Hello Nasty

by

Beastie Boys

Edit

Pubescents the world over inwardly heard peals of heavenly music in 1986, for delivered into their laps was a raunchy rap album seemingly produced by the heavens themselves. "License to Ill," a toxic blend of rap, rock, and sampling, was thrown together by three guys who were barely post-pubescents themselves. It was loud, rambunctious, and ingeniously accessible.

12 years, three studio albums, and an innumerable number of concerts later, the Beastie Boys have released what is quite likely thier finest album. Although they evolved beyond beer-swilling misogyny long ago, they haven't forgotten their sonic roots: "Hello Nasty" contains echos of the bass-n-beats style they brought to the masses. The odious punk blitzes and trippy musical meanderings of "Ill Communication" are conspicuously absent here, save a track or two. Also absent is the lyrical preaching; at one point MCA says you'll never see him in a commercial, but for the most part ! ! "Hello Nasty" is the Beastie Boys doing what they've always done best: talking about how great they are, waxing about world peace, and inserting nifty samples (courtesy of turntable phenom Mix Master Mike) into the mix. Think "Paul's Boutique" with a little "Check Your Head" thrown in for good measure.

"Hello Nasty" is 22 tracks' worth of great rap peppered by the occasional aural experiment. The Beasties have simply and effectively nullified the hype surrounding this album in one fell swoop; it is simultaneously behind and beyond all critical expectations.

After so many years in activity, the Beastie Boys are still able to deliver a solid and ungaging record, offering another mix of styles and ideas.

"Hello Nasty" is long and diverse, proving that the Boys remain witty, original and interesting. This is a rich, multi-layered listening experience, a tight and consistent record with some true gems even if the filler material is also considerable.

Experimental moments like "Instant Death" or "And Me" are strange yet addictive. "I Don't Know" is a pleasant little song, "Song For Junior" stars as a curious and warm instrumental and "Can`t, Won`t, Don`t Stop" shows that the band has power and strenght to continue surprising and innovating. "Intergalactic" and "Body Movin`" are both energetic and impressive singles as well.

However, the album runs for a bit too long, containing 22 tracks and some of them are not that captivating, making for a couple of bland and skippable moments ("Flowin` Prose", "Unite", "Dedication").

As a whole, though, "Hello Nasty" is certainly a winner, a worthwile combo of sounds, influences and rythms, building an ecclectic and exciting release that has much to recommend. While the straight hip hop soundscapes are somewhat reduced in this record, the group tests and plays with new elements and variations, going for a wider direction.

Appealing nastiness.