Tag: AC/DC
0 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
6 Vie’s Verses – The 10 Most Uncelebrated Classic AC/DC Songs
Every band that has been around for a long period of time falls into a similar trap. There is too much material to be celebrated. Certain songs rise to the top, other songs sink to the bottom, but then there are those songs that are spectacular, but never get the attention that they deserve.
One of those bands that suffer this problem is AC/DC. They have a vast catalog of material, ripe with hits and potential hits, but all we ever hear on the radio is “Shook Me All Night Long,” or “Highway To Hell.” It’s like the radio DJs forgot that there are several other amazing AC/DC songs. Sometimes the fans forget this too. AC/DC is much deeper than Back In Black. Here now are 10 AC/DC songs that deserve much more exposure than they get.
10. “Baby Please Don’t Go”
I know that it is a cover song. However, if you listen to Angus’ solo on “Baby Please Don’t Go,” you can’t help but wonder why this song never gets played more, either in concert or on the radio. With Bon Scott on lead vocals, AC/DC recorded an unbelievable cover of this Big Joe Williams classic. As one of their earliest hits, “Baby Please Don’t Go” held up over the years. Every time I hear Angus break into the amazing solo and respond to Bon’s cries of “Baby…!” I want to play air guitar like never before.
9. Breaking The Rules
Perhaps the most underrated AC/DC album is For Those About To Rock We Salute You. The album that followed the greatest selling album in AC/DC history was bound to have some problems standing out, but many fans forget how chock full of potential hits this record is. One of the best songs on the album receives no love at all. “Breaking The Rules” is a two fisted, bar stomping, rock and roll of a good time. The song epitomizes the sound of early 80s AC/DC and I would give a lot to hear this song performed in concert. Why the band continually ignores this song in concert is a huge mystery to me.
8. Hold Me Back
Capturing the more recent style of AC/DC (more jazz and blues, less heavy metal), “Hold Me Back,” is a fantastic song centered around a hard core Angus Young riff. Sure, the basic 1-2-3-4 beat is simple in nature, but the way Brian Johnson sings to that beat is magnificent. “Hold Me Back” is a song that can just get a music fan going. Any time the opening riff is performed, feet will immediately be tapping. “Hold Me Back” is a powerful song that somehow slipped through the cracks. While Stiff Upper Lip is more known for the title cut and “Safe In New York City,” it’s a real shame to forget about the beauty that is “Hold Me Back.”
7. Mistress For Christmas
One of the most innovative songs on one of AC/DC’s best albums is definitely “Mistress For Christmas.” Written about such a simple idea (and many a man’s desire) I’m amazed that the band didn’t think to write this song sooner than they did. Technically a Christmas song, “Mistress For Christmas,” probably won’t be found on any holiday compilations, but you can guarantee that if you come to the Vie household, you will hear this song every year like clockwork. Combining a solid, standard rhythm and playful lyrics, “Mistress For Christmas” is just a fun song.
6. Let Me Put My Love Into You
It’s hard to say that any song on Back In Black is underrated or ignored. Back In Black is the band’s signature album, a perfect album, and an album that every fan knows every lyric to every song. However, when you look at live concerts, radio play, and video collections, “Let Me Put My Love Into You” is nowhere to be found. That is practically criminal as it is one of the strongest songs on the record. Until the most recent Black Ice tour, I’m not sure if AC/DC ever performed this song live. Complete with slow, sex filled lyrics, and humping, rhythmic beat, “Let Me Put My Love Into You” is gold for the ears. A fantastic song that certainly needs to be dusted off and played a lot more often than it is.
5. Love At First Feel
Witty, loose, creative lyrics make “Love At First Feel” one of the greatest AC/DC songs that no one remembers. While “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.” And “Big Balls” get all the fame from this album, “Love At First Feel” is one of the best songs on the record. Bon’s voice is at its peak and singing about falling in love with a woman the first time he touched her is a nice change from the basic cliché of love at first sight. The originality in the lyrics is a refreshing change of pace. The playfulness of the words make “Love At First Feel” a memorable song, yet I never hear it anywhere except on my IPOD. That is a true crime to AC/DC fans everywhere.
4. Down Payment Blues
Any hard rock fan who has ever struggled to pay a bill at some point in their life has undoubtedly cranked “Down Payment Blues” up to ten and screamed at the top of their lungs. “I got holes in my shoes…and I’m way overdue…Down Payment Blues!” Bon Scotts wailing cries of poverty struck a chord with me in my younger days when the choice between eating or paying the electric bill was a very real nightmare indeed. Nothing would help me get over the hump of payday poverty more than singing out “can’t even feed my cat…on social security.” Written during the early days of the band, long before a huge payday, “Down Payment Blues” captures the mood of Bon at the time. Being broke sucks. This is an excellent anthem that should be remembered much more often.
3. Love Hungry Man
As is the case with any song from Back In Black, it’s hard to imagine that there is a song from Highway To Hell that doesn’t get recognition. However, that is the case with “Love Hungry Man.” The entire album finds Bon Scott’s voice at its best with the band, however, “Love Hungry Man” stands out for the terrific high notes that Scott hits. I honestly believe this is the reason AC/DC does not perform this song in concert. As great as he is, I am not sure that Brian Johnson would be able to do this song justice. With slick lyrics like “oh baby you’re such a treat, a man’s got to eat.” “Love Hungry Man,” may not be the deepest song in AC/DC’s catalog, but it is one heck of a fun song to rock out to.
2. Landslide
One of the best solos that Angus Young has ever performed is stuck on a record that almost no one owns. Flick Of The Switch is an album that suffers from poor timing. Released after For Those About To Rock… in the mid-eighties, Flick Of The Switch received little promotion and even less fan buzz. That is a true shame, because it is a solid album. The best gem from this disc is “Landslide.” The opening riff snaps the senses alive an Angus’ finger picking is second to none. The solos burst the song to life and if AC/DC ever decided to pull this song out in concert, you would hear me screaming from the rooftops. “If you want classic Brian Johnson era AC/DC, you need to listen to “Landslide.” It is one of the best songs the band ever recorded with Johnson at the microphone.
1. Ain’t No Fun Waitin’ Round To Be A Millionaire
The early days of AC/DC being broke and hungry found them at their most creative. Bon Scott penned several songs about needing money, wanting money, and not having money, and most of them were true masterpieces. One of the best of those themes is “Ain’t No Fun Waitin’ Round To Be A Millionare.” With lyrics like “I got patches, on the patches, of my old blue jeans—well they used to be blue, when they used to be new, when they used to be clean,” AC/DC wrote a terrific song about waiting for stardom that was forgotten almost as soon as it was written. That sucks. “Ain’t No Fun…” could be the greatest AC/DC song ever recorded after “Shook Me All Night Long,” and yet, not many fans remember it. Bon sings of being supported by a woman working double shifts while he is trying to make it as a rock star. The doubt of what the future holds, if anything, is painted all over the song. Complete with some great blues rock, “Ain’t No Fun…” is certainly fun if you’re a fan of AC/DC.
These songs deserve more exposure. Perhaps the DJs over at The Boneyard will give them some more attention. Who knows, maybe AC/DC themselves will read this column and dust off some of these beauties for their next world tour. Stranger things have happened.
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3 Vie’s Verses – In Honor Of Hard Rock Hideout’s Fifth Anniversary
Hard Rock Hideout celebrated its fifth anniversary this week. Considering that the average life span of a rock music blog/website is just over 2 years, this is an amazing feat. For the last five years, Hard Rock Hideout has been providing the greatest news, reviews, and information on all of our favorite hard rocking bands, as well as presenting plenty of information on fresh new bands that deserve some attention. I would like to dedicate this edition of Vie’s Verses to what I feel is the greatest hard rock site on the web – Hard Rock Hideout – with a look back into the hard rocking year 2006, the year that HRH launched.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born 250 years prior. One of the greatest composers the world has ever known, and clearly a predecessor (albeit centuries early) to rock and roll, there was a memorable celebration for the 250th anniversary of Mozart’s birth.
ITunes celebrated 2006 in style, capturing their one billionth download. That’s 1,000,000,000 songs that were downloaded through ITunes. I would call that a most successful venture. It would be nice to know how many of those downloads were heavy metal songs. I wonder if there is a statistical breakdown by category somewhere.
U2 cleaned up at the Grammy Awards behind How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. The band took home five Grammy awards that evening, including album of the year and song of the year.
MTV celebrated their 25th anniversary. That harkened back to the days when MTV actually showed music videos. Many of my favorite metal bands were discovered through MTV, specifically Headbanger’s Ball, which I watched religiously throughout high school. Every Saturday night at 11 you could find me glued to the tube waiting to discover the next great metal band.
We lost two great musicians in 2006. Both Pink Floyd’s original lead singer Syd Barrett and the Godfather of soul, James Brown, passed away that year. Both of these legends are still missed.
The hit British music show, Top Of The Pops, which featured some great metal artists such as AC/DC, Iron Maiden, and Faith No More, aired their final episode. The show ran for 42 years (1964 until 2006), one of the longest running music programs in television history.
Some great hard rock bands formed in 2006, including Hell Yeah (Vinnie Paul’s latest band) and rookie sensation Cage The Elephant. Other great hard rock bands decided that it was time to quit the scene, including Cold (most notable for their big hit “Stupid Girl”) and System Of A Down. Cold would reunite in 2008, System Of A Down in 2011.
There were also some great comebacks/reformations that year. Alice In Chains returned the scene with a brand new singer and high hopes. Josh Todd and Keith Nelson reformed Buckcherry (with a brand new supporting cast) and released one of the band’s strongest albums ever in 15. The song “Crazy Bitch” tour up the charts and put Buckcherry back on the hard rock map. Everclear sans everyone except lead singer/guitarist Art Alexakis reformed and released Welcome To The Drama Club.
