Beastie Boys

Beastie Boys, Foo Fighters keep it simple, solid

Beastie Boys, Foo Fighters keep it simple, solid

Two bands that I have been a fan of for over a decade have recently released new albums. Back in April, rock band Foo Fighters put out Wasting Light. This past month, hip-hop trio Beastie Boys unveiled Hot Sauce Committee Part Two.

These two music acts share quite a few things in common. Both share management and publicity firms (SAM and Nasty Little Man, respectfully). Both also worked with web developer Lee Martin and online audio platform SoundCloud to stream their latest albums for free before their official release dates.

The most important quality Beastie Boys and Foo Fighters share: In an age where mediocrity and 15-minute fame reign supreme, both have beaten the odds in remaining active—and successfully so, thanks to superb marketing (tasteful – not to Lady Gaga proportions), loyal fans and modern legendary status.

So it should come as no surprise that both bands managed to put out equally solid albums… emphasis on “should.” I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from each new release—the Boys’ last record was an instrumental; the Foos’ Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace (2007) was an overall disappointment. They sure cast aside my doubts in a one-two punch.

The best part? They keep it simple.

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Relics from My First Rock Concert

Relics from My First Rock Concert

The following is a recently found piece I wrote for a fan site, detailing my first-ever rock concert experience: BS 2000 and Le Tigre at Honolulu’s Pipeline Cafe on February 22, 2001. BS 2000 was Beastie Boy Adam “Adrock” Horovitz’s side project; Le Tigre was former Bikini Kill frontwoman Kathleen Hanna’s band. Horovitz and Hanna eventually wed in 2006.

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No Sleep Till Berkeley!

No Sleep Till Berkeley!

Last night, a dream of mine came true… I finally got to see the Beastie Boys live! So… this blog is gonna be a long one.

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