Ok with all the re-release hoopla surrounding the B-Boys I have to show some love to my second fave Beasties record. What sold me on this? Itunes just hit me with Jimmy James.  Pitchfork hipped me to the Lee Majors jam that came on a seven inch in some re-releases.  Below is my story…

In the old days, record labels would send advances to promoters. While in college and working at the Haunt I received Radiohead’s debut and Check Your Head in the same package! The Radiohead pack contained three buttons… They said… “I’m a Creep,” “I’m so fuckin’ special,” and a logo button…  The Check Your Head package had a contest. It asked us to name the album where the sample that started Jimmy James and Pass the Mic came from. Even the legendary JP knew the first one – Cheap Trick at the Budokon, but the later lawsuit from James Newton over his flute piece in Pass the Mic received much headlines back in 2000.
Check Your Head, although no stoner trip like the incredible Paul’s Boutique, flowed in a more aggressive, in your face way that harked back to their noise-thrash days and predicted the later heaviness of Sabotage and disco-funk of Hello Nasty.  Personal favorites from this great start-to-finish gem are Pass the Mic and Funky Boss. No one loses with the heaviness of Gratitude. Reading in that package that the band was back to playing their own instruments, with the help of the inimitable Mario C on keyboards was refreshing.  C’mon this album even featured a cameo from Biz Markie rapping over a Ted Nugent guitar lick.  I also later received a remix of So What’cha Want featuring Cypress Hill. Too rad. Back in those days I was hosting a new music night at the Haunt on Green Street. This album wore out the cd player. Check your own head and bust this old platter out and feel the B-Boy love.

THIS JUST IN FROM MONEY MARK DIRECTLY:

I played keys on this record! Me! Money Mark Nishita! Not Mario C!

Sorry brother.  Bad research.  We love ya!  see comments below…