AC/DC - Rock or Bust Review

First and foremost, no pussy-footin' around on this one folks. Crank the volume up to an acceptable level, I suggest 11.

Secondly, and most importantly, if you want lyrics that will make you sit and ponder, go listen to Coldplay or any other band of that ilk.

AC/DC's 'Rock or Bust' appears in stores Dec 1 and 2 but the band have given fans a very special, an early, Christmas gift by allowing the whole album to be streamed in its entirety via Itunes, that glunky piece of software that causes more headaches than...well, than any other piece of software I've ever known.

Being an AC/DC nut, I managed to hear the full album before AC/DC launched the 'official stream'. Hey, that's what us Acca Dacca nuts live for.

The one thing, for me at least, that sticks out about AC/DC's new offering, is the vocals. Brian Johnson has been belting out songs for AC/DC since the early days of Back In Black - anyone who has tried to imitate 'BJ' will have found, like me, that it's just plain impossible to sound like him without sounding like Donald Duck.

Johnson, like a fine wine, improves with age - is it down to his actual vocals or the production and mix of the album? - Does anyone really care?

It's almost as if Johnson has been given a new lease of life. "Here's the Mic, just do what you do best."

... and he does.

We hear the standard AC/DC sound throughout with a few little surprises thrown in.

I remember, back in 79, when I read a review in Sounds for the Highway to Hell album, the headline read "AC/DC Discover Harmony" - if they did, indeed, discover it back in 79, Rock or Bust shows how they have perfected it.

Here's a breakdown of the album...along with my thoughts.

1."Rock or Bust" -  3:04
I was fortunate to be present at the video shoot for Rock or Bust back in October [back story] - my views on this ballbuster haven't changed. It's AC/DC rockin out with their cocks out, balls n' all. As title tracks go, it's on a level with 'For Those About To Rock' [minus the cannons]. Their previous title track, 'Black Ice' , didn't really cut it for me - the album was great, the title track didn't really tick all the boxes. 'Rock or Bust' ticks them all.

2."Play Ball"  - 2.47
Another that has been circulating for some time - the song is better than most think, again it's your typical AC/DC riff with some nice picks, nothing too complex, just simple rock n' roll. The accompanying video to 'Play Ball' could have been better. Memo to AC/DC and David Mallett - AC/DC's 6th man is the fan - always include the 6th man in any future videos.

3."Rock the Blues Away" - 3:24
The opening is.... um, fuck me, Georgia Satellites meets The Angels. The verse is the same, I mean exactly the same melody as 'Anything Goes' (Black Ice). The chorus will just grab you buy the Jaffa's, superb harmonies - it's akin to a Geordie chorus [Brian's former band] - The lead break from Angus builds up slowly with some fine rhythm playing from Stevie. This is a crowd pleaser and is, at present, my favourite from the album.

4. "Miss Adventure" - 2:57
Stevie and Cliff have voices! Nice little shout of "Miss Adventure" and "Na na's" thrown in for good measure. I'm not sure about this one yet, for me, at least, it sounds like something that could have come a year or so after they released Rock or Bust, you know, a track that never made the final album, similar to the way 'Down on the Borderline' never made it to the final cut of 'Blow Up Your Video'. I'm sure it will grow on me...it may take some fertilizer though.

5. "Dogs of War" - 3:35
AC/DC fading in a song? Hmmm? Think 'War Machine' (Black Ice) "We be the dogs of war" (Soldier's of fortune") - It has one hell of a groove that will give most hardcore AC/DC fans callouses on their back foot  [left or right, depending how they have emulated Malcolm over the years] - Great harmonies once again, hard to believe that Malcolm is missing on this one - it has his rhythm written all over it. Take a bow Stevie!

6. "Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder" - 3.22
Typical Rudd beat, typical foot-stomping start, typical psychic presence of the Young family just knowing when and when not to hit those strings. AC/DC aren't just about music, they are about knowing when to give us those little pauses in between hitting those strings. Nice guitar work from Angus on this one - fades out too quickly - would have liked to have heard more Angus. If they play it live we probably will.

