There is a whole generation of rockers who think Aerosmith were nothing before Permanent Vacation, and the introduction of outside writers to make them chart heroes. To me, the new Aerosmith is a completely different band to the one that recorded this masterpiece. 1976 this was unleashed on the world, and it was their fourth full length album. Of course, the chemical intake was nearly at its peak and would cause the toxic twins to go separate ways a couple of albums later. Despite that, they still managed to record what many people think is their best record.
Side 1 starts with Back In The Saddle, an all time classic Aero tune and that’s followed by Last Child, which is probably Brad Whitford’s best contribution song-wise. Then we get the souped up groove of Rats In The Cellar, the band at their rockin’ best. Combination closes out Side 1.
Side 2 is just as good with Sick As A Dog, Nobody’s Fault, the ripping Get The Lead Out Nobody’s Fault, and Lick And A Promise. All killer Aerosmith classics that have kept them in drugs and booze for many years. They took what the Stones and the Beatles did and blended the sound together with added attitude, and ran with it. Great band and album.
10/10 from The Grooveman.
