In an interesting move, the new AC/DC album, Black Ice will be released only at Wal-Mart stores and the band’s website. Way to stick it to the man, AC/DC.

I think what surprises me most is that over the years, Wal-Mart has banned albums by Sheryl Crow, John Cougar Mellencamp, The Goo Goo Dolls and books by John Stewart, George Carlin and others. These are products Wal-Mart considers to have the wrong values for their stores. And yet, AC/DC, a band who for decades has almost exclusively had songs about sex and booze makes the cut. Wal-Mart accounts for 10% of record sales domestically, so they have a huge influence. I wonder if AC/DC will sanitize this release.

AC/DC’s last album in 2000, Stiff Upper Lip, contained the brilliant Safe In New York City, a song which Jamie and I mock profusely for the number of times the words “I feel safe in New York City” are repeated.

Oh AC/DC. Like an old friend. If all their previous albums are any indication, I’m sure that this will fall under the category of good ol’ fashioned rock n’ roll. I doubt anyone will be surprised by what it sounds like.

Tags: ac dc, ac/dc, black ice, george carlin, good ol fashioned rock n roll, john cougar mellencamp, john stewart, safe in a cage in new york city, safe in new york city, sanitize, sheryl crow, stiff upper lip, the goo goo dolls, wal-mart, walmart