I have never considered myself a huge Beastie Boys fan. Sure, I own all of their albums but I was never a big fan of those snooty b-boy insomniacs from Brooklyn. They were clever. The original snarksters, perhaps? I even had tickets to see them once. That I paid for. That I blew off at the last minute ’cause I just wasn’t in the mood to see a show that particular night. Like I said, I’m a super fan (interjection from Blerd…really, dude???).
I do respect the hell out of ’em though. Their transformation from brash hip-hop brats into the stately elders of recent has been incredible. And their development as musicians has been equally impressive.
Anyway, to the point at hand…
The long-gestating, longer delayed Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 is finally coming out and GOD is it worth the wait. If you want the “What’s up with Hot Sauce Committee Part 1?” story, go here. I’m here for a review not a history lesson, boys and girls.
Opening with single “Make Some Noise”, the Beasties let you know that they are back. Beats? Check. Flow? Check? Hooks? Check. It’s the perfect reintroduction.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Sg_flGZg-U
“Nonstop Disco Powerpack” scales back the bombast a little with its’ slow grooves and then segues into the mechanical rhythm of “Ok” which is infectious. Infectious is probably the best way to describe Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 actually.
Along the way, check out some guest appearances from Nas (On a new version of “Too Many Rappers”) and Santigold (The reggae-tinged “Don’t Play No Game That I Can’t Win”) as well.
If you were a big fan of instrumental album The Mix-Up, then have no fear, the Beasties have your back on the instrumental front, too. “Multilateral Nuclear Disarmament” may be the sole instrumental on here but it’s so good that you won’t mind that it’s the only one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ipemr29hS5E
After about five listens so far, I can’t help thinking that this is the perfect futuristic amalgamation of Check Your Head and Ill Communication. It’s such a welcome return to form and again so worth the wait.
And if you haven’t checked out the short film “Fight For Your Right Revisited” yet, for GOD’s sake, go watch it now….
5 comments
Gonzo says:
Apr 30, 2011
To be honest, I haven’t given a damn about anything they’ve done since Ill Communication (aside from the instrumental stuff). But this post has piqued my interest – will check out.
blerd says:
Apr 30, 2011
I love “To the Five Boroughs”, but it’s dedicated to New York. How could I not?
New Release Report 5/3/11: Beastietude | Popblerd!! says:
May 3, 2011
[…] week’s biggest news is certainly the release of Hot Sauce Committee, Part II, the Beastie Boys’ first non-instrumental album in six years. The longest-running hit making […]
Tom says:
May 3, 2011
I AM a huge Bboys fan and I am just through listen one. Just now I was thinking this is for fans only and wouldn’t bring any new attention to the, err, boys. But I guess I need a second spin. I think they do need to lay off the synthesizers and finally give up the reigns. Howe about a return performance with the Dust Brothers? Maybe it is time they make up with Rick Rubin and make the album that we have all been waiting 20+ years for…
The Beastie Boys Wish You a Happy Father’s Day! | Popblerd!! says:
Jun 18, 2011
[…] you bought Hot Sauce Committee Part 2, yet? If not, then why haven’t you? After all, it’s The Beastie Boys’ first album […]