What other great albums were released in 2006? Papa Roach unleashed their best album ever in The Paramour Sessions. Pearl Jam put out their self titled album, one of the band’s best efforts since the early days of Pearl Jam. Audioslave unleashed their final disc in Revelations. Chris Cornell would go on to reform Soundgarden while the remaining members would put Rage Against The Machine back together. Paul Stanley released his first official solo album, Live To Win. Heavy metal legends Iron Maiden blessed us with A Matter Of Life And Death which would debut at #9 on the Billboard Top 100 in the U.S. The band celebrated their first top ten record by performing the album in its entirety during their 2006 world tour. Fan reactions to that decision were mixed. The Red Hot Chili Peppers released Stadium Arcadium, which would go on to sell 7.9 Million units.
Some notable debut albums were also released that year. Black Stone Cherry put out their self titled debut, which still sounds amazing to this day. And one of my all time favorite records was released. The Red Jumpsuit Aparatus came out with their debut record Don’t You Fake It. This is an album that renewed my faith in both rock music and modern rock bands.
2006 was a great year for music and for music fans. A lot of grand things took place that year, but nothing was grander than the debut of a little rock website known as Hard Rock Hideout. To Rob Rockitt I say “Thank You.” For the last five years you have put out a must read site that I visit daily. I would be hard pressed to find another hard rock site that compares. I hope there are many more years to come.
Follow RyoVie on Twitter at Twitter.com/RyoVie
0 Last Chance to Enter Hard Rock Hideout’s AC/DC Let There Be Rock Giveway! Winners Announced Soon!
The tragic death of Bon Scott, AC/DC’s flamboyant front-man in early 1980 sent shockwaves throughout the rock music community. At the time no one could imagine a 1979 Paris concert would be the last filmed live concert of the hallowed singer’s career but he left the stage that night with the rest of the band leaving it all out there as he had done so many times before for millions of fans. Now for the first time ever on Blu-ray and DVD, Warner Home Video (WHV) is getting set to celebrate one of the greatest performers and legendary rock bands of all-time by releasing AC/DC – Let There Be Rock on June 7, 2011 to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the theatrical release. This legendary concert film showcases the power and precision the group brought to the stage that night during the Australian hard rock band’s “Highway To Hell” tour. AC/DC: Let There Be Rock DVD will be available for $21.95 SRP and AC/DC: Let There Be Rock: Limited
Collector’s Edition will be available on DVD for $39.99 SRP and Blu-ray/DVD combo pack for $44.98 SRP.
AC/DC – Let There Be Rock is fully remastered and available on DVD and Blu-Ray for the first time with all 13 song performances, including classics such as “Whole Lotta Rosie”, “High Voltage”, “Highway To Hell”, and the epic anthem “Let There Be Rock”. Lead guitarist Angus Young takes center stage in his trademark school-boy uniform and captures the audience with his energetic antics and frenetic solos. The film contains interview segments and humorous backstage footage of these hard rock pioneers, especially those last interviews with Scott. This DVD release will be a great opportunity for fans of all ages to relive one of the greatest performances by one of the most decorated rock bands in history.
Hard Rock Hideout has two copies of the the Let There Be Rock Collector’s Edition to giveaway to two lucky AC/DC fans.
Enter your name and email address in the box below to enter the drawing. We have extended this contest until the end of the day today (June 10th) so act now!!
0 AC/DC Let There Be Rock Blu-Ray Giveaway! Update!!
The tragic death of Bon Scott, AC/DC’s flamboyant front-man in early 1980 sent shockwaves throughout the rock music community. At the time no one could imagine a 1979 Paris concert would be the last filmed live concert of the hallowed singer’s career but he left the stage that night with the rest of the band leaving it all out there as he had done so many times before for millions of fans. Now for the first time ever on Blu-ray and DVD, Warner Home Video (WHV) is getting set to celebrate one of the greatest performers and legendary rock bands of all-time by releasing AC/DC – Let There Be Rock on June 7, 2011 to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the theatrical release. This legendary concert film showcases the power and precision the group brought to the stage that night during the Australian hard rock band’s “Highway To Hell” tour. AC/DC: Let There Be Rock DVD will be available for $21.95 SRP and AC/DC: Let There Be Rock: Limited
Collector’s Edition will be available on DVD for $39.99 SRP and Blu-ray/DVD combo pack for $44.98 SRP.
AC/DC – Let There Be Rock is fully remastered and available on DVD and Blu-Ray for the first time with all 13 song performances, including classics such as “Whole Lotta Rosie”, “High Voltage”, “Highway To Hell”, and the epic anthem “Let There Be Rock”. Lead guitarist Angus Young takes center stage in his trademark school-boy uniform and captures the audience with his energetic antics and frenetic solos. The film contains interview segments and humorous backstage footage of these hard rock pioneers, especially those last interviews with Scott. This DVD release will be a great opportunity for fans of all ages to relive one of the greatest performances by one of the most decorated rock bands in history.
Hard Rock Hideout has two copies of the the Let There Be Rock Blu-Ray to giveaway to two luck AC/DC fans.
Update!! We received the giveaway copies of the Let There Be Rock move, and we were send the Collector’s Edition with the DVD & Blu-ray, Collector’s Tin & more. If you entered your name in the drawing, you are already registered to win. If you haven’t entered, do so now!!
Enter your name and email address in the box below to enter the drawing. This contest will end on June 6th, so act now!!
0 WARNER HOME VIDEO RELEASES AC/DC: LET THERE BE ROCK ON BLU-RAY AND DVD ON JUNE 7, 2011!
Lead Singer Bon Scott’s Final Filmed Live Concert Comes to Blu-Ray and DVD For the First Time Fully Remastered With All 13 Power-Driven Song Performances
Limited Collector’s Edition Blu-Ray & DVD Combo Pack with Over 95 Minutes of Extra Content, Collectible Packaging and Keepsake Premium Items also Available!
The tragic death of Bon Scott, AC/DC’s flamboyant front-man in early 1980 sent shockwaves throughout the rock music community. At the time no one could imagine a 1979 Paris concert would be the last filmed live concert of the hallowed singer’s career but he left the stage that night with the rest of the band leaving it all out there as he had done so many times before for millions of fans. Now for the first time ever on Blu-ray and DVD, Warner Home Video (WHV) is getting set to celebrate one of the greatest performers and legendary rock bands of all-time by releasing AC/DC – Let There Be Rock on June 7, 2011 to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the theatrical release. This legendary concert film showcases the power and precision the group brought to the stage that night during the Australian hard rock band’s “Highway To Hell” tour. AC/DC: Let There Be Rock DVD will be available for $21.95 SRP and AC/DC: Let There Be Rock: Limited
Collector’s Edition will be available on DVD for $39.99 SRP and Blu-ray/DVD combo pack for $44.98 SRP. Order due date is May 3, 2011.
AC/DC – Let There Be Rock is fully remastered and available on DVD and Blu-Ray for the first time with all 13 song performances, including classics such as “Whole Lotta Rosie”, “High Voltage”, “Highway To Hell”, and the epic anthem “Let There Be Rock”. Lead guitarist Angus Young takes center stage in his trademark school-boy uniform and captures the audience with his energetic antics and frenetic solos. The film contains interview segments and humorous backstage footage of these hard rock pioneers, especially those last interviews with Scott. This DVD release will be a great opportunity for fans of all ages to relive one of the greatest performances by one of the most decorated rock bands in history.
The Collector’s Edition, limited at only 90k copies, comes in a collectible steel case, includes keepsake premium items and contains over an hour of newly added bonus features. Celebrity interviews include Rick Allen (Def Leppard), Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses), Scott Ian (Anthrax), Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), The Donnas, Lemmy Kilmister (Motorhead) and more.
“AC/DC is one of the most iconic bands in rock music history and WHV is proud to showcase their legendary 1979 Paris concert on Blu-Ray and DVD for the first time ever,” said Rosemary Markson, Vice-President of TV and Special Interest Marketing. “Warner Home Video is thrilled to bring this incredible show to AC/DC and rock fans, including a special limited collector’s edition version with over an hour of never-before-seen bonus features and much more.”
DVD Track Listing :
• “Live Wire”
• “Shot Down In Flames”
• “Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be”
• “Sin City”
• “Wall All Over You”
• “Bad Boy Boogie”
• “The Jack”
• “Highway To Hell”
• “Girls Got Rhythm”
• “High Voltage”
• “Whole Lotta Rosie”
• “Rocker”
• “Let There Be Rock”
Collector’s Edition Bonus Features:
• AC/DC: The Bedrock of Riff: No one has mastered the basic DNA of Riff Rock as successfully as AC/DC. Explore Angus and Malcolm Young’s telepathic groove and the four-on-the-floor swing of Phil Rudd.
• Angus Young: A True Guitar Monster: Angus Young’s transformation from diminutive schoolboy to raging rock monster electrifies the masses. Find out what makes this time bomb tick.
• Bon Scott: The Pirate of Rock ‘n’ Roll: Bon Scott was the ringleader of the AC/DC show, balancing his screaming sexuality with a rakish charm. Get a glimpse into the life of a classic Rock ‘n’ Roll pirate.
• AC/DC: A Rock Solid Legacy: From bar band to arena rock, AC/DC stuck to their guns and shot their way to the top. Fellow rockers and journalists chart AC/DC’s ascent into the Pantheon of Rock Gods in rock ‘n’ roll history.
• Loud, Locked & Loaded: The Rites of Rock: Seasoned rockers, actors and journalists recollect their rite of passage as early witnesses to the raw, bone rattling rock of AC/DC.
