HARD ROCK
FORUM
Post by Monsters of Rock on Mar 6, 2021 15:55:51 GMT 10
AC/DC: High Voltage (International)
Released in 1976, High Voltage would become AC/DC’s pseudo debut as the song selection was taken from their 1975 Australian-only releases of T.N.T. and High Voltage. While the Australian-only releases are highly sought-after by collectors, the songs that were omitted have since been released on the incredible ’74 Jailbreak and the rather extensive Backtracks compilation and are worthwhile checking out. That said, I consider the international 1976 version of High Voltage to be the true debut of the band as this edition is non-relenting in its rhythmic drive, ensuring there isn’t a dull moment from start to finish.
If you prefer streaming, the Apple Digital Master, as available below via Apple Music, sounds exquisite and I believe is taken from the same mastering sessions as the 2003 vinyl re-issues. Certainly, from my point-of-view, there is no difference to note other than the natural analogue warmth that is a byproduct of vinyl reproduction. That isn’t to suggest that the Apple Music edition is shrill or digital sounding, but there is a difference between the formats and you may prefer one over the other.
The big difference, however, is the artwork and you’re really getting a premium product when you pick up this particular vinyl release, for the artwork is meticulously reproduced with additional photographs and a fantastic write-up by Murray Engleheart. Is it worth owning? Well, that decision is ultimately up to you but I would strongly recommend it if you’re an AC/DC fan who also has a turntable as I’m certain you won’t regret it. I know I haven’t!
Side One
It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll) is one of the greatest songs ever written and recorded. The inclusion of the bagpipes was a masterful move and showed Bon Scott was more than just a vocalist. The version heard here is, however, shorter than the original Australian-only release, so if you’re a purist you would be well-advised to check it out on Backtracks. It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll) has also been covered extensively with two of the best renditions being recorded by John Farnham and Lemmy Kilmister & Jake E. Lee.
Rock ’N’ Roll Singer isn’t a bad song, but arguably isn’t anything to write home about.
The Jack is brilliant, but I have to admit that I find the extended live performance, as heard on Live At River Plate, to be too long. Although, it has nothing on the self-indulgent 18-minute rendition of Let There Be Rock.
Live Wire is a little muffled via Apple Music and while it has always been overly distorted, I find it to be less distorted on the vinyl release, most likely due to the mastering limitations of the format. Nevertheless, Live Wire is a killer blues rock and roll tune and one of my all-time favourite AC/DC songs.
Side Two
T.N.T. is utterly brilliant. One of AC/DC’s best and one of the greatest rock and roll songs that has ever been recorded.
Can I Sit Next To You Girl is a great song, but it is Mark Evans bass tracking that takes this song from a run-of-the-mill bluesy rock and roll tune to a killer rock song worthy of the AC/DC name. Interestingly, Can I Sit Next To You Girl was AC/DC’s first single, released in 1974 and then titled Can I Sit Next to You, Girl with Dave Evans on vocals, Colin Burgess on drums and George Young on bass guitar. While the earlier version is out of print, and is different, it hasn’t been officially made available since its initial release, but if you look on YouTube, you’ll come across uploads of the original.
Little Lover is pure bliss. It may be a slow track, but there is nothing pedestrian about Little Lover. And it’s a shame that it hasn’t been more prominent throughout the years, but perhaps that is a good thing considering I prefer Brian Johnson’s vocal delivery, but I couldn’t imagine anyone else singing Little Lover better than Bon Scott; he mastered it!
She’s Got Balls has a great rhythm and is overall a solid song but isn’t a standout tune.
High Voltage is a great song, and a great closer for the album, but having heard it so many times over the years, I can’t help but feel it is a little overrated.
Overall, High Voltage is a take-no-prisoners style of album that is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. There isn’t a bad song to be heard and the mastering is so consistent that it really doesn’t matter if you pick up the vinyl release, or listen to it via streaming services, because you’re going to love it!
Subjective Sounds website
Released in 1976, High Voltage would become AC/DC’s pseudo debut as the song selection was taken from their 1975 Australian-only releases of T.N.T. and High Voltage. While the Australian-only releases are highly sought-after by collectors, the songs that were omitted have since been released on the incredible ’74 Jailbreak and the rather extensive Backtracks compilation and are worthwhile checking out. That said, I consider the international 1976 version of High Voltage to be the true debut of the band as this edition is non-relenting in its rhythmic drive, ensuring there isn’t a dull moment from start to finish.
If you prefer streaming, the Apple Digital Master, as available below via Apple Music, sounds exquisite and I believe is taken from the same mastering sessions as the 2003 vinyl re-issues. Certainly, from my point-of-view, there is no difference to note other than the natural analogue warmth that is a byproduct of vinyl reproduction. That isn’t to suggest that the Apple Music edition is shrill or digital sounding, but there is a difference between the formats and you may prefer one over the other.
The big difference, however, is the artwork and you’re really getting a premium product when you pick up this particular vinyl release, for the artwork is meticulously reproduced with additional photographs and a fantastic write-up by Murray Engleheart. Is it worth owning? Well, that decision is ultimately up to you but I would strongly recommend it if you’re an AC/DC fan who also has a turntable as I’m certain you won’t regret it. I know I haven’t!
Side One
It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll) is one of the greatest songs ever written and recorded. The inclusion of the bagpipes was a masterful move and showed Bon Scott was more than just a vocalist. The version heard here is, however, shorter than the original Australian-only release, so if you’re a purist you would be well-advised to check it out on Backtracks. It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll) has also been covered extensively with two of the best renditions being recorded by John Farnham and Lemmy Kilmister & Jake E. Lee.
Rock ’N’ Roll Singer isn’t a bad song, but arguably isn’t anything to write home about.
The Jack is brilliant, but I have to admit that I find the extended live performance, as heard on Live At River Plate, to be too long. Although, it has nothing on the self-indulgent 18-minute rendition of Let There Be Rock.
Live Wire is a little muffled via Apple Music and while it has always been overly distorted, I find it to be less distorted on the vinyl release, most likely due to the mastering limitations of the format. Nevertheless, Live Wire is a killer blues rock and roll tune and one of my all-time favourite AC/DC songs.
Side Two
T.N.T. is utterly brilliant. One of AC/DC’s best and one of the greatest rock and roll songs that has ever been recorded.
Can I Sit Next To You Girl is a great song, but it is Mark Evans bass tracking that takes this song from a run-of-the-mill bluesy rock and roll tune to a killer rock song worthy of the AC/DC name. Interestingly, Can I Sit Next To You Girl was AC/DC’s first single, released in 1974 and then titled Can I Sit Next to You, Girl with Dave Evans on vocals, Colin Burgess on drums and George Young on bass guitar. While the earlier version is out of print, and is different, it hasn’t been officially made available since its initial release, but if you look on YouTube, you’ll come across uploads of the original.
Little Lover is pure bliss. It may be a slow track, but there is nothing pedestrian about Little Lover. And it’s a shame that it hasn’t been more prominent throughout the years, but perhaps that is a good thing considering I prefer Brian Johnson’s vocal delivery, but I couldn’t imagine anyone else singing Little Lover better than Bon Scott; he mastered it!
She’s Got Balls has a great rhythm and is overall a solid song but isn’t a standout tune.
High Voltage is a great song, and a great closer for the album, but having heard it so many times over the years, I can’t help but feel it is a little overrated.
Overall, High Voltage is a take-no-prisoners style of album that is thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. There isn’t a bad song to be heard and the mastering is so consistent that it really doesn’t matter if you pick up the vinyl release, or listen to it via streaming services, because you’re going to love it!
Subjective Sounds website
