The lead guitarist wrote this song when he was diagnosed with a heart condition. During the time it took to know if surgery was required, he thought about his wife as they hadn’t been married all that long and there seemed to be so much life yet to share. He took the muse of Love being so strong to transcend Death. People often wrongly conclude it’s about suicide, when in fact it’s writer, Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser, has said it is at its core a love song. Mortality is addressed naturally in the lyrics just as he was confronting it at the time in relation to his own love story. He was able to be treated successfully and in addition to decades of his guitar mastery since, he left us this masterpiece as a souvenir of that crisis. Buck recorded it on 4 track in his home, played the demo for the band. All five were gifted songwriters and musicians, and they came up with this studio arrangement that caught on like wildfire in ‘76! Even today, there are few rock bands that are as tight as BÖC. They are touring the USA and UK in 2021-2022, so be sure to get tickets to a show near you. Blue Öyster Cult is a relatively small musical portion in the vast spectrum of rock and roll history, however it is an extremely tasty rock morsel with an extensive catalog including their fabulous new album launched a year ago, “The Symbol Remains!” BÖC is a musical phenomenon that is best experienced live, so be sure to ✅ out this band an along with Thin Lizzy, Kansas, and other rock greats of the 70s … please be sure to push and vote for Blue Öyster Cult’s long overdue induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame that chooses to snub multi-gold / platinum artists endlessly.
I'm 60 years old and this song takes me back to when I was in high school. I feel 21 years old listening to this kind of music, this, Boston, Styx, Rush, Queen, and on and on. Best music genre ever! It makes you feel alive and young all over again! Great song, great memories and great reaction! Keep doing what you are doing, love your channel!
63 here. I remember being very moved when I first heard this song. Of course, the Columbian Gold I was smoking might have contributed to the emotional impact just a little...
@@stevecontini5386 I'm 60 this year too. Saw Bad Co Frampton and Think Lizzy too back in the day! I tried to save all my ticket stubs but I never did, I lost em all ... I'd have a cool wall full of them. Never saw Led Zep or Pink Floyd though. :( bummer
Many modern rock and metal vocalists can do this too. Lzzy Hale, Brittany Slayes, Floor Jansen, Amy Lee come to mind. Sadly many musicians today have to have some sort of computer enhancement
Auto-Tune. Snyone who approves is tone deaf. It lacks all the emotion a true musical artist creates. But perhaps that's the whole idea they keep saying they want us to merge with the machine. Sorry I prefer to be human Instead of some emotionless drone.
That song made you think, didn't it? That's what it was meant to do. Incredimazing song! Btw, that's Buck Dharma on lead, picking away on a 1969 Gibson SG Standard guitar. They are still actively touring as BOC. I saw them just 6 mos ago playing a county fair in Cali. Only two original members left, but it was a great performance as always. 🙂
Buck is probably the least appreciated guitar player ever. Such a sublime way of playing where every note is luxurious and badass at the same time. BOC are one of my favorite bands ever. Thanks for putting his name out there, @Karen Nyere!
Your assessment of this song is almost what mine would be. They did a really good job of conveying that sense of dread through their instruments. BOC was way ahead of their time. Burning for You, Godzilla, Cities On Fire for Rock n Roll, and Transmaniacon MC are some other great tracks from them
Bad Ass Classic! I remember when it first came out a bunch of my High School classmates all met up at a Park and one of the guys had a Van with a huge sound system. They played this song over and over for over an hour!! And no one got sick of it! I saw them live I was in the 8th row. One of the loudest concerts I ever heard! My ears were still ringing two days later. All time Classic!
High school days. I remember when these songs first came. Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Queen, Boston, Aerosmith, Kansas, Deep Purple, black Sabbath, Grand Funk Railroad, Eagles, The Beatles greatest hits, their solo projects, Allman Bros. More than I can remember.
I just heard this song recently "dont fear the reaper". I'd heard it before but it's my first time actually listening to the lyrics. Its sick and I love it!
My favorite blue oyster cult song. When I was a kid learning to play the guitar I made it a thing for me to learn this song. It took me over a year but 20 something years later I still know how to play it. Thanks alot man for bringing back some good memories for me . Youre amazing
I heard this song a thousand times. Then I got a call that my father had died and when I got in the car to head for my mom's this song came on. Took on a whole different vibe. It is a masterpiece.
