Release Date: April 12, 2024
Label: Frontiers
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
