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 The Delco Times reports that this fall, three rock and roll bands will attempt to work their way back to the charts and regain the revere of music fans around the world. And while across the board success is not likely by any means, it's going to make for one of the most compelling times in music history.
The line-up is impressive no matter how you cut it; AC/DC, Guns N' Roses and Metallica. It's a triple crown of legends. Spanning three generations, there isn't a more appropriate barometer to measure what rock and roll is all about, with the respective catalogs full of instantly recognizable classics.
"Back in Black," "Appetite for Destruction" and "The Black Album" have sold nearly 100 million records combined, each a flawless masterwork in its own right.
But no band is impervious to the ravages of time and the discontent or flat out tragedies that come with the trappings of fame and hopes for longevity.
AC/DC was able to rebound from the 1980 death of lead vocalist Bon Scott with "Back in Black," featuring new singer Brian Johnson. The record is full of both anthemic fist pumpers and catchy singles. "You Shook Me All Night Long" is still one of the most played songs on jukeboxes coast to coast, while the opening notes of the title track never fail to induce chills, or head bob of recognition at the very least.
No one could expect the group to replicate "Back in Black's" success each time out, but in the seven albums since, AC/DC has gone steadily downhill in terms of the quality of its recording output.
There have been some quality singles, like "Thunderstruck" from "The Razor's Edge" and the title track to "Who Made Who" - even though they share a similar guitar line.
Hidden gems exist too. "Big Gun" off the "Last Action Hero" soundtrack is classic AC/DC bravado, while the pounding "Rising Power" from "Flick of the Switch" is an unheralded jewel.
Overall though, the band hasn't released a solid record in 28 years. Part of the problem lies within the songs treading too fine a line between tongue in cheek, innuendo heavy metaphors and cheap schoolboy humor. Songs like "Caught with Your Pants Down" and "Kissin' Dynamite" don't leave much to the imagination, not only lyrically, but musically as well.
"Stiff Upper Lip," released in 2000, was the last work put out by the group, and it severely lacked in memorable hooks by guitarist Angus Young, taking a much softer approach for AC/DC in general. Johnsons' trademarked cigarette and scotch soaked voice hasn't been the best in recent years either, becoming almost a poor caricature of its former bellow.
The record hit platinum status, but was poorly received by critics and fans alike, though the latter are a loyal bunch, and filled arenas around the world for the supporting tour.
This October, AC/DC will unleash "Black Ice," and it's already been promised to be full of signature guitar licks and a rougher, tougher edge. And with a title that references the band's biggest record, it has a lot to live up to.
It's hard to believe that just 15 years ago, Guns N' Roses was the biggest rock group in the land, selling out stadiums, causing chaos, and having an appeal to everyone from metal fans to suburban housewives who loved "that "November Rain" song."
Read the full story here.
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