Doug, I lost my 89 year old father about 12 hours ago and boy did l need this. Thank you so much. One of the best songs from one of my favorite bands. I took care of my father for the last half dozen years at home, until l just couldn’t do it anymore earlier this year. A few weeks ago, my dad got pneumonia and he just couldn’t beat it. My sister and l both told him beforehand that he could let go and be with his late wife; in essence, don’t fear the reaper. What an amazing gift this song has been to the music world for the past 46+ years. I never related it to my recent situation until your video. I will now appreciate it even more. I even liked your comic interlude as well. Thanks again for helping me deal with my very recent loss with your analysis of this BÖC gem. Sincerely yours, David.
Music can speak to us in the best of times and the most trying times. I am sorry to hear about your loss (I lost my own father many years ago), but also glad to hear that music carries you forward as it does me, every day.
Please do more BOC. Any song. They are criminally underrated. They have some very interesting and quirky songs with recurring themes in their music: aliens, biker gangs, and vampires to name a few.
Hey Dr. Doug, I'm from the Band Geeks, currently on tour with Jon Anderson playing “Yes epics and classics” . Our musical director and bass player/guitarist Richie Castellano has been playing 2nd guitar and keys with BOC for the last 20 years. He also co wrote and produced their latest record, which is super good. Love the channel!
Heard an interview here in Chicago suburbs w Jon on wgn radio a few days ago- he seems like such an upbeat funny guy- sly, sweet sense of humor !! Keep up the great work!!
Hi Andy - super impressive work on the Jon Anderson tour, especially (for me) Heart of the Sunrise. I'm not in an area where you toured, so the available videos were the cat's knees. Yes, I've seen a lot of Richie's work with BOC too. All of you Geeks are really a complete band. Keep up the good work!
I love that flatlining guitar, that extremely lengthy sustained note that ends in an eery moan/squeal; frankly it's incredible. Personally I love these kind of details, quite a piece.
When they play this song live, I saw Eric use some sort of machine to keep the string sustaining like that, then put it in his pocket after they went back to the main riff.
Your wife knew what was coming up and was preparing you for the heat, Doug! 😁 Great song from a classic album. Every song on this album is fantastic, from "Tattoo Vampire" to "This Ain't the Summer of Love" to "Morning Final," all terrific songs. Keep it up, my man. ❤✌
I can never unhear the cowbell after that ! Didn’t notice it before the skit but afterwards can’t listen without it standing out like a sore thumb. Plus anything with Walken is gold. That man can do nothing wrong.
_Agents of Fortune_ is a near-perfect album--not a single bad track on it. And the guitar solo on "The Revenge of Vera Gemini" is, at around only 8 bars long, ounce for ounce one of the greatest ever.
to be honest I think BOC has the strongest run of studio albums of probably any band. From BOC to Revolution by Night, I don't think there's a song I ever skip, pretty impressive.
The TH-cam Channel Polyphonic did a video about this song years ago and in his video, he talks about how everyone gets the meaning of this song wrong and how it's about love overcoming death. Basically "dont fear the reaper because our love can withstand death"
Their latest album has some really good stuff on it. So much to choose from with BOC. They have a very deep catalog and it's almost criminal that they're only known for 2 or 3 songs.
@Baby lemonade some of my favorite BOC songs would be; Joan Crawford (Has risen from the grave), Veteran of the Psychic Wars, Black Blade, Hot Rails to Hell, Then Came the Last Days of May, Tainted Blood, That was Me, The Alchemist, Dancing in the Ruins and Shooting Shark...off the top of my head. I'd recommend the newest album The Symbol Remains. It has an excellent variety of the different styles they work in. 🤘🧙♂️🤘
@Baby lemonade they also had lesser hits with Burning For You and Godzilla. PS, I saw Blind Melon cover the song Baby Lemonade live and flipped right out because I love Syd's music SO MUCH.
I've been recommending Blue Oyster Cult forever and I'm so happy to see it. One of their greatest tracks is "Nosferatu", which is a really moody and cool song loosely following the movie of the same name. Their deep catalog is full of borderline prog-rock tracks that display the band's lyricism and musical talent.
Nice air drumming Doug. I am a huge Blue Öyster Cult fan, and it’s really sad that most people only know them for this song and Godzilla. They have a huge catalog of amazing music and I hope you dig into it some more. I Love The Night, Astronomy and E.T.I. are three of my favorites that I think you’ll be interested in.
Best albums are Secret Treaties and Fire of Unknown Origin. I have all the CBS albums. I have heard on streaming most of the solo material and various early live gigs by The Soft White Underbelly and The Stalk Forrest Group. BOC are my fave American Rock Group.
With reference to something you said in your introduction, Doug: My high-school music teacher (45 years or so ago now - sob!) gave me the most significant advice I have ever received on any subject. She said, "It doesn't matter how many times you hear a piece of music; if you are listening in the right way, you'll always hear something that you hadn't noticed before". I can't tell you how much my appreciation of music has been enhanced by that thought. I can give you a clear example: my favourite orchestral piece is Grieg's Piano Concerto. I've known it since I was about ten years old and had listened to it so many times, but it wasn't until one night only about three or four years ago, lying in bed listening to it again that I noticed that a few bars from the end, there is an enormous f-you upwards glissando from the piano (the orchestra's giving it the full 11 at this point, so it's not immediately apparent). I lay there in the dark and marvelled at the fact that a piece I'd known so well (or so I'd thought) for so long still had the capacity to surprise.
