The Late Movies: "Paul's Boutique" Turns 23

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The Beastie Boys released their opus Paul's Boutique today, July 25, way back in 1989. (To some of us that doesn't seem so long ago.) It was their second record, and the band faced tremendous pressure to meet or exceed Licensed to Ill, known for anthemic party-rock/hip-hop hits like "(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)" and "No Sleep till Brooklyn." The Dust Brothers produced Paul's Boutique and in many cases actually wrote the music and arranged the samples. Although at first the album wasn't the smash hit Capitol Records was looking for, it was a critical success and eventually (in 1999) went double platinum. It often appears on critics' "best albums" lists. Tonight, a few choice cuts from the record.

"Shadrach" Live on Soul Train

"It's not how you play the game, it's how you win it" -The Beastie Boys rapping on, no kidding, Soul Train. They repeatedly name-check the late Don Cornelius, who proceeds to interview them onstage. Also notable: MCA's beard.

"Hey Ladies"

With a layered Seventies funk groove, this song samples James Brown, Kool & the Gang, the Commodores, Cameo, P-Funk All Stars, Kurtis Blow, and many more.

"Shake Your Rump"

The video featured the three rappers performing in front of three cameras on a roof. Most fun is the dance break around 2:00 in which you can see the crew in the background. At the very end, you see The Dust Brothers (E.Z. Mike is one).

"Johnny Ryall" (Demo)

Playing on limited-edition blue vinyl, on a rainbow turntable. The song samples Pink Floyd, Donny Hathaway, Kurtis Blow, and the Beastie Boys' previous work among many others. The song refers to a homeless man. Interesting how many of the song's name-checks are still relevant -- Ed Koch and Donald Trump are both mentioned.

"High Plains Drifter" Live in Tokyo

From a concert in 1995.

"The Sounds of Science" Live in Japan

"Droppin' science like? Galileo dropped the orange," live in Japan.

"Egg Man" Live in Germany

"Come Halloween you know I come strapped!" A song about egging.

Paul's Boutique Release Party

Yeah, just 48 minutes of hanging out on the Capitol Records roof celebrating the record's release. Spoiler/surprise alert: there is awesome skywriting in this video. Also amusing is the extended interview -- towards the end, the guys lament the consumer trend towards CDs and away from vinyl; MCA suggests that vinyl is superior in part because "it's bigger."