Staff Pick
No! Sleep! Till I finish this seriously entertaining book mixed together by Ad-Rock and Mike D (weaving in guest spots from famous fans like Amy Poehler, Jonathan Lethem, and Spike Jonze) that feels like a playfully constructed scrapbook and heartfelt personal chronicle all in one. Recommended By Matt K. , Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
A panoramic experience that tells the story of Beastie Boys, a book as unique as the band itself — by band members ADROCK and Mike D, with contributions from Amy Poehler, Colson Whitehead, Spike Jonze, Wes Anderson, Luc Sante, and more.
Formed as a New York City hardcore band in 1981, Beastie Boys struck an unlikely path to global hip hop superstardom. Here is their story, told for the first time in the words of the band. Adam “ADROCK” Horovitz and Michael “Mike D” Diamond offer revealing and very funny accounts of their transition from teenage punks to budding rappers; their early collaboration with Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin; the debut album that became the first hip hop record ever to hit #1, Licensed to Ill — and the album’s messy fallout as the band broke with Def Jam; their move to Los Angeles and rebirth with the genre-defying masterpiece Paul’s Boutique; their evolution as musicians and social activists over the course of the classic albums Check Your Head, Ill Communication, and Hello Nasty and the Tibetan Freedom Concert benefits conceived by the late Adam “MCA” Yauch; and more. For more than 30 years, this band has had an inescapable and indelible influence on popular culture.
With a style as distinctive and eclectic as a Beastie Boys album, Beastie Boys Book upends the typical music memoir. Alongside the band narrative you will find rare photos, original illustrations, a cookbook by chef Roy Choi, a graphic novel, a map of Beastie Boys’ New York, mixtape playlists, pieces by guest contributors, and many more surprises.
Review
“Beastie Boys fans will devour this book, as will anyone interested in the early days of hip-hop, the art/music/street life of New York City in the 1980s, and the alternative-nation zeitgeist of the ’90s.” Kirkus Reviews
Review
“This entertaining look at Beastie Boys history is as innovative and raucous as the band’s music.” Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
About the Author
Michael Diamond and Adam Horovitz are the surviving members of Beastie Boys.
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