So many legacy acts over the last couple of decades have gone back into the studio to re-record their classics for new 'greatest hits' compilations, and legendary hard rock act Blue Oyster Cult were no exception in the early '90s with Cult Classic, now being reissued thanks to the bands new association with Frontiers Records. Originally released in 1994, Cult Classic contains many of the bands most well known songs, given new treatment using '90s production techniques, though to the casual listener, you aren't likely to hear much difference between these newer versions and the originals. In 1994, both Eric Bloom & Buck Dharma's vocals were pretty close to what we remember from the '70s & '80s, so the vocal tracks are spot on, while the arrangements are also kept fairly close to the original renditions, save for perhaps some extra keyboards in spots and some of the instruments having more clarity on these newer recordings. "ME 262" specifically has a larger keyboard (organ, piano) presence here, giving this classic track a more full sound, and "This Ain't the Summer of Love" contains a wealth of metallic guitar riffing, giving the song a heavier feel. Most of the other versions here though are very similar to their older sibling, like "Don't Fear the Reaper", "Burnin' For You", "E.T.I.", "Godzilla", "Flaming Telepaths", and "Cities on Flame With Rock 'n' Roll", which, is not necessarily a bad thing. "Astronomy" is well done, perhaps with a touch of added atmosphere, but Buck kills it on the guitar solo as always.
For most BOC fans, Cult Classic is hardly essential, as most will of course have the original versions of these songs and countless excellent live renditions. But, if you want to hear the early '90s line-up of the band going back into the studio to crank out a set of their classic songs, this is a fun listen.
Track Listing
- Don’t Fear The Reaper
- E.T.I. (Extraterrestrial Intelligence)
- M.E. 262
- This Ain’t The Summer Of Love
- Burning For You
- O.D.’D On Life Itself
- Flaming Telepaths
- Godzilla
- Astronomy
- Cities On Flame With Rock ‘N’ Roll
- Harvester Of Eyes
- Buck’s Boogie
- Don’t Fear The Reaper (Tv Mix)
- Godzilla (Tv Mix)
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