General Information Artist: AC/DC Title: Back in Black Label: Atlantic Catalog number: SD 16018 Format: Vinyl, LP, Album Year: 1980 Country: US Edition: First Pressing (Monarch Pressing, RL Master) Genre: Hard Rock Description Released on July 25, 1980, Back in Black is the seventh studio album by Australian rock band AC/DC. It was the band's first album to feature vocalist Brian Johnson, following the tragic death of their previous lead singer, Bon Scott. The album was produced by Robert John "Mutt" Lange and recorded at Compass Point Studios in the Bahamas. The all-black cover was designed as a sign of mourning for Bon Scott. Despite the somber circumstances of its creation, the album became a global phenomenon, featuring iconic tracks like "Hells Bells," "You Shook Me All Night Long," and the title track "Back in Black." It remains one of the best-selling albums in music history, with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. Condition Vinyl: Near Mint (NM) Cover: Near Mint Minus (NM-) Notes for collectors This specific copy is highly prized by audiophiles and collectors because it features the "RL" initials in the deadwax (runout groove). This indicates that the record was mastered by the legendary engineer Robert Ludwig at Masterdisk. The "RL" cut is widely considered the definitive version of this album due to its superior dynamic range and "punchy" low-end compared to later reissues. Additionally, the "MO" suffix on the label and the (MR) stamp in the runout indicate that this was pressed at the Monarch Record Mfg. Co. in Los Angeles, which is often favored by collectors for its high-quality pressings. Matrix/Labels Side One Matrix: ST-A-804517-A MASTERDISK RL (MR) △ 24799 (3) Side Two Matrix: ST-A-804518-A MASTERDISK RL (MR) △ 24799-X Labels: Atlantic silver/green/red labels with "75 Rockefeller Plaza" address and Warner Communications logo. Manufacturer: Monarch Record Mfg. Co. (indicated by "MO" on labels).