Thursday, February 12, 2026

Ill Communication by Beastie Boys

When I first heard the Beastie Boys back in the 80s, I really didn’t like them. Partly for the embarrassment of white people rapping, partly for the absurd adoption of VW badges as a fashion accessory but mostly because of the way they used the word party as a verb. It wasn’t until sometime in the 90s that I heard this album and went back to give the meticulously crafted Paul’s Boutique a chance. 

This album is less sample heavy, and the rapping is still a bit cringeworthy in places (Why do they have to SHOUT, at the end of every LINE?), but the music is pretty good, all things considered. Sabotage is a certified banger helped by the excellent music video directed by Spike Jonze. 

A solid 3 stars, and I think I may well give some of their later albums a chance too.

https://album.link/gb/i/724771323



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