AC/DC – Back In Black

Best album of Johnson era AC/DC. Back In Black shot AC/DC into the stratosphere of rock. Best Tracks : A1 / Hells Bells A5 / Let Me Put My Love Into You B10 / Rock And Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution

My 1980 US Allied pressing sounds clearer and cleaner than this. This isn’t a bad pressing, but finding at least a VG+ of a Bob Ludwig mastered original is the way to go.

Absolutely fantastic sounding version of this album. I’ve had many versions in my life including CD, cassette, and an original pressing back in 1980 (my first ever personal record) and this sounds as good as any of them, if not better.

It seems that I am on an airplane, constantly trying to purposely pop my ears to see if the brief moment of clarity will last, to truly rock out to this release. Unfortunately, the mutedness of this issue sounds as if the band was playing on the plane with the distortion of air pressure between us, instead of in my stereo room beside me. Oh, I might have been lucky in getting a copy that is clean of surface noise but without that essential vibrancy, I’m afraid I will be playing my OG copy, snap, crackles and pops included, to maintain my listening pleasure.

Pressing - 5/5
My copy is fantastic. Zero complaints about the pressing. Nice and flat, minimal surface noise, perfectly centered.

Mastering - 4/5
It’s solid. I also have an original RL press, and of course, comparing this mastering to a Ludwig mastering, it’s going to fall flat. But it still sounds pretty good. I’d say comparing to the Ludwig OG, this one is muddier and has a less open soundstage. But the crunch of the guitars still shines and the vocals are crystal clear. For the ~$20 you can get this one for, it’s pretty darn good.

Packaging - 3/5
Basic, nothing special to talk about but also not bad.

Overall - 4/5
Does it sound as good as a Ludwig? No. But, to get a Ludwig in NM condition is gonna set you back 2-3x the cost of this. If you’re ok with some surface noise, find a VG Ludwig, which are pretty easy to come by at a reasonable price. If you like clarity and crispness, this is a good option. Personally, I keep both to listen to depending on my mood. I crank the Ludwig to 11, but play this one when I want to listen without the artifacts of an old copy.

Paid < $20 for this copy.
Sounds great.
Vocals can almost sound slightly distored at times... i.e. end of Give The Dog A Bone.

Drums and Guitars are full and clear.

Wasn't the flatest copy I have received of a new record but not out of my tolerance zone either.

Happy with this copy.
It jams!

Sounds great, sounds analogue on my setup for sure. MPO pressing so pray to vinyl gods but probably better than the US URP pressing. Mine is quite warped and abit off centre but is noise free even though theres alot of visible speckling and pearls ala usual for MPO. Definately superior to the 2009 job. A full on audiophile reissue pressed at Record Industry would be ideal!!

This pressing is great...It is not digitally sourced nor does lack bass. If you find either to be the case, you need a new system!

This is a horrible pressing of this album have to turn it up very loud to hear it and there is no bass save your money and buy an original pressing of this

Original presses in good condition are hard to find because everyone played the crap out of this album and wore them all out. This is a good alternative, although it is likely sourced from Digital "Remastered From The Original Master Tapes" (We know what that means). If you can find a nice original copy, you would be better off with the all analog sound.