Toys in the Attic is the third studio album by American rock band Aerosmith, released in April 1975 by Columbia Records. Its first single, "Sweet Emotion," was released on May 19 and "Walk This Way" followed on August 28 in the same year. The album is the band's most commercially successful studio LP in the United States, with eight million copies sold, according to the RIAA. The album was ranked No. 229 on Rolling Stone's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The album's title track and Run–D.M.C.'s version of "Walk This Way" are included on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame list of the "500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll".
For more than 20 years, progressive metal group Trans-Siberian Orchestra has cornered the market on holiday concept albums. The second installment in a trilogy, THE CHRISTMAS ATTIC tells the story of a little girl who spends nights in an attic filled with Yuletide reveries, a concept that TSO's sweeping soundscapes play to the hilt. Solo and choral vocals soar over the septet's rock orchestral backing across 16 tracks interweaving traditional and classical material with compositions by bandleader Paul O'Neill and cohorts. “Christmas Canon” would become a signature song for TSO, and this 1998 album and subsequent tour helped turn the group into a commercial juggernaut. The new 20th Anniversary Edition of THE CHRISTMAS ATTIC includes a previously unreleased on CD and vinyl version of “Christmas Jam (Live).” Merry Christmas from Rhino and Trans-Siberian Orchestra!
A tremendous album from flute man Sam Most – a record that really shines strongly amidst the rest of his catalog – and one that has us completely reevaluating our understanding of his sound! By the time of this set, Sam had been blowing for a few decades – most famously on Bethlehem Records sessions of the 50s, but also on a number of other records over the years – yet this album has the musician emerging as a stunningly strong voice on his instrument – playing the flute with all of these low, deep tones that are quite a change from more mainstream jazz flute of the decade – especially in fusion or crossover soul. There's a wonderfully moody vibe to the album – laidback, but never sleepy – and cast out perfectly with a group that includes Kenny Barron on piano, George Mraz on bass, Walt Bolden on drums, and Warren Smith on percussion.
From the start of their recording career, Athens, Georgia's finest have been a fertile source of cover tunes, non-album B-sides and alternate versions. This limited-edition collection compiles a baker's dozen of rarities and oddities, including the band's readings of Pylon's "Crazy," Aerosmith's "Toys in the Attic," the Floyd Cramer instrumental "Last Date," and the gospel number "Tired of Singing Trouble," plus a variety of alternate mixes and live versions. Rounding out the set are a pair of ramshackle acoustic numbers from the soundtrack of the documentary Athens GA, Inside Out, "Swan Swan H" and the Everly Brothers' "All I Have to Do Is Dream." Although a couple of tracks overlap the band's 1987 rarities package Dead Letter Office, In the Attic is a handy adjunct to R.E.M.'s album catalog.