Classics Live - Aerosmith (CD 1993)

I was at the Virgin Records Superstore today and was browsing through different selections when I came across this one. I am an Aerosmith fan and the price was right (just $9.99), so I bought it. I must say, I wasn't disappointed.

As the title suggests, this is a "live" album. A nice added feature though is that it has been "digitally re-mastered" so that the little quirks of "live" recordings (drops in sound, etc.) are non-existent on this disc. Also, it is a fairly good representation of Aerosmith Live. I saw them in '95 and again in '98 and, although this album was released in '86, at least 4 of the 7 live tracks are ones that I heard in both concerts. The eighth track on the album is Major Barbra, which is listed as "the newly discovered studio cut (which) recalls the golden years of a true American legend." This disc is a compilation of songs that were recorded at various concerts between '77 and '83. Let's take a look, shall we?

Train Kept a Rollin'
The first track is a fun one with a fast beat. The crowd sings along at each instance of the chorus. Lots of (Joe) Perry guitar riffs and (Steven) Tyler sounds great on vocals on this track.

Kings and Queens
I didn't recognize this title, but I knew the song as soon as I heard it. They played it both times I saw them live. A ballad of another time... Tossin', turnin', nightmares burnin'...Screams have no reply / They die / Screams have no reply...Kings and queens and guillotines / Long ago... This song brings to mind the sound of Janie's Got A Gun, which , of course, came after it.

Sweet Emotion
Who hasn't heard this one? C'mon now! Sweet Emotion is, in my opinion anyway, a staple of Rock 'n Roll. They sound great on this track as well. Sweeeeeeeeet Emoooooootion...(insert guitar riff) Outstanding!

Dream On
This is one of my all-time favorite Rock 'n Roll ballads. I was somewhat disappointed on hearing the live version that they used on this album, however. Tyler sounds like he's completely stoned/drunk or any combination of the two. (This is a very good possibility since it doesn't state when this recording was made & it could have quite possibly been before the band went clean & sober.) Still, the band sounds great and Tyler does gain momentum as the song wears on... Although he does mess the lyrics up a bit toward the end substituting "tear" for "year" twice. Sing with me, sing for the year (he says tear here in the ending chorus), sing for the laughter, sing for the tear. Sing with me, it's just for today, never tomorrow, the good Lord'll take ya away. Dream on, dream on, dream on, dream until your dreams come true. Somewhat disappointing, but nevertheless, it's still a great song.

Mama Kin
It ain't easy, livin' like a gypsy / Tell ya honey how it's been... Keep in touch with Mama kin / Tell her where you've gone and been / Livin' out your fantasy...It ain't easy, livin' like you wanna / It's so hard to find piece of mind / Way I see it, got to say sh*t / Don't forget to drop me a line Classic Aerosmith! Another great sing-along for concert-goers.

Three Mile Smile/Reefer Head Woman
I didn't really recognize either of these tunes, they may or may not have played them at the concerts I attended. My guess is that they didn't since they had several newer songs that were played at those shows. Overall, though, the recordings of these two are very good. The band sounds absolutely fabulous and Tyler's vocals are right-on.

Lord Of The Thighs
I think this was played at one of the concerts I attended. I'm not positive... Nonetheless, this recording is outstanding. It is a great display of Perry's guitar work, he has a very nice solo in the middle of the song. (Tom) Hamilton's bass work also really stands out on this number.

Major Barbra
This is a studio recording which was originally intended for Get Your Wings in '74. I'm unsure as to why it was not released before this album, but it is a nice song. Nothing outstanding, but good.


All in all, this is a nice display of the various talents in the band. I am glad to add it to my collection. If you're a fan and don't own this one, my recommendation is that it is a solid album to add to your collection.