Music N' Other Drugs

The news of Aerosmith’s retirement from the stage didn’t hit me quite as hard as some, but I’ve always had immense respect for the first eight albums they created. Sleazy, dangerous, and heavy for the times, Tyler and Co. made a convincing case as the greatest American rock band of their era before getting sucked into the Desmond Child/Diane Warren vortex that few ever escape from.

Sure, my 10-year-old self was on board with “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” and the corporate marketing that went along with it, but, like a lot of cultural artifacts from the summer of 1998, the sheen wears off the further away you get from that time.

Needless to say, my 10 favorite tracks lean heavily on the early period, but I’ve included my soon-to-be nine-year-old son’s selections, as well, for contrast.

“Draw the Line” (1977)

“Seasons of Wither” (1974)

“Sick As a Dog” (1976)

“Combination” (1976)

“Nobody’s Fault” (1976)

“Toys in the Attic” (1975)

“Adam’s Apple” (1975)

“No Surprize” (1979)

“Lightning Strikes” (1982)

“Eat the Rich” (1993)

Cooper’s Picks

“Livin’ on the Edge” (1993)

“Sweet Emotion” (1975)

“Love in an Elevator” (1989)

“Back in the Saddle” (1976)

“Janie’s Got a Gun (1989)

“Angel” (1987)

“Crazy” (1993)

“Dream On” (1973)

“Walk This Way” (1975)

“Cryin’” (1993)