Wax of the Week #1...AC/DC: Powerage (1978)

Often forgotten because of the popularity of its followup (Highway to Hell), Powerage (the band's fifth LP) was sort of like a musical comedown (in feel, not quality) or respite from the hyperventilating fury of its monster predecessor, Let There Be Rock. Despite the presence of fast rockers like "Kicked in the Teeth" and the massive "Riff Raff," many of the songs have a more restrained, bluesy feel that borders on southern rock. It also contains what is probably my favorite song from the band, "Down Payment Blues," with its unusual (for AC/DC) arrangement. It's one of those rare records where every song is digable. Unfortunately, after this magical slab, "Mutt" Lange would come in and shave all the burrs off their sound. I have the original mix version that omits "Rock ’n’ Roll Damnation" but adds "Cold Hearted Man."