Aerosmith promises new album in 3 months

[March 29, 2012]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Aerosmith has reunited with Jack Douglas, who produced the band's key 1970s albums, and quietly recorded a new studio album even as its lead singer traded jokes with Jennifer Lopez on "American Idol."

Steven Tyler said Aerosmith was finishing two final songs for the as-yet-untitled album, its first since 2004's "Honkin' on Bobo," and that he expected it to be released in about three months.

Joined Wednesday by Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer at a Los Angeles mall, Tyler revealed three track titles: "Legendary Child," `'Beautiful" and "Out Go the Lights." Earlier in the week, the band announced that its 18-stop US "Global Warming Tour" begins June 16 in Minneapolis.

"We will not let you down," Tyler told reporters and cheering fans.

The "Idol" judge is engaged to model Erin Brady. Asked in an interview about what will be his third marriage, Tyler joked: "I cannot stop falling off stage and falling in love."

Tyler said he reached out to Douglas -- who produced 1974's "Get Your Wings," 1975's "Toys in the Attic" and other seminal albums from the multiplatinum Boston band -- and the other group members joined him in Los Angeles. The group's 15th studio album will feature tunes built around guitar riffs from tour jam sessions and some previously shelved songs.

"We have a lot of songs that are very dear to us that we've written over the years," Tom Hamilton said. "And we can feel it when it's the perfect time to whip them out. And we're having that kind of experience now."

Tyler said he had used elements from tracks that didn't make previous albums.

"All the things that are left over aren't necessarily finished. So we take those riffs and we do them again," he said. "Because they are Aerosmith riffs. They're our children, so to speak."

The four members of the band -- guitarist Brad Whitford did not attend -- arrived at the mall in separate vehicles but seemed in good spirits and played down their famed infighting.

Tyler acknowledged that the band had argued over which songs to include: "Are we going to Tom's or Joe's or mine? It's always a fight. And plus it's a whole lot more," he said. "I think what you guys should be worrying about is the fact that we're still together after forty years and what you're about to hear, which is a new record. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised."

Perry had leveled criticism at "Idol" in the past but credited the show for lifting Tyler's spirits.

"He's having a great time. I think he's happier now doing it, frankly," Perry said.

Hamilton said the band will benefit from Tyler's experience on a live television show: "Everything from how to appear to the public, how to go for it. ... As long as the rock is there, everything is cool."

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Online: http://www.aerosmith.com/

[Associated Press; By RYAN PEARSON]

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