Search - The Beastie Boys :: The Sounds of Science

The Sounds of Science

Jerry Langone | 03/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Sounds of Science is an impressive catalog of one of the most interesting bands of the MTV generation. Anyone who listens to the Beasties should pick this up and if you don't listen to them, get it anyway. You'll start.



The best thing about this set is that it showcases the Beasties versatility, from funked out instrumentals with screaming wah wah, like "Sabrosa" and "Son of Neckbone" to straight up hip hop numbers like "Sure Shot," "Jimmy James" and the Q-Tip collabo "Get It Together." They're harder stuff ("Egg Raid on Mojo," "Gratitude") is right there with the fun old school tunes that made the B-Boys what they are ("Slow & Low," "Brass Monkey") Then of course, come the hits, from "Sabotage" to "Intergalactic" to "So What'cha Want" to "Fight For You Right." Needless to say, the song selection is great.



If you've never dug deep into the Beastie Boys, you will think nothing more of them than some snotty annoying ass guys who rap about partying. Upon actually listening to this album, you'll find intelligent subject matter and insightful lyricism in many of the songs. "Bodhisattva Vow" is a homage to Buddhism, while "Song for the Man" is a commentary on chauvinistic mating calls. "The Negotiation Limerick File" is a call of tolerance done in limerick poetry.



In between all the hits and annoying rap songs are the wonderful oddities that make this album what it is. Two obscure country tunes "Railroad Blues" and "Country Mike's Theme" provide for funny interludes. "Twenty Questions" is has cool lyrics set to a bossanova groove and there are two interesting covers, Sly Stone's "Time for Livin" and Elton John's "Benny & the Jets" (sung by Biz Markie of course). Then there is posibbly my favorite Beastie Boys song, "Something's Got to Give." I don't even know what to call it. It is just incredible.



Overall, this is a comprehensive look at a great band. Anyone who is even the least bit skeptical of their virtuosity as musicians should listen to the two instrumentals and buy The In Sound From the Way Out. One problem, the Antology omits a few of their early staples. "No Sleep Til Brooklyn," "Paul Revere" and "Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun" are missing as well as their first hit, "Cooky Puss." I don't neccesarily like those tracks, but they should be on the anthology. Anyways, stop listnein to me babble and go buy this. You will not be dissapointed."