Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap is an important part of AC/DC's catalog to their fans around the world. However, when and what you heard on the album varied from country to country. Originally released in Australia in 1976 with a cover that looked like something Angus drew with crayons after school, DDDDC featured some all time anthems like the title track and Jailbreak. But around the world not only would the cover be different but the songs and lengths of certain songs were changed based on what had already been released in different territories.
Perhaps most importantly, the US record company (ATCO) decided not to release the album as the band were unable to tour and therefore promote the album in the States. Five years later after the success of Highway to Hell, the demise of lead singer and character Bon Scott and the triumphant (and multi diamond selling) return of the band with Brian Johnson on Back in Black, AC/DC were in demand. So despite the protests of the band who didn't want it released as they had a new singer, new bass player (Cliff Burton had replaced Mark Evans) and new trajectory with that lineup, Dirty Deeds was finally released in 1981.
Bon Scott's menacing lyrics and snarling vocals are in their full glory on this record with AC/DC classics like Problem Child, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap and the fan favorite Big Balls as he talks about his fancy dance parties (or is he...) Malcolm's hammering the rhythm with those big AC/DC riffs but he lays down some bluesy stuff on tracks like Ride On and There's Gonna Be Some Rockin'. Angus Young is still about 21-22 at this point so while there are flashes of brilliance that would show he'll one day be regarded as an all-time guitar legend, there are some spots where he's still trying to catch up with his big brother.
With 7 million in US sales, the record execs got what they wanted but did it hamper the next Brian Johnson album, For Those About To Rock We Salute You? It may have been a bit confusing at the time and the imported version is different than the one we grew up on but there's a lot of fun to be had on Dirty Deeds.
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