Customer Reviews

Get Your Wings

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Get Your Wings" is actually a good record. That is, if you were a fan of circa-1973 Alice Cooper's sound. Like the NY Dolls, in 1974 Aerosmith tried and failed to get Cooper-protege Bob Ezrin to produce their upcoming album. To get a sense of how much of an influence ACG was, you need to look no further than the lead tracks from both albums ("Mama Kin" & "Personality Crisis"). Both were blatant rewrites of Cooper's "Cross-Town Traffic" inspired SMOKER - "Under My Wheels".

When Ezrin wasn't impressed with either band, he sent his protege Jack Douglas to work on the Aerosmith project. After experiencing problems with the quality of Aerosmith's guitar playing in the studio, Douglas was forced to "ghost" Aerosmith with the same studio band that he (and Ezrin before him) had used on ACG's 1973 Top 10 album "Muscle of Love".

Interestingly, Douglas trashes ACG's playing - while failing to mention that the same musicians were used on "Get Your Wings".
Joe Perry was considered a guitar "god" in the 70's, primarily due to his simulated "live" version of "Train Kept A Rollin". Unfortunately - he wasn't on the track!! Dick Wagner and Steve Hunter of Alice Cooper's studio-band, provided nearly all of the guitar work on GYW(as they later did for Kiss, Pink Floyd's "The Wall", Patti Smith Group, etc.,). Compare the sound of "Same Old Song and Dance" to the earlier Cooper work "Never Been Sold Before". Compare "Hard Hearted Alice" to "Seasons of Wither". The list goes on.

It wasn't until Perry played on Cooper's song "Trash" that the debt was repaid. Somewhat. A Florida music critic (forget the name - but can be googled) recently wrote a great piece that traced Cooper's early influence on Aerosmith.

The idea that Aerosmith, NY Dolls and the Sex Pistols can be in the Rock & Roll HOF before their PRIMARY INFLUENCE (ACG) is more insane than any Alice character. Apart from Roky Erikson - nobody is more deserving.

Mark: 9.5/10, 5 stars

"Get your wings", 100 percent Aerosmith. The album presents a more defined style, showing clear tendencies towards hard rock, but with noticeable shades of blues. Just as with the "Aerosmith" album, we continue to hear melodies and lyrics that could make even a rock dance, or get a smile from the bitterest person. "Get your wings", in particular, travels across varied tempos in an intermingled way: it begins with "Same old song and dance", which has an agile (not fast) and harmonious rhythm, and then we move to "Lord of the thighs" and "Spaced", which show themselves serious and at a leisurely pace. Next, the freshness of "Woman of the world" appears, followed by the heaviest track on the disc in terms of the mixture of music and lyrics: "S.O.S. (too bad)". After this, "Train kept a rollin'", originally written by Tiny Bradshaw, Howard Kay y Lois Mann, takes us again to an agile and catchy rhythm. Without losing the thread, like the seashore at sunrise, "Seasons of wither" brings calm. Finally, going back to a heavier sound, "Pandora's box" closes the album.

In relation to the lyrics, it's not necessary to repeat that Steven Tyler and company keep the double entendre and cleverness when writing: a trademark of Aerosmith. However, this time the subjects are a lot darker in comparison to the first album lyrics. You can also notice a change in the vocal timbre of Tyler: in "Get your wings", his sound adopts increased agility and ease, qualities that would be developing across Aerosmith's following works. Lastly, it's important to mention that you can sense a deep musical rapport between the members of the band. Coordination and freshness, as part of their sound, are two characteristics which stand out, in addition to that magic touch that belongs only to Aerosmith: it would seem that the music itself is being created in the moment and in a perfectly well executed way. I'll include further comments about each song below.

Same old song and dance
If you are in the mood for some dancing moves, for loosing the body, "Same old song and dance" is the perfect song to begin. Marked by one of the best riffs in rock and roll, this song turns itself into a classic. In terms of lyrics, they reflect the pessimistic side of life and show the constant degradation of people due to themselves and also society's fault. The rhythms played with the instruments are felt completely in tune with that of the voice, besides being the lyrics cleverly interpreted by Tyler. A great track, no doubt. By the way, wind sections are included.

Lord of the thighs
If the theme in "Same old song and dance" was about going from more to less in one's life, "Lord of the thighs" lyrics don't differ much: the girl with sexually attractive qualities who enters the world of prostitution and the pimp who rubs in the fact that he's her owner in her face. In terms of instrumentation, apart from the fact that the music keeps a leisurely rhythm, it creates the perfect environment for the story told, an environment perceived dark, equivalent to the themes touched on the album as a whole. The piano is played by Tyler, with very appealing melodies.

