Aerosmith Live Bootleg is a pretty good album. While some people probably will point at this album as an obvious example of what happens when band members experiment with too many drugs, I don't really think that's a problem. The way the album was recorded is very muddy and old-sounding, but that's the appeal, and some of the songs are faster and more exciting compared to their studio versions. That's enough to recommend a purchase.

In the 1970s, Aerosmith was one of top acts to be taped by bootleggers, which paralleled their popularity as a huge draw on the wordwide arena/festival circuits.

In a mock salute of the illegal taping, this October 1978 release gives the appearance of the oftentimes poor production of bootleg albums, including an incorrect track listing. But the way the selections were pulled is that of a typical supergroup during the era when double-live sets were all the rage.

Recorded from nine venues, the majority of the 16 tracks are from the 1977 and 1978 Aerosmith Express Tour, with the two most intriguing pulled from a 1973 simulcast on WBCN-FM.

While the tracks capture the band at their blues-drenched rawness, it also marked a swift decline - after the 1978 Live! Bootleg Tour - due to any number of demons. But this set highlights the group before they spent many nights in the ruts - which lasted nearly a decade - and as five members piloted the private jet of incredible international stardom.

Live albums of the 1970's (and even today) usually serve one of three purposes;

A) Preserving a legendary performance or tour (Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, The Rolling Stones Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out, The Allman Brothers Band at Fillmore East, 4 Way Street-CSN&Y, One More From the Road-Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Last Waltz)

B) Unearthing a previously undiscovered gem (How the West was Won-Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan's Bootleg Series, The Grateful Dead's Dick's Picks sets, Neil Young at Massey Hall)

C) As a stopgap between albums that aren't ready yet

Live Bootleg falls into category C. Aerosmith's follow up to Draw the Line was delayed indefinitely and they were committed to a summer tour that included numerous makeup dates for postponed shows. Rather than do a "Frampton Comes Alive"-esque album, Aerosmith instead released a gritty, no nonsense recording that often sounds like its title. Live Bootleg is a hit and miss affair musically. Compiled from various shows dating back to 1973, it's clearly not intended to be a definitive representation of a single show. Steven Tyler's voice is raggedy and he ad-libs lyrics throughout, and Joe Perry's guitar seems set on perpetual growl. The material is a cross section from their first 5 albums along with a few covers thrown in, plus a live version of the rare "Chip Away the Stone". And just as on the original vinyl, "Draw the Line" is still not listed even though it is there.

It's ironic that the oldest tracks here are the best. The version of the Yardbirds "I Ain't Got You" and James Brown's "Mother Popcorn" comes from a 1973 Boston club date recorded by WBCN radio. Having heard this entire show in bootleg form I can attest this was a smokin', well recorded (for 1973) performance when the band was young and hungry. One warning though, this is not the complete version of the song, a few minutes have been trimmed off, probably due to vinyl time constraints (it would've been nice if for the CD those few minutes were restored).

Aerosmith is one of those band that's never been served well by live recordings from their "prime era" (1975-77). Fans got a small taste of this back when the "Pandora's Box" set was released and it included 2 songs from their legendary Cincinnati radio concert from 1971. And a version of "Write Me" recorded at the old Boston Garden in 1976. If they really wanted to put out a great live album I'd look for the full WBCN show. I suppose the best way to look at this is the way Jimmy Page viewed "Song Remains the Same"; `it's not a great album, but it shows where we were at a certain time and place'. Also remember that just like Zeppelin, there's bound to be a better Aerosmith show somewhere in their archives "How the East Was Won" perhaps?

If you are ever asked to explain what rock music is all about, simply hand them this album. There is nothing more to day.

The choice of tracks is quite excellent, the music too but the sound is horrible. Just compare to other live recordings of the same era and you'll see by yourself. I would recommand the double live album A little south of Sanity, you'll have all the best of the band with an amazing live sound. One of the best pure rock album containing the essential of the band. The best of Live Bootleg is on A little south of Sanity but you'll have one of the best live sound that I ever listen too, it sound loud and clear.