Sunday, 27 March 2016

Week 2 [28.03-03.04.2016] AC/DC Beginning of the end?



Beginning of the end?


1. The Band

Thunderstruck, Highway to Hell, Back in Black, T.N.T. - those songs are only a small part of  a rock legend known as AC/DC  – an Australian hard rock band formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Margaret, a sister of the founder, had a strong impact on it. The name of the band was her idea- taken from a vacuum cleaner (Alternating Current / Direct Current).
In 1975 was released their first album - High Voltage. They sold over 200 million albums worldwide. Last thing which I wanted to mention before telling more about its current members was a change of a lead singer after Bon Scott’s death in 1980 when band members had two options: disbanding or trying to find a new lead singer. And that's how Brian Johnson became a part of AC/DC. If you want to compare voices of those two great singers, I recommend checking this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxnIHK0FXU8.


2. Current members

http://www.acdc.com/

From the left:
Angus Young - guitar (1973 - now)
Cliff Williams - bass (1978 - now)
Brian Johnson  - vocals (1980 - now?)
Stevie Young - guitar (2014 - now)
Chris Slade - drums (1989-1994, 2015 - now)

3. Ten tracks which I would like to recommend

List of songs which in my opinion are good:

1. Shoot to Thrill
2. Back in Black
3. Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
4. Thunderstruck
5. High Voltage
6. Rock 'n' Roll Train
7. Hells Bells
8. You Shook Me All Night Long
9. T.N.T.
10. Highway to Hell
* For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) - if you want to see how it looked like in Warsaw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGUmg0nHrnk

*Yes, I know - ten songs... Let's say that the last one is like an encore ;)

Full discography

http://orig07.deviantart.net/

4. Controversies (last 2 years)

Malcolm Young
Its co-founder and former guitarist, who  has been suffering from dementia and had a lung and heart surgery, was forced to retire in 2014 after 41 years of playing. He was replaced by his nephew - Stevie.

Phil Rudd
A former drummer was arrested for attempting to procure a murder, threatening to kill and the possession of marijuana and methamphetamine (the murder-procurement charge was dropped due to insufficient evidence) he was sentenced to 8 months of house detention and rehabilitation program during Rock or Bust World Tour. Fortunately, Chris Slade replaced him quite well.

Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson is... Brian Johnson - front man and vocal of  AC/DC. Because of his hearing issues, AC/DC US tour has been canceled. There are some rumors about "firing" Brian from the band and attempts to find a replacement but for now they are not confirmed.

5. My feelings about the future and experience from the past

Well, I can only hope that Brian Johnson will recover fast and the band will resume its US tour and they won't abandon Brian (I'm waiting for the confirmed information impatiently).
Being a part of their concert is worth every price. I won't forget their show in Warsaw: atmosphere was really cool, there were many "artifacts" associated with songs (i.e. bell (Hells Bells), doll (Whole Lotta Rosie), cannons (For Those About to Rock)). Emotions during the concert were so strong that my friend lost his glasses at the very beginning :)


Questions:
1. What type of music do you like (rock maybe ;))?
2. Do you know some covers which are in your opinion better than original songs (any examples)?


Sources:
1. www.acdc.com
2. en.wikipedia.org
3. www.axs.com
4. ultimateclassicrock.com
5. www.rollingstone.com

28 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. 1. I love rock music. I think that this kind of music shows true Singer emotions. Rock songs have also smart text, wich I often had opportunity to incorporate into my life. Sometimes when I read the texts of such songs, I feel like I'm reading my own biography and it's just cool. Besides, I like the sound of the guitar.
    2. I know many, but one is my favorite. A good portion of us (me too) does not like Justin Bieber because of the antics of a young teenager who has achieved success too early. However, I have to admit that some of his songs are catchy and he has a good voice to perform the pop songs. I like one of his song - "Beauty and the Beat", but I stopped to listen to the original version when I heard this cover : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-BXNXvTvV4 and I think that it is better than original.