BOC - One of the most underrated rock bands ever. Their musicianship and song writing was so next level, many people just couldn't grasp it. How many rock songs do you know where the rhythm guitar is feedbacking the entire song? Check out Heavy Metal: The Black and Silver. Brilliant!
Donald 'Buck Dharma' Roeser is one of the greatest rock guitarists full stop. Check him out especially on their live album 'Some Enchanted Evening'. His playing on 'Astronomy ' is wonderful.
Saw BOC live when they were the opening act for Rush on their Power Windows tour in Philly in 1986. I think Marillion was supposed to be the support band for this show, but they had to cancel and BOC took their place. When they started playing Godzilla, they trotted out a giant inflatable Godzilla monster and the place went nuts.
@Mark Kershenblatt. At my first BOC concert here in the U.K. in 1982, drummer Albert Bouchard put on a Godzilla head and did his drum solo during "Godzilla'! He was lit from behind his drums with a strobe effect light which gave the effect of him stopping and starting while playing. Plus during those shows BOC had their five guitar line - up, when Albert would join Eric, Buck, Allen (guitars) and his brother Joe (bass) on guitar at the front of stage. A sonic assault indeed! Stay safe and well
Nobody ever comments on that note after the solo when the riff comes back. it just holds there sustained in a Zenon mist, no seriouly, it just keeps going then bends up.
I happened to be at that part while reading this comment, I was always aware of that note but I never fully realized just how long it holds for until now. Super cool! (and thanks for mentioning it, it was fun to pay special attention to it)
A totally unexpected and impossible to account for masterpiece. This rivals anything in rock history. Absolutely one of the greatest and darkest songs of all time.
As an 80s teenager, this was - and remains - one of my favourite songs ever, it seemed to be everywhere when I was growing up even though it came out in the mid 70s!
It was their 4th STUDIO album, but their ferocious double live release, "On Your Feet Or On Your Knees" was their actual 4th release. Agents was their 5th overall.
Back in the day, I somehow stumbled upon TYRANNY AND MUTATION. Cool sounding band name, cool looking cover art. Bought the LP just on that. Loved it..."OD'd On Life Itself", "Wings Wetted Down". Then I bought the debut...then SECRET TREATIES. That was it for awhile. Recently picked this one up...one of the wife's horror movies had this as the end credits closing number.
I played this for a roommate in college way back in the day and it was the first time he had heard it and his first response on the Romeo & Juliet stanza was “is this a song about suicide?” And I said I always thought of it as the complete opposite as you said Doug, don’t fear the reaper and live life! Not end your life. Don’t fear death, fear never having lived! 🤘 BÖC is an awesome band. Review more songs by them! Thanks.
Hi Doug, Agents of Fortune was the Album that made me a BOC fan and I own almost there entire catalog. I first heard this album the day it was initially released. My best friends older sister was blaring this in their family TV den as she had just purchased it at the record store. When my buddy John and I heard it we had to check out who that band was that his sister was listening to and it was BOC, I was hooked. They have many great songs and are a very talented band. Out of all their albums, Spectres is my absolutely favorite. Most people don't know anything of this album other than the song Godzilla but the entire album is just one great song after another and I highly suggest this album as an extended play feature from start to finish. Nothing but great harmonies, melodies and amazing guitar work and I can never hear just one track when I listen to it as it captivates me and I must listen to the entire album and when finished it just always leaves me wanting even more. If you have not heard the entire album then you must put i on your list of absolutey must listen!
I always listen for that sustained note that starts near the end of the solo and extend past the first two lines of the next verse...and then soars skyward.
Yeah I think you're spot on. I was one of those folks who just assumed it was about suicide and then, when folks started to dispute that interpretation I went back and listened and I was like..."it's TOTALLY about suicide!" But I, of all people, *missed* the Romeo & Juliet reference. I mean, I missed what it was a reference TO! He's not saying "let's commit suicide together like they did!" Because while they both committed suicide...they didn't to it TOGETHER! They each did it in despair at the other's death! So he's just using it as an example of two people, in love, who will be "together forever" even after death. We still talk about Romeo & Juliet, so they literally are, now, together forever. If we give in to love, then when we INEVITABLY die, we will still be together forever.
Well, You did great great air-drumming during some Pink Floyd guitar solos, emphasizing that it might not just be the guitar that makes the magic during an instrument solo. Applause nevertheless. Great reaction. One of my favorite songs. I own a vinyl copy. Bought it when it was fresh...
The first time I actually listened to that song the solo section blew me the heck away. I had heard the song a dozen times on radio before but they always faded out before the solo section and never understood how a song like this could be considered one of the influences of metal and specifically darker metal. Enter the spookiest solo of all time.
Thank God for Meg(h)an directing you to the importance of the drum parts which not only include the famous high hat also 16th note snare parts not too common in rock songs. Also the repetitive but ominous rhythm guitar parts (poss A G F E) work great coming out of some of the vocal lines, the howling lead guitar ornamental parts work great at sounding a little mournful, the classicalish part going into the instrumental section is great in its persistence under the noisy foreground part that comes in, and the smooth vocal style is perfect for the song. The bass parts are great too. BOC has lots of good songs, but it's easy to see why this one is so widely loved.
