AC/DC – High Voltage (Genuine Australian Release) 12" Vinyl LP Album

- The explosive 1975 debut that electrified Australia’s rock scene

Album Front Cover Photo of AC/DC – High Voltage (Genuine Australian Release) Visit: https://vinyl-records.nl/

Back in 1975, before the stadium pyros and Angus’s eternal schoolboy sprint, AC/DC dropped their first jolt of electricity with “High Voltage” — the raw, unfiltered debut that lit up Australia’s rock scene. Recorded at Albert Studios in Sydney with producers Harry Vanda and George Young, it’s all swagger, sweat, and blues-soaked riffs. Tracks like “Baby Please Don’t Go” and “She’s Got Balls” blast out with barroom grit and basement charm. No polish, no filler — just hard rock born from cheap amps, hot nights, and a band too loud to ignore. The spark that made AC/DC a legend started right here.

Table of Contents

Album Description:

"High Voltage" is the **debut studio album** by Australian hard rock band AC/DC, released exclusively in Australia on 17 February 1975 by Albert Productions (catalogue number APLP-009). Produced by Harry Vanda and George Young, the album was recorded at Albert Studios in Sydney and marked the explosive debut of Bon Scott as the band’s new vocalist.

Although not a chart-topper, the album was a breakthrough, peaking at No. 14 on the Kent Music Report. Its rough-edged sound and relentless attitude helped define **the Australian hard rock identity** of the mid-1970s.

Unlike the later 1976 international release on Atlantic Records, the **original Australian edition** features a completely different tracklist — including "Baby Please Don’t Go", "Stick Around", "Love Song", and "She’s Got Balls". Signature hits such as "T.N.T." and "It’s a Long Way to the Top" were recorded later for the follow-up album "T.N.T." (1975) and do *not* appear here.

The music fuses **blues rock grit** with **boogie-driven rhythm**, powered by the Young brothers’ twin-guitar assault. Bon Scott’s raspy vocals and sly lyrics give the album its unmistakable swagger, while George Young’s bass fills keep the foundation raw but tight.

With its no-nonsense production, uncluttered arrangements, and sheer attitude, "High Voltage" stands as the spark that ignited AC/DC’s global legacy. It captures the sound of a band still hungry, still rough, and already unstoppable.

Album Key Details: Genre, Label, Format & Release Info

Music Genre:

Hard Rock / Blues Rock (Australian)

The album fuses gritty blues rock with early hard rock swagger — a raw, unfiltered sound that would define AC/DC’s early years and shape the foundations of hard rock worldwide.

Label & Catalognr:

Albert Productions – Cat#: APLP-009 / YAPAX-1177

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Weight: 230g

Year & Country:

1975 – Australia

Production & Recording Information:

Producers:
  • George Young – Producer
    George Young, elder brother of Angus and Malcolm, co-produced the album with Harry Vanda and contributed bass guitar on several tracks. His influence defined AC/DC’s early sound.
  • Harry Vanda – Producer
    Harry Vanda, formerly of The Easybeats, partnered with George Young to produce and shape the gritty, straightforward production that became AC/DC’s trademark sound.
Recording Location:

Albert Studios – Sydney, Australia

Mixing Studio & Location:

Albert Studios – Sydney, Australia

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Bon Scott – Vocals
    Bon Scott, the legendary frontman, delivered his trademark raspy vocals with swagger and wit. His debut on this album set the tone for AC/DC’s wild, defiant personality.
  • Angus Young – Lead Guitar
    Angus Young’s searing guitar solos and onstage energy cemented him as the face of AC/DC. His style was pure electricity wrapped in a schoolboy uniform.
  • Malcolm Young – Rhythm Guitar
    Malcolm Young’s tight, unyielding rhythm guitar gave AC/DC its muscular sound — the rhythmic engine that powered every riff and groove.
  • George Young – Bass Guitar
    George filled in on bass for this recording, providing a solid and direct low-end backbone.
  • Tony Currenti – Drums
    Tony Currenti’s drumming added punch and groove to the record’s blues-rock pulse, recorded in a single take on many tracks.