• 6 Song-Specific Interviews
• Blu-ray Playlist: Your favorite performances in your favorite order (**BD Only)
Street Date: June 7, 2011
Languages: English
Audio: Dolby Surround Stereo and 5.1
Color / Closed Captioned
AC/DC Let There Be DVD
Run Time: Approx. 97 Minutes
Rating: NR
AC/DC Let There Be Rock Limited Collector’s Edition
Run Time: Approx. 183 Minutes
Rating: NR
Price: $39.98 DVD / $44.98 Blu-ray Combo
UPC: 085391164937 / 883929125500
0 AC/DC: HIGH-VOLTAGE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
THE ULTIMATE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY
By Phil Sutcliffe
FIRST COMPLETE ‘ILLUSTRATED RETROSPECTIVE’ BOOK ON ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR BANDS IN ROCK HISTORY, CELEBRATES 4 DECADES IN WORDS AND PHOTOS
Voyageur Press has joined forces with renowned rock journalist Phil Sutcliffe for the brand new book, AC/DC – HIGH-VOLTAGE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL: The Ultimate Illustrated History. This lovingly assembled tome — the first complete illustrated history published about this legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee — arrives October 15th, 2010 to celebrate four decades of simply ass-kicking rock n’ roll, perfectly mixing expertly researched text and many never-before-seen photos. This heavy duty 224-page volume follows AC/DC’s long-and-winding career, from the early days as a bar band in Australia, through the tragic passing of singer Bon Scott, and of course, their massive comeback success with one of rock’s all-time classic (and best-selling) albums, Back in Black.
AC/DC is currently comprised of Brian Johnson (vocals), Angus Young (lead guitar), Malcolm Young (rhythm guitar), Cliff Williams (bass), and Phil Rudd (drums). Formed in Australia during the early 1970s, the group — then lead by hard-living frontman Bon Scott — became a regional sensation with a brand of tough, bluesy hard rock, that soon translated globally, on the strength of such classics as “T.N.T.,” “Dirty Deeds,” “Whole Lotta Rosie,” “Sin City,” and “Highway to Hell.” But on the eve of becoming a worldwide arena headliner, Scott died in 1980 after a hard night of drinking. Replaced by Johnson, the group issued Back in Black just a few months later, and has been rightfully considered one of rock’s all-time great recording and live acts.
Featuring over 400 illustrations (including handbills, posters, backstage passes, and vinyl from around the globe, as well as rare candid and performance photography), and a special “spinner” cover image of Angus Young, AC/DC – HIGH-VOLTAGE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL: The Ultimate Illustrated History is sure to appeal to both the longtime fan and the newcomer. Sidebars by rock’s finest journalists weighing in on various eras of the AC/DC are included throughout the book, as well as an album-by-album analysis, and info on the guitar gear championed by the Young brothers. While many AC/DC fans have heard and experienced the group live on stage numerous times over the years, there has simply never been a book which has chronicled the group’s entire history as vividly as AC/DC – HIGH-VOLTAGE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL: The Ultimate Illustrated History.
In addition to the AC/DC book, Voyageur Press will be issuing another major rock title this fall, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot’s THE BEATLES VS. THE ROLLING STONES: Sound Opinions on the Great Rock n’ Roll Rivalry. These titles join Voyageur Press’ other most recent “Illustrated History” releases, Dan Durchholz’s and Gary Graff’s NEIL YOUNG: Long May You Run,Jon Bream’s NEIL DIAMOND IS FOREVER: The Illustrated Story of the Man and His Music , Phil Sutcliffe’s QUEEN: The Crown Kings of Rock, and Jim DeRogatis’ THE VELVET UNDERGROUND: An Illustrated History of A Walk on the Wild Side. All are jam-packed with photos, artifacts, and comprehensive histories of each artist.
ABOUT VOYAGEUR PRESS:
Since 1972, Voyageur Press has published high-quality books and calendars in a variety of subjects, including nature and science, regional interest and travel, American heritage and country life, crafts, sports, and more.
ABOUT PHIL SUTCLIFFE:
London-based freelance journalist Phil Sutcliffe has been writing about rock since 1974 and has interviewed greats like Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Kate Bush, Radiohead, Nirvana, Nick Cave, and Queen. His work has appeared in myriad publications, including Mojo, Q, the Los Angeles Times, Blender, Sounds, and more. Phil’s back catalog is mostly available on the world’s best archive of music writing: www.rocksbackpages.com. Phil is also the author of Voyageur Press’ Queen: The Ultimate Illustrated History of the Crown Kings of Rock.
For more information on these and other Voyageur titles, go to www.voyageurpress.com.
AC/DC: The Ultimate Illustrated History
By Phil Sutcliffe
9.5 x 11.125
224 pages, 150 color photos & 100 b/w photos
$35.00 US · £20.00 UK · $39.00 Canada
ISBN-13/ISBN-10: 978-0-7603-3832-2 / 752748338326
Pub Date: October 15, 2010
2 Vie’s Verses – Thirty Years of Back in Black
It’s hard to believe that we have enjoyed the innovation that is Back In Black for 30 years. AC/DC had just started to heal from the major tragedy they faced in the loss of lead singer Bon Scott when they decided to press on. The band went into the studio with an established singer in his own right, one they were still trying to learn and understand. How AC/DC was able to put together a masterpiece like Back In Black is beyond me. Congratulations to the lads, they pulled off a beauty!
Back In Black is one of those rare albums that actually earns the title of a perfect album. Obviously opinions vary, but to me, a perfect album is one where you want to hear the next song as badly as you want to replay the last one. The songs never get old and no matter how many times you hear them, you will listen to the song when it’s on. That’s what makes a perfect album. Back In Black meets that criteria, so to me, it’s perfect.
From the opening chime of Hell’s Bells to the closing “yes!” of Rock And Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution, Back In Black is a classic. The songs also stand the test of time, being as relevant today as they were in 1980 when this album was released. The album is timeless and it’s hard to find a hard rock fan who doesn’t own at least one copy of this record in some format.
Hells Bells opens the album with the chiming of the bell that rings out thirteen times. Angus Young’s guitar strums over the chiming bell and really starts to heat things up. By the time the drums kick in, it’s obvious that something special is happening. Brian Johnson then announces his vocals and the listener is stopped in his/her tracks. What is this unique, powerful voice? What is this wondrous music?
Every song on Back In Black is a hit. If AC/DC were to ever decide to perform one album in its entirety, this would have to be the one. Shoot To Thrill shows off the genius of Angus on guitar. What You Do For Money Honey, exemplifies Brian Johnson’s vocal talent. Every song is layered with complex rhythms made to appear simple. Ever song is a massive attack to the eardrums, a pleasure to the senses. Every song makes a statement.
You Shook Me All Night Long is obviously the most well known song on Back In Black, and it may be the best song on the album, but that’s debatable. Every song on this record contains the potential to be the best. When the band went into the studio to record this masterpiece, something special happened. They bonded together over their loss and they showed the world that they were still relevant and more powerful than ever.
It’s been cited that 22 million copies of Back In Black have been sold in the US, and that 49 million copies have been sold worldwide. However impressive, those numbers alone are not what makes Back In Black perfect. It’s the feeling in the music. It’s the sweat the band put down on vinyl. It’s producer “Mutt” Lange’s ability to push the gang to their limits and capture the incredible music. It’s all of those things and more – it’s the magic that was made in the studio.
For 30 years we have enjoyed Back In Black for the amazing piece of work that it is. I am certain that we will enjoy it for 30 more (and then some). New generations of fans will be rocking out to Back In Black long after the band (and us) are in our graves. That’s an album that stands the test of time. That’s a perfect record. That is Back In Black.
0 AC/DC Launches Iron Man 2 Store
Purchase any item from the AC/DC: Iron Man 2 store before its release on April 19th and you will automatically be entered to win* a signed guitar from AC/DC.
Special Bonus: All pre-orders will include a numbered AC/DC: Iron Man 2 lithograph, pictured here. This custom 18″ x 24″ print is only available with purchase from the AC/DC: Iron Man 2 store.
The AC/DC: Iron Man 2 album will be available as CD/DVD, 2LP Vinyl, and Collector’s Edition packages. Be sure to get your pre-order in by then to take advantage of this exclusive offer while supplies last!
-15 Classic AC/DC songs plus over 50 minutes of video including the brand new clip for “Shoot To Thrill” featuring Iron Man 2 footage.
-7 7/8″ x 10 3/4″ foil-stamped 32 page hardcover book featuring liner notes from David Fricke, a foldout AC/DC poster and AC/DC stickers.
-Limited edition reprint of “The Invincible Iron Man” #1 comic book with variant cover by John Romita Jr., and back cover cartoon by Angus Young.
-15 Classic AC/DC songs in a hardcover package with a 32 page booklet featuring liner notes by David Fricke plus 50 minutes of videos.
-15 Classic AC/DC songs pressed in 180 gram vinyl.
Enter To Win Tickets to See AC/DC Live In Vegas on April 9th!
AC/DC is performing in Sin City on April 9th, and now you have multiple chances to win a trip for two to go see them there. Check out the contests and sweepstakes below for info on how to win tickets and make sure to act fast because time is running out. Promotions end on March 25th.
– Show Us Your AC/DC Superhero
Visit Facebook.com/acdc and upload a photo or illustration of a superhero of your creation inspired by AC/DC’s Music. More info.
– Super Hero Duckwalk
Visit twitvid.com/acdcironman2 and upload your best superhero duck walk video. Add @ac_dc #duckwalk in your tweet to enter the contest. More info.
– Marvel.com Iron Man 2 AC/DC Sweepstakes
Visit Marvel.com to enter the sweepstakes.
– ARTISTdirect.com Iron Man 2 AC/DC Sweepstakes
Visit ARTISTdirect.com to enter the sweepstakes.
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO WIN Sweepstakes available for US & Canada Residents Only
3 AC/DC to Release Official Soundtrack to Iron Man 2
AC/DC is putting the metal in the upcoming “Iron Man 2” film.
