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Description:
The Beastie Boys have put some of their vocal tracks up for remixing here: http://www.beastieboys.com/remixers.php
Sounded like a good challenge to me, so I added instruments to their a cappella track.
Writing and vocals: Beastie Boys (Adrock, Mike D, and MCA)
Remix: PV
Lyrics:
Ideas spark my hand grabs a pen
Sweeten up the sound let me get the right blend
Coming down the wire to the Neve mic pre
Nice up the sound for the A to D
I'm a Wonderama snake can winner
Bagel from Bob and a TV Dinner
I'm the one that won that dance contest
'Cause you know I dance the best
All you gotta do is do your thing you see
'Cause I don't give a fuck who you're supposed to be
My name is Adrock and I aim to please
And I gotta spread love in society
We got to keep the party going on
All lifestyles, sizes, shapes, and forms
What you saw, what you heard
I get involved, I might disturb
And if you want what's going down
You might just get that silky sound
So what'cha want? So what'cha need?
I've got the fonts, you want to read
Get in the game you gotta scheme
All the same I've got the team
More new wave not OG
Walking down the block you say "Yo, D!
When you coming out with the new CD
That spreads love in society?"
We got to keep the party going on
All lifestyles, sizes, shapes, and forms
Goto goto goto goto
Don't mess with crack or the baking soda
Whether in the high rise where you live like Rhoda
Or in the shack and you live like Yoda
Once again it's on like a brand new morn
Beatsie Beatsie Boys here to keep you all warm
All you spazzes and you freaks
Go and do your thing 'cause you're unique
If it don't hurt nobody else then
Don't be afraid to be yourself and
Special dedication and so on
To all lifestyles, sizes, shapes and forms
We got to keep the party going on
All lifestyles, sizes, shapes, and forms
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Well, if you have to work with amateur vocals... ;-) &mdash 03/28/07 - 11:37:46 PM
...MAN! You get to have the Beasties on your track. I'm so JEALOUS.
This is superb, fun-on-a-stick, David, definitely in the spirit of the band and I dig that cowbell, big-time. The only suggestion I have is that you consider giving the song an ending rather than having it just end. Other than that, this is professional as all get out. Love it!
[ Reply to This ]
Lisa &mdash 03/29/07 - 12:09:16 AM
Yes, that's a fine suggestions... I really did struggle with how to end it, and I'm semi-happy with this one. I'm sure I could make one to be truly-happy about though. Thank you, Lisa!
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/30232">Nothing Will Die</a> [ Reply to This ]
Also &mdash 03/28/07 - 11:38:31 PM
Could you write a little about your process making this? I'm interested. [ Reply to This ]
Oh boy &mdash 03/29/07 - 12:05:48 AM
I'll try to keep it at a 'little bit', haha.
First of all, I downloaded about 12 tracks of Beastie Boys vocals at once, and went through them all and laid down basic beats. Based on what I had then, I picked 4 tunes that I thought I could do something cool with. At this point I was still thinking that it couldn't be difficult to mix a rap tune. HA!
It's easy enough making the beats work. Making anything else work is pretty tough. I now completely understand why rap music is full of scratching and atonal stabs of various sounds.
My first attempt at this song, I took the heavy metal route; I was adding chunky rhythm guitar, metal sounding drums and bass. That never went anywhere, and I tossed it.
The rhythm section was easy once I found a drum loop that I imagine sounded just like what the Boys were grooving to when they sung this. I added claps and the bell to round it out.
Everything else was difficult. I must have tried a coupla hundred bass loops. I was searching through a folder of zero-g Reggae loops when I struck upon a gold mine of funky material to add... guitars, organs and horns. Sadly, the horns are way synthy, but they fit nicely. I also used some other horn loops... possibly Apple loops. I started with many dozens of those, and pared them down to 16.
I tried to match the accents--the horns, guitar, etc.--to the way they were singing. There was lots of trial and error. I also tripled the vocal tracks and doubled the drum tracks and applied different effects to each.
I also had a session of taking the vocals into SoundEdit and distorting them. I made lots of sounds, but only used two of them (the "forms" in the first break, and the penultimate chorus). All told, there's 32 sound files involved, mostly loops.
You knew I was going to go on and on about this didn't you, Lisa?! Dang you!
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/30232">Nothing Will Die</a> [ Reply to This ]
You did THAT! &mdash 03/28/07 - 11:48:28 PM
Eh eh eh... Man, I haven't been gone that long, have I... Well it has been awhile. In fact, seeing you and getting a hug for Lisa was around the last time that I'd been here checkn' out any music. I'll get ya some pics tomorrow!
Totally dign' this! There's definitely a party goin on. Like the way those synth horn stabs dance w/ the groove of the funkn' rhythm guitar - The beat is very, 'right on' too! - Feeling like cutting a step or too, but maybe we'll keep that energy bridled for this evening. But it could happen - Eh eh... The synth bass thingy, is what was supposed to be. Yep, yep. And well, the cow bell just works!
