The Mix-Up Reviews

• three sets of listeners, three sets of reviews

  
  By AANONE7RF4DHK on 2007-07-14
  More than likely you will fit into one of these three categories, each with a different take on this album:
  
  1. You like the BB's as hip hop artists, especially the funny lyrics, and enjoy the old school beats. You like Hello Nasty and To the Five Boroughs more than Check Your Head. Chances are good that you won't care for this album---don't buy it.
  
  2. Your favorite album is Check Your Head and you really like the funky instrumental interludes on that and other albums of that era. BUT, you are not an avid listener of funk/acid jazz and are not familiar with Medeski, Martin, and Wood, etc. You will probably like this album and should buy it.
  
  3. You fit into Category 2 EXCEPT that you ARE familiar with MMW, recent collaborations by John Scofield, Grey Boy Allstars, etc. You will be disappointed in this album because it just doesn't measure up. Frankly, this album comes off as very amateurish and shows that, though the BB's have developed some chops, they can't pull off a full album of instrumentals. The interludes in Check Your Head were just that---interludes---and you can't support a full album on interlude music. Not being a hater---I love the BB's too---but check out any of Stanton Moore's albums and you will see exactly what I mean.
  
  

• NOT MUCH THERE (2 STARS)

  
  By A1OFTP2XE6JHLM on 2007-06-26
  After the GENIUS of past albums (namely Check Your Head, Paul's Boutique, and Ill Communication), the Beasties last album (To the 5 Boroughs) was pretty forgettable. The lack of good songs was almost as bad as the continued lackluster rapping style they somehow first adopted on Hello Nasty. Hello Nasty was much better than 5 Boroughs though, but it took a major downturn in quality. So, when I heard the new record was going to be an all instrumental, band record, I raised an eyebrow for at least a second with curiosity.
  
  Conceptually the premise of The Mix-Up is not all that foreign to them, I mean they did start out as a punk band (Horovitz on guitar, Yauch on bass, and Diamond on drums). But before dropping the guitars for mics and decks, was the music any good? No, not really. The problem with this latest proposition is that while they are more than adequate playing their instruments, they treat them like a sample and don't ever really commit to getting the most out of them. No surprise then that most of The Mix Up comes off a little bit boring and uninspired (same problem plagued RJD2's most recent effort as well). Will die-hards like it? Yes.
  
  The Mix-Up is a soundtrack to a lackluster movie, a bad playlist for Starbucks, and background filler for that singles mixer downtown. It barely says Beastie Boys to me, and that, despite recent LP shortcomings, isn't very much fun. So why did they do it? I'm not sure? Maybe the lack of interest in main stream hip-hop wasn't appealing to them anymore? Maybe they have nothing to complain about? Maybe they've lost the plot? Who cares, all of it is as puzzling as it is yawn-inducing. Chalk this release up as another coulda-shoulda moment of the summer.
  
  Parts of this record sound like something a cover band might lay down in a fit of boredom. There's no fuzzy Gratitude style moments on The Mix-Up, nothing close. Instead, we get sappy jams like, Off the Grid and 14th St. Break in its place. The dynamic is no longer there. The overall lack of fun, and overabundance of wet noodle jamming, makes The Mix Up, a let down.
  
  

• Snooze Rock

  
  By A15U3OZOU36MIV on 2007-06-27
  I bet when the Beastie Boys play these songs it's a lot of fun. Anyone who plays an instrument can relate to how much fun it is get into a groove and just play. Unfortunately, its not always as much fun to listen to. These instrumentals lack the fun, funk, and whimsy that makes the Beastie Boys what they are. If you want to hear great instrumentals, pick up The In Sound From Way Out. It collects the instrumentals from their previous albums and it rocks! This album makes you want to take a nap.
  
  

• At the very least, this record gets points for originality

  
  By A30SPH2U8QIZS8 on 2007-07-05
  2 points at most. I was very excited for this record, and I wanted to love it very badly. Unfortunately, there just isn't much to love in any of these extremely short and rather boring instrumentals. Though funky at times, most of the 'funk' elements are lacking in 'funk.' There are a couple of good minutes here and there, and the keyboard playing is excellent, but overall it does not compensate for the records many short-comings. I'd have to say that I would have preferred a hip hop album from one of the better hip hop groups of the past 20 years.
  
