Throwback Thursday: High Voltage, by AC/DC

 

AC/DC has been a staple of hard rock since 1973. Their first American release High Voltage that came out in 1976 helped them explode onto the scene with hits like It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock n' Roll) and T.N.T.. The American release of this album is actually a compilation of songs from their first two Australian only releases High Voltage and T.N.T.. The other songs would be later released in America on different albums and E.P.'s.

High Voltage showcases AC/DC at their primal bluesy roots. In a way all they really did was take 50's rockabilly music and turn up the overdrive on their amps and add sleazier lyrics. However, the way in which this is done really does prove that they do have legitimate talent. Lead guitarist Angus Young really could jam with some of the best in blues if he really wanted to, as he showcases some of the best bluesy guitar licks in his arsenal at the time.

It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock n' Roll) is one of the few times where you can get away with having bagpipes in rock n' roll and not be considered hipsters. It has a main riff that is instantly recognizable as soon as you put the album on. It grabs you and instantly pumps you up with its steady pounding rhythm and memorable vocal melody. Definitely a choice track for going on a road trip or a rock n' roll concert. It is also the one song from original vocalist Bon Scott's era that current singer Brian Johnson won't touch out of respect for his fallen predecessor.

The Jack although not a big radio hit from the band is still played frequently at AC/DC's concerts to this day. It is a very basic slow blues shuffle musically, but the lyrics are what really matter. They are absolutely DRENCHED in double entendre and sleaze if you are listening close enough. Although it sounds like Scott is singing about a bad poker game, he is really singing about sleeping with a dirty woman who left him with a present he would have rather not been given (if you know what I mean). Despite the subject matter, the way everything is written and said is actually quite clever in my opinion.

This is classic AC/DC at its finest. At this point in the band's career they were hungry and on fire (some times literally) and it shows through the music. Aside from the two radio hits on the album I guarantee you will find some hidden treasures on High Voltage that you probably didn't know about before. Beginning rock and blues musicians can also learn a lot from this album too, as it features many of the basics of blues and rock n' roll used in some of the most creative ways possible. Standing the test of time and not having a single bad track on it, High Voltage is definitely a classic.

High Voltage, by AC/DC receives 5 out of 5 stars.

Track List:

1. It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock n' Roll)
2. Rock n' Roll Singer
3. The Jack
4. Live Wire
5. T.N.T.
6. Can I Sit Next to You Girl
7. Little Lover
8. She's Got Balls
9. High Voltage

Buy the album on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/High-Voltage-AC-DC/dp/B00008BXJ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424412629&sr=8-1&keywords=AC%2FDC+High+Voltage