Album Info
| Artist: | Blue Öyster Cult |
| Album: | Spectres |
| Released: | Australia, 1977 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Godzilla | |
| Written-By - D. Roeser | ||
| A2 | Golden Age Of Leather | |
| Choir - Newark Boys Chorus | ||
| Written-By - B. Abbott, D. Roeser | ||
| A3 | Death Valley Nights | |
| Written-By - A. Bouchard, R. Meltzer | ||
| A4 | Searchin For Celine | |
| Written-By - A. Lanier | ||
| A5 | Fireworks | |
| Written-By - A. Bouchard | ||
| B1 | R. U. Ready 2 Rock | |
| Written-By - A. Bouchard, S. Pearlman | ||
| B2 | Celestial The Queen | |
| Written-By - H. Wheels, J. Bouchard | ||
| B3 | Goin' Through The Motions | |
| Written-By - E. Bloom, I. Hunter | ||
| B4 | I Love The Night | |
| Written-By - D. Roeser | ||
| B5 | Nosferatu | |
| Written-By - H. Wheels, J. Bouchard |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $150 and over.
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- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid cardboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship in stock vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
"Spectres," released in 1977, is the fifth studio album by the American rock band Blue Öyster Cult. Known for their unique blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and elements of psychedelic rock, Blue Öyster Cult had already established a reputation for their theatrical live shows and enigmatic lyrics. "Spectres" followed the commercial success of their previous album, "Agents of Fortune," which featured the hit single "(Don't Fear) The Reaper."
"Spectres" opens with "Godzilla," a track that has become one of the band's signature songs. With its catchy riff and humorous lyrics about the iconic Japanese monster, "Godzilla" showcases the band's ability to blend humor with hard rock. The song remains a staple in their live performances and is often cited as a standout track on the album.
The album continues with "Golden Age of Leather," a song that features a mix of complex arrangements and vocal harmonies. The track tells a story of a biker gang's last ride, capturing the spirit of the 1970s rock scene with its narrative style and musical experimentation. "Death Valley Nights" and "Fireworks" are other notable tracks that highlight the band's diverse musical influences, ranging from classic rock to more progressive sounds.
"Spectres" is also known for its exploration of darker themes, a hallmark of Blue Öyster Cult's lyrical content. Songs like "I Love the Night" and "Nosferatu" delve into themes of romance and horror, with "Nosferatu" drawing inspiration from the classic vampire film of the same name. The band's ability to weave storytelling with music is evident throughout the album, creating a cinematic experience for the listener.
Critically, "Spectres" received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the album for its ambitious production and the band's continued evolution in sound, while others felt it did not quite reach the heights of "Agents of Fortune." Despite the mixed critical reception, "Spectres" has maintained a cult following over the years, with fans appreciating its eclectic mix of songs and the band's signature style.
In terms of commercial performance, "Spectres" achieved moderate success. It reached number 43 on the Billboard 200 chart, and "Godzilla" received significant airplay on rock radio stations. The album's cover art, featuring the band members surrounded by ghostly apparitions, adds to its mystique and has become iconic in its own right.
While "Spectres" did not win any major awards, its influence can be seen in the way it helped solidify Blue Öyster Cult's place in rock history. The album's blend of hard rock, storytelling, and theatrical elements would go on to influence many bands in the rock and metal genres.
Overall, "Spectres" is a testament to Blue Öyster Cult's creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of rock music. It captures a moment in time when the band was experimenting with new sounds and ideas, resulting in an album that, while perhaps not as commercially successful as its predecessor, remains an important part of their discography. For fans of the band and the genre, "Spectres" offers a glimpse into the unique world of Blue Öyster Cult, where monsters, bikers, and vampires coexist in a musical landscape that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.