My initial reaction had to be near to yours, altho some 46 years earlier. I purchased this album on it's day of release having been a fanboy for years already. I had already seen them twice in arena settings. I had no idea the impact this song would have on my then 22yo self. I had to stop the turntable and play this over and over. Profound message of life, love and hope is what I heard that day, and still do today. This band is severely underrated, both as musicians and songwriters. This band is one of the best live shows...ever. I should know. I've seen them more than thirty times in the last fifty years. They play as well today as they did back then. Buck...man, what a talented and gifted guitarist. I simply do not understand why he is never mentioned in the lists of great guitarists. I simply do not understand why this band is not in the Hall of Fame.
Melody, melody, melody. That’s what all these songs convey. I suggest the band Yes and their song Roundabout. Without Yes there would be no Rush. Geddy Lee has said as much. They inducted Yes into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. Please consider this song. Loving this little journey. I feel like the song is telling us to just accept whatever is supposed to happen in life.
My dad used to tell me he had a copy of this vinyl record and when he tried to destroy it for being “satanic” it wouldn’t break. Such a shame he thought those silly things, fantastic music lol.
They were outstanding live. At their concert in the 70s. They actually played for three hours and the concert was in an orchestra hall with speakers in all walls. Most memorable concert. Thank you.
First time watching one of your reactions. Really dug it, great job! Love the song and what you had to say about it, natural reaction, but good insights.
You are so right that seventies were a time of unbelievable music; it's amazing how much good music was produced by so many bands like you said. It was a special time but at the time it was taken for granted as just normal. This is a masterpiece of music composition and great lyrics. I think you got the message of song and how the guitar solo was one entering the afterworld.
You really need to hear some Heart. "Crazy on You", "Magic Man", "Barracuda" -- the female-fronted version of mid-70s rock perfection. For extra points, react to Led Zeppelin "Stairway to Heaven" and then Heart's cover of it at the Kennedy Center Honors for Zeppelin.
They're amazing & have an ability to make a beautiful song that has dark undertones and a meaning you might not expect. They do it in "I love the night" too. That song feels really romantic, but i also heard its about vampires
If you want to have a good laugh and appreciate this song a little more, look up a skit from Saturday Night Live involving Blue Oyster Cult… a behind the scenes look at the recording of this song, including a quotable line which has since ruined the life of famed actor Christopher Walken. 🙃
I've been a fan of BOC since the 70s and know a lot of the early songs by heart. You have nailed it! Their songs all have a sinister side that you have tapped into. They have a song about a girl that uses salmon salt to mask the smell of the people she has murdered and buried in the rose bushes. Another song is about German pilots in World War II killing Englishmen in bombers so his country can live on. Sci fi too. Pick any song off any album and you'll experience their "thinking man's" form of rock n roll. I think that's why they weren't as popular as they should have been - they are better musicians than their contemporaries (IMO) but their songs are not for everyone. Keep reacting to them and we'll keep clicking the Like button.
This is an amazing song and that solo break is awesome. But this was quite a departure from their three first albums that was heavier and grittier. So many great tracks. The red and the black, cities on flame, career of evil, astronomy. This is THE cowbell song. Not just any cowbell song.
Awww yeah….. rolling into the school parking parking lot in your Camaro (or 280z) with this blasting… thanks for the memories! What a great time in music.
1st time I saw BOC was June ‘76 just a month after this album was released. They were opening for ZZ Top. Amazing concert. This song was brand new and had yet to become played on the radio. First time most of us there heard this song was at that concert.
Loved your reaction, definitely a masterpiece. Listening to both the music and the lyrics very intensely I think the song is a 4 part story of 2 people. Lovers. Early in their relationship he keeps telling her " come on, live life with me, take my hand, Don't fear death. Then in the next they are more into their relationship and he's saying "come on, i love you, Romeo and Juliette are together forever so can we, we will keep loving eachother until we are gone, don't fear death". The haunting solo is late in life, the crescendo is the reaper finally coming. The last verse he's saying "you're on your deathbed (love of two became one) and the reaper came and you weren't afraid, you peacefully died.
