- A - Aerosmith

Any band clocking up sales of over 150 million albums deserves a mention and when their name is Aerosmith they are also on the list for essential Rock collections. Starting with the self titled Aerosmith in 1973. For the definitive 70's era, pick up a copy of the excellent Pandora's Box .

Bootlegs (illegal recordings of concerts and sometimes studio sessions) have always been an issue with music fans. Probably only appealing to the true fan, are they stealing revenue from the artist? Maybe, but the same fan will already have a copy of the legitimate releases and wants more. Aerosmith came up with a novel solution, release their own Live! Bootleg and what better way to kick it of with than Back in the Saddle. Despite the convenience and lack of clicks and jumps, one thing the CD has failed to do is compete with some of the elaborate packaging of the vinyl original. Aerosmith's Live Bootleg was packaged to look and feel like a real bootleg recording.

I will come back to packaging at some stage as there have been many many exotic and extravagant ways to sell music and Rock has been no exception - the picture disc, shaped record, metal box, wooden box  even a mascot's head.....

The band have had some ups and downs during the years. Owing one memorable comeback to none other than Run-D.M.C. covering Walk This Way.

"Hello Mr Tyler, going down?" - Love in an Elevator was one of the stand out tracks from 1989's Pump , also on the recommended list is 1993's Get a Grip featuring the hit Livin' on the edge and Eat the Rich.

If you've not yet sampled the Aerosmith experience, there are a few greatest hits packages to choose from, I'd go for O Yeah! Ultimate Hits which even includes their version of the theme from Spider Man.