Search - Blue Oyster Cult :: Agents of Fortune (Limited Edition)

Branching out..

NYC Leather Pants Wearin' Wierdo | New York | 03/04/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Blue Oyster Cult's 4th studio release in 1976 shows the first signs of change with respect to musical direction. On first listen, the material is surprisingly light, aside from the blistering "Tattoo Vampire" and the snarling "This Ain't The Summer Of Love". As usually occurs with groups of cult status, there is a push towards growth through more accessible music styles that appeal to a wider audience. "Agents of Fortune" no doubt contains the beginnings of this growth, as evidenced by the radio friendly "Don't Fear the Reaper" which makes it's debut on this collection as the third cut. "Reaper" is the best song on this album and is arguably the best BOC tune ever written. "E.T.I" follows and again, a classic is created, with it's signature guitar lines played live countless times ever after. We also see songs such as "Tenderloin", "Morning Final" and "Debbie Denise" showcasing a very melodic side of the band and a versatility few other hard rock acts had at the time. But "Agents of Fortune" is not without it's losers. For example, songs such as "Sinful Love" and "True Confessions", although certainly appealing to some, ultimately do not stand the test of time and should have been left in the vaults. Yet, the presence of these two songs is balanced out by other gems, such as "Revenge of Vera Gemini" complete with Patti Smith back-up vocal. "Gemini" contains all the classic ingredients of a good Cult song: temptation, good and evil, love and longing. This is a very good album, and would make a fine addition to any record collection.

"