Don't know why this makes me wanna snicker... It certainly has wiped yet another, PV induced grin.
You hung w/ the B boys! You!... [ Reply to This ]
Dion &mdash 03/29/07 - 11:53:48 AM
Yeah man, I haven't seen much of you since that coffee! Did any of those pics work out, or do we look crazed? Haha.
I'm glad you dig this, Dion. It was the BB generously sharing their talents that make this so cool... I'm just along for the ride. It was a blast mixing this, and I expect I'll try my hand at mixing some of their other tracks in the future.
Thanks for listening!
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/30232">Nothing Will Die</a> [ Reply to This ]
yeaaaaah &mdash 03/29/07 - 11:41:59 AM
I'm a big beastie boys fan you know and this one absolutely fits their style! this has to go on a bside somewhere, I really hope the beasties got a chance to listen to it! [ Reply to This ]
Dataphunq &mdash 03/29/07 - 11:57:21 AM
Thanks, Data! I'm glad to hear that a fan of the real thing enjoys this. I posted a link on the Beastie Boys remix message board, so maybe they will chance upon this.
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/30232">Nothing Will Die</a> [ Reply to This ]
... &mdash 03/29/07 - 01:01:13 PM
.. really good, alot of hard work went into this and it paid off. Catchy too. Keep the party go-win' awn. [ Reply to This ]
apb &mdash 03/29/07 - 05:58:56 PM
I'm glad you like this, thanks for listening!
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/30232">Nothing Will Die</a> [ Reply to This ]
wicked &mdash 03/29/07 - 03:36:23 PM
***isitwotitis?*** &mdash 03/29/07 - 06:00:43 PM
Thanks!
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/30232">Nothing Will Die</a> [ Reply to This ]
No sleep till ... Seattle &mdash 03/29/07 - 03:38:31 PM
I love the Beasties too and this is excellent. Loads of energy here! But what's with that ending? It was there and suddenly - t'was gone! Fix that and the track is perfick.
:O) [ Reply to This ]
Shimky &mdash 04/01/07 - 09:04:40 PM
Yes, the ending was difficult! Haha, I do need to come up with something better. I'm glad you like this, thanks for listening!
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/30232">Nothing Will Die</a> [ Reply to This ]
J5 BB &mdash 03/29/07 - 03:43:48 PM
ZOWWEEE! &mdash 03/29/07 - 06:04:24 PM
This kicks butt-I can't stop tapping my toes! David you are a master of your craft Sir!
Many Thanks! (now...over to the iPod...) [ Reply to This ]
Old school &mdash 03/29/07 - 06:42:02 PM
I'm afraid that my attitude to rap music is where my age starts to show David. I know I'm probably in a minority here, but I just don't get it (rap I mean).
So, I have tried to listen to this while ignoring the talking - nice beat, etc. Now David, maaaate, when are you going to get back to making some proper music?
; )
Neil
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Same school I went to &mdash 03/29/07 - 07:06:43 PM
Thanks for listening, despite the genre. I completely sympathize with that attitude, Neil. Generally speaking, I am no fan of rap. Rap and I got off on the wrong foot initially, largely because of lack of melody and emphasis on dumb lyrics. However, in the last decade I've started to come around, and I can appreciate the difficulty of rapping well--and using the voice as less of a story teller and more like a vocal guitar solo. (Which is probably why, the faster the rapping, the more inclined I am to listen). The Beastie Boys have humor and unmistakable groove to their singing, which is why I dig them.
As for making real music, I'm working on those songs too, don't worry, haha!
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/30232">Nothing Will Die</a> [ Reply to This ]
BINGO! &mdash 03/29/07 - 07:26:45 PM
They Never sounded So Good.
It's Cleat that You've Got it Goin' On.
Sweet.
VBR,
Coop [ Reply to This ]
Agree with rt... &mdash 03/29/07 - 07:58:50 PM
like others i never got into rap &mdash 03/29/07 - 08:55:29 PM
but beasties boys are always fun. everything you went through and added is quite outstanding on its own. when faith no more was around they would add some rap but took it somewhere else. case in point, you created a excellent example how more interesting it can be. get down with yourself! [ Reply to This ]
Thanks Vic &mdash 04/01/07 - 09:08:52 PM
Yeah, I love Faith No More--too bad they aren't around anymore. It was in rocking bands like that, or in electronic and world music where rapping would creep in... that's a lot of what started opening my ears to the genre.
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/30232">Nothing Will Die</a> [ Reply to This ]
Superb David! &mdash 03/29/07 - 11:28:01 PM
You really inspired me with this track. I am sure they'd really love this remix. It's Beastie Boys meets Pixie Stix!
I took on the challenge thanks to you. I took on a different song of theirs.
Check it out when you get a chance.
EE [ Reply to This ]
EE &mdash 03/30/07 - 11:17:47 PM
Hey thanks, Brandon! I'm psyched that this inspired you; your own mix kicks ass. You should do more of them.
