Aerosmith have been releasing albums within the music industry for over
30 years now! During their amazing career they have seen their fair share of
highs and lows. This includes mutli-platinum selling albums along with some
duds, sold out concerts, group turmoil, drug and management problems, etc. Through
it all they have survived and have rightfully earned a place in the Rock N’
Roll Hall of Fame. Much of their success, especially in the late 80's, was helped
by using the power ballad formula. Aerosmith have now reached a point
in their career where they have seen, done and experienced almost everything
rock stars can experience. Now that they have come full circle, they can afford
to do whatever they want without risking much.
Blues influences have always been prevalent on Aerosmith albums. Songs
like “Walkin The Dog” from the debut, “Train Kept A Rollin” from
“Get Your Wings”, “Milk Cow Blues” from “Draw The Line",
and "The Hop" from "Done With Mirrors" are
just a few examples. It's only natural for Aerosmith to release an album
totally engulfed in the genre. They have taken a break from the power ballad
formula used on the last string of releases and strip down the music to it's
basic elements. They go back to the very roots that made them what they are
today.
"Honkin' on Bobo" represents a number of cover songs (most
originally done by the great blues artists of the genre) and one Aerosmith
original called "The Grind". Over all, the music is pretty
good for what it's worth, though I don't see the CD spending an extended periond
of time on my players as this stuff can grow old on you pretty fast. I prefer
“Rocks” and “Toys in the Attic” era Aerosmith. They translate
the music more rock 'n roll than blues, stamping their identity on it and make
the songs sound as if they were their own. Aerosmith sound relaxed and
seem to really enjoy what they are playing, just jamming away. The sounds of
the harmonica, steel guitar, piano and hammond organ help give the music a rock
and roll feel. This is also helped by the production of Jack Douglas, who was
a big part in Aerosmith's 70's success on the albums "Get Your
Wings" through "Draw The Line". Aerosmith sound
fresh, rejuvenated, even liberated from the need to have a hit power ballad,
though "The Grind" could almost pass for one. They cover The
Who's "Eyesight To The Blind" from "Tommy"
and really color the song in blues making you think this was the way the orignal
was meant to sound. Joe Perry lends his lead vocals on "Back Back Train"
with a little help from Tracy Bonham, who sounds like a dead ringer for Stevie
Nicks. Steven Tyler can play a mean harmonica and Joe Perry's leads are expressed
with much feeling and emotion.
I had the opportunity to see Aerosmith with Kiss back in November
at Madison Square Garden in New York. Aerosmith played a few songs from
"Honkin' on Bobo" back then and they translated well in the
live setting. At the time I didn't know the whole album would be blues inspired.
For old school, die-hard Aerosmith fans, this release should be a welcomed
one. For the teeny boppers used to the sappy power ballads like "Cryin'",
"Angel" and "Amazing", go buy a Bon Jovi
record!
America's "Led Zeppelin" still show that they have alot of
life left in them. Who knows, at the rate Aerosmith are going, they'll
be around as long as the Rolling Stones. I still hope the next Aerosmith
album that consists of original material will continue to go back to the
roots; the roots of the mid seventies. I thought the "Nine Lives"
release came pretty close at times, but then they went in another direction
with "Just Push Play". "Honkin' on Bobo" seems
like step in the right direction to get them back on track so the "train
will keep a rollin'".