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    1. When songs are written and performed by the same person, It's like listening sb's life story. That form of self-expression can be really inspiring. Yes, guitar is really cool (good guitar solo (like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6Y3mKy8s2k) makes me green with envy because I can't play :)).
      In my opinion, this cover is much more better than the original version (First of all: really great two-voices singing + some kind of a nice simplicity. Secondly: I don't like Mr. B. ;)).

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  3. 1. I like rock music, my favorite bands are Arctic Monkeys , Red Hot Chilli Pepers and Coldplay . Typically rock songs have an interesting text that fits the strong melody. With the exception of rock I like also the R & B and Jazz .

    2.
    In my opinion, the original songs are better than the covers , with the exception of one . The song Your Song - Elton John more like in execution Ellie Goulding . Check it out yourself! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9AFMVMl9qE

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    1. I know those bands, especially RHCP. When I'm thinking about jazz I see a saxophone and I hear this melody: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDjbPKegQuo.
      Thanks for this link, poor Elton :)

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  4. 1. I just love music itself, but mostly I’m listening to rock, metal and punk. The most valuable part of music for me are lyrics – I always can find song that will be exactly expressing my mood and thoughts.
    2. There are lots of covers that made huge impression on me, but recently I discovered Lindsey Stirling ( https://www.youtube.com/user/lindseystomp ). Her covers are amazing. My favorites are:
    - Skyrim theme cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSLPH9d-jsI
    - Imagine Dragons - Radioactive cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aE2GCa-_nyU
    - Star Wars theme cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtQb2axKpuw
    - Game of Thrones theme cover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oNpmSAvpGQ

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    1. We remember melody and sometimes It could be much stronger than words but melody and words - wow! That's the true power of the music.
      I like to watch her music videos because she is skilled violinist and her shows are original (sceneries etc.). Have you tried this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCL94-MsxYc (I think, I like it because I like this musical and every piece of music connected with it :))?

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  5. 1. Personally I don't listen to rock music often, I'm more into electronic music myself, however there are some rock songs that I really do enjoy.

    2. This is a hard question since i do not really know if you are referring to covers as in covers of rock songs or covers in general. Since I do not listen rock music and dont know any covers heres a nice remix for you

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsIyY86nCCU

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    1. The greatest advantage of covers and remixes is they don't need to stick to an original genre of a song. Thanks for this version - I haven't heard it before :)

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  6. Regarding Brian Johnson's hearing problem, have you heard that he was offered a treatment in the World Hearing Centre in Poland? Professor Skarżyński - the creator of the centre and world famous ear surgeon - claims that his team has great experience in the treatment of partial and total hearing loss and that they would be pleased to help Johnson to recover full hearing.

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    1. Yes, I've heard about it. It's a good opportunity for Professor Skarżyński and Brian Johnson to benefit from this situation. There is another interesting rumor: Axl Rose - the lead vocalist of Guns N' Roses will front AC/DC for their remaining shows.

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  7. 1. What type of music do you like (rock maybe ;))?
    I like various kinds of music. If something is catchy I will gladly listen to it. I'm a big fan of Jennifer Lopez's legacy and music since I can remember. I enjoy listening to Rihanna's or Beyonce's songs. I think that they have both strong and original voices. Sometimes I am in the mood to listen to dubstep or rap.

    2. Do you know some covers which are in your opinion better than original songs (any examples)?
    Yes, recently Adele published her new song - Hello. For me the original version is too sluggish and I didn't go for it untill I've heard the remix of this song playing on RMFFM MAXX. It is so much better. Here's a link to this cover: https://www.rmfmaxxx.pl/muzyka/u/adele,hello-remix,4886.html

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    1. Jennifer Lopez is a woman of many talents: an actress, a singer and a dancer.
      Thank you for your version of "Hello". It's much more dynamic.

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  8. Thank you for your presentation. I think that AC/DC is now a legendary band and is well-known on every place on Earth. I want to refer to a hearing problems of Brian Johnson as Piotr said. I hope that our specialists in World Hearing Centre in Kajetany will help him. This is big opportunity for Poland to show to the rest of the world how many great specialists we have.

