The deejay on the satellite channel annouced that today marks the 40th anniversary of
AC/DC's Back in Black album.
1
I learned today that the album was written as the band mourned the death of singer Bon
Scott — out for drinks with friends, he passed out in his car and choked to death on
his vomit.
2
40 years on and I had no idea the title refered to funeral attire.
I remember buying it on cassette. I was 11 years old, and
at Recordland in our local mall. I can't recall who took me to the store — I think it
was my mother — she allowed me to buy one album, and this is what I chose. I'm almost
certain she was horrified by my choice... like she assumed I'd go for something much
lighter, you know — Styx, Foreigner, Chicago, who knows — and her little boy walks
back to her with this.
In fairness, she should have blamed our regular babysitter — she had this and Van
Halen's initial release in vinyl at her apartment, and I listened to them both for
hours.
Perhaps it wouldn't help her to know that I took up the electric guitar in my late
teens (when I lived far from home) and that I've taught my daughter a great appreciation
for 80's music... including this album's title track. C'est la vie.
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