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BLUE OYSTER CULT
Ghost Stories
Frontiers Music Srl

The history of the legendary BLUE OYSTER CULT goes back to 1967, when the band was toiling around Long Island, New York as THE SOFT WHITE UNDERBELLY. It was here where they met Sandy Pearlman, who became their producer, lyricist and svengali to the band. After a bad 1969 gig at Fillmore East, they changed their name to STALK-FORREST GROUP, finally becoming BLUE OYSTER CULT in 1971. With the release of their self-titled debut in January 1972, BOC were off and running. Naturally with a history that long, there has been drama and band members aplenty, way more than I care to even attempt. However, the classic lineup (Eric Bloom, Buck Dharma, the Bouchard Brothers, Albert and Joe, & Alan Lanier) lasted till late 1981. Only Buck and Eric remain in the band, and Alan passed away in 2013, yet all members are back in the latest (and perhaps Last) album from BOC. How could that be possible you ask? In the days of computers and A.I., anything is possible.

Most of these songs go back to the years 1978 - 1983, and were either not used, not finished or the time limitations of vinyl and tapes back in the day led to them wither on the vine. Label Frontiers Music were so pleased with the last album, 2020's The Symbol Remains that they asked for more music. However, since BLUE OYSTER CULT are perpetual road-dogs (playing normally 100 + shows every year) the time to write and record new music just wasn't in the cards. So enter BOC's original audio engineer George Geranios, who 'baked' the tapes, then current BOC guitarist Richie Castellano used his studio and some A.I. wizardry to deconstruct some of the songs too lost to time and the elements and separate the individual tracks. The ones that needed overhauls, the Bouchard Brothers came in and laid down "new' parts where the unsavable old parts were. Even the late Mr. Lanier, like Joan Crawford, has risen from the grave to once again strum on his guitar. Richie also plays on certain tracks as well.

"Late Night Street Fight" has a big-band type feel to it, while "Cherry" is a leather jacket wearing 50's type rocker. "So Supernatural" is more classic BOC with that laid-back style that they are known for. "We Gotta' Get Out of This Place" is a studio version of the classic cover of THE ANIMALS track that BOC released a Live version of on Some Enchanted Evening. Very cool to hear a studio version. "Soul Jive" is another classic BOC sounding track with a little keyboard reminiscent of THE DOORS. Brilliant solo on this cut also. "Gun" is a little more Hard Rock than the others, but still has that late 80's pop-tinged chorus. "Shot In The Dark" starts out like you're in a jazz club with a Private Eye narrating a story of a damsel in distress, pure Rock and Roll here. "The Only Thing" is a quite subdued cut, not a ballad but a chill track to be sure. "Kick Out The Jams" is another studio cut of a previously released Live only version (also on Some Enchanted Evening) of the stomping MC5 track. Awesome. "Money Machine" is a little boogie number with some rock piano ala LYNYRD SKYNYRD, with some tasty lead work to boot. "Don't Come Running To Me" definitely has that pure 80's sound that dominated the airwaves, including some tasty harmony vocals. If you were there, you know what I'm alluding to. I actually really dig this cut. It would sound great with "Shooting Shark" following it. The final track is a BEATLES cover, "If I Fell". Acoustic except for some bongo drums.

12 cuts coming in at around 42 minutes. Since no one was really expecting BOC to release another album, it was a pleasant surprise for sure. If you're a casual fan, I don't know if there's anything here you absolutely must have. If you're a hardcore BLUE OYSTER CULT fan or completist, you already have this in your collection by now I'd wager. I know I have mine. So while nothing earth-shattering to hear on this platter, let's celebrate the fact that one the U.S.'s great Hard Rock treasures are cheating The Reaper one more time with this release. Don't fear him. Or this.

And for the Vinyl junkies, there are (were?) various colors and limited editions. Do some digging and see what's left.

3.5 Out Of 5.) Skulls☠️☠️☠️