Licensed to Ill – Beastie Boys (1986)

**** When I think about ’80s Rap, my mind first turns to Public Enemy and N.W.A. Both groups have classics to their name and landmark releases within the decade, yet neither helmed an album as diverse, well-rounded, and timeless as Licensed to Ill by the Beastie Boys, which came a full two years before It…

Burnes Turns: March 12-16

My favorite songs this week include a blast from my own musical past, two Hip-Hop classics that sound just as fresh today as they did in the ’80s, two joyful Folk Rock romps, and Stevie Wonder. Because everybody loves Stevie Wonder. “I and Love and You” – The Avett Brothers I can’t remember exactly how…

Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs: 480-471

After a good first batch, the last 10 tracks weren’t particularly impressive. But as we continue our journey down the list, things should only get better as we move along. 480. “Sabotage” – Beastie Boys (1994) I remember being absolutely blown away the first time I heard this chaotic Punk track. It surprised me; this…