4/20/2024

Vinyl Review: Blue Oyster Cult-Ghost Stories

Release Date: April 12, 2024

Label: ‎Frontiers

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Ghost Stories, possibly the Blue Oyster Cult swan song, is a nostalgic journey back to the band's prime. As the two remaining original members age, this album serves as a heartfelt tribute to their past, pulling out some gems for the longtime fans.

 

It stands out as a significant release, not just for its musical content but also for the long-awaited return of Albert and Joe Bouchard and the heartfelt tribute to the late Allan Lanier. These elements imbue the album with a historical depth, making it a compelling listen for longtime fans.

 

The vinyl edition of Ghost Stories is a visual treat. The artwork's intricate details (and hidden messages?) serve as a unique storytelling medium. It beautifully captures the essence of the tracks, which are like ghosts in the attic, now brought back to life and polished.

 

Side A starts with "Late Night Street Fight," a strong opener." "Cherry" is a classic old-school rock with a summertime AM radio station feel—mind you, this was the 1970s. One part of the song has a quiet interlude, then changes with the guitars cutting loose with fire. So, we are off to a good start two tracks in.

 

Then comes the longest track, "So Supernatural," which clocks in at 5:55. It is classic BOC with music and a theme all fans will recognize. It is one of the strongest compositions on the LP.

 

If you are familiar with The Animals (Eric Bourdon), you will love their version of "We Gotta Get Out of This Place." Eric Bloom does a great job with the vocals; the musicianship is spot on. It's a rock classic on steroids.

 

"Soul Jive" is probably the album's most out-of-their-comfort-zone song. It is very cool, though. A catchy beginning riff sets the tone with a more subdued guitar. The music is soft but well done, even if you like the rockers more. However, there are some things to appreciate.

 

"Gun" closes out side A. It's back to rockin' the house faster and another one of my favorites.

 

Side B opens with "Shot in the Dark." Picture the scene: a smokey bar room with a piano player. Eric starts talking and telling the story before the music and singing kick in. It is a fine opener with lots of high-energy BOC at work and an excellent lead guitar.

 

"The Only Thing" is Buck Dharma's perfect song. His voice is the spice that flavors the words and makes them believable. It's a slow-burner love song but features some fitting rockin' funky organ and bass. There is a good guitar break towards the end.

 

Do you remember, or are you familiar with MC5? Well, here it is, BOC style. "Kick Out the Jams," indeed! Wayne Kramer (RIP February this year) must be smiling down upon this one from his seat in rock 'n' roll heaven. It's another absolute favorite I could listen to daily.

 

"Money Machine" is a real toe-tapper. It has a great rhythm, accompanied by the piano tinkling as the guitars wail. Excellent!

 

"Don't Come Running to Me" features quick guitar bursts throughout, with passionate vocals making a point as they sing, "Don't come running to me if he breaks your heart." Well, you get the idea.

 

Would they end the album with some force and flex their rock muscles? Wrong! They cover The Beatles' song "If I Fell." What a mistake. It is horrendous. It's a very disappointing way to end a decent album from the archives.

 

It is undoubtedly not one of my favorite BOC albums, but it was a fun listen. It was nice to reminisce back when they were one of the hottest bands on earth. It is a sample of those times and a reminder of how talented this band was. 

 

If you're a BOC fan, you have to have it; an average rock fan, look to their early catalog of releases to find out how good they were. I recommend Agents of Fortune, Secret Treaties, Fire of Unknown Origin, and On Your Feet or On Your Knees (live).

 

If Ghost Stories is the curtain call for BOC studio work, then all things considered, it's a good exit strategy.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder

April 18, 2024

Tracks:

Side A:

1. Late Night Street Fight

2. Cherry

3. So Supernatural

4. We Gotta Get Out of This Place

5. Soul Jive

6. Gun

Side B:

1. Shot in the Dark

2. The Only Thing

3. Kick Out the Jams

4. Money Machine

5. Don't Come Running to Me

6. If I Fell


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