The Crate
AC/DC
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap is AC/DC’s third studio album, originally issued September 20, 1976 in Australia and November 12, 1976 in the U.K. It is renowned for its lean, ferocious hard rock and the infamous title track. The U.S. finally received an official release in March 1981, after Bon Scott’s death, helping broaden the band’s mainstream impact. ([crosstalkrecords.com](https://www.crosstalkrecords.com/release/400605/ACDC-Dirty-Deeds-Done-Dirt-Cheap?utm_source=openai))
2. Recording History
- Recording studio and location: Albert Studios in Sydney, Australia. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Deeds_Done_Dirt_Cheap))
- Producers and engineers: Harry Vanda and George Young produced the sessions; no separate engineer listed in the primary credits. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Deeds_Done_Dirt_Cheap))
- Recording dates/sessions: Began December 1975 and continued into early 1976, with most tracks laid down December 1975–March 1976. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Deeds_Done_Dirt_Cheap))
- Notable notes: The band recorded in patches during a busy touring period; the label emphasizes a rough, “no-fuss” studio approach that contributed to the record’s taut edge. ([ftrecord.com](https://www.ftrecord.com/liner-notes/acdc-dirty-deeds-done-dirt-cheap-1976?utm_source=openai))
- Artwork: Australian cover art by Richard Ford; international sleeve by Hipgnosis. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Deeds_Done_Dirt_Cheap))
- International vs Australian track differences: The Australian version includes Jailbreak and R.I.P.; the international version substitutes Rocker and Love at First Feel. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Deeds_Done_Dirt_Cheap))
3. Chart Performance & Recognition
- U.S. chart performance: Reached #3 on the Billboard 200 after its 1981 release. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Deeds_Done_Dirt_Cheap))
- Australian chart performance: #5 on the Kent Music Report (Original Australian release). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Deeds_Done_Dirt_Cheap))
- Certifications: U.S. is 7× Platinum (RIAA); Australia is 6× Platinum (ARIA). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Deeds_Done_Dirt_Cheap))
- Critical reception: AllMusic awarded the album 5/5 stars, noting its kinetic, seething energy. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Deeds_Done_Dirt_Cheap))
4. Cultural Impact & Legacy
- Influence and reputation: The record is often cited as AC/DC’s most deviant, unvarnished early-era statement, capturing the band’s feral energy at the height of Bon Scott’s reign. ([au.rollingstone.com](https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/ac-dc-25-essential-songs-2-26728/dirty-deeds-done-dirty-cheap-1976-3-26733/?utm_source=openai))
- Notable covers/samples: The title track, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, has been covered by various artists (Joan Jett’s adaptation as “Dirty Deeds” is a notable example); the track’s enduring status is documented in cover-track roundups. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Deeds_Done_Dirt_Cheap_%28song%29?utm_source=openai))
- Legacy today: The album remains a touchstone for AC/DC’s early swagger and is frequently cited in retrospectives of 1970s hard rock; its dual Australian/international releases are often discussed in discography histories. ([au.rollingstone.com](https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/ac-dc-25-essential-songs-2-26728/dirty-deeds-done-dirty-cheap-1976-3-26733/?utm_source=openai))
Note: The Australian and international editions contain distinct track orders and song selections, reflecting regional market strategies of the era. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Deeds_Done_Dirt_Cheap))