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Editorial Reviews
Beastie Boys Paul's Boutique digitally re-mastered for the 1st time, overseen personally by the band to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the release. The original vinyl artwork has been faithfully restored in this 8 panel eco-friendly limited edition CD with fold-out poster. Paul's Boutique is consistently named as one of the greatest albums of all time by numerous publications such as Time, Rolling Stone, Spin, Q, and The Source.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
40 of 41 people found the following review helpful
By J. VanDenEng
Format: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.... Read more ›
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.... Read more ›
14 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By SevenBizzos
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
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.
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.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By Mmmm
Format: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.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Twenty years later, this still stands as one of the most creative CDs of all time. Paul's Boutique elevated hip-hop and rap into an art form with bits and pieces like an old Andy Warhol painting of sound with everything but the kitchen sink. There are sound bits from the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper, Abbey Road, Johnny Cash, Isley Brothers, Sly Stone, Curtis Mayfield, Loggins & Messina and more. If you don't like what you're hearing just wait five or ten seconds..it will change with another surpise. Question: Is that shrieking noise on "Egg Man" from the movie Psycho or Nightmare on Elm?" This one never gets boring. Highly recommended.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Paul's Boutique is still one of the greatest hip hop albums ever, what else needs to be said. It's one of the most sonically brilliant rap albums ever made, and since the genre has largely regressed to either pure stupidy (not to mention boring) or technically self induglent, this album sounds as great as it did in 1989. With tons of samples (ranging from Beatles, Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Mountain, Psycho, Aliens, Ramones, and tons more), hilarious lyrics, awesome voices, and loads of lasting appeal, this album is not overrated one bit. Other Beastie Boys albums are great as well, but nothing as remarkable as this, being The Beastie Boys were once a godawful garage "punk" band.
Now remastered, it sounds a lot better than it did previously on album. The first album was outdated, and it shows being that it was released in 1989 on cd (according to the album and amazon.com). I have both albums, and the first album certainly showed age. Many songs were low, there wasn't much bass, and it sounded tinny, somewhat bad because the sound collages were dense and well done. SOme of these songs sound the way they do because of the sound that was recorded on the album. For example, High Plains Drifter still sounds like an old drum machine, but that's because it was recorded with that particular sound. The album may not have been re-made, but everything is much louder, clearer, and more oopmh in that bass. That's the reason why this remaster version is worth getting. The music behind has held up well enough, and to see it remastered and cleaned up is a joy.
I think the double dip was worth it for me, since the album is groovier and rhythmatic that before. However, if you still have not been blessed with hearing this album, this is the only version that's even available.... Read more ›
Now remastered, it sounds a lot better than it did previously on album. The first album was outdated, and it shows being that it was released in 1989 on cd (according to the album and amazon.com). I have both albums, and the first album certainly showed age. Many songs were low, there wasn't much bass, and it sounded tinny, somewhat bad because the sound collages were dense and well done. SOme of these songs sound the way they do because of the sound that was recorded on the album. For example, High Plains Drifter still sounds like an old drum machine, but that's because it was recorded with that particular sound. The album may not have been re-made, but everything is much louder, clearer, and more oopmh in that bass. That's the reason why this remaster version is worth getting. The music behind has held up well enough, and to see it remastered and cleaned up is a joy.
I think the double dip was worth it for me, since the album is groovier and rhythmatic that before. However, if you still have not been blessed with hearing this album, this is the only version that's even available.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic Beasties!
My favorite Beasties album of all time.. Great deal for the remastered 20th anniversary! I bought 2 copies, one for me and one for my boyfriend, we both love it!
Published 2 months ago by Sasulou
4.0 out of 5 stars
As promised, Paul's Boutique comes correct.
It sounds a lot better the original CD. Dunno about the original LP. 5 stars would be for 2xLP or coming with hi quality FLAC/digital. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Tree Weezel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Stunning
The music is consistent with early Beastie Boys. I love it! I loved it on my iPod, and now even more on vinyl. Great sound, incredible packaging. Read more
Published 5 months ago by SpaceMonkey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Isn't it cool...
when you re-buy an item (remasters, omnibus, collector's edition, etc.), and it is better than the original?
That's how this re-release of Paul's Boutique is. Read more
That's how this re-release of Paul's Boutique is. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Americonsumer
4.0 out of 5 stars
would like mp3 link with it - but sounds good
...and it's a nice addition to my collection of old records. I bought this on cd when it came out but it's nice to have on vinyl. It sounds great.
Published 12 months ago by Albert B. Vega
5.0 out of 5 stars
Revised, awesome spinning on a classic.
Low ends drive the bass frequencies smooth, it probably has to do with the revamp of the double vinyl. R.I.P. MCA!
Published 12 months ago by HeatherSF
5.0 out of 5 stars
About the unreleased songs
(Additional obligatory 5 star score and glowing praise)
Now that that's out of the way, I want talk about something some others have mentioned about this reissue. Read more
Now that that's out of the way, I want talk about something some others have mentioned about this reissue. Read more
Published on April 9, 2010 by brainhead
5.0 out of 5 stars
This Was A Gift
I actually purchased this as a gift for my son. I didn't listen to it so I can't comment on the content but my son said it was great!!
Published on December 8, 2009 by D. Green
5.0 out of 5 stars
I agree with the masses
It's pretty much a lost cause trying to negatively review this album. Not only is it a great record in and of itself, Paul's Boutique was so important and influential to music in... Read more
Published on November 16, 2009 by A. Powell
1.0 out of 5 stars
ZERO BONUS TRACKS! What a rip...(One star for the remaster)
Yes, it's a great recording, but zero extras for a $19.99 retail 20th anniversary edition? Oh, wait... Read more
Published on August 7, 2009 by L. Dawson
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