uHollywood

Aerosmith have always been a band that have acknowledged the musical debt that they owe to the Blues. Indeed, their early albums often featured cover versions of old Blues songs and, then, in 2004 they released a whole album of Blues classics, called Honkin’ on Bobo’.

This album review, however, if from another angle. It’s a bunch of great old Blues artists covering classic (and newer) Aerosmith songs. Being a HugeAerosmith fan (and also a fan of Blues music generally), I purchased this album from my local record store largely out of curiosity.

I’d glad to state that I wasn’t disappointed at having taken a chance with this album. As you’d anticipate with an album of covers, there are some instances where the original is markedly better. However, there are some stunning interpretations of Aerosmith songs and any Aerosmith fan should have this album you’ll love it!

First up is Ottis Clay with his excellent version of Cryin’. One criticism of Cryin’ era Aerosmith has been that their production sound has been too polished. This version is less polished than Aerosmith’s and I think benefits from this.

Gerald McClendon gives a fairly faithful rendition of Pink. Good but Steven Tyler’s version is slightly better.

Walk this way is perhaps Aerosmith’s most famous song and is known both for their original version of it and also for their ground breaking collaboration with rap stars Run DMC. This blues version sees another interpretation of it, with a two singer duet between an old blues singer (Pinetop Perkins, I think) and a younger singer (Rusty Zinn). I love Perkins’ voice and it’s a fun interpretation but again not quite up to the standard of the other versions.

Some of the very best moments on this album are delivered by female singers. Last child’ by Cathy Richardson is one of these moments. Sassy rendition and it works really well. Last child just happens to be one of my favourite Aerosmith songs and this version is up there with the original.

One way street sees another female vocal, this time by Lou Ann Barton, and is even better. I think this is my standout track on the album. Again, it’s great to hear such a sassy female vocal on a great old Aerosmith song.

A female vocal that doesn’t work quite so well is Kim McFarland’s rendition of Dream on. It’s quite pleasant but nowhere near as good as Tyler’s version.

Draw the line by Tad Robinson and Rag doll by Joe Louis Walker are also great. The thing that comes through on all of the songs