  

• Listen to The Music not the critics.

  
  By A1KSE7PU43B33G on 2007-07-10
  Wow. Some of the reviews on this page leave my mouth agape with wonder. What in the world is so very wrong with this album? There are a few that are saying there's "no fun' in this record or the 'dynamic is gone'(whatever that means).What record are you listening to? To all of you naysayers I say Fooey and double Fooey! THIS ALBUM IS GREAT. It's a groovy little record period. But that's all it is. It doesn't have to be the next Sgt. Peppers or Paul's Boutique or whatever. You have to take a look at it on it's own. I will say this for this album, no other band is making music like this right now. This is completly original music. Why aren't these guys given the chance to grow and expand? If you don't like this album fine, whatever. Go listen to your 12" of Brass Monkey until your parents kick you out of the basement.
  For those of you out there who want something a little groovy and different, get it. Meanwhile I'm going to mix myself a gimlet and listen to a great little combo called the Beastie Boys. Their new album is cool as hell.
  
  
• Dreck
  By A1SBSJE47LY6F6 on 2007-07-26
  This ferkachte CD is barely worth the plastic it was printed on. How the Beastie Boys could have gone from the heights of Check Your Head and Ill Communication, and the ensuing instrumental mashup masterpiece The In Sound From Way Out, to this limp, soulless, grooveless piece of dreck is beyond me. Seriously, take it from one schmegege to another, you will not be kvelling when you listen to this.
  
  
• Scientists of Sound
  By AWCYZWZYNVUHI on 2007-06-26
  Here's the deal: If you're a fan of the BBoys, you're gonna dig this album. If you only own "Licensed to Ill" and "Solid Gold Hits," this isn't for you.
  
  Period.
  
  
• The Litmus Test
  By A1JCNR7D55NES5 on 2007-06-27
  As others have stated, this album isn't for the novice. If your only Beasties purchase to date was that Sabotage cassingle, this shouldn't be your next one. But if you like the Beasties and you dig the instrumental stuff on Check Your Head and Ill Communication, you'll like probably this. This one IS different- generally a little more down tempo and in my opinion less jazzy and more quirky instrumental. But I like that.
  
  That said, you should know where you stand. I'd love to see them do this at one of their live instrumental shows.
  
  
  
  
• The bad reviews are WRONG!
  By A3101KB8ZETXSO on 2007-11-29
  Wow, I can't believe the number of people that don't "get" this CD nor do I understand why people insist on saying that music is bad just because it wasn't what they expected. Then there are the people that compare one thing to something else just because it has a few similarities.
  
  Maybe the Beasties weren't trying to sound like Medeski, Martin & Wood. Maybe they were just doing their own thing. Expanding on a sound and style they had already established if only hinted at on previous albums. And maybe you could write better music yourself right chief? I highly doubt it.
  
  This is a great album and a natural progression from a band that has long since earned the right to do whatever they want to do. I hope this becomes a trend and we see more instrumental releases from them.
  
  
  
• Throw It All In And Mix It Up {4 Stars}
  By A175TPTHMNS7S4 on 2007-06-26
  On what should be considered an EP, The Beastie Boys drop what I'd like to call a short but sweet instrumental album. There isn't much too it. It's just 12 tracks and clocks in at 42 minutes and 30 seconds. The sound is pretty light on substance, but they're quite melodic and easy to get into. There are a lot of different influences that can be heard, but they wrap them all together to make their own particular groovy goodness.
  
  I can't think of any flaws on this album. I could complain about its length, or lack thereof, but that would be nitpicking. I did find "The Rat Race" and "Dramastically Different" to be sort of boring though. Everything else seems to flow very well. If you were expecting a 100% hip hop release, you may be in for a bit of a surprise. I found the diversity of the tracks to be quite enjoyable.
  