The band announced Tuesday they will release the official soundtrack, “AC/DC: Iron Man 2” on April 19. The first video from the album, “Shoot To Thrill,” was released on Tuesday.
The CD won’t contain new music, but 15 classic songs, including “Let There Be Rock,” “Thunderstruck,” and the recent “War Machine.”
The film opens in the United States on May 7.
If you haven’t seen the Iron Man 2 trailer yet, you can watch it below!
0 HRH Live – AC/DC
AC/DC’s Black Ice Tour is now over, but the memories should live on. The following footage is from the Columbus, Ohio stop on the Black Ice tour in 2008. Enjoy!!
3 AC/DC POSTPONE SIX TOUR DATES
AC/DC’s Black Ice World Tour, which was set to hit Phoenix, AZ on October 1, will be postponed to a later date. Subsequent shows in Las Vegas, Louisville, Kansas City, Des Moines and Milwaukee will also be rescheduled. The tour will resume on October 16 in Washington, DC (see below for full itinerary). Lead singer Brian Johnson recently underwent a medical procedure and at the advice of his doctor is taking some time to rest. The Black Ice World Tour kicked off in October of 2008 and has crisscrossed North America and Europe twice.
This November, the Black Ice World Tour will visit Latin America and by early 2010 the tour will hit Australia and New Zealand. AC/DC’s Black Ice was released globally on October 20, 2008 and topped sales charts in 29 countries. In the U.S. alone, Black Ice sold 780,000 copies in it’s first week and has since sold in excess of 2 million units.
October 16, 2009 Washington DC Verizon Center
October 18, 2009 Buffalo, NY HSBC Arena
October 21, 2009 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
October 23, 2009 Atlanta, GA Phillips Area
October 25, 2009 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
October 28, 2009 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
October 30, 2009 Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Arena
November 4, 2009 Oklahoma City, OK Ford Center
November 6, 2009 Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center
November 12, 2009 Mexico City, MX Foro Sol
November 19, 2009 Orlando, FL Amway Arena
November 21, 2009 San Juan, PR Coliseo de Puerto Rico
0 Let There Be… More to the Rock-U-Mentary of AC/DC
Let There Be Rock – The Story of AC/DC will be re-released on May 1, 2009 featuring a new chapter, an interview with Angus Young from November 4, 2008, new photographs and an audio CD of an interview done with all five band members (including Bon Scott) from their first American tour on December 4, 1977.
Let There Be Rock – The Story of AC/DC, originally released in October 2006, has now been printed in seven languages.
AC/DC: Let There Be Rock – The Story Of AC/DC
Let There Be Rock is the story of AC/DC written by rock journalist Susan Masino, who met the band during their first American tour in 1977. Over the years, she remained in contact with them, watching AC/DC climb to international stardom. Since 1977, Susan has interviewed the band many times and their friendship has lasted nearly three decades. Now she tells the true story of AC/DC’s illustrious career and how they became one of the true great rock ‘n’ roll bands in history.
The book traces the band’s history, from their beginnings in Sydney, Australia in the early 1970s to trail-blazing the U.S. mainstream to the devastating death of lead singer Bon Scott in 1980. The band pulled together and rebounded to the top of the charts with new front man, Brian Johnson and the watershed album, Back in Black. Through it all, AC/DC continues their quest to build a legion of new fans in the 21st century.
INTERVIEWED FOR THIS BOOK. . . Dave Evans, original singer for AC/DC; Tommy Redd, guitarist with the band Nantucket; Keith Emerson, renowned keyboardist/synthesist for the band, Emerson, Lake, and Palmer; Kirk Dyer, tour Manager for Cheap Trick for 25 years; Perry Cooper, The late Atlantic Records executive and friend of the band; Raymond Windlow, former Australian roadie and friend of the band; Julius Grafton, former Australian lighting technician, now owner of CX magazine and Juliusmedia College in Melbourne; Kelly Shaefer, lead singer for Big Machine; Don Williams, fan in England who appears in an AC/DC video “Pyro”; Pete Cappadocia, pyro technician for AC/DC since 1982; Rick Brewster, guitarist for the Australian band, The Angels; Mike Andy, tour Manager for AC/DC for four world tours from 1985-1995.
Let There Be Rock – The Story of AC/DC will be available from Omnibus Press, at your local bookstore, or online.
Website: http://www.musicsales.com/
1 New Video – AC/DC – Anything Goes
AC/DC has released their second video in support of the new disc “Black Ice”. Check out “Anything Goes” below.
1 Classic Video – AC/DC – Highway to Hell
Check out AC/DC’s classic video “Highway to Hell” with Bon Scott on Vocals.
1 AC/DC Black Ice World Tour Hits Europe on February 18
AC/DC take their hugely successful Black Ice World Tour to Europe. Dates begin on February 18 in Oslo and conclude in Glasgow on June 30 (see below for full itinerary). AC/DC kicked off their Black Ice World Tour in late October 2008, crisscrossing North America and garnering raves from critics along the way. The Dallas Morning News raved “This is real rock n roll,” while The Boston Globe exclaimed “AC/DC is the greatest band ever.”
The Black Ice World Tour was given the ‘Major Tour of the Year’ award at the 20th Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards. The awards ceremony took place in Los Angeles on January 30th at Nokia Theatre.
Released globally on October 20, 2008, Black Ice was recently certified Double Platinum in the U.S. Black Ice is AC/DC’s first new album in over eight years and it’s evident the band is still an incredible force in rock.
Black Ice made history debuting at #1 on album charts in 29 countries and also has the distinction of being Columbia Records’ biggest debut album (since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking sales data for Billboard in March of 1991). Black Ice has been certified Multi Platinum in eight countries, including the US, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Germany and the Czech Republic. Additionally Black Ice has achieved Platinum status in twelve countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, UK, Argentina, Singapore and New Zealand) and Gold status in four countries (Netherland, Spain, Poland and Brazil). With over 6.5 million copies of Black Ice shipped worldwide, combined with over 5.5 million in catalog sold this year, AC/DC have surpassed The Beatles as the #1 selling catalog artist in the US for 2008. In the US, Black Ice is being sold exclusively at Walmart, Sam’s Club, and www.acdc.com.
Black Ice World Tour Dates
February 18 Oslo, NO Telenor Arena
February 20 Stockholm, SE The Globe
February 22 Stockholm, SE The Globe
February 25 Paris, FR Bercy
February 27 Paris, FR Bercy
March 1 Antwerp, BE Sportpaleis
March 3 Antwerp, BE Sportpaleis
March 5 Leipzig, DE Halle 1
March 7 Dusseldorf, DE ISS Dome
March 9 Oberhausen, DE Kopi Arena
March 11 Bremen , DE AWD Dome
March 13 Rotterdam, NL Ahoy
March 15 Dortmund, DE Westfallenhalle
March 17 Prague 02 Arena
March 19 Milan, IT Datch Forum
March 21 Milan, IT Datch Forum
March 23 Budapest, HU Papp Laszlo Budapest Sportarena
March 25 Frankfurt, DE Festhalle
March 27 Munich, DE Olympiahalle
March 29 Zurich, CH Hallenstadion
March 31 Barcelona, ES Sant Jordi
April 2 Madrid, ES Palacio de los Deportes
April 14 London, UK 02 Arena
April 16 London, UK 02 Arena
April 18 Dublin, IE 02 Arena
April 21 Manchester, UK MEN
April 23 Birmingham, UK NEC
May 13 Leipzig, DE Zentralstadium
May 15 Munich, DE Olympic Stadium
May 17 Gelsenkirchen, DE Veltins Arena
May 19 Cologne, DE Stadion
May 22 Hockenheimring, DE Formula 1 Racing Track
May 24 Vienna, AU Ernst-Happel Stadium
May 26 Belgrade, SRB Partizan Stadium
May 28 Athens, GR Olympic Stadium
June 3 Lisbon, POR Alvalade Stadium
June 5 Madrid, SP Madrid Vicente Calderon
June 7 Barcelona, SP Estadi Olympic
June 9 Marseille, FR Stadt Velodrome
June 12 Paris, FR Stadt de France
June 15 Oslo, NO Valle Hovin
June 17 Helsinki, FI Olympic Stadium
June 19 Copenhagen, DE Parken
June 21 Gothenburg, SW Ullevi Stadium
June 23 Amsterdam, NE Amsterdam Arena
June 26 London, UK Wembley Stadium
June 28 Dublin, IR Punchestown Racetrack
June 30 Glasgow, UK Hampden Park
Website: http://www.acdc.com/
1 Hard Rock and Metal Playoffs – Classic Hard Rock Division
When 2008 started if you would have told me that new releases would come out by Whitesnake, Motley Crue, AC/DC, Tesla, Judas Priest and Sammy Hagar, I probably would have looked at you like you were crazy. All of these bands put out new videos in 2008. Vote for your favorite band, and help push them to the HRH Bowl next Saturday.
Whitesnake – Lay Down Your Love
Motley Crue – Saints of Los Angeles
AC/DC – Rock N Roll Train
Tesla – I Wanna Live
Judas Priest – War
Sammy Hagar – Cosmic Universal Fashion
2 Hard Rock Hideout’s Top 5 Concerts of 2008!
In 2008, I think I attended a record number of live shows. In no order, I saw the following artists: The Bulletboys, Joey Belladonna, Van Halen, AC/DC, The Answer, Bang Tango, L.A. Guns, Faster Pussycat, Hinder, Rev Theory, Trapt, Papa Roach, Buckcherry, Motley Crue, Poison, Sebastian Bach, Dokken, Airbourne, Theory of a Deadman, Disturbed, Slipknot, Endeverafter, Stonerider, RATT, Jackyl, Pop Evil and more.