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting – Side One:
  1. Baby Please Don't Go (4:50) Cover
    Cover of Big Joe Williams’ blues classic, delivered with high-voltage ferocity.
  2. She's Got Balls (4:51)
  3. Little Lover (5:39)
  4. Stick Around (4:44)
Video: AC/DC — Baby, Please Don’t Go: Myer Music Bowl (1976) [From Plug Me In DVD]
Tracklisting – Side Two:
  1. Soul Stripper (6:25)
  2. You Ain't Got a Hold on Me (3:31)
  3. Love Song (5:14)
  4. Show Business (4:46)
Video: AC/C - Soul Stripper - Live 1976 (2020 Remaster)

Disclaimer: Track durations shown are approximate and based on the original 1975 Australian Albert Productions LP. Later international editions differ in content and sequence.

Chart Performance:

The original 1975 Australian release of "High Voltage" peaked at No. 14 on the Kent Music Report Albums Chart. It established AC/DC as one of Australia’s hottest rock exports.

Collector’s Notes:

This 1975 Australian pressing features a completely different tracklist from the 1976 international edition. Collectors often confuse the two, but only the Australian LP includes “Love Song”, “Stick Around”, and “Baby Please Don’t Go”.

Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of AC/DC’s 'High Voltage' album, showing a metallic electrical transformer box painted gray, surrounded by strands of barbed wire that sparkle with small lightning flashes. Against a burnt orange gradient background, a small white bulldog with a studded collar lifts its leg to urinate on the transformer, while two crushed soda cans lie in the dirt at the bottom right. The words 'AC/DC' and 'High Voltage' are printed boldly in black and red across the metal surface, capturing the mischievous, electric attitude of AC/DC’s early hard rock style.

The front cover of AC/DC’s “High Voltage” is a vivid, irreverent snapshot of early hard rock rebellion disguised as industrial satire. Dominating the image is a massive metallic power transformer, rendered in shades of silver and gray, scarred with dents and shadows that hint at decades of overuse. Across its surface, the band’s iconic AC/DC logo flashes with a red lightning bolt through the center — a now-legendary symbol of energy, defiance, and loud electricity. Beneath it, the words HIGH VOLTAGE burn bright in red capitals, standing out against the cold, mechanical background.

The entire structure is wrapped in barbed wire stretched horizontally, each barb glinting with a white spark as if electrified. A small, mischievous bulldog stands to the left, cocking its leg against the deadly fence, adding an unmistakable note of dark humor and anti-authoritarian charm. The right side shows crushed cans in the dust — perhaps discarded bystanders of a rock-fueled night.

The sky behind fades from deep orange to red, evoking both heat and danger, like a sunset over a desolate industrial wasteland. In the top-left corner, a round sticker reads “Jem Records Import” in red text, signaling its import edition. Every visual element, from the sparks to the dog, fuses AC/DC’s raw energy with sly wit — a perfectly charged metaphor for their unfiltered, electrifying debut.

Back cover of AC/DC’s 'High Voltage' Australian LP release, featuring a bright red background scattered with tilted rectangular photos of the band performing live — Angus Young in his school uniform mid-solo, Bon Scott gripping the microphone with wild intensity, and other blurred shots capturing the energy of the stage lights. The song list for both sides appears centered in black text, with Albert Productions and EMI Australia credits printed below, and the AC/DC Fan Club logo in the lower right corner.

The back cover of AC/DC’s “High Voltage” Australian edition explodes in vivid red, framed with tilted, live-performance snapshots that pulse with motion. Each photograph captures a fragment of the band’s raw stage presence — Angus Young slashing through a guitar riff, Bon Scott belting into a microphone, and the group caught mid-action beneath fierce yellow and orange lighting. The spontaneous, blurred imagery mirrors the unrefined, high-energy sound that defined the record itself.

Centered between these angled images is the tracklist printed in plain black serif font, dividing Side One and Side Two with eight tracks in total. Among them: “Baby Please Don’t Go,” “She’s Got Balls,” “Stick Around,” “Soul Stripper,” and “Show Business.” Beneath the list appears the simple production note — Produced by George Young & Harry Vanda — and a reminder that all compositions are Australian originals except for the Big Joe Williams cover.

At the bottom left corner, the familiar Albert Productions logo anchors the design, while along the right edge, the colorful AC/DC Fan Club emblem adds a personal touch. A discreet line reads “Manufactured and Distributed by EMI Australia,” affirming its origin. The overall aesthetic is bold yet unpretentious, combining stark simplicity with kinetic imagery that perfectly captures AC/DC’s early identity: unpolished, powerful, and unmistakably alive.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of Side One label from AC/DC’s 'High Voltage' Australian pressing, showing the blue Albert Productions label with yellow text and a geometric 'AP' symbol. Around the outer rim runs a yellow tick-mark border encircling the text 'Unauthorised public performance, broadcasting and copying of this record prohibited.' The catalog number APLP-009 and matrix YAPAX1177 appear in red-outlined type at right. The song list includes four tracks: 'Baby Please Don’t Go,' 'She’s Got Balls,' 'Little Lover,' and 'Stick Around.'

