2003 reissue on 180-gram vinyl LP. Aussie fans first heard this album in 1976, but American audiences didn't catch it until it was slightly modified and released in 1981. Any way they cut it, "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" was a huge hit. Written by original lead singer Bon Scott and brothers Angus & Malcolm Young, the album peaked at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart in 1981. Hits included the title track "Big Balls", "Problem Child" and "Squealer." The band's early production team of Harry Vanda and George Young helped to craft this hard rock classic. This version is the superior sounding re-mastered 2003 reissue on 180-gram vinyl. Talk about high voltage! The boys are at their greasy, gritty, tawdry early peak, with diesel-fueled thundering guitars and take-no-prisoners attitude.
Although it wasn't released stateside until '81, DIRTY DEEDS DONE DIRT CHEAP is an Australian compilation recorded in the mid-70's. By the time of its U.S. release, singer Bon Scott had already died of alcohol poisoning and the band had emerged from the tragedy with new singer Brian Johnson and the stunning BACK IN BLACK. This album then, perhaps inadvertently, serves as an epitaph for the late, tattoo-emblazoned singer. And there is no more fitting eulogy than the title track, which captures Scott in all his raunchy glory.
Full of ill will, Scott snakes his way through a nasty tale of revenge. He's only too happy to provide TNT, concrete, cyanide, whatever it takes really, to get the job done. As he snarls, growls, and finally squeals, "high voltage!" Scott is immortalized in complete reptilian glee. Though the title tracks alone makes the album essential; there are other significant merits. The utterly tasteless hilarity of "Big Balls" is a not-so-subtle pun Beavis and Butthead would undoubtedly have worshipped. "Ride On" is a toned down blouse groove that is complete out of step with AC/DC's usual onslaught. All in all, DIRTY DEEDS is a fine collection that shows these Australian bad boys doing what they do best.
AC/DC: Bon Scott (vocals); Angus Young, Malcolm Young (guitar); Mark Evans (bass); Phil Rudd (drums).
Recorded in 1976. Originally released as Atlantic (16033). Includes liner notes by David Wild.
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
- Format: Vinyl
- Genre: Rock, Metal
- Released: 10/14/2003
- Remastered, 180 Gram
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Tracks
| A1 | Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap | 3:46 |
| A2 | Love At First Feel | 3:05 |
| A3 | Big Balls | 2:39 |
| A4 | Rocker | 2:46 |
| A5 | Problem Child | 5:43 |
| B1 | There's Gonna Be Some Rockin' | 3:14 |
| B2 | Ain't No Fun (Waiting Round To Be A Millionaire) | 6:57 |
| B3 | Ride On | 5:47 |
| B4 | Squealer | 5:12 |