Hopefully 2009 will be as good as 2008 from a live perspective!
The following are my favorites of 2008!
5. Bang Tango, L.A. Guns and Faster Pussycat
Ok, so none of these bands have their original lineups anymore. Does that mean that they rock less? Absolutely not. Bang Tango kicked ass. Marty Casey proved to be a good front man for the the Tracii Guns version of L.A. Guns, and Faster Pussycat was still sleazy as ever.
4. Stonerider, Endeverafter and Airbourne
This was my first Airbourne experience, and I will never forget it. Stonerider and Endeverafter kicked ass too.
A great show for a mere $10.00.
3. Mayhem Festival
At this show the bands that I caught live were Black Tide, Five Finger Death Punch, Airbourne, Dragonforce, Disturbed and Slipknot.
I got to meet the guys in Dragonforce and Airbourne at this show. This was my first time seeing Slipknot live. A crazy day and some great live shows!
2. Cruefest
I am biased, but I love seeing Motley Crue live. They may not be the best band in the world, but they do put on one of the best live shows. Buckcherry, Sixx A.M. and Papa Roach were all great too!
1. AC/DC with The Answer
Even though my seats were terrible, this show was excellent, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I loved getting to see The Answer for the first time. AC/DC puts on one the biggest and loudest live shows that I have ever seen. Awesome!
13 Hard Rock Hideout’s Top 15 of 2008
As good as 2007 was for new releases, 2008 blew it away. At the beginning of the year, I don’t think anyone expected to have new releases by AC/DC, Metallica and Guns N’ Roses all in the same year.
This year Rocknrollcoastie joined the HRH team and I asked him to submit his picks for 2008 as well. This way you get a double dose of the The 15 Albums from Hard Rock Hideout.
The following are Rob Rockitt’s Top Picks for 2008!
15. Guns N’ Roses – Chinese Democracy
What’s this? Have I lost my mind? When Chinese Democracy came out, I expected Hell to Freeze over. Much like many of you, I didn’t expect this album to ever see the light of day, much less in 2008. I didn’t give this album the best review when it was released. After the first couple of listens, I didn’t like it very much. Lets face it, this more like the Axl Rose Project than a true Guns N’ Roses CD. There is no Slash, no Izzy, No Duff. The album has very few sounds that resemble the old band that once cranked out some awesome hard rock.
I didn’t give up on this album and kept it in my playlist. After a couple of weeks of repeat plays, I have warmed up to this disc. Sure it doesn’t sound like the old band, but there is some pretty good music to be found if you give this the proper chance.
14. Thunder – Bang!
When Rocknrollcoastie reviewed this CD earlier this year, I previewed all of the clips, then quickly purchased the CD. I have liked Thunder since their Backstreet Symphony CD, and this disc is on par with that one in my opinion. It is a great sounding bluesy hard rock disc Buy it!
13. Jaded Sun – Gypsy Trip
Ireland’s latest rock act delivers the goods with their excellent debut CD, Gypsy Trip. I have been playing this CD a lot as of late. I think you will be hearing a lot more about these guys in 2009.
12. Black Tide – Light From Above
Somebody must have forgotten to give the young men in Black Tide a calendar. These guys rock like is 1988. You have to love it when a new band can reproduce that classic 80’s metal sound. Light From Above is a great debut for these Florida rockers.
11. Shinedown – The Sound of Madness
I have never been a huge Shinedown fan, but this CD changed my mind. “The Sound of Madness” is the first Shinedown CD that I could listen to all the way through without wanting to skip a track or two. I like all of the songs on this disc. This is a very solid record, and one of 2008’s nice surprises.
10. JORN – Lonely Are the Brave
Jorn Lande has been bringing us great new hard rock every year for several years now. Whether it is a solo CD, or another project he is working on, you can always expect Jorn Lande to be fairly consistent. Lonely Are The Brave is a little darker than most JORN CD’s but is a very good disc. Take one listen to the songs “Night City”, “Shadow People” or the very Black Sabbath with Dio like tune, “Soul of the Wind”, and you are bound to love this disc.
9. Metallica – Death Magnetic
This album has divided fans with its sound, but I thought this was a pretty good disc from Metallica. Sure, this disc doesn’t live up to their classic thrash metal from the 80’s, but at least they gave it their best shot. They should take notes from Testament next time around.
8. Testament – The Formation of Damnation
In my opinion, Testament one upped Metallica for best Thrash album of 2008. Heavy and killer! No thrash metal fan should be without this.
7. Motley Crue – Saints of Los Angeles
With S.O.L.A. Motley Crue turned in their best album since Dr. Feelgood. This one is still in heavy rotation in my play list today.
6. Disturbed – Indestructible
From the opening air raid sirens of Indestructible, you can almost tell immediately that you are about to take in one excellent album. In my opinion, this is Disturbed’s best work ever. The songs on this disc have an excellent heavy groove, that will satisfy the majority of headbangers out there. There are a ton of awesome guitar licks on this disc by Disturbed axeman Dan Donegan. Disturbed even got nominated for a Grammy for their song, “Inside The Fire”. Don’t miss this!
5. Alice Cooper – Along Came A Spider
Alice Cooper is an artist that has always been hit or miss with me. When I first read about the new concept album, “Along Came A Spider”, I rolled my eyes and dismissed this disc as another Alice Cooper album that would not deliver. Boy was I wrong! “Along Came A Spider” is one of the better Alice Cooper releases. The story behind this disc is creepy and cool. Slash plays on a track, and this is probably the only place you will hear Ozzy Osbourne playing a harmonica. Cool stuff!
4. Black Stone Cherry – Folklore and Superstition
Black Stone Cherry has been one of my favorite newer hard rock acts, since 2006 or so. Folklore and Superstition wasn’t quite as heavy as their debut, but is still as solid as ever. “Blind Man”, “Soulcreek”, “Please Come In” and “The Bitter End” are as good as it comes.
3. Whitesnake – Good To Be Bad
David Coverdale nearly pulled an Axl Rose, by making us wait so long for this new disc. While Good To Be Bad isn’t as good as ’84’s “Slide It In”, or the fabled self titled album from 1987, it is a return to the sound that Whitesnake fans love, and easily one of the top discs of 2008. Doug Aldrich could be the best guitarist to take the stage with Coverdale since John Sykes. Don’t believe me? Give this one another listen!
2. AC/DC – Black Ice
I am sure a lot of folks will disagree with me, but I think “Black Ice” is the best new AC/DC CD since “The Razor’s Edge”. Some of the songs on this disc may go down as AC/DC classics.
1. Tesla – Forever More
Tesla is a band that rarely disappoints me. If you have ever seen my Last FM playlist, you know I play the hell out of this band. Tesla’s 2004 CD “Into The Now” was probably my least favorite out of all of Tesla’s releases. With that being said, it made Tesla’s CD Forever More sound that much better. I like every song on this disc, and I never grow tired of listening to it. This is easily one of the best discs that the band has releases to date. For my ears, it was the highlight of 2008!
RocknRoll Coastie’s Top 15 of 2008!
Man! What an amazing year both musically and personally. With releases from bands like Motley Crue, White Lion, Dokken, Alice Cooper, & Whitesnake, just to name a few, it felt more like 1988 than 2008. So much great music came out this year and it showed me more than any other year that hard rock is very much alive and well.
Personally it was a great year because I happened to not only stumble across HardRockHideout, which I happen to think is the best hard rock site on the internet. I harassed Rob Rockitt a few times and of all things he invited me to jump on this train that HardRockHideout has become and come along for the journey. Damn what a wild ride it has been so far not only have I made a good friend, I have been introduced to so much new music it is not even funny and let’s face it, it isn’t everyday a person pisses off a whole country but somehow I managed to do just that by giving a Hungarian band a bad review. As wild and crazy as it has been this year I have the feeling it is only going to get better.
When Rob asked me if I wanted to put together my top 15 albums I thought there is no way because there has been so much great music come out in the past year. Then I was faced with do I go with the popular choices loved by the masses or do I stick to my guns and go with the bands and albums that I loved? I decided to go with the bands and albums that I loved this year, I guess I should warn everyone not to expect a lot of big name bands on my list. NOBODY forced me to choose these albums, I chose them of my own free will so love’em or hate’em here they are:
15. The Wildhearts – Stop Us If You’ve Heard This One Before Vol 1
Yeah I know it is a covers album which has almost become a cliche in itself. But this isn’t your everyday run of the mill covers album with songs from Warren Zevon to the Toadies to Fugazi it is a pretty eclectic choice of songs here. To be honest the Wildhearts are probably one of the few bands that could get me to listen to the 90’s alternative music on here.
14. Theory of a Deadman – Scars & Souvenirs
I pretty much spent most of the summer cranking the third release from this Canadian band. Finally out of the shadow of Nickelback the guys really stepped out on their own with Bad Girlfriend, I Hate My Life, & Little Smirk just to name a few.
13. From The Inside – Visions
The second release from Danny Vaughn’s Journey inspired project. Tons of great music here including Light Years, Making Waves, Listen To Your Heart, and 21st Century.
12. Big Cock – Motherload
Taking sexual innuedos to a new level Robert Mason and the guys 3rd release simply rocks. I wish these guys would take themselves seriously and go on tour I could guarantee they would be one of the best shows out there. If you haven’t heard Breaking My Balls, Bump and Grind, or M.I.L.F. you are missing out.
11. Hinder – Take It To The Limit
I can see most people rolling their eyes at this pick and to be honest when I heard Hinder had a new album coming out I wasn’t expecting much. But the guys put out an album filled with good time party anthems and let’s be honest it is going to be bands like Hinder, Buckcherry, and Nickelback that are going to keep straight up rock in the limelight in the 21st century. Besides what man can resist a video filled with hot Playboy cybergirls??
