I remember reading (with great interest) a review of the brand new Aerosmith album, called Draw the Line. It was their first album in a long time (I believe it came after a couple year break following Rocks and Toys in the Attic). I recall the reviewer (wish I could remember who it was that wrote it) remarking how the epic tune “Kings and Queens” was the centerpiece and “showstopper” of the album. I remember wanting to hear that song immediately and agreeing with the assessment. I imagine that I would not remember the song nor like it as much if that writer had not praised it so and held it in high esteem. The phrase “showstopper” also put a new description in my vocabulary. It made me think about music in a different way. It allowed me to see the dynamics of a concert set. And I was only 14 years old at this time. It’s amazing what one little album review can do.
I hadn’t thought about this much, but I believe this is an example in my own life that proved that there is some sort of “power” or “purpose” or even “special magic” in rock journalism. That would be so awesome if some album review I wrote or printed from another writer in the pages of HM Magazine that made some sort of positive impact on a reader. That’d be cool.
By the way, I do recall that this album review kind of panned this new album. It wasn’t their best effort. The media has pointed out (as has the band) that this period of the late ’70s was a dark and drug ingested one for the band. It’s one band I’ve actually never seen live before. I’d like to (I think).
Another piece of trivia, apparently the name of the (Al Hirschfeld) artist’s daughter (Nina) appears in the hair of each band member here. That’s kind of a cool, subtle and hidden tribute – a way to say “I love you” and “you’re special to me” to your family member or loved one. I’ll try to remember that (and replicate it somehow) someday.
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