Search - Blue Oyster Cult :: Club Ninja

A true BÖC album nevertheless

J. Talsma | Amsterdam, Netherlands | 10/17/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"this album from 1985 has a few oddities. The nucleus of the band is reduced till Bloom, Roeser en Joe Bouchard, with many others participating (the same as on "Imaginos" album, with the exeption of the return of the now absent Lanier and Albert Bouchard). While always multi-instrumentalists and songwriters the band depends this time on several forces form the outside. Earlier in their career they hardly used songs written by others, though they collaborated with many in the songwritingsproces (among who Rick Meltzer, Patty Smith, Sandy Pearlman, even Ian Hunter, Michael Moorcock, Helen Wheels) but now 4 of the 9 songs are from external songwriters, like Bob Halligan, Jr, (also present on Judas Priest albums around that time) who wrote 2 tunes. So "Club Ninja" is not totally B.Ö.C. but that said that doesn't mean it is not an true B.Ö.C.-album, on the contrary, each song and the whole album sounds like the band has done before and after. It is a good album, with strong vocals and instrumentation. Produced by oldtime B.Ö.C. manager Sandy Pearlman it breathes every inch the instant recognisable B.Ö.C. atmosphere. It gives you a pleasant listen and despite the somewhat cartoonish cover it remains its strenght over the years. Now I come to think that B.Ö.C. never has let us down, they made remarkable albums throughout decades, even when they changed the faithfull line up and returned after many years with a fresh album. These days only Eric Bloom and Buck Dharma survive as original members after 40 years but still they are going strong, as a recent concert in Holland proved. Long may they run!"

Melodic metal

G. Richards | Overland Park, KS | 07/01/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Club Ninja was poorly received when it came out, possibly due to the absence of a hit single. In retrospect, it was underrated. Perhaps it is best described as light metal, with some progressive touches. The musicianship is excellent, with solid guitar work, and pleasant organ backgrounds. The vocals are smooth, with nice harmonies. With the exception of one cover, which seems out of place, the songwriting is inspired, with interesting melodies and unusual lyrical themes. This new edition features digital remastering, and superior sound quality. While this is not as strong as some of the Blue Oyster Cult's better-known albums, like Agents of Fortune, it is much better than it has been given credit for."