AC/DC / Powerage (1978)

Another shining example of why 1978 remains one of the greatest years for rock music of all time. The album is without question the bands finest, the grooves are amazing, the vocals are spot on and the lyrics are just cool. Again with the airplay thing, but since none of the songs from the record never got a lot of it (I have yet to determine why) it is that much better. That of course coupled with the fact that the album was already unbelievable you get one that is monumental. When you sit down and listen to an album and never once consider pressing the skip/next song button then you know it is perfect. All the songs are great, and rather than simple go on about them all I will save time and effort and say “just go buy the record, then you will see what I mean”.

Rating = Sun Record

Sincerely;

T.R.Z. Oswald

AC/DC / Back in Black (1980)

Perfect example of how AC/DC’s lyrics really are all about sex, but that aside the album is great. Testament and proof for the idea that the band did not drop the ball as soon as they lost Bon Scott. Indeed they came back hard hitting as ever to give a good dose of rock from down under and just plainly kick ass. With the opening groove laid down by Angus in “Hells Bells” you knew it was going to be good. A more fitting replacement for old Scotty could not have been found then Brian Johnson. His voice rocks, and to those who simply “listen” to music you would be hard pressed to tell the difference between him and his predecessor. Weak tracks exist (Givin’ the dog a bone, Shake a leg) but they are overshadowed by the ones (which despite their overplay on the radio: “Back in Black”, “You Shook Me All Night A Long” and “Shoot to Thrill”) are still unbelievable. That and the album has “Let me put my love into you” which for any number of reasons is still excellent and never gets old. Normally I do not agree with a band continuing when it has lost a crucial member, but in this case I think the result was a perfect tribute to Bon, though they could have stopped after this one.

Rating = Jupiter Record

Sincerely;

T.R.Z. Oswald

Aerosmith / Get Your Wings (1974)

A little shorter than is usually preferred but to be honest leaving the listener wanting more is better than the listener wanting you to shut up. This album is a perfect example of how the best songs by many artists are the ones that never received heavy airplay. “Lord of the Thighs” and “Spaced” are two of the best Aerosmith songs of all time, again because they were not senselessly overplayed but also because they possess the qualities necessary to be timeless and they are that. The only downside is that the radio has ruined “Same old song and dance” and with the advent of Cock Band it seems that “Train Kept A-Rollin” is getting its fair share of in your face time as well.

Rating = Jupiter Record

Sincerely;

T.R.Z. Oswald