Aerosmith: Tom Hamilton (bass instrument); Joe Perry , Joey Kramer, Steven Tyler, Brad Whitford.

Personnel: Joe Perry (vocals, guitar, percussion, background vocals); Steven Tyler (vocals, wooden flute, harmonica, keyboards, percussion); Brad Whitford (guitar); David Woodford (saxophone); Joey Kramer (drums).

Additional personnel: David Woodward (saxophone).

Liner Note Author: Stu Werbin.

With their sharp-edged, bluesy swagger and irresistible riffs, Aerosmith made some of the best and most enduring rock records of the '70s. While their self-titled debut from 1973 is not among them, it is nevertheless an accurate snapshot of a great band finding its legs. The raw, hard-hitting cover of Rufus Thomas's "Walkin' the Dog" indicates where Aerosmith is coming from: this is blues-rock taken to a headbanging level of intensity, yet with enough smarts and sass to keep it sexy and appealing.

AEROSMITH boasts the presence of "Dream On," a soaring, heavy power ballad that showcases Stephen Tyler's raspy, soulful pipes and went on to become an all-time rock classic and a perennial radio staple. Also here is the groove and punch of "Mama Kin," a longstanding concert favorite. Elsewhere this fine debut flaunts the duel guitar attack, shuffle-boogie rhythms, and passionate, bratty yowls that would be the basis of the band's sound throughout the '70, '80s, '90s, and beyond.