Ill Communication

Ill Communication [Explicit]
$7.99
The Beastie Boys have been holding back the unreleased songs on their recent series of album reissues. I know there is a lot more unreleased material available from this time period that could have easily fit on disc 2 of this set. Where's the original version of "Intergalactic"? What about songs like "Dejembe", "The Hurricane Freestyle", "Triphammer", "Screaming at a Wall" or "Conga + Bass" from the old Sabotage VHS? Instead we get an underwhelming recording of the Beasties playing basketball... and I'm assuming this counts as one of the 2 unreleased songs that is promised on the album cover? I also have the Paul's Boutique and Check Your Head reissues and they are equally disappointing when it comes to the bonus songs, in fact the former has none. If you already own these albums I wouldn't waste your money on the reissues.

Ill Communication
$42.49
First off, Ill Communication is my favorite Beastie Boys album. Considering this, the Japanese import with bonus tracks was essential. That written, you have to ask yourself if $55.00 (the cost of the disc at the time of review) is a resonable price for four additional songs. Keeping in mind that you probably already own the regular LP release, the bonus songs come out to more than $13.00 each -minus shipping and handling. While you ponder this question, you can read my review of the bonus songs.

1) 'Dope Little Song' is great. It has the same flavor as the rest of the album's hip hop songs.
2) 'Resolution Time' is another great tune, but I know that the identical version is released elsewhere.
3) 'Mullet Head' is hardcore. I generally don't care for the Beastie's hardcore tunes, and this one is no exception.
4) 'Vibes' is the real gem out of the bonus tracks. I can't imagine why this song wasn't released on the US version of the LP -it could have easily been a hit single. Like 'Dope Little Song,' it is sylistically similar to the other hip hop tunes on the regular disc. Considering the psychedelic vibes sample, solid verses and chorus, it's simply a great song.

Paul's Boutique (20th Anniversary Edition)
$19.98
It's pretty much a lost cause trying to negatively review this album. Not only is it a great record in and of itself, Paul's Boutique was so important and influential to music in the 90's it can't be understated. Especially hip-hop and sampling based music. The first in a string of 5 star albums to be released by Beastie Boys.

Licensed to Ill
$9.98
It's easily the best Beastie Boys album. If you don't have it... you need it.