Published on Apr 21, 1998
The purpose of live albums is to recreate the experience of
being there at a concert. The downside of them is that some of the
elements – the atmosphere, the light show, the crazy fans – can’t
be duplicated and put on the CD. Furthermore, many live albums
leave much to be desired – an easy example is Led Zeppelin’s
The Song Remains The Same, which didn’t do any justice to an
incredible live band. At best, live albums are quick snapshots into
the life of a band – not only their musical material, but their
attitude and their abilities are forever imprinted on the
recording.
If that is true, then AC/DC’s
If You Want Blood, You’ve Got It is a snapshot into one of
the loudest and rowdiest bands in rock and roll history. It tells
you of a band hungry for success and in full command of their
capabilities.
Few live albums can give you that feeling of being there. From
the start – with “Riff Raff” – the band sounds raw and real. The
album is loud and aggressive. Most bands would do their softer
material in the middle, but AC/DC – having no “soft” material –
pound away with stuff like “Whole Lotta Rosie,” “Problem Child” and
“Rock ‘N’ Roll Damnation.”
The incomparable Bon Scott, who I think is still not getting his
due, sounds terrific in here and in full command of the audience.
He manages to make “The Jack” sound randier than before – a feat
which is, well, amazing. Angus Young finds ways of twisting and
turning his guitar into incredible solos. The rhythm section –
guitarist Malcolm Young, bassist Cliff Williams and drummer Phil
Rudd – constantly keep the rhythm going without letting up. Listen
to “Let There Be Rock.” These guys were
on!
After the album closing “Rocker,” the listener is left wanting
much, much more. That’s my one small complaint. I want more.
There’s no “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” no “Live Wire” and no
more material from
Powerage – the album they were touring to support.
Listen to it. Few bands can match this much raw power. Not only
that, but they are incredibly on point and don’t let up. After
listening to this album, your appreciation of live concerts may go
up – as will your expectations. And that is a final benefit – you
not only appreciate live shows more, but you’ll expect bands to
give you more. And that’s only fair.