This close-up photograph of Side One from AC/DC’s 1975 Australian pressing of “High Voltage” reveals the iconic Albert Productions label design used for early Australian hard rock releases. The label’s deep cobalt blue background is framed by a ring of fine yellow tick marks, symbolizing the pulsing current that runs through both the music and the power grid imagery of AC/DC’s branding.

Dominating the left side is the Albert Productions logo — a bold, stylized interlocking “A” and “P” rendered in bright yellow. The design evokes both a treble clef and an electrical circuit, embodying the label’s fusion of musical craftsmanship and raw power. At the top, silver-white text announces “STEREO” and “HIGH VOLTAGE,” while beneath it appears the line “An Australian Recording,” confirming the domestic production roots.

Track titles are printed neatly in all capitals, aligned left, listing four songs: “Baby Please Don’t Go,” “She’s Got Balls,” “Little Lover,” and “Stick Around.” The catalogue number APLP-009 and matrix code YAPAX1177 are enclosed in a red rectangular outline near the right edge — a visual signature of Albert’s pressing style during the mid-1970s. The fine-print rim text, in white, wraps entirely around the label, stating reproduction and broadcasting restrictions typical of EMI Australia pressings.

The label was manufactured by EMI (Australia) Limited, Sydney, N.S.W., whose name appears at the top rim. The combination of blue, yellow, and red contrasts creates a vivid and distinctive visual identity that made Albert Productions’ records instantly recognizable to Australian rock collectors. The simplicity of its typography and clean radial balance underscore the label’s commitment to clarity and musical authority — direct, no-nonsense, and electric.

Albert Productions, Australia Label

This distinctive blue-and-yellow label from Albert Productions was used during the early and mid-1970s for major Australian rock acts including AC/DC. This particular label design was used by Albert Productions between 1974 and 1978.

Colours
Blue background, yellow logo and text border, white text, red catalogue box
Design & Layout
Circular layout with tick-mark border, upper text centered, track list aligned left
Record company logo
Stylized interlocking “A” and “P” forming a geometric treble-clef-like shape, symbolizing both music and power
Band/Performer logo
Simple AC/DC text in uppercase with a lightning bolt slash; printed in white, centrally aligned below title
Unique features
Red-bordered catalogue box, EMI Sydney rim text, sharp yellow radial tick marks
Side designation
Printed as “1” directly under “STEREO” at the top
Rights society
No explicit rights society logo; standard Australian copyright text on rim
Catalogue number
APLP-009 / YAPAX1177
Rim text language
English
Track list layout
Four titles printed in sequence, numbered and indented beneath the “Albert” publishing credit
Rights info placement
Full circular rim text in uppercase around the outer edge
Pressing info
Manufactured by EMI (Australia) Limited, Sydney, N.S.W.
Background image
Solid cobalt blue surface with bright yellow accents and circular layout

Collector’s Note: The Tick Marks That Keep the Music Honest

Those tiny yellow tick marks circling the outer rim of AC/DC’s “High Voltage” record label weren’t there just for looks. They served a practical, almost scientific purpose — a built-in stroboscope to verify the turntable’s rotational speed. When viewed under a fluorescent lamp flickering at 50 Hz, the pattern would appear to stand still if your turntable was spinning at a perfect 33⅓ revolutions per minute. Too fast or too slow, and the marks would drift — exposing the mechanical truth your ears might have missed.

This clever optical trick wasn’t unique to AC/DC, but few designs made it look this stylish. EMI Australia’s pressing engineers turned utility into visual flair, turning the rim into both a calibration tool and a badge of analog authenticity. The symmetry and precision of the pattern transformed the spinning vinyl into a hypnotic disc of light and rhythm — a fitting visual echo of AC/DC’s raw electric energy.

For collectors and old-school audiophiles, these marks were an act of trust between the label and the listener: “Here, make sure we sound right.” It was a time when accuracy required light, patience, and a sharp eye, not a firmware update. The tick marks represented a world where music still had moving parts — a dance of physics, electricity, and timing.

