Review: AC/DC - Rock or Bust by Rockulus Maximus for rockulusmaximus.com and metaltalk.net

AC/DC – Rock Or Bust
by Rockulus Maxiums for Rockulusmaximus.com 
and Metaltalknet

There is very little that can be said about this band that hasn’t been said before. They are undisputed legends of their sound and style which has been well documented since their early incarnation back in the very early 70s right through to the modern day. It says a lot that fans can still be truly thrilled and excited by the prospects of another new studio album and still remain loyal to a band which has experienced unsurprisingly both highs and lows.


The lows in recent times include the current ongoing trials of drummer Phil Rudd, and the heartbreaking developments regarding master Kingpin Malcolm Young and his retirement due to a form of dementia. Despite these shackles of misfortune the ballbreakin’ Rockers continue to ride on and have unearthed their 17th studio album (including the Australian albums ‘High Voltage’ and ‘T.N.T.’), or if you’re a devoted fan of Brian Johnson era you could say 10th studio album featuring the gravelled-vocal chord Geordie.

Maintaining their stiff upper lip, AC/DC are rocking all the way ‘cos that’s the way to rock’n’roll isn’t it? If you’ve been clearing out the cellar for the last few months you may not be aware that both the title track and ‘Play Ball’ have been circling airwaves and personal music players with ominous and short precision. The duration of both tracks is the sign of what is to follow from the remainder of ‘Rock Or Bust’ as the tracks whizz by in quick succession. Like a shot of love they smash’n’grab ‘cos rock and roll ain’t noise pollution.

11 tracks which get in, do their business and then get out is quite an attractive proposition after some of their recent-ish labours of love. The album proudly displays each and every song was written by both Angus and Malcolm Young with the addition of a heartfelt message “And most important of all, thanks to Mal, who made it all possible”.

Personally I enjoyed this album from the first listen and found it more enjoyable and satisfying than ‘Black Ice’. Where the 2008 studio album tried ambitiously to explore the blues much further than any of their previous releases, ‘Rock Or Bust’ is a shameless boogie album which trims the fat and versatility. The guitar work is excellent as always and continues to deliver what is expected.
With production duties once again at the helm of Brendan O’Brien and with Mike Fraser behind the engineering, your ears are treated to some highlights like ‘Rock The Blues Away’ complete with sing-a-long chorus, ‘Dogs Of War’ which fades in and then hovers eerily before the riff grabs you by the scruff of the neck and grows into a quintessential example of an AC/DC chorus; some cheeky “Na na na’s” accompany ‘Miss Adventure’ whilst ‘Some Rock & Roll Thunder’ struts like a mischievous cockerel around a farmyard looking for some easy pickings.

The general unanimous verdict from far and wide suggests AC/DC haven’t made a classic rip-roaring album in many, many years and for me personally their last GREAT album was in 1990 when they unveiled ‘The Razors Edge’. It may be true to state that AC/DC are treading in waters which are beyond mere comparisons to their back catalogue, and are walking to an inevitable finish line instead of sprinting towards it with ‘Rock Or Bust’. Whatever side of the fence you wish to stand; this album should put a grin on your face and slap you around with a naughty wink of the eye if nothing else.
It would appear the bearers of such musical classics as ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’, ‘For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)’, ‘It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock’n’Roll)’ and ‘Back In Black’ can still ‘Rock The House’ and that is going to please a great many fans. If you can afford it, treat yourself this Festive season with a mistress for Christmas, or perhaps it might be more politically correct to simply buy ‘Rock Or Bust’.

(3.5 pints outta 5)



Rock Or Bust
Play Ball
Rock The Blues Away
Miss Adventure
Dogs Of War
Some Rock & Roll Thunder
Hard Times
Baptism By Fire
Rock The House
Sweet Candy
Emission Control

Record Label: Columbia Records
Release Date: Out Now



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Foreigner – The Best Of 4 And More by Rockulus Maximus

Foreigner – The Best Of 4 And More by Rockulus Maximus 

The album title states loudly and proudly that it encompasses a triumphant moment in the band’s back catalogue which is their 1981 studio album ‘4’. The part of the title which mentions ‘...And More’ is also potentially exciting, as those songs we love or perhaps surprises from their strong albums ‘Unusual Heat’ (featuring Johnny Edwards on lead vocals) and their most recent studio album ‘Can’t Slow Down’ (featuring current lead vocalist Kelly Hansen) might get some dusting down.
The current line-up is divine and solid as it includes main man and guitarist Mick Jones, the aforementioned Kelly Hansen on lead vocals, the ever-busy and energetic bassist Jeff Pilson, secret weapon Tom Gimbel tackling flute, rhythm guitar, Saxophone, Michael Bluestein on keys, drummer Chris Frazier with Bruce Watson handling lead guitar duties.

This live collection was recorded recently on October the 3rd and 4th in the Borgata Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The set-list may be unique and it may have been the first time they played this selection but it doesn’t detract from the fact it is well executed and the sound quality is the very best. From the band’s best selling 1981 studio album they play surprise songs ‘Woman In Black’, ‘Girl On The Moon’, Night Life’ and ‘Break It Up’ all of which are superb.

The well known highlights and beacons of commercial embrace are evident amongst the songs, including ‘Juke Box Hero’, complete with atmospheric introduction and slow build eventually settling into an extended jammed 13 minute plus rendition; ‘Waiting For A Girl Like You’ which isn’t so laboured and ‘Urgent’ which comes across very well. On this latter delight there is some wonderful saxophone via Gimbel as the band extended their creative muscles.

Added to their set-list are five extra adored nuggets of golden melodic rock which are welcomed by those in attendance. Looking for safe and predictable contributions from their back catalogue to boost the strength of the commercial appeal the band set about ‘Say You Will’, ‘Feels Like The First Time’, ‘Cold As Ice’, ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ and ‘Hot Blooded’. Listen out for the delightful flute at the beginning of the acoustic-based version of ‘Say You Will’ thanks to Gimbel.

Ultimately this album is nothing more than a stocking filler afterthought unless you’re an avid fan of the band, and like buying everything they release! You’re left with the feeling that this line-up is awesome and they could conquer the world without doubt if they haven’t already done so, due to the fine musicianship and catalogue of songs they possess. ‘The Best of 4 And More’ is nothing more than foreplay which frustrates and teases to the point of annoyance.

In other words, a lot of fans including myself would rather have the follow up to ‘Can’t Slow Down’ which was a superb studio album packed full of classy melodic rock and released way back in 2009, and not necessarily wishing to swim amongst some fine live performances celebrating nostalgia. If I was to be picky and anal about this, they haven’t even been that comprehensive about doing justice to ‘4’ as they excluded the minor single impact of ‘Luanne’.

Taking a deep breath I’d say this live album has its place but it isn’t half as welcome as a brand new studio album would have been, especially as the band released a compilation earlier this very year focussing on their ballads and slower tracks. They may have ten multi-platinum studio albums and 16 top 30 hit singles in the U.S. but they come across like they are scared to make their next move regarding new material.

(3 pints outta 5)

Night Life
Woman In Black
Urgent
Waiting For A Girl Like You
Break It Up
Girl On The Moon
Say You Will
Feels Like The First Time
Cold As Ice
Hot Blooded
I Want To Know Where Love Is
Juke Box Hero

Record Label: Frontiers Records
Release Date: 5th December