Aerosmith Debut Album Super Deluxe Edition
A Fresh Spin on a 1973 Classic
I am looking at the Aerosmith debut album from 1973, presented here as a Super Deluxe 4LP vinyl edition. And I have to say, this is exactly the kind of release that collectors like us get excited about.
What’s Inside the Box?
Inside this sturdy, slipcase-style package (top-loading rather than a lift-off box), you’ll find:
- The original album (remastered)
- A brand-new 2024 remix from the original masters
- A live performance from Paul’s Mall, Boston 1973
- Unreleased studio tracks, rehearsals, and alternate takes
- A beautiful, premium book packed with photos, essays, and memorabilia
All the vinyl is presented on black pressings, and while I’ll be adding poly-lined sleeves (as always!), the presentation is excellent overall.
Packaging & Presentation
The sleeves are beautifully reproduced—especially the original album cover, which famously didn’t even feature the band name on the front.
A really nice touch is the inclusion of tape box imagery inside the sleeves, showing original mixing notes and session details.
But the standout element here is the book. Honestly, I expected something fairly basic
- High-quality paper stock
- Loads of previously unseen photos
- Detailed liner notes
- Contributions from artists including Dolly Parton, Corey Taylor, Slash, Jerry Cantrell, Mike McCready, and more
- Lyrics, handwritten notes, and early memorabilia
The Sound – Remaster vs Remix
The Remaster
The original album has been remastered and it sounds excellent—clean, balanced, and vibrant.
That said, if you already own a good version, you may not hear a massive leap forward. It’s solid—but familiar.
The 2024 Remix
The new remix is the version I’ll be reaching for most.
- Guitars are pushed forward
- Drums sound bigger
- Bass is more present
- Overall clarity and punch are enhanced
Let’s take Dream On as an example…
I remember owning a single where the B-side had a different mix—with the guitars louder. I always preferred that version.
This remix finally gives me that feeling again. It’s more alive, more exciting, and brings the album into the present without losing its soul.
Does it replace the original? No. But it gives you a new way to experience something you already love—and that’s the whole point of sets like this.
The Live Material – Paul’s Mall 1973
There’s always that moment of hesitation when you read:
“Every effort has been made to improve the sound…”
But honestly? They didn’t need to say it. This sounds fantastic. It feels intimate—like you’re in a tiny club with maybe 20–30 people. You can turn it up and genuinely feel like you’re sat 15 feet from the stage. Raw, energetic, and completely immersive.
Studio Outtakes & Rehearsals
The fourth LP brings together alternate takes, jams, and rehearsal material.
And again—this is not rough, throwaway audio.
- Proper stereo separation
- Clear instrumentation
- Musical insight into how these songs evolved
There’s real value here—it’s not just filler.
Any Criticism?
Just one—and it’s aimed at record labels in general.
Vinyl shipping.
Because the records are stored inside the sleeves during transit, the sharp edges can cause seam splits at the top. This set arrived well packed—but even then, there’s a slight split on one sleeve.
My suggestion?
👉 Ship the vinyl outside the sleeve inside the box
(Some labels already do this—and it works.)
It’s a small thing, but for collectors, it makes a big difference.
At around £130, it sits right in that modern “deluxe vinyl” price bracket. Whether it drops or not remains to be seen—but for fans, there’s real value here.
ORDER AEROSMITH SUPER DELUXE ON VINYL
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
