Beastie Boys Album: “Solid Gold Hits [Edited] [Digipak]”

Description :

Beastie Boys: Ad Rock, Mike D, MCA (rap vocals); DJ Hurricane (turntables). <p>The only collection to span the Beastie Boys' career from 1986 to 2004, SOLID GOLD HITS features songs from each of the New York City rap/rock trio's first six studio albums. Arranged in non-chronological order, this 15-track disc focuses on the pioneering group's most popular tunes, ranging from the infamous anthem "Fight for Your Right" to the ominous, organ-heavy "So What'cha Want" and the thoughtful hometown tribute "An Open Letter to NYC." Somewhat bafflingly, the Beasties' most rewarding records--PAUL'S BOUTIQUE (1989) and CHECK YOUR HEAD (1992)--are represented by only two tracks each, but this is likely due to the cohesive yet eclectic nature of those discs, which concentrate more on overall mood rather than on catchy singles. Hardcore B-Boys fans will lament the absence of classics such as "Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun," "Gratitude," and "Stand Together," but this 2005 compilation, as the title states, is geared toward the hits, and thus functions as a concise, party-ready sampler of the Beasties' groundbreaking and energetic brand of hip-hop.

The Beastie Boys' Solid Gold Hits is more for the casual fan of the group as the album offers nothing new in the way of music (the Fatboy Slim remix of "Body Movin'" which was only available on a cd single is the only track that wasn't on a proper album release). The album is a streamlined version of their double disk compilation, Sounds Of Science. You get fifteen songs that were all singles, no album tracks included. The songs are classics from their frat-boy rap of "Fight For Your Right (To Party)" to the funk of "Hey Ladies" to punk thrash of "Sabotage" to the old school homage "Open Letter To NYC". The long time fans will want to check out the cd/dvd version that has a separate dvd featuring the videos for all fifteen songs.

having only heard ch-check it out and intergalactic before purchasing this album, it was somewhat of a leap of faith. but now i can say it does not dissapoint. i'll give a seperate review for the cd and the dvd.

CD - although i have nothing against cuss words, i got the edited version since i saw it at walmart. i have to say, it is the best-edited album i have ever heard. although most songs didnt have to be edited anyway, the ones that were (especially ch-check it out) sound great. its hard to tell they were edited, it blends in so well with the beat. it is also very diverse in musical style. from rap, to rap-rock, to rock, to metal, this has it all.

DVD - this is what hip hop videos should be like. not the stupid bling bling and women in bikinis. these videos are hilarious. although some seem very dated (especially no sleep till brooklyn), they are all funny. highlights include ch-check it out (my favorite song and video), body movin' (a hilarious 60's spy movies spoof), intergalactic (a nice spoof on japanese monster movies), triple trouble (the trick or treating scene is classic), and sabotage (a side splitting spoof on 70's cop shows, complete with dark mustaches and even darker sunglasses).