Back in Black [Import]

Most critics complain Back in Black, the album AC/DC recorded after the death of their original lead screamer Bon Scott, is ridiculously juvenile, obvious, snickering, bludgeoning, derivative, single-minded about sex and booze, a big cartoon. All true, of course, and--on rock 'n' ragers like "What Do You Do For Money Honey," "You Shook Me All Night Long," and the title track--all great. As Scott's replacement Brian Johnson reminds us, loud and crunchy, no-holds-barred "rock and roll ain't noise pollution...it makes good, good sense." Never trust anyone who refuses to drink domestic beer, laugh at the Three Stooges, or crank Back in Black. --David Cantwell

Miraculeusement, Angus Young le diablotin de la guitare hard et ses complices se transcendent pour surmonter la mort accidentelle de Bon Scott, leur chanteur bien aimé. Comme l'indiquent la couleur de la pochette, le titre et le tocsin qui résonne au début de "Hell's Bells", Back In Black est un hommage en bonne et due forme au cher disparu. Hommage façon AC/DC, c'est-à-dire rentre-dedans à souhait, célébrant le rock qui n'est pas une pollution sonore, affirment-ils et les femmes, avec un (faux) mauvais goût assumé. Qui d'autre aurait osé composer un morceau intitulé "Have A Drink On Me" quand on sait que Bon Scott a succombé en s'étouffant dans son vomi après une nuit de beuverie. Son successeur, le sympathique Brian Johnson, sait se montrer à la hauteur du déluge de feu et de sang qui l'entoure. A circonstances exceptionnelles, disque exceptionnel, la marque d'un très grand groupe. Toutes catégories confondues, n'en déplaise aux détracteurs du hard-rock. --Thierry Chatain

Limited EU-only Fanpack edition of the Australian rockers' 1980 album includes the CD alongside a sticker, badge, guitar pick, keyring, and a temporary tattoo of the AC/DC logo! For over three decades, the Australian rockers led by guitar legend Angus Young, have continued to churn out massive Hard Rock albums and their popularity continues to defy their harshest critics. With vocalist Brian Johnson taking over vocal duties from the late Bon Scott, the band's sound may have changed ever-so-slightly but their dominance of FM radio helped to influence and inspire hundreds (if not thousands) of bands who arrived in their wake. Now Classic Rock staples, even the snooty critics of yore have learned to love their always-trendy riff-heavy Rock 'N' Roll style. Sony. 2009.