AC/DC - Let There Be Rock

Released 1977

Track listing

1. Go Down
2. Dog Eat Dog
3. Let There Be Rock
4. Bad Boy Boogie
5. Problem Child
6. Overdose
7. Hell Ain't A Bad Place To be
8. Whole Lotta Rosie

This album is a real joy to listen to. From the very first track the class is apparent. Go Down is a belter and gets things off to a rockin start. Dog eat Dog is OK but not a patch on the Adam & The Ants track of the same name.  Then we have the anthemic Let There Be Rock. The thing I like about rock and metal is the fact is that the use of language in the lyrics and the scope of referencing is better. The song refers to the roots of rock n roll - a combination of Schmaltz and the blues. Tchaikovsky even gets a shout in reference to Chuck Berry's Roll Over Beethoven. I have also long held the opinion that classical music has had a great influence on rock music. This song is a classic and there have been several covers but my personal favourite is by Bristol thrash metal outfit, Onslaught, on there album In Search of Sanity. Next up we have Bad Boy Boogie which just keeps the tempo going. Problem Child is featured again for some reason. Overdose is a song about having too much of one person. Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be is classic AC/DC. The album ends with another anthem. Whole Lotta Rosie is about a one night stand with a well endowed woman from Tasmania. It has inspired cover versions. Guns N Roses famously used to perform it live. It has also been covered by W.A.S.P and Bullet For My Valentine.

This album is a classic and is a clear precursor to the great albums which were to come.

Track recommendation: Whole Lotta Rosie

AC/DC - Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

Released 1976

Track listing

1. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
2. Love at First Feel
3. Big Balls
4. Rocker
5. Problem Child
6. There's Gonna Be Some Rockin
7. Ain't No Fun (Waiting Round To Be  A Millionaire)
8. Ride On
9. Squealer

This album probably qualifies as the tricky second album. The style, sound and feel is all there but it isn't quite as good as the first album or subsequent albums. That being said there is enough there for the fans. The opener is a classic. AC/DC never felt afraid to confront the nastier or seamier side of life and this song is a perfect example. Love At First Feel is not a great track but is followed by one of those 'Carry On' moments that AC/DC do so well. Big Balls on the face of the lyrics is about somebody who likes throwing parties but scratch not very far at the surface and you find that double entendre is alive and well. Rocker is a fairly ordinary track and Problem Child is alright . The album continues with There's Gonna Be Some Rockin and Ain't No Fun. Then we have possibly the best track on the album, Ride On. It is a slow, bluesy number and just oozes class. Last up we have Squealer.

Overall the album is not great but shows hints of what is to come. 

Track recommendation: Ride On