Aerosmith

PMRC to the contrary, heavy metal is not an inherently noxious influence on young
children. At its best, heavy metal acts as a genuine voice for a community that hasn't yet
developed its own. But Aerosmith's unawaited reunion LP, Done with Mirrors, is the work
of burned-out lugheads whose lack of musical imagination rivals their repugnant lyrics. A
competent rehash of "Let the Music Do the Talking," the title track of guitarist Jo... More >

Their knack for the basic song and small interest in guitar-hero costume drama always made them hard rock that deserved the name, not to mention an American band. Still, with almost a decade of bad records collective and solo behind them, there was no reason to expect a thing from this touching reunion. And against all odds the old farts light one up: if you can stand the crunch, you'll find more get-up-and-go on the first side than on any dozen random neogarage EP's. (Grade: B+)