September 1999
Blue Öyster Cult is a fine first effort. With influences from Black Sabbath, King Crimson, and Hendrix to name a few, BÖC displays a wide array of musicianship and songwriting skill. MoFi has improved the resolution; however, the soundstage is not concise and at times out of focus. Overall, the instruments are thin and compressed, but the noise level is improved. Tyranny And Mutation showcases the excellent guitar ability of Duck Roeser. This album shows clearly the direction that BÖC would follow, with songwriting and production much improved. MoFi was able to do more with this master than the first. The instruments and vocals sound more natural and full, and they have greater dynamics. Soundstaging is also improved, being distinct and laid out well. I was impressed with this remaster. The overall balance of both albums is good, and there is no obvious CD edge or harshness. It is apparent that the master of Tyranny And Mutation was in much better shape to begin with than that of Blue Öyster Cult. Nonetheless, Mobile Fidelity does what it does best -- give the best possible transfer to CD or vinyl. If you are a BÖC fan, I would recommend getting your hands on this disc. You really can’t go wrong with a two-releases-for-the-price-of-one gold disc from MoFi. GO BACK TO: |
Blue Öyster Cult - Blue Öyster Cult and Tyranny
and Mutations
![[Reviewed on CD]](../format/goldcd.gif)
The
albums Blue Öyster Cult (1972) and Tyranny and Mutations (1973) have
recently been remastered by Mobile Fidelity and released on one disc. These are Blue
Öyster Cult’s first two releases, and to many fans, some of the band's better work
despite their lack of hits. Most people will recognize BÖC from the band's "big
three" hits: "Godzilla," "Don’t Fear The Reaper," and
"Burnin’ For You." However, BÖC developed quite a following prior to these
because of the quality of its early releases and high praise from critics. This CD,
therefore, represents some of BÖC's more original work. Included in the liner notes is a
story by Eric Bloom (lead vocals and songwriter) about the origins of BÖC and how the
band got its first recording opportunity. Murray Krugman and Sandy Pearlman (songwriter,
manager/producer) produced both albums.