7. "Hard Times" - 2:44
This little baby is all about the chorus and harmonies. Stevie keeps things rolling in the style of Uncle Mal whilst Cliff's thumping bass holds everything together. It's refreshing to hear backing vocals over lead vocals - makes everything sound like a party.

8. - "Baptism by Fire" - 3:30
Oh baby! I would just love to have been in the studio when they knocked this one out. What fun, what movement (groove) -  it's a train that starts at high speed and keeps its momentum throughout it's 3.30 short journey - it's something you could imagine a younger band doing...but doing it poorly. AC/DC are the past (and present) masters of the locomotive groove. You jump on board the party train and just feel the motion of it all through every part of your body.

9. "Rock the House" - 2:42
A Zep type riff, a 'Faith No More' funky bass riff, a killer vocal, with the help of Cliff and Stevie's shout of "Rock the House". It's the shortest song on the album, not the strongest AC/DC track you will ever hear, not the most memorable either. Another one that will, undoubtedly grow on me over the coming months.

10. "Sweet Candy" - 3.09
Oh yeh, oh yeh... if track 9 [Zep and Faith No More] disappoints then Sweet Candy gives us the return of AC/DC. This could have been lifted straight from the 'Blow Up Your Video' sessions, only with better production, much better!

11. "Emission Control" - 3:41
Like "Rock the House"we have the funky bass riff. What sets this aside is the chorus and harmonies. Stevie brings in a voice to the harmonies that, for most hardcore fans, will be the only sign that Malcolm is missing from this album.

All in all it's an album that will delight the majority of AC/DC fans. Sure, there will be those who may even suggest that AC/DC should hang up their guitars, uniforms and cloth caps - those that suggest such sacrilege should be tried for treason.

AC/DC are, without doubt, the biggest rock act on the planet. They have a style and, for the most part, they have stuck to that tried and tested formula throughout Rock Or Bust.

If you enjoyed Black Ice, you'll enjoy Rock Or Bust. If you compare it with Back In Black or the phenomenal 'Powerage' then it will disappoint.

Never, under any circumstances, compare one AC/DC album with another... just enjoy each one individually.

To stream the album go to Itunes here.

Liverpool and Scottish legend Bill Shankly once said, "Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that."

Same can be said for AC/DC

Bob Fiddaman.

Listen to AC/DC's 'Play Ball' in Full [Updated]

Bob Fiddaman

AC/DC - In Rock We Trust, it's Rock or Bust!

I was fortunate to be part of an AC/DC video shoot yesterday. The shoot, for a future release from AC/DC's new album, "Rock Or Bust", was filmed at Black Island Studios in London, Middlesex to be precise.

An email confirming the shoot was sent out on Friday, it was all pretty vague, meet at location in London, hand over ticket and be given a coach ticket to be driven to studio.

It was thought that the 500 or so lucky punters would be part of another song off the album, namely "Play Ball". The video for this song, however, was recorded at Black Island the day before with no fan participation.

After queuing in the rain for what seemed like an eternity, I, and the other fans who had turned up, some from Canada and Argentina, were given coach tickets. A 40 minute drive to the studios with the accompanying "Confidentiality Agreements" to sign saw us arrive and shepherded into a waiting room. When here we all got to hear the track that we would be part of that day. "Rock or Bust", the title track off the new album was played, the acoustics of the room not really giving it justice to breathe.

This was all about to change...

We were each directed to positions in the studio next door, the set was a mini-mock-up of a stadium (see pic)

Pic courtesy of acdcbrasil.net

With phones and camera's being confiscated there wouldn't be much chance of recording the audio or taking photos during the shoot, I'm unsure how the above photo was leaked?

The band were introduced and each member walked down to the small round stage. Unfortunately, AC/DC drummer, Phil Rudd, had been called away at the last minute, his place being filled by Bob Richards (Shogun, Adrian Smith Band The Wild Family, Man)

A huge cheer greeted them all then subsided as Brian took the mic to address the fans. He spoke of Malcolm and the overwhelming wave of support he had received from fans across the world, he then introduced Malcolm's permanent replacement Stevie Young, nephew of both Angus and Malcolm Young.

