The Youngs--The Brothers Who Built AC/DC

June 23, 2014
Above all, journalist Fink’s look at the band addresses the question that he believes most mainstream rock critics have never been able to answer about AC/DC: “Why have they endured and resonated endured and resonated with hundreds of millions of people and inculcated such fierce loyalty and outright fanaticism?” The answer is that the unrelenting tenacity of the Young brothers: rhythm guitarist Malcolm, the group’s quiet leader; manic lead guitarist Angus; and producer George, the architect of their early sound. By tracing the lives of 11 songs from the band’s 40-plus-year career, Fink charts the history of the band’s success and examines the recording process behind each song. “It’s a Long Way to the Top,” from 1975 is the vehicle for a discussion of the effort Atlantic Records expended breaking the group in America, while “Back in Black” is a fascinating look at the band’s tempestuous relationship with producer Mutt Lange, who crafted their best work but ultimately alienated them with his tendency “to strive for technical perfection at the expense of feel.”

August 1, 2014

Once upon a time, there was a Scottish immigrant family in Australia, the Youngs. When big brother George found some success with his band, the Easybeats, younger brothers Malcolm and Angus decided to follow in his footsteps and formed AC/DC. George and his fellow Easybeats band member Harry Vanda produced the band's first several albums, but AC/DC really hit it big when they fired them (sorry, bro) and hired Mutt Lange (whom they later fired as well). Remarkably, the band became even more popular after its lead singer, Bon Scott, died and they released the blockbuster album Back in Black with new screamer Brian Johnson. Fink--unauthorized biographer, critic, and fan--wrote this book without gaining access to any of the Youngs, current band members, or Lange (he sure tried, though). Instead, he weaves new interviews with many other people who worked with AC/DC over the last 40 years into this "critical appreciation." VERDICT If you can get past the lengthy, meandering preface, Australian music references that might be unfamiliar to American readers, and mention of the brothers being "vertically challenged," this thought-provoking book definitely breaks some new ground. Arrangement by chapters dedicated to specific songs is a satisfying way of telling the AC/DC story while providing music criticism. Scholarly fans will appreciate the bibliography; this one's a must-read for fans.--Samantha Gust, Niagara Univ. Lib., NY

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