If You Want Blood (you've got it) by AC/DC
Originally written 6 July 2005

What was going on?
The Aussiest of all Aussie rock, AC/DC have achieved superstardom with high selling album after another with energetic live performances! U.S. and Europe, however, were not receiving the proper dosage of High Voltage. A live album was then conjured up to electrify audiences. AC/DC was touring in support of Powerage and have been putting their music out there. They have appeared briefly on a few television shows like The Midnight Special and UK&#146s Top of the Pops. The material they have here is mostly made up of High Voltage, Let There Be Rock, and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, (internationally speaking). You have few tracks being performed from Powerage, however.

The band is for now before 1980:
Bon Scott- lead singer
Angus Young- lead guitar
Malcolm Young- rhythm guitar
Phil Rudd- drums
Cliff Williams- bass

If you read my High Voltage review, you would know how to identify these guys and what characteristics they when performing. The showman Bon Scott will be instantly recognizable the instant you see him and how could one ignore the star, Angus Young. I do not know of any bands that have their lead guitarist in a school boy&#146s outfit. I had no idea what this album was going to be about when I purchased it for eight dollars or something. I thought this was going to be a mix of previously released songs, but I was wrong. It was a live album and much to my surprise, it did not contain the track &#147If You Want Blood (You've Got It)&#148. That song would be released in Highway to Hell

The opening track to this live album is &#147Riff Raff&#148 (Powerage). &#147Riff Raff&#148 goes off fast and boisterous with a wild beat. I love the performance of this track. I could not understand what Scott is singing. It combines the beats of blues and speed of punk even though there was no intention to do so. Rudd hits the drums pretty hard to keep up with the pace while William keeps a steady bass line.

Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be (Let There Be Rock). Oh wait; yes it is a very bad place to be. This song is one my favorite tracks thanks to Scott&#146s vocals and lyrics about a girl who is pretty much the devil even though she is hot and might licks his ear. I am sure this song will remind someone of their girlfriend or boyfriend. There is nothing one can do except to shame and then tell them no lies and play no games. Young&#146s provide a rich crunchy guitar riff at the beginning that will hook anyone the second they hear it while audience cheers.

Bad Boy Boogie (Let There Be Rock) is definitely not be mistaken for &#147Bad Boy Boogie&#148 from Motley Crue. Unlike that ridiculous track, "Bad Boy Boogie" is very self-descriptive like &#147Bad to the Bone&#148. Yet, AC/DC puts a lot of groove to the music than George Thorogood. There is a cool breakdown in the song that keeps everything tense and ready. I assume Angus or Bon are up to no good around this time. You get a lot of audience reaction including them clapping along which is pretty cool. I always love it when the band involves the audience.

You got an itch, and then have &#147The Jack (High Voltage). The lyrics differ a lot and are no longer metaphorical, but the meaning is the same and that can be a pro or a con. The audiences are very responsive and involved with the performance as they chant and sing it too. The music is very bluesy with repetitive rhythm and slow tempo, not to mention a cool guitar solo.

&#147Problem Child&#148 (Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap) and it is not about the 1990s film starring the late John Ritter or related to the Beach Boys song. I love this song and the live version is even better. It is electric and boisterous. Lyrics feature Scott&#146s ultimate fantasy towards his maladjusted feeling to society. Vividness is best described to the performance when heard. I really enjoy this live track.

"Whole Lotta Rosie" (Let There Be Rock) comes in and steals the show and WOW! &#147Whole Lotta Rosie&#148 is a larger than life confessional. Scott&#146s vocals are refreshing and energetic while Angus goes crazy as lead. I love it when the crowds cheer Angus at the beginning. Lyrics anticipate description to Rosie.

Rock N' Roll Damnation& (Powerage) provides an excellent background during the chorus. Lyrics penned here are about the perdition rock bands suffer from the basic needs to respect. Between live and studio, "Rock N Roll Damnation" is just good to listen to and kick back when we at one point go through skepticism and are taunted.

High Voltage (High Voltage) is just nice live. I have said earlier in a review that the track "High Voltage" describes what the band is all about. Never mind the cheap gimmicks band and record companies pull, AC/DC is straight .The band captures perfectly to the attitude they put in this track. I figure the band has a lot of fun playing this song live and it shows in this album. Scott&#146s vocals are excellent and audible.

Let There Be Rock(Let There Be Rock) preaches to amorous masses! It is amazing live as AC/DC takes time performing it longer and electric than the original! Contrary to the studio version, Angus indulges in guitar solos, riffs, and licks. Rudd and Williams keep a steady beat throughout the entire time adding tension in breaks and rhythm. Scott is great as always and Malcolm does not get too caught up in the energy. The songs purpose other than rock is best served as a staple track, so &#147Let there be Rock!&#148

Rocker (Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap) is a frenzy over the top performances. The music and rhythm is repetitive that its roots hail back to 50s rock n roll. The lyrics support this with references such as slick back hair, Cadillac, blue suede shoes and so forth.

This album is one AC/DC's best in terms of live album! Heck, it is possible one of the best live albums out there. If you were amazed by the studio songs then if you want Blood (You've got it) will knock your socks off! AC/DC would go on to have a new producer John Mutt Lange and release their big break Highway to Hell. Ten tracks were all that was needed although I have heard "Sin City" was cut out and "Rocker" shortened. I must say this has gone unnoticed with me. It is that good of a live album demonstrating the power AC/DC has. The band works great only that Bon and Angus steal the show, so you will give them most of the credit while ignoring the rest. I would have love hear "Sin City" and "TNT" in this, but oh well. If you want blood and gore, rent a film, but if you want to rock n roll, AC/DC's If You Want Blood is the solution.

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out