1975 - April: Aerosmith ”Toys in the Attic”

With their third studio album Aerosmith really came into their own.  Toys in the Attic would be their most commercially successful studio album in the United States, and would spawn two enduring rock anthems.  

Aerosmith came out of Boston in 1970 with Steve Tyler on lead vocals and harmonica, Tom Hamilton on bass, Joe Perry on guitar, Brad Whitford also on guitar, and Joey Kramer on drums. 

Toys in the Attic was immediately successful and made Aerosmith into international stars.  Their first top 40 hit, "Sweet Emotion," came off this album, and its success encouraged listeners to check out the previous Aerosmith albums, bringing them back onto the charts.  

Flamboyant front man Steve Tyler was often compared with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, but the resemblance did not carry over to the music.  Aerosmith would tact closer to Led Zeppelin than to the Stones, and would carry high energy vocals and a more funky rock sound.

If you're ready for some hard rocking mid-70's jams, then “WALK THIS WAY!”

 

Toys in the Attic This driving title track refers to someone who is completely crazy - similar to phrases like bats in the belfry, or an elevator that doesn't stop on all floors.  "Leaving the things that are real behind, leaving the things that you love from mind."

Walk This Way This iconic song about a teenage boy losing his virginity to a promiscuous cheerleader got its name from a scene in the Mel Brooks comedy "Young Frankenstein."  This track was where Aerosmith really exploded onto the scene.  The lyrics are almost a rap with their speed, and it would become a true rap song with Run D.M.C.'s cover.

Big Ten Inch Record A throwback boogie written in 1952 by Bull Moose Jackson, the double entendre actually refers to vinyl records which were originally 10-inch, 78 rpm.  Aerosmith kept the cover faithful to the original big band feel.  Steven Tyler's harmonica work is prominent in this track.

Sweet Emotion Another epic track, the lead "talking guitars" announce something different.  The song expresses Tyler's frustration with the band and tensions with the band member's wives and girlfriends.  This is one of the songs that Van Halen covered in their early days.  

 

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme from the television series “Kung Fu” David Carradine was Kwai Chang Caine, a refugee from China in the American west in the television show, which ended in this month.

 

STAFF PICKS:

“Don't Call Us, We'll Call You” by Sugarloaf Wayne's staff pick was inspired by the experience of the band with CBS records.  No one would call them back.  After they became famous, they turned the tables on the record companies who now wanted to talk to them.  You'll hear riffs from The Beatles and Stevie Wonder embedded in the song.

“Amie” by Pure Prairie League Bruce features a breakup song originally released on their second album in 1972.  It did not do well when first released, but gained popularity as an album cut on college radio stations, and was re-released as a single in 1975.  On the original album the song is preceded by a short song entitled "Falling In and Out of Love," which is reprised at the end of "Amie."  You occasionally hear these together on the radio.

“Philadelphia Freedom” by Elton John Rob's staff pick was a single without an album when it came out.  Elton John was friends with Billie Jean King, who was part of the Philadelphia Freedoms professional tennis team at the time.  This song was written as a tribute to her and the team.  "'Cause I live and breathe this Philadelphia freedom."  

“No-No Song” by Ringo Starr Brian brings us a lighthearted song from the former Beatle drummer, giving us a whimsical anti-drug message.  "No, no, no, no, I don't smoke it no more...I'm tired of waking up on the floor!"

LAUGH TRACK:

“Dynomite” by Tony Camillo's Bazuka We finish off this week with a track inspired by "Good Times" and J.J. Walker's catch phrase.

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