Fly on the Wall

Released in 1985, Fly on the Wall represents AC/DC's second attempt at self-production following 1983's Flick of the Switch. Recorded at Mountain Studios in Montreux, Switzerland, the album was a deliberate rejection of the slick, pop-oriented glam metal that dominated the airwaves at the time. It marked the studio debut of drummer Simon Wright, who replaced Phil Rudd. Sonically, the album is defined by its controversial mix: a heavy use of gated reverb on the drums and a recessed vocal placement that critics like AllMusic have noted makes the lyrics difficult to discern. Despite the lukewarm critical reception and lower sales compared to Back in Black, the album produced enduring fan favorites like 'Shake Your Foundations' and 'Sink the Pink.' These tracks were later featured on the Who Made Who soundtrack, which helped rehabilitate the album's reputation. It stands as a fascinating, if polarizing, example of a legendary band attempting to capture a 'live' rawness through the lens of mid-80s recording technology.