The 1981 Listening Post - AC/DC - For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

 AC/DC - For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

#602

By Jon Rosenberg

November 23 1981

AC/DC

For Those About to Rock We Salute You

Genre: Hard Rock

Allen’s Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Jon’s Rating: 5 out of 5

Highlights:  

For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)

Let’s Get It Up

C.O.D.

Breaking the Rules

OK, I love this album.  It will probably cause some controversy when I say this, but I think it’s even better than Back in Black - or at least its equal.  Unlike BiB, the specter of death does not hang over FTATR.  The period of mourning for original singer Bon Scott is over and now it’s time to party again.  As expected, all of the songs here contain crunchy riffs (courtesy of the Young brothers, Angus and Malcolm, on lead and rhythm guitars respectively), a throbbing backbeat (from Cliff Williams on bass and Phil Rudd on drums), and screeching, larynx-shredding vocals (from “new guy” Brian Johnson).  Returning to produce is “Mutt” Lange, who reportedly took three days just to get the sound of the snare drum just right.  Was it worth it? Probably not, in the great scheme of things.  But the album does sound fantastic.

Did I mention that I love this album?  Every song.  Personally, I don’t think there’s a weak tune to be skipped over, but there are a few that I sometimes put on repeat: The epic title track kicks things off with a grinding, slow-burn of a groove that gradually escalates to a literally explosive climax, complete with cannons firing.  An instant classic, the song has since become the traditional show closer for their live concerts, and, yes, you better believe they have real cannons on that stage!

Another favorite is “Let’s Get It Up,” which I’m amazed hasn’t found its way into a Viagra commercial by now.  When I was young and naïve, I assumed that most AC/DC songs were about sex.  Now I’m sure of it!  Regarding “Let’s Get It Up,” Brian Johnson told Kerrang! Magazine in the 80’s that the song is, "Filth, pure filth. We're a filthy band."  And who can argue with that?  

Also great is “C.O.D.,” a nasty little ditty about getting your mail delivered.  No, actually, in this case the title means “care of the devil” and it’s a love song.  Of sorts.  With some delightful wordplay that only a rock band of AC/DC’s stature could get away with.  But don’t lower your fists and lighters just yet: “Breaking the Rules” gives us the quintessential “hesher” anthem.  “I get my kicks in my own way!” wails Brian, and I for one believe him.  The perfect soundtrack for that keg party in the woods – remember those?  At least until the cops show up.

So yeah, I’ll always consider For Those About to Rock We Salute You to be the ultimate AC/DC record: big, loud, dumb and fun.  Let’s call it rock ‘n’ roll comfort food – all carbs and sugar and deep-fried to perfection.  It’s good for what ails ya!

https://open.spotify.com/album/7DUvURQ0wfA1kgG8j99frR?si=lTxkSqjbSpC6yOauzDiOiQ