Big Ten Inch Record

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Big Ten Inch Record" by Aerosmith from their iconic album Toys in the Attic, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This song, a cover of a 1952 rhythm and blues tune by Bull Moose Jackson, is a standout for its playful double entendre. Written by Fred Weismantel, the original was deemed too suggestive for radio, but Aerosmith embraced its cheeky vibe in 1975. In a Songfacts interview, guitarist Brad Whitford shared that the band initially planned a modern rock version but ended up sticking close to the original’s jazz-blues style, complete with a horn section featuring a bass saxophone by Stan Bronstein and piano by Scott Cushnie. The decision came after producer Jack Douglas heard their rehearsal and urged them to keep the retro feel, horns and all. Fans on Songfacts have praised its clever lyrics, with one noting the humorous twist where each verse teases a risqué meaning before landing on “record.” The song’s innuendo earned it a spot on Salon’s 2014 list of the greatest double entendre songs ever.

Another tidbit comes from Steven Tyler’s struggle with lyrics for Toys in the Attic. Covering “Big Ten Inch Record” eased the pressure, allowing the band to flex their blues roots. A fan on Songfacts from Brookhaven, PA, highlighted Aerosmith’s use of horns, a rarity among classic rock bands, which adds a unique swing to tracks like this one. Some fans have debated the infamous line “suck on my big ten inch,” with a commenter from Bristol, PA, insisting it’s “’cept for my big ten inch record,” though the double meaning is undeniable. A quirky rumor from a Tucson fan on Songfacts claimed Tyler was referencing a custom ten-inch knife, but the song’s phallic humor suggests otherwise. Aerosmith’s X post celebrating the 50th anniversary of Toys in the Attic in April 2025 called the album a game-changer, and Joe Perry noted in a Guitar Player interview that the album’s riffs and energy saved the band from being dropped by their label.

Aerosmith formed in Boston in 1970, rising from the ashes of two local bands: Chain Reaction, led by vocalist Steven Tyler, and the Jam Band, featuring guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton. Drummer Joey Kramer and guitarist Ray Tabano joined the lineup, with Kramer suggesting the name “Aerosmith,” inspired by his love for Harry Nilsson’s album Aerial Ballet. By 1971, Tabano was replaced by Brad Whitford, completing the classic lineup. The band honed their blues-based hard rock sound in Boston clubs, earning a loyal following. Their self-titled debut in 1973, featuring “Dream On,” laid the groundwork, but it was 1974’s Get Your Wings and 1975’s Toys in the Attic that catapulted them to stardom. Often called “the Bad Boys from Boston” and “America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band,” Aerosmith blended gritty riffs with pop and R&B influences, inspiring bands like Guns N’ Roses and Metallica. Their songwriting duo, Tyler and Perry, dubbed the “Toxic Twins,” became legendary for crafting anthems that defined an era.

Stay connected with Aerosmith through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper at sites like Aero Force One, the official fan club, or join discussions in Facebook groups like Aerosmith Fans and Aerosmith Rocks. These communities keep the Zoo Freaks’ spirit alive, sharing love for tracks like “Big Ten Inch Record” and celebrating Aerosmith’s enduring legacy.