  The Mix-Up isn't a bad album at all. Despite what others might say, I found it to be an enjoyable listen. The Beastie Boys rarely ever disappoint me and I don't think Beastie enthusiasts will be let down by this release either. I recommend adding this album to your music library
  
  Standout Tracks: The Kangaroo Rat, The Melee, Electric Worm (My Favorite), 14th St. Break, The Gala Event, B For My Name, and Off the Grid
  
  
• it is what it is and it's good
  By AFSE41MALHTCK on 2007-06-26
  Definitely has some unique sounds on the album. Stays true to their past instrumental style. People that say this album goes nowhere make me wonder where they want it to go. The music is well produced. You can definitely bob your head to it. If you liked their past instrumental stuff, then you will like this.
  
  The Beastie Boys are just making music for the sake of music. As a long time fan, I know that they can't disappoint me. I like some of their music better than their other stuff. The Mix-Up is worth buying because it is just some good beastie style beats. Paul's Boutique isn't going to happen again. This album for sure will grow on you and it is great anytime music. This may also be a "warm up" album for something down the line. We'll see. All I know is that I wish they would do a show in Portland, OR again.
  
  
• B-Boys Continue to Evolve
  By A34I9KB3XTU725 on 2007-07-02
  Another great release by the B-Boys which will stand the test of time yet be dismissed and criticized by those who insist on comparing it to previous releases. Everyone NOW says how great "Paul's Boutique", and "The In Sounds From Way Out" are, (and I agree - from day one) however, when first released THOSE were criticized for not being like previous B-Boy releases. It's unfortunate that the decline of an artist is often related to the public's inability to accept that true artists must try new things to grow and evolve. Repetition is nothing new.
  
  You can hear how much fun the guys had recording this. It's a funky, fresh release. It's great chill out music. Buy "The Mix-Up" now; you won't regret it. Plus, you'll enjoy and appreciate it long before the Johnny-come-latelys come around and start singing its praises!
  
  
• Funky, sometimes Trippy Acid Jazz
  By A3JCYNE1BMY75E on 2007-07-06
  Beasties deliver a fine album of instrumental acid jazz. If you are looking for a hip hop album, don't buy it. If you are looking for a more complex form of music, like regular jazz, don't buy it. If you are looking for some chilled out groovin mood music, then get it. It is very much movie or background music, or chillin out in a smoke-filled blue room with your buds. The chord changes are pretty simple and many of the songs have a retro, yet fresh feel to them. I really love the sound of the drums, it is raw and very late sixties, early seventies sounding. They sound like real drums, not studio dead perfection, but alive and it is refreshing. Hats off to Mike D for his Bonham-like style, accenting the hi-hat in the right places.
  
  People that would enjoy this album are people that are into Acid Jazz and enjoy feeling music, or enjoy how music makes them feel and take their emotions and mind on a trip. Because that is what this music does. A lot of people seem to be so damn lyric dependent that they have a hard time wrapping their mind around music without words.
  
  The songs could be less monotonous if there were lyrics or some solos taken. But the question then becomes would these solos or lyrics take away from the groove and soul of the music? Or add to it? Because many songs already groove so well with their established hooks.
  
  This album is like minimalist art. The Beasties are more like Air than Medeski Martin and Wood on this album. If you are ok with that, it's a terrific and interesting album. The groove and arrangements are really nice. Quite a few songs take some really nice tangents.
  
  It definitely is stoner music, or people that have a hip ear to groove music. Obviously the people that gave bad reviews have no taste or haven't smoked what the rest of us have smoked either recently or so many years ago.
  
  
• Play this CD anytime.
  By A34VJPCDVUKULQ on 2007-07-10
  Just put this CD on when you're not specifically trying to listen to music. Just let it play. It's fun, but can't be the center of attention like the Beastie's cds that you're used to. It's not all that entertaining to sit down and listen to (like when driving) even for a fan of jambands like myself, but it's the perfect album for anytime.
  
  
• Mixin It Up
  By A343T7HK0MSEMM on 2007-06-26
  This was a great idea. Its all instruments, and no lyrics.
  
  It is totally fun to sing along and add your own free-style lyrics to the songs. Have your buddy add in the beat-box, or grab a spare instrument and add those sounds in.
  
