Aerosmith, Rocks. One of most momentous rock records ever recorded. Toys in the Attic is a damn near perfect record, but Aerosmith truly outdid themselves with Rocks. A beautifully delirious drug-fueled haze, it's Aerosmith at their absolute peak. It's follow up, Draw the Line, was the beginning of drugs seeping into their music, eventually leading to the band's decline. While they made a triumphant return in the Eighties, Aerosmith never returned to the brilliant raw energy they emulated in the Seventies. While that thought is rather depressing, their Seventies legacy is plenty to live off of. Seventies-era Aerosmith basically epitomizes 'cool'. From the angsty ambiance of "Back in the Saddle" to "Last Child", which captures their jagged edge but also has a Stax-esque groove, Aerosmith cover all grounds. They are one of those great bands who are incredible at channeling their influences in just the right way. Led Zeppelin was capable of capturing the essence of the blues, folk, country, et cetera, and it always sounded like Led Zeppelin. The Rolling Stones showed their multi-faceted talents on Exile on Main St, but never quite recaptured that magic in the same way. While Aerosmith is hardly ever clumped in the same region as Zeppelin or the Stones, they brought that energy to a new generation. Zeppelin and the Stones both proved to be massively successful in the Seventies, they were of a different generation -- Zeppelin and the Stones grew up on Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters records, Aerosmith grew up on records by the Kinks, the Yardbirds, the Beatles, and of course, the Stones. They took those influences, roughed it up a bit, and gave their heroes a run for their money. "Combination" is a Joe Perry-penned highlight of the record. "Walkin' on Gucci, wearin' Yves Saint Laurent. Barely stay on 'cause I'm so goddamn gaunt." With harrowing guitars, an edgy groove courtesy of Joey Kramer and Tod Hamilton, and Steven Tyler's voice tangled up with Joe Perry's, it's one of their best. Next up, "Sick as a Dog" -- a little less rough, but still rambunctious and energetic. The break-down in the end is excitable, but what follows is even better. It's sly segue into "Nobody's Fault" is one of my favorite sounds put to record. With moody guitar drawing you in, it's impossible to not be instantly captivated by the contagious energy of "Nobody's Fault". The blistering track is pure Brad Whitford, and how I appreciate his rarely lauded talent. Of course, one cannot ignore the heavy rhythmic backing of Joey Kramer and Tom Hamilton -- a golden rhythm section. Throughout the album, and specifically on this track, Steven Tyler proves his chops as one of rock and roll's very best vocalist. While Mick Jagger can't always say the same, Steven Tyler does just fine without the help of his flashy stage antics. "Nobody's Fault", the best thing Aerosmith has ever done? Yes, quite possibly. Reading the sleeve of my vinyl copy of Rocks, it's interesting to discover my three least favorites off the album -- "Rats in the Cellar", "Get the Lead Out", and "Lick and a Promise" -- are all Tyler/Perry compositions. Again, playing that multi-faceted card, Aerosmith close their magnum opus with a tender ballad. The cinematic "Home Tonight" is poignant, melodic, and limitlessly endearing. Even the bad boys from Boston can be a little heart-wrenching. I applaud you, gentlemen.
And other fun tidbits --
It was brought to my attention that Expecting Rain had linked to my post titled 'Five places.' way back in June! I had no idea, but it was a swell surprise! I've certainly stumbled upon their Who's Who section, amid times of late night Bob Dylan/Band internet scouring. Random and exciting things like that encourage me to want to write even more, all the time, so more stuff like that can happen! So thanks Expecting Rain, and thanks all of you!
Also, Miss Carol Caffin of the marvelous blog, Rick Danko -- which covers, you guessed it, the dippy greatness and insane talent of the bass player of the Band -- left me a too sweet comment! It meant so very much, and I am endlessly appreciative.
To top off all that, I got speakers! After amplifying my iPod, I reverted to the warm sounds of vinyl records. Currently spinning The Song Remains the Same. A breathtaking live LP, and it's supposed to be a mediocre night for the band! It makes me want to purchase the many live Zeppelin bootlegs. They don't sell them at Amoeba in LA, not quite sure why. I recall San Francisco Amoeba was stocked with bootlegs, but I think I had five dollars to spare. I bought Rolling Stones - Between the Buttons, and left satisfied. I haven't been crate digging in a while. I miss it, xo.
