I love this album, its a huge part of my youth. As was Highway to Hell. But it can be argued that the best album / writing they ever did was Powerage. Lyrically, Bon took it to another level. And its just such a unique piece of Rock n Roll music. Over time, Powerage has become my favorite AC DC album.
I agree. Highway To Hell is very good, no too- but I think the approach and themes on Powerage make it more than just "Rock", in AC/DC's instance. Back In Black is great too, but I've always been partial to Flick Of The Switch and For Those About To Rock over it. I will say though the title track, Back In Black is probably in the top 3 best songs they've done - and that's a pretty high position, for them
Possibly the best way to look at it is POWERAGE is their best album period, it's the most solid of all the albums song wise, and BACK IN BLACK is obviously their biggest album with perhaps their best known songs ever and overall may be their second best solid album. HIGHWAY TO HELL, as good as it is, there's something a bit just off kilter with it. That aside, it's awesome, indeed, and the title track, Shot Down In Flames, If You Want Blood... and Night Prowler are killer but the title track kind of overpowers the album. HIGH VOLTAGE and DIRTY DEEDS... those are killer. All the Bon Scott albums are killer. Can't say that about the Brian Johnson albums. BIB, FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK, STIFF UPPER LIP, BLACK ICE and POWER UP are, for me, anyway, the best of the Johnson era. Rick Rubin blew it with BALLBREAKER, which I always tend to call HARD AS A ROCK, which it should've been called. It's a flat album. He was too busy eating tuna fish sandwiches and laying on his couch "producing" AC/DC, which he had already done when he did The Cult's ELECTRIC (which is fucking excellent except for Born To Be Wild - they left a stunning killer obviously excellently AC/DC inspired track called Down So Long that blows my mind that it didn't make the LP - ruclips.net/video/VNOSNIGgJ2c/видео.html). AH YEAHHH!
I’d say it’s a mixed bag. Powerage is their best album from a purely 'AC/DC' sounding album, as in the most authentic sound you could attribute to the band. Back In Black is legendary due to its appeal to a wider audience and, natrually, its subsequent commercial success. But Highway To Hell… that album in my opinion is their overall best because it represents the absolute pinnacle of each musician of the band, being at their best, or in their prime - not least Bon Scott. You can really feel the ’spirit’ of the band in every single number on that album, as though they pushed themselves to their absolute limit. By the time Back In Black came around, they were cruising.
I can only imagine the awe everyone felt in the control room after hearing Back in Black all the way through for the very first time, knowing what was to be released to the world that year.
hazor777 yep. A friend of mine worked with Mutt Lange on two Shania Twain tracks as an engineer. He (Mutt) told him that AC-DC was the single most prepared band he’s ever worked with. The song arrangements were airtight and everyone’s parts worked out. He also said each member had his shit together, as far as each member’s sound and gear was perfect. That’s the mark of a hard-working band.
@@glengamble526 That's cool! I think w/ AC/DC , since the music is very simple , straight forward RnR - it's really about the performance. Getting that high energy , group effort in a performance would be the challenge, IMO. Obviously AC/DC (and Lange) knew this and the goal was achieved.
I was in high school when this album came out. Back then, most of the news from rock came in a few magazines. Think about what happened in 1980... -Bon Scott dies February 19th -Bob Seger releases ‘Against the Wind’ February 25th -Judas Priest releases ‘British Steel’ April 14th -Black Sabbath released ‘Heaven and Hell’ April 25th with new singer Ronnie James Dio -AC/DC released ‘Back in Black’ July 25th with new singer Brian Johnson -Eagles disbanded July -Ozzy’s new band ‘Bliizard of Ozz’ released self titled album Sept. 20th -John Bonham dies Sept. 25th -(Led Zeppelin disbands shortly after Bonham’s death) - REO Speedwagon releases ‘Hi I fidelity’ November 21st
Here's the difference between recording a band like AC/DC vs. a band like Metallica. AC/DC always recorded the rhythm tracks together, all 4 musicians playing at the same time (the final vocal and guitar solo recordings would come later). To me, thats what makes an album like "Back in Black" sound so fucking amazing, whether its on a low or cranked volume. With Metallica, they analyze everything to death, correct any little mistake with Pro-Tools, and just suck the life right out of the recordings. It's music that is put together like a big puzzle, rather than being done "organically" like Tony Platt is talking about here. Fuck, AC/DC probably STILL don't know what Pro-Tools is!
That is true on the recording side, but dont do the mistake to underestimate Angus' and Malcolms (RIP) technical skills. I know that both owned Mackies in a very early state and at least Malcolm uses Pro-Tools at home. They just dont use that stuff for recordings. On tour they use a 1985 analogue mixing console and a state of the art digital one for the support act with all those gimmicks you need these days.
I was in 10th grade and in my second band when this album came out. We learned Shook Me All Night Long right away. Fortunately I was able to sing it. And not only was it a great hard rock song to play but found it to be a great song that people loved to dance to. Guaranteed to pack the dance floor and still doing so 40 years later.
The production on this record is really amazing i can remember my mind being blown hearing this the first time on vinyl through a huge pioneer receiver every cut on the record is killer
You know you've done something special when forty years later you have three songs, off of one album, considered some of the best rock songs of all time.
ACDC, the fucking best. I don't care if some say they are "overplayed", they are best. I can name tracks from this fantastic album from the top of my head. You can play any track and you would be headbanging no matter what.
