I've been digesting the Beastie Boys Book for the last month or so. It's amazing, disjointed and brilliant just like the band. I've been listening to the audiobook due to my lack of free reading time. It's one of the best audiobooks I've ever encountered. They have invited a stellar cast of narrators including Snoop Doggy Dogg, Kim Gordon, Chuck D, Will Ferrell, Bette Midler and Steve Buscemi as well as many many others.
The narrative jumps about from their childhood, through early punk adventures, Bad Brains and Black Flag concerts, New York Discos, career low-points (Def Jam), clothing labels, recording with Lee Scratch Perry and lists of equipment, recipes and mix tapes. Everything is in this book.
Much of the book is a tribute to Adam Yauch, MCA, who died in 2012 from parotid cancer. His fellow Beastie Boys clearly and understandably miss him. In some ways he appears to have been a pathfinder for the band and is credited as being the Beastie who made things happen.
The physical release is beautifully illustrated with photos and comics strips reminiscent of the old Grand Royale magazine from the 90s. It's a thing of beauty but the audiobook is worth your time too.
A fitting legacy for a great band. Sadly, I never saw them and I deeply regret it. I am glad I had their music (and their music videos).
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