Music Video Monday: Ch-Check It Out

Track: Ch-Check It Out

Artist: Beastie Boys

Album: To the 5 Boroughs

Year: 2004

Re-watching this music video this morning, it was just as funny, if not more so, than it was back in 2004. The Beastie Boys' "Ch-Check It Out" was the standout off of To the 5 Boroughs, their tribute to New York City after the September 11th attacks. It was also the producing debut for the trio, an interesting fact considering how long they've been at the game. Though not necessarily ground-breaking by any means, To the 5 Boroughs was a different type of album. The group's age was seemingly non-existent, as were any effects of their international success. It was a refreshing blend of youthful naivety and innocence. The album operated without fear or pretense, and for that reason alone, it's something to appreciate.

The video itself functioned similarly. In typical Beastie Boys fashion, the visual representation was more of a gag reel than anything else, showing fights around every corner with the most random of characters. Among the assailants, people at a bistro, a doctor, a runner and alligators, among others. It's what they do best, and for that, I give them credit, as being one of the few artists remaining who never take themselves too seriously. On a more somber note, however, we do wish Adam Yauch luck in his battle with cancer, and hope for a speedy recovery. If all goes well, and he says it will, we should see their latest effort, Hot Sauce Committee, Pt. 1 sometime before the end of the year.