Released in 1988, Blow Up Your Video was the perfect bookend to Back In Black as AC/DC’s other 80s releases were less than stellar, even though there are many hidden gems to be enjoyed. Nevertheless, Blow Up Your Video is often unfairly overlooked. The blues-based rock that is exhibited here is on par with the ultra-bluesy Stiff Upper Lip; an album I adore and consider to be their greatest release.
For a number of years now, I’ve been fortunate enough to own the 2003 vinyl re-issue of Blow Up Your Video; this particular mastering is the one that is still in production and George Marino and his team at Sterling Sound did a wonderful job on not only this remaster but the entire AC/DC catalogue. The pressing has little to no surface noise to speak of and is presented in a high quality outer and inner sleeve. The inner sleeve, in particular, is a cornucopia of information, penned by Alan Di Perna – a legend in his own right, relating to the period and recording of the album, a value-added addition that will likely be of interest to any fan.
From a sonic perspective, these 2003 vinyl reissues are perfect and given vinyl was well in recession at the time, it is remarkable that these were even considered, let alone produced as beautifully as they are. While AC/DC is most certainly suited to playing on loudspeakers, trust me when I suggest that you listen to these records via headphones as the music locked within the grooves really comes to life and gives you an even greater appreciation of AC/DC and their production quality.
If you prefer streaming, the Apple Digital Master, as available below via Apple Music, sounds exquisite and I believe is taken from the same mastering sessions as the 2003 vinyl re-issues. Certainly, from my point-of-view, there is no difference to note other than the natural analogue warmth that is a byproduct of vinyl reproduction. That isn’t to suggest that the Apple Music edition is shrill or digital sounding, but there is a difference between the formats and you may prefer one over the other.
Side One
Heatseeker is AC/DC 101 and is a great opener. I particularly enjoy the studio background noise introduction and it has a rawness to it that ultimately complements the song and makes you feel, as the listener, that you’re in the studio with the band. Heatseeker also, as so many AC/DC songs do, has a killer rhythm.
The music video is brilliant but the heat seeker scenes are hilarious as is Angus’ entrance. It has equally stood the test of time and yet has aged in those aforementioned ‘special effect’ scenes. Regardless, it is fun and you should check it out if you get a chance.
That’s The Way I Wanna Rock N Roll has a fantastic drum recording. Simon Wright gets ignored far too much in AC/DC’s history, in my opinion, but as far as I’m concerned he locked in and mastered this performance.
The music video applied the same mix of live vs storytelling as seen in Heatseeker and truth-be-told the live performance was strong enough and would have been adequate. Of course, if we look at the late 80s, via a lens of nostalgia, the music video at the time would have been very well received even if the additional storytelling components now seem to be a little superfluous.
Meanstreak has a killer riff. One of their best? Hell yeah! Its also got plenty of the blues influence that I love and without a doubt is one of their greatest recordings that doesn’t get the respect it deserves.
Go Zone has a really solid and controlled bass element that I appreciate. Go Zone is a great song with an albeit short, but pleasurable guitar solo. Yes, it may be a meat and potatoes rock and roll track, but it’s some of the best meat and potatoes rock that you’ll ever enjoy.
Kissin’ Dynamite is pure gold. How is Kissin’ Dynamite not more prominent in AC/DC’s back catalogue? It is one of their best recordings and I don’t know about you dear reader, but I get tired of ‘how good Back In Black is’. Yeah, it’s good but if that’s all you listen to, you’ve stymied your musical growth. Seriously, turn Kissin’ Dynamite up, blow your eardrums out and piss the neighbours off, you can thank me later.
Side Two
Nick Of Time is a hard-hitting rock tune and is the perfect opener for the second side of the album.
Some Sin For Nuthin’ slows things down a little with a rhythmically charged song that isn’t anything to write home about, but would be sorely missed if it wasn’t included on Blow Up Your Video.
Ruff Stuff is creamy blues-based rock and roll goodness. Absolutely, brilliant!
Two’s Up is one of the greatest songs on the album. That rhythm is off-the-charts and Two’s Up really doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.
This Means War has intermingling rhythms that make for an interesting listen. It doesn’t sound disjointed, as it was recorded, mixed, and mastered perfectly, but you really need to pick a groove to get the most out of This Means War. It’s a fantastic way to close out Blow Up Your Video and ensures I’ll be spinning the album again.
Overall, Blow Up Your Video is severely underrated when it comes to the post Back In Black 80s records, but it shouldn’t be for The Razor’s Edge was just around the corner and Blow Up Your Video is the logical precursor to that masterpiece. My suggestion for what it’s worth is to put away the common albums and songs and expand into the lesser know masterpieces that will fill you with the joy and excitement that you had when you first discovered AC/DC. I’m sure you won’t regret it!