After a six-year hiatus, the Beastie Boys return with To the 5 Boroughs and alternately position themselves as pop culture bottom-feeders and political pedants. While anti-Bush screeds "That's It That's All" and "Time to Build" come across as heavy-handed, the terse "Open Letter to NYC" does manage to channel that city's post-9/11 resolve without sounding like a Bruce Springsteen song. When the Beasties aren't didactic, they're tapping nostalgia: The album's production has a bottom-heavy electro sheen that recalls early-'80s hip-hop; irreverent party-rocking jams such as "All Lifestyles," "Three the Hard Way" and "Ch-Check It Out" name-drop throwback icons Fred Sanford, Jabba the Hutt and Mr. Furley. It's obviously nothing new for the Boys, and much of the album does reek of self-cannibalization, but Boroughs is comfort food for the diehards -- and at this point, that's all we can expect or even want.
*indicates required fields. Please enable browser cookies before filling out this form. All reader comments are subject to our Terms of Use. By clicking Add Comment, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and agree to these Terms.
Comments may take a few minutes to process and appear on the site. Please do not click the "Add Comment" button again while your comment is being added.
Last Concert CafeHouston, TX |
BrasilHouston, TX |
AgoraHouston, TX |
Onion CreekHouston, TX |
Hotel ZazaHouston, TX |
House of BluesHouston, TX |
