Phil Rudd – ‘Head Job’ [Review]
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Unless you’ve been living under a rock-free rock for the last several decades, AC/DC will need little introduction. Since Phil Rudd joined the Aussie legends back in 1975, he’s played on 15 of AC/DC’s 18 studio albums, racking up over 200 million global sales in the process. Highway To Hell, Back In Black, It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)…many AC/DC worshippers have since tried to imitate or beat those guys at their own game, but nobody would seriously claim to have succeeded.
Rock star trappings aside, it’s not all been an easy ride. Personal issues, addiction, and even an eight-month home detention sentence have all set back the release of Head Job, Phil Rudd’s first solo album. So, the question now becomes: Is it worth checking out?
Well…fuck yes. Of course. Are you kidding?
Personally, I love solo albums from drummers. For me, music needs to fucking groove. Without a solid rhythmic foundation, it’s hard for a song to really get under my skin.
From note and beat one, then, Head Job is a winner for me. It’s hardly surprising giving Phil Rudd’s background that the drums are consistently, constantly on point – but there’s obviously more to a song than just the skin-beating. Simplicity and directness are Phil Rudd’s calling cards here, and justice is repeatedly done as long as Head Job isn’t on pause.
Stylistically, there’s plenty of variety on hand. From the opening title track’s meaty solidity to Lonely Child’s classic rock intro, Crazy’s party-friendly vibe, Bad Move’s massiveness, No Right’s foray into funkiness, and the speeding-road-trip-friendly The Other Side and When I Get My Hands On You, Head Job sounds and feels like a labour of love.
So yes indeed, this album is more than worth your time. Dig the hell in.
TMMP RATING: 91% (Essential Listening!)
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2 responses to “Phil Rudd – ‘Head Job’ [Review]”
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I managed to get this cd when it first came out with an autographed cover as a bonus. Barely hit the laser when all hell broke loose. Its got some serious rock, groove on it and it’s quiet good. The circus surrounding Mr Rudd overshadowed the music though. Pity.
Fair point! The music is what counts at the end of the day, fortunately – and it is immense in its own right…