High Voltage!: AC/DC’s ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’ Turns 50
Looking back on the band’s best album with Bon Scott
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap was an epilogue of sorts that closed out the first chapter of AC/DC’s career.
It was the end of the era that was marked by the presence of the band’s former lead singer, Bon Scott. Many fans still consider that particular period to be their finest era overall, Scott’s successor Brian Johnson notwithstanding. So too, there are those that contend that Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap was their ultimate accomplishment, equalled or exceeded only by subsequent albums Highway To Hell, Back In Black and finally, For Those About To Rock We Salute You.
Released on Sept. 20, 1976 in Europe, New Zealand and the band’s native Australia, it didn’t appear on record shelves in the U.S. until 1981, a year after Scott’s death, which made it an unintended requiem in many regards. Atlantic Records, AC/DC’s American label, initially refused to release it, citing concerns that it was too rough and raw sounding for Stateside consumers. Ironically, the company also disliked Scott’s raucous vocals while feeling that the production values were not up to their standards.
Despite the belated release, the album went on to receive kudos courtesy of the majority of the music publications at the time, winning at least three out of five stars in each as a mark of their critical acclaim. It was certified triple platinum both in Australia and America, accounting for sales of 6 million copies in the U.S. alone, making it AC/DC’s best-selling album, second only to the aforementioned Highway To Hell and Back In Black. Indeed, it soared on the strength of Scott’s menacing and malevolent vocals, as well as the reliable riffs proffered by brothers Angus and Malcolm Young and the steady support provided by the rhythm section consisting of drummer Phil Rudd and bassist Mark Evans, both of whom made their debut with the band shortly before the initiation of the recording.
So too, the album was distinguished by the fact that it was the first AC/DC album to be entirely recorded by its then-core line-up, whereas earlier efforts featured at least one track that featured a one-off bassist or drummer.
Produced by Harry Vanda and George Young, the team that originally helmed the Easybeats, the first Aussie group to compete within the British Invasion of the mid-60s (they scored internationally with their mega-hit “Friday On My Mind”), the recording commenced in December 1975. The compatibility factor was assured given that Young was the elder brother of Angus and Malcolm.
Vanda and Young eventually made their way to the U.K. to record at Vineland Studios, intending to create an EP, although that idea was later scrapped. Likewise, various songs originally intended for the album — “Carry Me Home,” “Dirty Eyes” and “I’m A Rebel”— were also discarded, although the former was later tapped for a B-side. Another song, ”Love at First Feel,” was also salvaged from the sessions, although it didn’t make it on to the Australian release.
As history would have it, the relentless title track would later emerge as one of the band’s signature songs, and given its anthemic overdrive, it remains a staple of hard rock radio even today, its stomp and shout affirming AC/DC’s irresponsible attitude. The song’s narrator invites people who have particular problems to reach out for help in resolving their dire distress. However, it’s the dirty deeds that prevail when the solutions offered result in unsavory acts meant to counter equally unspeakable situations.
According to lore, the term used for the title, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” originated with the cartoon “Beany and Cecil,” a supposed favorite of Angus’ when he was a mere child. In addition to the two title characters, the cartoon boasted an animated individual named “Dishonest John” who carried a business card that read “Dirty deeds done dirt cheap. Special rates for Sundays and holidays.”
That’s somewhat suspect of course, but true to their rowdy reputation, the album’s other offerings were no less auspicious in terms of their intent. The one obvious exception,“Ride On,” provides a bit of a respite, its bluesy demeanor offering an opportunity for Scott to reconsider his rowdy ways, however momentarily. Sung from the personal perspective of an abusive alcoholic, the song stands out from the rest of the repertoire, given the fact that it takes the form of a soulful soliloquy marked by reflection and resilience.
VIDEO: AC/DC “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap ” live at River Plate 2009
Nevertheless, it was raunch, not remorse, that permeated the rest of the record. For example, in an interview with a publication called RAM, Scott insisted that the song “Squealer” was about a sexual encounter with a virgin. The driving and determined “Love At First Feel,” and the sardonic “Rocker” each speak for themselves. The riveting, relentless “Problem Child” was said to have been influenced by Angus. The cursing shared in “Ain’t No Fun (Waiting ‘Round to be a Millionaire)” made it a highly unlikely candidate for airplay. “There’s Gonna Be Some Rockin'” is all its title suggests, propelled by an assertive rhythm that brings to mind Willie Dixon’s song “Seventh Son.”
AUDIO: Willie Dixon “Seventh Son”
The assertive, sardonic and half-spoken rocker “Big Balls” is the album’s most infamous track, situated within a similarly promiscuous set of songs, given that Scott’s clever lyrics made use of a double entendre. On the one hand, it appears to reference a lavish balloon party. On the other, it refers to his testicles. The latter is hardly surprising in that it’s well in keeping with the sexual innuendo that pervades the album overall.
Later editions of Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap would vary somewhat from the original release, given that other songs that were added and/or sometimes substituted, in addition to the fact that extended versions of certain songs sometimes released as well . Still, it’s the initial version of the album and its nine-song set still stands as the most definitive collection overall and the version that most pundits prefer.
Fifty years on, there’s no diminishing Dirty Deeds.
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