Aerosmith

Done With Mirrors (1985 Geffen Records)

1. Let The Music Do The Talking
2. My Fist Your Face
3. Shame On You
4. The Reason A Dog
5. Shela
6. Gypsy Boots
7. She's On Fire
8. The Hop
9. Darkness

Mike's Review
Most people think that the return of Aerosmith was in 1986 when they performed "Walk This Way" with Run DMC, followed by their 1987 blockbuster album Permanent Vacation. Wrong. All of that was Aerosmith's return to popularity. Their actual return was in 1985 with Done With Mirrors, and what a glorious return it was. Guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford came back, making it the original lineup again. And although I don't support the use of drugs and I'm glad our boys decided to get clean shortly after this release, I will admit that their intoxicated ways probably played a role in making this album sound like the classic, dirty Aerosmith of old. In fact, Done With Mirrors sounds so much like old school Aerosmith that I wouldn't be surprised if they studied all their old records while making it. And if they did, they definitely picked all the best elements to rejuvenate. Ted Templeman produced this album and he does a stellar job of keeping the vintage Aerosmith sound intact. Together, they were able to create nine of Aerosmith's best songs:

Let The Music Do The Talking - The title of this roaring rocker lets you know what this album's going to be about right from the start. This song first appeared on the Joe Perry Project's 1980 album of the same name, but Steven Tyler was definitely meant to wail on this one, and he finally gets his chance here. Going back to what I said earlier about the band reviewing their old material, the bridge recalls the riff from their 1977 rocker "Draw The Line." Aerosmith still plays "Let The Music Do The Talking" live from time to time, but it should be a part of their regular set list.

My Fist Your Face - You don't even need to hear this song to know it's going to be chock full of ballsy Aerosmith attitude. The gritty guitar riff is one of the band's best ever, the sleazy lyrics during the verses are delightfully original (with lines like "Hey Betty Boop, you got me droolin'"), and the chorus is a straightforward message.

Shame On You - The pace slows down to a steady groove on this one, but the music is still rockin'. The mention of Miami Vice reveals that this is a product of a better time: the 1980s.

The Reason A Dog - Initially a strange title, but it turns out that "the reason a dog has so many friends, he wags his tail instead of his tongue." After hearing this song's sex-laced lyrics, it's obvious that the dirty dogs of Aerosmith like to shake their tails as well.

Shela - It's a girl's name, but it's not a ballad. This nice little hard rock ditty is about all the things that "she like." The lead guitar really steals the show during the second half of the song.

Gypsy Boots - The album's fastest song since the opener. The repeating "Gypsy! Gypsy!" is reminiscent of "Toys! Toys! Toys!" from the band's 1975 classic "Toys In The Attic." Once again the frenetic guitar work is a standout.

She's On Fire - Don't let the acoustic guitar and slower tempo fool you, this is a steamy rock song about a girl who will make you sweat.

The Hop - Joey gets things started with some tasty cymbal action. The Hop is a throwback to the band's influences, much like their other song "Big Ten Inch Record" from 1975. This one rocks harder, though, and who can forget the classic line, "Y'all best watch out what you do, and who you do it with, 'cause y'all be kickin' ass tonight with the boys in Aerosmith!"

Darkness - This song was left off the record version and used as a bonus track to support cassette and CD versions of this album. Although I don't support the concept of bonus tracks and alternate versions of albums, I am glad we got the opportunity to hear this song. It begins slowly with piano and snapping fingers. After two verses it picks up and goes into a solo. There's a third verse after the solo and then the song slows down again. After the final verse, it picks up again and fades out shortly after. Very cool.

Done With Mirrors marks the beginning of the reunited Aerosmith and their tenure at Geffen Records, but it also marks the end of their drug abuse (which is a good thing, of course) and their pure, raunchy, rock 'n' roll sound before going commercial.

Mike's Picks: Write all nine songs backwards on a piece of paper and hold it up to a mirror. That's my answer.

Mike's Rating

I must mention an item of concern. In 2001, Geffen Records released remasters of all of the Aerosmith albums on their label BESIDES Done With Mirrors. This was a very poor and disrespectful decision. I also know that Done With Mirrors has been distributed by Geffen Goldline for quite some time now. I am worried about this amazing album's availability for future generations to enjoy. Please support this album by purchasing it and keeping it in print.