AC/DC - Powerage 12" Vinyl LP Album

- It's Canadian Release

AC/DC Powerage album cover featuring a man with a shocked expression, glowing outline, and colorful electrical wires emerging from his hands, with the AC/DC logo and vibrant Powerage text on a dark background.

AC/DC's "Powerage Canada," a fifth studio album released in May 1978, remains a potent emblem of late '70s hard rock. Crafted by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott, the album encapsulates the rebellious spirit of the era. Recorded at Sydney's Albert Studios, its production strikes a balance between live energy and studio finesse. The Canadian release adds a unique regional dimension, highlighting AC/DC's global influence and the album's timeless impact.

Essential Album Information For: AC/DC - Powerage ( Canadian Release )

"Powerage" Album Description:

In the world of rock history, AC/DC's "Powerage Canada" stands as a formidable testament to the band's unwavering commitment to their distinctive hard rock sound. Released in May 1978, this 12" Vinyl LP Album marked the Australian powerhouse's fifth studio effort and fourth international release. A closer examination of the album reveals not only its musical prowess but also its significant contributions within the broader context of the late 1970s rock scene.

The album, like a sonic time capsule, encapsulates the spirit of the era, where the rebellious attitude of rock music collided with the socio-political landscape of the time. The late '70s were marked by a palpable tension, with economic uncertainties, political upheavals, and a shifting cultural landscape providing the backdrop to the music of the day. In this context, "Powerage Canada" emerged as a sonic force, delivering an electrifying soundtrack that resonated with the zeitgeist.

The songwriting trio of Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Bon Scott, credited with crafting all the tracks on the album, showcased their musical prowess and lyrical finesse. The album opens with the thunderous "Rock 'n' Roll Damnation," setting the tone for an audacious sonic journey that spans the entire LP. The raw energy of tracks like "Down Payment Blues" and "Riff Raff" not only exemplifies the band's signature sound but also captures the rebellious spirit of the time.

Production-wise, "Powerage Canada" stands as a testament to AC/DC's evolving studio mastery. The album was recorded at Albert Studios in Sydney, Australia, and produced by Harry Vanda and George Young. The production values reflect a balance between the raw, unbridled energy of the band's live performances and the refined craftsmanship required for studio recording. This delicate equilibrium contributes to the album's enduring appeal, making it a classic in the AC/DC discography.

The Canadian release of "Powerage" adds an interesting dimension to the album's narrative. The international success of AC/DC was propelled by their ability to connect with audiences across the globe, transcending geographical boundaries. The Canadian release, with its unique nuances and regional impact, underscores the band's global influence and the album's resonance within the Canadian rock scene of the late '70s.

Music Genre:

Hard Rock ( And Roll )

Label & Catalognr:

 Atlantic KSD 19180

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1978 Canada

AC/DC - Powerage ( Canadian Release ) Production & Recording Information

Producers:

Vanda and Young - Producers

Sound & Recording Engineers:

Mark Opitz - Sound Engineer

Recording Location:

This album was recorded at: Albert Studios, Sydney, Australia, February-March 1978

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Bob Defrin - Art Director

Bob Defrin, a prominent figure in the world of graphic design and album cover art, is best known for his significant contributions as the director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records. Born on April 13, 1946, Defrin's creative journey began in Brooklyn, New York, where he developed a passion for art from an early age.

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Defrin's career in the music industry took off in the 1980s, a pivotal era for Heavy Metal music. His unique artistic vision and ability to capture the essence of a band's sound through visual imagery made him a sought-after figure among musicians and record labels. As a director and graphic designer at Atlantic Records, Defrin played a pivotal role in shaping the visual identities of numerous Heavy Metal bands during this period.

One of Defrin's notable accomplishments was his work on album covers. He understood the power of album artwork in conveying the spirit and energy of a band's music. Defrin's ability to translate the raw power and intensity of Heavy Metal into captivating visuals earned him widespread recognition and accolades. His designs often featured bold, eye-catching imagery, intricate details, and striking typography, perfectly complementing the music within.

Defrin's portfolio boasts an impressive array of iconic album covers. Among his most renowned works are the covers for AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" (1979), "Back in Black" (1980), and "For Those About to Rock We Salute You" (1981). These covers captured the band's energy, attitude, and electrifying sound, becoming iconic symbols of Heavy Metal culture.

Additionally, Defrin's artistic contributions extended beyond AC/DC. He collaborated with numerous other influential bands, including Twisted Sister, Bon Jovi, Krokus, and Skid Row, among others. Each album cover he designed encapsulated the essence of the respective band's music, making a lasting impact on the visual landscape of Heavy Metal.

Bob Defrin's expertise in graphic design and his ability to understand and interpret the musical vision of Heavy Metal bands made him an invaluable asset to Atlantic Records. He left an indelible mark on the music industry, helping to shape the visual identities of some of the most influential Heavy Metal acts of the 1980s.

Beyond his work with Atlantic Records, Defrin's influence continued to resonate in the field of graphic design. His unique style and contributions left a lasting impression on album cover art, inspiring generations of designers to think creatively and push the boundaries of visual storytelling.

Bob Defrin's legacy as a director, graphic designer, and head of art for Atlantic Records endures as a testament to his immense talent and profound impact on the Heavy Metal genre. His ability to merge music and visual artistry has forever left an indelible mark on the history of album cover design.

