Beastie Boys - The Mix-Up (Capitol)

It took a while, but at last it's here. Two copies of this, album 12 from the Beastie Boys, never made to the Times (hmmmmm...what happened between departure and non-arrival?), and so a big thanks to EMI for kindly furnishing me with another.

The three Jewish New Yorkers are genuine musical chameleons, having started as a hardcore/punk band, morphed into shouty party-anthem rappers, and also dabbling in instrumental jazz-funk.

To me, that's what the talented trio do best, with The In Sound From Way Out (1996) their finest work.

The Mix-Up seems almost a sequel to that terrific album, notably featuring the re-emergence of keyboardist "Money Mark" Ramos-Nishita as a vital part-time member of the group.

Money Mark adds a dynamic to the combined work of Mike D, Ad Rock and MCA which lifts it about the group's other material: there's a spark here which makes jazz/funk/soul lovers prick up their ears.

While it's difficult to pick a favourite - all of it appeals - there's a pleasant mix of tempos and structures, some reminiscent of The In Sound From Way Out, others similar to Money Mark's solo work.

Reference points, for those needing them, include Kraut-rock icons Can, '60s surf rock, Bollywood soundtracks, and experimental instrumental rock'n'roll. Be warned, this is nothing like the vast amount of Beastie Boys material: it's proof when they leave the vocal mics alone and just work together as musicians, they are unbeatable.

Rating: 4/5

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