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Derided as one-hit wonders, estranged from their original producer and record label, and in self-imposed exile in Los Angeles, the Beastie Boys were written off by most observers before even beginning to record their second album. But not only did Paul's Boutique astonishingly transform the group from a frat boy novelty to critically-lauded hip-hop giants, its groundbreaking collage of rhyme and recycled pop culture soundbites made it one of those rare releases that forever alters the course of music.
It has also been, to this point, an album shrouded in mystery. But Dan LeRoy finally reveals the untold, often unbelievable story of Paul’s Boutique in this painstakingly researched book, which features new interviews with many of the key players in the record’s creation – including the Beastie Boys’ Mike D, the Dust Brothers, and legendarily reclusive producer Matt Dike, who offers his first in-depth discussion about his masterpiece – as well as insights from several close friends who have never before gone on the record about this outrageous and little-documented era in Beastie history.
Crammed with freshly unearthed anecdotes, behind-the-scenes detail, and perceptive analysis, this is an essential guide to the audio labyrinth of Paul’s Boutique.
Album Review
A few reviews of Dan LeRoy's book about the Beastie Boys' Paul's Boutique (from Continuum's 33 1/3 series):
"Everybody who loves hip-hop music, especially those who celebrate the sweat and love that goes into the production side, needs to check it. Very entertaining, and airtight on the journalism side. Fault-free and funky fresh."
-- Brian Coleman, author, Check the Technique and Rakim Told Me
"Drawing upon first hand interviews with Beastie Boys members and producers, Dan LeRoy mines the 1989 album that because of sample-clearance laws could not be legally released today. In-depth accounts of the trio's controversial split with Def Jam Recordings, juvenile antics and their relationship with Capitol Records lead up to a summary of why the sophomore effort initially bombed."
-- Bob Gershon, Chicago Tribune, March 18, 2007. (Paul’s Boutique was listed as one of ten “exemplary entries” in the 33 1/3 series.)
“LeRoy evokes the giddy anarchy of life within (the Beasties’) circle…a frequently illuminating and entertaining tale…”
-- Stevie Chick, Mojo, Feb. 2007
"From the late night brainstorming sessions to the egg tossing to the finished product, it's all in here. This is a great book about an amazing record."
-- Jake Haselman, indieworkshop.com
"When Paul's Boutique is remastered and re-released, Capitol Records needs to contract with Dan LeRoy to include this book with each album sold. Simply put, the book is the owners manual which should have come with the album."
-- beastiemania.com