Rocks (CD - 1976)

Aerosmith: Steven Tyler (vocals, keyboards, electric bass); Joe Perry (acoustic & electric guitars, lap steel guitar, six string bass, bass guitar, background vocals); Brad Whitford (acoustic & electric guitars); Tom Hamilton (guitar, bass); Joey Kramer (drums, percussion, background vocals).

Additional personnel: Paul Prestopino (banjo).

Recorded at The Warehouse, Waltham, Massachusetts and The Record Plant, New York.

Personnel: Joe Perry (vocals, guitar, steel guitar, lap steel guitar, electric bass, 6-string bass, percussion); Steven Tyler (vocals, harmonica, keyboards, electric bass, percussion); Tom Hamilton (guitar, electric bass); Brad Whitford (guitar); Paul Prestopino (banjo); Joey Kramer (drums, percussion, background vocals).

Recording information: Record Plant, New York, NY; Wherehouse, Waltham, MA.

Directors: Steve Leber; David Krebs.

Photographers: Scott Enyart; Fin Costello; Ron Pownall; Tom Hamilton; Brad Whitford.

Arrangers: David Hewitt; Jack Douglas; Aerosmith.

One of the reasons why Aerosmith, after a number of creatively lean years, are still given legendary credence and an eager ear with each new release, Rocks encapsulated the very essence of rock 'n' roll. They may have been the target of detractors who still pinned them as nothing more than a poor man's Rolling Stones, but Rocks pioneered a strength and swagger and real depth that remains very nearly unsurpassed. From the slowly escalating 'Back In The Saddle' to the dying strains of 'Home Tonight', this album held the full spirit and soul of Aerosmith in both hands. minimize