The Aerosmith Debate
At some point in the last 24 hours the comments on my All Apologies post veered from a discussion of my arrogance and credibility into a debate about what the greatest Aerosmith record is. For that I am eternally grateful Jackson.
Jackson, Steve, Tony, and Pietro (aka The Lord of the Thighs) debated the merits of Toys in the Attic, Rocks, and Get Your Wings.
I went for a ride this morning and pondered the question with some tunes on my iPod. And I have to tell you that they are all wrong. But you knew the arrogant (or assertive) VC would say that.
The greatest Aerosmith record is Live Bootleg. Because all great bands at their peak are best live (Get Yer Ya Yas Out). And because of the bad ass cover of Come Together. And because of the "encore" of Ain't Got You, Mother Popcorn, and Train Kept A Rolling.
I love the way Ain't Got You and Mother Popcorn showcase the early Aerosmith when they were mostly a rythm and blues band. Like listening to England's Newest Hitmakers. You hear the foundation of the band being built.
And the record ends with a blistering version of Train Kept A Rolling with the crowd shouting the chorus. All rock shows should end like that. So Live Bootleg gets my vote guys.
oh man, the aerosmith come together studio cut can be traced to the soundtrack of the so bad its almost good (almost) sgt peppers movie w peter frampton, steve martin, george burns et al... the soundtrack is also woeful save a couple of gems such as aeromsimith's as well as earth wind and fire's soulified 'got to get you into my life' which is brassed out and also killer....
Posted by: phil | June 26, 2007 at 08:32 AM
Of course! We could count on you to make the right call on this! But maybe you should apologize for writing about taxes ;-)
Posted by: Rik | June 26, 2007 at 09:04 AM
Ha, you've won me over. You rock, I scissor.
Anyone from Microsoft or FM paying attention? Here's something truly organic, full of cred, and can't be captured in a banner ad:
AEROSMITH DEBATES ARE PEOPLE READY.
Feel free to quote me on it.
Posted by: Pietro (BRZ) | June 26, 2007 at 09:21 AM
Live Bootleg is a great record and all these things you say are true, but it remains a live album which is in a class of it's own since it covers a longer period of time (multiple albums). For instance: the Live Bootleg "Lord of the Thighs" is fantantic, but it's a GYW track first.
I'm curious to hear which of the studio efforts you consider to be their best.
Oh, and BTW... Even though I correctly identify Rocks as the best record, "One Way Street" off their self titled debut is the greatest song they ever recorded.
How's that for a bold statement. No counter argument is to be offered until one actually goes out and listens to "One Way Street" first, then I'll hear you out.
Posted by: Tony Alva | June 26, 2007 at 11:02 AM
Except Jackson of course since I'm confident that he has more than likely listened to One Way Street in the last month and/or played it on his guitar.
Posted by: Tony Alva | June 26, 2007 at 11:04 AM
"Because all great bands at their peak are best live".
Saddens me to think how much we missed out on that the Beatles didn't do live shows during their peak.
Posted by: Andy Swan | June 26, 2007 at 11:17 AM
I think there is an interesting tangential debate: who is the most influential US rock band of all time. It seems the US produces many great solo artists from Elvis to Dylan to Prince - but the UK has produced more of the great, influential bands. So, the question is: who is the most influential US band? Aerosmith is worthy of consideration.
Posted by: Rich | June 26, 2007 at 11:23 AM
Several bad words said together at once - Rhapsody doesn't have any of the old Aerosmith - can we please get a compulsary license for stream on demand so we can get rid of these huge holes! Now I'm going to have to hook up the turntable and find the vinyl that is stashed somewhere down in the basement. Its time to go back to seventh grade when that album was on the turntable almost everyday!
Posted by: Craig Huizenga | June 26, 2007 at 01:16 PM
How about a "Three Greatest Live Albums of All Time" post? I'll kick-start it w/two of my faves:
1. Grateful Dead, Dead Set - This double-album celebrates two historic multi-show runs - one at the Warfield in SF and the other at Radio City Music Hall. The band is in top form, the sound is lush and the moments between Space>Fire on the Mountain can make a grown man cry.
2. Phish, Live at MSG, 12/31/95 - This probably won't be on a lot of other folks' list, but this is the best band of the 90's on the best night of their career. Full of huge jams, unexpected moments and plenty of Phish quirkiness. Phish+New Year's Eve+MSG = one of the best musical nights of my life.
Posted by: Cortland Coleman | June 26, 2007 at 08:51 PM
I always thought Aerosmith was a waste of space. That's probably because I was only familiar with their later stuff. But I have read Joe Perry singing the praises of one Peter Allen Greenbaum - aka Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac. I then realised they were a solid rock band in their earlier days. These two tracks have inspired me to go and get those earlier albums. Thanks Fred
By the way - take a look at this. The band discussing Green and the Mac in the late 60s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chVxKU8qINA&mode=related&search=
Posted by: Owlsley | June 27, 2007 at 05:27 AM
Of corse Tony is right that Fred is wrong, live records and other compilations don't count. Answer the question Fred!
Clearly, mathematically, spirirually, and artistically, 'Toys' is the superior record.
Start with the hits. 'Walk This Way', 'Sweet Emotion' - only their most hugest cuts ever.
Then there's 'Uncle Salty', 'Adams Apple', No More, No More', and 'You See Me Crying'.
'Nobody's Fault', 'Lord Of the Thighs'
and 'Seasons of Wither' are equal in quality but not in number - 'Rocks' and 'GYW' combined don't even stack up to the mighty 'Toys'.
So there.....
Nuff said.
Oh, and Phish? I do not want to party with that guy.
Posted by: jackson | June 27, 2007 at 11:23 AM
GET YOUR WINGS-TRULY THE BEST AEROSMITH ALBUM OF ALL TIME.AND FOGHAT LIVE-GREATEST LIVE ALBUM EVER.
Posted by: Joe | June 27, 2007 at 04:46 PM
http://thiskids.blogspot.com/
Posted by: jackson | June 28, 2007 at 02:26 PM
Am I wrong to continue to think of Aerosmith as Stones wanna-bes without nearly the depth and scope of material? OK, let's ignore the last several years of Stones.
Posted by: David L | June 28, 2007 at 05:47 PM
I realize that I'm a little late to the game here, but I'd still like to chime in as an avid Aerosmith hater.
I agree that bands bare their true musical essence live. Thus I offer the following link as indisputable evidence of Aerosmith's suck-itude:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BxgfUv7skg
Re: their best album, I always thought that the Armageddon soundtrack was their finest recorded work.
Posted by: Eric | July 18, 2007 at 02:46 PM