Hey what’s up T. Nah you nailed it bro I remember this track from when I was a little kid growing up in NY and even after we moved over the line into CT.it was still being played everywhere..probably because they were from Long Island(Oyster Bay)..it was on the radio a lot but I actually remember it more from the roller rink in the winter😂🤦🏻♂️ and then ALWAYS summertime at the festivals/carnivals..to the point that I thought it HAD TO be played at those places for some reason..had no clue what they were saying but I just remember it always being played LOUD and that I never got sick of it..something about that main riff and B.Dharma’s vocals(I think he’s singing AND playing that main riff)that keeps it stuck in your friggin head forever(AND it’s also in the original Halloween movie too)I would never turn this song off it’s perfect..anyway great track/reaction as always..would’ve probably been even better with Tasha(hey I’m human)still great regardless😉👏🏼👍🏼 Thank you brother
at 10.36 when you were talking about the guitar solo, to me when it gets going its like when ppl say your life will flash before your eyes,, its all the memory's just flooding back fast,, (2 thumbs up great vid keep up the great work )
I LOVE your reaction to this song. The solo was my late wife’ s favorite guitar solo on a Top 40 hit record….and she was one of the top female guitarists in the world for decades (had also double-billed with BOC.) Ironic you should play this during a pandemic because it was also the opening song to Stephen King;’s “The Stand” movie about a plague. I’ve been a lifelong music industry guy..musician, radio DJ, TV talking head, journalist, etc…..Check out “You Set The Scene” by Love, circa 1967…you will probably dig it.
Blue Oyster Cult was the headliner of the first concert that I ever went to. Journey opened for them. The summer of 1975. And a great time was had by all. Good time to be alive. Great tunes. I still have this vinyl LP in my library. Have you ever seen the SNL episode with Christopher Walken ? The 'cowbell' sketch with this song and a fake BOC.
Well done, You actually point out what is so overlooked in rock - skilled musicianship, tight band sound, professional players at their peak, mugs need not apply. Its why I love the style.
Check out some of their earlier stuff like "Cities On Flame With Rock & Roll" "She's As Beautiful As A Foot" "O.D.'ed On Life Itself" and "Hot Rails To Hell"
I think the explanation I liked best was one time the lead told some one he sings it like its a love some from the Reaper to all man kind. The reaper is calming you and telling you its ok to embrace him when its your time because its inevitable.
No you are correct. That's exactly how I've always thought of this song. Everyone remembers the first time they heard it... that line "She had become like they are. She had taken his hand" Chilling. Yet something we all will face.
I grew up with this music and as great as it is, your perspective makes me see it thru new eyes... and it's new once again... love your outtake on this awesome song T!
What’s really funny is that when Buck Dharma (lead guitarist and soloist) brought this melody to the others they thought it would be too soft for their sound. This became their biggest hit in a spectacular life of an amazing band. You hit the message on the head. My heart guys were friends with Party Smythe who voiced some haunting parts of Vera Gemini on the same album. I’d suggest Morning Final from the same album very trippy and jazz influenced.
SO STRANGE!!! I was just thinking about this song, & was thinking it'd be a great song for T! I had the song in my head when I turned YT on & saw your video! I was also thinking about another great song for you...Then I see that you're doing "More than a Feeling," which is the other song I was thinking of! You managed to react to 2 songs I was thinking of requesting in one day!!! CRAZY! 🤘🤪🤘
"I'm not sure I can convey this in words..." One of the best song reviews I've ever heard, and that is precisely why. This is what great music does. It conveys what cannot otherwise be conveyed. This song is a true masterpiece because it does exactly that. I admit that I this song has ironically saved me from taking my own life on several occasions, when I was at my lowest point. It reminds me, musically and in ways I cannot convey with words, that life is a spiritual experience. Meant to BE EXPERIENCED. The good and the bad. So that I can take that experience into my next life. Life isn't easy - my brother took his own life - but it isn't meant to be easy. Life is meant to be experienced in all its forms. Death is assured for all of us. Life isn't. So enjoy it and live in the moment. Thank you T, for reminding me of this wonderful idea. Keep those great reactions coming!
That solo is something out of this world. I just love it. Sadly this is propably only song i know from the band that is great. I´ve tried to listen other songs but this is beyond everything else they ever recorded.
In my late teens and into my early twenties I obsessed over this song, like no other before or after. There is mystical magic going on there, this song casts a spell.
