The Mix Up
The Beastie Boys latest effort, The Mix Up found the New York trio returning to their punk roots with their first album of entirely new instrumental tracks. Michael Diamond (Mike D) Adam Horowitz (Adrock) and Adam Yauch (MCA) all leave the mic and head back to the drum kit, guitar and bass, respectively, for twelve short funky tracks. Add percussionist Alfredo Ortiz and keyboardist Money Mark and you’ve got a funk band. On the whole, there is an overwhelming feeling of seventies detective movie soundtrack running through the album, and that is a very good thing.“B For My Name” is like a surrogate child of the Mod Squad soundtrack and wide-bush skin flick, and like having the right opening scene of a movie, starts the album off on the right foot. The songs are short and sweet, with most clocking in at around three minutes. The influence of acid jazz musician Jimmy Smith (original artist of “Root Down,”) is apparent through the middle of the album, as heavy fatback jazz guitar from Adrock and the bouncy keys of Money Mark carry many of the songs. “Off The Grid,” possibly the best song on the album, starts off calmly enough, but slowly morphs and crashes full speed ahead with the whole band clicking beautifully.
The Beastie’s hail back to their punk roots on “Suco De Tangerina,” with a Clash style dub intro fueled by MCA’s bassline. Both “Electric Worm” and “Freaky Hijiki” are great jazzy tracks, despite fizzling out with odd endings. MCA’s punchy bassline starts out “The Ratcage,” which echoes the title as it gnaws and scratches through a maze of sound.
Fans of the compilation “The In Sounds From The Way Out” will thoroughly enjoy the new instrumental material. The album is loose, quick and fun, and perfect with a great pair of headphones, as Ortiz’s tiniest percussion tweaks and Adrock’s guitar wahs come through crystal clear. While the album has a different feel than “In Sounds,” it is still in the same vein. It’s good to see the Beastie’s keep at the instrumentals throwing in instrumental sets in their tour. If you’re looking for some new funk then this is the album for you
- Pietro C. Truba