Ok, AC/DC essay coming up. You might want to skip it. What we have in AC/DC is probably, no, definitely the greatest Rock 'n' Roll band of the 20th Century, and if you want to call them Heavy Rock, or even Heavy Metal, well, better than any other band, they can wear those badges and not be impostors. They melt all three down in an Alchemical Witches Bitches Brew. But first and foremost, yeah, they are a Rock 'n' Roll band. Coz it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing! The backbone of the band - the rhythm section: Cliff and Phil - they are so tightly locked, yet drift in and out with such laziness and 'fuck you' I'm coming back in on the first beat of the next bar, motherfucker, groove. You can't learn that. You either have it or you don't. And if you have it, you have to work a long time at developing it so it works. It works. They are the engine. The back room boys who can. Fucking machines. Machines with a heart and a soul and a beat and a groove. Talking of machines. Malcolm. I'm going to take the Back in Black approach here and spare all the shmaltzy bullshit. Yeah, it's fucking heartbreaking, but he did his job, and his legacy will live on as long as Rock 'n' Roll itself lives on. Yeah he's the best Rhythm Guitarist that ever lived. Bar none. No competition. By a long shot. When I was studying their records back in the late 70's learning how to play, I didn't dare attempt the 'backing' tracks on guitar. Just impossible. I concentrated on learning the lead lines that Angus was playing - just much easier and doable. I knew then that this was a master at work. But I kept it quiet, like a lot of other guitarists probably did - didn't want to admit to being so rhythmically incompetent. To others, but especially to ourselves. I don't know how directly responsible Malcolm was for the killer riffs in AC/DC's greatest songs. It might be on record somewhere, but I'd be interested to know who thought that one up for Whole Lotta Rosie. It doesn't matter at the end of the day. Not only are AC/DC the ultimate ensemble players, but Angus and Malcolm are the ultimate ensemble Rhythm/Lead guitarist combo. And let's not even delve in to the sound he got on his guitar: purely defined, yet sonic assault wall of sound. Quite something and not ever really bettered for what it is. I think it might have something to do with playing very loud. And talking of Angus. Well, if he isn't in your top 10, you obviously aren't a Rocker. Sure, he stretches the pentatonic to infinity and back again, but those riffs, that phrasing, that exceptional vibrato that only a handful of other guitarists who have ever existed in the history of the world have ever mastered. On time, with the groove in the pocket, bends that hit the spot every time. Guaranteed. And not a whammy bar in sight. He doesn't play pointy head-stock 'look at me' guitars. He knows what he likes. Like exceptional players like Larry Carlton, who concentrate on just a few sacred guitars, Angus prefers to concentrate on his playing. This is why I don't care about pedals and FX. Pah! I can get all that in the computer. Gibson SG into a Marshall Stack. Jobbed. I honestly can not thing of one other guitarist, alive or dead, that can/could play with the sheer visceral violence that Angus does, and still make it sound sweet, interesting, exotic, mystical, and most importantly of all, arriving right on time. He's not just rock solid, he's got the groove, and he alternates between these two to take this instrument and his band to the next level. I bet he probably doesn't even know how he does it himself. And now we get down to the nitty gritty. Bon and Brian. Brian had the hardest most impossible gig in show-business. And he turned it in to just about the most successful gig in show-business. I can see why they all got along. Personality is a big thing with singers. You want a confident cocky motherfucker, like Brian is, but you want one with a bit of humility and humour as well, such as Brian has. The perfect combo for the perfect combo. It didn't just 'Click', it went 'Kerching!'. There was no way in the world to replace Bon. Absolutely impossible. And here in lies the paradox. Brian did not replace Bon in any way shape or form. Yet, he replaced him perfectly, bringing his own style and attitude to the table, in a very humble and non-threatening manner, whilst still grabbing that AC/DC bull by both its horns and riding that motherfucker like the boss he is. And all with style and grace. Treading the line. Scott would be proud. Of that I have no doubt. Brian is the ultimate gentleman, polite and making the ladies swoon with his charm, then fucking them doggy over the back of his supercar, whilst pulling their hair. And afterwards he will ask: "was it good for you too". That's what you need in a front man for the biggest Rock 'n' Roll band this planet has ever known. No excuses. Let's not sugar coat it. AC/DC are a phenomenon. We won't see anything like them again this century lads. And the attitude. Ok, maybe one or two of them have paid and/or are paying the price. But they did better than anyone else, living it as real as they did. I'll leave that for others to discuss. I just wanted to talk about what the band mean to me, and maybe make a connection to other life-long die-hard fans. I'm buying my first ever SG in a couple of months hopefully. I'm probably going to have to get a Gretsch after that. AC/DC are an anomaly. To paraphrase Hunter S Thompson: "They are one of Gods' very own prototypes, never intended for mass production." They might not have been intended for 'mass production', but it is all our good fortune, that they rolled off the production line, all the same, and rocked on like no other band on earth. Great musicians. Great songwriters. Great lyricists. Great road crew. Great engineers. Great producers. GREAT FUCKING BAND!
I give you they are a great band with a great show i have seen them with both bon & brian many times but to say the greatest well might be a tight stretch?
..i remember being like 14 years old... pulling into the church parking lot on a wed or Sunday night...and my buddy having Back in Black on cassette ....we were like WOW ...
This album is timeless! Sounds as good today as it did in '80. So many bands would have folded under the pressure (just losing Bon), but they cut a masterpiece! Bands today don't have the talent or the work ethic.
Just looked up Tony Platt on Wikipedia and I notice he engineered two early Wailers records. I think his experience working with such a groove-based group would have held him in good stead for working with AC/DC. AC/DC are fundamentally a loud rock n’ roll band that in their prime really swung. That is why all those lumpen buffoons who followed them and claimed them as an influence never sounded anything like them - they had flat feet and plodded. The rhythm section of AC/DC had so much soul it’s not true.
HTH and BIB are great albums, capturing AC/DC at their peak with 2 different singers.Personally I think Powerage is their hottest album when it comes to the rawness of the sound, those songs give you (as Bon would say) a real kick in the gut.HTH and BIB are the more polished albums, which was good for them at the time. But I guess almost every album has it's peaks. But Powerage, HTH and BIB are albums I can play from start to finish, without skipping any song.
+sjcsiba wow, so I'm not the only one thinking Powerage is their best album. It's waaay overlooked, and I know them all. Another overlooked one would be For Those About To Rock, and Stiff Upper Lip also. But Powerage is the grooviest IMO.
One of the best Engineer interviews I've ever heard and it reflects why the recording was so special. Bon Scott's death was monumental, and there was so much anticipation of who could replace him and could the band continue with its new found success. For me, Hells Bells, was similar to Bohemian Rhapsody as it mixes Production effects with music via a related metaphor theme, the anthemic church bell, that weaves in and out...For me, it also metaphorically represented a funeral march for Bon Scott that builds and drives by the arpeggiated guitar riff supported by chord progressions that encapsulates the story being told by the verses. It really is an amazing piece to play with a band as it builds and pounds to a 4/4 -110 bpm's unlike any other...👍🎼🎶🎵
Brian Johnson was the perfect replacement for Bon. His style was different but Johnson's gritty delivery appealed to the American market immediately and shot them to superstar status. It is difficult to say how Bon would have faired as the vocalist on Back In Black but I think either way they would have been major players in the rock scene...but Brian gave them that certain edge that made them the huge stars they became with him.
Bon would have fared mighty fine on B&B Sir...seeing as how HE wrote the majority of lines+songs included on that album....Don't let yourself fall victim to the Young Camp Media Swindle my man...It does pain me to say at times...but it's OUR way or you certainly will take that long dark Highway....alone. Just a recent look at how Brian's been treated with short loveless press release...after what he's given. Mal and Bon were teetering similarly...but both HAD to 'make it' before...no doubt Mal was one lead voice in taking what wasn't truly his and calling it their own...it's really as simple as why else did the Bon estate profit from ALL shares of B&B? Love & Devotion?? 'fraid not....and anyone who would believe that is getting way to high on their supply. Lots of love and respect for his filling of such voided shoes believe me...though it fairs a tad easier when handed golden lyrics to an album that's nearly complete as it was....3.5 to 4 months from death to world release...sorry gents,but no way did that occur. I do wonder at times has anyone scoured BJ's lyrical portfolio with Geordie or whomever prior to this? Sorry Brian...props to ya...but Bon DID NOT COME TO YOU IN A DREAM TO HELP YOU WRITE A SONG...that will come back to haunt someday I imagine
The lyrics are nothing like what Bon wrote. People get wrapped up in the "naughtiness" of the lyrics and fail to realize they don't sound anything like the songs on previous albums.
You are surely aware that Brians previous band Geordie...he wasn’t even the songwriter of credit on ANY of their so called hits... that should tell you a great deal my friend about his songwriting skills..yet we’re to believe he up and writes the golden record in a couple months maybe less ...as if he simply plucked it from the Gooses ass...I’m afraid not...No way No how did it happen as such...we all have been duped
Just because he didn't write with Geordie, doesn't mean he couldn't write. What would you say if suddenly Cliff came out with a book of poetry? He hasn't written before?