Myself and some old friends I had met from Sweden were directed to one of the upper tiers and, along with others, were anticipating hearing "Rock Or Bust" and watching the band perform.

The 500 strong crowd needed no direction. The thing is, being an AC/DC fan you pretty much know what you are going to get.

"Rock Or Bust" is a foot-stomping, fist-punching assault to the ears, it's anthemic and was made in mind for the fan. If you are after lyrics that are life-changing, you'll be disappointed. AC/DC don't do lyrics that make you ponder, they write lyrics that make you want to grab your imaginary guitar and lose yourself in simplicity.

Although the song was not performed live (studio version piped in) you could hear that familiar sound, a little bit of Angus before the drums kicking in along with the bass then vocals that may surprise many.

AC/DC's vocalist Brian Johnson, at 67, still knows how to belt out a good tune, most people his age revert to Sinatra or Elvis but Johnson gives it full pelt in this short rock number that will have you throwing fists in the air for many years to come.

AC/DC are back and although the line-up may be different you really can't tell. Stevie Young is an accomplished rhythm guitarist, he's been playing the circuits for many years and he fits perfectly, he's that t-shirt that hides the beer belly, the one that we all feel comfortable wearing.

The shoot was surprisingly short, 4 or 5 takes and we were all done, a far cry from a previous video shoot I was privileged of being part of (Are You Ready)

The masses departed the studio, Rock or Bust still ringing in their ears.

We now await the album release (late Nov, early Dec) and, of course, await to see the release of both videos, Play Ball and Rock or Bust.

Yesterday may be the last time we get to see AC/DC in a video shoot, the release of the album will see them embark on a world tour, it may be their last given that it's been 6 years since their last album (Black Ice) - if we add on 6 years from their tour next year then any future releases will come around 2021, I really can't see AC/DC hitting the road in 2021. I hope I'm wrong as they have been a part of my life since I first heard them back in the late 70's.

If you have never seen AC/DC in concert you have missed out on something, they should be on everyone's bucket list.

AC/DC are legends, it really is as simple as that.

**Special mention to Cameron Sinclair without whom none of this would have been possible.

Get well soon brother.

Bob Fiddaman.

AC/DC Legend Retires

One thing in my life that I have never fallen out with is music, particularly the music of AC/DC.

I first heard them in 1978, I remember as if it were yesterday. There I was, grey trousers and a white Shetland wool jumper, I was just 14 and thought bands like Abba, The Sweet and Mud were the bees knees, the latter two were coming to an end of their glam-rock careers.

So, a 14 year old on a Saturday night at a youth disco in Birmingham, just a stone's throw from the Cadbury factory, if anyone is interested.

Nah, na, na, na, na, na ,na, ti, ti, ti, ti
Nah, na, na, na, na, na ,na, ti, ti, ti, ti
Nah, na, na, na, na, na ,na, ti, ti, ti, ti
Nah, na, na, na, na, na ,na, ti, ti, ti, ti
Nah, na, na, na, na, na ,na... wanna tell you a story...

A Whole Lotta Rosie was introduced to my ears and a new form of dancing, the likes that I had never seen before, was played out in front of me. Kids, older than I were brandishing invisible guitars and shaking their heads, mixing dandruff with kids who had previously left the dancefloor after working out to the latest from the Bee Gees or Olivia Newton John. These guys were huddled in a circle, they seemed to be the outcasts as none of the trouser and shirt wearing brigade were joining in.

The dandruff shakers were clad in denim, some in leather... "bout a woman I know", Nah, na, na, na, na, na ,na, "When it comes to lovin", Nah, na, na, na, na, na ,na, "she steals the show".

There was something about this tune, my leg started to take on a life of it's own, my body started to feel rhythm, it was a natural progression from listening to The Sweet and Mud... and the vocals hadn't really kicked in yet....

"You can say she's got it allllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll"

Fuck!

Nah, na, na, na, na, na ,na - dang danga dang
Nah, na, na, na, na, na ,na - dang danga dang
Nah, na, na, na, na, na ,na - dang danga dang
Nah, na, na, na, na, na ,na - dang danga dang

The rhythm, jeez the rhythm.

