Aerosmith's 1985 comeback attempt that required recording in total secrecy
In short: In 1985, Aerosmith released Done with Mirrors, a record intended to signal their return to greatness. To capture a raw, aggressive sound, producer Ted Templeman stripped away the studio's red recording light, forcing the band to play without knowing they were being captured on tape.
Released on November 4, 1985, Done with Mirrors marked a significant reunion for Aerosmith, bringing back guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford. It was the band's first release on Geffen Records and was designed as a 'comeback' to reclaim their status in the rock world. However, the album's commercial performance failed to meet expectations, leading some executives to fear the band's career was over.
To achieve an 'out of control freight train' sound, producer Ted Templeman employed a controversial technique: he removed the red light that signals recording is in progress. This meant the band performed without knowing they were being recorded, a method Templeman had previously used with Van Halen. This technique was intended to bypass 'the red light blues'—the nerves musicians feel when they know they are being tracked.
The recording process was also shaped by the band's lifestyle. To prevent drug use during sessions, the band was moved to Berkeley rather than their usual locations in Los Angeles or San Francisco. The album's title itself carries a double meaning, referring to both optical illusions and the traditional method of laying out cocaine on a mirror.
While some critics at the time were harsh, calling the lyrics repugnant or the leads lazy, others saw it as a vital bridge. It served as the last album written entirely by the band without outside songwriters and provided the raw energy needed to launch their massive 1987 success with Permanent Vacation.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Done with Mirrors
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