Spaced
"Spaced" is about a man who can't find himself, consumed by suffering, due to the terrible childhood he had to live, probably because of a great tragedy. "Spaced" might not have a so catchy rhythm as other songs on the album, however, its beauty can be appreciated in the musical atmosphere, of sober features, the variants throughout the song, and the way Tyler interprets its lyrics, details that clearly show that contained interior desperation felt by the story's character.

Woman of the world
"Woman of the world", what a good song! Well, here we go from dark themes to one where sexual slyness rules. Basically, it's about a woman sure of herself, a bit insensitive, who lives in the world of refinement and sleekness, probably high society, to whom somebody, an average man tempted by sexual desire, attempts to seduce without getting it, no matter how hard he tries. The musical side creates an environment of freshness around the lyrics, inside of which the acoustic guitar is a very well selected element. You can tell the excellent design of the song, not only because of details as the guitar solos that appear in different moments and the harmonica sections, the latter played by Tyler, but also because of the several speed changes present, without ever losing the feeling of integrity.

S.O.S. (too bad)
The heaviest track on the album, always going direct to the point. A classic, definitely. The lyrics? Dark: the derailed kid, with a lot of anger on the inside due to the multiple familiar difficulties he has gone through all the time. The music? Unstoppable: mid-tempo hard rock riffs which, having arrived at a certain point, they reproduce themselves again and again, always starting with renewed strength. After listening to "S.O.S (too bad)" -and also the other tracks on the album-, you get the sense that the members of Aerosmith not only interpret their songs according to the composition, but they "live" every part of the story being told.

Train kept a rollin'
Initially written by Tiny Bradshaw and company in 1951, the song sounds great! The noise of the audience you can hear is an added element, meaning that the track was recorded in a studio. However, one way or another, the energy displayed by the band is incalculable. One always get to remember the "Train kept a rollin'...," and sings the "... all night long!", a huge explosion. Here we have an agile and lively rock rhythm, and clever lyrics in which the narrator, once again, lets themselves be caught by sexual instinct. A trademark, definitely -in the sense that Aerosmith picked this song-, and a great choice to perform at the end of the band's concerts.

Seasons of wither
As the noise of the audience fades, the wind starts blowing far away, and brings with it the notes of an acoustic guitar, played by Tyler, until the first drumbeat breaks the intro. The music creates and environment of melancholy, in which the narrator, in the first person, sings to a lady whose soul is sadden, and who, apparently, has caused many difficulties in other people's lives. The melodies heard belong to a power ballad and the lyrics become poetic. A great track, of course, in which the musical composition generates the perfect atmosphere for the story sung.

Pandora's box
The box of Pandora, probably something sexual; it could be many things actually. Without further ado in this regard, the song, despite not being so musically devastating, it shows the cleverness with which the band writes again. Furthermore, "Pandora's box" is very good closure for "Get your wings" due to the fact that, after having the music passed through several nuances along the album, it brings you back to that raw rock (or raw hard rock) sound so characteristic of Aerosmith during its first stage, with ingenious and well elaborated riffs. The song includes wind sections, although to a lesser degree than "Same old song and dance", and also the piano of Tyler.

Aerosmith's 1973's self-titled debut was a great raw album that saw a young band on its way to make it big and become America's biggest Rock'N'Roll band. It's a little different because Steven doesn't sing the same way and there's just a different approach and feeling to the band's first album, in a way that's all part of its charm. To me the follow up Get Your Wing (1974) is when Aerosmith really became Aerosmith: the dirty blues riffs, Steven's voice sounds more like usually does and the rhythm section seem to have figured it all out. It's an improvement over the first album which I like very much make no mistake, I just think Get our Wings is an overall stronger album. Aerosmith went from being this great little band with a lot of potential that were dismissed as a Rolling Stones rip-off to being America's biggest rock'n'roll band in matter of a few years and Get Your Wings showed great progression although they wouldn't make it until it's follow up, Toys In The Attic.

'Same Old Song And Dance' remains one of my favorite Aerosmith song, talk about a dirty bluesy riff! From the beginning the song just grabs you instantly. 'Lord Of The Tights' is a slower paced song but probably more epic, it's got great playing and it's one of the most underrated Aerosmith songs in my opinion, a gem. 'Spaced' is another great song it sounds spaced alright, it has a great vibe and I'll agree with the other reviewers who raved about this song . The band's cover of 'Train Kept A Rollin'' is I think well known enough that nothing needs to be said about this one. I love the live feel and it's an excellent cover version of the Yardbirds original, the band really makes it their own a highlight of Get Your Wings for sure. 'Seasons Of Wither' is a ballad but definitely not a cheesy one, it's just an excellent song that I feel is actually one of the best thing Aerosmith's ever done. Tyler's voice here is amazing; he's always great but gives a passionate and amazing vocal performance here and there's a great feeling about it that's what makes the song so special.

