Beastie Boys Album: “The in Sound From Way Out!”

An Album that was released only in France via their Beastie Boys club, finally gets to play to a wider audience. This is a purely instrumental album that culls some of the dynamic instrumentation & Stylistic diversity found on the Beastie's albums (especially "Paul's Boutique" & "Check your Head" albums). In actual fact, there's very little in the way of traditional Hip-Hop to be found here, as Gritty Funk and loose soul grooves make up much of the running order here. If most Hip-Hop acts could put together something as Elaborately funky or as jazzily sophisticated as "Namaste", "Groove Holmes" or "Rickys Theme" more people would seek out instrumental versions of their favourite albums. This bear in mind is all the more impressive by the fact that the beastie boys actually play their own instruments (one would assume with the help of session players). For people that like funk/ Groovy Soul or actually occasionally purchase instrumental albums, this purchase is a no brainer....because it's a fantastically realised album showing the beastie boys albums were built on a strong sonic foundation. For those unsure (like I was for a brief period before contemplating buying this) dig out your old beastie boys records (more specifically "Paul's Boutique / Check your Head"),and listen to some of your favourite tracks.....could you handle listening to them without the vocals???, your answer should make the decision as to whether or not to buy the album much easier.

A friend of mine said "this kind of music makes you feel supa-cool just listening to it". It does, who da thunk dirty funk from the old B-boys? You can always feel the groove ability they have on thier more mainstream albums, but I didn't know they had instrumental ability. These songs have the click, structure, feel, and clarity of smoke-filled studio room jazz funk. Each song cycling and varying around a smooth, kool repeating theme of its own. Some songs do flow into a jam feel. Its a fine cd, the songs are short, but I think thats what the boys were going for...old school defined jazz on the dirty funk tip, not out of control, just kool and funky.

When a friend of mine played this for me and asked me to guess who it was, I would not have guessed in a million years. When he told me, I nearly fell off my chair.!! The Beastie Boys were never "my cup of tea" but if all their music were as cool and funky as this, I would be a dedicated fan. Try it, you will be surprised.!

from the start you should know that i essentially hate the beastie boys -- they started out when i was a college dj in the 80's and i thought of them then as i do now ... they're a joke that i *do* get, i just don't think it's funny ... not to mention that the last thing i want is a bunch of rich white kids rappin' at me ... but in some ways i guess my hatred of them makes this review even more sincere ...

this album, however, is a jewel.

money mark is all over this thing like white on rice and it just oozes funky coolness. you could say it sounds a little like if curtis mayfield had done porn soundtracks in the 70's. smooth, funky, cool with a nice soulful edge. completists will buy it anyway, but if you dig instrumental grooves, this disc is a must-have.

also, i saw a recommendation for the perrey and kingsley album of the same title ("in addition to this cd") -- THAT would be a mistake. this album is only about 100 times better than that one, and although i guess you could say that it pays some sort of homage -- the burps bleeps and blats on that thing are not nearly as cool as what the beasties have here.

if only more of their records were like this ...

When I first heard the Beasties, I didnt much like their voices. Then a friend put me onto "The In Sound From Way Out", a totally instrumental compilation of songs from their various studio albums. I was blown away buy the talent of this trio and their obvious mastery of a whole range of instruments and sounds. All three Beasties can play a multitude of different instruments and they combine beautifully together to give really funky pieces that you cannot get sick of.

This is a teriffic album and made me appreciate the true musical talent these guys poses and allowed me to get into their other tunes too. Now I am a Beastie fan, owning most of their stuff and diggin there style. These guys are not just mere rappers, but very talented musicians and composers to boot. Every track is worthwhile as they showcase their abilities on a range of different instruments, producing different musical styles with a distinctive groovy, funky feel. You wont be disappointed!