Review Summary: "You don't mind if we rock your world for the next 2 hours do ya?"
After their major comeback in the late 80's and 90's, the next step for Aerosmith would be to release a new live album featuring material from the newer albums. A Little South of Sanity, the 4th live album by the band, would do just that while also bringing back versions of classic Aerosmith songs. All together, ALSOS would prove to be their greatest live album to date with outstanding performances by the band and a great track list that mixes classics with new fairly and with songs that just rock.
1) Eat the Rich - The album starts with the popular opener from Get a Grip and it rocks hard. Opening with an extended intro which includes the same drums from the studio version, this live cut is much better and heavier than the original and is the perfect way to start the album. This track is said to have been recorded in Costa Rica in 1994, however it's hard to tell as the album doesn't say from when these songs are performed and songs are pulled from both the Get a Grip Tour and Nine Lives Tour. 4.5/5
2) Love in an Elevator - The first song showcased from Pump is Love in an Elevator. The song is slowed down slightly from the album version but still rocks just as hard and features extra banter from Tyler throughout the song. Joe Perry and Brad Whitford shine here, particularly during their dual guitar solo in the middle of the song. 5/5
3) Falling in Love (Is Hard on the Knees) - The next track is from the newest album at the point of ALSOS release, Nine Lives. This rocker is probably one of the weakest on the album, with the track while being boosted by a great performance, just doesn't stand alongside the other songs on the album. This song was recorded in West Palm Beach in 1997. "What the *** are you smokin'?" 3/5
4) Same Old Song and Dance - Next comes the first 70's offering with Same Old Song and Dance. This song rocks! The guitars on this track are some of the best on the album and Tyler sounds in top form. There is a reason this song is always released on live albums with great scat singing by Tyler and a great bass solo from Tom Hamilton. 5/5
5) Hole in My Soul - Another offering from their newest album Nine Lives, and the last, Hole in My Soul is a great song by the band that just doesn't reach its potential live and drags the album down slightly. The album version is better with better vocals by Tyler. While Nine Lives isn't my favorite album by far, it would have been nice to see more material from the album instead of the 2 tracks. 3/5
6) Monkey On My Back - The boys get right back to rocking with Monkey and that amazing intro! The intro creates a perfect atmosphere and Tyler's scream brings the album right back to where it started. Great live performance by the band and unfortunately the band doesn't play this tune too often anymore... 4.5/5
7) Livin' on the Edge - A great song that sounds about the same live as it does on Get a Grip. My only complaint is that the song is played as the single version and not like the regular jamming version. 4/5
8) Cryin' - Again, another that sounds about the same as the original. However, the band sounds great and Tyler's harmonica solo is great as always. 4/5
9) Rag Doll - The first outing from Permanent Vacation comes with Rag Doll. Doll is rocking throughout and better than the original, with Joey Kramer sounding fantastic on the drum kit. 5/5
10) Angel - It's time for another ballad and it comes with Angel. I've always liked this song better than the original, with this version being more stripped down and not so 80's sounding with great vocals by Tyler and a nice guitar solo by Perry. 4.5/5
11) Janie's Got a Gun - Another great track that sounds fantastic live surprisingly with all the effects added on the original version. Haunting vocals from Tyler really make this song stand out as its one of my favorites from the first disc. 5/5
12) Amazing - Disc 1 ends with Amazing, a great song that suffers live. The track is the third straight slower song to end the first disc and it is redeemed by Perry's soloing in the end. Otherwise, the rest of the song is not up to par with the usual performances by the boys... 2.5/5
13) Back in the Saddle - Disc 2 starts off with one of the best openers of Aerosmiths catalog. This song kicks ass! The chugging bass lines are fantastic and really drive the song into ultimate heaviness. Disc 2 has many more 70s material than the first disc and what better way to start. "Where the *** where you in '79"? 5/5
14) Last Child - Up next is Saddles' brother in Last Child, with that amazing funky riff and the insanely catchy chorus. Great guitar work by Brad Whitford here. Recorded live in Japan in 1998. Years 4.5/5
15) The Other Side - Another song that suffers from a live performance, The Other Side is not as great as its original version and while not terrible, it's not great either. I think the energy just wasn't as present here. 3/5
16) Walk On Down - Mr. Joe ***in' Perry sings this next tune and again it suffers in a live setting, with the energy seeming lower here and the performance is just OK. Tyler on vocals is really missed here. 2.5/5
17) Dream On - The song that started it all. This live performance is fantastic with Tyler's vocals in top form and a great performance from the band creating a great song. The song brings back to energy only for it to be lost again 5/5
18) Crazy - It's another lackluster performance! This version lacks the energy and the studio version is much preferred! Next! 2.5/5
19) Mama Kin - The next track kicks off the great ending to the album. Mama Kin rocks! Great guitar work by Perry and Whitford here with great heavy riffing and amazing vocals. This was recorded in Boston 1994. 5/5
20) Walk This Way - The classic song sounds fantastic live and there's not much to say besides its another great performance! 5/5
21) Dude (Looks Like a Lady) - Dude surprisingly sounds great live here despite some botching of the lyrics by Tyler. Nowadays Tyler performs with the backing track during the chorus, something not present here. 5/5
22) What it Takes - The best ballad from Aerosmith sounds fantastic live! Tyler starts the song a Capella and the band kicks in during the first chorus. Tyler really shines here and this is one of the best performances on the album. 5/5
23) Sweet Emotion - The album ends with one of the classics, Sweet Emotion. The amazing bass solo and great guitar work throughout make this track a great way to end the album. 5/5
This album has its lackluster performances sure, but it's great moments outshine its dull moments for sure!
Songs I Recommend
-What it Takes
-Mama Kin
-Back in the Saddle
-Monkey on my Back
-Walk This Way