The great Buck Dharma on lead & rhythm guitar. Check out their last album The Symbol Remains released last year. Another 70's band still going strong adding to their legacy.
Psychedelic taking you on a journey. Killer tune, first time hearing this as a kid just blew me away. Growing in the 70's with the music was Priceless!!!
I absolutely love the expressions on your face when you listen to these folks I grew up with!! Your reactions are true and appreciative..gotta love it. From a grandma who still listens to Metallica ;)
It's an interesting review of the song, and I think you're absolutely right. It's a reference to how many people pass away everyday, and it's just a fact of life. I like to think of the ending of the song as if the male figure was a vampire, and he'd come to claim the love of his life, and she ran to him....but hey that's only my interpretation. Great review.
You should check out their: Veteran of the Psychic Wars; this song is about Elric of Melniboné/The Champion Eternal and was written by Eric Bloom and Michael Moorcock. Moorcock is the author of the Elric saga which explores the life of a person that is the first in his entire species to be born with a conscience.
So I noticed you've now done their iconic, "commercial/pop" hit AND one from their metal black & white era, "Dominance and Submission"(which no one else on YT has reacted to). Excellent, sir! If you want to continue down their more commercial path, may I suggest anything after 1975(but PLEASE no "Burnin' For You"), or if you prefer their hard as nails stuff, then anything before 1976: "Cities On Flame, With Rock and Roll"(original studio version, 1972), or perhaps "7 Screaming Diz-Busters" from their 1973 "Tyranny and Mvtation".
Got to see these guys live a few years back at a waterside music festival here in Michigan. Absolutely brought the house down. Had the whole place jumping when they went into this song.
I've got a Fever, and the only prescription is more cow bell.
😂😂😂😂
th-cam.com/video/cVsQLlk-T0s/w-d-xo.html
nice!
I knew someone would hit this. Ever since that skit Will Farrell hitting that cow bell immediately pops into my mind.
@@chrishickey7502 Me too!
The lead guitarist wrote this song when he was diagnosed with a heart condition. During the time it took to know if surgery was required, he thought about his wife as they hadn’t been married all that long and there seemed to be so much life yet to share. He took the muse of Love being so strong to transcend Death. People often wrongly conclude it’s about suicide, when in fact it’s writer, Donald “Buck Dharma” Roeser, has said it is at its core a love song. Mortality is addressed naturally in the lyrics just as he was confronting it at the time in relation to his own love story. He was able to be treated successfully and in addition to decades of his guitar mastery since, he left us this masterpiece as a souvenir of that crisis. Buck recorded it on 4 track in his home, played the demo for the band. All five were gifted songwriters and musicians, and they came up with this studio arrangement that caught on like wildfire in ‘76!
Even today, there are few rock bands that are as tight as BÖC. They are touring the USA and UK in 2021-2022, so be sure to get tickets to a show near you. Blue Öyster Cult is a relatively small musical portion in the vast spectrum of rock and roll history, however it is an extremely tasty rock morsel with an extensive catalog including their fabulous new album launched a year ago, “The Symbol Remains!” BÖC is a musical phenomenon that is best experienced live, so be sure to ✅ out this band an along with Thin Lizzy, Kansas, and other rock greats of the 70s … please be sure to push and vote for Blue Öyster Cult’s long overdue induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame that chooses to snub multi-gold / platinum artists endlessly.
THANK YOU! You are the first one I've seen in decades that knows the true story! Respect, sir, respect.
¹
Preach that knowledge . Very well put. Pay attention young boys and girl.
@@derekdonnell7780 Amen to that, sir.
Thank you for that insight. I always assumed it was a nihilistic suicide fantasy.
I'm 60 years old and this song takes me back to when I was in high school. I feel 21 years old listening to this kind of music, this, Boston, Styx, Rush, Queen, and on and on. Best music genre ever! It makes you feel alive and young all over again! Great song, great memories and great reaction! Keep doing what you are doing, love your channel!
63 here. I remember being very moved when I first heard this song. Of course, the Columbian Gold I was smoking might have contributed to the emotional impact just a little...
@@stevecontini5386 I'm 60 this year too. Saw Bad Co Frampton and Think Lizzy too back in the day! I tried to save all my ticket stubs but I never did, I lost em all ... I'd have a cool wall full of them. Never saw Led Zep or Pink Floyd though. :( bummer
I’m 59, and other than adding Pink Floyd, I’m right there with you.
