As requested by many, here’s a vinyl-rip of AC/DC fifth album LP “Powerage”, in its original 1978 Australian pressing. This was the 4th international AC/DC release, and the first to feature the same artwork world-wide.
All of AC/DC’s early albums were altered for release in other markets, and this practice continued with ”Powerage”, although it was the first LP to be released nearly simultaneously in both Australian and international markets and the first to use just one cover image for both.
Released in Australia & New Zealand by Albert Productions Records, the first pressing vinyl has dark blue center labels and the famous kangaroo logo is gone. The European LP featured a different mix and track listing. On this Australian pressing we find the original “Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation” version (the European used the single edit), while “Riff Raff” isn’t fade-out, it’s complete.
With “Powerage”, the AC/DC name started to establish as favorite among the rock n’ roll fans all over the world, perhaps the Australians most influential LP. Eddie Van Halen and Rolling Stones’ guitarist Keith Richards have stated that ”Powerage” remains their favourite AC/DC record. The album is also Guns N’ Roses’ guitarist Slash and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry’s preferred album by the band, citing it as a major influence.
This vinyl-rip sounds million bucks, clean and powerful.
”Powerag”e is the rock legend’s fifth studio album and easily one of the best Bon Scott era recordings. It’s as if it has been overshadowed by Highway To Hell, Back In Black, and Scott’s unfortunate passing in 1980.
As a result, underrated, is likely the best way to describe ”Powerage” for it’s a monster of an album but it just isn’t the one that everyone talks about, nor is it the album that you immediately think of when you think of AC/DC.
Something that a few note and it’s the reason these renowned guitarists admire this record is that Angus Young ‘changed’ his guitar sound. While on previous LP’s all was about plug-in into the amp, here Angus created a sharper set-up sound and while still raw rollicking, his guitar sounds in control, precise, razor-sharp.
Bon Scott was an incredible vocalist and no more is that true than when listening to his searing vocals on songs such as Rock ’N’ Roll Damnation, Riff Raff, and Sin City.
”Powerage” it is also Cliff Williams’ first recording with AC/DC.
Rock ’N’ Roll Damnation is a killer opening track that harks back to It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ’N’ Roll); another opener on High Voltage. The guitar work here is exceptional and Scott’s vocal is searing. Interestingly, Rock ’N’ Roll Damnation only saw the light of day as the record label felt ”Powerage” needed a radio-worthy tune. I’d argue there are several single-worthy songs to be heard on ”Powerage”, but radio-friendly, perhaps not.
Nevertheless, Rock ’N’ Roll Damnation has become a fan favourite and a mainstay in AC/DC’s back catalogue, even appearing on their compilation soundtrack Iron Man 2. Plus, it’s about the coolest song to have ever featured handclaps; an often overused and somewhat corny musical technique.
Down Payment Blues could have very well ended up on Stiff Upper Lip; an incredible album in its own right. Just take a listen to this full-bodied blues-based rhythmic rock masterpiece and you’ll see the correlation. It’s an incredible song, one of my all-time favourite AC/DC tunes and another Bon Scott vocal extravaganza. This is blues-based hard rock at its very best!
Gimmie A Bullet is a solid rock and roll tune, but it’s nothing to write home about, and certainly pales in comparison to Down Payment Blues. Still, ”Powerage” wouldn’t be the same without it.
Riff Raff is an off-the-charts riff-driven song that will have you air-guitaring every time you hear it. The riff is so memorable that you’ll even hear the influence on some pop bands later.
Sin City is a monster track for the opening of Side Two of the record. Just like the seductiveness of Las Vegas, which the song is influenced by, Sin City will reach down to the lowest depths of your soul, infusing it with a masterful rhythmically charged, bass-focused, sonic masterpiece. What more could one ask from AC/DC? More music, certainly, but Sin City is utterly perfect!
Next To The Moon has a guitar tuning that I adore as the level of distortion is spot on. A great song. Gone Shootin’ is a barebones rock and roll tune but it has such an incredibly addictive rhythm that it becomes an instant classic and a highlight of ”Powerage”.
Up To My Neck In You continues the rhythmically charged attack on the senses and while Up To My Neck In You was never going to be a standout tune, Angus’ lead guitar licks ensure that this is a hidden gem.
Kicked In The Teeth has a killer, primarily, vocal introduction that is simply incredible. From a vocal perspective, I’d suggest that this is one of the best vocal performances of Bon Scott’s career. If nothing else, it’s a perfect closer for ”Powerage” with a drilling rhythm that will make you want to play this LP again and stay within AC/DC’s extensive catalogue of music.
The remastered reissue of ”Powerage” is good for the digital era, but arguably is a little more shrill and compressed, unless you boost the bass, thereby resulting in a sound that doesn’t hold together as smoothly as the vinyl counterpart; especially when pumping the volume.
The differences are particularly noticeable on Sin City. As solidly as the bass solo is reproduced on the digital release, the surrounding musical elements, outside of the solo, are simply less dynamic and jarring on the senses.
When listening to the vinyl record, however, you’ll feel the bass in the deepest depths of your soul. Similarly, the opening of What’s Next To The Moon is incredibly open on the vinyl, but feels more restricted in soundstage depth and width on the remastered CD.
”Powerage”, while underrated, is amongst AC/DC’s greatest recordings as it highlights the raw power and energy of their music. It’s all killer, no filler, pure blues-based rock and roll album. If you’re a fan you already know this, but when was the last time you spun this 1978 rock classic?
You may be surprised just how long it has been but if you’ve made it this far, you’ve got no excuse; give it a spin!
Highly Recommended
A1 – Rock ‘N’ Roll Damnation
A2 – Down Payment Blues
A3 – Gimme A Bullet
A4 – Riff Raff
B1 – Sin City
B2 – Next To The Moon
B3 – Gone Shootin’
B4 – Up To My Neck In You
B5 – Kicked In The Teeth
Bon Scott – lead vocals
Angus Young – lead guitar
Malcolm Young – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Cliff Williams – bass, backing vocals
Phil Rudd – drums