC2 is a head f*ck, just what a a BB album should be. TTFB was in my car stereo for 2 years solid and I can see the same thing happening here....

1. Make some noise 4/5
2. Non-stp disco 4.5/5
3. Ok 2.5/5
4. TMR 4/5
5. Say it 3/5
6. Bill Harper 4/5
7. Don't play... 4.5/5
8. Long burn.. 2.5/5
9. Funkey Donkey 4/5
10. The Larry Routine 5/5 (Laaarreeeeeeeeeeeeeeey!!!)
11. Tadlocks Glasses 3.5/5
12. Lee Majors 3.5/5
13. Multi-lateral 5/5
14. Heres a little.. 4.5/5
15. Crazy Ass Shit 4/5
16. Lisa Lisa 3.5/5
17. Pop Your Balloon 5/5 (Boo hoo i had to download from i-tunes)
18. BBITC 5/5 (ditto)

I'm starting to feel sorry for those crappy little Saab speakers...
Peace.

[benchillin]

(y) i think it is like a greatest hits album but with all new songs, yet very vintage, very unique. Instant classic/favorite/must buy.

[Lex Diamonds]

I want to see CJ hood's review now.

[Turchinator]

Make Some Noise 4/5
Great opener, wish it wasn't the first single. I love that Money Mark is all over it.

??
aren't $Mark, Alfredo, and MMM absent from this album?

there are no mention on the liner notes that I can find.

please advise.

[cj hood]

HSC2 hasn't left my stereo since getting it the day it dropped...

[Bernard Goetz]

??
aren't $Mark, Alfredo, and MMM absent from this album?

there are no mention on the liner notes that I can find.

please advise.

Huh, I guess I was just assuming that was Mark.
Sorry to mislead.

[Lex Diamonds]

HSC2 hasn't left my stereo since getting it the day it dropped...
That aint a review...

[dave790]

Make Some Noise

Lead singles and openers from the Beasties are always stellar in my opinion, and this is no different. There is not a verse I don't love. Mike D's initial flow gives further impetus to a track already on fire, Adrock and Yauch bring their A game and, despite the chorus being simplistic, there is enough going on around it - the funk, the switch-up on the basslines, the varying flows - to ensure the album truly kicks off. 8/10

Non-Stop Disco Powerpack

I wouldn't say it's stale, but I have to go against the general consensus on this one. A section of Adrock's flow reminds me a bit of Beastie Groove, which is nice, and MCA's initial 'non-stop...' line gives the track a boost, but it's just a little...plain? I like the chilled vibe and the old-school throwback feel the track provides, as well as the emphasis on instrumentation. The little drum breaks here and there spice it up, but overall I'd say it's solid, but unspectacular. And definitely not a single. 6/10

OK

Fun and direct, simplistic but generally effective rhymes, and just a good, solid, all-round album track. I love the 'what is going in my head' break, and change-ups in the percussion during the versus, and the BS-2000 quirkiness that the beat possesses. I don't think the rhymes are weak, I just think they're basic and suit the song structure and theme. Nice. 7/10

Too Many Rappers

I prefer the original. Now that's out the way, I still think the New Reactionaries version is a good song. The beat has a vague 'out-there' feel..I wouldn't go as far as saying trippy, but it's not your typical hip-hop beat in the mainstream today, is it? That said, I feel it doesn't really go anywhere and, well, at times the song amounts to a cluttered noise. Yauch's new verse is perhaps a step up from his original, though I had no problem with it in the first place. The break with the bassline also cuts off the first couple of notes, maybe intentionally, but to me it sounds pretty sloppy and forced into the new version. It scrapes a 7/10 as I admire nearly all the rhymes, the old-school chorus with a valid message, and those drums from Mike Dino.

Say It

Quite simply the most thrilling piece of Beastie Boys music since Ill Communication. It contains that classic early 90's era characteristic of mixing so many different elements together. Live playing, heaps of distortion, rhymes which sound nice and act as another instrument, and cool little sounds - e.g. Adrocks 'Ahhhhhhhh' pre-second verse, reminiscent of B-Boys Makin Wit'...intro... I could go on. It's also got the fiercest sound on a Beasties record for some time, and production-wise they're at their most full-throttle, to tremendous effect. 8/10

Don't Play No Game

I've always like a reggae-vibe in hip-hop, simply if it's done well (a la Cypress Hill's 'Busted in the Hood'). This is done well. Others have said, it's poppy as hell, but again the production manages that rare feat of being slick yet raw in parts. I like the Beasties spots and, well overall, I don't think anyone can expect any less from a Santigold collaboration. It pretty much sounds like I thought it would, though I was hoping for more of a dub vibe. Great sax work, great inter-playing rhymes, and a great summer single. But overall, I don't listen to it on it's own. 7/10