This is a massive part of my life my first acdc album on my phone downloaded was back in black still fantastic all these years later thanks for sharing. Please send my love to Brian angus cliff Phil and stevie for me please I hope they are all well and family too. I would love to pass a message on to acdc band just to say a really big thank you and I still love and listen to acdc I'm a big fan thank you acdc for your music rock n roll will always survive 🤘
One of the most interesting interviews I've yet heard on one of my favorite bands. . AC/DC had a great band, producer, engineer and studio _after_ bib as well. So why did they go down hill with the song writing? If Bon were around I'll bet he could clue us in.
Zakk Gardner I think theres only so many variations of E,G,D,A...repeat...most bands have a finite number of songs they can mustre in their genre; with a notable exception being The Beatles, not to cloud the argument
Imo, what made early AC/DC special were the vocal melodies and clever lyrics, i.e., double entendres, ironic references, skating at the edge of accepted social decency. I don't know if Bon Scott was limitless in these abilities, but each of his products seemed better than the last.
Because BON wrote Back N Black and most likely bits and pieces of FOR THOSE __ROCK...None of them were lyricist period...that's the obvious simple soon will be proven Fact.
Because more than likely and I'm not going to sit here and say that Brian Johnson and Malcolm or Angus never wrote nothing on Back in Black, absolutely I'm sure they did but I would venture to say at least half of the songs were partially written by Bon or could be more. Especially Shook Me All Night Long,and if you want and eerie feeling, and if you ever suspected that song was fully written by Bon,Check out La's Bonfire tribute band. Guy sings it and soubds as close to Bon as we will ever get,and as soon as you hear it,you'll know. But act like you've never heard it b4. Also on the night that he died he had called a shitload of people wanting to go out for drinks and celebrate and to quote them and they have nothing to gain from it saying he told them he had finished writing the lyrics for the new album which was going to be called at the time back in the black and that song is pretty much about them not really making any money until the Highway to Hell album started taking off. And the fact, that is public knowledge but most people don't know that the Scott family receives quarterly a portion of royalties from the Back in Black Album. Bow for a man that supposedly had nothing to do with that album there would be no reason for his family to get royalties from it at all. And that his came out of his own brother's mouth and was also told by friends of the family that Bons former girlfriend Silver smith told his mother after he died, do not sign anything and get a lawyer. So obviously something is known and was known somewhere and a private deal got made. And all that young Brothers Kool-Aid they've fed everybody Scott never recommended Brian Johnson to replace him if something happened they just told that horseshit so he would go over better with fans. ruclips.net/video/oUU0lzYlxC4/видео.html
@Luke What appeared on BIB was likely the cream of the Bon Scott crop. The best stuff that _Bon_ had devised for their new record. After that, Brian and the band were on their own. I love what Brian did on BIB, but if AC/DC want any more of that level of success, yes, they'll need to get Lange back as "producer" (read: co-writer) _and_ Ruud back in the mix. I'd actually be receptive to Axel at the helm. Brian, I'm sorry to say, was sounding more and more like Donald Duck on stage. Regards
I grew up with Powerage and For Those About To Rock. Those were the first two albums that I listened to over and over. For me, ACDC are a Rock n Roll band! Angus's solos are like 50's Rock n Roll saxophone! And You listen to other bands for a couple of months (you know how it goes) then go back to ACDC and from the first song, as soon as the riff hits me, I'm a kid pumped!!! Goose bumps and absolutely itching to plug in and play! That heavy rock n roll with just enough abandon to the playing just makes them THE rock n roll band!!! Acdc are just the best.
I remember reading about this a few yrs ago ...... seems like I read they searched high n low for as many units as they could get their hands on after they realized this .
He even looks like a Young, if you were to say "here's Tony, the long lost Young brother" and everyone looked at him, I don't think anyone would argue.
Really a shame he didnt talk more about the guitar sound, as the sound of the guitars on B&B is just the best ever in rock history. He said nothing about the use of the wireless guitar system to achieve that sound
If the small clips of the VH1 session takes that have emerged are any indication, imagine the jams this dude took in as the band tuned up and polished parts of each track.
I had always heard that Bryan Johnson recorded every song on back in black in one take. If that were true hard to believe it wasn't mentioned here. Still one of the best rock albums ever made
i think they might mean he sang every song thru in a take but you always record multiple takes for safety. if the producer chose the first take at the end thats possible too. a lot of singers drop in somewhere in the song as a pickup like in segments. it really doesnt matter as long as it sounds good imo.
@@DavidNeumeier-wp2oc I'm not sure what them taking years between albums has to do with Brian Johnson singing all the songs on Back in Black in one take. ???
I was in Year 10 in 1980 and had grown up with AC-DC on ABC TV AUSTRALIA Countdown program on Sunday evenings just before the 7pm news. I was saddened by the news of Bon Scott's passing and the feeling that this was the end of AC-DC. Then I heard one of the first tracks from Back in Black (I can't remember exactly which one now) and my first thought was Their Back and bigger than before. It was an uplifting moment in time. There was definitely a slight change to the AC-DC sound, previously it had been a very rough and sharp sound, and now it was a little bit more polished and sharp. You certainly knew, listening to the songs on BinB that the band were paying tribute to the legacy of Bon Scott and I think that helped to introduce Brian to the people who had known the Bon Scott AC-DC. I would say that I slightly favor the Bon era, particularly It's a Long Way to the Top given that it was filmed in my home town of Melbourne, Australia. PS I love the starting riff, gets my blood pumping in the morning.
It's impossible to imagine what Bon would have done with these songs. I discovered them when Highway to Hell came out & that album & Back in Black are equally awesome & both are their masterpieces.
It's widely regarded that Bon had a lot of the lyrics,idea's done for the BIB album and they used most of it.It makes sense to me as Shoot to thrill absolutely sounds like a Bon song. It also explains that since BIB the lyrics to their songs have been the weakest point and the reason I stopped buying their albums after FTATR.Nothing compares to the early stuff.HIGH VOLTAGE,DIRTY DEEDS,POWERAGE,LET THERE BE ROCK,IF YOU WANT BLOOD and HIGHWAY TO HELL..👌
@@matthazelby506 There is so much evidence that Bon wrote the lyrics - from his girlfriend telling us exactly how he came up with various lyric ideas. To people actually seeing his lyrics written down as he was in the studio working on the album.
It's a shame that the actual 'Classic Albums' series didn't keep going, or no doubt they would have gotten to this one eventually. And if it was still going now they might have even gotten one on 'Appetite for Destruction' with Axl participating.
Till Todays , AC/DC´s "Back in Black " Record ist the BEST FUCKING Hard Rock Album EVER Made , on the Level of Led Zeppelin i mean (they are my Absolute Heroes) The Production is SO Perfect ,they Give ALL and you can Hear it , the POWER behind this Music is Unbelievable . I DEFINETLEY like the Voice of Brian Johnson , he is a GIANT !!! The Guitars are The BEST what Angus and Malcolm ever Played and the Drummer ...HELL !!
