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the mix-up
album review
by donald dusinberre
imartsyfartsy@gmail.com


Artist:
Beastie Boys

Title:
 The Mix-Up

Release Date:
 06.26.07

Label:
Capitol


      I was so excited to hear that the Beastie Boys were releasing an instrumental record. Their last two albums, To the 5 Boroughs and Hello Nasty, were released painfully far apart and provided little if any of the stylish Californian jams that made such an impact on Check Your Head and Ill Communication. Giving way primarily to their classic brand of Hip-Hop, the last two albums left me yearning for the old days, and it makes me feel old when I do that.

      The feel of those old instrumental and less digital songs was so catchy, unique and smooth. They were the eclectic stoner jams that made you feel chill and excited at the same time.

      That’s why the new record, The Mix-Up, is such a relief to hear. I feel young again not having to yearn so deeply for the sounds of old. The B-Boys have begun to flow again, this time bringing us an entire album of liquid compositions with angular beats. The songs sound great, as if they intended them to pick up right where The In Sound from Way Out left off.

      Obviously, the line up for The Mix-Up is a given: Mike D on drums, Adrock on guitar, MCA on bass, and Money Mark on keyboards. Just like always, the sounds on this record feature wah and envelope-filtered guitar squawks, seamless bass grooves with just the right mix of sharp funk and smooth jazz, slippery notes from the organ and snappy drums with syncopated bongos and snare.

      For many of us Beastie Boys fans, this new record is just what we needed to hear. It’s great to know that they are still continuing to evolve and create while recalling some of their talents that never gel old.

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