Record Rack

What, no “Cookie Puss”? Well, there are plenty of wacky novelties in this 42-track, two-CD retrospective to cover the absence of that early prank-call platter. To paraphrase, the Beasties have kept several pop generations in stitches, from 1986’s “Fight for Your Right” through last year’s “Intergalactic.” Behind the Three Stooges facade has been impressive depth and an unerring knack for staying ahead of the pop-culture curve, qualities that play out over whole albums rather than individual songs.

This set, featuring more than a dozen rare, unreleased or alternate tracks, lacks such an arc. While the selections showcase both the goofiness and the ambition, the sequencing seems random, skipping around in time and style.

The “new” songs offer no revelations either. “Twenty Questions” is a cool bossa nova, and the current single, “Alive,” updates the Beasties’ self-made myth with a positive vibe.

But two songs from Mike D’s Country Mike alter ego and an amateur-night version of Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets” with guest Biz Markie bespeak artistic attention deficit disorder more than versatility.

It’s still great listening, but try the original albums--”Paul’s Boutique” to start, or “Hello Nasty.” Heck, they’re all good bets.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two (fair), three (good) and four (excellent). The albums will all be released Tuesday.