    1. Yes, Rock:D. As I said in one presentation in previous semester. My type of music, which I prefer is rock and metal. My favourite band is System of a Down. I was once in 2013 in Łódź at their’s concert. This was one of the best experience of my life. Additionally it was my first rock concert, so it was something special for me :D. As you said in your presentation, also there atmosphere was great. Everyone who loves this band was in one place having fun together. I certainly will not forget this event.
    Listening to rock music gives me power and strength for every next day. This is also the best music to run, you don’t see any borders and you can overcome your weaknesses.

    2. Now nothing springs to mind, but I prefer to hear original songs than covers. Now on the radio we can hear many songs of this new DJ’s, who makes covers form original songs. Sometimes when I drive a car I am listening to the Radio Eska or other mainstream station and I am able to hear covers but they are not able to tickle my fancy.

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    1. I know a few their songs. When they will play in Poland again, I have to go on their concert (maybe in Łódź again - Atlas Arena is OK :))!
      I like covers played during the concert as a tribute to the other band. Try this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iynt0jBD2U

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  9. I think when it comes to old rock'n'roll bands you can never be sure that there might an end to their activities. There's been so many band break-ups and subsequent reunions that it could be too hard to count them (just in the recent years). The Beatles is a good example. Paul, John, George and Ringo broke up as band in 1970 and we've been hearing about their disputes and arguements ever since. Even though John Lennon died in 1980, in the nineties new singles were released by The Beatles as a part of their Anthology albums. Now when George is gone and Paul and Ringo are the only ones left I'm sure that in the years to come there will be found new, fresh, never released before, original (etc, etc) songs. For some that might be a good thing, for others a bad. But still, if a band is great, its legacy lives long after the band breaks up. I guess it all depends on what one considers the end of a band. So I wouldn't be so adamant about the future of AC/DC.
    1. Once I had a friend who when asked this question always was prepared to give the same answer: "The good ones". I know, it's quite pretentious, but isn't it that we all want to think that the bands we listen to are great (if not great!) no matter the genre. For me it's rock music because there are so many subgenres that you can find for yourself depending on your taste (or just mood). Led Zeppelin and AC/DC are considered hard rock music, but as I recall AC/DC band-member were never too fond of LZ sound. One of the songs OP mentioned (Whole Lotta Rosie) is a good example of that.
    2. Johny Cash - Hurt (a Nine Inch Nails cover) for sure. So different and much more powerful than the original.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vt1Pwfnh5pc

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  11. Songs of bands gone long ago are still alive in memories of their fans but reunions of bands which members are still with us (like Guns N’ Roses) are great occasions to experience their music and an atmosphere on their concerts – it’s priceless.
    Thanks for that cover, I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve totally forgotten about Cash. It’s time to refresh my playlist :)

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  12. It's really sad that in regards of health issues of band members AC/DC is actually falling apart. I think it'll be probably end of them.

    1. What type of music do you like (rock maybe ;))?

    I like to listen to mostly everything :) Maybe besides discopolo and techno. My favourite artist now is... hard choice but Ed Sheeran.
    If we're talking about rock bands. I really like Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Linkin Park and Muse.

    2. Do you know some covers which are in your opinion better than original songs (any examples)?

    About covers: I really like Lindsay Stirling, someone already mentioned her, also guys called 2Cellos are doing great music (yeah they're playing cellos :P)
    Example:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-9VZZWtMfQ

    My favourite? It's not strict cover (it's not 1:1 cover of song but still is highly inspirated by original): cover of Bob Dylan's All Along the Watchtower, Devlin - (All Along The) Watchtower ft. Ed Sheeran.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfAIgkd8Yjo

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  13. 1. What type of music do you like (rock maybe ;))?
    It depends on my mood, but also I'm not a big music fan, so mostly I am just listening to that what is served to me on the radio. Even so, half of the tracks are flying somewhere next to me :)
    In almost every genre I can find something catchy for me.

