Belfast Telegraph Album Review (06/18/04)

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CD music: Beastie Boys: To The 5 Boroughs
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By Nigel Gould
ngould@belfasttelegraph.co.uk

18 June 2004

With their songs about partying and parental persecution, there was nothing remotely self-conscious or sophisticated about the early work of Beastie Boys. In much the same way as, say, Mike Skinner goes about his business, Beastie Boys were the original musical storytellers, recounting tales of growing up, going to the shops to buy stuff and rebelling against authority. It was a simple yet effective formula.

Now, though, as they approach their 40s, the boys from Brooklyn have decided to tackle much meatier subject material.

To The 5 Boroughs is their tribute to New York album (complete with superb drawings of the Twin Towers) and is far and away their most politicised offering to date. But, in the process of getting more serious - and here the lyrical thread has a greater degree of sophistication than ever - they haven't lost any of that essential dynamic enthusiasm for their craft.

The trio are in sparkling form; full of the verve and gusto of bands half their age. Best of the bunch is Right Right Now Now, along with the toe-tapping singalong Triple Trouble complete with Run DMC-like riff.

Probably the most powerful song, though, is It Takes Time To Build when Beastie Boys unleash a cluster of pent-up anger with lyrics such as: "By the time Bush is done, what will be left?"

Mike Skinner, take note.