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/30232">Nothing Will Die</a> [ Reply to This ]
great remix &mdash 03/30/07 - 07:51:26 PM
love the mix... New and fresh... I love the Beastie Boys and I love this remix... Well done [ Reply to This ]
craft &mdash 04/01/07 - 09:10:31 PM
Thanks, craft!
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/30232">Nothing Will Die</a> [ Reply to This ]
The other day I was listening to - &mdash 03/30/07 - 07:53:16 PM
Paul's Boutique and thought I'd like to try my hand at the form - but then I realized I'd never pull off the vocals. Man this is cool - great job with the beats. Rock rock the house! [ Reply to This ]
bud &mdash 03/30/07 - 11:20:06 PM
Ha, yeah, there's no way I could even begin to start approaching vocals like this. It was fun mixing them though; it's very cool of the Beastie Boys to allow us to mix those vocal tracks. Glad you like this, bud, thanks!
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/30232">Nothing Will Die</a> [ Reply to This ]
Yep, sure - excellent! &mdash 03/30/07 - 07:57:56 PM
No ill communication there;) The energy is right on! I was surprised to hear the choice of sounds/loops in the beginning, but I love what you did with it. Overall bass seems a bit heavy on the left side (possible?), but this is awesome, David! After reading your explanation I'm glad you went with the feel-good road to funorama - perceptualvortex style. Brilliant! [ Reply to This ]
Happy feet &mdash 03/31/07 - 07:21:16 AM
love the Jacksonesque guitar rhythm riff and the dinky keyboard stabs.Cheered me up no end! [ Reply to This ]
I'm gettin' on in years... &mdash 04/01/07 - 08:20:58 PM
...so it takes me about fourteen listens to start getting it. Oh well. I keep coming back 'cause at least one of the Beasties is articulately Buddhist and gives a good interview...
So, even though I'm nobody's idea of a rap or hip-hop guy, I enjoy hearing something in the genre that's coming from a positive place, and doesn't involve a lot of posing. I like the open-mindedness of this and the stated purpose of spreading love in society.
I love how you've put a beat to this that kicks along and could be danceable, but also has an element of humor and imagination to it, David... No matter what genre you land in, you turn out something that's Not Yer Typical... Sooner or later some major label guy is going to land on MacJams, stumble on you, and say, "Gee, this guy should be a producer... I wonder if he can juggle?..."
Ed [ Reply to This ]
Hehe &mdash 04/01/07 - 09:22:25 PM
I'm impressed that you gave it that many listens, Ed... don't you know these guys have a license to ill? Thanks for checking this out, and your kind words. I agree about the 'coming from a positive place'; they sneak in good messages and a sense of humor, which is much of what I like about the Beasties.
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<a href="http://www.macjams.com/song/30232">Nothing Will Die</a> [ Reply to This ]
cool &mdash 04/04/07 - 09:10:25 PM
I dont even like the beastie boys and i love this. perhaps you need to submit your rez? im with leb on the ending and a bridge too please. [ Reply to This ]
: ) &mdash 04/05/07 - 05:53:22 AM
THIS IS GREAT : ) Happy for You I like the drumYoutubevideos U put in the **Use drumloops** forum ! I'd try anything but now I got my sons gitar:) Lookin forward to hearin more of You !
HAPPY EASTER & THANX !! [ Reply to This ]
Chunky! &mdash 04/05/07 - 11:06:34 AM
This is awesome, David - do you have a way of posting this on their website? I'll bet they'd be thrilled with your imagining of this track. Top-notch and chunky-funky! [ Reply to This ]
Great groove! &mdash 04/06/07 - 10:54:10 PM
Outstanding track, PV. I swear everything you touch turns to gold, haha! [ Reply to This ]
Schweet! &mdash 04/09/07 - 09:38:37 PM
Surely not... &mdash 04/11/07 - 10:26:29 AM
...my favorite genre...but IMPRESSIVE nonetheless. Good message as well.
Take care! [ Reply to This ]
HEY PV &mdash 04/17/07 - 05:53:25 PM
Nice remix, I guess I missed this one! good job! I have to check in with you more often [ Reply to This ]
sweet stuff David &mdash 04/17/07 - 06:04:23 PM
nice mix... you're definitely one of the MacJams masters in that department.
Mason [ Reply to This ]
Wow &mdash 04/24/07 - 06:40:57 AM
Yo &mdash 05/04/07 - 06:42:51 PM
Beasties! &mdash 07/20/07 - 04:14:39 PM
All Lifestyles (Remix) &mdash 09/19/08 - 12:14:25 AM
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This is superb, fun-on-a-stick, David, definitely in the spirit of the band and I dig that cowbell, big-time. The only suggestion I have is that you consider giving the song an ending rather than having it just end. Other than that, this is professional as all get out. Love it!
[ Reply to This ]