Torture Tunes
Over the last several months, AC/DC has been facing one dilemma after another. First with the drug charges and murder - for - hire charges (that were soon after dropped for insufficient evidence) and the sad news of Malcolm Young suffering from dementia. Things seem to be getting in the way of this record. But as the title reads, it's "Rock or Bust"
Nothing can stop the steam engine that is AC/DC! Here we have 11 songs that have been laid down for you with much blood sweat and tears. I think I speak for us all when I say, "Thanks, AC/DC for making my ears bleed these many years over a 17 album stretch."
Kicking things off with a bump, grind and groove is the title track,"Rock or Bust" and the song used in the TBS MLB post season campaign, "Play Ball". The rhythms are just what they should be. Tight, in the pocket and constant. Even though Malcolm is not there, his nephew Stevie Young fills these big shoes. "Rock the Blues Away" does just that as you head-bop your way through this song. And "Miss Adventure" is a rock n' roll trip. They really dug deep to harmonize and pulled it off as always.
Speaking of getting deep, "Dogs of War" deviates from the major chords and delves into the minor ones (Like... AbC# / DbC#. ) Which leaves me asking you one question - "Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder"? You won't unless you get this record ! Beating the blues into your brain is the groove driven "Hard Times". This song makes you wanna’ struggle so you can relate to it! Then riffing its way to crash your church service is "Baptism by Fire". Don't get caught in the middle of this action! Heavy duty solos and head banging fun .
The next tune brings the house down in a "Led Zep- Black Dog" sort of way. "Rock the House" is that dirty, funky, bluesy stuff that makes you wanna’ shake your money maker! While this classic rock band is on a classic rock kick, "Sweet Candy" starts off with a "Jimi Hendrix-Foxy Lady" type intro that just takes off in a different direction and ends how it began. And what would an AC/DC record be without an innuendo? "Emission Control" is either that or "a measure of the number of electrons emitted by the heated filament or cathode of a vacuum tube. (dictionary.com). Either way, this song is GA-ROO-VAY!!
Downside is that this is a bittersweet record to listen to. With the knowledge of Phil Rudd and his laissez-faire attitude toward the band and Malcolm Young not being able to play on the record is simply heart-wrenching and heartbreaking. Upside are tracks 1-11. All classic AC/DC down to the core. There are some differences and that's Stevie Young. He brings a fresh sound and tone to the band. Thicker and more bottom on the rhythm section. Well done all the way around. Do I really need to tell you what I rate this record? ( 10!!!)
So in conclusion, I raise my Scottish Ale to Malcolm Young. It was a good run. We will miss you and our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. We here at HorrorMetalSounds.com will hold you and the music you brought, close to our hearts and you will always be a big part of AC/DC to us all. Cheers!!
Tim Duran, HMS
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