So many cool things going on in this song; from the droning G in the main riff (which I can play but never seems to sound right!) to the call-and-response vocals, to the almost middle-eastern feel of the lead guitar/solo... heck, even the guitar tone is amazing, and of course the lyrics. In my head, the final verse is always about a vampire coming to take his chosen female victim despite what the song is actually about... Classic tune.
Was a fan of BOC in the mid 80's into the early 90's. Actually saw them in a rock club near me during the summer of 86 near Wildwood NJ. Damn they were loud, think they thought they were playing an arena. Had ear ringing for days. lol Then saw them a few times as an opening act. Jump to 2009, I had tickets to see Heaven and Hell in Atlantic City at a casino, and heard that BOC was giving a free show at a different casino in the afternoon. So I went up early to see them too. Didn't realize that Rudy Sarzo was with them at the time. Was a pleasant surprise! Dude can play a bass!!. Afterwards, I ran the 6 or 7 blocks to get to the other casino in time to see Heaven and Hell with Ronnie James Dio, and which would become his final live performance. Since he was diagnosed with cancer shortly after that show, and he passed away months later. Was the day I remember most from all of the concerts I have been to. 2 great shows in one day.
Ever notice how the guitar holds that final note after the solo into the final verse? Its not noticeably there, but it IS there. Hiding behind the parallel notes lies the dissonant. That's the idea of death being around every corner, always being there, waiting for your time to come to take you away. You can focus on the main riff and not notice that note hanging there, the musical embodiment of the Reaper. But it remains there, waiting, always. That is, until the main character comes to offer his hand to his love and take her away, to transcend death with their love and devotion to one another. This is what dispels the idea of hanging death waiting for the love interest to die, that love is what transcends death. He tells his beloved 'come and take my hand, we can be like they are, dont fear the reaper", but rather embrace it as your time has come as did mine prior, and now we can be together and escape the clutches of death. "The curtains flew and then he appeared Saying don't be afraid Come on, baby (and she had no fear) And she ran to him (then they started to fly) They looked backward and said goodbye (she had become like they are) She had taken his hand (she had become like they are) Come on, baby (don't fear the reaper)
Such an underrated band... and a band with a surprising number of really good songs. While they clearly have had success, it always seemed like they should've had much more.
You gotta do a full-album listen on this one. "Agents Of Fortune" has a huge variety of music on it, all interesting. Reaper isn't even the best song on it, though I couldn't tell you which one is. All five members wrote songs for this album, and it is the only album they did where all five members performed lead vocals (plus Patti Smith). It was their break-out album for good reason.
They only played this song in this key on the album. The live version they played it in a different key. But they recently started to play it in it’s original key live I heard.
Watching the cool older dudes slow rolling down main street in their 69 Impala with air shocks, cragars, and B.O.C. jamming loud as hell through those Jensen tri-axials..........Thought I'd died and gone to heaven.
Years ago there was a TV mini series of Stephen King’s “The Stand”, with Gary Sinise. They used Don’t Fear the Reaper for the opening when the plague escaped. Great choice of song for that!
Funny I should see you reacted to this! I put on my BOC t-shirt today, from their 2022 50th anniversary tour! By far, this is one of my all-time favorite songs of all time!
BOC FOREVER!!! Great review. Their music is timeless. Their latest album, "The Symbol Remains" is outstanding and , in my humble opinion, will stand toe to toe with any of their earlier albums. Great job!
Ditto other comments on BOC and song suggestions. Veteran of the Psychic Wars also from Fire of Unknown Origin is another fantastic song. Black Blade from Cultosaurus Erectus was always one of my favorites from them.
100%! the note G is of paramount importance in this song’s main riff. When played on the guitar, the 4th note of the 3 chords is always G. (aeaG, gbdG, fcdG, gbdG). Most guitarists will accent the first note in each group of four, then wonder why it doesn’t sound right. The answer is to accent the last note of each group of four instead, the G. Btw, in astrology the note G is Scorpio, the sign of death. Fitting, given the nature of this song. To me, the repeated G brings to mind a bell tolling, a calling to ‘bring out your dead!’ such as during the days of the plague. A deep song.
I think you're spot on about the cowbell marking the inevitability of time. To answer your question about what they where talking about with "The curtains flew and then he appeared." She's committing suicide, because it's clear she can't go on. Another important thing to note, is in the second verse (I hope I'm using that right) it is talking about her losing her lover. "Valentine is done, Here but now they're gone." But in the third verse, it starts with "Love of two is one, Here but now they're gone." Saying the the couple had a child that also passed. Bringing on her last night of sadness.
I was not sure I was up for another listen to this song after 47 years -- I raced down to the record store to buy it when it came out, and have been hearing it on the radio ever since -- but you made it work for me, Doug. I was a fan of the band before this album, and was vaguely disappointed by it. The first three records have most of the BOC high points for me, and it is annoying that TH-cam listeners ignore them. If you like this one, you're sure to like "The Last Days Of May" from the first album, or "I Love The Night" from the later Spectres -- same Buck Dharma sound on them. I prefer the chunkier, guitar-heavy sound of the second album.
one of your funniest reviews. Big Blue Oyster Cult fan here from the Northeast area of Pennsylvania. Not my favorite song. But your wife always cracks me up!
