Steven Tyler's Play List
Wall Street Journal
February 11, 2006
The Aerosmith frontman on what he's listening to now
By John Jurgensen
Aerosmith's Steven Tyler is known for transforming gritty roadhouse blues into arena rock, punctuated by his trademark yowls. Although his influences range from gospel to jazz, he always returns to the hard-edged sound of seminal rock acts like the Yardbirds and Jimi Hendrix. "It's like going back to the bible," says Mr. Tyler, whose classic songs include "Dream On" and "Sweet Emotion." Calling from Phoenix while on tour in support of Aerosmith's new live album, "Rockin' the Joint," he talked to us about some of his favorite recordings.
The Beach Boys, 'Smiley Smile'
(Capitol, 1967)
The group's first album after "Pet Sounds," this came out after Brian Wilson abandoned his planned follow-up, "Smile." It includes the hit "Good Vibrations," as well as more peculiar songs like "Vegetables." Mr. Wilson "planted a flag on the moon," Mr. Tyler says.
Muddy Waters, 'Hard Again'
(Epic/Legacy, 2004 reissue)
Bluesman Johnny Winter produced this album which signaled a comeback for Waters just six years before the blues pioneer's death in 1983. "These were songs that Muddy had done all his life, but he perfected them here," says Mr. Tyler.
Take 6, 'Take 6'
(Reprise, 1988)
On their debut album, this six-person vocal group performed a capella, bringing jazz and R&B influences to a selection of gospel songs. "That album is my Sunday. I put it on and there's God," Mr. Tyler says.
Jay-Z, 'The Black Album'
(Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam, 2003)
On this album by multiplatinum rapper Jay-Z, Mr. Tyler's favorite song is "99 Problems." Marked by crunching guitar chords, it's the handiwork of Rick Rubin, producer of 1986's "Walk This Way," which matched Aerosmith with rap group Run-D.M.C.
Big Brother & the Holding Company, 'Cheap Thrills'
(Columbia, 1968)
The first major-label album from this psychedelic San Francisco band introduced the singing of Janis Joplin, whom Mr. Tyler cites as a major influence. "The interviewers saw my lips and equated me with Mick Jagger," but he says that his singing style owes more to Ms. Joplin.
February 11, 2006
The Aerosmith frontman on what he's listening to now
By John Jurgensen
Aerosmith's Steven Tyler is known for transforming gritty roadhouse blues into arena rock, punctuated by his trademark yowls. Although his influences range from gospel to jazz, he always returns to the hard-edged sound of seminal rock acts like the Yardbirds and Jimi Hendrix. "It's like going back to the bible," says Mr. Tyler, whose classic songs include "Dream On" and "Sweet Emotion." Calling from Phoenix while on tour in support of Aerosmith's new live album, "Rockin' the Joint," he talked to us about some of his favorite recordings.
The Beach Boys, 'Smiley Smile'
(Capitol, 1967)
The group's first album after "Pet Sounds," this came out after Brian Wilson abandoned his planned follow-up, "Smile." It includes the hit "Good Vibrations," as well as more peculiar songs like "Vegetables." Mr. Wilson "planted a flag on the moon," Mr. Tyler says.
Muddy Waters, 'Hard Again'
(Epic/Legacy, 2004 reissue)
Bluesman Johnny Winter produced this album which signaled a comeback for Waters just six years before the blues pioneer's death in 1983. "These were songs that Muddy had done all his life, but he perfected them here," says Mr. Tyler.
Take 6, 'Take 6'
(Reprise, 1988)
On their debut album, this six-person vocal group performed a capella, bringing jazz and R&B influences to a selection of gospel songs. "That album is my Sunday. I put it on and there's God," Mr. Tyler says.
Jay-Z, 'The Black Album'
(Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam, 2003)
On this album by multiplatinum rapper Jay-Z, Mr. Tyler's favorite song is "99 Problems." Marked by crunching guitar chords, it's the handiwork of Rick Rubin, producer of 1986's "Walk This Way," which matched Aerosmith with rap group Run-D.M.C.
Big Brother & the Holding Company, 'Cheap Thrills'
(Columbia, 1968)
The first major-label album from this psychedelic San Francisco band introduced the singing of Janis Joplin, whom Mr. Tyler cites as a major influence. "The interviewers saw my lips and equated me with Mick Jagger," but he says that his singing style owes more to Ms. Joplin.
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