Long Burn The Fire

Just a fucking great song. Atmospheric, strong rhymes, and a sense of togetherness prevails throughout the track. The Beasties sound stronger than ever. I think KP said something along the lines that there's three of four interplaying elements going on at once, yet they all form a beast of a track in my opinion. And there's something about that chorus kicking in that gets me every time, it simple...but I love that scratched up to shit quality. Fucking A. 9/10

Funky Donkey

I like it. It's got a nice 80's disco-funk feel to it, even with that relatively middle-eastern influenced intro. It's pretty wacky, regularly funny ('go shave your sheep') and fills a necessary spot in the context of the album rather perfectly. 7/10

Tadlock's Glasses

YES. It's difficult to use words like 'experimental' on Beastie Boys albums because, generally, they try so many different things. I think the effects on the vocals really give the track an edge, and it's just such a cool beat. The bass, on a decent system, ebbs and flows like the rhymes - all killer in my book - along with probably my favourite hook on the album. I like that on Yauch's verse the bass does actually begin to bubble, and overall it thrills me that they're still making songs like this at this stage in their career. 9/10

Lee Majors Come Again

Again, FUCK YES. I think this set pulses racing when it was initially released, and I think it's even more emphatic in it's 'cleaned-up' form. It has to go down as one of, if not the, strongest hardcore tracks of the Beasties career. I suppose it mixes in the hip-hop elements to the max (the scratching, the rhyme form), but they all sound so fucking on it, and it contains the most energy they've committed to record for some time. It has the enthusiasm and power of a band just starting out, which is about as much praise as I can give. 9/10

Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament

Just an excellent instrumental. Subtle changes make for repeated listening, it works both by itself and in the context of the album, and it just has such a cool vibe to it. I like the Mix Up but this would take out any track on that album (bar maybe Electric Worm). I also like how, as on every track on this album it retains a sense of being hip-hop. They could easily rhyme over this, but I'm kinda glad they didn't. Just a great, simple bassline, nice little overtones, blissful echo on the drums...the production is inch-perfect all round (y). 9/10

Here's A Little Something For Ya

Just a strong, straight up hip-hop cut which I will mix in to Beasties playlists until the day I die. Throbbing bass, relentless rhymes and about a million times better than I thought it would be after hearing the DJ Hero cut. It strikes a balance between being quite fierce on the mic, with a kind of laid-back, almost stoned beat, and I like the general 'compressed' feel to the track and vocals. Yauch sounds effortlessly cool as ever ('Queens up front, Brooklyns in the back...') and a with a fairly simplistic yet instantly memorable chorus, this is borderline classic Beastie Boys. And it's got a fucking superb break. 8/10

Crazy Ass Shit

The flow on the second verse, the final word echo on each line...there are parts of this song that sound so beautifully old-school that even the 'break of dawn' repetition for like, what the 5th time in the record, sounds perfectly in place. The kids work well on the chorus, and I've always liked this style of B-Boys track, short and to the point, e.g. Rhyme the Rhyme Well, Just A Test, Dope Little Song. No complaints here. 8/10

The skits...well what can you say about skits? One leaves you wanting more, one is mildly amusing. They both play their part in the record, one breaks it up into two parts, one works as an outro (and maybe a prelude to another song?).

Overall

Track by track the album gets an accomplished 8 from me, but in my mind...at this stage in their career, with the mix of styles and the fact it works so well as an album, it's definitely up there. Personally, I think they should have left Tadlock's as an opener - who would honestly expect that first listen? - and left B-Boys to follow. B-Boys in the Cut is just classic Beasties, and those two would set you up nicely for the Make Some Noise hit. But that's just me. Overall, months later, I am very happy with this album, and am unsure as to how they can really top it.

[MCAadROCKMiKEd7]

Make Some Noise - 3.5. I liked it a lot rhyme wise but some parts of the instrumental just wasnt my style.

Nonstop Disco Powerpack - 4.5. Fucking love this one, especially the effects on Adrocks part. awesome.

OK - 2. I didnt like this one, I didnt feel it like most of their songs, wasnt right to me.

Too Many Rappers - 4. Awesome, proves me theory that new school rappers are shitheads compared to old school MC's.

Say It - 2. I couldnt feel it, the chorus wasnt the best.

Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win - 5. Unbelievable. I fell in love with this song lol.

Long Burn the Fire - 4. Love it, I really like the last verse, mostly Mike D but with the other boys echoing lines, I love it. Also when when Mike D says "UHH" after MCA in the beginning. <3

Funky Donkey - 2. It's silly, and I like that about it, but I couldnt take it as a serious beat on any other level, so I couldnt really judge it as more than silly.