I first heard this song at the beginning of the movie "The Stand" when the virus overtook the world. Was a perfect song for the moment in that movie and a great song on it's own of course.
Patti Smith does backing vocals on a few tracks on Agent of Fortune as she was dating the drummer at the time. This is prior to her break out as a solo artist
Doug, I've never seen you more happy listening to and speaking about a song. The interruption echoing SNL. More cowbell! Lol! My brother and I saw BOC in concert in Joplin MO in 1995. There was nothing fancy about their stage or show, simply had a small drum riser, amps, t-shirts and jeans. They only need the music to do the talking .38 Special was on after. IMO no competition for BOC.
You absolutely got it right.This is not a song about suicide. It's about the enivitably of death and sometimes, tragically, it comes young. I uave seen several of my friends pass way before their time. Please don't misunderstand this song. Bless you all Euan
It was a primary track on the Stephen King mini-series, The Stand, starring Rob Lowe and Molly Ringwald, in the early 1980s...Also with Bill Faggerbakke, and Stephen King himself
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If there's one thing BOC taught me: History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of men.
GODZILLA!!
Oh no!
@@MetalPesado they say he's got to go
Nice segue to the next request!😏😏😏
@@XA351GT Go Go Godzilla!
Don't get in a pillow fight with death unless you are ready to deal with the reaper cushions.
So bad..........so therefore, good!
😂😂😂😂 clever! Clever!!!
A joyous pun!!
👍🏻🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
That whole middle section and guitar solo is one of the scariest and greatest solos ever recorded
I've been listening to this since 1976, and I've never heard it described like that...Great Point!
A certain southern German radio station plays the song rather often. But they always cut out the middle section. I really hate them for that
@@Rio_1111 Possibly the single version of the song.
I was listening to this at the age of 12 and it hit the adolescent melancholy. Another good BCO song is "I Love the Night."
I love the night is one of my favorite songs
My absolute favorite song ever❤❤, the day is okay and the sun can be fun but I love to see those rays slip away❤❤
Doug,
I lost my 89 year old father about 12 hours ago and boy did l need this. Thank you so much. One of the best songs from one of my favorite bands. I took care of my father for the last half dozen years at home, until l just couldn’t do it anymore earlier this year. A few weeks ago, my dad got pneumonia and he just couldn’t beat it. My sister and l both told him beforehand that he could let go and be with his late wife; in essence, don’t fear the reaper. What an amazing gift this song has been to the music world for the past 46+ years. I never related it to my recent situation until your video. I will now appreciate it even more. I even liked your comic interlude as well.
Thanks again for helping me deal with my very recent loss with your analysis of this BÖC gem.
Sincerely yours,
David.
Music can speak to us in the best of times and the most trying times. I am sorry to hear about your loss (I lost my own father many years ago), but also glad to hear that music carries you forward as it does me, every day.
Sorry for your loss...you have joined a very large club (those that have lost their dad).
God Bless...
Another song that I find comforting on that theme is Do You Realise by Flaming Lips
@@ericnamikas3386 ~ Thanks for your kind words, it’s definitely appreciated. Music is a comfort and a healer, too.
@@jazzpunk ~ Thank you for your support. It’s a bummer, but something that most humans must go through and endure. Music is a big help.
Please do more BOC. Any song. They are criminally underrated. They have some very interesting and quirky songs with recurring themes in their music: aliens, biker gangs, and vampires to name a few.
Agree. BOC's first album is so trippy and out of left field ... there's nothing else like it.
Godzilla!!!
They’re ok the last days of may
Hey Dr. Doug, I'm from the Band Geeks, currently on tour with Jon Anderson playing “Yes epics and classics” . Our musical director and bass player/guitarist Richie Castellano has been playing 2nd guitar and keys with BOC for the last 20 years. He also co wrote and produced their latest record, which is super good. Love the channel!
Heard an interview here in Chicago suburbs w Jon on wgn radio a few days ago- he seems like such an upbeat funny guy- sly, sweet sense of humor !! Keep up the great work!!
Hi Andy - super impressive work on the Jon Anderson tour, especially (for me) Heart of the Sunrise. I'm not in an area where you toured, so the available videos were the cat's knees.
Yes, I've seen a lot of Richie's work with BOC too. All of you Geeks are really a complete band. Keep up the good work!
Andy, you and the Band Geek are great!!!
The Symbol Remains! What a good record! Ritchie Castellano knocked it out of the park!
40,000 was the accurate number of deaths when this song was popular. It's almost 140,000 now...
that cowbell IS the time ticking away, it is that metaphysical addition, Doug!
The transition from the solo guitar section back in to the riff and the melody is one of the best transitions in any rock song I know...
I love that flatlining guitar, that extremely lengthy sustained note that ends in an eery moan/squeal; frankly it's incredible. Personally I love these kind of details, quite a piece.
When they play this song live, I saw Eric use some sort of machine to keep the string sustaining like that, then put it in his pocket after they went back to the main riff.
@@facespazMust be an EBow.
@@facespaz Buck, not Eric.
@@douglemay7989 Nah, it was Eric, I remember it clearly made an impression because I didn't expect it from him as the rhythm guitarist for that song
@@facespaz The stun guitar in action.