+Jimi Hendrix If you want to talk about their best album they've ever made then thats Powerage. Angus has said many times that Powerage is the best guitar playing he has ever made and the best album they've ever made. Keith Richards from the Stones has said thats their best album many times, as has quite a few people. If you look at the list of AC/DC's best albums its always Powerage. Although no one can deny Back In Black is a masterpiece plain in simple.
i hope you can help me with this i have used a sm57 mic going in to a 6 port mixing board going into my br600 recording device and the recording always sound raspy and horrible i have to go from the direct out of the marshall into the port is possible to get a mic to pick up what my ears hear coming from my speakers?
@@TheHeartagram11 Van Halen's debut album was recorded with SM546, the budget version of SM57. On the track sheet they are listed as... 19 Guitar Shure SM57 (top cone) 20 Guitar Shure SM57 (bottom cone) Plenty of classic albums have used SM57.
@@diamonddavemc Yes, but after they shifted production to Mexico the sound of 57s changed. My American made 57s sound totally different to my newer 57s. Sounds like a different mic completely.
There are two types of AC/DC fan: those who argue over Highway to Hell or Back in Black as being the best AC/DC album, and those who KNOW that AC/DC’s best album is Powerage...
Highway and Back shouldn't compete and no need for it. To these ears one was about the best the band recorded with Bon & one was bout the best they recorded with Brian. They make a great set. They aren't at odds with each other.
you are great and teacher,did you go to college? also could you tell me how eddie van halen is able to get this unique sound live at largo,I cannot seem to duplicate the high pitch squelling sound,is the speakers or the neck or special type of pick up?
yes sm57 mics work for recording high power guitar I found my problem was using a cheap mixer it was duck my tone I upgraded to a Yamaha board fixed the problem
Maybe it's AC/DC's modesty, but the biggest part of the success and crossover appeal of the album was the writing of few truly great rock songs - I'd like to hear more about how those came together from the authors.
okay, great observation, could you tell me whats the name of the effects pedal, to do this type of unique sound?because i have noticed when he started using his wolfgang guitar line and his 5150111 amps his sound changed 100% to a generic sound
I always get a kick out of people who say how "simple" AC/DC is. Although it may be "simple" to play, it's incredibly difficult to play well. It's not as easy as most people think. And to most of you guys out there covering AC/DC in your bands, who think you've got it nailed. You don't. Quit listening to all the drunks who are raving about how killer you sounded during soundcheck and buckle down.
Well said! Any AC/DC song is in fact very difficult to play properly and with the right feel. As a working and teaching musician, I play 21 songs every day on bass to keep my chops up. The one minute and fifty seconds of just pumping B with eighth notes through the first half of Thunderstruck is a constant struggle to play accurately - which is the reason it's on my list of daily songs to play. It's a master class on how to keep your right hand relentlessly steady to keep the song moving!
@@ghosttownreview1531 Yep. As a bassist then you can probably relate to the sublte anticipated bass syncopation in songs like "Shoot to Thrill" can easily run the train right off the tracks for a band that really hasn't got their collective shit together.
There’s no argument about which was better. Neither Back in Black nor Highway to Hell would have been as great as they are, without the other. Together, they are twin titans.
The grooviness of this album is seldom mentioned as a musical element but on top of the Brontosaurus beats and Ninja sharp guitar licks and utterly demonic vocals it's just fucking groovy enough to get Marsha Brady's knickers off 🤣
This album was backed up by Bon That's why nothing was good as that album afterwards till maybe razors edge. Till today, check out all the songs the play on their tours, 95% Bon songs ( if you include back in black as Bon era )
I love this album, its a huge part of my youth. As was Highway to Hell. But it can be argued that the best album / writing they ever did was Powerage. Lyrically, Bon took it to another level. And its just such a unique piece of Rock n Roll music. Over time, Powerage has become my favorite AC DC album.
I agree. Highway To Hell is very good, no too- but I think the approach and themes on Powerage make it more than just "Rock", in AC/DC's instance. Back In Black is great too, but I've always been partial to Flick Of The Switch and For Those About To Rock over it. I will say though the title track, Back In Black is probably in the top 3 best songs they've done - and that's a pretty high position, for them
Possibly the best way to look at it is POWERAGE is their best album period, it's the most solid of all the albums song wise, and BACK IN BLACK is obviously their biggest album with perhaps their best known songs ever and overall may be their second best solid album. HIGHWAY TO HELL, as good as it is, there's something a bit just off kilter with it. That aside, it's awesome, indeed, and the title track, Shot Down In Flames, If You Want Blood... and Night Prowler are killer but the title track kind of overpowers the album. HIGH VOLTAGE and DIRTY DEEDS... those are killer. All the Bon Scott albums are killer. Can't say that about the Brian Johnson albums. BIB, FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK, STIFF UPPER LIP, BLACK ICE and POWER UP are, for me, anyway, the best of the Johnson era.
Rick Rubin blew it with BALLBREAKER, which I always tend to call HARD AS A ROCK, which it should've been called. It's a flat album. He was too busy eating tuna fish sandwiches and laying on his couch "producing" AC/DC, which he had already done when he did The Cult's ELECTRIC (which is fucking excellent except for Born To Be Wild - they left a stunning killer obviously excellently AC/DC inspired track called Down So Long that blows my mind that it didn't make the LP - ruclips.net/video/VNOSNIGgJ2c/видео.html). AH YEAHHH!
I’d say it’s a mixed bag. Powerage is their best album from a purely 'AC/DC' sounding album, as in the most authentic sound you could attribute to the band.
Back In Black is legendary due to its appeal to a wider audience and, natrually, its subsequent commercial success.
But Highway To Hell… that album in my opinion is their overall best because it represents the absolute pinnacle of each musician of the band, being at their best, or in their prime - not least Bon Scott. You can really feel the ’spirit’ of the band in every single number on that album, as though they pushed themselves to their absolute limit. By the time Back In Black came around, they were cruising.
I agree with you there
Fuck yes
I can only imagine the awe everyone felt in the control room after hearing Back in Black all the way through for the very first time, knowing what was to be released to the world that year.
👊 good comment !
The greatest Rock album of all time.
Back in Black was the BEST studio album of the era - the mastering done was perfect mixed in no way matched at the time
You clearly don’t know what mastering even means
@@jamesball5743 But you do.
One of the best albums ever made.
The sales prove it. Second biggest selling album ever.
mr wippy just beat me to it 👍🎸
*the best
Yep
What a cool guy - no wonder the album turned out so well with people like him in the studio.
I"m relaxed after hearing him speak for 15 minutes.
AC/DC has to be a recording engineer's dream band to work with ...... simple, straight forward Rock N Roll & to the point
hazor777 yep. A friend of mine worked with Mutt Lange on two Shania Twain tracks as an engineer. He (Mutt) told him that AC-DC was the single most prepared band he’s ever worked with. The song arrangements were airtight and everyone’s parts worked out. He also said each member had his shit together, as far as each member’s sound and gear was perfect. That’s the mark of a hard-working band.
@@glengamble526 That's cool! I think w/ AC/DC , since the music is very simple , straight forward RnR - it's really about the performance. Getting that high energy , group effort in a performance would be the challenge, IMO. Obviously AC/DC (and Lange) knew this and the goal was achieved.
