I’ve always loved and admired the Beastie Boys. They’ve evolved from relatively simple rap/hip-hop roots with a wonderful sense of humor, to the musically dense and complex jazz/funk areas that they seem to be exploring nowadays. (The Mix Up is sheer brilliance.)

They’ve never resorted to gratuitous bling or scantily clad dancer girls to make their videos interesting. Even the video for “Hey Ladies” was tongue-in-cheek, poking fun at themselves instead of beefing themselves up as hot studs.

Not all the videos are slapstick. “Gratitude”, “Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun”, and “Something’s Gotta Give” are more reflective of their political and spiritual interests.

If only all my favorite bands could get the Criterion treatment (Radiohead please?).

Adam Yauch — wishing you a speedy recovery!!!!