Aerosmith's New Dimension Sounds Out Of This World

Like McDonald's or Papa John's, Aerosmith is a reliable brand. You always know what you're going to see on the menu and, what's more, you always know you'll hit upon something tasty. After an 11 year hiatus, the Bad Boys of Beantown resurface with "Music From Another Dimension" which lands commodiously in the category of "a little something for everyone". Steven Tyler's venerable pipes are cranked up to full howl for "Street Jesus". The band's mojo runs to white hot fever pitch here. Tyler testifies and his fury leaves you hard pressed to take a pass on listening. "What Could Have Been Love" is a radio friendly adult contemporary rumination where no band member crowds others out. Love that should've and could've been but ultimately wasn't has Tyler searching for the why of it all. Classic Aerosmith from Joey Kramer's drums to the guitar backdrop. "Closer" is a stunningly sweat-drenched slow cooker blending Joe Perry's electricity masterfully with Tom Hamilton's equally arousing bass. Steven's wistful performance throbs with the conviction of an unrequited ache. He's wrestling with a lover's flame too imposing to turn off. No need for alarm if you're scared there are no bawdy free for all spine melting rock chunks in the set. Not only does "Lover Alot" annihilate from the jump, the none too subtle erotic imagery is boner bait for you virile or hoping to become virile guys out there. Steve plants praise before the female form by saluting both her hair and her "wet". Bounce that around in your heads next time you're primed to take a shower. Stem to stern "Alot" is a swagger showcase. Rock radio's opening present, "Legendary Child" features tried and true multi-part harmonies of the variety Aerosmith essentially owns the patent. Four decades in not one volt of ring rust can be found. All that time apart rejuvenated them to a massive degree. "Music From Another Dimension" stands out from the crowded rock pack as an out of this world triumph.