RIP Adam Yauch. His obituary made the front page of the Times. In a way I’m surprised, but it certainly is (sadly) merited.
If the Beatles was the ego of four smart, working-class Liverpool teens, the Beastie Boys were the id of smart, Jewish, upper-middle-class, New York City kids.
Their masterwork, Paul’s Boutique is not only one of the greatest albums ever, but was twenty years ahead of its time when it came out in 1989, and remains twenty years ahead of its time in perpetuity.
Its ambition, achievement, and influence is on a par with Sgt. Pepper’s. It also happens to be thematically tighter. Miles Davis said it was the only album he could listen to over and over again, without getting tired of it.
From all accounts, Yauch was a funny, and gentle soul. The “gruff” Beastie Boy, and their conscience as well. Condolences to his family and friends. His fans, and the city will miss him. I already do.
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