John Biscello

The Beastie Boys are one of the punk-hip hop catalysts and musical driving forces in the narrative of No One Dreams in Color. Specifically for fourteen-year-old loner and misfit, Ali, who never goes anywhere without the Beasties pumping in her Walkman. Excerpt:

“Today’s selection: Paul’s Boutique. Ali felt the Beastie Boys provided the best soundtrack for bike riding. Or taking over the world. Maybe even the universe. Ali slid the cassette into her Walkman and placed the headphones over her ears. Then she clicked the PLAY button and waited for the music to start before she took off.
She peeled out of her driveway, hooked a sharp right, and when she got to the end of her block, she made a wide sweeping arc onto the boulevard, propelled by the music. Ali wove between cars with rhythmical ferocity, and then rode the yellow line in the middle of the street.
When riding her bike, Ali felt invincible. Like nothing could happen to her so long as she was pedaling, swerving, jumping curbs. Her mother wanted her to wear a helmet. Ali refused. I don’t want my daughter’s brains splatted all over the road. Don’t worry, Ma, that won’t happen. Me and Silver Fox . . . it won’t happen.
Out here, on the bike, nothing could touch her. In her eyes, the Silver Fox was nearly equivalent to having a superpower.”