AC/DC Song Shows Its Age

Summary

The article reflects on the author's musical journey, revealing a preference for rock music from the 1970s and the surprise discovery that AC/DC's "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" was actually released in 1981, not recently as initially thought.

Abstract

The author recounts their musical evolution, shaped by a childhood exposure to classical music, which was ultimately overshadowed by a strong affinity for 1970s rock. Despite being preoccupied with family life during the 80s and 90s, the author eventually developed a taste for the music of those decades, albeit belatedly. The article humorously acknowledges the author's tolerance for "insipid and offensive" lyrics in favor of catchy tunes, exemplified by their enjoyment of AC/DC's "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap." The song's theme of a hitman's services, including various murder methods, is contrasted with the author's sophisticated literary taste. The revelation that the song is actually thirty years older than assumed comes while listening to the radio, highlighting the timeless appeal of rock music across generations.

Opinions

The author has a fondness for rock music from the 1970s, considering it superior to the music of subsequent decades.
There is an expressed disdain for "literary pap" and an admission that catchy music can overshadow the need for meaningful lyrics.
The author values the nostalgia and personal memories associated with music, as evidenced by the anecdote about the green brocade gown and the automat dinner.
There is a sense of irony in the author's appreciation for music with seemingly trivial or offensive lyrics, despite their own refined use of language.
The article suggests that the appeal of certain music can transcend its original era, as shown by the author's continued enjoyment of "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap."

“Dirty Deeds Done … ? My guess was off by thirty years

Despite the efforts of my father to instill in me appreciation of classical music, I spurned his introductions to the late great Beethoven, Bach, and Co.

He lured me to an opera (once) with the promise of early supper at an automat.

My mother had made me a green brocade gown for the grand occasion; I was thus a tad overdressed for dinner.

My “taste” in music is raucously unrefined: rock from the ‘70’s rules!

The 80’s and 90’s passed me by, mired as I was in raising three children and a two-year old husband. By the time I discovered music from those eras, it was passé.

It’s ironic that one who plays with words and disdains literary (so to speak) pap, will eschew sophisticated lyrics in favor of insipid and offensive ones if my ears prefer the tune accompanying the latter. For instance, I’ll overlook gibberish from David Bowie’s “Diamond Dogs” and T. Rex’s “Bang a Gong.”

Yesterday, I rocked out to “Dirty Deeds, Done Dirt Cheap,” by AC/DC, which features a hitman-for-hire proffering — check out the background vocals — a menu of murder methods, including cyanide and TNT.

I recall first bangin’ to its hard rock beat about ten years ago. I’d assumed it had been recently released.

Last night, as I washed the dishes to the tunes of rock 104 FM, I heard AC/DC’s lead singer, shrieking: “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.” I attended to the lyrics:

Pick up the phone … I’m always home …

Busted! Landline.

The song was released in 1981