Don’t Scratch The Vinyl

AC/DC: High Voltage

AC/DC is stripped, down n’ dirty, rock n’ roll as God intended. Heavy guitar riffs, rippin’ musical sequences, and lyrics so suggestive they would make Mother Teresa blush. The quintet from down under formed in Sydney, Australia, in late 1973. And after a myriad of early lineup changes, the band rounded into form 2 years later.     1975 would be a crucial year for AC/DC. The band released their first 2 studio albums under EMI in their homeland of Australia. The group’s first record, titled High Voltage, debuted in the Land Down Under on February 17th, 1975. Later that year, on December 1st, T.N.T. was made available for purchase in Australia and New Zealand.     Atlantic Records saw the potential and inked AC/DC to a major label deal. In 1976, the band was ready to distribute their sound worldwide. So, with 2 records already under their belt, the Aussies decided to pick out the best of the bunch for their debut international album.     Armed with new cover art but the same title as their Australian debut, AC/DC unleashed their first international record in Europe and the UK on April 30th, 1976. The supercharged High Voltage jumped across the pond and landed in the United States on May 14th of that year. The record consisted of 9 songs from the band’s first 2 home-country releases. 2 tracks would come from the original High Voltage, while 7 songs were pulled off of T.N.T.     The album was primed to leave its mark on the music world. Some saw the group as an irritating skid mark fouling up rock as they knew it. While others, who would be vindicated many times over as AC/DC would go on to become one of the most successful, beloved, and enduring bands in history, welcomed this rockin’ stampede of renegades that masterfully balanced a dangerous demeanor with a light-hearted attitude.

The Ramones: Debut Album

In the mid-1970s, there was nothing about the rock n’ roll lifestyle that was relatable or obtainable for fans of the genre. The simple chord play and familiar song structure that dominated primitive rock music were things of the past. By the genre’s third decade, intricate and complicated instrumental play had fully taken a death grip on rock.   During that same time, New York City had seen better days. The region was full of dilapidated buildings and sketchy characters. The era of The Rat Pack and Mickey Mantle running around the bright lights and big city was gone. It was now Travis Bickle’s Big Apple.   And with the angst and frustration of New York literally and figuratively falling apart, a rocking revolution was taking place. Deep into the borough of Queens was the neighborhood of Forest Hills. And that is where a gang consisting of four guys donning leather jackets, tattered sneakers, and worn-out jeans formed to forever change what rock music could look and sound like.   On April 23rd, 1976, The Ramones’ debut record was released to the masses. Their cover art was eye-popping, a black and white photo of the four guys leaning against a brick wall in their iconic punk rock garb. Inside the album sleeve contained 14 tracks that combined did not quite crack the half-hour threshold. But the foursome accomplished more in 29 minutes than some bands achieve in 29 years.

Metallica: Master of Puppets

By the time Master of Puppets came out on March 3rd, 1986, Metallica was truly ready to make the jump to the big time. For 6 months that year, they were the opening act for Ozzy Osbourne. It would be the last time the band played second fiddle to anyone on tour. Metallica's third studio album grabbed mature concepts and meshed them perfectly with gripping, emotional, and vibrant instrumental play. The album sounded even more operatic and larger than live compared to the group's two previous records. Themes of war, the system, and losing hope were at the heart of one of the most important rock records of the 1980s. Metallica had been building to this for years, and it led to the band pushing themselves and the metal genre into untreaded water. But unfortunately, 1986 was also the year a tragic incident forever altered the band’s very foundation.

Recapping KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas/Show Update

The first time I attended KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas, I arrived holding sweaty resumes while riddled with anxiety. Just two years later, the lead singer of The All-American Rejects was telling me he recognized my face from social media. This past December, I attended 106.7 KROQ's 34th annual Almost Acoustic Christmas as a member of the press. I was excited to see bands like Rise Against, Social Distortion, Third Eye Blind, and others on that bill in person. It was an experience I will never forget. This episode includes an update on the program, including what has been happening at the start of the year and what albums the show will discuss in 2026.

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers: Southern Accents

Smack dab in the middle of Ronald Reagan’s Presidency, Tom Petty wanted to remind the world that even though he had moved to California in the mid 70’s to pursue a music career, he was born a rebel in Gainesville, Florida who grew up with a southern accent. The sixth installment of Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers was released on March 26th, 1985. Southern Accents showcases Petty coming to grips with his southern heritage. This album dives into the complexities that arise when sharing the pride you have in your homeland with outsiders who will not always appreciate your culture. Taking in this collection of songs feels akin to enjoying a conversation with the rocker himself.