Pump - Aerosmith

Our cousin insisted we put Aerosmith's 1989 album Pump into the basket. We were dubious having been a little too young for the long-haired 80s (unless it was Janet Jackson). But soon after we found the album at a record fair for $12 and it was clear that it was meant to be. While we're familiar with the singles, we're embarrassed to have discovered how good this album is thirty years late.

Aerosmith is Sex. Rock. Gold.

Hair rock. Cock rock. Whatever you want to call it. This period isn't seen as one of the high points of 20th century music art. Overblown. Insubstantial. Maybe so. But play this on a Saturday night, do a shot of Jack with a beer chaser and have a real good time. And if listening to this album doesn't put your lady in the mood, ditch her and find a new one.

Young Lust breaks into your dad's liquor cabinet, smokes your weed and hits on your sister. The rocking opening track is followed up by F.I.N.E. Fucked up. Insecure. Neurotic. Emotional. Sounds like a mantra for today's emos. If only they wrote songs as good.

Love In An Elevator. The film clip is outrageous. Katy Perry and Lady Gaga have a lot to learn. The orgasmic screams of Steve Tyler are however, a little disconcerting. Janie's Got a Gun is still a tremendous, beautiful and haunting song.

Don't Get Mad, Get Even starts with a didgeridoo. Yes, that's right. It then proceeds into a swampy, southern rock verse before launching into a gigantic chorus, replete with screeching lead guitars, layered vocals and key changes. Sadly, the didgeridoo fails to make another appearance.

The final track, What it Takes is a great song. It's a soaring, catchy epic. Aerosmith may not have invented this genre of pop music, but this song demonstrates they sure as hell mastered it, maybe even perfected it. Go back and revisit their 1973 song Dream On. Eminem and even Glee recognise the brilliance.

There are barely any liner notes on the album sleeve - Aerosmith weren't interested in getting to know you or explaining themselves to you. You like this on the first listen or you don't. They're not the sort of band who sticks around to see sunrise or cook you breakfast.

While we love Radiohead and Wilco, this album reminds us of what rock is all about. Girls. And Sex. Preferably the later with the former. And getting drunk. Actually, probably best if all three are combined. There is no way you can look at Aerosmith, Steve Tyler, Joe Perry, the album artwork, or any of their clips without thinking about sex. Next week we promise to not to mention sex. It's getting uncomfortable for all of us.