Your wife knew what was coming up and was preparing you for the heat, Doug! 😁
Great song from a classic album. Every song on this album is fantastic, from "Tattoo Vampire" to "This Ain't the Summer of Love" to "Morning Final," all terrific songs. Keep it up, my man. ❤✌
Yup. Agents of Fortune is a fantastic listen! Props to Patti Smith on Vera Gemini, too!
More air drumming - more cowbell. Lol
One of the great scary songs. But as creepy as it is, it's actually quite comforting. Brilliant stuff. And that solo!
I love that about them. They do all this absolutely dire, dark stuff, but there's usually a warmth or playfulness to it as well.
Agree!
Great song. But could use a little more cowbell.
But we did get a lot of airdrumming : D
It has almost enough, but could just use a tiny bit more.
I can never unhear the cowbell after that ! Didn’t notice it before the skit but afterwards can’t listen without it standing out like a sore thumb.
Plus anything with Walken is gold. That man can do nothing wrong.
_Agents of Fortune_ is a near-perfect album--not a single bad track on it. And the guitar solo on "The Revenge of Vera Gemini" is, at around only 8 bars long, ounce for ounce one of the greatest ever.
to be honest I think BOC has the strongest run of studio albums of probably any band. From BOC to Revolution by Night, I don't think there's a song I ever skip, pretty impressive.
Patti Smith sings on this song. She used to date Allen Lanier. I love the vocal tradeoff
Listen to Astronomy into Flaming Telepaths from Secret Treaties. They are to be played together. My favorite BOC songs.
Vera Gemini has always been a favorite. Wonderful groove.
Many great solid albums, Spectres is even a stronger album in my opinion. Fire Of Unknown Origin is my favorite overall.
The TH-cam Channel Polyphonic did a video about this song years ago and in his video, he talks about how everyone gets the meaning of this song wrong and how it's about love overcoming death. Basically "dont fear the reaper because our love can withstand death"
Their latest album has some really good stuff on it. So much to choose from with BOC. They have a very deep catalog and it's almost criminal that they're only known for 2 or 3 songs.
It IS criminal.
It IS criminal.
What are the others I only know this one. One of those bands I’ve been meaning to listen too but haven’t
@Baby lemonade some of my favorite BOC songs would be; Joan Crawford (Has risen from the grave), Veteran of the Psychic Wars, Black Blade, Hot Rails to Hell, Then Came the Last Days of May, Tainted Blood, That was Me, The Alchemist, Dancing in the Ruins and Shooting Shark...off the top of my head.
I'd recommend the newest album The Symbol Remains. It has an excellent variety of the different styles they work in.
🤘🧙♂️🤘
@Baby lemonade they also had lesser hits with Burning For You and Godzilla.
PS, I saw Blind Melon cover the song Baby Lemonade live and flipped right out because I love Syd's music SO MUCH.
I've been recommending Blue Oyster Cult forever and I'm so happy to see it. One of their greatest tracks is "Nosferatu", which is a really moody and cool song loosely following the movie of the same name. Their deep catalog is full of borderline prog-rock tracks that display the band's lyricism and musical talent.
Nice air drumming Doug. I am a huge Blue Öyster Cult fan, and it’s really sad that most people only know them for this song and Godzilla. They have a huge catalog of amazing music and I hope you dig into it some more. I Love The Night, Astronomy and E.T.I. are three of my favorites that I think you’ll be interested in.
Astronomy and E.T.I. from Some Enchanted Evening especially.
Best albums are Secret Treaties and Fire of Unknown Origin. I have all the CBS albums.
I have heard on streaming most of the solo material and various early live gigs by The Soft White Underbelly and The Stalk Forrest Group. BOC are my fave American Rock Group.
I love “Veteran Of The Psychic Wars”. That song is fantastic.
With reference to something you said in your introduction, Doug:
My high-school music teacher (45 years or so ago now - sob!) gave me the most significant advice I have ever received on any subject. She said, "It doesn't matter how many times you hear a piece of music; if you are listening in the right way, you'll always hear something that you hadn't noticed before".
I can't tell you how much my appreciation of music has been enhanced by that thought.
I can give you a clear example: my favourite orchestral piece is Grieg's Piano Concerto. I've known it since I was about ten years old and had listened to it so many times, but it wasn't until one night only about three or four years ago, lying in bed listening to it again that I noticed that a few bars from the end, there is an enormous f-you upwards glissando from the piano (the orchestra's giving it the full 11 at this point, so it's not immediately apparent).
I lay there in the dark and marvelled at the fact that a piece I'd known so well (or so I'd thought) for so long still had the capacity to surprise.
BOC - One of the most underrated rock bands ever. Their musicianship and song writing was so next level, many people just couldn't grasp it. How many rock songs do you know where the rhythm guitar is feedbacking the entire song? Check out Heavy Metal: The Black and Silver. Brilliant!
@Mitch Stevens. Have you heard
the phrase "thinking man's metal" to describe the music of Blue Oyster Cult?
Talking 'bout BÖC : Veteran of the Psychic Wars is also a wonderful underrated song.
Then came the last days of may is a brilliant song of theirs. Fire of Unknown Origin is a great album too.
She had become like they are!! A fine line...