  This album has at least the best 4 instrumental tracks the B-Boys have ever made. There is stuff on it that sounds nothing like anything I've ever heard before. This thing cranks out new dance moves.....big time.
  
  
• Sometimes you just want jams and beats!!
  By A2U2PQDO08IJ5F on 2007-07-01
  This is a sweet mix,beats and jams----no talking/rapping.
  Sometimes you just want to hear music with a beat and jam minus the rapping,yapping and talking...you get all of this in this cd and than some.
  
  
• Beastie Boys have further developed their musical image
  By A1RT5TBNTP5MGV on 2007-07-02
  After the Beasties' last album, "To the 5 Boroughs", I wondered if they really had anything left to say on their records. What's a trio of 40-year-olds going to say via the hip-hop vehicle? If we want to continue to be entertained the Beastie Boys, we need to accept their development into new areas.
  
  This is the perfect time for them to stop talking and showcase their musical talents - without sampling. These guys love to jam out, and it shows.
  
  I've been a huge Beastie Boys fan since 1985, and I do enjoy The Mix Up. I'm giving it 4 stars only because many of the songs tend to blend together, almost as if the album is one continuous track. There's not quite as much grit in this album as I had expected when looking back at the prior instrumentals.
  
  It is very enjoyable to listen to, and I applaud the Beastie Boys' move away from rapping on their albums. Just buy it - it's great for chillin.
  
  
• Awesome Funk/Dub/Jam/Instrumentalists
  By A1C438GO6PY6MC on 2007-07-06
  I dont know what album the 1 and 2 star reviewers are listening to! This is amazingly great funk by the Beasties. I must say I AM the man this albumn was recorded for. My favorite album of theirs hands down is Check Your Head, with all the instrumentals (pow!, in 3s) and awesome early 90's grunge/rap like So whatcha Want?... I loved Ill Communication, I loved Hello Nasty and was totally disappointed by To The 5 Boroughs. I'm just not much of a rap guy i guess.
  
  So when I heard Adrock, MCA and Mike D were getting behind some instruments, I nearly greased my shorts. Deep, deep bass, funked-out wah guitars, Mike D.'s rhythm machine, and some INCREDIBLE synth and percussion... not a lyric, and not a looped sample in the mix, and this may be their opus! This music is music that will set the world right. Nothing can possibly shake you, not with rhythm this insistent or funk this stinky. This is some BROWN music by the beastie boys, and it's the kind of record i thought they had forgotten how to make after hello nasty's trip into electronica. Honestly it reminds me more of The Meters e.g.Struttin' mixed with Salaryman e.g.The Electric Forest than any of their earlier works.
  
  I guess if you were expecting some hip-hop you will be disappointed, but, come on, the beasties started as a punk band, morphed into djs, then became funk instrumentalists, and then techno musicians and back to DJs... it was time for their homage to their influences... and these guys are at the top of their games. They know how to make the funk come. If you can honestly put this in your ipod, walk downtown in your city and NOT just strut around, i fear for your soul.
  
  
• fresh surprise
  By A3O6XIG6D648GG on 2007-07-06
  I have not been their fan since after their great 1st album so I deceided to try this instrumental album. Wow this was refreshing !!!
  One of the best instrumental CDs I've ever heard and I ve heard a lot. Great chillout CD.
  
  
• outstanding
  By A39NTR9MXVWFZI on 2007-07-09
  This is what I've been waiting for for years... Being teased by the once in a while instrumentals here it is!!! this music is GREAT need I say More
  
  
• Can't possibly get any worse
  By A3HF40J4Z586BP on 2007-06-26
  Wow, this is unlistenable DRECK. Wow. I remember when these guys were relevant...what happened? Oh yeah, NOTHING.
  
  
• Of course there are no vocals...
  By A11BQKC5YZYA5X on 2007-06-27
  How could there be vocals? Their voices are shot from decades of smoking weed. Listening to their hoarse, raspy, sandpaper voices on "To the 5 Boroughs" was sad and excruciating.
  