I couldn't help but join the circle of dandruff shakers, mostly right-handed air guitarists if I remember rightly, I was, am still am a leftie when it comes to being an accomplished air guitarist.

Today, I have every single track of AC/DC etched in my brain. I may not know where my fingers go when playing my imaginary guitar... but man, I have so much fun.

Mention AC/DC today and most people will tell you a story, just like Bon did to me back in 1978... "Wanna tell you a story..."

I've seen them countless times, appeared in one of their videos, collected bootleg videos, vinyl and cassettes and I still thirst for this raucous rock that has kept me going all these years.

I'm 50 now, been to the birthplace of Bon Scott, been to his resting place too, it just seemed fitting to do so because if it wasn't for Bon telling me his story then I probably would have gone through my life thinking that Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha and Anni-Frid were what music was all about. Don't get me wrong, I love Abba, they were part of my childhood and I still flick on a greatest hits CD of theirs to roll back the years.

I'm not a dancer, I'll do the odd slow dance but to shake my thing just makes me feel so uncomfortable. I dance like my dad, move the hips slightly and put my arms where I think they should go.

Give me an air guitar though and it's different.

I used to do the Angus duckwalk, old age sees me doing the foot-stomping of Malcolm these days.

Malcolm Young, for me at least, is God. Anyone who tells you that he isn't is probably a servant of the Devil [Ironically, something AC/DC have been accused of over the years]

Yesterday's news of AC/DC, or Acca Dacca, releasing a new album later in November was bitter sweet.

Malcolm, who formed the band, will be hanging up his Gretsch due to illness. He will not be joining AC/DC on stage anymore, and that really saddens me. His replacement isn't really a replacement, how could one replace God? Stevie Young is the perfect accompaniment for AC/DC. Angus and Malcolm's nephew has the Young mantra tattooed into his very soul. Play simple music for the kids... and over 50's.

I'll never forget Malcolm raising his thumb to me at Birmingham NEC many years ago. I was on top of some guy's shoulders and gesticulated to Malcolm in between songs, he smiled and gave me the thumbs-up...at least I think it was me he was signalling... I like to think that it was.

Malcolm, it appears, has an illness that may just take him away from us all. Hey, that's life, we all have to go some day.

All I know is this... my life is much more enriched for the music of AC/DC, for the rhythm that hit me back in 78 and the rhythm that still continues to hit me today.

Malcolm Young, I salute you.

In the words of Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha and Anni-Frid - Thank you for the music.


Bob Fiddaman.

AC/DC - The Band Plays On

Regular readers and friends of mine will know that I am a huge fan of AC/DC.

Rumours were abound on Tuesday that they were retiring due to a band member falling ill.

It's probably the worst kept secret in rock n' roll. Malcolm, AC/DC's founding member and rhythm guitarist, has been ill for some time. Most hardcore fans have known this, most, if not all, have remained quiet out of respect for the guy.

AC/DC were due in the studio later next month to start on a new album, it's unknown if they will be pressing ahead with the new album next month but they are going to continue making music according to their press release via the AC/DC Facebook page...

"After forty years of life dedicated to AC/DC, guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young is taking a break from the band due to ill health. Malcolm would like to thank the group’s diehard legions of fans worldwide for their never-ending love and support.

"In light of this news, AC/DC asks that Malcolm and his family’s privacy be respected during this time. The band will continue to make music."

It's pretty hard to describe my love for this band. I first heard them in 1978, I'd previously been listening to glam rock bands such as Mud, The Sweet and Slade...then I heard AC/DC and my leg took on a life of its own.

Since that point I've seen them on every tour, purchased every album, video and DVD [and bootlegs].

Safe to say, they are part of my life.

As guitarists go, Malcolm Young is probably one of the finest guitarists to ever walk the earth. It's all about timing and Malcolm has the art perfected.

So, I write about the pharmaceutical industry, drug regulators, psychiatrists and antidepressants, very dark subject matter particularly when it involves dead children.

I've escaped from those dark places many times. AC/DC bring the much needed light into my life.

I've paid my respects to Bon, AC/DC's former vocalist, when I visited his resting place in Freemantle, Perth, W. Australia, a few years ago.

