I would have to agree with what someone else said about this being better for people who have already heard the album versions. That being said, it's a great album. In my opinion, the best track on here is the live version of "Time to Get ill". I love it- it's raw, fresh, and as close to gangster rap as any white guys can get (B-boys are way better than eminem). "Root Down" is one of my all-time fave B-Boy songs, and the remixes give it an extra kick (even though both of the mixes can be found on the DVD, if you heard them on there and liked it, you can listen to them in your cd player now). For those who actually like "Sabrosa", like me, this live version is great. It's got more wah's than, well....., let's just say Adrock doesn't take his foot off the pedal once- and it's still an awesome groove. For those who haven't seen B-boys live, they've got so much energy (especially Adrock) that isn't ever shown on their studio albums, and I think this album finally does it well. Hearing Adrock scream like a maniac really does something for you on the inside. Last thing- I've never been a huge fan of B-boy punk, but just listening to the live version of "Time for livin'" got me hooked.

What a great album by the B-Boys!! This album gives you what no other Beastie Boy's album gave us-live tracks. Why the B-Boys never gave us an entire live album I will never understand. There is one too many root down versions, but it's all good I guess. The Sabrosa Man is just a sick glimpse of the jamming capabilities of the boys. A main reason for this is due to Eric Bobo, son of Willie Bobo, and his sick skills on the skins. This is a great album that does not get the credit it deserves.

3 1/2

The Root Down remixes themselves are nothing inherently worth repeatedly listening to, although tack on some rather energetic live cuts off of multiple albums and you've got yourself a worthy EP.

This CD is actually a 3.75 stars. It is not as good as Check Your Head, which would merit four, but better than, well, better than crap (I can't think of any bad Beastie Boys CDs). The first "Root Down" mix is very interesting, with a totally new riff. The bassline is gone, as well. The Album version of "Root Down" is just as good as it is on the album, which is pretty damn good. The second "Root Down" mix is similar to the first and not that great. It lacks a few of the spur of the moment elements found in the album version of Root Down. Next comes an updated, live version of "Time To get Ill" with a slowed down tempo and much more profanity. It is a solid song and merits much listening. "Heart Attack Man" follows, sounding very similar to the album version. I can't say much for this song as I don't really enjoy the Beasie Boys' punk, but it is still interesting and a good song. A sped up "The Maestro" is very good, but not as good as the album version. The spontanity (it is live, as are all the tracks besides the "Root Down" album version) brings it up to par. "Sabrosa" is next. From Ill Communication, this song was never that great to begin with. It is an instrumental track that never really goes anywhere. It just wallows in its own existence. A minute and a half version of "Flut Loop" is okay, but sounds no different than the album version, save for more yelling. Another punk track, "Time for Livin'" is the next song, one that I never reallly enjoyed. It is not as good as "Heart Attack Man" and degrades the album. "Something's Got to Give" is the last real song on the Root Down EP. It is another insturmental, but from Check Your Head, which preceded Ill Communication. Ithas a weird sound affect added, a series of bleeps dropping in pitch. It is a little annoying but the song comes out alright. The very last song is a "hidden" track. It is about 30 seconds of "So! What'cha Want" from Check Your Head song in Hebrew, from an Israeli radio station. It's good for a laugh. All in all, the Root Down EP is definitely fundamentally sound. It sounds like the Boys could have put more work into it, but you have to keep in mind that is comprised mostly of live songs. I would not recommend it at all for the first time buyer of Beastie Boys work, as the lyrics are hard to understand and the songs would only be fun to listen to if you are familiar with the album versions.

i don't know about the what the other people have said about changing riffs, and it needing improvement etc. - they are lame, just listen to the cd you will find that it grows on you...sure if you are seeking instant gratification tracks 1 and 3 are the best, but if you listen to the cd for awhile you'll see that they all rock. the live version of something's got to give is awesome and the live version of the maestro throws in two SPECTACULAR bass throbs that will rock your knees with the right system. there is also a 'hidden' track at the end which is a hebrew commercial to the tune of so whatcha want...this, like all other b-boys albums, is a must buy!