Donald 'Buck Dharma' Roeser is one of the greatest rock guitarists full stop. Check him out especially on their live album 'Some Enchanted Evening'. His playing on 'Astronomy ' is wonderful.
His playing on extraterrestrial live is also stunning
Insane band. Harvester of Eyes into Flaming Telepaths into Astronomy is such a perfect album sequence.
One of the top progression of songs I have heard. Perfectly laid out! Good call!
Rivaled only by Morning Final into Tenderloin into Debbie Denise 👍
Possibly the greatest guitar solo ever.
Totally agree!!
Saw BOC live when they were the opening act for Rush on their Power Windows tour in Philly in 1986. I think Marillion was supposed to be the support band for this show, but they had to cancel and BOC took their place. When they started playing Godzilla, they trotted out a giant inflatable Godzilla monster and the place went nuts.
@Mark Kershenblatt. At my first BOC concert here in the U.K. in 1982, drummer Albert Bouchard put on a Godzilla head and did his drum solo during "Godzilla'! He was lit from behind his drums with a strobe effect light which gave the effect of him stopping and starting while playing. Plus during those shows BOC had their five guitar line - up, when Albert would join Eric, Buck, Allen (guitars) and his brother Joe (bass) on guitar at the front of stage. A sonic assault indeed! Stay safe and well
BOC and Rush, on the same night? Sounds amazing
Next song from Blue oyster cult needs to be Vengeance(the pact) or a full album listen of A Fire of Unknown Origin. Your choice Doug ;)
Agreed!!
Such a great band. Solid first two albums then the third album knocked it out the park. They never looked back.
Nobody ever comments on that note after the solo when the riff comes back. it just holds there sustained in a Zenon mist, no seriouly, it just keeps going then bends up.
Yes, my favorite part of the song!
100% correct
Nicely said!
I happened to be at that part while reading this comment, I was always aware of that note but I never fully realized just how long it holds for until now. Super cool! (and thanks for mentioning it, it was fun to pay special attention to it)
This is an amazing song probably in my all time top 10 songs. Thanks for your review can't wait to see your reaction.
Good call Meg!
That extra air drumming is just what this video needed.
A totally unexpected and impossible to account for masterpiece. This rivals anything in rock history. Absolutely one of the greatest and darkest songs of all time.
This was also used as the theme for the 1994 version of the Stephen King miniseries "The Stand."
Every time that solo kicks in. It's a departure from the otherwise very stationary feel of the rest of the song, but man it feels so good.
A grieviously under-rated band, their material has aged really well and the musicianship is never less then first-class.
As an 80s teenager, this was - and remains - one of my favourite songs ever, it seemed to be everywhere when I was growing up even though it came out in the mid 70s!
I heard this so many times before the SNL sketch but after it I cannot unhear the cowbell
Your "more air drumming" bit was delivered very sincerely by both of you. Wonderful job pulling it off without it seeming cheesy. 👍
More cowbell!
It was their 4th STUDIO album, but their ferocious double live release, "On Your Feet Or On Your Knees" was their actual 4th release. Agents was their 5th overall.
If the end of this song is the sound of eternity then i am down with it!
Back in the day, I somehow stumbled upon TYRANNY AND MUTATION. Cool sounding band name, cool looking cover art. Bought the LP just on that. Loved it..."OD'd On Life Itself", "Wings Wetted Down". Then I bought the debut...then SECRET TREATIES. That was it for awhile. Recently picked this one up...one of the wife's horror movies had this as the end credits closing number.
I played this for a roommate in college way back in the day and it was the first time he had heard it and his first response on the Romeo & Juliet stanza was “is this a song about suicide?” And I said I always thought of it as the complete opposite as you said Doug, don’t fear the reaper and live life! Not end your life. Don’t fear death, fear never having lived! 🤘 BÖC is an awesome band. Review more songs by them! Thanks.
that starting rift is so much a goose bump moment , and the cow bell , just total gem
Check out the entire "Fire of Unknown Origin" and "Imaginos" albums, Doug. Always like hearing your input and reviews.!!!
The "alternate version" of "Astronomy" with Buck Dharma on lead vocals from "Imaginos" is epic!
Hi Doug, Agents of Fortune was the Album that made me a BOC fan and I own almost there entire catalog. I first heard this album the day it was initially released. My best friends older sister was blaring this in their family TV den as she had just purchased it at the record store. When my buddy John and I heard it we had to check out who that band was that his sister was listening to and it was BOC, I was hooked. They have many great songs and are a very talented band. Out of all their albums, Spectres is my absolutely favorite. Most people don't know anything of this album other than the song Godzilla but the entire album is just one great song after another and I highly suggest this album as an extended play feature from start to finish. Nothing but great harmonies, melodies and amazing guitar work and I can never hear just one track when I listen to it as it captivates me and I must listen to the entire album and when finished it just always leaves me wanting even more. If you have not heard the entire album then you must put i on your list of absolutey must listen!
"I don't remember this part" because it isn't in the radio edit. Love the 'shout out' to the SNC cow bell skit! 🤣
I always listen for that sustained note that starts near the end of the solo and extend past the first two lines of the next verse...and then soars skyward.
It’s sheer genius.
Yeah I think you're spot on. I was one of those folks who just assumed it was about suicide and then, when folks started to dispute that interpretation I went back and listened and I was like..."it's TOTALLY about suicide!"
