EXTRATERRESTRIAL LIVE

For the longest time, I contented myself to acquiring compilations and live albums to quench my thirst for the bands I enjoyed since money was never something I had much to spend. After buying a cheap compilation of Blue Oyster Cult songs (mainly to attain the radio hits), I became intrigued further, and not long later wound up buying this album (which I ended up benefiting from for only a short while since I let a friend borrow it and never saw it again). This is a vast treasure of live music on one convenient disc. The rhythm section is particularly strong on this one- Joe Bouchard's bass thunders through the riffs, stealing the spotlight in a few places, and the drumming from Rick Downey is hard-hitting, tight, and full of creative deviations (especially during a certain song about a terrifying beast that razes Japanese cities). Allen Lanier is the most understated member, but his introduction to "Joan Crawford" is brilliantly executed. If it was ever in any doubt, Donald Roeser is one of the most undervalued lead guitar players- every solo is blistering yet tasteful, but most importantly, exciting. Eric Bloom beefs up the performance in a number of ways, adding even more grit to his singing and keeping the crowd absolutely pumped. Robbie Krieger of The Doors joins Blue Oyster Cult on stage and the group performs a sizzling extended rendition of "Roadhouse Blues." "Black Blade" is a robust fusion of progressive rock and "spit-on-the-ground" hard rock, laden with organ, synthesizer, and plenty of crunchy guitar. "Godzilla" is introduced with an entertaining story and some noises from the titular character. "Veteran of the Psychic Wars" is a royal treat, and should please those seeking a more progressive edge. My personal favorite song from this band, "E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)" is for the most part a faithful, if thicker version. "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" is given an upbeat and heavier makeover, with subtle clavichord in the backdrop. The stellar performance of the last four songs alone are worth incorporating this album into any rock collection, yet prior to that, there's fifty solid minutes of meaty, ghoulish rock and roll.