The Beastie Boys' career spans nearly two decades. This two disc set compiles the best and the most essential moments, right up to the current single Alive. Accompanied by a rather special 78-page booklet, it allows the Beasties to reflect personally on each track, making fascinating reading.

The first disc contains some of the best tracks from the Ill Communication era: Root Down, Sure Shot. Alongside are Hello Nasty's Body Movin' remixed by Fatboy Slim and Song For the Man. Not to say they haven't moved on but neither sounds out of place.

The legendary Fight For Your Right is grudgingly included. The band clearly resents what it has come to represent, their belligerent hooligan age. Yet, Yauch admits 'a history of the band would be incomplete without the song'.

The gentle rocking of Something's Got to Give brings a welcome change of tempo. It illustrates the different styles that the Beasties are so comfortable with, as does the wonderfully stylish Sabrosa.

The second disc, meanwhile, contains some less obvious tracks but sounds meaner and smoother. Sabotage and Shadrach are still amazing; easily the standout tracks from either disc.

A weird inclusion is the cover of Elton John's Benny and the Jets with Biz Markie on vocals and Mark Nishita (a.k.a. Money Mark). A leering, stumbling slur with twinkling keyboards and wild cheering, dedicated to the camera-shy crooner himself.

Undeniably, the Beastie Boys have defined an era with their music. Early accusations of misogyny, ignorance and latterly hypocrisy have all been justified. The caged dancing girls and giant motorised phallus on their 1987 tour caused great controversy; the alleged insults directed at young leukaemia victims nearly got them kicked out of the country (Yauch asserts they were stitched up after politely declining an autograph). Similarly, asking the Prodigy not to play Smack My Bitch Up at 1998's Reading Festival brought on widespread laughter.

Yet the Beasties are honest and humble enough now to apologise and get on with business, the business they know best. Sounds of Science sees them growing both musically and personally, and draws a line under it so they might start afresh.

In short, this collection is essential. Witty, unique, crazed and passionate. It has its juvenile moments and in doing so, it illustrates what the Beastie Boys have gone through to get where they are today; the top of the pile.

9/10 Maddie Cross

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