During a visit to Rough Trade East last weekend, I picked up Best Of Grand Royal 12′s, a collection of, as the smart folks at Rough Trade note, “not strictly legit” Beastie Boys remixes released in September 2007. Beasties? Yes, please. Remixes? What more could a remix whore like me want?
Michael (Mike D) Diamond, Adam (MCA) Yauch and Adam (Ad-Rock) Horovitz have been making The Music – in one guise (punk) or another (hip hop) – since 1984. After two and a half decades in the biz, having sold in the neighborhood of 20 million albums (20,000,000, otherwise known as alot) and sprouted more than a few gray hairs, the trio are giants of music, yet still manage to maintain their independent streak and underground sensibility and respect.
Between 1985 and 2008, these three goofballs have made their presence known with 14 Top 50 singles in the United Kingdom (three of them Top 10) and six Top 100 (four Top 50) singles in the United States. I have to say, having observed U.K. charts since my days spent lounging around WPTS in the early 90s, they’re just that much more adventurous over here. What is usually underground or college music in The States has a fighting chance for wider success in Britain. Example: Singles off Ill Communication didn’t really get a sniffle in the U.S., but reached #19 (“Sabotage”), #19 (“Get It Together”) and #27 (“Sure Shot”) in the U.K.
It always fascinates me when artists have mega-multi-platinum album success over the course of decades while not hitting huge peaks of singles chart success. These always seem to be the most respected performers. Year-in, year-out they practice their craft, honing, refining and expanding what makes them legends. The Beastie Boys fall into this category. They jumped into the public eye with Licensed To Ill in 1987 and haven’t looked back. And, while they haven’t torn up the charts, a new Beasties album is always anticipated.
All Hail! those Boys from the Boroughs!
Intergalactic (Strawberry Bath And Jelly Soles Instrumental Version)
(Original #28 U.S., #5 U.K.)
The Negotiation Limerick File (Handsome Boy Modelling School Makeover)
(Original #29 U.S. Modern Rock Chart)
Sure Shot (Green Mix)
(Original #27 U.K.)
Filed under: 100beats, Music, Those Zany Charts ...
