Frontiers Music SRL Album Review: Blue Oyster Cult Returns for a second night in celebration of fifty years together
Words by Anselm Anderson
Frontiers Music SRL has been experiencing recent success with notable releases from acts such as The Treatment, King Zebra, Mr. Big, and Blue Oyster Cult. The legendary Heavy Metal pioneers return with their third release in nine months. The sequel to last year's LIVE IN NYC- 50th Anniversary is released today (9th August) with the second night of the three-night celebrations of a career spanned over five decades.
In September 2022, the band performed their second album, Tyranny and Mutations, in its entirety at a sold-out show in Sony Hall, New York City. The release includes a guest appearance from original drummer Albert Bouchard, in addition to the current lineup featuring singer Buck Dharma, guitarist Eric Bloom, drummer Richie Castellano, Jules Radino, and Danny Miranda. The album captures the same energy and performance as the original release and is available in a two-CD format, documenting the two nights. The band's chemistry remains as tight as ever as they deliver a mix of rock 'n' roll blended with metal and blues to keep fans entertained. They seem to enjoy themselves through their interaction with the audience and choice of song order. B.O.C also bring along their major hits like 'Godzilla' and 'Don't Fear The Reaper' to keep those paying fans happy.
CD ONE
The first CD has a nice mixture of easy listening tracks and heavier rock songs that sound as fresh now, as they did upon release in 1973. For those familiar with the album, you don't need me to remind you of the tracks. It is merely an occasion to enjoy a classic album live during the plight of the band's twilight years. Tracks like the electric blues of 'The Red and The Black ' and the rousing rocker 'OD'D on Life Itself' get a positive reception from the audience. Dharma's vocals are still as strong and smooth as they were fifty years back. The guitar interplay still is slick and hooks the listener in with a combination of guitar-driven rock and soothing blues. The mouth-watering guitar plays on 'Hot Rails to Hell' and 'Screaming Diz Busters' ensure an enjoyable surprise for any die-hard fans of Blue Oyster Cult. Overall, this is one of my favourite B.O.C albums, so I feel this is a good first CD. Each song brings the ghosts of the seventies alive with a combination of catchy songs, tantalising riffs and solos, and a fun listening experience.
Rating: 8.5/10
CD TWO
The second CD is a combination of the other albums covered in this three-night special. 1976's Agents of Fortune, 1977's Spectres and 1974's Secret Treaties There are the hits of 'Don't Fear The Reaper' and 'E.T.I (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)' 'Godzilla'. and 'Cities on Flames with Rock 'N' Roll' which were covered on the first night. They are still fun covers, which the band sing in unison with the audience. I feel like I am part of the performance, which is the reason for these releases. As previously mentioned. B.O.C puts on a tremendous performance with all instruments and singing in tune, failing to miss a beat as they forge a connection with their loyal base. This second CD features some of the band's latest material from 2020's The Symbol Remains, including the heavy and murky 'That Was Me' and the dreamy AOR hit 'Box in My Head', which is a throwback to their reaper era. Other highlights include a live rendition of 'Burnin' For You, the beautiful ballad 'Perfect Water' and the rock and roll of 'Tatoo Vampire'.
Overall, I enjoyed this second CD because it was a combination of the band's favourite tracks throughout their career. This felt more like a live gig because they weren't covering an album, so it was pleasing for new, and old, fans of the Blue Oyster. The drawback was including some of the same tracks from the previous First Night Release. While enjoyable, I don't need to hear them on two releases.
Rating: 8/10/
If you enjoyed this read, please read more about Blue Oyster Cult below
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Copyright: Anselm Anderson ©
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