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RECORDINGS Quick Spins
Nothing but instrumentals for the Beastie Boys: From left, Mike Diamond, Adam Horovitz and Adam Yauch.
(By Amber Novak For The Washington Post)
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Beastie Boys
Is there much demand for an all-instrumentals collection from the Beastie Boys? If so, "The Mix-Up" should leave only die-hards wanting more.
The Beasties have gone this route in the past, but "The Mix-Up" is the trio's first full-length CD consisting of newly released instrumentals, devoid of vocals, samples and programmed beats. Like "The In Sound From Way Out!," the band's 1996 all-instrumentals compilation, this fresh batch of tunes certainly has its goofy charms.
After all, it's hard not to be amused by the Beasties' groove-smitten, stiff-wristed take on funk, jazz and psychedelic sonics. Sure, Medeski, Martin & Wood can play this stuff blindfolded, to say nothing of the great jazz organ combos. But there's something to be said for the Beasties' determination to wallow without pretense -- or apparently much practice -- in wave after wave of loungey atmospherics. Obviously, drummer Mike D, guitarist Adam Horovitz and bassist Adam Yauch have too much studio time on their hands -- the trio gets a big assist here from keyboardist Money Mark and percussionist Alfredo Ortiz -- but at least they're having fun.
And so are we -- up to a point. Alas, it isn't long before the trippy evocations ("B for My Name") and subverted funk jams ("Electric Worm") are followed by grooves and drones that aren't nearly as appealing. A smattering of applause can be heard following a take now and then. It's not much of a response, but it seems about right for this vocal-less -- and often aimless -- diversion.
DOWNLOAD THESE: "B for My Name," "Electric Worm"
-- Mike Joyce
The Beastie Boys are scheduled to perform Aug. 4 at the Virgin Festival at Pimilico Race Course in Baltimore.