I'll pay my respects to Malcolm by respecting his privacy.

You are, without a doubt, the Pele of rhythm guitarists.

I salute you.

Bob Fiddaman

Big Announcement Tomorrow

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GOD is Alive and Well - All Hail Angus

Forgive the indulgence.... hiccup







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AC/DC: Beyond The Thunder (Official Trailer)

At last. Some good news!

AC/DC are and always will be the best damn rock n' roll band in the world.

They have helped me through some real tough times. I'll be turning to them again tonight.




Fid

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BRIAN JOHNSON ON BBC'S 'TOP GEAR'

Unrelated post but seeing as I have an interest in all things AC/DC, I thought I'd share this.




And here is a track from the concert in Moscow he refers to in the interview.



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Let Us Pray - Our Lord Angus of AC/DC

Taken from Hampden Park, Glasgow

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Music - Beats any SSRi

Forget the poison pills to make you feel better.

Crank up the volume and listen to your favourite band/artist

Works for me when I need an injection of spiritual lifting.

*Caution.

DO NOT stop taking your medication abrubtly.


PART ONE






PART TWO




LATEST VIDEO RELEASE



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From last night

They kicked ass!



Nuff said.

Fid

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It's Here...Finally - The God's of Rock, AC/DC, Have Landed in Birmingham

Off to see AC/DC tonight with my son at Birmingham LG Arena [Formerly NEC]

It's been 7 years since I last saw AC/DC - Apollo [London] - [Formerly Hammersmith Odeon]

It's been 8 to 9 years since they last toured the world!

Tickets are apparently exchanging hands for ridiculous prices but this is something I will treasure.

My son is off to serve his country soon. It will be father and son rocking out to the best band in the world... bar none!

FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK... WE SALUTE YOU.

Here's what's in store for us tonight:



Fid

SEROXAT SUFFERERS STAND UP AND BE COUNTED

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Anything Goes

As you all know I am a huge AC/DC fan. So let me indulge for a moment.

Enjoy

Fid

Read the new book, The Evidence, However, Is Clear...The Seroxat Scandal

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FOR BON

29 years ago, yesterday.

You were The Man, The Rocker.

Thanks for the memory.

Rock In Peace.



THE ROCKER
A man of precocious wisdom
Was Ronald Belford Scott.
Mr Double Entendre,
Mr Double Bourbon Shot.
A man so warm and friendly
A lyrical prodigy
Oozing stage presence
And sweating energy.
He started with The Spektors
For whom he played the drums.
Then The Valentines & Fraternity
'Til uniting with the Young's.
A partnership was born
AC/DC was their name
Australia's biggest export
Is what these lads became.
In February 1980
My world came tumbling down.
Bon had been out boozin'
In London's Camden Town.
He died all alone that night
In the back seat of a car,
The greatest Rock 'N' Roll singer
A special Rock 'N' Roll star.
Bon will always be with me
In my memory he will stay.
Rest In Peace, Dear Bon,
Until we meet some day.

© BOB FIDDAMAN

Read the new book, The Evidence, However, Is Clear...The Seroxat Scandal

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ARE YOU READY

£1,000,000,000 if anyone can spot me.



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THEY'RE BACK!

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A bit of 'ME' time

Forgive the self indulgence but I need to get this off my chest.

'Officially' Black Ice will be available in shops from Oct 20th. As always, I will be purchasing it, probably the De Luxe edition too.

Here's my take.

Rock N' Roll...with an edge

With an 8 year absence of any new studio recording AC/DC fans have had to make do with DVD's of rare footage, most of which your average hardcore AC/DC fan already has. To hear Black Ice is refreshing. For a while Aussie unknowns, Airbourne, were taking over the kings of Aussie pub rock. Not now.

Black Ice has the usual riffs, drumbeats, heavy bass lines and screeching vocals that accompany any AC/DC record, production wise it's infallible, Brendan O'Brien did a great job and deserves a mention as do the vocals of Brian Johnson.

