BLUE OYSTER CULT – Ghost Stories (2024) *HQ*

On April 12, Frontiers Music will release “Ghost Stories“, a collection of BLUE OYSTER CULT recorded music that span from 1978 through 1983, with one exception being a tune previously recorded in 2016 (“If I Fell”). Most of these songs were professionally recorded at official album sessions but never used due to the era LP physical space limitation. This package of 12 tracks feature the original BOC members.
These musical treasures, long considered ‘lost gems’ by BLUE OYSTER CULT enthusiasts, were originally recorded between 1978 and 1983. Also included is the only known studio recording of their concert classic “Kick Out the Jams” (MC5 cover). Some of the material is from sessions workshopping material for an album, some is from performance rehearsals. All were recorded once in the hopes that someday they’d see the light of day.

George Geranios, the band’s original audio engineer and an integral part of the band’s golden years, co-produced the original 1978-83 recordings along with BÖC. All were originally recorded on reel-to-reel analog tape. They were later transferred to digital audio, which is when modern AI and magical musical talents met and the collection of vintage multi-track recordings was de-mixed, re-mixed, and produced by Steve Schenck and current BOC guitarist Richie Castellano to become ”Ghost Stories”.

”Ghost Stories” finds inspiration from the spirits in the shadows indeed. Collecting unreleased songs dating to the late ’70s – most made by the original quintet of Bloom, Roeser, Albert Bouchard, Joe Bouchard and Allen Lanier, along with current guitarist Richie Castellano – the album features recent additions, both in performance and mixing, to help complete some of the unfinished tracks.
The result is a record shrouded in vintage music but topped off with a modern sheen.
Now the real question is… was it all worth it?

Answering that with a resounding *yes*, this look back at the past works like a charm. Made possible to present in high quality due to technology, the songs were transferred to digital audio, taken apart and remixed with the assistance of Steve Schenck (long time band collaborator) and Richie Castellano (engineer and current member of the band).
Additionally, the studio work for the album was completed by Castellano, along with remaining original members Eric Bloom and Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser. Also, if you were wondering, both Albert Bouchard and Rick Downey appear on drums with additional overdubs recorded by Joe Bouchard.

The best cuts reinforce Blue Oyster Cult’s desire during the late ’70s and early ’80s to meld their hard rock muscle to occasional melodic, poppy melodies. The bluesy “Late Night Street Fight” which is catchy and gives you an adrenaline rush, “So Supernatural” and “Don’t Come Running to Me” would effortlessly fit on any of their albums from this period. The modern-day post-production – used for clean-ups and overdubs mostly – rarely reveals any seams in the process.

Then there is “Cherry,” a kickass melodic rock anthem that has unbridled high energy and danceability, and the Beatles cover “If I Fell,” which are both enjoyable pieces that will appeal to new and old fans.
Many of the tracks on ”Ghost Stories” were either rehearsed or planned for records released during the album’s five-year time frame. Or, as is the case with covers of the Animals’ “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” and MC5’s “Kick Out the Jams,” they were concert favorites for decades before finally getting proper studio versions.

Overall, the otherworldly Blue Öyster Cult have performed a supernatural feat. A reanimation ritual if you will, they have successfully resurrected the ephemeral souls of lost songs.
Now celebrating 50 long years established, they demonstrate that you are never too old to rock, and remind you to never throw anything out… because you just never know when it can come in handy – and useful, enjoyable again.
Highly Recommended

01. Late Night Street Fight
02. Cherry
03. So Supernatural
04. We Gotta Get Out Of This Place
05. Soul Jive
06. Gun
07. Shot In The Dark
08. The Only Thing
09. Kick Out The Jams
10. Money Machine
11. Don’t Come Running To Me
12. If I Fell

Eric Bloom – Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Albert Bouchard – Drums, Vocals
Joe Bouchard – Bass, Guitars, Keyboards, Vocals
Allen Lanier – Guitars, Keyboards
Donald ‘Buck Dharma’ Roeser – Guitars, Vocals

Pre order:
www.amazon.com/Ghost-Stories-Blue-Öyster-Cult/dp/B0CTKT6HQS