I was in high school when this album came out. Back then, most of the news from rock came in a few magazines.
Think about what happened in 1980...
-Bon Scott dies February 19th
-Bob Seger releases ‘Against the Wind’ February 25th
-Judas Priest releases ‘British Steel’ April 14th
-Black Sabbath released ‘Heaven and Hell’ April 25th with new singer Ronnie James Dio
-AC/DC released ‘Back in Black’ July 25th with new singer Brian Johnson
-Eagles disbanded July
-Ozzy’s new band ‘Bliizard of Ozz’ released self titled album Sept. 20th
-John Bonham dies Sept. 25th
-(Led Zeppelin disbands shortly after Bonham’s death)
- REO Speedwagon releases ‘Hi I fidelity’ November 21st
Spot on recall of the time period👍😀
Van Halen Women & Children First March 26, 1980
Rush Permanent Waves January 14, 1980
E Roc yes thank you !!
You're obviously an American.
good list, until the last one!
It was a crushing blow when Bon Scott died! I was eleven.
But Back in Black changed rock and roll history....by it's simplicity and workmanship.
Here's the difference between recording a band like AC/DC vs. a band like Metallica. AC/DC always recorded the rhythm tracks together, all 4 musicians playing at the same time (the final vocal and guitar solo recordings would come later). To me, thats what makes an album like "Back in Black" sound so fucking amazing, whether its on a low or cranked volume. With Metallica, they analyze everything to death, correct any little mistake with Pro-Tools, and just suck the life right out of the recordings. It's music that is put together like a big puzzle, rather than being done "organically" like Tony Platt is talking about here. Fuck, AC/DC probably STILL don't know what Pro-Tools is!
JokersWild45 They still record their albums live!
Well said! So true. AC/DC have that live feel because it was live. Just Little Richard part 2. True rock n roll! All about the feel!
I'll second that...Well put indeed. Less is MORE...you really can't fool the ears
That is true on the recording side, but dont do the mistake to underestimate Angus' and Malcolms (RIP) technical skills. I know that both owned Mackies in a very early state and at least Malcolm uses Pro-Tools at home. They just dont use that stuff for recordings. On tour they use a 1985 analogue mixing console and a state of the art digital one for the support act with all those gimmicks you need these days.
Two worlds apart. Rock'n'roll and then the rest
I was in 10th grade and in my second band when this album came out. We learned Shook Me All Night Long right away. Fortunately I was able to sing it. And not only was it a great hard rock song to play but found it to be a great song that people loved to dance to. Guaranteed to pack the dance floor and still doing so 40 years later.
The production on this record is really amazing i can remember my mind being blown hearing this the first time on vinyl through a huge pioneer receiver every cut on the record is killer
No wonder the album is so electric....emperor Palpetine recorded it!
He gave the album it's darkside
HaHaHa! :D
Mutt Lang
You know you've done something special when forty years later you have three songs, off of one album, considered some of the best rock songs of all time.
ACDC, the fucking best. I don't care if some say they are "overplayed", they are best. I can name tracks from this fantastic album from the top of my head. You can play any track and you would be headbanging no matter what.
if them songs came out in 2019 they would still be great
The picture of the dvd box on Amazon is a AC/DC with Simon Wright but Phil Rudd recorded Back In Black.
If an alien came to Earth and asked "What is Hard Rock?"
you would play Back In Black.
Brian really hit his prime on this album performance, and he sure met the right band and producer at the right time.
Ok, AC/DC essay coming up. You might want to skip it.
What we have in AC/DC is probably, no, definitely the greatest Rock 'n' Roll band of the 20th Century, and if you want to call them Heavy Rock, or even Heavy Metal, well, better than any other band, they can wear those badges and not be impostors. They melt all three down in an Alchemical Witches Bitches Brew. But first and foremost, yeah, they are a Rock 'n' Roll band. Coz it don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing!
The backbone of the band - the rhythm section: Cliff and Phil - they are so tightly locked, yet drift in and out with such laziness and 'fuck you' I'm coming back in on the first beat of the next bar, motherfucker, groove. You can't learn that. You either have it or you don't. And if you have it, you have to work a long time at developing it so it works. It works. They are the engine. The back room boys who can. Fucking machines. Machines with a heart and a soul and a beat and a groove.
Talking of machines. Malcolm. I'm going to take the Back in Black approach here and spare all the shmaltzy bullshit. Yeah, it's fucking heartbreaking, but he did his job, and his legacy will live on as long as Rock 'n' Roll itself lives on. Yeah he's the best Rhythm Guitarist that ever lived. Bar none. No competition. By a long shot. When I was studying their records back in the late 70's learning how to play, I didn't dare attempt the 'backing' tracks on guitar. Just impossible. I concentrated on learning the lead lines that Angus was playing - just much easier and doable. I knew then that this was a master at work. But I kept it quiet, like a lot of other guitarists probably did - didn't want to admit to being so rhythmically incompetent. To others, but especially to ourselves.
I don't know how directly responsible Malcolm was for the killer riffs in AC/DC's greatest songs. It might be on record somewhere, but I'd be interested to know who thought that one up for Whole Lotta Rosie. It doesn't matter at the end of the day. Not only are AC/DC the ultimate ensemble players, but Angus and Malcolm are the ultimate ensemble Rhythm/Lead guitarist combo. And let's not even delve in to the sound he got on his guitar: purely defined, yet sonic assault wall of sound. Quite something and not ever really bettered for what it is. I think it might have something to do with playing very loud.
And talking of Angus. Well, if he isn't in your top 10, you obviously aren't a Rocker. Sure, he stretches the pentatonic to infinity and back again, but those riffs, that phrasing, that exceptional vibrato that only a handful of other guitarists who have ever existed in the history of the world have ever mastered. On time, with the groove in the pocket, bends that hit the spot every time. Guaranteed. And not a whammy bar in sight.
He doesn't play pointy head-stock 'look at me' guitars. He knows what he likes. Like exceptional players like Larry Carlton, who concentrate on just a few sacred guitars, Angus prefers to concentrate on his playing. This is why I don't care about pedals and FX. Pah! I can get all that in the computer. Gibson SG into a Marshall Stack. Jobbed.
I honestly can not thing of one other guitarist, alive or dead, that can/could play with the sheer visceral violence that Angus does, and still make it sound sweet, interesting, exotic, mystical, and most importantly of all, arriving right on time. He's not just rock solid, he's got the groove, and he alternates between these two to take this instrument and his band to the next level. I bet he probably doesn't even know how he does it himself.
And now we get down to the nitty gritty. Bon and Brian. Brian had the hardest most impossible gig in show-business. And he turned it in to just about the most successful gig in show-business. I can see why they all got along. Personality is a big thing with singers. You want a confident cocky motherfucker, like Brian is, but you want one with a bit of humility and humour as well, such as Brian has. The perfect combo for the perfect combo. It didn't just 'Click', it went 'Kerching!'.
