This time I’m starting a series on New York-based Blue Öyster Cult. The band formed in 1967 as Soft White Underbelly, a reference to Winston Churchill’s criticism of the Axis Powers. The original lineup met rock critic Sandy Pearlman at a gig at Stony Brook University, where all the members were attending. After a bad review at a gig, Pearlman (who had become the band’s manager and a songwriter. Pearlman suggested the name in reference to a concept about an alien cult who secretly guided Earth’s history. The band’s logo is loosely based on the astronomical symbol of Saturn. Pearlman also suggested stage names, but only Donald Roeser kept his, calling himself “Buck Dharma”. Allen Lanier suggested the addition of the umlaut. They were the first band to call themselves a heavy metal band, in reference to the symbol also being for lead (a heavy metal, get it?). The debut had three singles, and reached #172 on the Billboard 200.
Members:
Buck Dharma: Lead guitar, vocals
Eric Bloom: Vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards
Allen Lanier: rhythm guitar, keyboards
Joe Bouchard: bass, vocals
Albert Bouchard: drums, vocals
The Tracks:
- “Transmaniacon MC”: This song is about the Altamont Free Concert. (The MC stands for Motorcycle Club). The song has a great riff and rhythm.
- “I’m on the Lamb, But I Ain’t No Sheep”. This song originated from early in the band’s history, when they were known as Oaxaca. (Alternative versions of the song are on compilation album St. Cecilia: The Elektra Recordings.) It’s about a criminal being chased by the Mounties. I like the groove on this one.
- “Then Came the Last Days of May”: This song comes from a story about two friends who were killed in a bad drug deal. The song has a much softer and somber feel than the rest of the album.
- “Before the Kiss, a Redcap”: the song was originally called “Conry’s Bar”, in reference to a real bar. The song has another slick groove.
- “She’s As Beautiful as a Foot”: This song has a cool and eerie feel to it.
- “Cities on Flame With Rock and Roll”: One of the best songs on the album. It’s got an excellent rhythm section. This is the first recorded song in the Imaginos Cycle, a series of songs that are comprised of a longer story, which ties into the band’s name. The song is sung by Albert instead of Dharma.
- “Workshop on the Telescopes”: Another song with a cool eerie feel.
- “Redeemed”: This song was written by singer-songwriter Henry Farcas, and references his St. Bernard, Sir Rastus Bear. I like the drumming on this one.
Final Verdict: While I only recognized only one song, I did enjoy hearing how the band started out. This was a good debut.
Grade: A-
Aspie Catholic 