Of course, such precision is utterly wasted on 8-tracks, music cassettes, audio CDs, or today’s streaming services. No stroboscope can fix algorithmic compression or a dodgy Bluetooth signal. The irony? In chasing convenience, we’ve engineered away the very rituals that once made listening an art form. The ticks on the rim were more than decoration — they were proof that someone cared enough to let you calibrate perfection by eye.

Collector’s Visual Notes:

The original Australian “High Voltage” sleeve is printed by EMI (Australia) and lacks the “T.N.T.”-era photos or Atlantic logo seen on the later 1976 international edition. Collectors can identify genuine first pressings by the absence of any Atlantic markings and the matrix code YAPAX 1177 on the label rim.

Index of AC/DC Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

There’s a moment after the last track spins out — the amp hums, the room still crackles — and you realize AC/DC never just made records. They built soundtracks for sweat, neon, and defiance. “High Voltage” was only the first spark. From there, the charge ran wild through every groove, every stage, every screaming crowd. The vinyl tells that story best: raw, loud, unpolished. Drop the needle again, or step into the archive below — a gallery of every riff, label, and sleeve that carried the world’s hardest-working band from barroom smoke to electric immortality.

AC/DC - 3 Record Set Atlantic 60149 12" Vinyl 3LP
AC/DC - 3 Record Set Atlantic 60149 album front cover vinyl record

 ATLANTIC 60149 , Germany

AC/DC's 3 LP Record Box Set, cataloged as ATLANTIC 60149, encapsulates the band's formidable presence in the late 1970s rock scene. Featuring three iconic albums

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AC/DC - Baby Please Don't Go b/w Jail Break 12" Vinyl LP
AC/DC - Baby Please Don't Go b/w Jail Break album front cover vinyl record

Atlantic PRO 171 , 1976

AC/DC's "Baby Please Don't Go / Jailbreak" 7" vinyl is a musical masterpiece, blending blues and rock seamlessly. Released during a pivotal period

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Updated AC/DC – Back in Black (1980 Germany) album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
AC/DC – Back in Black (1980 Germany) 12" Vinyl LP

AC/DC’s “Back in Black” (1980, Atlantic ATL 50735) roared out of tragedy into triumph, introducing Brian Johnson’s powerhouse vocals after Bon Scott’s passing. Produced by Robert John “Mutt” Lange, this hard-rock landmark from Germany blends electrifying riffs, precision production, and iconic tracks like “Hells Bells” and “You Shook Me All Night Long.”

AC/DC - Blow Up Your Video 12" Vinyl LP
AC/DC - Blow Up Your Video album front cover vinyl record

 Atlantic 781 828 , 1988 , Germany

This album showcases AC/DC's raw power and enduring legacy. A testament to the band's resilience, it remains a must-have for vinyl enthusiasts, blending timeless rock with a contemporary edge

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AC/DC - Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (Dutch, German and Italian Releases) 12" Vinyl LP
AC/DC - Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (Italian and Dutch Releases) album front cover vinyl record

Initially recorded in 1975, its unique cover art and rarity contribute to its mystique. The vinyl's delayed global debut intensified its appeal, making it a cherished piece in rock histor

AC/DC - Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (Germany) AC/DC - Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (Holland) AC/DC - Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (Italy)
AC/DC - Flick of the Switch 12" Vinyl LP
AC/DC - Flick of the Switch album front cover vinyl record

  Atlantic 78-0100-1 , 1983 , Netherlands

"Flick of the Switch" stands out as a raw and powerful collection of tracks that capture the essence of the band's signature sound. Released as a 12" vinyl LP album, the record showcases AC/DC at their peak

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AC/DC - Fly On The Wall 12" Vinyl LP
AC/DC - Fly On The Wall album front cover vinyl record

 Atlantic 781 263 , 1985 , EEC

Recorded in Switzerland, the self-produced album explores a voyeuristic concept, portraying life through ten tracks.

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AC/DC - For Those About to Rock (German & USA) 12" Vinyl LP
AC/DC - For Those About to Rock (German & USA) album front cover vinyl record

The 1981 album, a successor to "Back in Black," showcased AC/DC's signature power. The 12" vinyl format enhanced the sonic experience, complemented by iconic cover artwork.

