They just had two - 2CD sets out a few years back to go along with other compilations like Greatest Hits, Big Ones, Gems, Pandora's Box & a bunch of live albums. I'm a big fan of the boys from Beantown, but this is getting a lttle ridiculous. I'd be more interested in any unreleased tracks they might have hidden in the vaults from the classic era.

As bands enter the sunset period of their careers, they tend to release a studio album followed by a compilation or a live album and so on. People like me, though, simply tune out when bands release their upteenth "best of" album simply as a cash grab. It's a sign of the songwriting well begining to run dry...

i'd bet that it's got something to do with switching labels.

Yeah, enough is enough already!!! how many 'best of's can there be? And the last time out they said they'd never do it again. I stopped looking at this type of thing when they released the Young Lust compilation. Do they think we are all STUPID?

Maybe not stupid - just desperate for some pumped up blues/r&b based rawk and roll done in the classic two guitars & a frontman format.

From my years in the industry, I can and will say that sometimes decisions that appear to rest entirely on the shoulders of a band are perhaps fulfilling part of a contractural agreement. I'm not saying that I know the reasons behind why this greatest hits package was released. But I do stand behind my statement that this is the mix cd I'd have made myself...as a fan of the band, their music and owner of almost every one of their previous releases, some in three different mediums-vinyl, cassette and cd.

Thanks to all for reading and commenting...it's always interesting to hear other's points of view.

Good article tink.

I used to be in "the biz" too, so I kinda know what you're talking about. Personally, I prefer early Aerosmith when they were the baddest glam rock dandy boys this side of the New York Dolls (and with the chops to match).

Of course, I also realize if they continued on that particular course, they'd probably all be dead by now. R.I.P. to Johnny Thunders and the rest...

That said, the one nagging thing about Aerosmith that bugs me is that they kinda sold out. When I saw them up there next to Britney and Justin a couple years ago at that Superbowl, something inside me just said "thats it." Thats not the guys I remember from "Lord Of The Thighs" and "Nobodys Fault" (Aerosmiths single most kick-ass song).

In terms of selling out, I don't quite put them in Rod Stewart territory--and these days who hasn't sold out anyway? But when I think of the rock and roll rebellion that I grew up with, I prefer mine kept pure. Ya dont see Ian Hunter pimping "All The Way From Memphis" for whatever they sell in Memphis right (okay, but you do see him on Ringo's tour...Damn!)

But like Neil says, "...it's better to burn out" and all that.

Good review though. I think you've got some promise there kid (and thats a wink to the tink from a grizzled old rock scribe).

Also appreciate your recent comments on my reviews.

-Glen

OK Glen...now I've just impressed myself...thanks so much for reading and leaving a comment. Seriously.

You know, some times its a matter of tossing the coin...some days I think oh those record label weasels, putting out another hits package...then I remember--hey, I used to be one of those! Then there's a day like today when all I had to do was pop the cd into the car deck and peel outta the driveway...

I do have one point of contention with what you said though..."Nobody's Fault" most kick-ass?? You can say that while mentioning Lord of the Thighs??? That is the definitive Aerosmith song to me...uuummm, but maybe that's just a grrl thang!!

Diggin' your words of encouragement...

Dolls/Aerosmith connextion - Joe Perry played guitar on "Cool Metro" from David Johansen's s/t solo album.

Steven Tyler himself has said it many times in interviews Vern--the Dolls were basically the standard (along with the Stones) that Aerosmith aspired to.

Tink, your partiality to "Thighs" probably is a grrrl thing (great song that it is)--but for my money Aerosmith has never sounded more intense than they did on "Nobodys Fault" ("Draw the Line" on a good night when Tyler can still hit the high notes comes pretty damn close though).

As for those words of encouragement you mention--I think you'll find all the encouragement you'll ever need peeling out with that car-deck of yours providing the soundtrack. Especially, if I'm thinking, something like "Lord Of The Thighs" is playing (you oughtta give "Born To Run" a try as well though--though that may actually be more of a gyyyy thing).

Good stuff Tink.

-Glen

Nobody's Fault is a good choice for one song, but for sustained intensity, I think you have to take the entire side one of Rocks: Back in the Saddle, Last Child, Rats in the Cellar & Combination. I'd go so far as to argue this might be the BEST SIDE 1 IN THE HISTORY OF ROCK AND ROLL. There are many greater albums than Aerosmith Rocks, but if Side two hadn't petered out like it did........ Wow! For my own personal CD mix copy of Aerosmiths' greatest I'd taked Side One of Rocks, Sick AS a Dog & NObody'd FAult off of side 2, BRight Light FDright & a few others.

Glen...So now we're invoking the Boss, are we?? When you have friends that lived in Red Bank, it wasn't easy for him to not hit one's radar!!! "Born To Run" was to me...the top of his game. So nope...not just a gyyyy thing...his whole game then was cars n grrls...and we all wanted to be that could inspire one of those songs!! Anyway, it's one of three cds* that are sure to bring the Cherry Tops on my tail. And live??? Fagettaboutit...back in 1980 he did 6 shows in a row in L.A. including Halloween...those where the days of the three hour plus sets...whew!

And to this day, I still think that Rosalita is one of most underrated songs recorded.

*Rocket To Russia and Greetings From the Bonneville Salt Flats...cuz I know you're gonna want to know...

Thanks again!!!

Vern...right you are about Perry playing on David Jo's first solo...right fine job of it he did. I always thought that was cool that they got to play together.

You'll learn not to get me started on the Dolls and David Jo...I could go on for hours. Last time I saw them was right after Arthur died in 2004...go to my other blog and check around October of that year for my review of that show...I had to take a cold shower after I wrote it!!

Vern...I'm afraid that I just might have to agree with you regarding Rocks...the first side may very well be one of the best sides EVAH!

Now you're making a very fine distinction though, with your cd mix. These retail best of collections are greatest HITS packages. Greatest songs...not always the same thing, as evident by your selections.

Of course, mine would have to start with "Lord..." which I would have to hit repeat at least four or five times before I could move on to the second track...

Thanks for your feedback!!!

Best A side ever? I think I'd have to go with Exile On Main Street there.

-Glen

Exile doesn't count because it's in the running for best album EVER PERIOD. And it was a double album, so side 1 is only 1/4 of an album, so it's more like side 1/2, as it were....

....of course, now with CD's & mp3's, the question is somewhat academic.

HOW MANY AEROSMITH CDS ARE THERE IS THERE 50 MILLION?