Backtracks [Box set, CD+DVD]

Rumours have been going around since the Black Ice album was released that the supporting tour would be AC/DC's last. If this is true, potentially this could be the last release of back-catalogue material. Live recordings are probably a different issue and one would expect there to be numerous of those out there.

What we have here is a 2 CD and 1 DVD set, the first CD of rare studio recordings, the second of previously un-released live tracks and the DVD is an addendum to Family Jewels set released a couple of years ago. There is a full colour insert booklet with various photographs and the odd press clipping but no information on the rare studio tracks, which is disappointing.

The first CD has some curiosities, particularly "Love Song" which is unmistakeably AC/DC but different to anything else they've done. "Crabsody In Blue" and "Cold Hearted Man" I had on my original vinyl copies of Let There Be Rock and Powerage respectively, which is strange as they were apparently for the Australian releases only and were left off the re-issued CD versions of those albums. As you would expect, there is a reason these songs don't make the cut on earlier albums and there are no out and out classics here but the variety of source period makes it an enjoyable album to listen to.

AC/DC are at their best live and the second CD is as good as any other live recording since "If You Want Blood...". It's nice to hear live versions of album tracks like "Safe In New York City" though one problem with live albums is that you miss the visual aspects of what is happening on stage. The example of that here is an extended version of "Jailbreak" where, from the crowd reaction, you can assume Angus is stripping off during the 13 minutes runtime but it's dull just listening to the backbeat while he does it.

The DVD tidies up additional videos from Family Jewels plus a couple of Making Of's. I don't think I've watched either of the original Family Jewels discs more than once and the same probably applies to this one.

I've got all the original albums plus the Bonfire, Family Jewels and Plug Me In sets so bought this really to complete the set. There's nothing essential here but the two CDs are worth having if you're a fan.

I finally bit the bullet and got a copy. I'll admit it, I pretty much have all their stuff on vinyl and cd including the Australian albums High Voltage, TNT and Let there be rock. So I have most of the studio tracks. But I can't stop myself. Great to have them on an official global release with remastering at last but disappointing that the archives are not really being trawled. I am sure many would have enjoyed the different mix versions of 'Gone Shootin' and 'What's next to the moon'that were originally released on Powerage (vinyl&casette) in the UK. The live tracks are mostly b sides from the singles over the years and it is good to have them here cleaned up and sounding fresh. I'd agree with other reviewers that the versions of 'Jailbreak' and 'Let there be Rock' are kinda dull, these recordings are nothing without the visuals.

The DVD completes the family jewels box stuff, well until another studio cut gets a video. But the bonus videos are indeed just that. The real jewels in this 2cd/dvd box are found here. If you are slightly obsessed like me then this is the reason to buy this collection.

All in all it's not 5 star material, not even close. I'm saving my cash for the super deluxe version with the working amplifier and bits of memorabilia but at £150 a pop even I'll admit it is scarily expensive.

I bought this for my hubby for Christmas,i had read all the reviews which were mixed and i was a little worried as he usually tells me what he likes and then i buy it but this time i took a chance on it and it was worth it,he was so surprised and delighted with it!!!