  But everything happens for a reason, and now here they are with a groovy jazz-funk masterpiece that harks back to the best the 1970s had to offer; the Beasties have nothing if not fine musical taste, and this album would make Quincy Jones, George Clinton and Stevie Wonder proud.
  
  The moral of the story, kids, is: if you like to sing, don't smoke dope unless you have some serious musical chops to back up your shot and devastated voice later in life.
  
  
• I like BBoys and listen eclectically - Do NOT purchase
  By A1XYMCCDIHZ2VI on 2007-07-01
  I found this album in a Starbucks (I'm slightly embarassed to say, but they've found a musically conscious target market in there) and immediately purchased it, based on memories of the instrumental tracks from Check Your Head and Paul's Boutique and the like. I was very disappointed and I sincerely wish that I had not spent my $16 on this album, when I could have bought so many other great albums out there and supported some contemporary artists who are delivering great, original, and high-quality music.
  
  For fellow musicians out there, my description follows: this album comprises 12 tracks of mid-tempo 4/4 16th-note based 'grooves' likened generously to Booker T. or The Meters in inspiration. The organic treatment and flat-room reverb on the drums give the album a feel of dark spaciness (along with the analog synths and layered 'rhythmic' production). This is what I like most about it, the organic quality to the kick sounds and the organs and the general organic tones. The drums sound almost 'poorly' recorded, raw.
  
  The 'melody' for each track comes almost exclusively from the bass, which plods through 4-bar repeating (seemingly endlessly) minor pentatonic figures that never disappoint in delivering fairly uninteresting patterns. Almost always, given the 'call,' one can guess with relative accuracy the 'response' (not necessarily a bad thing, but indicative of the harmonic interest, or lack of, in that our musical culture has already defined these sounds over and over and over, and they fall flat).
  
  This focus on the bass, and the bass's consistent droning tone and constant adherence to 4-bar m-pentatonic lines, along with the rhythmic elements mentioned above, alone make for almost all the tracks sounding the same, and rather boring. Like I mentioned, the 'melody' comes almost exclusively from the bass, and in a genre where The Meters and Booker T. (or Scofield's 'A Go-Go' and 'Bump' albums) have grooved on some simple and oh-so-TASTY melodies, this album poorly delivers seemingly no melody, certainly no melodic development, and in place provides us with 12 tracks of harmonically boring bass lines, wah-pedal funk guitar rhythms that always sound like they're on the edge of being too fast for the guitar player to handle, and aux percussion heavily layered with keyboard tones and synths against 16th-note drum patterns and a few 'breaks.'
  
  My crass smart-a** but practical description would is: the album sounds like stoner music. Not the kind of music that stoned people listen to, rather, but the kind of music that stoned people PLAY, in their garages at night, 'jamming' out on one riff, beyond the interest of any sober musician. Of course the quality of the production and the playing (though the playing only rising to what's demanded of it) are solid (the playing for the most part, at least), for sure, and the BBoys definitely put some time, thought, and care into the production of this music. If I had to record and engineer this album, I wouldn't have done a thing different.
  
  Even within the genre of simple organic 'groove' music, this album really doesn't present anything interesting, novel, thought-provoking (in a musical sense), or generally pleasing within its musical creations. As I finished the last track, realizing that for-my-tastes I'd wasted my money, I truly found myself thinking 'Why was this album created? What does it serve by existing?' In a world filled with music, 'more' is not necessarily a good thing, and this album offers almost nothing in creativity or emotional-musical expression that argues it should be added to the shelves.
  
  The one thing I think it would be valuable for, and honestly, is for someone doing independent film; the tracks provide a musical feel and an energy that is 'hip' in an 'underground' sense, and they are vapid enough that a viewer can focus on the imagery or dialogue that is being presented to them; meanwhile the high-quality production will keep your film sounding professional.
  
  I found the editor's description on Amazon to be laughable in its 'dynamic' description of the album for example 'picking up pace,' or 'dropping into' a deep groove, giving the reader the impression that this album develops, or shifts, or carries its listeners through ANY kind of musical journey.
  