10. Talon – Fallen Angels
This California band came out of nowhere and completely blew me away. Melodic rock at it’s finest, Chandler Mogel is a monster singer with a great voice and Jim Kee is a phenomenal guitarist. Burn, Baby Jane, What About Me, and Always Be My Baby are all great songs.
9. 7th Heaven – U.S.A-U.K.
This is another band that came from out of nowhere and blew me away. From what I understand these Chicago natives have been around for a while but replaced their former singer with Kevin Semple before recording this album and he is an awesome singer. If you are a fan of “Hysteria” era Def Leppard you have to get this album you would be hard pressed to tell the bands apart if you didn’t know the songs.
8. Marcello/Vestry – Self Titled
Another slab of melodic rock, this time it comes from Danger Danger axeman Rob Marcello and vocalist Frank Vestry, with a little help from Danger Danger’s Bruno Ravel who played bass and produced the record. Great catchy sing along songs like Fireworks, All I Wanna Do Is U, and Gone fill this record. It is exactly what you would expect from members of Danger Danger and I for one am not complaining at all.
7. House of Lords – Come To My Kingdom
After the fiasco that was the Power & the Myth, James Christian started pretty much from scratch with House of Lords and released World Upside Down in 06. In ’08 the band came back even stronger with Come To My Kingdom dare I say the best HoL album to date. James’ voice still sounds great and Jimi Bell, B.J. Zampa, and Matt McKenna have made the band even stronger. I don’t think there is a weak song on this album.
5. Extreme – Saudades de Rock –
One of the first albums I reviewed for HRH. 13 years is a long time to wait between albums but honestly I think it was a good thing for the guys in Extreme. They came back stronger than ever with some strong kick ass songs and the addition of Kevin Figueiredo was an awesome decision. I liked this album when it was released but the more I listened to it the more I loved it.
5. Tesla – Forever More
Four years between new albums also did Tesla a world of good. Forever More is head and shoulders above 04’s Into The Now and like Extreme the addition of guitarist Dave Rude did wonders for the band. I Wanna Live, Just In Case, All of Me, and Pvt Ledbetter are just a few of the stand out tracks on Forever More.
4. There is no number 4 because of a tie for third.
3. The Quireboys – Homewreckers & Heartbreakers (Tie)
One of my all time favorite bands returned in ’08 with a new album their first in 4 years and all I can say is Wow! Homewreckers & Heartbreakers is the best Quireboys album since A Bit of What You Fancy. Bluesy Faces inspired rock at it very best, Spike has never sounded better than he does on this album. Mona Lisa Smiled, I Love This Dirty Town, Louder, and One For The Road are a few of the highlights on this album. In case you didn’t know Spike also released a great solo album titled So Called Friends around the same time definitely worth checking out.
3. Badmouth – S/T (Tie)
If I had a song of the year hands down it would be Rivethead by these Swedish ass kickers. Just that one song makes Badmouth’s debut worth the money but on top of Rivethead this album is filled with straight up rock n roll anthems like Pedal to the Metal, Kick It Up, and Cocaine Girl. Throw in a couple of songs like Last Train and Take Your Toothbrush With You that remind me of one of my favorite bands Backyard Babies you have a can’t miss album.
2. Backyard Babies – S/T
This album was my choice for my number 1 for the longest time but it was dethroned when the band at number 1 now released their new album. But this album from Sweden’s finest has everything a great rock record should great sing a long in your face songs, great solos, a hell of a lot of attitude. Degenerated, Come Undone, Nomadic, Abandon, and Back on the Juice are just a few of the ass kickings you have in store when listening to this album.
1. D-A-D (Disneyland After Dark) – Monster Philosophy
Is it just me or did Scandinavian bands kick a lot of rock n roll ass this year? Another of my all time favorite bands and I know there may be only one person in the states that agrees with me here but hands down Monster Philosophy is the best album of the year. 22 years and 10 studio albums and still most rock fans in America have no clue who D-A-D are. In one word LEGENDS, this album is filled not only with great songs but great vocals from Jesper Binzer and the sounds Jacob “Cobber” Binzer gets from his guitar are unbelievable. I can’t forget Stig Pedersn on bass or drums by Laust Sonne. While there are albums that may have three great songs and the rest of the album are good songs, on Monster Philosophy there are 13 great songs and each one sounds completely different from the others. Maybe some person at an American record company will pull their head out of the sand and sign D-A-D and get their albums released and re-released here in the states but if they don’t I will keep paying the import price because every one of their albums are worth the money.
I hope you enjoyed our top picks for 2008. If you would like to see what other hard rock and metal writers have picked as their top albums of 2008, check out the following links below:
Heavy Metal Addiction — http://hardrockheavymetal.wordpress.com/
Heavy Metal Time Machine — http://metalmark.blogspot.com/
Bring Back Glam — http://bringbackglam.squarespace.com/
Rock And Roll and Meandering Nonsense — http://rnrnonsense.toomanyvoices.com/
All Metal Resource — http://allmetalresource.com/
Imagine Echoes — http://www.imagineechoes.com/
Metal Excess — http://metalexcess.wordpress.com/
The Ripple Effect — http://www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com/
Rock Of Ages — http://rockofages.wordpress.com/
Layla’s Classic Rock — http://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/
Hair Metal Mansion — http://hairbangersradio.ning.com/
The Metal Minute — http://rayvanhornjr.blogspot.com/
1 AC/DC Adds European Tour Dates!
AC/DC is bringing their Black Ice Tour to Europe.
The following dates have been announced:
Show Date City Venue
5/13/09 Leipzig, DE Zentralstadium
5/15/09 Munich, DE Olympic Stadium
5/17/09 Gelsenkirchen, DE Veltins Arena
5/19/09 Cologne, DE Stadion
5/22/09 Hockenheimring, DE Formula 1 Racing Track
5/24/09 Vienna, AT Ernst-Happel Stadium
6/12/09 Paris, FR Stadt de France
6/15/09 Oslo, NO Valle Hovin
6/17/09 Helsinki, FI Olympic Stadium
6/19/09 Copenhagen, DK Parken
6/21/09 Gothenberg, SE Ullevi Stadium
6/23/09 Amsterdam, NL Amsterdam Arena
6/26/09 London, UK Wembley Stadium
6/28/09 Dublin, IE Punchestown Racetrack
6/30/09 Glasgow, UK Hampden Park
0 What Does AC/DC’s Brian Johnson Think About Chuck Berry?
HoundsTV.com has just posted a never-seen-before video (ep.51)
when AC/DC frontman Brian Johnson tells the tale of asking guitar legend Chuck Berry for an autograph.
You got to hear what Brian has to say about Berry. Click below to check it out!
Brian Johnson regarding Chuck Berry
1 ‘Twilight’ Bumps AC/DC From Atop Billboard 200, Hinder Cracks the Top Five
The soundtrack to “Twilight” starts atop The Billboard 200 this week, becoming the third soundtrack No. 1 soundtrack this year after “Juno” and “Mamma Mia!”
The Chop Shop/Atlantic set moved 165,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan, 29% of which (48,000) were digital downloads, the second biggest digital week for a soundtrack since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking album download sales in 2004. “High School Musical 2 bowed with 62,000 downloads in August 2007.
“Twilight,” released in advance of the movie’s U.S. theatrical premiere on Nov. 21, boasts tracks from Linkin Park, Muse and Paramore. It’s based on the popular vampire-themed book series from author Stephenie Meyer.
Last week’s No. 1, AC/DC’s “Black Ice” (Columbia), drops to No. 2 with 160,000 on a sales decrease of 41%. The soundtrack to Disney’s “High School Musical 3” stays tight at No. 3 for a second week with a 32% slip to 110,000.
Moving 81,000, Hinder’s sophomore Universal album “Take It to the Limit” bows at No. 4, besting the No. 6 peak of the band’s 2005 debut, “Extreme Behavior.” However, that effort ended up spending a whopping 96 weeks on the chart on its way to 2.7 million in sales.
Pink’s LaFace/Zomba set “Funhouse” falls 2-5 with 73,000 (-60%), while John Legend’s Columbia set “Evolver” is down 4-6 with 72,000 (-46%). Despite a 10% sales slip, T.I.’s Grand Hustle/Atlantic album “Paper Trail” keeps the No. 7 spot warm for a second week with 69,000.
Italian vocalist Andrea Bocelli arrives at No. 8 with “Incanto” (Decca), shifting 62,000. His last studio effort, “Amore,” began at No. 3 with 113,000 in 2006.
Brad Paisley’s mostly instrumental Arista Nashville album “Play” starts at No. 9 with 54,000. On Top Country Albums, it arrives at No. 1, Paisley’s fourth chart-topper there. Rascal Flatts’ “Greatest Hits Volume 1” (Lyric Street) rounds out the top tier on the 200, slipping 6-10 with 39,000 (-56%).
Other debuts this week include Sarah Brightman’s “A Winter Symphony” (Manhattan/EMI) at No. 38 with 14,000 and the Starbucks holiday compilation “Winter Wonderland” at No. 42 with 12,000.
Album sales this week came in at 7.02 million units, up 1% from last issue’s charts and down 29% from same week last year.
Courtesy of Billboard.com
0 See The Answer @ Virigin for a chance to win tickets to see The Answer & AC/DC in NYC
http://www.myspace.com/theanswerrock
The Answer will be playing at Virgin Megastore in Union Square on Tuesday 11/11
Lucky 11/11 also happens to be the day their EP “Never Too Late” hits stores!!
Don’t miss this electrifying performance from The Answer
AND
Don’t miss your chance to win tickets to see them and AC/DC in NYC!
