Album Review: AC/DC - Black Ice (2008)

It's a real shame what has happened as of late with AC/DC.  Drummer Phil Rudd was ejected from the band for running afoul of the law, Malcolm Young was forced to resign due to dementia, Cliff Williams has made the decision to retire and Brian Johnson has left due to hearing loss.  And of course, Axl Rose has subsequently taken over vocal duties.  For me, the band is as good as dead.  I love Guns N Roses, and of course Axl Rose, don't get me wrong, but the best vocalist for AC/DC is by far Brian Johnson, no questions asked.  It is either him or nobody.  If Phil and Brian get back on board at some point, my interest in the band will most likely be rekindled.  But only time will tell I guess.  But anyway, back to the review.  I have just finished listening to 2008's Black Ice album.  And it is better than what I could have hoped for.  Yes AC/DC still sound the same after all these years - but that's a good thing, in my opinion.  Reinventing themselves simply wouldn't work.  Despite widespread criticism of their perceived musical sameness, I couldn't see them shifting musically toward a Cliff Richard inspired style of softness, nor could I imagine them wanting to sound more like Metallica.  They sound good just the way they are, and Brian's scream sounds just as amusing and enchanting as I thought it did when I was eight years old.  "Rock N Roll Train" is probably the best known song of the album, and of course, it sounds great, although I am also somewhat partial to the Live At River Plate version as well.  "Big Jack" is probably my favorite song here, and "Anything Goes" is probably the least AC/DC sounding song since "Let Me Put My Love Into You."  But I still love it anyway.  A great effort, lads.  A-