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 AC/DC's newest album may be their best since Back in Black but that's not necessarily saying a lot. |
They’re back! Yes, they’re back! Ba-aa-aa-aa-ack! Ba-aaaa- aa-ack!
Yep, it’s true: AC/DC’s long-overdue 15th CD, Black Ice — their first album in eight years — is their best work since Back in Black. Of course, bear in mind that isn’t saying much: A box set of Brian Johnson clearing his throat in the morning wouldn’t be much worse than Flick of the Switch or Fly on the Wall.
But just because Black Ice isn’t a total disaster, that doesn’t make it a triumphant comeback. Or even an especially successful return to form. On the downside: It’s too long — 15 songs over 55 minutes is more AC/DC than anybody needs. It’s too slow — most of the tunes drag, and there’s no Let There Be Rock-style barnburner at all. And it’s simply too dull — much as it pains us to say this, guitarists and chief songwriters Angus and Malcolm Young seem to be losing their touch.
The upside: With the band nearing retirement age, this might be the last AC/DC disc — at least until 2016.
Rock N Roll Train 4:21
A rock-solid Phil Rudd beat + crunching guitar riffs + a smoking solo + a catchy chorus = the closest thing to a classic AC/DC arena rocker. No wonder it’s the single.
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Skies on Fire 3:34
The second song on an AC/DC CD shouldn’t be slower than the first. The ri� isn’t bad — but the draggy tempo makes it seem like they’re tired already.
Big Jack 3:57
The beat swaggers and the chiming guitars chug along propulsively. The chorus is goofy — but we can hear the kids singing along.
Anything Goes 3:22
Brian Johnson reins in the shriek for a more soulful delivery. The band dials down to melodic pop-metal. And they end up sounding like Nazareth doing Def Leppard.
War Machine 3:09
At last: A song heavy enough to stand next to their old stu�. Bonus points for Malcolm’s snarling backup vocals.
Smash N Grab 4:06
Another midtempo plodder that might rock if it weren’t so lethargic. Then again, judging by the limp chorus and “blow your mind” lyrics, it might not.
Spoilin’ For A Fight 3:17
“I see trouble,” growls Brian. We see a pattern: They’re alternating decent powerchord rockers like this with second-rate filler.
Wheels 3:28
So much for that theory. We finally get two decent cuts in a row, thanks to this upbeat strutter peppered with Chuck Berry licks.
Decibel 3:34
Have mercy! It sounds like somebody’s been listening to ZZ Top’s Waiting for the Bus. Pity the walloping power-chord section cancels out the blues-rock.
Stormy May Day 3:10
This is as close to a ballad as AC/DC get. And as close as they should ever get. But it’s not all bad: Angus plays some bluesy, Zeppish slide guitar.
She Likes Rock N Roll 3:53
Another decent riff, weighed down by a molasses backbeat and weak chorus. Somebody should have spiked their Metamucil with espresso.
Money Made 4:15
Again with the plodding. Oh well — at least the refrain is catchy. And the intertwined guitars jangle like a pocketful of loose change.
Rock N Roll Dream 4:41
Aw, geez — a second sorta-ballad with more Def Lep guitars. Thankfully, it kicks into second gear about halfway through — for what that’s worth.
Rocking All the Way 3:22
Hey, this one isn’t bad! It’s just a punchy, no-frills ’70 rocker with sharp soloing from Angus. On an old AC/DC disc it would be filler. Here it’s a highlight.
Black Ice 3:25
The band closes the show with a second slice of ZZ/DC blues-rock. It’s OK — but it’s too little too late.
Down Stream - 3 Picks. 3 Clicks. 3 Cool Online Tracks
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“Oh Sarah, you ain’t in your right mind,” charges John Brown. But that doesn’t stop the rapper from professing his love (or at least lust) to the Republican V-P candidate in this hilarious slow-jam ditty. Peppered with snippets from Palin speeches (“Hockey mom!”) and references to pitbulls, lipstick and moose, this sharp sendup gives new meaning to the phrase “Drill, baby, drill.” hypem.com
Wilco & Fleet Foxes - I Shall Be Released
While we’re on the topic of the U.S. election, we should mention that roots-rock vets Wilco and up-and-coming indie-popsters Fleet Foxes recently joined forces onstage in Spokane to cover this Bob Dylan classic. To score it, all you have to do is head over to Wilco’s website and download it — after pledging to vote. Don’t worry, it’s not like they’re checking ID or anything. wilcoworld.net
The Firemen - Nothing Too Much Just Out of Sight
Psssst ... It’s Paul McCartney. And man, he sounds ticked. On this fierce tune from his Fireman duo with producer Youth, Macca rails against a certain ex, yowling, “I thought you knew the last thing to do was try to betray me,” over a smoking 7/4 blues-rock ri� decked with bashing drums, fuzzy bass, harmonica and searing slide guitars. Their Electric Arguments CD drops Nov. 18. hypem.com
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