Greatest Hits - Aerosmith > Reviews > Walk This Way

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money

Advantages:	Great tracks from this bands finest period
Disadvantages:	Some notable absences

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Greatest Hits (1972 - 1979) - Aerosmith

Columbia Records 1980,

Aerosmith are -

Steven Tyler - Vocals
Joe Perry - Guitar
Brad Whitford - Guitar
Tom Hamilton - Bass
Joey Kramer - Drums

Running Time - 37 minutes

Track Listing -

Dream On
Same Old Song and Dance
Sweet Emotion
Walk This Way
Last Child
Back in the Saddle
Draw the Line
Kings and Queens
Come Together
Remember (Walking in the Sand)

Say the word 'Aerosmith' to somebody and they will usually be able to tell you that they are a rock band and that they are responsible for such hits as 'I Don't Want to Miss a Thing', 'Pink' and 'Love in an Elevator'. Well they wouldn't be wrong, but although they have only been known on this side of the Atlantic for the past 15 years - they have been rocking Stateside for the past 30!!!

'Greatest Hits' was released in 1980 when Aerosmith were at the height of their first stab at fame. In the early 80's they nearly threw it all away after a career full of excess, on to survive and rise like a phoenix from the flames to become the band that they are today. Before 1980, they were the 'original' Aerosmith - young, precocious, sassy and full of the rock n roll dream.

Describing Aerosmith as Rock n Roll is one thing, but to be more accurate, before 1980 their sound could be described as a 'mish mash' of Led Zep, Rolling Stones, New York Dolls, Faces and dirty Blues. Got the picture???

The album opens with the classic 'Dream On'. Dream On is taken from their 1973 debut 'Aerosmith' and is a haunting rock ballad. This is a song that smacks of experience - intelligent lyrics and music - for a band that were so young. Tyler has already developed a unique vocal style - untouched by voice trainers, which has the sort of power and rawness - which I would die for. Also of note is Perry's distinctive guitar sound and technically supurb style which successfully hides the fact that just 18 months earlier he was flipping burgers for a living.

Next up, it's R&B the way it used to be with 'Same Old Song and Dance' taken from 1974's 'Get Your Wings'. In a total contrast to Dream On, Tyler sings low and dirty, the guitar riff is simple (hell, even I can play it!) and the rhythm section drives the song like a freight train. Oh yeah this is boogie!

Sweet Emotion is the first song on the album that might be recognisable to those without an interest in early Aerosmith, as it was re-released in the late 90's. Taken from the brilliant 1976 album 'Toys in the Attic'. Starting with a gentle bass line it builds into a half rapped verse with funky guitar licks, moving into a driving bridge before relaxing into a gentle chorus.

Walk This Way is probably the most famous Aerosmith song there is. Cheesey clubs play it as part of their 10 min rock stint during the evening and it occasionally gets used as incidental music on the telly. Made famous by Run DMC as the first Rock/Rap crossover tune in 1987 - this is the version that people don't know - the 1976 'Toys in the Attic' version. And it is far superior!! With one of the most famous riffs in rock music, it opens sedately and in stark contrast to the later DMC version and it has an infectious groove which drags the listener along, ending up at one of Mr Perry's finest guitar solos to fade....

Last Child is from Aerosmith's fourth album 'Rocks', a slow chugging rock/blues tune. It is a lament on the cut and thrust of city life and the struggle to deal with 'the man'. This wouldn't have been my choice off of Rocks - tunes such as 'Rats In the Cellar' or 'Lick and a Promise' would have been better.

Back in the Saddle is a 'kick ass' tune with a great build up and a great riff. It brings the wild west and all its bordello saloons to mind. Again this one is off the album 'Rocks' and it has undertones of country rock flowing through it. With some brilliant bass work from Tom Hamilton this is a favorite track of mine when I see them live.

Draw the Line is the title track from the album of the same name. Made in '77 they were nearly at the end of their first stab at the big time - the drugs were taking their toll. Draw the Line (the album) was the last bright spark before the flame began to die. It is rock'n'roll to die for and Tyler nearly rips his thoat to pieces in the middle!

Kings and Queens - I was so chuffed when Aerosmith played this one live when I last saw them because it never struck me as a live tune - it is brilliant. It's set in a time of legend and there is great interplay between the guitar and the piano - the vocal style is perfect.... just a great tune!

Come Together is a cover of the Beatles original as is not featured on a previous Aerosmith album. It is heavier than the original and Tyler does an excellent vocal job. To be honest though, they would have been better off including 'Train Kept a Rollin'' (by Led Zep) as a cover, as it is one that they used to close on in live performances.

Remember (Walking in the Sand) is the final track, and is a cover of the Shangri-Las hit. In interesting choice for Aerosmith and some have slated them for it. It is musically deep and powerful and Tylers vocals are just angst ridden and help to change the song from a rock and roll oddity into something meaningful and worthy.

At the end of the day - if you only know Aerosmith from the post Permanent Vacation albums, this album will be an education. Aerosmith Greatest Hits is available from all large music stores, and is more often than not on sale for around £4.99 and for that money it is a bargain!! You will recognise the CD cover from it being predominantly red with the white Aeromith Wings logo emblazoned on it.

Thanks for reading yet another Aerosmith review!!!