AC/DC – Live At River Plate
Mega celebrated hard rock act AC/DC have released a live album as a compliment to their recent world tour. Live At River Plate is the band’s first live album in 20 years and it could not have come at a better time. With the band not planning on touring or releasing any new music for at least another year or two, fans needed something to help them through the waiting period. Live At River Plate was the answer.
Recorded on December 4, 2009, at River Plate Stadium in Buenoa Aires, Argentina, Live At River Plate brings the joy of an AC/DC concert right to your stereo. Capturing all of the magic of a live AC/DC concert, this double disc set delivers the concert goods in every way that your ear drums can imagine and enjoy. Long time fans will rejoice in the song selection as there are several Bon Scott era songs to be found on this live set. New comers will be delighted to see there are four tracks from the bands last studio album, Black Ice. Simply put there is something for everybody on this collection.
And while the song selection is deep and covers a large amount of the AC/DC catalog, it was disappointing to not have any selections from Stiff Upper Lip represented. I understand that the band recorded a concert and released it as their live album, but I had a similar complaint during the tour as well. Stiff Upper Lip is a fantastic album that was recorded long after the band’s last live album was released. To not have any live cuts from Stiff Upper Lip is a real shame and the absence is noted. I was just as disappointed that “Hard As A Rock” from Ballbreaker was not included. Since it was the band’s first live album in 20 years, I would like to have heard more live versions of the songs that came out in the last 20 years. This, however, is a minor complaint at best.
The songs that are included are done masterfully. While Brian Johnson may not sound like he did 20 years ago, his voice is still great. His vocals soar on classics like “You Shook Me All Night Long,” and “Thunderstruck.” He can also hold his own when singing the Bon Scott beauties like “Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be,” and “Let There Be Rock.” And while he may be much older, Brian Johnson still rocks with the best of them. Age hasn’t slowed him down and it is apparent on Live At River Plate.
If you have never witnessed AC/DC live in concert, then this set is a wonderful way to hear the magic. As they always do, AC/DC lets the music do most of the talking, with very little stage rap from Brian Johnson. That’s not to say that he doesn’t work the crowd, he has his own way of doing that, but banter isn’t his way. Instead it’s the musical performances that dominate the record. And a great Angus solo during “Let There Be Rock” is the highlight of the record. Angus Young is still one of the greatest guitar players alive, and his exciting and energized solo on this song just shows how amazing he truly is.
If you missed the Black Ice tour, or if you are just looking for some AC/DC music to hold you over until the next record or tour, pick up a copy of Live At River Plate. It is the perfect album for fans both new and old. Live At River Plate is guaranteed to have your head banging and finding you playing air guitar in no time at all.
Rating: Out of 10
Track Listing:
DISC ONE:
Rock N Roll Train
Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be
Back In Black
Big Jack
Dirt Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
Shot Down In Flames
Thunderstruck
Black Ice
The Jack
Hells Bells
DISC TWO:
Shoot To Thrill
War Machine
Dog Eat Dog
You Shook Me All Night Long
T.N.T.
Whole Lotta Rosie
Let There Be Rock
Highway To Hell
For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)
AC/DC is:
Angus Young – Lead Guitar
Malcom Young – Rhythm Guitar
Brian Johnson – Vocals
Cliff Williams – Bass Guitar
Phil Rudd – Drums
Reviewed by Ryo Vie
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