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For a year that produced a brand new number-one album and a hit worldwide tour, Australian rockers AC/DC could say that 2008 was its best year since its ’80s glory days.
However, to continue capitalizing on that success, the group has released "Backtracks," a three-disc box set of new, old and never-before-heard music by arguably the greatest rock band of all time.
One of the coolest parts of this box set is not the music, it is the packaging.
Presented inside a box painted to resemble an old guitar amplifier, it turns out the head of the box is an actual working, one watt amp.
Granted, you really cannot use the amp with a whole lot of success, the idea behind it and the collectability of this in the future makes it all worth while.
Despite the unique features on the outside, it is inside the box that will truly make this a worthwhile purchase for any AC/DC fan. Although the music is not the only thing to look forward to in this compilation, it really is the focal point, as you can probably understand.
Included in the box set are three discs.
Disc one contains 18 tracks called "studio rarities." This includes songs that were recorded and never released on any studio album in the United States.
Of these songs, the highlight of unreleased material has to be the track "R.I.P (Rock in Peace)."
Originally released with the Australian version of "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," "R.I.P." was never carried over to the international release of the album.
Same goes for many of the other songs included on this disc.
However, just because it was never released does not mean it didn’t deserve to make the cut. "R.I.P." is a good time, get down and boogie song from the group, showcasing great guitar riffs and catchy lyrics.
Let’s just say "R.I.P." is a perfect AC/DC bar track, suitable for jukeboxes and playlists at hole-in-the-wall bars across the country.
Discs two and three of the box set include 29 live tracks from performances all over the world. These two discs also include a few rarities, in addition to embracing the AC/DC classics such as "Highway to Hell."
If visual music is more your thing, "Backtracks" includes AC/DC’s "Live at the Circus Krone" and "Family Jewels 3" DVD, showcasing the on-stage prowess of these ageless rockers.
In the end there is nothing bad to say about this box set. The record company has worked hard on this one to produce a worthwhile release for AC/DC fans.
In a day and age of rock where so many groups fall flat on their faces year in and year out, one thing remains constant: quality music by AC/DC.
Grade: A
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