I’m guessing you’d love Veteran of the Psychic Wars, too.
59...saw Blue Oyster Cult at the Nassau Coliseum in 79 or 80. Rush was the opening act. Love this song.
The music compliments the lyrics like no other song. Its absolutely brilliant. I think it is impossible to listen and not feel something.
Listen to Astronomy; Flaming Telepaths, Veteran of the Psychic Wars, ETI...
Try Dave Gilmour and Pink Floyd.
70’s Rock, where musicians actually played and vocalists actually sang! No auto tune anywhere, talent showed through 🤘🤘
Many modern rock and metal vocalists can do this too. Lzzy Hale, Brittany Slayes, Floor Jansen, Amy Lee come to mind.
Sadly many musicians today have to have some sort of computer enhancement
And the singers in these 70's rock bands didn't have the luxury of in - ear monitors! They were proper musicians back then.
Lol acting like modern vocalists having in ear monitors makes them less of musicians 😅 Come off it
Auto-Tune. Snyone who approves is tone deaf. It lacks all the emotion a true musical artist creates. But perhaps that's the whole idea they keep saying they want us to merge with the machine. Sorry I prefer to be human Instead of some emotionless drone.
"He picks up a bus and throws it back down
As he wades through the buildings towards the center of town..."
GODZILLA!
Oh no! There goes Tokyo.
"oh no . There goes Tokyo.. go, go , GODZILLA"
History shows, again and again, how nature points out the folly of man...
GODZILLA!
Yeeesss!
ZillaGod, ZillaGod, ZillaGod.....
That song made you think, didn't it? That's what it was meant to do. Incredimazing song! Btw, that's Buck Dharma on lead, picking away on a 1969 Gibson SG Standard guitar. They are still actively touring as BOC. I saw them just 6 mos ago playing a county fair in Cali. Only two original members left, but it was a great performance as always. 🙂
The lead guitar greatness of Buck Dharma!
Buck is probably the least appreciated guitar player ever. Such a sublime way of playing where every note is luxurious and badass at the same time. BOC are one of my favorite bands ever. Thanks for putting his name out there, @Karen Nyere!
@@jeffkemper7920 do you follow British Guitarist Reacts Fil Henley? He has guest guitarists on regularly- including Buck!!!! Check it out!
My favorite guitarist. Yeah Fil is cool too.
Your assessment of this song is almost what mine would be. They did a really good job of conveying that sense of dread through their instruments. BOC was way ahead of their time. Burning for You, Godzilla, Cities On Fire for Rock n Roll, and Transmaniacon MC are some other great tracks from them
“I Love the Night”, fits that description as well….
Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll
Veteran of the Psychic Wars and ETI
Except that they tell you that the dread is an illusion...
@@ericelander9936 Oh yeah killer song! Lyrics by fantasy author Michael Moorcock.
Bad Ass Classic! I remember when it first came out a bunch of my High School classmates all met up at a Park and one of the guys had a Van with a huge sound system. They played this song over and over for over an hour!! And no one got sick of it! I saw them live I was in the 8th row. One of the loudest concerts I ever heard! My ears were still ringing two days later. All time Classic!
High school days. I remember when these songs first came. Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Queen, Boston, Aerosmith, Kansas, Deep Purple, black Sabbath, Grand Funk Railroad, Eagles, The Beatles greatest hits, their solo projects, Allman Bros. More than I can remember.
Anyone else get flashbacks to the opening credits of The Stand? Perfect choice of using this song for those scenes of all the dead bodies.
Every time!
DFTReeper is in almost every Halloween movie and many others.
In the original Halloween movie, Jamie Lee Curtis and her friend are listening to it on the car radio in the beginning when it is still daylight..
I just heard this song recently "dont fear the reaper". I'd heard it before but it's my first time actually listening to the lyrics. Its sick and I love it!
Lots of cowbell in the 70s-80s.. Great song, takes me back for sure.
THE 70s were COW BELL CHAMPIONS
My favorite blue oyster cult song. When I was a kid learning to play the guitar I made it a thing for me to learn this song. It took me over a year but 20 something years later I still know how to play it. Thanks alot man for bringing back some good memories for me . Youre amazing
Such a classic...you will never get good rock music like this ever again!
