Description
Beastie Boys – Some Old Bullshit – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Beastie Boys’ Some Old Bullshit, released on February 8, 1994, is a compilation album that collects the band’s early punk and hardcore recordings from their pre-hip-hop era. The album serves as a time capsule of their beginnings in the New York City underground scene, offering raw and energetic tracks that showcase their origins as a hardcore punk band before their transition to hip-hop. With its lo-fi production and DIY ethos, Some Old Bullshit is a fascinating glimpse into the formative years of one of music’s most innovative groups.
Before the Beastie Boys became trailblazers in the world of hip-hop, they were a punk band formed in New York City in 1981. The original lineup consisted of Mike D (Michael Diamond), MCA (Adam Yauch), John Berry, and Kate Schellenbach. They were inspired by the vibrant NYC punk and hardcore scene, influenced by bands like Bad Brains, Black Flag, and Minor Threat.
The tracks on Some Old Bullshit were recorded between 1980 and 1983, during the band’s early days. The compilation includes material from their debut EP, Polly Wog Stew (1982), their 1983 single Cooky Puss, and other rare recordings. By the time Some Old Bullshit was released in 1994, the Beastie Boys were international hip-hop superstars, and the album served as both a retrospective and a curiosity for fans interested in their punk roots.
The music on Some Old Bullshit is pure hardcore punk—short, fast, and aggressive, with lo-fi production and frenetic energy. The songs feature fast-paced drumming, distorted guitars, and shouted vocals, capturing the raw intensity of the early 1980s punk scene. Lyrically, the tracks often explore youthful rebellion, humor, and social commentary, delivered with the irreverence that would later become a hallmark of the Beastie Boys’ style.
Track Highlights
Egg Raid on Mojo
A blistering punk track about a real-life incident involving the band egging a nightclub bouncer, this song epitomizes the chaotic energy of their early days.
Beastie Boys
One of their earliest tracks, it’s a fast and furious anthem that highlights their hardcore roots and the aggressive spirit of the era.
Transit Cop
A short, explosive track criticizing police authority, with shouted vocals and relentless instrumentation.
Cooky Puss
A pivotal track in the band’s transition to hip-hop, this single is a humorous prank call set to a funky beat, incorporating elements of sampling and scratching for the first time.
Holy Snappers
A chaotic burst of punk energy, this track showcases their raw, unpolished sound.
Ode to…
A slower, more experimental track that hints at the band’s willingness to play with unconventional structures and ideas.
Riot Fight
A 30-second blast of hardcore fury, reflecting the band’s immersion in the New York punk scene.
Jimi
A quirky, humorous tribute to Jimi Hendrix, demonstrating the playful side of their punk ethos.
Some Old Bullshit was well-received by fans curious about the band’s punk origins, though it was primarily of interest to die-hard fans and completists. Critics noted the raw, unpolished nature of the recordings, which provided a stark contrast to the polished production of their later hip-hop work. For many listeners, the album was a reminder of the band’s versatility and their deep roots in the NYC music scene.
The inclusion of Cooky Puss is particularly significant, as it marks the transition point where the Beastie Boys began experimenting with hip-hop, setting the stage for their groundbreaking debut album, Licensed to Ill (1986).
Some Old Bullshit is an important document of the early 1980s NYC punk and hardcore scene, capturing a moment in time when the Beastie Boys were just another scrappy band playing small clubs alongside groups like Bad Brains and the Dead Kennedys. It also highlights the group’s DIY ethos and their willingness to experiment, traits that would define their career across genres.
The album demonstrates how the Beastie Boys evolved from punk rockers to hip-hop pioneers, a transition that few artists have successfully navigated. Their punk roots remained a core part of their identity, influencing their attitude and approach to music even as they embraced new styles.
Some Old Bullshit is a fascinating snapshot of the Beastie Boys’ earliest days, offering raw and energetic recordings that highlight their beginnings as a hardcore punk band. While the album is not as polished or groundbreaking as their later hip-hop releases, it provides valuable insight into their evolution as artists and their roots in New York’s punk scene. For fans and music historians alike, Some Old Bullshit is an essential piece of the Beastie Boys’ story, capturing the youthful energy and irreverence that would later define their iconic career.
Reissue on black 180g vinyl.
Featuring Beastie Boys’ Earliest Recordings Including EGG RAID ON MOJO and COOKY PUSS on 180gram VINYL
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Egg Raid On Mojo
Beastie Boys
Transit Cop
Jimi
Holy Snappers
Riot Fight
Ode To…
Michelle’s Farm
Egg Raid On Mojo
Transit Cop
Cooky Puss
Bonus Batter
Beastie Revolution
Cooky Puss (Censored Version)
