Beastie Boys To the 5 Boroughs

Beastie Boys
To the 5 Boroughs

Aptly titled, To the 5 Boroughs sounds just like it came out of New York circa 1985. It's old School and it’s oldest—stripped down beats, orchestra hits, scratching and rhyming. That’s it. This works great on “Ch-check it Out,” “Triple Trouble” and “An Open Letter to NYC.”

While hip-hop has always been their forte, the Beasties generally keep it interesting by mixing a bunch of styles. Unfortunately 5 Boroughs, is void of all funk or punk rock rants.

The irreverent boys of License to Ill are almost 40 now. They rap more about politics than partying, but most of these new songs still manage to get the party started.

The Killers - Hot Fuss

The Killers
Hot Fuss

It’s embarrassing enough to get introduced to a new band by MTV and it’s even harder to admit it. I’m swallowing my pride. I first saw “Somebody Told Me” by the Killers while I was in San Diego (we don’t have cable at our house). I thought it was a pretty good little tune and I am a sucker for the Moog (click here for more info on the Moog) sounds.

The Killers bring the 80’s electronic beats and sounds of Depeche Mode or Duran Duran and mix it with a bit more updated alternative rock. Their album Hot Fuss is not a masterpiece, but there are some really solid tracks. I list it here as a rave for the following reasons:

1. When I hear the repeated line “I’ve got soul, but I’m not a soldier” I find myself marching/dancing while I’m mowing my front lawn (the neighbors love it).

2. Most of the tunes cause me to play air keyboard (anyone can cause you to play air guitar, you have to be really hip to make people rock out to your keyboard).

3. The song title “Mr. Brightside” is pretty close to “Mr. Blue Skies,” and that’s a great song.

I am a sucker for bands that kind of sound like the Cure. So if you like the Cure, you may as well give the Killers a try.

*The Moog is an analog keyboard that makes wacky sounds. Check out "Return of the Rentals for a good example.