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Where: Virgin Megastore, Union Square NYC When: Tuesday 11/11 @ 7PM Why: To have your face rocked off AND get your copy of “Never Too Late” signed AND for your chance to win tickets to see The Answer & AC/DC play NYC!! |
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3 AC/DC’s Black Ice Goes Platinum, Remains at #1
As reported by Billboard.com:
Turning back the challenge of 11 new entries in the top 20, AC/DC’s “Black Ice” (Columbia) begins a second week at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 after selling 271,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
“Black Ice,” which is exclusively available via Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and AC/DC’s Web site, was down 65% over its debut total. The album has sold more than 1 million units in two weeks.
Pink scores her best chart placement ever and best sales week in seven years as “Funhouse” bows at No. 2 with 180,000. The 2001 album “Missundaztood” rang up 220,000 when it debuted at No. 8, and later sold 323,000 copies in one week around Christmas. Pink’s previous effort, “I’m Not Dead,” started at No. 6 with 126,000 in 2006.
The soundtrack to Disney’s “High School Musical 3” slips a notch 2-3 in its second week on the chart with 162,000 (-45%). Entering at No. 4 is John Legend’s third album, “Evolver” (Columbia), which sold 133,000. Its predecessor, “Once Again,” started at No. 3 in 2006 with 231,000.
A pair of superstar country acts start side by side on the big chart, with Toby Keith’s “That Don’t Make Me a Bad Guy” (Show Dog Nashville) bowing at No. 5 with 91,000 and Rascal Flatts’ first greatest hits set from Lyric Street Records entering at No. 6 with 89,000. Keith’s 2007 album “Big Dog Daddy” debuted at No. 1.
On an 18% sales slip, T.I.’s Grand Hustle/Atlantic album “Paper Trail” falls 3-7 to 77,000. Another hits album, Celine Dion’s “My Love: Essential Collection” (Sony) starts at No. 8 with 57,000. Dion’s last proper hits package, “All The Wa y… A Decade of Song,” bowed at No. 3 in late 1999 with 302,000 before eventually spending three weeks at No. 1.
Snow Patrol notches its highest charting album as “A Hundred Million Suns” (Fiction/Polydor) debuts at No. 9 with 48,000. The Scottish/Irish rock band’s previous best came with 2006’s “Eyes Open,” which peaked at No. 27 and went on to sell 1.16 million copies. Digital downloads accounted for 52% of the new set’s first week sum, no doubt aided by a $3.99 sale price via Amazon’s download store.
With a 53% dip, Kenny Chesney’s “Lucky Old Sun” drops 4-10 with 41,000. Ryan Adams & the Cardinals’ “Cardinology” lands at No. 11 with 40,000. The prolific songwriter’s last studio album, 2007’s “Easy Tiger,” began at No. 7 with 61,000.
The Cure earns its 18th charting album on The Billboard 200 as “4:13 Dream” (Suretone/Geffen) opens at No. 16 with 24,000. The veteran band’s last release, a 2004’s self-titled set, entered at No. 7 with 91,000.
Lady GaGa’s debut Streamline/Interscope album, “The Fame,” bows at No. 17 with 24,000. The set’s first single, “Just Dance,” debuts on the Mainstream Top 40 radio airplay chart this week at No. 34, after peaking at No. 2 on the Hot Dance Club Play chart in June.
The CD version of Bloc Party’s “Intimacy” (Atlantic) debuts at No. 18 with 24,000; a different digital version was sold via the band’s Web site over the summer. Bloc Party’s last album, 2007’s “A Weekend in the City,” debuted and peaked at No. 12 with 48,000.
Christian singer Michael W. Smith’s live album “A New Hallelujah” debuts at No. 19 with 23,000. His best charting album came with 2004’s “Healing Rain” at No. 11.
Album sales this week came in at 6.96 million units, down 1.7% from last issue’s charts and down 25% from same week last year.
HRH Comment: Black Ice is AC/DC’s 17th Platinum Album (over 1 million units sold). It is a good day for hard rock when AC/DC beats out High School Musical!
7 Last Action Hero Soundtrack – (Release Year – 1993)
Some of you are probably wondering why I would cover a fifteen year old movie soundtrack at HRH, but I have a very good reason to do so.
Chances are, you probably have seen this clunker of a movie featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger. This is one of the rare cases where the movie soundtrack is actually better than the movie itself.
A couple of wees ago, I started looking for rare cuts from Tesla, and discovered that they performed the title track to the movie “Last Action Hero”. While I didn’t remember the song, I saw the list of bands on this sound track and couldn’t resist picking this up. I secured a copy off of Amazon.com for 1 cent plus shipping.
The soundtrack has the following songs:
1. AC/DC – Big Gun
2. Alice in Chains – What the Hell Have I
3. Megadeth – Angry Again
4. Queensryche – Real World
5. Def Leppard – Two Steps Behind
6. Anthrax – Poison My Eyes
7. Aerosmith – Dream On (Live Version)
8. Alice In Chains – A Little Bitter
9. Cypress Hill – Cock the Hammer
10. Fishbone – Swim
11. Tesla – Last Action Hero
12. Michael Kamen With Buckethead – Jack and the Ripper
You can’t really go wrong with a soundtrack that has AC/DC, Alice in Chains, Megadeth, Queensryche, Def Leppard, Anthrax, Aerosmith and Tesla on it.
This is the only place you will find the Tesla cut, “Last Action Hero”. This also has a semi rare cut from Megadeth “Angry Again” which originally only available on the Hidden Treasures CD, but can now also be found in the Megadeth Warchest CD box set, or the newer greatest hits disc Anthology.
This also the only place you will find the AC/DC song “Big Gun” (in the video below).
I didn’t really care for the Alice in Chains songs, but the rest of the stuff on this disc is pretty good. For one penny plus shipping, it was a worthy purchase. You can find a copy for of the CD, at this link.
Rating:
Out of 10
0 AC/DC Rules the Music World!
AC/DC’s Black Ice Debuts At Number One In Twenty Nine Countries
AC/DC’s pattern of success shows no sign of stopping as their new studio album, “Black Ice” has debuted at the Number One spot in twenty nine countries. The album has claimed the coveted spot in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, Sweden, Italy, Belgium and many more. They are expected to sell ten million copies this year alone.
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Wal-Mart and Columbia Records have announce a milestone record breaking event for AC/DC’s “Black Ice”, reaching No. 1 this week in U.S. music sales. Selling more than 780,000 units in the U.S. since its release October 20, “Black Ice” also represents the first No. 1 album for the band on the album charts in the U.S. Exclusively sold through Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club locations and online at walmart.com, samsclub.com and acdc.com, the new CD release represents the fastest-selling album for Wal-Mart this year.
Not only is the album seeing high interest, but so are all items AC/DC. Since the release of the CD and launch of the AC/DC Rock Again Store area within Wal-Mart stores, other departments are feeling the impact. Music sales at Wal-Mart witnessed the first positive comp sales in months and young men’s apparel saw sales get even hotter. The value Wal-Mart has emphasized with the launch of this new section in each AC/DC Rock Again Store — combining music, apparel, DVDs and even video games — means customers can buy both album and a new AC/DC shirt for under $20.
This coming weekend starting November 2, Wal-Mart launches another exclusive AC/DC value — the AC/DC LIVE: Rock Band Track Pack video game. Developed by Harmonix and published by MTV Games, the game will be available on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii (Wii arrives November 16) for $39.88 and $29.88 for the PlayStation 2. The game is available at all Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club locations and at the AC/DC Rock Band “pop up” stores located at the MTV Store in Times Square in New York and at Hollywood and Highland in Los Angeles. The AC/DC Rock Band pop-up stores will be open through January 4, 2009.
Fans can also go to walmart.com/acdc to preview tracks from the new CD, check out new videos of the band, get information on the pop up stores shop for apparel and more.
“We knew already AC/DC has a strong fan base, and certainly this last week proves their new music is as strong as ever,” said Gary Severson, senior vice president, Walmart Entertainment. “We also knew they were the perfect band for us to create a new concept around music and other categories in our stores. Even in a fast changing and sometimes challenging environment for music, there are bands and ideas that can make a difference, if you give customers your best and at the right value.”
3 Black Ice is Red Hot!
From Billboard.com, AC/DC’s “Black Ice” is flying off the shelves at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club, the exclusive U.S. retailers for the album that arrived yesterday (Oct. 21). Sources estimate the set sold 193,000 copies in its first day of sale, and could move upward of 800,000 in its first week.
This week, Wal-Mart set up “pop-up” stores in New York and Los Angeles to sell the album and offer fans the chance to play the AC/DC-branded version of the video game “Rock Band.”
At regular Wal-Mart outlets, AC/DC has its own store-within-the-store, featuring the band’s back catalog and merchandise.
“Black Ice” (Columbia) is AC/DC’s first new studio album in eight years. The group begins an extensive world tour Oct. 28 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
12 AC/DC – Black Ice (Release Year – 2008)
2008 gave us two of the most highly anticipated albums in hard rock. One was Metallica’s “Death Magnetic”, the other is “Black Ice” by the Australian Kings of hard rock, AC/DC. Metallica pleased most of their fans with their new disc. Can AC/DC do the same?
In case you haven’t heard, Walmart has the exclusive release of this disc in the United States, and it hits stores as of 12:01 A.M. today (October 20th).
AC/DC must be out to make a statement that they want to rock. Check out some of the song titles on “Black Ice”. On this album you have “Rock ‘N Roll Train”, “She Likes Rock N Roll”, “Rock N Roll Dream”, and “Rocking All the Way”. That is a lot of rock related titles on one album.
If you haven’t heard “Rock ‘N Roll Train” on the radio by now, your radio dial must be stuck on an easy listening station. I like this tune, but I am thankful to say that this is far from the best tune on “Black Ice”. I do like this song a lot, and it is a pretty good tune to get things started on “Black Ice”.
