SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: BLUE ÖYSTER CULT – 50th ANNIVERSARY LIVE – THIRD NIGHT

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT
50th ANNIVERSARY LIVE – THIRD NIGHT
FRONTIERS MUSIC

From September 21 through to September 22, 2022, Blue Öyster Cult performed three very special shows at Sony Hall in New York City. They performed, in their entirety, their first three albums on three successive nights. Thus far, Blue Öyster Cult has released the first two nights (album reviews HERE and HERE), and now the third and final show makes its appearance on disc for fans to enjoy. As with the first two, the band was very tight and ready for those three shows, and as a result these recordings have all been quite enjoyable and, at times, exciting.

On this live album, the arrangement is a little different, but it sounds fresh and as good as ever. Of course, the line-up playing on the album was not the same as the Blue Öyster Cult in 2022, but original member Albert Bouchard did make an appearance. Eric Bloom (lead vocals, ‘stun’ rhythm guitar, keyboards) and Buck Dharma (lead guitar, vocals) –who have been with the band since 1972–are still fronting the group.

They perform the album track by track, and they do it very well. It is a great live representation of Secret Treaties, their third album. Because it is live, it does have an element of excitement, and the band is in perfect form. “Subhuman” and “Stairway To The Stars” certainly benefit from the live show treatment. There is an element of excitement and energy from the band. They sound like they are having a great time.

Following the performance of Secret Treaties, they launched into a best-of/greatest hits portion of the show. All the classics are here, including the wonderful “Godzilla”, which never fails to bring a smile to the face. “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” is also exciting and played to perfection. “Joan Crawford” is a welcome addition.

The production here sounds great. It is an honest representation of the show, and the band is performing particularly well. It was no doubt an emotional night, being the last of the three nights, and although that may not come through in the recording, the performance is solid and fun. As with the first two installments, 50th Anniversary Live – Third Night is a great live album, one that fans will, no doubt, enjoy.

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