One may say 'Well okay, there's only 8 tracks', but they're missing the point those are 8 GREAT songs and the album is listenable beginning to end without skipping once. There are truly some gems on this album like 'Seasons of Wither' and lesser known songs like 'Lord Of The Tights'. If an Aerosmith fan doesn't have this album this person is missing out on something. Get Your Wings has some great underrated and to a certain extend lesser-known stuff.

Get Your Wings is all killer no filler. No sophomore slump here, far from it. From beginning to end I love this album, it's just one great song after another with excellent playing. I know usually Toys In The Attic (1975) and Rocks (1976) get all the attention and are the fan favorites and that albums like Permanent Vacation (1987) and Pump (1989) were bigger and more successful records but Get Your Wings is a special album to me and is in the same league as Aerosmith's best recordings. Perhaps not their best album but very close. 5/5 I'll recommend this one without hesitation!

Get Your Wings (1974.) Aerosmith's second album.

In 1973, Aerosmith entered the musical scene with their self-titled debut album. Though not a spectacular album by any means, it certainly showed the world that the band had some serious potential. The following year, the band recorded their second full-length LP, Get Your Wings. Was it an improvement over their previous release, or another subpar effort? Read on for my review.

To put it simply, this album is a MASSIVE improvement over it's predecessor. It's not exactly a five-star masterpiece, but it's a great album. Steven Tyler has finally managed to find his voice, and it shows on every track on this album. Joe Perry's guitar playing here is also excellent. The band kicks off the album with its lone hit, Same Old Song And Dance. This song went onto become a huge hit for the band, and why not? This is bluesy hard rock at its very best. Although it was the only really popular song to emerge from this release, it's not the only good one. Lord Of The Thighs is another bluesy hard rocker that almost certainly won't fail to please if you're a fan of the band. And, like many rock and roll artists, Aerosmith recorded a cover of the blues classic, Train Kept A Rollin'. Their version of the song is nothing short of excellent. The two closing tracks, Seasons Of Wither and Pandora's Box, are two of the band's most underrated songs ever recorded. It's a shame they don't normally end up on the band's best of compilations - they belong there. Ultimately, it's one hell of an album.

To put it simply, if you like blues-based hard rock, you're going to love this album. Though not Aerosmith's finest hour by any means, it's a damn fine album nonetheless, and it's well worth adding to your collection.

Get Your Wings (1974.) Aerosmith's second album.

In 1973, Aerosmith entered the musical scene with their self-titled debut album. Though not a spectacular album by any means, it certainly showed the world that the band had some serious potential. The following year, the band recorded their second full-length LP, Get Your Wings. Was it an improvement over their previous release, or another subpar effort? Read on for my review.

To put it simply, this album is a MASSIVE improvement over it's predecessor. It's not exactly a five-star masterpiece, but it's a great album. Steven Tyler has finally managed to find his voice, and it shows on every track on this album. Joe Perry's guitar playing here is also excellent. The band kicks off the album with its lone hit, Same Old Song And Dance. This song went onto become a huge hit for the band, and why not? This is bluesy hard rock at its very best. Although it was the only really popular song to emerge from this release, it's not the only good one. Lord Of The Thighs is another bluesy hard rocker that almost certainly won't fail to please if you're a fan of the band. And, like many rock and roll artists, Aerosmith recorded a cover of the blues classic, Train Kept A Rollin'. Their version of the song is nothing short of excellent. The two closing tracks, Seasons Of Wither and Pandora's Box, are two of the band's most underrated songs ever recorded. It's a shame they don't normally end up on the band's best of compilations - they belong there. Ultimately, it's one hell of an album.

To put it simply, if you like blues-based hard rock, you're going to love this album. Though not Aerosmith's finest hour by any means, it's a damn fine album nonetheless, and it's well worth adding to your collection.

Way back in the seventh grade, (egads, I'm dating myself...) I had already heard Aerosmith's first album and thought it was ok. After all, I was a seventies heavy metal kid, and both "Mama Kin" and "Dream On" had become staples on the local anything goes FM station. (Remember those?) So I bought this shortly after it came out, using my hard earned lawn-mowing money. I think I've owned this album in some format or another ever since.

It was a huge leap forward from that first album. While I'd been a fan of it, "Aerosmith" never really cleaved to my ears the way, oh, Alice Cooper's "School's Out" had. But "Get Your Wings," from the moment "Same Old Song and Dance" shattered my eardrums, served notice. Aerosmith had figured out where they wanted to go. Although they still hadn't achieved the clarity that would make "Toys In The Attic" or "Rocks" five star masterworks, they'd worked up the sleaze and cheese and knowing sneer factor that let any rock and roller know that they understood.

