cover image The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC

The Youngs: The Brothers Who Built AC/DC

Jesse Fink. St. Martin’s, $25.99 (320) ISBN 978-1-250-05383-1

Above all, journalist Fink’s look at the band addresses the question that he believes most mainstream rock critics have never been able to answer about AC/DC: “Why have they endured and resonated endured and resonated with hundreds of millions of people and inculcated such fierce loyalty and outright fanaticism?” The answer is that the unrelenting tenacity of the Young brothers: rhythm guitarist Malcolm, the group’s quiet leader; manic lead guitarist Angus; and producer George, the architect of their early sound. By tracing the lives of 11 songs from the band’s 40-plus-year career, Fink charts the history of the band’s success and examines the recording process behind each song. “It’s a Long Way to the Top,” from 1975 is the vehicle for a discussion of the effort Atlantic Records expended breaking the group in America, while “Back in Black” is a fascinating look at the band’s tempestuous relationship with producer Mutt Lange, who crafted their best work but ultimately alienated them with his tendency “to strive for technical perfection at the expense of feel.” (Aug.)