    2. Do you know some covers which are in your opinion better than original songs (any examples)?
    I think that original songs are better then their covers, but due to that I'm not big music fan, maybe there are some exceptions, but I didn't find them until today :)

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  14. 1. What type of music do you like (rock maybe ;))?
    I like different kinds of music but lately, I'm into 60's vibe kind of "rock". You can call it surf rock, it was simply music created for surfers by surfers. Back in the day that kind of rock music was considered very alternative, and people who listened to it were labeled as rebels and "bad kids".

    2. Do you know some covers which are in your opinion better than original songs (any examples)?

    In my opinion covers rarely are better than originals. But of course there are few exceptions. Like for expamle "How will i know" originally by Whitney Houston, covered by Evan Dando the lead singer of The Lemonheads. And the other one is "You're the one that I want" from the musical Greese, sung by The lennings, it's a bit sadder than the original song, but it makes it way better.

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  15. 1. What type of music do you like (rock maybe ;))?
    I like different kinds of music but lately, I'm into 60's vibe kind of "rock". You can call it surf rock, it was simply music created for surfers by surfers. Back in the day that kind of rock music was considered very alternative, and people who listened to it were labeled as rebels and "bad kids".

    2. Do you know some covers which are in your opinion better than original songs (any examples)?

    In my opinion covers rarely are better than originals. But of course there are few exceptions. Like for expamle "How will i know" originally by Whitney Houston, covered by Evan Dando the lead singer of The Lemonheads. And the other one is "You're the one that I want" from the musical Greese, sung by The lennings, it's a bit sadder than the original song, but it makes it way better.

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  16. 1. It's hard to say what kind of music I like mostly... It's easier to say what music I don't like :) For instance, I don't listen to country at all :P

    2. The only one song that has just come to my mind is "I will always love you" which was originally recorded by Dolly Parton (you tube link) but I think was better performed by Whitney Houston in Bodyguard film (you tube link)

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  17. I listen everything i like, and i don't have one type of music i listen to. So it's hard to say...
    I really like nowadays covers of old songs, with new beat, it's refreshing

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  18. I listen everything i like, and i don't have one type of music i listen to. So it's hard to say...
    I really like nowadays covers of old songs, with new beat, it's refreshing

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  19. Hi Łukasz,

    Thank you for the great article written with passion.

    1. What type of music do you like (rock maybe ;))?

    I like different kinds of music and and I do not have one type that I listen to.

    2. Do you know some covers which are in your opinion better than original songs (any examples)?

    I know many, but this one is my favorite. Like mentioned above I really like Lindsay Stirling - her songs are amazing especially with reference to violin.
    Here is my favorite:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-yGqJCOJxw

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  20. Hi, thanks for your article. I can see that music is your passion. Back to your questions. I listen diffrent type of music, hip-hop, r&b, roc, dance, electro, nu rave, punk and funky music. Music is very inportant part of my life, and it's accompaning everyday. I can say that, music gives me an inspiration.

    My fav cover is Karma Police (is the song created by Radiohead), this song as duplicated by Panic!at the Disco, I prefer this one, beacuse I see in it, more emotions that orignal version. Other song whitch i prefer more than orginal is personal jesus, duplicated by Marylin Manson, created by Depache Mode. When I'm listing Manson version i have chicken skin.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi, thanks for your article. I can see that music is your passion. Back to your questions. I listen diffrent type of music, hip-hop, r&b, roc, dance, electro, nu rave, punk and funky music. Music is very inportant part of my life, and it's accompaning everyday. I can say that, music gives me an inspiration.

    My fav cover is Karma Police (is the song created by Radiohead), this song as duplicated by Panic!at the Disco, I prefer this one, beacuse I see in it, more emotions that orignal version. Other song whitch i prefer more than orginal is personal jesus, duplicated by Marylin Manson, created by Depache Mode. When I'm listing Manson version i have chicken skin.

    ReplyDelete