Track by track

1: Rock n Roll Train.
Released a few weeks ago as a single, typical AC/DC, simple and foot stomping. By no means the strongest cut on the album but for marketing 'Rock N' Roll train will probably see shops stocking miniature trains with the AC/DC logo emblazoned on the side. Hey, I'm a cynic.

2: Skies On Fire
The harmony in this is what one would expect of Cliff and Malcolm, 'SKIES ON FYYYYY YERRRR'. A mid-tempo beat which kind of gets going as it approaches its end. Brian excels with the vocals with Phil keeping things tight behind the skins.

3: Big Jack
This oozes rhythm, almost like a train rolling along, touches of Rock N' Roll Damnation. An anthemic chorus that the kids [40 years plus] will love to sing along to at the up and coming gigs.

4: Anything Goes
There are a lot of hardcore fans I know that are kind of split with this song. Personally, I think it's the best on the album. It's AC/DC meets Nazareth meets The Darkness meets 80's rock. Brian sings along Springsteen [Born in the USA] style while Phil beats the skins. It has a good feel factor about it and for some reason a Christmassy type of feel to it. Many will want to play it over and over, some will want to skip it after it's first listen. I like it... I like it a lot.

5: War Machine
Surprisingly short in length but none the less a fairly decent song. Starts off moody and builds up momentum as it steams along. Malcolm holds things together whilst Cliff picks away. The guitar work of Angus along with Brian's vocals make this a definite inclusion in any set list... Maybe the strip routine halfway through?

6: Smash n Grab
Great harmonies once again from Cliff and Malcolm, Brendan O'Brien seems to enjoy getting the backing vocals right throughout this album. It has a catchy chorus: "SMASH, GRAB AND TAKE IT". Yeh, I'll take it thank you very much.

7: Spoilin' For A Fight
Pure AC/DC, This is what they are all about. 'Shot of Love' + 10. I tend to follow Malcolm whenever I listen to AC/DC albeit on my air Gretsch. Things are picking up now on this album.

8: Wheels
Oh my! Add a piano and some brass to this little beauty and you have a masterpiece. Of course I jest, I don't think AC/DC would ever go down that route but close your eyes for a second and you can hear a piano and a fanfare of trumpets blow in appraisal of this killer track. How do the Young brothers come up with such great, yet simple riffs?

9: Decibel
Hmmm, really not sure about this one. For me, it doesn't really get going. It's not weak and certainly not a filler. Maybe it is positioned wrong on the album? Some great guitar work from Angus but it loses pace for me midway through.

10: Stormy May Day
There was a lot of talk before the 'unofficial' launch of this album via torrent sites that Angus used slide on one of the songs. This is the song, although it's not spectacular slide, it is a change for Angus Young. Imagine the mood of 'Badlands' from 'Flick of the Switch'

11: She Likes Rock n Roll
Who invented the term 'Rock N' Roll'? They should have trademarked the term, they would have made a tidy sum of money from AC/DC. Not one of my favourites though the chant in the middle is 'interesting'

12: Money Made
One has to look [listen] past the vocals of Brian to hear the genius of the Young brothers on this track. Psychic, they really work off each other on this piece. I don't know what Brendan O'Brien said to them when they laid this down but whatever it was, it worked. A song to drool over.

13: Rock n Roll Dream
Starts off very slow, unusual for a song with 'Rock N' Roll' in its title. Anyone who said Brian Johnson cannot carry a tune, listen to the opening sequence. It moves from slow to upbeat to slow to upbeat. Hard to fully let yourself go and almost definitely not one for the set-list.

14: Rocking All The Way
Ah, keep smoking those cigarettes Brian, the gravel voice at the start of this track more or less tells you what you are in for. Jump aboard the Malcolm Young showboat. This little baby rolls and is infectious. Slightly repetitive chorus line but hey, that's AC/DC.

15: Black Ice
Kept thinking of Blackmore's Rainbow when I first heard this track... until I heard Angus. To be honest, a bands title track should be remembered. 'Highway to Hell', 'Back in Black', 'Let There Be Rock' etc. Black Ice, the track, can't stand next to any of the aforementioned. Sadly, this is the one filler on what is otherwise an enjoyable album.

8.5/10

Fid

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