For Those About To Rock We Salute You ( 1981 Germany ) For Those About to Rock ( 1981 USA )
AC/DC - For Those About To Rock (1981 Holland) 12" Vinyl Maxi-Single
AC/DC - For Those About To Rock (1981 Holland) album front cover vinyl record

  Atlantic ATL 20276 , 1981 , Holland

The classic "Let There Be Rock" showcased AC/DC's raw energy. Lange's meticulous production added depth, contributing to the record's enduring appeal. This Maxi-Single symbolized the unyielding spirit of hard rock

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Updated AC/DC - High Voltage Genuine Australian Release album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
AC/DC - High Voltage Genuine Australian Pressing

Before arenas, cannons, and chaos, there was raw voltage from Sydney’s backstreets. “High Voltage” crackled with the kind of grit only AC/DC could summon — beer-soaked riffs, swaggering grooves, and a hint of barroom menace. Angus Young’s guitar didn’t sing; it spat sparks, marking the birth of a sound that would electrify every pub and festival from here to eternity.

AC/DC - High Voltage (1976 Belgium) 12" Vinyl LP
AC/DC - High Voltage (1976 Belgium) album front cover vinyl record

 Atlantic ATL 50 527 , 1976 , Belgium

AC/DC's debut studio album, "High Voltage," released in February 1975, revolutionized rock with its raw energy and iconic tracks. The Belgium Import 12" Vinyl LP edition adds collectible allure

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AC/DC - Highway to Hell (1979 Germany) 12" Vinyl LP
AC/DC - Highway to Hell (1979 Germany) album front cover vinyl record

 Atlantic Records ATL 50 628 , 1979 , Germany

Angus Young shreds electrifying riffs on a speeding highway to hell! AC/DC's iconic "Highway to Hell" cover blazes with rock & roll rebellion. Buckle up for high-voltage anthems! (199 characters)

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AC/DC - If You Want Blood You've Got It (Europe & Germany) 12" LP
Thumbnail of AC/DC - If You Want Blood You've Got It ( Europe & Germany) album front cover

"If You Want Blood You've Got It" is the first live album by Australian hard rock band AC/DC, originally released in the US on 21 November 1978. All songs were written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young and Bon Scott.

If You Want Blood You've Got It ( Europe ) If You Want Blood You've Got It (Germany)
AC/DC - Let There Be Rock (Canadian and German Issues) 12" LP
Thumbnail of AC/DC - Let There Be Rock (Canadian and German Issues) album front cover

"Let There Be Rock" is a hard-hitting masterpiece that defined the band's electrifying sound. With thunderous riffs, Angus Young's blistering guitar solos, and Bon Scott's gritty vocals

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AC/DC - Live Special Collector's Edition 12" 2LP
Thumbnail of AC/DC - Live Special Collector's Edition album front cover

 ATCO 7567-92212, , 1992 , Germany

The gatefold album cover features an unexpected twist, showcasing a playful image of Miss Piggy in a stylish outfit. This unconventional addition adds a touch of humor to the iconic rock band's live music collection

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AC/DC - PowerAge (Canadian and German Releases)
Thumbnail of AC/DC - PowerAge (Canadian and German Releases) album front cover

The album PowerAge encapsulates the rebellious spirit of the era. Recorded at Sydney's Albert Studios, its production strikes a balance between live energy and studio finesse.

AC/DC - Powerage (Canada Release) AC/DC - Powerage (German Release)
AC/DC - The Razors Edge (1990, EEC Europe) 12" LP
Thumbnail of AC/DC - The Razors Edge (1990, EEC Eurpe) . album front cover

ATCO 7567 91413 , 1990 , EEC

"The Razor's Edge" with Iconic tracks like "Thunderstruck" and "Moneytalks" became classics, while ATCO Records' role in production ensured global success.

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AC/DC - Who Made Who (Two International Versions)
Thumbnail of AC/DC - Who Made Who (Two International Versions) album front cover

"Who Made Who" known for its role in Stephen King's Maximum Overdrive, epitomizes the vibrant '80s rock scene. This collector's item reflects the synergy between music and film during the era.

Who Made Who (Canada Release) Who Made Who (European Release)
AC/DC - Who Made Who 7" Single
Thumbnail of AC/DC - Who Made Who album front cover

Released in 1986, it served as the soundtrack to the movie "Maximum Overdrive." The title track, along with "D.T." and "Chase the Ace," delivers a high-voltage dose of AC/DC's signature rock sound.

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