  Enough complaining -- I hope that you either do not purchase this album, or that you listen to it comprehensively beforehand to make sure it appeals to you before spending your money.
  
  Benjamin
  
  
• Instrumentals hmmmm?
  By A2RE4QC8YO0HA3 on 2007-06-26
  OK. First off, Id like to say that I was never a big fan of the Beasties. I liked their hits, sabatage, sure shot, no sleep till Brooklyn, girls, etc, but I never bought any of their cds. I was in a record store about 5 days ago when i heard someone mention that the new beasties cd would be all instrumentals. I asked what that would sound like and he said instrumental chill funk music. So I downloaded it, and I really like it. (Dont worry, I went out and bought it too). I wont say love, but I do really like it. It sounds good, and is produced well. Its cool for background music, or if you just wanna chill out. It might get a little boring but I would say that it is an overall good cd. Its something new and different out right now and I think thats great. Give it a listen, see for yourself.
  
  
• driving muzak
  By AV5STNS0LQLZA on 2007-06-26
  Obviously it would be amazing to hear a new album that sounds similar to "Check Your Head" or "Ill Communication;" an album with a perfect blend of hip-hop, jam tracks and the occasional hardcore song... But hey, at least they got back to playing their instruments again. When "To The 5 Boroughs" came out, I was a little disappointed that it was all computer beats. However, this could quite possibly be a transitional album that brings us to their next album of Check Your Head style material? I hope. But until that happens, I'm happy with this album.
  
  
• Trippy and Bass Heavy
  By A11XBQNZ6SBJ2V on 2007-06-26
  Overall, I am pleased with this album. It's great for just putting on in the background and chilling out for sure. I'm a big fan of the bass heavy songs from Ill Communication, so this doesn't disappoint in that regard. Adam Yauch must've had a hellava time playing the upright on this one! I guess my only complaints is a few of the songs are a bit repetitive. I would have also liked to hear a bit more heavy guitar rifts here and there as well.
  
  Best song: Suco De Tangerina
  
  
• so different, so good
  By A33AMX7OVNE0P9 on 2007-07-01
  yes, this _is_ from the beastie boys, and yet, it sounds completely different from anything i have heard from the "beastie kids" the past. so if you are expecting "the next bboys cd," this might be a disappointment, so you might need to listen to the samples and see if these are the rythms and beats you want to be coming out of your speakers. i, personally, love the music.
  
  it's easy to live to.
  
  
• Actually my favorite album
  By A34WKS12PJ9DEC on 2007-07-05
  I have been listening to these guys since I was a kid, and I have enjoyed it for the most part. I am finally glad to hear them play some nice grooves. This is not a "Rock" album like all of the editorial reviews have been saying. I would put this more as funky acid jazz. If you have ever listened to Medeski Martin and Wood or Bela Fleck this is more of what that is. It is not as technically challenging as the music made by the two other bands I just mentioned but, it is nice to hear them sound fresh. I enjoy listening to every track on this recording. If you are wanting or looking for old school Beastie Boys, you won't find it here. This is all nice funky grooves that you can sit back and just enjoy listening to.
  
  
• Funk and Jazz not hiphop ok
  By A1WCCO04E8TLUR on 2007-06-28
  This album is pretty good if your into jazz and funk music. The mix up is follow up to there last album 5 bouroughs but takes 180 degree approach.What you should expect in this album is no vocals but just music.I find the album very creative but I recomend this album to people who were fans of Check your head and Ills comunication or people who are mostly into jazz/funk music. I also heard they might release speacial album in the future with other vocals so I suggest you might wanna wait then.
  
  
• haterade
  By A3RZ7SCK9L2LG4 on 2007-07-01
  There sure is a lot of haters out there. I thouroughly enjoy the beasties, maybe not to the five boroughs as much as all the others but that's okay. And I've also always really liked their instrumentals, always talented and gifted they are all excellent musicians. If you didn't know who the Beastie Boys were would you like the album? I'm pretty damnded sure, respect son!
  
  

• Icky Thump
• The In Sound from Way Out!
• We Are the Night
• Zeitgeist
• In Rainbows