But I, of all people, *missed* the Romeo & Juliet reference. I mean, I missed what it was a reference TO! He's not saying "let's commit suicide together like they did!" Because while they both committed suicide...they didn't to it TOGETHER! They each did it in despair at the other's death!
So he's just using it as an example of two people, in love, who will be "together forever" even after death. We still talk about Romeo & Juliet, so they literally are, now, together forever. If we give in to love, then when we INEVITABLY die, we will still be together forever.
Well, You did great great air-drumming during some Pink Floyd guitar solos, emphasizing that it might not just be the guitar that makes the magic during an instrument solo. Applause nevertheless. Great reaction. One of my favorite songs. I own a vinyl copy. Bought it when it was fresh...
Ho my, I haven’t listen to this disk in years. Thanks for reminding me. I’ll sure need listen to it again this week-end.
I'm not sure if anybody else mentioned it already.
But the solo interlude with its haunting melodies was built out of the harmonic minor scale.
The first time I actually listened to that song the solo section blew me the heck away. I had heard the song a dozen times on radio before but they always faded out before the solo section and never understood how a song like this could be considered one of the influences of metal and specifically darker metal. Enter the spookiest solo of all time.
Thank God for Meg(h)an directing you to the importance of the drum parts which not only include the famous high hat also 16th note snare parts not too common in rock songs. Also the repetitive but ominous rhythm guitar parts (poss A G F E) work great coming out of some of the vocal lines, the howling lead guitar ornamental parts work great at sounding a little mournful, the classicalish part going into the instrumental section is great in its persistence under the noisy foreground part that comes in, and the smooth vocal style is perfect for the song. The bass parts are great too. BOC has lots of good songs, but it's easy to see why this one is so widely loved.
So many cool things going on in this song; from the droning G in the main riff (which I can play but never seems to sound right!) to the call-and-response vocals, to the almost middle-eastern feel of the lead guitar/solo... heck, even the guitar tone is amazing, and of course the lyrics. In my head, the final verse is always about a vampire coming to take his chosen female victim despite what the song is actually about... Classic tune.
Was a fan of BOC in the mid 80's into the early 90's. Actually saw them in a rock club near me during the summer of 86 near Wildwood NJ. Damn they were loud, think they thought they were playing an arena. Had ear ringing for days. lol Then saw them a few times as an opening act. Jump to 2009, I had tickets to see Heaven and Hell in Atlantic City at a casino, and heard that BOC was giving a free show at a different casino in the afternoon. So I went up early to see them too. Didn't realize that Rudy Sarzo was with them at the time. Was a pleasant surprise! Dude can play a bass!!. Afterwards, I ran the 6 or 7 blocks to get to the other casino in time to see Heaven and Hell with Ronnie James Dio, and which would become his final live performance. Since he was diagnosed with cancer shortly after that show, and he passed away months later. Was the day I remember most from all of the concerts I have been to. 2 great shows in one day.
"Secret Treaties" is a spectacular BOC album, from start to finish.
It's so beautiful to see how you enjoy music. Makes me happy every time.
Ever notice how the guitar holds that final note after the solo into the final verse? Its not noticeably there, but it IS there. Hiding behind the parallel notes lies the dissonant. That's the idea of death being around every corner, always being there, waiting for your time to come to take you away. You can focus on the main riff and not notice that note hanging there, the musical embodiment of the Reaper. But it remains there, waiting, always. That is, until the main character comes to offer his hand to his love and take her away, to transcend death with their love and devotion to one another. This is what dispels the idea of hanging death waiting for the love interest to die, that love is what transcends death. He tells his beloved 'come and take my hand, we can be like they are, dont fear the reaper", but rather embrace it as your time has come as did mine prior, and now we can be together and escape the clutches of death.
"The curtains flew and then he appeared
Saying don't be afraid
Come on, baby (and she had no fear)
And she ran to him (then they started to fly)
They looked backward and said goodbye (she had become like they are)
She had taken his hand (she had become like they are)
Come on, baby (don't fear the reaper)
So psyvhed for ANY reviews & listening of ANYTHING by BOC but especially the 1st 3 albums! ❤😂❤
I remember my church youth leader telling us that he's actually singing dont fear the reefer, and all that did was make me like the song more lol
Doug, you make every day of my life complete.
that song still gives me chills!
Such an underrated band... and a band with a surprising number of really good songs. While they clearly have had success, it always seemed like they should've had much more.
You gotta do a full-album listen on this one. "Agents Of Fortune" has a huge variety of music on it, all interesting. Reaper isn't even the best song on it, though I couldn't tell you which one is. All five members wrote songs for this album, and it is the only album they did where all five members performed lead vocals (plus Patti Smith). It was their break-out album for good reason.
They only played this song in this key on the album. The live version they played it in a different key. But they recently started to play it in it’s original key live I heard.
47 years later.
Watching the cool older dudes slow rolling down main street in their 69 Impala with air shocks, cragars, and B.O.C. jamming loud as hell through those Jensen tri-axials..........Thought I'd died and gone to heaven.
I love the way you explain every note etc,and us mere mortals hear a great pop song!!
Years ago there was a TV mini series of Stephen King’s “The Stand”, with Gary Sinise. They used Don’t Fear the Reaper for the opening when the plague escaped. Great choice of song for that!
