2008 Woodie Awards
Aerosmith Turns Over a New Leaf
Maureen Stemmle
Issue date: 11/24/04 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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Perhaps you have noticed that since the Armageddon soundtrack, Aerosmith has been a bit more experimental with their style. Overall, I would not say that this is necessarily a bad thing however.
As a life long Aerosmith fan, I would have to say I have enjoyed this self- exploration of their identity as band. I have chosen to repress the memory of their emasculation, also known as the half time show of the 2001 Super Bowl, in which Aerosmith chose to whore itself out to a bunch of so-so pop- music icons.
Their new album, Honking on Bobo, is perhaps, a break from their search for identity to pay homage to the roots of their music, the blues, rock-a-billy, and swing, and a lovely mix of original scores and remakes of classics from each of these genres.
This album truly showcases the musicianship of the various members of Aerosmith. While retaining some of their own unique trademarks, and still capturing the soul of the music.
This album opens with the song Road Runner, which is somewhat reminiscent of the rock-a-billy style, kind of like the song That Thing You Do from the movie of the same title. This song is utterly charming, a perfect intro. It manages to highlight each member of the band. An original song, be sure to listen for the classic roadrunner sound affects in the background!
The next song, Shame Shame Shame, is a nod to swing music. Aerosmith doing Swing?! Sounds like an oxymoron, I know, but it works. This would be a fantastic joint effort sometime with Brian Seltzer. Where is he these days anyway?
The third song on the album, Eyesight to the Blind, is a nod to the B.B. King style of the blues. This is a somewhat newer style, as far as the blues goes. It is very reminiscent of the King song, Made Your Move Too Soon.
The best song on the album will make your jaw drop, especially if you have ever seen the movie The Commitments. Yes, Aerosmith, as sung by Stephen Tyler, sings I Never Loved a Girl, in this case. Images of a raven haired, Irish soul singer in a black dress haunt one's mind while Ol' Stevie's pipes start wailing.
As a life long Aerosmith fan, I would have to say I have enjoyed this self- exploration of their identity as band. I have chosen to repress the memory of their emasculation, also known as the half time show of the 2001 Super Bowl, in which Aerosmith chose to whore itself out to a bunch of so-so pop- music icons.
Their new album, Honking on Bobo, is perhaps, a break from their search for identity to pay homage to the roots of their music, the blues, rock-a-billy, and swing, and a lovely mix of original scores and remakes of classics from each of these genres.
This album truly showcases the musicianship of the various members of Aerosmith. While retaining some of their own unique trademarks, and still capturing the soul of the music.
This album opens with the song Road Runner, which is somewhat reminiscent of the rock-a-billy style, kind of like the song That Thing You Do from the movie of the same title. This song is utterly charming, a perfect intro. It manages to highlight each member of the band. An original song, be sure to listen for the classic roadrunner sound affects in the background!
The next song, Shame Shame Shame, is a nod to swing music. Aerosmith doing Swing?! Sounds like an oxymoron, I know, but it works. This would be a fantastic joint effort sometime with Brian Seltzer. Where is he these days anyway?
The third song on the album, Eyesight to the Blind, is a nod to the B.B. King style of the blues. This is a somewhat newer style, as far as the blues goes. It is very reminiscent of the King song, Made Your Move Too Soon.
The best song on the album will make your jaw drop, especially if you have ever seen the movie The Commitments. Yes, Aerosmith, as sung by Stephen Tyler, sings I Never Loved a Girl, in this case. Images of a raven haired, Irish soul singer in a black dress haunt one's mind while Ol' Stevie's pipes start wailing.