AC/DC: Back In Black

AC/DC's "Back In Black" - 2013 Reissue Rises to the Occasion

Few albums in rock history carry the weight of AC/DC's "Back In Black." This monumental record wasn't just another entry in the hard rock canon—it emerged from the crucible of tragedy and stands as testament to resilience in the face of devastating loss.

The Phoenix Rises
When vocalist Bon Scott was found dead in February 1980—having succumbed to alcohol poisoning after a night of heavy drinking—the future of AC/DC hung precariously in the balance. Rather than surrendering to grief, brothers Angus and Malcolm Young made the difficult decision to continue, recruiting Brian Johnson (formerly of the band Geordie) to step behind the microphone.

What followed wasn't merely a comeback; it was a rebirth. "Back In Black" catapulted AC/DC from respected hard rock outfit to global phenomenon, its distinctive black cover serving as both mourning emblem and declaration of unstoppable forward momentum.

The 2013 Pressing: Controversy Addressed
The vinyl history of this landmark album has been checkered at best. Since its original release, various pressings and reissues have garnered mixed reactions from audiophiles and casual listeners alike. A persistent complaint about certain reissues describes a troubling pattern: impeccable sound quality for the opening tracks on each side, followed by distortion and degraded fidelity as the needle progresses toward the inner grooves.

Thankfully, the 2013 reissue (180g) appears to have corrected these issues. From the ominous tolling bell that introduces "Hells Bells" through the defiant swagger of "Rock N' Roll Ain't Noise Pollution," this pressing maintains consistent sonic quality throughout both sides. The sometimes problematic inner groove distortion that plagued earlier reissues is noticeably absent here.

Sonic Assessment
What immediately impresses about this pressing is its balanced presentation of AC/DC's straightforward but powerful sonic architecture. The low-end foundation—Cliff Williams' bass lines and Phil Rudd's precise drumming—comes through with appropriate weight and dynamic impact. Johnson's distinctive, raspy vocals cut through the mix with clarity and presence, while Angus Young's lead guitar work maintains its bite without becoming harsh.

Most importantly, the overall production—originally crafted by "Mutt" Lange—retains its punchy directness. The album breathes in a way that honors the band's no-nonsense approach, avoiding both the compression issues that have affected some digital transfers and the muddiness found in lesser analog pressings.

Physical Presentation
The packaging shows appropriate respect for this classic. The jacket features the embossed black-on-black design true to the original concept, constructed from substantial cardboard that should stand up to years of handling. The heavyweight 180g vinyl itself has proper heft, with clean, well-centered pressing and minimal surface noise.

The Vinyl Verdict
While original pressings of "Back In Black" remain the holy grail for serious collectors (and command prices to match), this 2013 reissue makes a strong case for itself as the sensible alternative. It offers consistent sound quality throughout, respectable dynamics, and solid physical presentation at a fraction of the cost of a clean original.

For those looking to experience this landmark album in its proper analog format without breaking the bank or suffering through compromised sound, this pressing deserves serious consideration. It's a worthy vehicle for one of hard rock's defining statements—an album that transformed devastating loss into triumphant rebirth and forever changed the trajectory of AC/DC. 💰

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