Inside October 19, 2004's Issue

Scary movies keep attracting students

The zombies are back in 2004

The Beastie Boys grow up

By Rick Climer
Staff Writer
Music Review

In 1981 the music scene changed into something no one was ready for. Three young men from New York changed a hardcore punk group into one of the most influential rap groups ever known.

The Beastie Boys, now in their late 30s, continue to write music when most groups from this early era of rap have subsided. Earlier this year they put out their seventh album, “To the 5 Boroughs.”

In this album they have only slightly deviated from their traditional old-school style, using drum machines in conjunction with more modern mixing techniques.

One thing that has changed drastically is that as they aged, The Beastie Boys have grown more serious. They used to fight for your right to party, whereas now they fight for your right to vote. There is a strong political message in their newest album, mainly focused on their discontent with the last presidential election.

On the track “Right Right Now Now” they mention having a president we did not elect, referring to the fact that our current Commander-in-Chief did not win by popular vote.

They also show their awareness of real world issues such as gun control and racist hate groups, as well as deal with racial discrimination in the general public.

The opening track “Ch-check it Out” shows that they still have the ability to produce high energy music that would fit in well at any hip-hop club. Even as they are growing older, they still have fun in their rambunctious lyrics.

This album shows more than any other that they are proud of being New Yorkers. In the track “3 the Hard Way” they talk about riding the elevated trains, even to the point of mentioning certain stops that only a native New Yorker would be aware of, as well as mentioning vendors on Canal Street selling CDs before they come out.

“An Open Letter to NYC” is a more apparent display of appreciation for their backgrounds, referring to the multi-ethnic microcosm of New York City. They mention the different sights an everyday New Yorker would pay no attention to.

This is an absolutely remarkable album, but if you think this is their best you'd better “Check Your Head.” Never the less, anyone with love for Beastie or just hip-hop in general should “Ch-Check it Out.”

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