AC/DC

Bonfire Disc Four: Back In Black

Killer Bon Scott era material

Review Score:

(8/10)
For Bon Scott fans, I'd give this 5 stars. But anyone who loves live rock and roll has got to love this set. Not only do you get the full soundtrack to the 1979 concert film "Let There Be Rock" but an additional single disc of one of the band's earliest U.S. appearances, a promo gig at Atlantic Studios. I especially like the slightly extended version (extra guitar break) of "Dog Eat Dog" from the Atlantic show!

Bon's voice kicks a$$ throughout and reminds us of what a loss it was when he passed. Angus ... well, I could listen to him wail on that SG all day. you know his sound - you want some more? buy this box set.

the rarities disc is neat, but mostly these rough versions of familiar tunes have value as curios. On the other hand, you get a sweet live radio version of "sin City" and the early cover of Chuck Berry's "School Days" that was only available on their first Australian-only release. It kicks [...]. Makes you wonder why they didn't include it on the Jailbreak EP. For absolutely no reason, the regular studio versions of "Long Way To The Top" and "Ride On" are included.

What really makes no sense here is the inclusion of the "Back In Black" album. First of all, I have to think that 90% of the fans who buy this already HAVE B.I.B., and of course the more obvious fact is that this is a tribute to Bon Scott; what the heck is a Brian Johnson album doing here? I wonder if this was a scam to boost total sales figures of Back in Black.

Nice liner notes ... and the AC/DC bottle-opener is not only a hilarious touch, but a useful addition to my key chain.

If they had left out Back In Black and charged less, or better yet added another live disc with songs not included here (Long Way To The Top, Jailbreak, Dirty Deeds, for ex.), then i'd give it 5 stars. but it is still fantastic collection of some of the best straight-ahead rock and roll ever recorded.

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