I've put up with AEROSMITH for a long time. Even though I prefer their early work and in fact don't own anything they released since the 80's, I always respected them and thought they still had lots of good songs, even up until "Get A Grip" (1993). When they released that shite "Pink Is My Favorite Crayon"- single I decided I had finally heard enough AEROSMITH and have successfully ignored them since...until Peacedogman.com sent me their latest album to review...

Now this is in fact not a 'regular' new record, since it only contains one original new AEROSMITH song. The rest of the album consists of cover songs, most of 'em by old blues singers. It starts off with their take on BO DIDDLEY's "Roadrunner". Is it me or haven't we heard AEROSMITH rock this hard for quite some time? When the second song arrives, a rip-roaring version of SMILEY LEWIS' "Shame, Shame, Shame"... I'm sure of it. Even BRIAN SETZER's boogie isn't as dirty as this. It really has been a long time since we heard anything by AEROSMITH that's as dark and brooding as "Back Back Train" or as raw as "You Gotta Move" (both originally by MISSISSIPPI FRED McDOWELL). Their take on BIG JOE WILLIAMS' classic "Baby Please Don't Go" is right up there with the versions by THEM, THE AMBOY DUKES and BUDGIE. And I wonder what soul purists will think of Steven Tyler's screeching vocal delivery on ARETHA FRANKLIN's "I Never Loved a Man The Way I Love You" (which is called "Never Loved a Girl" here).

Of course this is not a masterpiece (cover records seldom are), nor is it as good as classic AEROSMITH like "Rocks" or "Toys In The Attic", but it is good nonetheless. With the exception of "The Grind" (the aforementioned original new AEROSMITH song, and not a bad one at that) you won't find any of the somewhat cheesy FM-rock AEROSMITH has become known for in recent years. With all its rawness this record is the aural equivalent of a good bar brawl. It's also the best thing AEROSMITH has released in years. Just as "Garage, Inc." Was the best thing METALLICA released in years. Which got me thinking...

Question for all you has-beens, rock dinosaurs and generally artists that are way past your prime: Wouldn't it be great if you all just stopped writing new songs and started paying homage to the people that influenced you in the first place? What's the point in trying to add new stuff to your already long list of classics? It won't work!! You have shot your songwriting wad long ago and the old stuff is the reason we keep coming to your shows anyway!! Let us know who inspired you instead. Inquiring minds want to know, especially if the results are as entertaining as "Honkin' on Bobo". And that way you can still be a rock star and teach us something about rock history as well.

So SCORPIONS, IRON MAIDEN, KISS, VAN HALEN, DEEP PURPLE, ROLLING STONES and all you others (you know who you are), what about it?

- Van Hoften

OFFICIAL SITE: www.aerosmith.com

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