Good:
Permanent Vacation- Aerosmith re-entered the music world with
this better than average, but not quite stella album of over-polished 80s rock delight. Highlights include "Dude Looks
Like a Lady, Rag Doll and Hangman Jury." Otherwise, the album sounds like throw-a-ways from a Bon Jovi album. It's over
produced and for the first time in their career, the band employed outside songwriters. Great for radio airplay, but disapointing
for our ears.
Pump- Much better
than their previous effort "Permanent Vacation", PUMP delivers the hard rock that fans expected from them for more
than a decade. "Young Lust and F.I.N.E. " kick things off in a huge way, followed by the mega-hit "Love in
an Elevator." Of course all things must come to a hault once in a while as the band's attempt at being socially concious
with "Janie's got a Gun." Although it was a smash for the band, I don't think we ever need to hear this song again
in our lives. "The Other Side" is a slick pop-rock romper but the album ends on it's highest note ever with one
of the greatest rock ballads ever recorded "What It Takes."
Get A Grip- If you were around in 1993, there was no way you could have avoided this album and its
singles. It was a monster. MTV played the videos in constant rotation and every radio station from Metal, classic rock and
adult contemporary formats were spinning the singles around the clock. "Cryin, Crazy, Living on the Edge and Amazing"
ruled the radio for years after the album's initial release. The album had other highlights such as "Eat The Rich, Shut
Up and Dance and Fever." Quite possibly the last good (not great) studio album from the band.
Honkin' on Bobo- The long promised, long awaited album of blues covers
from the bad boys from Boston. Unfortunately, this was the sound that the band should have been putting out much earlier in
their comeback. Nevertheless, it's a great offering of mostly obscure (to general rock fans) blues covers. "Road Runner
and Eyesight to the Blind" are early highlights and "You Gotta Move and Stop Messin' Around" are incredible
renditions. "The Grind" is the only original tune from Aerosmith included in the package. It's been a great career
boys, thanks.
Live: Bootleg- A nice
live collection packaged together nicely in a double album. The sound quality suffers a bit, as many tracks are in-fact taken
directly from bootleg sources. Great selection of tracks, included some cool covers.
Their Worst:
Rock
in a Hard Place- The title says it all. Aside from "Lightening Strikes" there is really no redeeming qualities
here. Long gone are founding guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford. Replacements Rick Dufay and Jimmy Crespo do their best,
but this was clearly the red-headed stepson of their studio recording career.
Done With Mirrors- The reunion album of all five original members, and without a doubt
their weakest studio album in their comeback career. "Let The Music Do The Talkin'" is cool and a few tracks such
as "Shela, Gyspy Boots and She's on Fire" are listenable but sadly forgetable as well.
Nine Lives- Get a Grip fever had tapered off and this was to be the next
chapter in the Aerosmith universe. Unfortunately, this album suffers from outside writers, slick production and very little
heart. Basically this album was made to promote Aerosmith the brand, as they had become mega stars in the music world once
again. It was more about theme park rides, restaurants and nightclubs rather than five guys going out and bringing good music
to the people. This album has the song "Pink" on it. There's no point in saying anything else.
Just Push Play- Their absolute worst studio album ever. The band now proved
that they are capable of recording a good single "Jaded" but are terrible are recording entire albums.
Rockin the Joint: Another live album collection? Pointless, simply pointless.