There was no way in the world to replace Bon. Absolutely impossible. And here in lies the paradox. Brian did not replace Bon in any way shape or form. Yet, he replaced him perfectly, bringing his own style and attitude to the table, in a very humble and non-threatening manner, whilst still grabbing that AC/DC bull by both its horns and riding that motherfucker like the boss he is. And all with style and grace. Treading the line. Scott would be proud. Of that I have no doubt. Brian is the ultimate gentleman, polite and making the ladies swoon with his charm, then fucking them doggy over the back of his supercar, whilst pulling their hair. And afterwards he will ask: "was it good for you too".
That's what you need in a front man for the biggest Rock 'n' Roll band this planet has ever known. No excuses. Let's not sugar coat it. AC/DC are a phenomenon. We won't see anything like them again this century lads.
And the attitude. Ok, maybe one or two of them have paid and/or are paying the price. But they did better than anyone else, living it as real as they did. I'll leave that for others to discuss. I just wanted to talk about what the band mean to me, and maybe make a connection to other life-long die-hard fans.
I'm buying my first ever SG in a couple of months hopefully. I'm probably going to have to get a Gretsch after that.
AC/DC are an anomaly. To paraphrase Hunter S Thompson: "They are one of Gods' very own prototypes, never intended for mass production."
They might not have been intended for 'mass production', but it is all our good fortune, that they rolled off the production line, all the same, and rocked on like no other band on earth.
Great musicians. Great songwriters. Great lyricists. Great road crew. Great engineers. Great producers.
GREAT FUCKING BAND!
Malcolm is the better guitarist Angus has even acknowledged it
I give you they are a great band with a great show i have seen them with both bon & brian many times but to say the greatest well might be a tight stretch?
I dunno. I like Christopher Cross. You guys know him?
@@devendasmusic lol
@bob bobo And none of there songs mention drugs. WELL MAYBE XTC ON A few deep tracks
..
The Marlboro Red of rock albums :)
Lol. So true.
..i remember being like 14 years old... pulling into the church parking lot on a wed or Sunday night...and my buddy having Back in Black on cassette ....we were like WOW ...
Love this of course, I got the for those about to rock cassette for my 10th Christmas, blew my fragile mind
This album is timeless! Sounds as good today as it did in '80. So many bands would have folded under the pressure (just losing Bon), but they cut a masterpiece! Bands today don't have the talent or the work ethic.
legend
Just looked up Tony Platt on Wikipedia and I notice he engineered two early Wailers records. I think his experience working with such a groove-based group would have held him in good stead for working with AC/DC. AC/DC are fundamentally a loud rock n’ roll band that in their prime really swung. That is why all those lumpen buffoons who followed them and claimed them as an influence never sounded anything like them - they had flat feet and plodded. The rhythm section of AC/DC had so much soul it’s not true.
sure would love to hear some outtakes being its 40 years old now.
HTH and BIB are great albums, capturing AC/DC at their peak with 2 different singers.Personally I think Powerage is their hottest album when it comes to the rawness of the sound, those songs give you (as Bon would say) a real kick in the gut.HTH and BIB are the more polished albums, which was good for them at the time. But I guess almost every album has it's peaks. But Powerage, HTH and BIB are albums I can play from start to finish, without skipping any song.
Let there be rock also scores in that category, of not skipping any song.
+sjcsiba wow, so I'm not the only one thinking Powerage is their best album. It's waaay overlooked, and I know them all. Another overlooked one would be For Those About To Rock, and Stiff Upper Lip also. But Powerage is the grooviest IMO.
That's simply Cause they're ALL BON that's why...I do agree
Powerage!!! Greatest ACDC album
Yes, one of the few bands in the world that made four albums in a row without any filler
One of the best Engineer interviews I've ever heard and it reflects why the recording was so special. Bon Scott's death was monumental, and there was so much anticipation of who could replace him and could the band continue with its new found success. For me, Hells Bells, was similar to Bohemian Rhapsody as it mixes Production effects with music via a related metaphor theme, the anthemic church bell, that weaves in and out...For me, it also metaphorically represented a funeral march for Bon Scott that builds and drives by the arpeggiated guitar riff supported by chord progressions that encapsulates the story being told by the verses. It really is an amazing piece to play with a band as it builds and pounds to a 4/4 -110 bpm's unlike any other...👍🎼🎶🎵
back in black was the first album i heard of ac/dc there was an 8 track tape in my sisters car, so i plugged it in;and rocked.
Respect and Respect to him and anyone else making the sound perfect. Back in Black was a Labour of love.
Brian Johnson was the perfect replacement for Bon. His style was different but Johnson's gritty delivery appealed to the American market immediately and shot them to superstar status.
It is difficult to say how Bon would have faired as the vocalist on Back In Black but I think either way they would have been major players in the rock scene...but Brian gave them that certain edge that made them the huge stars they became with him.
Lol, what?
Bon would have fared mighty fine on B&B Sir...seeing as how HE wrote the majority of lines+songs included on that album....Don't let yourself fall victim to the Young Camp Media Swindle my man...It does pain me to say at times...but it's OUR way or you certainly will take that long dark Highway....alone. Just a recent look at how Brian's been treated with short loveless press release...after what he's given. Mal and Bon were teetering similarly...but both HAD to 'make it' before...no doubt Mal was one lead voice in taking what wasn't truly his and calling it their own...it's really as simple as why else did the Bon estate profit from ALL shares of B&B? Love & Devotion?? 'fraid not....and anyone who would believe that is getting way to high on their supply.
Lots of love and respect for his filling of such voided shoes believe me...though it fairs a tad easier when handed golden lyrics to an album that's nearly complete as it was....3.5 to 4 months from death to world release...sorry gents,but no way did that occur. I do wonder at times has anyone scoured BJ's lyrical portfolio with Geordie or whomever prior to this? Sorry Brian...props to ya...but Bon DID NOT COME TO YOU IN A DREAM TO HELP YOU WRITE A SONG...that will come back to haunt someday I imagine
The lyrics are nothing like what Bon wrote. People get wrapped up in the "naughtiness" of the lyrics and fail to realize they don't sound anything like the songs on previous albums.
You are surely aware that Brians previous band Geordie...he wasn’t even the songwriter of credit on ANY of their so called hits... that should tell you a great deal my friend about his songwriting skills..yet we’re to believe he up and writes the golden record in a couple months maybe less ...as if he simply plucked it from the Gooses ass...I’m afraid not...No way No how did it happen as such...we all have been duped
Just because he didn't write with Geordie, doesn't mean he couldn't write. What would you say if suddenly Cliff came out with a book of poetry? He hasn't written before?
This is a massive part of my life my first acdc album on my phone downloaded was back in black still fantastic all these years later thanks for sharing. Please send my love to Brian angus cliff Phil and stevie for me please I hope they are all well and family too. I would love to pass a message on to acdc band just to say a really big thank you and I still love and listen to acdc I'm a big fan thank you acdc for your music rock n roll will always survive 🤘
Still sounds better than any of the “music” released today.
AC/DCs best album and easily in the top 3 best rock albums of all time
Hard working band, seen some shit. The band that truly deserves praise, Bon was born 20 minutes from me, what a frontman he was.
Not one question asked on camera. I like to think he was alone and just set up a camera and rambled at a picture of the album cover.
I'm liking that mental image.
Definitely one of my favorite albums of all time.
