The World's Greatest AC/DC Tribute finds a wide cross-section of bands tackling tracks from the legendary Aussie hard rockers. It's probably one of the only comps on the market with a roster that includes
the Dwarves and
Godflesh as well as
Great White and
Quiet Riot, but that's mostly because Cleopatra gleaned these cuts from existing releases.
AC/DC completists take note: you might already have these recordings. For most listeners though,
The World's Greatest AC/DC Tribute is a fun ride through the band's history.
Quiet Riot go over the top in their transformation of "Highway to Hell" into a crackling '80s-style rocker, while
Sister Machine Gun's version of "TNT" features the band's signature electronic grooves and cynicism. The Dwarves simultaneously amplify and lower the already low humor of "Big Balls," and
Godflesh's trudge through "For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)" is mysterious, energizing, and a little threatening all at once. The set's varied styles might turn off some listeners. But the scope of the licenses taken should keep
AC/DC purists arguing for hours. ~ Johnny Loftus