Beastie Boys - Check Your Head [2 LP, 180g Black Vinyl LP]

The Beastie Boys delivered a creative breakthrough with Check Your Head, their third studio album released on April 21, 1992, by Grand Royal and Capitol Records. Following the commercial disappointment of Paul's Boutique, the trio returned to their punk rock roots while incorporating the hip-hop skills they had perfected over the years. With fewer samples and more instruments, the album marked a fundamental shift as the Beastie Boys returned to their beginnings, creating a unique hybrid that practically defined the summer of 1992 for those who were wary of the mainstreaming of rap and somewhat bored by the insurgency of grunge.

The album showcases the trio's versatility across twenty tracks that seamlessly blend rap, punk, funk, and rock elements. Standout tracks include "Pass the Mic," "Gratitude," and "So What'cha Want," which are classic slices from Ad-Rock, MCA, and Mike D. The infectious energy of these tracks demonstrates how the band successfully balanced their hip-hop lyricism with live instrumentation, creating a sound that was both nostalgic and forward-thinking. The album made number ten on the Billboard 200, proving their artistic gamble had paid off commercially as well.

This 180g black vinyl pressing captures the raw energy and dynamic range that made Check Your Head such a landmark release. The double LP format allows the album's diverse sonic palette to shine, from the punky guitar riffs to the funky bass lines and crisp drum breaks. Produced solely by Mario Caldato, Jr., who was one of the producers on Paul's Boutique, the album benefits from his understanding of both the group's hip-hop sensibilities and their punk rock heritage, resulting in a cohesive yet eclectic listening experience enhanced by the warmth and depth of vinyl.

• Format: 180g Audiophile Quality Black Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "So What'cha Want," "Pass the Mic," "Gratitude"
• Pressing details: 2 LP set, 180g black vinyl, gatefold jacket, remastered
• Genre/style: Alternative Hip-Hop, Rap Rock, Funk Rock, Alternative Rock
• UPC: 5099969422515

This pivotal album represents the Beastie Boys at their most creatively adventurous, successfully bridging the gap between their punk origins and hip-hop mastery.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Jimmy James
2. Funky Boss
3. Pass The Mic
4. Gratitude
5. Lighten Up

Side B:

1. Finger Lickin' Good
2. So What'cha Want
3. The Biz Vs The Nuge
4. Time For Livin'
5. Something's Got To Give

Side C:

1. The Blue Nun
2. Stand Together
3. Pow
4. The Maestro
5. Groove Holmes

Side D:

1. Live At P.J.'s
2. Mark On The Bus
3. Professor Booty
4. In 3's
5. Namasté