Blue Oyster Cult:  The Essential Blue Oyster Cult

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Blue Oyster Cult
The Essential Blue Oyster Cult
Columbia/Legacy Recordings

            Blue Oyster Cult is one of those bands that every hard rock or Album Oriented Rock (AOR) fan has heard of.  Chances are if you listen to a classic rock radio station you will hear a BOC song within 12 hours.  Since their debut album in 1972 the band has sold over 24 million albums worldwide.  In recognition of 40 years of making music Columbia/Legacy will be releasing (4/17/12) a two disc set entitled “The Essential Blue Oyster Cult”.   This set features 31 songs (both live and studio releases) from the bands ample discography from 1972 to 1985.

            “The Essential Blue Oyster Cult” overall is a great CD and is an excellent introduction to this iconic band.  It not only highlights the hits such as “Don’t Fear The Reaper”, “I’m Burning For You” and “Godzilla” but also includes some of the bands more obscure and older songs like “Veterans of the Psychic War”, “Transmaniacon” and “Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll.”  A personal favorite of mine is the live recording of E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) from their “Some Enchanted Evening”.  This two disc set contains over 2 ½ hours of music and has new liner notes from musician and author Lenny Kaye.

            “The Essential Blue Oyster Cult” is a must for anyone who has any interest in one of hard rock’s original sci fi band.  I understand this is a new release which is much more comprehensive than the Sony “The Essential Blue Oyster Cult” 2003 release which only has 14 songs on it.  I for one would encourage anyone to check out these discs and really listen to them as you will find that BOC is a great rock band that knows how to write great rock songs.  Whether you are a long time BOC fan or one who has since forgotten about them this would be a great addition to your collection.