Instrumental albums are rare and few in between. Aside from the Jazz Odysseys and string quartet tributes, a good instrumental album is quite enjoyable. That’s why Beastie Boys’ “The Mix-Up” caught most of us off gaurd.
It’s not just some Beastie Boys minus the Vocal track. Without the 90′s style rapping in the background, the emphasis is shifted onto the composition of the pieces. It ranges from calming upbeat to mello-stoner to awkward sweetness.
I think it’s best to describe the essential mix as PBS and Adult Swim’s music composers getting together, having a nice night on the town, eventualy empregating each other, and deciding to keep the child. This album is that Child.
It’s easy to imagine any of these tracks appearing on an indie movie or short of some kind. Essentially because it’s great background music. If you need that mellow occasion music or just want to relax in the drivers’ seat for a long drive, this is your album.
~Llama With Headphones
