This mix of odds and sods is decidedly more geared to dedicated
collector than casual fan. AC/DC’s genius — remarkably minimalist
bluesy hard-rock bluster, amped to 11, and driven by guitarist Angus
Young’s dirty, bone-breaking riffage — lends itself more to great
singles than deep-seated album cuts, making 18 tracks of outtakes
somewhat superfluous. Despite the occasional overlooked track (chunky
rave-up “R.I.P. (Rock in Peace),” the Stonesy “Stick Around”), most is
forgettable fodder culled from Australian releases and 12-inches.
The two discs of concert performance (29 tracks) really showcase
their crackling stage energy. One could complain about only four tracks
from the Bon Scott-led iteration (though replacement Brian Johnson does
a fine imitation), but it’s apparent that by their arena-rock heyday,
they’d become a real locomotive live. The accompanying DVD assembles 15
videos (mostly non-hits from ’90s) and a couple of performances. But
how many fans will buy the standard edition when much of it replicates
what’s already out there? At least the $199 deluxe edition comes in a
novelty replica of Young’s amp, a coffee-table book, an additional
concert DVD and vinyl of the outtakes disc. — Chris
Parker
This article appears in Nov 11-17, 2009.
