Customer Reviews

Root Down [Vinyl]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I would have to agree with what someone else said about this being better for people who have already heard the album versions. That being said, it's a great album. In my opinion, the best track on here is the live version of "Time to Get ill". I love it- it's raw, fresh, and as close to gangster rap as any white guys can get (B-boys are way better than eminem). "Root Down" is one of my all-time fave B-Boy songs, and the remixes give it an extra kick (even though both of the mixes can be found on the DVD, if you heard them on there and liked it, you can listen to them in your cd player now). For those who actually like "Sabrosa", like me, this live version is great. It's got more wah's than, well....., let's just say Adrock doesn't take his foot off the pedal once- and it's still an awesome groove. For those who haven't seen B-boys live, they've got so much energy (especially Adrock) that isn't ever shown on their studio albums, and I think this album finally does it well. Hearing Adrock scream like a maniac really does something for you on the inside. Last thing- I've never been a huge fan of B-boy punk, but just listening to the live version of "Time for livin'" got me hooked.

What a great album by the B-Boys!! This album gives you what no other Beastie Boy's album gave us-live tracks. Why the B-Boys never gave us an entire live album I will never understand. There is one too many root down versions, but it's all good I guess. The Sabrosa Man is just a sick glimpse of the jamming capabilities of the boys. A main reason for this is due to Eric Bobo, son of Willie Bobo, and his sick skills on the skins. This is a great album that does not get the credit it deserves.

Before you skip this review because I'm from Vermont, hear me out. I am the biggest BBoys fan in the world I think, but this CD wore out too fast. Every track is really good, but something seems missing. Where are the cuts, samples, and scratches that I love so much? Well they're gone boss hog, this is a live album. Although the Root Down remixes are cool, they just don't have the bass-y base line that the original contained. The live songs are really cool, and are definately worth a look, but they just seem rushed. This "album" was created so fans wouldn't lose interest in the Beastie Boys in the time between Ill Communication and Hello Nasty. It was originally supposed to be a single, but it was just doctored up. I am being overly critical though, like all BBoys music, I just can't put this down. It's a good trip, but I've heard it all before.

HEY! YOU! YEAH YOU SITTING ON THE CHAIR, WONDERING WHAT CD TO ORDER! Four stars is WAY too little for THIS album! Root Down EP is one of the best albums out for God's sakes! If you are wondering wether to buy Root Down EP or LeAnn Rimes, well then THERE'S NO @$!% QUESTION ON WHAT YOU SHOULD BUY!! ROOT DOWN EP!!! Here are my song reviews

1. Root Down (Free Zone Mix): A good mix of a good song, what can I say? 2. Root Down: The originial, one of my faves. 3. Root Down (PP Balloon Mix): Kind of sounds a little like Track One, but it's still awesome. 4. Time To Get Ill (Live): It's a really good track, but not as good as the album version. 5. Heart Attack Man (Live): Great great great! But the album version is better. 6. The Maestro (Live): A four star song on a five star album. 7. Sabrosa (Live): My least favorite on the album. It's instrumental and kind of boring. 8. Flute Loop (Live): Probably my favorite on the album. Flute Loop is one helluva song and the live version was also great. 9. Time For Livin (Live): Awwwwesome! I love B-Boy punk. 10. Something's Got To Give (Live): So-so. HIDDEN TRACK. So Watcha Want? (Isreal Version): It's a hidden track. After Track Ten ends, keep listening. At about 4:25 it starts. It's only about 30 seconds long, but good.

So, 4 all of you out there wondering what CD you would want to purchase, THIS ALBUM IS IT!!!

Thank you for your time.

This EP is very good. The remixes of "Root Down" are very good, and call me crazy, have a gothic, weird edge to them. "Time to Get Ill" is better than the original, too. Not a must-have, but if you want remixes and live tracks, get it.

This CD is actually a 3.75 stars. It is not as good as Check Your Head, which would merit four, but better than, well, better than crap (I can't think of any bad Beastie Boys CDs). The first "Root Down" mix is very interesting, with a totally new riff. The bassline is gone, as well. The Album version of "Root Down" is just as good as it is on the album, which is pretty damn good. The second "Root Down" mix is similar to the first and not that great. It lacks a few of the spur of the moment elements found in the album version of Root Down. Next comes an updated, live version of "Time To get Ill" with a slowed down tempo and much more profanity. It is a solid song and merits much listening. "Heart Attack Man" follows, sounding very similar to the album version. I can't say much for this song as I don't really enjoy the Beasie Boys' punk, but it is still interesting and a good song. A sped up "The Maestro" is very good, but not as good as the album version. The spontanity (it is live, as are all the tracks besides the "Root Down" album version) brings it up to par. "Sabrosa" is next. From Ill Communication, this song was never that great to begin with. It is an instrumental track that never really goes anywhere. It just wallows in its own existence. A minute and a half version of "Flut Loop" is okay, but sounds no different than the album version, save for more yelling. Another punk track, "Time for Livin'" is the next song, one that I never reallly enjoyed. It is not as good as "Heart Attack Man" and degrades the album. "Something's Got to Give" is the last real song on the Root Down EP. It is another insturmental, but from Check Your Head, which preceded Ill Communication. Ithas a weird sound affect added, a series of bleeps dropping in pitch. It is a little annoying but the song comes out alright. The very last song is a "hidden" track. It is about 30 seconds of "So! What'cha Want" from Check Your Head song in Hebrew, from an Israeli radio station. It's good for a laugh. All in all, the Root Down EP is definitely fundamentally sound. It sounds like the Boys could have put more work into it, but you have to keep in mind that is comprised mostly of live songs. I would not recommend it at all for the first time buyer of Beastie Boys work, as the lyrics are hard to understand and the songs would only be fun to listen to if you are familiar with the album versions.

3 1/2

The Root Down remixes themselves are nothing inherently worth repeatedly listening to, although tack on some rather energetic live cuts off of multiple albums and you've got yourself a worthy EP.

The Root Down EP shows some really great remixed of root down as well as the beastie boys performing live which is important. The EP really shows that the beatie boys are great at performing live toghether in front of a crowd. I've been a fan of the beastie boys for a while now but i have never been able to see them live so the Root Down EP was great to listen to.

i don't know about the what the other people have said about changing riffs, and it needing improvement etc. - they are lame, just listen to the cd you will find that it grows on you...sure if you are seeking instant gratification tracks 1 and 3 are the best, but if you listen to the cd for awhile you'll see that they all rock. the live version of something's got to give is awesome and the live version of the maestro throws in two SPECTACULAR bass throbs that will rock your knees with the right system. there is also a 'hidden' track at the end which is a hebrew commercial to the tune of so whatcha want...this, like all other b-boys albums, is a must buy!

I love the Beasties - I can't think of a bad CD they've put out, but this one kinda falls short. "Root Down"(track 1) is an excellent song and so is track 3, which is "Root Down" with more drums. Both are cool, as are some of the other tracks, but I ended up skipping a lot of them and listening to t.1 and 3 over and over again. Not bad, but could use some work.