THE COLLECTION contains: AEROSMITH (1973)/GET YOUR WINGS (1974)/TOYS IN THE ATTIC (1975).

Wondering how Aerosmith ended up with such a legendary reputation? The answer can be found for those who dive into this special package of Aerosmith's first three albums and behold the magic woven by America's premiere hard-rock band before excess and ego took over.

Coming out of Boston in 1973 with its self-titled debut, this quintet was originally derided as an American version of the Rolling Stones thanks to the physical similarities between Jagger/Richards and Tyler/Perry. But with such future hits as "Dream On," "Walk This Way," and "Sweet Emotion," Aerosmith showed that it was blazing its own path. With influences that ranged from the Memphis soul of Rufus Thomas ("Walking the Dog") and the jump blues of Bullmoose Jackson ("Big Ten Inch Record") to the British Invasion blues-rock of the Yardbirds ("Train Kept a Rollin'"), the boys from Beantown were as much rock fans as rock stars. In addition to the aforementioned covers and hits, lesser-known but equally worthy originals to check out include "Mama Kin," "Seasons of Wither," "Uncle Salty," and "Lord of the Thighs," all crucial building blocks in the Aerosmith legacy.