Beasties may be 'ill'-received

One of the many inherent problems with music criticism is expectation.\nPaul's Boutique was a record that solidified sampling as a legitimate and integral element of hip-hop, Ill Communication defined rap-rock before rap-rock was even a buzzword and Hello Nasty created a dense, sample-driven sonic masterpiece.\nTherein lies that dreaded problem of expectation. The Beastie Boys left such a sweet taste in my mouth before their six-year hiatus, that I have spent those six years making it almost impossible for them to wow me upon their return.\nThe Beasties have come full circle and embraced their roots after a lengthy period of experimentation, going back to the formula that made them so successful: catchy beats, witty rhymes and hooky samples. To the 5 Boroughs is a bold title for a bold album that clearly sees the Beasties not only paying tribute to the scarred New York City, but also to NYC's storied hip-hop history that helped breed their success. And while the Beasties' most minimalist effort to date yields some great results, it also leaves me wanting more.\nThe reception of their debut single, "Ch-Check It Out," has been mixed. The syncopated horn-stab is a stretch, but I can't think of any other way to start the album. It's a glorious hook that is challenging, yet memorable. "Oh Word?" conjures up memories of Afrika Bambaataa's UFO landing, while "Triple Trouble" directly pays homage to "Rapper's Delight" brilliantly by not directly ripping-off its sample, rather remolding it into another party anthem. "Rhyme the Rhyme Well" and "An Open Letter to NYC" brood along, both showcasing the Beasties' successful attempts at a serious sound, with the latter showcasing some of the Beasties' most meaningful lyrics to date.\nWhat's odd is that the rest of the album doesn't resonate as well, but it's still intriguing. Some songs sound incomplete, with good ideas falling short of greatness. "That's It That's All" begs for a loud chorus, but instead we get an empty sample that doesn't satisfy. "All Lifestyles" and "Crawlspace" would benefit from layered samples, but they tragically grip to their minimalist roots.\nEvery time I listen to To the 5 Boroughs it gets better, but if I were 17 again, it would be a lot easier to take it in. That's not a shot at the Beastie Boys, rather a shot at a Beasties fan showing his age. The Beastie Boys are one of those bands that I expect nothing but the best from, and that's just as desirable as it is tragic.