Oh wow, what an excellent selection from the archives! Definitely a whiplash from yesterday's Allman Brothers selection, but let's kick it Root Down shall we?1995's Root Down EP from the Beastie Boys is more than just an EP. Not only do we get 3 different versions of the funkalicious hit "Root Down", we get 6 tracks recorded live in Europe from the B Boys' 1995 winter tour.
The track "Root Down" was featured on the full LP Ill Communication which was released in '95 as well. However the 10 track EP featured here was an extra treat from the NYC power trio that year seeing as though the B Boys only release a record once every three or four years.
- "Root Down" (Free Zone Mix) – 3:48
- "Root Down" (Ill Communication Mix) – 3:31
- "Root Down" (PP Balloon Mix) – 3:30 (produced by Prince Paul)
- "Time to Get Ill" – 1:59
- "Heart Attack Man" – 2:08
- "The Maestro" – 3:14
- "Sabrosa" – 2:53
- "Flute Loop" – 1:39
- "Time for Livin''" – 1:58
- "Something's Got to Give" – 4:57 (Ends at 3:56. A hidden track in Hebrew can be heard at 4:28)
"Root Down" is simply classic Beastie Boys in my opinion; and I'm sure others will agree. It's been covered by many but will never replicate what the B Boys bring to the tune. However, what many might not realize is that their version of "Root Down" is in many ways a cover tune as well. The original "Root Down" was created by legendary jazz organist/keyboardist Jimmy Smith on his 1972 release Root Down. Jimmy made the Hammond B-3 organ popular and in order to appreciate the Beastie Boys version, you have give respects to where the sample came from.
Jimmy's cut "Root Down (And Get It)" is a great funky jazz number and you'll see why:
So just for comparison sake (and if you've been living under rock) here's the Beastie Boys cut:
I think you get the idea. Moving on.
The remainder of the EP that features the live tracks is a pretty good listen. A majority of the tunes hail from the the Beastie Boys' third studio release Check Your Head; which I really enjoy by the way. Of course "Time to Get Ill" can be found on the iconic Licensed to Ill.
What some might not realize is that not only are the B Boys great rappers, they are also fantastic musicians. The instrumental tracks they compose are simply great. The instrumental collections
they release are must haves even if you are not into instrumental tunes. Tracks like "Sabrosa" found here represent a small portion of what these guys can do.
The final track on this disc, "Something's Got to Give" is in my top 10 favorites. Its slinky groove is just what the doctor ordered and I enjoy every minute of it. The below is not the live version found on the EP, but it really doesn't matter.
As for the disc itself, I can't recall when I picked it up. It may have been around the 2001-2003 era while working in a music store. Honestly it doesn't hold any sentimental value to me which leads me to pass it along to iTunes and give up the hard copy to the gods. I'm trying to shrink this CD collection you know? Something's got to give.
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