Beastie Boys

With its conspicuous lack of funk instrumentals, punk-rock interludes, and chanting monks, the Beastie Boys' ''To the 5 Boroughs'' is a return to the platinum-hard beats and goofy attitude of the trio's early years. It's no coincidence that all three Beasties (from left, Mike Diamond, Adam Horovitz, and Adam Yauch) have returned to New York City after spending much of the past decade in Los Angeles. ''I just feel more comfortable walking around the street in New York than I do driving around L.A.,'' says Diamond, explaining the album's Gotham-centric vibe (and title). What will young rap fans -- many of whom don't even remember the last Beasties CD, which came out in 1998 -- make of the new tunes? ''We're not trying to prove anything,'' says Horovitz. ''We're not trying to be hip with the kids. We're just trying to make some s---. That's it.'' (June 15)