The Oxford English Dictionary defines the science of art and expression as "the application of scientific methods in fields of study previously considered open only to theories based on subjective, historical, or undemonstrable abstract criteria." This trial, error, and experimentation with music has been the cornerstone of the success of the Beastie Boys.
Emerging from the New York punk scene almost two decades ago, the Beastie Boys would become the first widely successful all-white rap group, elevating hip-hop to new levels with their innovative mixes and obscure samples.
At the same time, the group wove deeper meaning into their lyrics as they matured both as artists and human beings.
In "Unite," the nineteenth track off of their 1998 album "Hello Nasty," the Beastie Boys announce, "We're the scientists of sound / We're mathematically putting it down / When lightning strikes, best grab a ground / got to get up to get down." While also being the root of the title of the Beastie Boys' Anthology, "The Sounds of Science," this lyric represents a fundamental truth of the Beastie Boys.
Throughout their careers, Mike D., Ad-Rock and MCA have toyed with different musical styles to form their own unique sound. "Sounds of Science" chronicles this musical growth, including songs from each of the many stages of the Boys' development.
"Sounds of Science" is not meant, however, to be entirely a greatest hits album. Rather, it's a timeline of the Beastie's musical progression, and the inclusion of some of the biggest hits is more than adequate to chronicle the Beastie's early rock and rap days.
"Hello Nasty," the Beastie Boys' most recent album, is very well represented by the inclusion of its first single, "Intergalactic." "Remote Control," a personal "Hello Nasty" favorite, is present, as is the music video mix of "Three MC's and One DJ," among others. The music video remix of "Body Movin'," arranged by Fatboy Slim, also a personal favorite, makes it into the anthology as well.
What makes "The Sounds of Science" such a tremendous album is the inclusion of over 25 B-sides and rare tracks. While they aren't as recognizable as "Intergalactic" or "Fight for Your Right," each of these songs represents a stage in the development of the Beasties' style.
The nineteenth track of Disc Two, titled "Egg Raid on Mojo," can be considered the first Beastie Boys song ever. Stemming from punk origins, this foray into hard-core is constructed on a baseline Adam Yauch (a.k.a. MCA) heard while fooling around with a friend's band.
In a way, this set the tone for the band; whatever beats or rhythms found their way into the minds of the B-boys would be interpreted and incorporated into their music.
Disc One's "Shake Your Rump" is a crucial addition to "The Sounds of Science." "Rump" was the first collaboration between the Beastie Boys and the Dust Brothers; the musicians worked so well together that the Dust Brothers ended up helping the Beastie Boys in recording their second album, "Paul's Boutique."
"Boomin' Granny," "Country Mike" and "Railroad Blues" all serve as examples of the Beasties' humor and their willingness to take chances with potentially offensive lyrics.
The Beastie Boys make it clear that while their songs are partially for their audience, the songwriting and mixing process is a self-centered effort. They make music because it interests them; commercial success is secondary.
"The Sounds of Science" is a crucial addition to any Beastie Boys collection. Besides being a musical overview of the group's evolution, the anthology is a fun album to listen to. Included with the discs is an 80-page insert with selected lyrics and personal comments from the band members regarding the making of each song.
