45 Years Ago Today, Aerosmith Releases Masterpiece “Toys in the Attic”

On April 8, 1975, Aerosmith released what many rock music fans consider a masterpiece, Toys in the Attic. Aerosmith put out seven albums total in the 70's(six studio albums and one live album), but during the mid-70's they managed to release three of their greatest albums back-to-back-to-back. 1974's Get Your Wings, 1975's Toys In The Attic, and 1976's Rocks. All three undisputed hard rock classics.

My favorite of the three would have to be Toys in the Attic. Perhaps it's because it was the first Aerosmith album that I listened to all the way through from start to finish. From Side 1, Track 1's "Toys in the Attic" to Side 2, Track 9's "You See Me Crying". I even distinctly remember getting that album as a Christmas present.

I remember slapping that album on my turntable, putting on my headphones, cranking up the volume and being blown away. Some albums require several listens before you appreciate how good they are. Not this one. I was grabbed by every song right from the get-go. Some of Aerosmith's best songs can be found here. "Adam's Apple", "Round and Round"(which just really sounds evil), "Uncle Salty", "Big Ten Inch Record"(an old r&b song by Bullmoose Jackson originally heard by the band from a Dr. Demento show), and "No More No More". Then there were the hits, "Walk This Way" and "Sweet Emotion":

I think that with their self-titled debut, 1973's Aerosmith, the band was still finding their footing. And they significantly upped their craft for 1974's Get Your Wings. But it was with Toys in the Attic, that Aerosmith really honed their raw, rough and ready sound. And I think classic rock and roll is all the better for it. Happy Anniversary to the Beantown Bad Boys and thanks for the great music.