The best part of the song “Skies on Fire”, is Angus Young’s fantastic fret work. This isn’t one of AC/DC’s best tunes, and it isn’t very memorable, but it is an OK listen.
“Big Jack” is a foot stomping, fist throwing stadium anthem that is sure to please. I hope this is one of the songs that AC/DC adds to their set list in their 2008 tour!
AC/DC will surely have another hit on their hands with “Anything Goes”. This song has a really cool, uplifting guitar riff that will help power this song on to the radio.
“War Machine” is the kind of song that gets me pumped up, right before I go into battle (online). I have heard this song quite a bit prior to the album’s release, and like this hard rockin’ adrenaline pumper.
A song that has been growing on me is “Smash N Grab”. When I first heard this tune, I felt like I had heard it before, but couldn’t put my finger on which AC/DC song it reminded me of. I still haven’t figured that one out yet. There are some subtle nuances to this song that give it a slightly different sound.
Man oh mercy, the guitar work on “Spoilin’ For A Fight” is AWESOME! Another excellent tune that could be another AC/DC classic.
“Wheels” is a short little bluesy rocker that could easily be the new official theme song of NASCAR.
The pace slows down a little bit with the song “Decibel”. This is a mid tempo foot stomper with some really cool bluesy guitar licks by Angus Young. At first, I thought Brian Johnson’s pronunciation of the word decibel was incorrect, but there are two different sounds for the word depending on the area of the world you live in. It still bugs me somewhat, but this is an OK song.
“Stormy May Day” has a really cool slide guitar riff, but this was another tune that I thought was just on the OK side.
“She Like Rock N Roll” is another really good anthem that could become another AC/DC classic.
I can’t get the song “Money Made” out of my head. If you listen to this song one time, you will find your self chanting “Work, Work, Money Made”. This tune is extremely catchy, and is another sure fire hit.
“Rock N Roll Dream” is one of those typical AC/DC songs where the main lyric is repeated over and over again. This song is one of the more average tunes on Black Ice.
“Rocking All The Way” is another fun bluesy rocker. Angus Young has this innate ability to take an average song, and turn it into something special with his awesome guitar licks. This is one of those kind of songs.
The album closes out with the title track “Black Ice”. This is another good tune with an ultra cool guitar riff. This is a very strong way to close out this album.
I think AC/DC fans are going to be very pleased with this album. Is AC/DC breaking any new ground with this disc? No, absolutely not. Have the guys lost one iota of talent or skill over the years? No, not one bit. Brian Johnson’s voice is as strong as ever, and the Young brothers are still playing some of the best guitar licks I have ever heard.
“Black Ice” is easily the best new AC/DC album since 1990’s “The Razors Edge” Start your week off right, and get to Walmart and pick this CD up! For those about to pick up “Black Ice”, I salute you!
Highly Recommended!
You can now buy Black Ice through the Hard Rock Hideout music store at this link!
Rating:
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Rock ‘N Roll Train
2. Skies On Fire
3. Big Jack
4. Anything Goes
5. War Machine
6. Smash N Grab
7. Spoilin’ For A Fight
8. Wheels
9. Decibel
10.Stormy May Day
11.She Likes Rock N Roll
12.Money Made
13.Rock N Roll Dream
14.Rocking All The Way
15.Black Ice
AC/DC is:
Brian Johnson – Vocals
Angus Young – Lead Guitar
Malcolm Young – Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
Cliff Williams – Bass, Backing Vocals
Phil Rudd – Drums
18 The Answer to Open for AC/DC
The rock gods are smiling upon the Hard Rock Hideout today!
THE ANSWER, an emergent and award-winning rock band from Northern Ireland, has been selected as the opening act for the imminent North American leg of AC/DC’s Black Ice World Tour. The itinerary kicks off October 28 at the Wachovia Center in Wilkes-Barre, PA and concludes on January 31 at Nashville Sommet Centre, Nashville, TN.
Highlights on the road also include dates at NYC’s Madison Square Garden on November 12-13 and The Forum in Los Angeles on December 6. Prior to the AC/DC shows, The Answer will perform a unique US debut club headline show at as part of the RED CMJ music festival at The Crash Mansion, New York on October 25. This will be a rare opportunity to savor the band’s first-ever thunderous and explosive headlining club gig before they head off to tour with AC/DC.
The Black Ice World Tour represents THE ANSWER‘s debut tour of America, and AC/DC’s first outing since ’01. THE ANSWER, whose mammoth sound is often compared to Black Crowes and Free, are fully primed for stadium and arena shows and in Europe, they’ve opened concerts for the Rolling Stones, the Who, Aerosmith and other legendary bands. In addition, the group has headlined tours in the U.K., Europe, Japan and Australia, where their first album Rise was released to great acclaim and sold over 100,000 units on the Australia and U.K.-based independent label Albert Productions.
Says lead singer Cormac Neeson, “It is an honour and privilege for The Answer to be offered the opportunity to support probably the greatest rock ‘n’ roll act on the planet. We are incredibly humbled.”
Coinciding with the tour, THE ANSWER will also make its North American recording debut with the November 11 release of Never Too Late, a 4-song EP and bonus DVD featuring previously unseen footage, live performance highlights and exclusive band interviews. Only available in North America, the limited-edition 2-disc title is on the independent label THE END RECORDS, with distribution through Sony RED. The EP opens with the title track “Never Too Late,” a song that originally appeared on Rise, and which will also be featured on Activision’s forthcoming release of the hotly anticipated game Guitar Hero®: World Tour (due 10/26). The EP will be available at all retailers, online outlets and digital.
Other tracks on Never Too Late include the live recording “Come Follow Me” and the slow blues burner “The Doctor.” The EP also gives fans a taste of THE ANSWER’s forthcoming new album with “Highwater or Hell,” a preview of what will be the band’s first full-length release in North America. Slated for an early 2009 street date on THE END RECORDS, the new album was recorded in summer ’08 at Los Angeles studio Seedy Underbelly with John Travis (Kid Rock, Static-X, Killing Heidi, etc.) producing. It was mixed in Los Angeles by Tim Palmer and in Vancouver by Mike Fraser (who recently did AC/DC’s Black Ice).
THE ANSWER is comprised of four friends, musicians and songwriters from Downpatrick, a country town some twenty miles south of Belfast: Cormac Neeson (lead vocals), Paul Mahon (guitar), Micky Waters (bass) and James Heatley (drums). The U.K.’s Classic Rock Magazine voted them 2005’s Best New UK Band at their prestigious Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards and called them, “The biggest new rock band of the decade.” Similarly, Kerrang! praised Rise as “the best British rock debut of the decade” and reviewed a U.K. live show by THE ANSWER as “F*@king stupendous.”
Get ready for THE ANSWER‘s invasion of America on October 28 as they hit the road with AC/DC!
THE ANSWER to open for AC/DC on their 2008 North American tour as follows:
10/28/08 Tue @ Wachovia Arena – Wilkes-Barre, PA
10/30/08 Thu @ Allstate Arena – Chicago, IL
11/01/08 Sat @ Allstate Arena – Chicago, IL
11/03/08 Mon @ Conseco Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, IN
11/05/08 Wed @ Palace of Auburn Hills – Auburn Hills, MI
11/09/08 Sun @ TD Banknorth Garden – Boston, MA
11/12/08 Wed @ Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
11/13/08 Thu @ Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
11/15/08 Sat @ Verizon Center – Washington, DC
11/17/08 Mon @ Wachovia Center – Philadelphia, PA
11/19/08 Wed @ IZOD Center – East Rutherford, NJ
11/21/08 Fri @ Schottenstein Center – Columbus, OH
11/23/08 Sun @ Xcel Energy Center – Minneapolis, MN
11/25/08 Tue @ Pepsi Center – Denver, CO
11/29/08 Sat @ Key Arena – Seattle, WA
11/30/08 Sun @ Tacoma Dome – Tacoma, WA
12/02/08 Tue @ Oracle Arena – Oakland, CA
12/04/08 Thu @ Oracle Arena – Oakland, CA
12/06/08 Sat @ The Forum – Los Angeles, CA
12/08/08 Mon @ The Forum – Los Angeles, CA
12/10/08 Wed @ US Airways Center – Phoenix, AZ
12/12/08 Fri @ AT&T Center – San Antonio, TX
12/14/08 Sun @ Toyota Center – Houston, TX
12/16/08 Tue @ Philips Arena – Atlanta, GA
12/18/08 Thu @ Time Warner Arena – Charlotte, NC
12/21/08 Sun @ St. Pete Times Forum – Tampa, FL
01/05/09 Mon @ Quicken Loans Arena – Cleveland, OH
01/09/09 Fri @ Rogers Centre – Toronto, ONT
01/11/09 Sun @ U.S. Bank Arena – Cincinnati, OH
01/13/08 Tue @ Scottrade Center St. Louis, MO
01/15/08 Thu @ Quest Center Omaha – Omaha, NE
01/17/08 Sat @ Fargodome – Fargo, ND
01/19/08 Mon @ Xcel Energy Center – Minneapolis, MN
01/21/08 Wed @ Sprint Center – Kansas City, MO
01/23/08 Fri @ American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX
01/26/08 Mon @ BOK Center- Tulsa, OK
01/28/08 Wed @ Alltel Arena – Little Rock, AR
01/30/08 Fri @ FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN
01/31/08 Sat @ Sommet Center – Nashville, TN
Check out the Answer’s Video’s below!
5 Things That Make You Say Hmmmm!
Yesterday, I stumbled upon this older picture of Angus Young.
I thought to myself, wow…this looks oddly familiar. Then I flipped through a picture I took of Joel O’Keefe from Airbourne. The resemblance in the two pictures is uncanny.
For whatever reason, I never caught the resemblance between Airbourne’s Joel O’Keefe and AC/DC’s Angus Young.
Mere coincedence?
Hard Rock Hideout 
