(Edited 5-29-00)
In 1988, this album comprised of 12 Aerosmith classics was released. These are some of the band's favorite songs. This compilation demonstrates what Aerosmith is all about better than a greatest hits package could. If you do not wish to buy all of the band's old records, then this is a must have. Most of the band's younger fans haven't heard all of these songs, so it's my mission to educate the world. Before the band’s ballad-laden radio friendly sound, Aerosmith helped pioneer hard rock as we know it. Gems is the perfect album for one wishing to learn the true nature of a rock legend.
“Rats in the Cellar” and “Lick and a Promise” are two great rockers from the Rocks album. “Chip Away the Stone” was only available briefly as a non album single back in 1978, but can be found on the Gems album. This is truly a great song and I wonder why it was never included with an album. The guitar riffs of “No Surprize” are some of the best the band has ever written. “Mama Kin”, from the band’s first record, makes a strong showing here. It is a simple blues-based tune with a saxophone solo. “Adam’s Apple” is another flurry of great guitar riffs. It is one of the best songs ever written by the band.
The second half of the album starts with two Brad Whitford compositions, “Nobody’s Fault” and “Round and Round”. These are the two heaviest songs the band ever wrote in the 70s. Early 80s hard rock bands, such as Ratt and Twisted Sister, often copped riffs from Aerosmith’s 70s material. The next song shows Aerosmith at their most bizarre. “Critical Mass” is one of my favorites by the band. It relies more on piano, harmonica, and bass to catch that Aerosmith groove. The legendary “Lord of the Thighs” is also included. The album closes with two ferocious rocking tunes, “Jailbait” and “Train Kept a Rollin’”.
This album is a fine example of Aerosmith's best songs. I find myself listening to this CD quite often. If rock and roll is in your blood, you simply have to listen to this album. This is a far better representation of the band than their two greatest hits packages. Only the box set paints a better picture of the band. Also, this album has one of the coolest Aerosmith album covers. Gems is definitely an essential rock album.
Song Selection:
1. Rats in the Cellar (from Rocks)
2. Lick and a Promise (from Rocks)
3. Chip Away the Stone (previously unreleased studio version)
4. No Surprize (from Night in the Ruts)
5. Mama Kin (from Aerosmith)
6. Adam's Apple (from Toys in the Attic)
7. Nobody's Fault (from Rocks)
8. Round and Round (from Toys in the Attic)
9. Critical Mass (from Draw the Line)
10. Lord of the Thighs (from Get Your Wings)
11. Jailbait (from Rock in a Hard Place)
12. Train Kept A Rollin (from Get Your Wings)
Top Picks: Rats in the Cellar, Lick and a Promise, Adam’s Apple, Critical Mass, Lord of the Thighs
Band Members:
Steven Tyler: vocals, keyboards, harmonica
Joe Perry: guitars, vocals
Brad Whitford: guitars
Tom Hamilton: bass
Joey Kramer: drums
Additonal Musicians:
Jimmy Crespo and Rick Dufay: guitars on "Jailbait"
Scott Cushnie: piano on “Critical Mass”
David Woodford: saxophone on “Mama Kin”
Richie Supa: guitar on “No Surprize” and piano on “Chip Away the Stone”
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