Photography:

Jim Houghton - Photographer

Musicians:
  • Bon Scott - Vocals

    Bon Scott, the legendary vocalist of AC/DC, fronted the iconic hard rock band from 1974 until his untimely death in 1980. Known for his raw, powerful voice and electrifying stage presence, he played a key role in shaping AC/DC’s sound on classic albums like High Voltage, Highway to Hell, and Let There Be Rock. Scott’s gritty lyrics and unforgettable charisma made him a rock icon.

  • Angus Young - Guitar

    Angus Young, the lead guitarist and co-founder of AC/DC, has been the driving force behind the band’s legendary sound since their inception in 1973. Renowned for his high-energy performances, schoolboy outfit, and blistering guitar solos, Young’s riff-driven style powered classic albums like Back in Black and Highway to Hell. His iconic stage presence and unmatched talent make him a rock legend.

  • Malcolm Young - Guitar

    Malcolm Young, the rhythm guitarist and co-founder of AC/DC, was the backbone of the band’s iconic sound from 1973 until his retirement in 2014. Known for his tight, powerful riffs and impeccable timing, Malcolm’s rhythm work laid the foundation for classics like Highway to Hell and Back in Black. His understated genius and relentless drive cemented AC/DC’s place in rock history.

  • Cliff Williams - Bass

    Cliff Williams, AC/DC’s bassist from 1977 until his retirement in 2016 (and briefly returning in 2020), provided the steady, hard-hitting backbone of the band’s sound. Renowned for his solid, no-frills playing, Williams’ basslines powered iconic albums like Back in Black and Highway to Hell. His unwavering rhythm and stage presence made him an integral part of AC/DC’s legendary legacy.

  • Phil Rudd - Drums

    Phil Rudd, AC/DC’s drummer during key periods from 1975 to 1983 and 1994 to 2015, delivered the band’s signature driving beats with precision and power. Known for his steady, unrelenting drumming style, Rudd’s rhythms anchored classics like Highway to Hell and Back in Black. His minimalist yet impactful approach made him a vital force in AC/DC’s legendary sound.

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Rock 'n' Roll Damnation
  2. Gimme a Bullet
  3. Down Payment Blues
  4. Gone Shootin'
  5. Riff Raff
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Sin City
  2. Up to my Neck in You
  3. What's Next to the Moon
  4. Kicked in the Teeth

AC/DC - Powerage ( Canadian Release ) High Resolution & Quality Photos

Front Cover Photo Of AC/DC - Powerage ( Canadian Release )
Front Cover Photo Of AC/DC - Powerage ( Canadian Release )

The album front cover features AC/DC’s “Powerage”, released in 1978. The design is both striking and electrifying, capturing the high-voltage energy of the band’s music. It prominently shows a figure (modeled after Bon Scott) with a dramatic expression, suggesting shock or power surging through him. His hands appear to emit colorful electrical wires, symbolizing raw electricity and power.

The AC/DC logo is displayed at the top left in their signature lightning bolt-styled font, while the album title, “Powerage”, is written in vibrant, slanted typography, with each letter in a different color—yellow, red, and orange—reflecting the chaotic, high-energy vibe of the album.

The dark background contrasts sharply with the glowing outline around the figure, emphasizing the electrifying theme. The Atlantic Records logo is subtly positioned at the bottom right corner. The overall design reflects the rebellious and raw rock essence of AC/DC during this era.

Photo Of The Back Cover AC/DC - Powerage ( Canadian Release )
AC/DC Powerage album back cover featuring a group photo of the band members with Angus Young in his schoolboy outfit at the front, smiling energetically, and the rest of the band standing behind him against a vibrant yellow-orange background with production credits on the right

The back cover of AC/DC’s “Powerage” album features a vibrant yellow-orange background that gives a warm, electric glow. The band members—Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott, Phil Rudd, and Cliff Williams—are prominently positioned. Angus Young, dressed in his iconic schoolboy outfit, stands front and center with a wild grin and energetic posture, capturing the raw attitude of the band.

The rest of the members stand behind Angus, each with relaxed yet confident expressions. Bon Scott has a mischievous smirk, while Malcolm, Phil, and Cliff maintain a more subdued demeanor, reflecting their roles in driving the band’s tight rhythm.

The production credits and album information are neatly placed on the right-hand side in white text. These include the names of producers George Young and Harry Vanda, recording details at Albert Studios in Sydney, and Atlantic Records branding. The bottom section provides additional production and management credits. The overall design reflects the unpolished, high-energy rock ‘n’ roll spirit of AC/DC during this period.

Close up of the AC/DC - Powerage ( Canadian Release ) record's label
with green, white, and red horizontal sections, the text AC/DC Powerage, catalog number KSD 19180, and manufacturing details by WEA Music of Canada

This record label for AC/DC’s “Powerage” album features the iconic Atlantic Records design. The label is divided into three horizontal sections: a green top, a white middle band, and a red bottom. The Atlantic Records logo is prominently displayed at the top, featuring bold colors of red, green, black, and white, alongside the distinctive spiral emblem.

Below the logo, the album’s catalog number (KSD 19180), side indicator (ONE), and the band name (AC/DC) with the album title (Powerage) are neatly printed in bold black text. The word STEREO appears prominently on the left side of the white band. The label also includes manufacturing and distribution details along the outer rim, crediting WEA Music of Canada, Ltd. and noting the copyright as 1978 J. Albert & Son (Pty) Ltd.

The text layout is clean and professional, with all compositions attributed to the band’s core members (Young, Young, and Scott). The label’s vibrant colors and clear branding maintain Atlantic Records’ distinctive and classic style.

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