If there was ever an Aerosmith album I needed to spend some serious time getting to know, it was Toys in the Attic.
Being I’m an Aerosmith fan but don’t own any of their music on vinyl, I borrowed the 1975 record from our master of music here at the station, Ray Erick. Out of every album they’ve released, he said this was “the one.” As I listened to each song in sequence, I began to realize just what he meant by that. Toys in the Attic is one of those classic albums you have to sleep with at least once to fully understand Aerosmith’s role in rock and roll.
It takes a very special band to excite me. I like Aerosmith because they make me want to have fun. There isn’t one bummer of a song on Toys in the Attic, and I believe that’s what made it so popular upon its release. Rock and roll is all about fun, and not every album has to have a sappy ballad. Even the last song, You See Me Crying, kicks hard, despite its melancholic lyrics.
It was love at first bite when I listened to Adam’s Apple for the first time. My man Joe Perry rocks such a lovely little riff all the way through the song, and his solo at the end is hot, hot, HOT! Usually I can listen to a song and visualize the band without having to look up past performances, but I have to admit I spent a lot of time on YouTube after listening to Toys in the Attic. I was more curious about the outfits they rocked in those days more than anything! Check out my favorite live recording of the song below:
The best thing about Aerosmith is the chemistry they have with each other. I’ve never seen them live, but I’ve watched videos and know I’d be in awe if I did. The playful banter between Steven Tyler and Joe Perry would give me butterflies! I think it’s really cool that they are still performing together. I wish some of my other favorite bands could set aside their past issues and come together for the sake of the music.
No More No More has always been my favorite Aerosmith song to sing along to, and its tempo works well with the other tunes on this album. It’s a song that makes me want to throw my hands up every time I hear the lyric: Baby I’m a dreamer…found my horse and carriage! I can thank KQRS for getting me to know that one so well.
I’m obsessed with Round and Round because it’s heavy as hell. It’s definitely my new favorite Aerosmith song. The way Steven Tyler sings this song makes it mean a little something more to me. His voice is soooo extra!
I was excited to find out that Sweet Emotion is a part of this album. I always think of my favorite stoner film, Dazed and Confused, when it starts up. The song defines the attitude of the seventies, and I absolutely love that. I would have liked to been in High School when this album dropped — skipping school to smoke with my rebel friends in our high-wasted bell bottoms and platform shoes. Walk this Way, another staple, fits in perfectly with this set of songs — elevating the album to its well-deserved classic status.
Toys in the Attic screams fun. It’s flirty and a little bit over-the-top, but it works. I mean, who doesn’t want to feel sexy and free when they’re dancing and singing along to rock and roll? Aerosmith gets you there — without faking it. If you’re the type of person who’s always in the mood to groove, then this is the album for you!
