"I was born with a stiff ... stiff upper lip". You've got to love AC/DC. Line one and right into the school boy innuendo. Innuendo may be what makes acca dacca so charming but the true charm of their first new album in five years is the return to rock 'n' boogie, unheard from the band since the late 70's.
Stiff Upper Lip as an album is a throwback to the boogie and blues on TNT. Short, sharp rock and roll tunes, slashed with Angus Young guitar riffs.
The creative force on Stiff Upper Lip accounts for the return to AC/DC's greater moments. All songs were written by Angus and Malcolm Young, founders of the band. The additional bonus is the return of older brother George Young as producer. George hasn't worked with the band for 10 years but his greatest moment was most likely the TNT album from 1975.
Forget the fact this album was recorded at Bryan Adams studio in Canada. Luckily, Adams wasn't next door infiltrating the creative process with his saccharine ballads blasting through the walls.
Stiff Upper Lip from beginning to end is treat. AC/DC fans from the Bon Scott era are going to recognize sounds not heard from the band for over 20 years.
While Stiff Upper Lip kicks off the album in true smutty acca dacca fashion, the momentum of the album continues with Meltdown, a song that would not have been out of place with a Bon Scott vocal and a position on TNT.
House of Jazz and Hold Me Back, the next two tracks gives singer Brian Johnson a chance to take some spotlight. These two songs fall more towards the Back In Black era.
The great thing about the album is that it is hit heavy - a virtual greatest hits album in the making. Safe In New York City lets Angus rip with riffs that make us proud to announce let there be rock.
Can't Stand Still and Can't Stop Rock and Roll are almost signature acca Dacca An Angus riff, a Johnson scream and perfect timing to the backing of Phil Rudd and Malcolm Young.
George Young knows AC/DC's finest moments and he's set out to recapture those peaks on Stiff Upper Lip.
Next we get into the AC/DC boogie blues trilogy with Satellite Blues, Damned and Come And Get It making a down and dirty threesome.
All Screwed Up smashes through with a tough Angus axe-swing and belts in Brian's voice within seconds.
The final moment is formulated AC/DC rock and another single contender. Give It Up, our parting moment of the album leaves you hanging for more...and hopefully that won't be another 5 years.
Tracklisting for Stiff Upper Lip Stiff Upper Lip Meltdown House Of Jazz Hold Me Back Safe In New York City Can't Stand Still Can't Stop Rock 'N' Roll Satellite Blues Damned Come And Get It All Screwed Up Give It Up