One of the most interesting interviews I've yet heard on one of my favorite bands. . AC/DC had a great band, producer, engineer and studio _after_ bib as well. So why did they go down hill with the song writing? If Bon were around I'll bet he could clue us in.
Zakk Gardner I think theres only so many variations of E,G,D,A...repeat...most bands have a finite number of songs they can mustre in their genre; with a notable exception being The Beatles, not to cloud the argument
Imo, what made early AC/DC special were the vocal melodies and clever lyrics, i.e., double entendres, ironic references, skating at the edge of accepted social decency.
I don't know if Bon Scott was limitless in these abilities, but each of his products seemed better than the last.
Because BON wrote Back N Black and most likely bits and pieces of FOR THOSE __ROCK...None of them were lyricist period...that's the obvious simple soon will be proven Fact.
Because more than likely and I'm not going to sit here and say that Brian Johnson and Malcolm or Angus never wrote nothing on Back in Black, absolutely I'm sure they did but I would venture to say at least half of the songs were partially written by Bon or could be more. Especially Shook Me All Night Long,and if you want and eerie feeling, and if you ever suspected that song was fully written by Bon,Check out La's Bonfire tribute band. Guy sings it and soubds as close to Bon as we will ever get,and as soon as you hear it,you'll know. But act like you've never heard it b4.
Also on the night that he died he had called a shitload of people wanting to go out for drinks and celebrate and to quote them and they have nothing to gain from it saying he told them he had finished writing the lyrics for the new album which was going to be called at the time back in the black and that song is pretty much about them not really making any money until the Highway to Hell album started taking off. And the fact, that is public knowledge but most people don't know that the Scott family receives quarterly a portion of royalties from the Back in Black Album. Bow for a man that supposedly had nothing to do with that album there would be no reason for his family to get royalties from it at all. And that his came out of his own brother's mouth and was also told by friends of the family that Bons former girlfriend Silver smith told his mother after he died, do not sign anything and get a lawyer. So obviously something is known and was known somewhere and a private deal got made. And all that young Brothers Kool-Aid they've fed everybody Scott never recommended Brian Johnson to replace him if something happened they just told that horseshit so he would go over better with fans.
ruclips.net/video/oUU0lzYlxC4/видео.html
@Luke What appeared on BIB was likely the cream of the Bon Scott crop. The best stuff that _Bon_ had devised for their new record. After that, Brian and the band were on their own. I love what Brian did on BIB, but if AC/DC want any more of that level of success, yes, they'll need to get Lange back as "producer" (read: co-writer) _and_ Ruud back in the mix. I'd actually be receptive to Axel at the helm. Brian, I'm sorry to say, was sounding more and more like Donald Duck on stage. Regards
I grew up with Powerage and For Those About To Rock. Those were the first two albums that I listened to over and over. For me, ACDC are a Rock n Roll band! Angus's solos are like 50's Rock n Roll saxophone! And You listen to other bands for a couple of months (you know how it goes) then go back to ACDC and from the first song, as soon as the riff hits me, I'm a kid pumped!!! Goose bumps and absolutely itching to plug in and play! That heavy rock n roll with just enough abandon to the playing just makes them THE rock n roll band!!!
Acdc are just the best.
🎶Masterpiece 🎶
I have lots of favorite albums. BiB is my favorite "rock" album by far. Every song is on point!
One of the greatest albums ever every one a rock classic
Every song on back in black is a killer no wonder it was in top albums of all time a fantastic rock party abum
LOUSKI SANDS - the 'boost' Angus accidentally found came from his wireless Schaeffer Vega - he found it acted like a treble boost/line boost
Can you say Over Drive & Compression ? That's the Schaffer you can get in a Stomp Box now or Wireless Unit.
I remember reading about this a few yrs ago ...... seems like I read they searched high n low for as many units as they could get their hands on after they realized this .
One of the BEST ENGINEERED LPs of all time!
I heard that Angus had this headband he'd wear during the recording sessions and he'd have like liquid PCP on it absorbing into his system
I've heard that story but about Hendrix and acid.
The trio of highway to hell thru those about to rock stand up to any three back to back albums of any band.
He even looks like a Young, if you were to say "here's Tony, the long lost Young brother" and everyone looked at him, I don't think anyone would argue.
He doesn't say "ya'know" frequently
So he's not a Young
I NEED to know how many takes the solo to You Shook Me was. It's my all time favorite solo.
76,489. You're welcome.
Agreed about that solo. For any band in any style, it is just perfect
This album and Van Halen 1 since I was a teen have always been very important albums to me, still love them dearly 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
Really a shame he didnt talk more about the guitar sound, as the sound of the guitars on B&B is just the best ever in rock history. He said nothing about the use of the wireless guitar system to achieve that sound
Some really great insight!
What an amazing speaker!
If the small clips of the VH1 session takes that have emerged are any indication, imagine the jams this dude took in as the band tuned up and polished parts of each track.
One of the loudest bands ever..... I still have tinnitus from the Back in Black tour...
Still Rocks Out
Back in Black #1 best album all time
Highway to Hell is second for me
I had always heard that Bryan Johnson recorded every song on back in black in one take. If that were true hard to believe it wasn't mentioned here. Still one of the best rock albums ever made
i think they might mean he sang every song thru in a take but you always record multiple takes for safety. if the producer chose the first take at the end thats possible too. a lot of singers drop in somewhere in the song as a pickup like in segments. it really doesnt matter as long as it sounds good imo.
No, if that were true after 1995 AC/DC wouldn't have taken between 5years to 8years in between albums when releasing a NEW album.
@@DavidNeumeier-wp2oc I'm not sure what them taking years between albums has to do with Brian Johnson singing all the songs on Back in Black in one take. ???
Tony Platt is a legend
No doubt. Mutt Lang seemed to have the Midas touch back then too though.
I still have my originally 1st bought B.I.B. ...
#eightyOne
I was in Year 10 in 1980 and had grown up with AC-DC on ABC TV AUSTRALIA Countdown program on Sunday evenings just before the 7pm news. I was saddened by the news of Bon Scott's passing and the feeling that this was the end of AC-DC. Then I heard one of the first tracks from Back in Black (I can't remember exactly which one now) and my first thought was Their Back and bigger than before. It was an uplifting moment in time. There was definitely a slight change to the AC-DC sound, previously it had been a very rough and sharp sound, and now it was a little bit more polished and sharp. You certainly knew, listening to the songs on BinB that the band were paying tribute to the legacy of Bon Scott and I think that helped to introduce Brian to the people who had known the Bon Scott AC-DC. I would say that I slightly favor the Bon era, particularly It's a Long Way to the Top given that it was filmed in my home town of Melbourne, Australia. PS I love the starting riff, gets my blood pumping in the morning.
Nobody is responsible for BACK IN BLACK except AC/DC!
Nah. Mutt. Everything the man touches turns to gold. Google it.
It's impossible to imagine what Bon would have done with these songs. I discovered them when Highway to Hell came out & that album & Back in Black are equally awesome & both are their masterpieces.