I heard this song a thousand times. Then I got a call that my father had died and when I got in the car to head for my mom's this song came on. Took on a whole different vibe. It is a masterpiece.
"Need more cowbell" 😂 Sorry! That is off the skit of SNL a must watch.
This was also used as the opening theme music for the original Steven King Mini-series of "The Stand"
I just saw BOC perform this past Sunday at Sea World!!!! More cowbell!!
My initial reaction had to be near to yours, altho some 46 years earlier. I purchased this album on it's day of release having been a fanboy for years already. I had already seen them twice in arena settings. I had no idea the impact this song would have on my then 22yo self. I had to stop the turntable and play this over and over. Profound message of life, love and hope is what I heard that day, and still do today.
This band is severely underrated, both as musicians and songwriters. This band is one of the best live shows...ever. I should know. I've seen them more than thirty times in the last fifty years. They play as well today as they did back then. Buck...man, what a talented and gifted guitarist. I simply do not understand why he is never mentioned in the lists of great guitarists. I simply do not understand why this band is not in the Hall of Fame.
Blue Oyster Cult
Burnin for You
Veteran of the Psychic War
Godzilla
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🔥🔥🔥
Melody, melody, melody. That’s what all these songs convey.
I suggest the band Yes and their song Roundabout. Without Yes there would be no Rush. Geddy Lee has said as much. They inducted Yes into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. Please consider this song. Loving this little journey. I feel like the song is telling us to just accept whatever is supposed to happen in life.
This was always one of my favorite songs back in the '70s. I absolutely love your thoughts on this song, made me look at it a different way.
I've heard thousands of rock songs, and have loved many of them, but this one will forever be an all time Top 25 rock song for me.
This is a great song when you're driving late at night! Still remember when it first hit the radio.
Me and my best friend Bill went to see this band in 84 and they were incredible! One of the best concerts we ever went to for sure.
My dad used to tell me he had a copy of this vinyl record and when he tried to destroy it for being “satanic” it wouldn’t break. Such a shame he thought those silly things, fantastic music lol.
That's so true. Beliefs like that can stop you from enjoying things, like music.
Me too! My dad was a preacher.
Hail Satan
@@michaelhudson2912 agreed
@@michaelhudson2912 Ave Satanas.
Have you ever been somewhere on a quiet night and in the distance you hear a Train Whistle, this song kind of reminds me of that at moments.
Godzilla and Burning For You are essentials from them.
Loved hearing your thoughts on this, I like the way you explained how you felt along the song's journey.
They were outstanding live. At their concert in the 70s. They actually played for three hours and the concert was in an orchestra hall with speakers in all walls. Most memorable concert. Thank you.
Feelin that... What? dominance and submission? .. I think I love you, brother
First time watching one of your reactions. Really dug it, great job! Love the song and what you had to say about it, natural reaction, but good insights.
Growing up in the 60s was amazing, every month something new and exciting happening musically. Year after year. Wow. I loved it.
Please don’t miss out on
Burning for You
Blue Oyster Cult
Everyone loves it
You are so right that seventies were a time of unbelievable music; it's amazing how much good music was produced by so many bands like you said. It was a special time but at the time it was taken for granted as just normal. This is a masterpiece of music composition and great lyrics. I think you got the message of song and how the guitar solo was one entering the afterworld.
Wow, two mid-70s MEGACLASSICS in a row! Awesome :) These songs are the reason the 70s were such an extraordinary and musically revolutionary decade.
You nailed it, T. I'd say the band would be delighted that you interpreted it this way. Love the channel
You really need to hear some Heart. "Crazy on You", "Magic Man", "Barracuda" -- the female-fronted version of mid-70s rock perfection. For extra points, react to Led Zeppelin "Stairway to Heaven" and then Heart's cover of it at the Kennedy Center Honors for Zeppelin.
You got it right. A classic line from this song is "Another 40,000 coming every day. We can be like they are. Come on baby."
"the candles blew and then disappeared the curtains flew and then he appeared "
I just love this reaction! I get so much joy watching you young men experiencing our music
Love, love, love what you got out of this song. I was there on the journey with you, bro!
I love hearing this old stuff. It's not on my playlist, but really brings me back. I'll be putting on my list.
