AC/DC, "Backtracks": This isn't your typical box set. Instead, this collection of AC/DC's work puts together rare studio tracks, live cuts and videos, most of which have never been released in this form.

"Backtracks" comes in two versions. The standard set has a CD of studio rarities, a career-spanning CD of live rarities and a DVD putting together the band's videos from "Big Gun" with some live bonus vids.

The deluxe edition expands the first CD from 12 to 18 tracks, has two live CDs and adds another DVD, this one of a smokin' live performance in Munich, Germany, in 2003. If you've got the cash, I'd recommend this simply because it's more comprehensive and, in a set like this, more is better.

AC/DC's boogie rock sounds like the Faces with far louder guitars. They remember to roll as well as rock, which is a rarity in the hard rock world, and that's what makes them continually interesting. While Brian Johnson rips out some monster vocals in the later cuts, AC/DC isn't a metal band. It's apparent here that what they play is good, loud rock 'n' roll.

The band didn't change much when Johnson took over the vocal duties in 1980 after the passing of Bon Scott. That comes through not only in the music but in the videos.

It almost goes without saying that "Backtracks" is for serious fans only. More casual listeners can get by with a greatest hits package, but AC/DC aficionados will want to put this at the top of their Christmas lists.

Appropriately enough, "Backtracks" comes in a package that looks like an amplifier. Put it on 11 and crank it up. Grade: B+