Aerosmith signed with
Columbia early in the '90s, before their contract with
Geffen expired, and, as part of the deal, they owed a live album to
Geffen -- hence the appearance of
A Little South of Sanity, a double-disc set culled from tapes from the
Get a Grip and
Nine Lives tours. Considering its origins, the record couldn't help but feel a little like the contractual obligation it is, but it's to
Aerosmith's credit that it doesn't sound entirely tired. Not that it sounds vital --
Steven Tyler's adolescent schtick sounds particularly embarrassing as he approaches his 50th birthday, and newer material like
"Falling in Love (Is Hard on the Knees)" or even the hit
"Amazing" pales in comparison to their '70s and late-'80s classics. Still,
Aerosmith developed into world-class showmen during the first
Bush era, which is why
A Little South of Sanity will be an entertaining romp for longtime fans; they're likely not to be disappointed by the slickness that runs rampant over the record, nor will they be dismayed by the predictable song selection, two criticisms that could be offered as proof that
Aerosmith is past their prime, because it's all part of the show. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
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