They're amazing & have an ability to make a beautiful song that has dark undertones and a meaning you might not expect. They do it in "I love the night" too. That song feels really romantic, but i also heard its about vampires
If you want to have a good laugh and appreciate this song a little more, look up a skit from Saturday Night Live involving Blue Oyster Cult… a behind the scenes look at the recording of this song, including a quotable line which has since ruined the life of famed actor Christopher Walken. 🙃
th-cam.com/video/cVsQLlk-T0s/w-d-xo.html
We need more cowbell
Do this and put the reaction on the channel.
What? I didn't ruin his life, where did you get that from?
Lol...I can't hear this song without thinking about that skit!
I've been a fan of BOC since the 70s and know a lot of the early songs by heart. You have nailed it! Their songs all have a sinister side that you have tapped into. They have a song about a girl that uses salmon salt to mask the smell of the people she has murdered and buried in the rose bushes. Another song is about German pilots in World War II killing Englishmen in bombers so his country can live on. Sci fi too. Pick any song off any album and you'll experience their "thinking man's" form of rock n roll. I think that's why they weren't as popular as they should have been - they are better musicians than their contemporaries (IMO) but their songs are not for everyone. Keep reacting to them and we'll keep clicking the Like button.
I've been listening to this [one of my all-time favorite tracks] since it was new, and couldn't have said it better myself.
This is an amazing song and that solo break is awesome. But this was quite a departure from their three first albums that was heavier and grittier. So many great tracks. The red and the black, cities on flame, career of evil, astronomy.
This is THE cowbell song. Not just any cowbell song.
Awww yeah….. rolling into the school parking parking lot in your Camaro (or 280z) with this blasting… thanks for the memories! What a great time in music.
"More cowbell!"
Also check out "In Thee" and "I Love The Night" and "Burning For You."
I’m 60 and my kids know full well that Don’t look back by Boston will be played at my funeral!
1st time I saw BOC was June ‘76 just a month after this album was released. They were opening for ZZ Top. Amazing concert. This song was brand new and had yet to become played on the radio. First time most of us there heard this song was at that concert.
Such a great song! This was one of the tracks that got me into music when I was younger.
Loved your reaction, definitely a masterpiece. Listening to both the music and the lyrics very intensely I think the song is a 4 part story of 2 people. Lovers. Early in their relationship he keeps telling her " come on, live life with me, take my hand, Don't fear death. Then in the next they are more into their relationship and he's saying "come on, i love you, Romeo and Juliette are together forever so can we, we will keep loving eachother until we are gone, don't fear death". The haunting solo is late in life, the crescendo is the reaper finally coming. The last verse he's saying "you're on your deathbed (love of two became one) and the reaper came and you weren't afraid, you peacefully died.
Now - “I Love the Night.” One of the most gorgeous ballads ever.
Hey what’s up T. Nah you nailed it bro I remember this track from when I was a little kid growing up in NY and even after we moved over the line into CT.it was still being played everywhere..probably because they were from Long Island(Oyster Bay)..it was on the radio a lot but I actually remember it more from the roller rink in the winter😂🤦🏻♂️ and then ALWAYS summertime at the festivals/carnivals..to the point that I thought it HAD TO be played at those places for some reason..had no clue what they were saying but I just remember it always being played LOUD and that I never got sick of it..something about that main riff and B.Dharma’s vocals(I think he’s singing AND playing that main riff)that keeps it stuck in your friggin head forever(AND it’s also in the original Halloween movie too)I would never turn this song off it’s perfect..anyway great track/reaction as always..would’ve probably been even better with Tasha(hey I’m human)still great regardless😉👏🏼👍🏼 Thank you brother
BOC one of the best American rock bands ever!! They don't get enough love IMO. Secret Treaties is one of the best albums ever made.
at 10.36 when you were talking about the guitar solo, to me when it gets going its like when ppl say your life will flash before your eyes,, its all the memory's just flooding back fast,, (2 thumbs up great vid keep up the great work )
I LOVE your reaction to this song. The solo was my late wife’ s favorite guitar solo on a Top 40 hit record….and she was one of the top female guitarists in the world for decades (had also double-billed with BOC.) Ironic you should play this during a pandemic because it was also the opening song to Stephen King;’s “The Stand” movie about a plague. I’ve been a lifelong music industry guy..musician, radio DJ, TV talking head, journalist, etc…..Check out “You Set The Scene” by Love, circa 1967…you will probably dig it.
