Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap Review

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976) Review

“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” is AC/DC’s second international album. Like the previous album, “High Voltage”, changes were made from the original (although not as drastic). Two songs, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap and Ain’t No Fun, had their length shortened. Two other songs, R.I.P. and the incredible Jailbreak were removed from the international copy, replaced by Rocker, from the Australia only T.N.T., and Love At First Feel, which was never released in Australia at all.  For some reason, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” was never released in North America when it should have been. Europe received the album on time, but we didn’t actually get it until 1981.

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap starts off the album with a great riff and pounding drums, making for one of the best songs ever recorded with Bon Scott.  The chorus, “Dirty deeds, done dirt cheap/Dirty deeds and they’re done dirt cheap” just about sums up what AC/DC is all about; dirty, hard rockin’ songs.  Love At First Feel, in similar fashion to the album opener, features a cool riff and pounding drums.  I’m really glad AC/DC pulled this song out for the international release; it and Dirty Deeds make for a great one-two punch to start off the album.  Next up is a song that can only be described with one word… hilarious.  Big Balls is a giant double entendre that compares social gatherings with Bon’s junk.  Rocker goes about it’s business in a way similar to Can I Sit Next To You Girl; with a real 50’s vibe to it.  Problem Child starts off with the basic three-chord riff you will be accustomed to by now and the immortal first line, “I am hot/but when I’m not/I’m cold as ice”.  There’s Gonna Be Some Rockin’ is nothing special, but overall a nice bluesy tune.  Ain’t No Fun (Waiting Round To Be A Millionare) is a song that drags on for far too long, really testing my patience.  The only thing even remotely interesting about it is the guitar, which sounds eerily like You Shook Me All Night Long.  Ride On is regarded as one of the most unique and interesting AC/DC songs.  With only gentle strumming from the brothers, the real star hear is Bon, who really gets to showcase his vocal and song writing ability.  The band is definitely a lot more restrained on this number; just as it’s building up and about to explode, it calms back down.  The album finishes off with Squealer, a song that features one of best basslines in an AC/DC song.

High Points

• Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Love At First Feel, Problem Child, Ride On
• Awesome album artwork
• Good combination of bluesy and hard rocking tunes

Low Points

• Some filler songs
• No Jailbreak

Bottom Line

“Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” is an excellent album, featuring a good mix of songs, including one instant classic (in the title track).  The biggest problem is the abundance of filler, but to be honest, it doesn’t bother me much.  A filler for AC/DC could be a hit for any other band.