AC/DC: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

AC/DC's "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" - The Belated American Release

The Album That Almost Wasn't (in America)
"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" occupies a curious position in AC/DC's discography, particularly for American fans. While Australian headbangers had been blasting tracks like "Problem Child" and the menacing title cut since 1976, Atlantic Records kept this slab of proto-metal shelved in the States—a decision that seems baffling in retrospect.

It wasn't until 1981, after "Back In Black" had transformed AC/DC into arena-filling superstars, that the label recognized an opportunity. With new vocalist Brian Johnson firmly established and fans clamoring for more material, Atlantic finally released "Dirty Deeds" to the American market, despite it featuring the late Bon Scott on vocals. The strategy paid off handsomely, as the album quickly went multi-platinum—proving that Scott's raspy snarl and the Young brothers' riff factory remained commercial dynamite.

Pressing Qualities: Serviceable, Not Spectacular
The standard American pressing of "Dirty Deeds" delivers exactly what you'd expect from a mid-budget hard rock album of the era—which is to say, it's decidedly workmanlike rather than audiophile-grade. This wasn't uncommon for harder rock releases of the period, which were engineered with the understanding that most listeners would be cranking these records to neighbor-disturbing volumes through modest systems.

Unlike the famous "hot" Robert Ludwig mastering of Led Zeppelin II (those pressings that command serious collector dollars today), the "Dirty Deeds" vinyl plays it relatively safe in terms of levels and dynamic range. At moderate volumes, the album sounds noticeably underwhelming, with a certain flatness that fails to capture the band's live-wire energy.

When pushed to higher volumes (as the rock gods intended), the record improves somewhat, though the mix reveals its limitations. The elements tend to congeal rather than separate, with Phil Rudd's usually distinctive drum work and Cliff Williams' bass lines forming a somewhat undifferentiated foundation beneath the guitars. Scott's vocals maintain their character, but lack the presence they deserve.
Alternatives and Expectations

Alternatives and Expectations
For the true AC/DC completist with deep pockets, tracking down an original 1976 Australian pressing might seem tempting. While these do offer marginal sonic improvements—slightly better separation and a touch more presence in the bottom end—the differences won't justify the considerable expense for most listeners.
The reality is that "Dirty Deeds" was never destined to be a reference-quality recording, regardless of pressing. Its charms lie in the raw songwriting, Scott's charismatic delivery, and the Young brothers' economical riffing—not in sonic subtleties or production flourishes.

The Vinyl Verdict
The standard American pressing of "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" delivers the album in serviceable if unspectacular fashion. Those approaching this record should adjust expectations accordingly—this is a document of a hungry young band playing stripped-down, blues-influenced hard rock before massive production budgets entered the equation.

For the AC/DC fan seeking to complete their collection on vinyl, this pressing remains the most accessible option, and despite its limitations, still delivers the fundamental rawness that made early AC/DC so compelling. Just remember to follow the unwritten rule that applies to almost all hard rock vinyl from this era: volume knobs exist to be turned clockwise. Way clockwise.  💵

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