It's widely regarded that Bon had a lot of the lyrics,idea's done for the BIB album and they used most of it.It makes sense to me as Shoot to thrill absolutely sounds like a Bon song. It also explains that since BIB the lyrics to their songs have been the weakest point and the reason I stopped buying their albums after FTATR.Nothing compares to the early stuff.HIGH VOLTAGE,DIRTY DEEDS,POWERAGE,LET THERE BE ROCK,IF YOU WANT BLOOD and HIGHWAY TO HELL..👌
@@matthazelby506 There is so much evidence that Bon wrote the lyrics - from his girlfriend telling us exactly how he came up with various lyric ideas. To people actually seeing his lyrics written down as he was in the studio working on the album.
Brian made them better and more powerful than bon would have
It's a shame that the actual 'Classic Albums' series didn't keep going, or no doubt they would have gotten to this one eventually.
And if it was still going now they might have even gotten one on 'Appetite for Destruction' with Axl participating.
Bloody hell you provided Brian with a table for his water the good old days eh?!😂😂😂
Highway for the win
Till Todays , AC/DC´s "Back in Black " Record ist the BEST FUCKING Hard Rock Album EVER Made , on the Level of Led Zeppelin i mean (they are my Absolute Heroes)
The Production is SO Perfect ,they Give ALL and you can Hear it , the POWER behind this Music is Unbelievable .
I DEFINETLEY like the Voice of Brian Johnson , he is a GIANT !!! The Guitars are The BEST what Angus and Malcolm ever Played and the Drummer ...HELL !!
+Jimi Hendrix If you want to talk about their best album they've ever made then thats Powerage. Angus has said many times that Powerage is the best guitar playing he has ever made and the best album they've ever made. Keith Richards from the Stones has said thats their best album many times, as has quite a few people. If you look at the list of AC/DC's best albums its always Powerage. Although no one can deny Back In Black is a masterpiece plain in simple.
HELLS BELLS YEAH!!!
Powerage and Back In Black are just two complete different eras of AC/DC. So is Highway To Hell.
So I have a promotional vinyl of this.how much can I get for it?
Seminal audiophile grade rock recording. Production team.did a great job. But its acdc. Best to just get out the way and let them get on with it
AC/DC probably had such a great road crew because they were about as working class as a world class rock band ever could be.
That's one cool dude...
i hope you can help me with this i have used a sm57 mic going in to a 6 port mixing board going into my br600 recording device and the recording always sound raspy and horrible i have to go from the direct out of the marshall into the port is possible to get a mic to pick up what my ears hear coming from my speakers?
Buy a M Audio interface and a T Bone RB 500 mic and your problems shall be solved
thanks dude you lucked up getting a band like acdc in your studio
+Louski sands ditch the 57. they are shite
@@TheHeartagram11 Van Halen's debut album was recorded with SM546, the budget version of SM57. On the track sheet they are listed as...
19 Guitar Shure SM57 (top cone)
20 Guitar Shure SM57 (bottom cone)
Plenty of classic albums have used SM57.
@@diamonddavemc Yes, but after they shifted production to Mexico the sound of 57s changed. My American made 57s sound totally different to my newer 57s. Sounds like a different mic completely.
Brilliant!!
what mixing console and what multi-track tape machine was used....thank-you
David LaMie I believe a neve console and studer tape machine
They’re both slightly behind Powerage
There are two types of AC/DC fan: those who argue over Highway to Hell or Back in Black as being the best AC/DC album, and those who KNOW that AC/DC’s best album is Powerage...
@@jaiji l agree
it's a matter of opinion, my personal favourite is their T.N.T. album.
Highway and Back shouldn't compete and no need for it.
To these ears one was about the best the band recorded with Bon & one was bout the best they recorded with Brian.
They make a great set.
They aren't at odds with each other.
It is remarkable that the band found a new singer and only 2 or 3 weeks after Bon's death, began to record BiB.
When bon died he was only couple weeks away from putting words to the music. It was All ready being recorded
AC/ DC , Australia's rock gift to the rest of the world. ( Yes, I know Brian is British)
you are great and teacher,did you go to college? also could you tell me how eddie van halen is able to get this unique sound live at largo,I cannot seem to duplicate the high pitch squelling sound,is the speakers or the neck or special type of pick up?
I always thought this album sounded amazing from a recording standpoint. Especially the guitars. Highest accolades for Tony and Mutt.
Rock masterpiece
Glad i don't give myself a hard time when i cant play it as the album sounds.
yes sm57 mics work for recording high power guitar I found my problem was using a cheap mixer it was duck my tone I upgraded to a Yamaha board fixed the problem
Maybe it's AC/DC's modesty, but the biggest part of the success and crossover appeal of the album was the writing of few truly great rock songs - I'd like to hear more about how those came together from the authors.
I thought he was another Young brother
Rock n roll ain't noise pollution...these guys play at low volume in studio !
what are the best mics to record guitar cabs without sounding like you are in a tunnel, with raspy tone
+Louski SM57 is a good close mic
+Louski sands usually large condenser or ribbon mics are great for those kind of tones
I took this cassette and a jam box to baseball practice. The
Coaches made me play the whole album 5 or 6 times in a row, full volume 🤔
Both albums nearly kilt me. The hump in the back seat of a 1980 Camaro can be a touch too much while givin the dawg a bone🤘
okay, great observation, could you tell me whats the name of the effects pedal, to do this type of unique sound?because i have noticed when he started using his wolfgang guitar line and his 5150111 amps his sound changed 100% to a generic sound
It's in the hands the player will sound like them on any gtr or any rig. I play thru a 5150 but I don't sound like Ed.
the best album of ac/dc y one of the rock history
I always get a kick out of people who say how "simple" AC/DC is. Although it may be "simple" to play, it's incredibly difficult to play well. It's not as easy as most people think. And to most of you guys out there covering AC/DC in your bands, who think you've got it nailed. You don't. Quit listening to all the drunks who are raving about how killer you sounded during soundcheck and buckle down.
Well said! Any AC/DC song is in fact very difficult to play properly and with the right feel. As a working and teaching musician, I play 21 songs every day on bass to keep my chops up. The one minute and fifty seconds of just pumping B with eighth notes through the first half of Thunderstruck is a constant struggle to play accurately - which is the reason it's on my list of daily songs to play. It's a master class on how to keep your right hand relentlessly steady to keep the song moving!
@@ghosttownreview1531 Yep. As a bassist then you can probably relate to the sublte anticipated bass syncopation in songs like "Shoot to Thrill" can easily run the train right off the tracks for a band that really hasn't got their collective shit together.
There’s no argument about which was better. Neither Back in Black nor Highway to Hell would have been as great as they are, without the other. Together, they are twin titans.
The grooviness of this album is seldom mentioned as a musical element but on top of the Brontosaurus beats and Ninja sharp guitar licks and utterly demonic vocals it's just fucking groovy enough to get Marsha Brady's knickers off 🤣
I couldn't even make it through to the end. Started dozing off.
HTH & BIB are classics, yes.
Powerage is the masterpiece.
This album was backed up by Bon
That's why nothing was good as that album afterwards till maybe razors edge. Till today, check out all the songs the play on their tours, 95% Bon songs ( if you include back in black as Bon era )
RIP best guitarist- Angus you'll be missed. Dead at age of 64 Big Loss.. SAD
actually Malcolm passed,not Angus.
Armen JS Martin Malcolm died you idiot.
Cool dude.