Don't Fear the Reaper was also in Carpenter's Halloween.
Agreed, that was a great song choice! I love that mini series!
It’s also part of the prologue to the book.
That mini series is what introduced me to this song. Classic!
Their next album, Spectres, is a masterpiece from beginning to end and warrants a listen-through in its entirety.
Funny I should see you reacted to this! I put on my BOC t-shirt today, from their 2022 50th anniversary tour! By far, this is one of my all-time favorite songs of all time!
Thanks for this album version with guitar solo. Missing from the single.
BOC FOREVER!!!
Great review. Their music is timeless. Their latest album, "The Symbol Remains" is outstanding and , in my humble opinion, will stand toe to toe with any of their earlier albums.
Great job!
I love Tyranny and Mutation, the album, not me personally. I first heard it on 8 track in a car, and I needed to hear it again.
Ditto other comments on BOC and song suggestions. Veteran of the Psychic Wars also from Fire of Unknown Origin is another fantastic song. Black Blade from Cultosaurus Erectus was always one of my favorites from them.
Air drumming to "Lips In The Hills" from "Cultosaurus Erectus" is a hell of a workout!
100%! the note G is of paramount importance in this song’s main riff. When played on the guitar, the 4th note of the 3 chords is always G. (aeaG, gbdG, fcdG, gbdG). Most guitarists will accent the first note in each group of four, then wonder why it doesn’t sound right. The answer is to accent the last note of each group of four instead, the G. Btw, in astrology the note G is Scorpio, the sign of death. Fitting, given the nature of this song. To me, the repeated G brings to mind a bell tolling, a calling to ‘bring out your dead!’ such as during the days of the plague. A deep song.
I. LOVE. The interruption at 5:30. OMFG, what a hilarious tribute to the SNL sketch. Thanks, Doug!
I think you're spot on about the cowbell marking the inevitability of time. To answer your question about what they where talking about with "The curtains flew and then he appeared." She's committing suicide, because it's clear she can't go on. Another important thing to note, is in the second verse (I hope I'm using that right) it is talking about her losing her lover. "Valentine is done, Here but now they're gone." But in the third verse, it starts with "Love of two is one, Here but now they're gone." Saying the the couple had a child that also passed. Bringing on her last night of sadness.
Thanks so much Dr. Doug ❤
Thanks Buck, hope the old tickers OK!
Okay... I'm hooked on your channel. The way you enjoy music is amazing.
BÖC forever🤩
I was not sure I was up for another listen to this song after 47 years -- I raced down to the record store to buy it when it came out, and have been hearing it on the radio ever since -- but you made it work for me, Doug. I was a fan of the band before this album, and was vaguely disappointed by it. The first three records have most of the BOC high points for me, and it is annoying that TH-cam listeners ignore them. If you like this one, you're sure to like "The Last Days Of May" from the first album, or "I Love The Night" from the later Spectres -- same Buck Dharma sound on them. I prefer the chunkier, guitar-heavy sound of the second album.
one of your funniest reviews. Big Blue Oyster Cult fan here from the Northeast area of Pennsylvania. Not my favorite song. But your wife always cracks me up!
Thanks!
Doug, good job, back when you started this channel you were very stiff. Glad to see you being relaxed and interesting.
Took me a few seconds to catch on..Well done you two. Well done!
As a 40+yr fan, I must say... thanks for the umlaut in the description. 😄👍
Legendary. More air drumming, please. Please Doug.
I first heard this song at the beginning of the movie "The Stand" when the virus overtook the world. Was a perfect song for the moment in that movie and a great song on it's own of course.
Patti Smith does backing vocals on a few tracks on Agent of Fortune as she was dating the drummer at the time. This is prior to her break out as a solo artist
I think you will find that Patti Smith was stepping out with Allen Glover Lanier (RIP).
@@markmiwurdz202 I stand corrected
Doug....the air drumming is...EPIC
Doug, I've never seen you more happy listening to and speaking about a song. The interruption echoing SNL. More cowbell! Lol! My brother and I saw BOC in concert in Joplin MO in 1995. There was nothing fancy about their stage or show, simply had a small drum riser, amps, t-shirts and jeans. They only need the music to do the talking .38 Special was on after. IMO no competition for BOC.
This song played in the opening of "The Stand" 1994 adapted from the Stephen King novel. Damn good movie.
Much better mini series than that abomination of a redo from couple years ago.
You absolutely got it right.This is not a song about suicide. It's about the enivitably of death and sometimes, tragically, it comes young.
I uave seen several of my friends pass way before their time.
Please don't misunderstand this song.
Bless you all
Euan
Finally a man with a more greyer beard than me & far more sober than me!..
Outclasses me at air drums 😞
You Sir are the new air drum champion 🏆..
One of those goose bumps songs. On my playlist for over 45 years.
This song has such a badass solo section and the radio versions almost always have it cut out. A real shame.
They have a GREAT newer song called "Florida Man" that is brilliant!
It was a primary track on the Stephen King mini-series, The Stand, starring Rob Lowe and Molly Ringwald, in the early 1980s...Also with Bill Faggerbakke, and Stephen King himself
Saw them in 79....AOF is great album but their first live album oyfooyk really hooked me!!