This is CityNomix. While I spend my weekdays analyzing data in the digital marketing world, my weekends are dedicated to seeking out “noise.” Good noise, that is. Today, I’m taking you to Ochanomizu, Tokyo, to report on a vinyl hunt that uncovered a specific kind of beautiful noise: the hardcore punk roots of the Beastie Boys vinyl catalog.
Ochanomizu has a unique magnetic field. It’s a district of universities, old bookshops, and famously, musical instruments. It feels like a place where the heat of intellectual and artistic pursuit accumulates. Tucked away in this area is “Disk Union Ochanomizu,” one of my regular patrol routes.
Blurring the Lines: Hip Hop Meets Punk
On the evening of February 3, 2026, I wandered into Disk Union and felt a pull towards a specific section. It was right on the border between the “USED HIP HOP” and “PUNK/HARDCORE” bins. Several records emitting an unclassifiable energy were calling out to me.
Upon closer inspection, they were vinyl records from the icons of 90s street culture, the Beastie Boys. But these weren’t just their greatest hits. These were US original pressings of EPs and singles that reflect their roots in hardcore punk—the “B-side” masterpieces that reveal their experimental spirit.
1. The Hardcore Impulse: ‘Aglio E Olio’
The first catch was this gem.
US original vinyl pressing of the Beastie Boys’ 1995 hardcore punk EP, ‘Aglio E Olio’. The raw illustration speaks to their DIY spirit.
Released in 1995, the Aglio E Olio EP (Italian for “Garlic and Oil”) is packed with simple, stimulating hardcore punk tracks. It shows how much they genuinely enjoyed “making noise as a band” even amidst the massive success of Ill Communication.
The crude sketch on the cover perfectly captures the skate culture and zine aesthetic of the time. When the needle drops, the tracks sprint by in just over 10 minutes. In our digital age, this physical “initial impulse” feels incredibly precious. Priced at 2,650 JPY (approx. $18 USD), it felt like a steal for such a historical piece.
2. Documenting the Chaos: ‘Some Old Bullshit’
Next, I secured this distinctive dog cover.
US original pressing of the Beastie Boys’ early hardcore compilation ‘Some Old Bullshit’.
Some Old Bullshit compiles recordings from before they were hip-hop stars, back when they were just punk brats (including the Polly Wog Stew EP). The title is self-deprecating, but the content is authentic hardcore.
At 3,650 JPY, this is another great find. It represents the raw, violent energy that contrasts sharply with the polished image of the later Beastie Boys. Yet, you can already see the sprouts of their unique humor and sense. You can’t talk about their history without listening to this.
3. Live at Budokan: ‘Gratitude’
Finally, the find that got me most excited.
A 12-inch single of the Beastie Boys’ classic ‘Gratitude,’ featuring rare remixes and live recordings from Budokan.
The 12-inch single for “Gratitude.” That thick fuzz bass played by MCA (Adam Yauch) shakes your brain. But the true value of this specific record lies on the B-side: it features a live track recorded at the Budokan in Tokyo.
At 4,650 JPY, it was the priciest of the bunch, but finding it in Japan adds a special layer of meaning. It’s a US original pressing that holds the atmosphere of Tokyo. This kind of storytelling is the real thrill of record digging.
CityNomix Perspective: Why Hunt for 90s Originals Now?
Based on this haul, here are three practical takeaways for your next dig:
1. Affordable “Real” Vintage
While 60s and 70s rock originals have skyrocketed in price, Beastie Boys vinyl from the 90s is still relatively accessible, often found between 2,000 and 5,000 JPY. It’s a sweet spot for both listening pleasure and investment.
2. Condition is King in Tokyo
Finding US originals in Tokyo is a unique advantage. Japanese used record stores are known for their strict grading. A “B+” condition here often plays flawlessly, meaning you can get that raw American sound with Japanese quality control.
3. Look Between the Genres
At stores like Disk Union, don’t just stick to one section. The best finds are often in the gray areas—like where Hip Hop meets Punk. That’s where genre-defying bands like the Beastie Boys often hide.
Deep Dive: Expanding Your Beastie Boys Collection
To round out this guide, let’s look at some related keywords and concepts to enhance your Beastie Boys vinyl experience.
Essential Albums: Ill Communication and Check Your Head
While the EPs I found are gems, no collection is complete without the pillars. Beastie Boys Vinyl Ill Communication and Beastie Boys Vinyl Check Your Head are essential listening. These albums defined their blend of live instrumentation and sampling. If you find a Beastie boys ill communication vinyl box set, grab it immediately—these are becoming collector’s holy grails.
Identifying Originals vs. Reissues
When hunting for Beastie Boys vinyl ORIGINAL pressings, pay attention to the labels and runout grooves. The Grand Royal logo is a key indicator for 90s era pressings. While reissues are great for casual listening, the original US pressings often have a punchier, more dynamic sound that suits their lo-fi aesthetic perfectly.
From Intergalactic to Hello Nasty
Moving into their later era, Beastie Boys vinyl Hello Nasty offers a more sci-fi, electro-influenced sound. Singles like Beastie Boys – Intergalactic Vinyl often come with unique remixes that aren’t available on streaming services. Collecting these singles allows you to piece together the full sonic mosaic of the band’s evolution. Whether you are looking for a rare box set or a beat-up punk EP, the hunt itself is the reward.
