CD Review
Aerosmith
Honkin On Bobo
(Columbia)
by Tony Engelhart
Review date: August 2004
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award"
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by The Blues Foundation
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Aerosmith was rooted in blues from the beginning. From their 1973 debut, the band used blues progressions on such ditties as "Mama Kin', 'Movin' Out' and an amphetamine pumped version of 'Walking The Dog'. As the drugs got harder, so did the music but, they never strayed too far from their original format. After a cocaine fueled implosion in the late 70's, Aerosmith appeared to lose direction and even though their comeback was embraced by fans and critics, the music seemed to stray further away from the blues. Trying desperately to appeal to the MTV generation singles like 'Love In An Elevator' and "Janie's Got a Gun" were less gritty and more pop conscious.
Finally the band returns to their foundation with the release of Honkin' On Bobo. Stripping down their usual over the top production, this album feels like a live performance. Tyler and Perry rip through standards like 'Eyesight To The Blind', 'Baby Please Don't Go' and 'I'm Ready' with the energy of the Toys In The Attic sessions. With a Hound Dog Taylor vibe, Joe showcases his slide skills on 'Shame, Shame, Shame' only making room for Steven's swaggering vocals and Sonny Boy-esque harp. Rather then an influx of high profile songs, the band digs deep into the vaults and pays homage to blues man Mississippi Fred McDowell on three tracks. As Joe Perry picks on dobro, Tyler steps away from the microphone on 'Back Back Train' letting Hurdy Gurdy bask in the spotlight while Tracey Bonham sings backup. Aerosmith performs a version of 'You Gotta Move' which rivals the Stones 1972 version of this McDowell classic. They end the disc with a traditional roots version of 'Jesus Is On The Mainline'.
Aerosmith's Honkin' On Bobo may not please blues traditionalist but it will definitely introduce baby boomers to the music who have not already discovered it.
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