October 12, 2020

1980 - July: AC/DC “Back In Black”

42 minutes

Fresh off their success with Highway to Hell, Australian band AC/DC was planning a follow-up when tragedy struck. Front man Bon Scott was found “dead by misadventure” after a drinking binge. The group would have to audition a replacement for their seventh studio album, and Brian Johnson was brought in on lead for Back In Black.

The new album was recorded in Nassau in the midst of a batch of tropical storms - a fact referenced in the opening lines of “Hells Bells.” In addition to front man Johnson, the group was comprised of lead guitarist Angus Young, his brother Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, Cliff Williams on bass, and Phil Rudd on drums.

Back In Black was an immediate commercial success. It is considered one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time. The group deliberately avoided using any of Bon Scott's lyrics for the album — not wanting to be perceived as profiting from their band mate's death. The album's all black cover was done in mourning for Scott. The album was so successful that many of their previous albums entered the charts, riding the coat tails of Back In Black.

Shoot to Thrill

"Shoot to thrill, play to kill, too many women with too many pills." This high energy song is typical of the album as a whole. The song itself was inspired by a story Johnson read about a drug dealer selling narcotics to depressed housewives.

What Do You Do For Money, Honey

Folks, let's face it: there's just not a lot of subtlety in AC/DC lyrics. It's pretty much all about sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. "You're lovin' on the take and you're always on the make/Squeezin' all the blood outta men. Yeah, we're standin' in a queue just to spend the night with you. It's business as usual again."

Have a Drink On Me

This track was the B-side to the single "Shook Me All Night Long." and followed that song on the album. The song is about (get this) having a drink on me. ;-)

Rock and Roll Ain't Noise Pollution

While the song takes a slow blues start, it kicks in with straightforward, head banging rock. This is the final track on the album, and the fourth and final single released from the album. The B-side to this single was "Hells Bells," the lead-off track for the album.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

I'm Alright by Kenny Loggins (from the motion picture "Caddyshack")

You have to have the dancing groundhog in your head for this one! Caddyshack and Airplane were both released in the summer of 1980. Actor Bill Murray's riffs throughout Caddyshack are legendary.

STAFF PICKS:

“Boulevard” by Jackson Browne

Rob's staff pick is inspired by Hollywood Boulevard and the runaway kids on the street. Life is hard on the Boulevard, but that doesn't mean this is where you will always be. This song from the album "Holdout" was one of Browne's most successful songs. "Everybody walks right by like they're safe or something. They don't know."

“Snortin' Whiskey” by the Pat Travers Band

Wayne's staff pick cranks the volume up to 11 on a high energy blues-tinged rock anthem. There's little doubt about what the song means when it leads off with the lyrics "Snortin' whiskey, drinkin' cocaine."

“Emotional Rescue” by the Rolling Stones

Bruce gets himself in trouble this week by picking this less-than-popular disco-influenced song. Although Keith Richards contributes backing vocals, it is said that he did not like the whole disco vibe. Although it was a number 1 rock song, the Rolling Stones never played it live until 2013.

“All Night Long (live)” by Joe Walsh

Brian redeems the staff picks by bringing this Joe Walsh live classic. It made it on both the rock and country charts. This song appeared on the soundtrack to the motion picture "Urban Cowboy."

LAUGH TRACK:

“Gimme Some Lovin'” by The Blues Brothers

Another motion picture comedy that hit the theaters in 1980 featured lots of cameos from blues and soul icons.

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

4747 ratings