Aerosmith – Toys In The Attic

Teaming up with producer Jack Douglas once again, Aerosmith touch upon the leading lights of the day (Led Zeppelin for instance) and apply their own rock and blues template over the top of it.

Written by: gdmonline

ARTIST: Aerosmith
ALBUM: Toys In The Attic
LABEL: CBS
SERIAL: JC 33479
YEAR: 1975
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

LINEUP: Steven Tyler – lead vocals, percussion on ‘Sweet Emotion’ * Joe Perry – guitar, backing vocals, talkbox on ‘Sweet Emotion’ * Brad Whitford – guitar * Tom Hamilton – bass * Joey Kramer – drums

Additional Musicians: Scott Cushnie – piano (#5, #7, #9) * Jay Messina – bass marimba (#6)

TRACK LISTING: 01 Toys In The Attic * 02 Uncle Salty * 03 Adams Apple * 04 Walk This Way * 05 Big Ten Inch Record * 06 Sweet Emotion * 07 No More No More * 08 Round And Round * 09 You See Me Crying

WEBLINKS: Site Link

Background

We talk about 1975 and we talk about Aerosmith’s arrival in the big leagues. Their status as arena rockers was more or less confirmed by this stage, and it become the Boston based outfit’s first genuine record with two top 40 hits in the bag.

Both the 1973 debut and 1974’s ‘Get Your Wings’ did not embed Aerosmith into the national consciousness straight away, but ‘Toys..’ moved the band up a few notches, and during the late 70’s they extended their popularity all the while with drugs being a constant companion. Teaming up with producer Jack Douglas once again, Aerosmith touch upon the leading lights of the day (Led Zeppelin for instance) and apply their own rock and blues template over the top of it.

The Songs

The title track ‘Toys In The Attic’ is a blast from the blast, with its Montrose like power-rock and blues licks. It’s a frantic start. Unlike ‘Uncle Salty’ which you’d think was a maritime song. Unfortunately no, it’s about child abuse, neglect and teenage prostitution. Like, wow, that’s different!

‘Adams Apple’ is an understated track, which brings into play the twin guitar shuffle of Joe Perry and Brad Whitford. ‘Walk This Way’ is as recognisable today as it was back in 1975. It’s been covered a few times since, including some rap artists, and admittedly the way the song is arranged, it’s not hard to see why rap artists are interested in doing it.

The sole cover on the album was a re-recording of ‘Big Ten Record’, a 1950’s tune with more than a hint of nostalgia. ‘Sweet Emotion’ is the other big hit from the album. It’s a swampy rocker with an identifiable riff for the ages. Truly a classic track of the 70’s.

‘No More No More’ is a bit of a toe-tapper, with its barroom piano tapping away, and its pretty simple chorus. ‘Round And Round’ could be Led Zeppelin during this timeframe. I’m pretty certain that is who the song is modelled on. Aerosmith complete the album with an orchestral number: ‘You See Me Crying’, which was quite majestic sounding for its time.

In Summary

A pretty popular album at the time, which also did good sales into 1976 (going platinum) as well as into 1977 believe it or not. There was a stage when the first three Aerosmith albums were in the charts at the same time. At this point, the band had begun headlining their own shows, and they shared the stage with many acts already featured here at Glory Daze.

‘Rocks’ and ‘Draw The Line’ would be released in successive years, plus there was 1978’s ‘Live Bootleg’. There’s a bit of a back catalogue to investigate, certainly anything up until 1982’s ‘Rock In A Hard Place’ should be checked out.

Video

Sweet Emotion