Paul's Boutique (20th Anniversary Edition) [Original recording remastered]

Beastie Boys | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 10, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 1989
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Capitol
• ASIN: B001NJY66Q
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,513 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #70 in Music > Rock > Rap Rock
  • #72 in Music > Rap & Hip-Hop > Experimental Rap

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Paul's Boutique comes correct, February 11, 2009

By 

J. VanDenEng (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Paul's Boutique (20th Anniversary Edition) (Vinyl LP) (Vinyl)

I'm not going to waste your time reviewing the content of this classic album. If you haven't already heard Paul's Boutique- where the hell have you been for the past 20 years? This was probably the first relevant hip hop album ever made by whiteboys (back when sampling was free). Oh, and the Dust Brothers went on to do even MORE great things...

What I am going to review here are the improvements made to the quality of the content by way of remastering. I'm no rocket-surgeon (intended) but I do have VERY picky ears, and I seldom wanted to listen to Paul's Boutique due to the horrible (IMO) sound quality of the CD. The volume was very low and the quality and clarity of the sound was lacking. The bass frequencies were also dissapointing compared to all other Beasties albums. Well friends and lovers of great music, the answer to all of our prayers has come. The remastered 180 gram vinyl version will blow your doors off. The volume issue is fixed, the bass hits HARD and clear, and all of the little details/elements cut through and sound fantastic. There is nothing holding this album back anymore, and you will fall in love with it all over again.

The artwork is 8 panels of top-notch high-gloss panoramic goodness. The lyrics are included and the vinyl is 180 grams solid. Don't forget your free download- a 53 minute mp3 of the Beastie Boys discussing the making of the album while the album plays in the background.

The only negative thing I have to say, is that when I spend $25 on a record- I expect to be able to download the mp3's for free. This record does not come equipped with such a download. I had to log on to the Beasties web site and pay an additional $11.99 for the mp3 version of the album. This bummed me out because most new vinyl these days comes with a free digital download of the album. What gives?

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a "must have", but definately an improvement., February 20, 2009

By 

SevenBizzos (Nowhere) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Paul's Boutique (20th Anniversary Edition) (Audio CD)

I consider this one of the greatest albums ever made, and because of that, jumped at the opportunity to purchase this.

I'm still a bit "old fashioned" and bought the CD, and I still play the original CD periodically. So I guess doing this is the best way to notice any improvements. While it's not like night and day, the improvements are noticeable, especially at high volume levels. Are they noticeable enough to shell out $15 on the same CD I already own and have played nearly to death? I'm not 100% sure.

If you're going to buy the CD just to buy it, it's probably not worth it. If you're going to buy it to put into your Alpine and re-terrorize the neighborhood (like you used to), then this is a definate purchase. Both you and the album deserve that.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mix the Bass Ale with the Guinness Stout, February 12, 2009

By 

M Norris "M" (Tokyo, Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paul's Boutique (20th Anniversary Edition) (Audio CD)

It sounds good. Really good. I can tell the difference- especially with Shadrach and B-Boy Bouillabaisse. Don't know what the casual fan will think but I think the remaster is a good idea. The classic, near-flawless album sounds even better.