Accelerated Culture Podcast: Episode 69 Summary

Title:
Accelerated Culture: The Beastie Boys’ “Check Your Head” (1992) Part Two

Release Date:
July 5, 2025

Hosts:
Lori and Scott Free

Introduction

In Episode 69 of Accelerated Culture, Lori and Scott Free delve deeper into the Beastie Boys' seminal 1992 album, "Check Your Head." Celebrated as a 2024 Webby Honoree for Best Indie Podcast, Accelerated Culture takes listeners on an engaging exploration of alternative music's rise, particularly focusing on influential albums like "Check Your Head."

Revisiting "Check Your Head"

After a brief hiatus, hosts Lori and Scott Free return to continue their in-depth analysis of the Beastie Boys' "Check Your Head." This two-part episode aims to unpack the album's complexity, its standout tracks, and its enduring legacy.

Scott Free (00:43): "We're back for 'Check Your Head Part 2,' Beastie Boys' landmark 1992 album. So many good tracks that we could not pack them all into one episode."

Track-by-Track Analysis

Blue Nun (03:32)

The hosts discuss "Blue Nun," a brief but impactful track inspired by Peter Sichell, the namesake of the famous Blue Nun wine. They reveal an intriguing backstory about Sichell being a covert CIA agent, adding depth to the song's context.

Lori (04:12): "Peter Sichell actually passed away three months ago. He was more than just the Blue Nun wine guy; he was a covert CIA agent."

Scott highlights Mike D's humorous take on the track, emphasizing the Beastie Boys' knack for blending serious themes with humor.

Scott Free (05:45): "Mike D says, 'It's fine, so long as please tell me I don't ever have to listen to it again.' It's hilarious in the middle of this record."

Stand Together (05:44)

"Stand Together" is lauded for its quirky saxophone intro, sampled from the jazz trio Back Door. Lori and Scott share their amusement over the unconventional sound, which defies typical musical norms.

Lori (07:36): "That sax line at the beginning is just so goddamn funny. It's so out of tune. It's like, what the hell?"

Scott appreciates the experimental nature of the track, noting the creative sampling techniques used by the Beastie Boys.

Scott Free (08:02): "It's so groovy. The groove with that hilarious squawk just kills me in check."

Powder Sam (09:42)

Though predominantly instrumental, "Powder Sam" is recognized for its funk-inspired vibes reminiscent of 70s blaxploitation films. The hosts discuss its connection to the Maestro pedal effects and its groovy bass lines.

Scott Free (11:22): "The track is so groovy. It goes through some big changes, making it a full-on jazz odyssey hippie jam."

The Maestro (12:43)

This track features a distinctive fuzzy bass sound, achieved through the Maestro pedal. The story behind the sample—a genuine interaction with a fan named Al—adds a personal touch to the album's narrative.

Lori (13:41): "The Maestro is just about attitude. The phone message from someone named Al is included on the album."

Groove Holmes (19:00)

An homage to jazz keyboardist Groove Holmes, this track showcases Money Mark's influence and the Beastie Boys' versatility. The serene, loungey vibe contrasts sharply with their earlier hip-hop tracks.

Money Mark (19:55): "We were really into Richard Groove Holmes. It became an homage to him after he passed away."

Live at PJ's (22:05)

"Live at PJ's" captures the essence of a live performance, blending authentic audience sounds with the band's vibrant energy. Recorded initially at Adrock's apartment, the track reflects the collaborative spirit of the Beastie Boys.

Money Mark (22:34): "This one's for you. And you and you."

Professor Booty (27:14)

A playful track filled with pop culture references, "Professor Booty" intertwines humor with funky grooves. The hosts explore its sampling from Willie Henderson's "Loose Booty" and its nod to 70s nostalgia.

Scott Free (28:42): "It's from Willie Henderson and the Soul Explosion, a track called 'Loose Booty.'"

In Threes (35:34)

Despite its misleading title, "In Threes" is discussed for its complex rhythm and engaging groove, drawing comparisons to Parliament Funkadelic. The track exemplifies the band's experimental approach.

Scott Free (36:17): "It's actually called 'In Threes,' but it's in four. Super groovy, though, right?"

Namaste (37:57)

As the album's closing track, "Namaste" offers a reflective and mellow finish. Lori and Scott appreciate its serene ambiance and the philosophical lyrics, highlighting the Beastie Boys' growth as artists.

Scott Free (38:31): "It's a great chill-out closer for the album."

Personal Reflections and Legacy

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the personal impact of Adam Yauch's (MCA) passing. Scott shares a poignant story of how MCA's death profoundly affected him, drawing parallels to the loss of Kurt Cobain but underscored by a deeper, more personal connection.

Scott Free (50:34): "Adam Yauch's death hit me hard. It felt like losing a family member."

Lori and Scott discuss the Beastie Boys' transformation post-"Check Your Head," highlighting their evolution from white boy hip-hop pioneers to versatile musicians exploring various genres. They emphasize the album's role in shaping their future works, from "Ill Communication" to "Hello Nasty."

Scott Free (44:56): "Check Your Head marked a huge shift for the Beastie Boys. They became a full-on band and influential musicians capable of doing whatever they wanted."

Post-Beastie Boys Endeavors

The hosts provide an update on the individual members' activities following the Beastie Boys' era:

• Ad Rock (Adam Horovitz):
  Engages in remixing under the name 41 Small Stars, plays bass for Bridget Everett's cabaret band, and explores acting.

• Mike D (Michael Diamond):
  Continues producing music, remixes, hosted the Apple Music podcast "The Echo Chamber," and collaborated on a Beastie Boys book and documentary.

Scott Free (57:01): "Ad Rock remixes tracks for other artists under the name 41 Small Stars... Mike D similarly produces music and does remixes."

Looking Forward

In a teaser for the next episode, Lori and Scott hint at exploring "Hormonally Yours" by Shakespeare's Sister and Crickets, promising another deep dive into 90s music gems.

Lori (58:38): "We are going to be doing one of my favorites from '92,' 'Hormonally Yours' by Shakespeare's Sister, Crickets."

Conclusion

Episode 69 of Accelerated Culture offers a comprehensive and heartfelt exploration of the Beastie Boys' "Check Your Head." Through detailed track analyses, personal anecdotes, and discussions on the album's lasting influence, Lori and Scott provide listeners with a rich understanding of this pivotal work in alternative music history.

Notable Quotes:

• Scott Free (00:43): "So many good tracks that we could not pack them all into one episode."

• Lori (04:12): "Peter Sichell actually passed away three months ago. He was more than just the Blue Nun wine guy; he was a covert CIA agent."

• Scott Free (08:02): "It's so groovy. The groove with that hilarious squawk just kills me in check."

• Lori (13:41): "The Maestro is just about attitude. The phone message from someone named Al is included on the album."

• Scott Free (44:56): "Check Your Head marked a huge shift for the Beastie Boys. They became a full-on band and influential musicians capable of doing whatever they wanted."

• Scott Free (50:34): "Adam Yauch's death hit me hard. It felt like losing a family member."

For more detailed discussions and future episodes, visit AcceleratedCulturePodcast.com.