Tadlock's Glasses - 5. HELL YES, love every verse every word every beat of this song, I could listen to it over and over.

Lee Majors Come Again - 2.5. The chorus was to spuratic for me.

Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament - 5. It has such a funky sound, funky flow. Excellent instrumental.

Here's A Little Something For Ya - 4.5. Love the chorus except when they say "not done yet done yet done yet" it doesnt sound as well in sync as it can. (Such a picky statement :p)

Crazy Ass Shit - 4. "Cant stop ya got'ta keep on!" Such a cool song, amazing verses, I listened to this one a few times in a row when I first heard it because it gave my ears that buzz :rolleyes:

[JoLovesMCA]

Make Some Noise

Was in love with this track the moment I heard it. What I love the most about it is the lyrics from each Beastie. I especially love Yauch's because when he raps I always think of a mad scientist who happens to be a rapper. His writing style is part of the reason why he's always been my favorite. The distorted chorus (Yauch's voice) is indescribable. 10/10

Non-Stop Disco Powerpack
Initially I didn't give this track enough attention. There would be times I'd skip it. It was over the last month or so that I discovered how great it really is. The constant flow and the way Ad-Rock begins is just pure hip hop in it's finest form. Mike D. takes the baton and his delivery makes Nonstop one of my favorite tracks on the album! 9/10

OK

Reminds me of some early 1980's pre License to Ill Burzootie shit! It's old-school but current and it has Ad-Rock all over it. His constant "OK" is contagious to me!!! And I really like the fact that I can't understand MCA to save my life. Mike D's lyrics though are my fave on this track! 10/10

Too Many Rappers

I like Nas but when he is team up with the Beasties it makes him sound like he is sleep walking. He's too soft and just boring compared to them so it makes the song difficult to enjoy. Mike, Adam and Adam all do brilliantly. All of their verses are incredible. Even though Yauch's opening verse is different on the album version, he sure does make up for it on his second verse which is my favorite part of the song. So because of Nas it gets a 8/10

Say It

Yauch's opening line is dark and cold. I don't know I just love the way he expresses himself through his lyrics. There's always some hidden meaning behind it. What I really love is just the music. Lately I've concentrated on that and really long for the instrumental because the bass is just off the hook. 10/10

Don't Play No Game

It's another track that initially I didn't go crazy over but I've come to really love it. I think that the remix album has helped me appreciate it more. Listening to the way the Beasties and Santigold sorta play off each other and sing/rap over each other was just spot on! They had great chemistry with her. And the bass was unique and different. Should have been an instrumental version on that remix album damn it. 9/10

Long Burn The Fire

In love with it from the first time I heard Yauch's intro. Ad-Rock also blew me away because he came so hard. :o The lyrics are raw and straight from their hearts. It just reminds me how passionate they are about what they are doing and it's been that way for 25 years. 10/10

Funky Donkey

The Drums!!! I love the end with the whole drum thing and the lyrics are just funny and so random! 7/10

Tadlock's Glasses

Favorite Track on the album. Seriously each verse is fucking flawless. The layered musicalness behind the lyrics is something I cant comprehend but when I listen to it I wonder how the fuck they did it. That's why it's my favorite track. Their endless creativity and to make new sounds in an industry that's so boring right to me... It just reminds me why I am such a huge fan. 10/10

Lee Majors Come Again

I heard one review say that this track didn't fit with the album but they must not understand that a song like this is very necessary on a Beastie Boy record. What I love is that instead of just Mike fronting the lyrics on this fast paced punk song, all three of them do it. It's up there with Heart Attack Man and Mullet Head. 9/10

Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament

Their instrumentals will always get 10/10 from me because one of the reasons why I love them so much is how great they sound as a band.
10/10

Here's A Little Something For Ya

Straight up hip hop as other have pointed out. Plus the fact that Yauch's scratchy voice can easily turn high pitched to the well known line "if your feelin chilly i'm a get you shawl" makes it that much more special for me. 10/10

Crazy Ass Shit

Least favorite track on the album and I've no clue why. I really like Mike's dick in a cast part and the whole Mike D. curly perm line. 7/10


Final thoughts

And I agree with Dave, Tadlock's might have been a great opener. I mean it was certainly played early on the internet radio and interviews before the album release.

Anyway this more than confirms that the Beastie Boys still have a great creativity as a band that is still so rare. You'd think 20 years later that somebody in their genre might come around with ideas like this, but they haven't. Hip hop right now is so predictable. There is nothing predictable about the Beastie Boys. That's why I don't take this band for granted and I am really proud to be a fan.