by Dave DeMarco.

It's been a few years since we've had a new Aerosmith release, so the powers-that-be at Columbia Records decided it was time for yet another "best of" package. Since this set combines the gems from Aerosmith's early Columbia era with the mega hits from the Geffen years, it could almost be considered a compilation of all the previous Greatest Hits collections. So let's do a checklist of everything one would expect to appear here: "Dream On"? Check. "Back In The Saddle"? Check. "Walk This Way"? Of course, but this time we get the always-fun Run DMC version. Moving on..."Dude"? Check. "Elevator"? Check. And the blockbuster ballads are all present and accounted for as well. Also, lest anyone forget that Aerosmith released an "amazing" new CD in 2001 entitled Just Push Play, that CD's chart-topper, "Jaded" is also included.

While there are plenty of folks who are mighty content to hear Aerosmith crank out the hits from the 70's, this reviewer feels that the band is still releasing vital, creative and most definitely rocking material. Thankfully, two new tracks grace this release. The first, "Sedona Sunrise" is slightly reminiscent of Permanent Vacation's "Hangman Jury" with its earthy, organic Americana vibe. This is the kind of groove that the band seems to fall into effortlessly and it showcases them at their most comfortable. The second new offering is the title track and is poised to sit in the hallowed grounds with the rest of the band's arena-ready hits. That trademark Aerosmith swagger is just as strong as ever. Through all the studio sheen and refinement, there's no denying that the band's heart is still in a brownstone apartment on Boston's Commonwealth Avenue. Even if you own all their albums...oops, sorry...have all their tracks on your ipod, it's worth shelling out a few shekels for Devil's Got A New Disguise, just for these two new tracks.

Here's hoping that bassist Tom Hamilton makes a full recovery from his battle with the big C so that he can rejoin his comrades and collectively "vaccinate your ass with a phonograph needle"!

Labels: Aerosmith