Steven Tyler had gained a lot of control over his voice between this album and the debut. On "Aerosmith," he sounded like a wannabe bluesman, not quite sure of himself when it came time to cut loose. On "Get Your Wings," he gained authority. He snarls, growls and (on "Seasons of Wither") coos his way into so many styles, it's almost like the band hired a new lead singer. Same with Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, who really took a firm grasp of the guitar sound. Listen to the way "S.O.S." and their now classic cover of the Yardbirds' "Train Kept A'Rollin'" rip out of the speakers like the best of the Rolling Stones or The Who. That Aerosmith had also figured out how to work a horn section into the songs ("Pandora's Box" and "Same Old Song and Dance") without making it sound like a sweetener was a compliment to the band's sense of self.

Dirty, raunchy and rolling like an earthquake, "Get Your Wings" was the sound of a band about to take flight. As the precursor to two of the seventies' best hard rock albums, it's a landmark for Aerosmith. You need to have all three.

After their first album, which had a rough, raucous, good-time-party, frat house feel to it, no one had reason to expect such a polished, slick, and accomplished sophomore LP. "Get Your Wings" was outstanding in so many ways, it certainly holds its own in the neighborhood of "Toys in the Attic" and "Rocks", and them ain't exactly no slums.

The highlight for me was "Train Kept A Rollin'", complete with the "live" section at the end. (You DID know that wasn't really recorded in concert.) This rock classic was covered by the Yardbirds, but originally done by Johnny Burnette and the Rock 'n Roll Trio (doncha love trivia?) in 1956, using reportedly the first recorded instance of "fuzz guitar".

"Same Old Song and Dance" was so cool, it had an awesome sax solo and horns. "Lord of the Thighs" is a masterpiece of lustful decadence. "Spaced" gives off a heavy, atmospheric vibe. "Woman of the World" made effective use of the 12-string guitar.

What can be said about "S.O.S. (Too Bad)" but that it's a flat-out, fast, to-the-point rocker? Great song!

"Seasons of Wither" also gives a heavy "vibe", which is very effective.

Lastly, I suppose we can be thankful that they hadn't yet developed their taste for ending with a power ballad. "Pandora's Box" is a rollicking, rocking, R&B-type rocker.

This ends it all on a strong note.

In the pantheon of Aero, and for anyone lucky enough to be discovering Classic Aero for the first time, buy this one third, after "Rocks" and "Toys in the Attic".

Aerosmith is the worlds greatest band of all time and not to mention Americas greatest riff machine. Joe Perry (my hero) is the greatest guitar player to ever live. Brad Whitford is the second greatest rythm guitar player ever. Tom Hamilton is one hell of a bass player. No one can touch Joey Kramer on the drums. Steven Tyler has the greatest voice of all time and is the greatest front man ever, dont beleave me go see him in concert!

I have loved Aerosmith since I was six years old, and ever since I heard Joe play I wanted to play guitar. This is to me the greatest album of all time. All Classic songs. 'Same Old Song And Dance' 'Train Kept A Rollin' and 'Seasons Of Wither' are all classic Aerosmith hits. 'Lord Of The Thighs' and 'Woman Of The World' are two of Aerosmiths best songs. 'Spaced' and 'S.O.S. (Too Bad)' are hard rock classics! 'Pandoras Box' was the first and best song Joey Kramer ever wrote with Aerosmith. 'Same Old Song And Dance' is the greatest guitar song of all time and shows why Joe Perry is the best lead guitar player ever and also one hell of a slide player!

The whole band was at the top of their game here on Get Your Wings, and I truly think anyone who buys this album will love it, I know I did! highly recomended!

The band didn't hit it's stride until "Toys in the Attic", and even then was nothing more than a competent take on much better British hard rock.Highly derivative,this album sounds like a small time bar band ripping off the Yardbirds,Stones,New York Dolls, etc. Advice-See if you like "Toys" and "Rocks" first-They are Aerosmith's only 2 consistent albums.

I think I have always liked Aerosmith to some degree. But in the recent three years I have become a die-hard Aerosmith fan. This CD which was also their second album is AWESOME! It is the most recent CD I have purchased, and is now my most favorite. The raw sexuality of Steven Tyler's voice is very evident in this CD "Get Your Wings".
And ladies, you can't deny how adorable Steven Tyler looks on the front cover! He was so young then. If you don't already have this CD, you must add it to your collection. It includes the hit songs: "Same Old Song and Dance", "Lord of the Thighs", and "Train Kept a'Rollin". However, other songs on this CD are just as noteworthy; they are: "Woman of the World", "Too Bad (SOS)", and "Pandora's Box". In fact, even the other two songs: "Spaced" and "Seasons of Wither" merit attention. I never get tired of this CD. Aerosmith rules!