I love how happy you are, dear Sir!! One of the best songs of the 70s perhaps all times!!
Blue Oyster Cult was the headliner of the first concert that I ever went to. Journey opened for them. The summer of 1975. And a great time was had by all. Good time to be alive. Great tunes. I still have this vinyl LP in my library. Have you ever seen the SNL episode with Christopher Walken ? The 'cowbell' sketch with this song and a fake BOC.
Well done, You actually point out what is so overlooked in rock - skilled musicianship, tight band sound, professional players at their peak, mugs need not apply. Its why I love the style.
Check out some of their earlier stuff like "Cities On Flame With Rock & Roll" "She's As Beautiful As A Foot" "O.D.'ed On Life Itself" and "Hot Rails To Hell"
I think the explanation I liked best was one time the lead told some one he sings it like its a love some from the Reaper to all man kind. The reaper is calming you and telling you its ok to embrace him when its your time because its inevitable.
No one gets out of life, alive
A friend of mine said BOC music was like good whiskey. Smooth going down, then it reaches up and grabs you by the brain stem.
No you are correct. That's exactly how I've always thought of this song. Everyone remembers the first time they heard it... that line "She had become like they are. She had taken his hand" Chilling. Yet something we all will face.
I have seen them live in concert 4 times over 30 years. They are one of the best live acts in rock, period. Amazing.
The Best
I grew up with this music and as great as it is, your perspective makes me see it thru new eyes... and it's new once again... love your outtake on this awesome song T!
These transitions are so cleanly done.
So well thought out in every way.
Perfection.
Astronomy is another great tune of theirs. Amongst dozens more.
Buck Dharma. Greatest guitarist EVER!
What’s really funny is that when Buck Dharma (lead guitarist and soloist) brought this melody to the others they thought it would be too soft for their sound.
This became their biggest hit in a spectacular life of an amazing band.
You hit the message on the head. My heart guys were friends with Party Smythe who voiced some haunting parts of Vera Gemini on the same album.
I’d suggest Morning Final from the same album very trippy and jazz influenced.
Duuuude, you bring such a great insight into the songs you react to. Much appreciated! Great video!
SO STRANGE!!! I was just thinking about this song, & was thinking it'd be a great song for T! I had the song in my head when I turned YT on & saw your video!
I was also thinking about another great song for you...Then I see that you're doing "More than a Feeling," which is the other song I was thinking of!
You managed to react to 2 songs I was thinking of requesting in one day!!! CRAZY!
🤘🤪🤘
I have played the guitar for 50 years and my band still plays this song it never gets old you got to check more of there tunes good job .
"I'm not sure I can convey this in words..." One of the best song reviews I've ever heard, and that is precisely why. This is what great music does. It conveys what cannot otherwise be conveyed. This song is a true masterpiece because it does exactly that. I admit that I this song has ironically saved me from taking my own life on several occasions, when I was at my lowest point. It reminds me, musically and in ways I cannot convey with words, that life is a spiritual experience. Meant to BE EXPERIENCED. The good and the bad. So that I can take that experience into my next life. Life isn't easy - my brother took his own life - but it isn't meant to be easy. Life is meant to be experienced in all its forms. Death is assured for all of us. Life isn't. So enjoy it and live in the moment. Thank you T, for reminding me of this wonderful idea. Keep those great reactions coming!
That solo is something out of this world. I just love it. Sadly this is propably only song i know from the band that is great. I´ve tried to listen other songs but this is beyond everything else they ever recorded.
In my late teens and into my early twenties I obsessed over this song, like no other before or after. There is mystical magic going on there, this song casts a spell.
That's an excellent analysis
of the elements of this song.
It has an ethereal quality that
I have always loved.
Great reaction. Bang on analysis
The great Buck Dharma on lead & rhythm guitar. Check out their last album The Symbol Remains released last year. Another 70's band still going strong adding to their legacy.
The whole album is fantastic! I especially like THE ALCHEMIST video, THAT WAS ME, STAND AND FIGHT, and EDGE OF THE WORLD!
Good sir, I love and appreciate your inputs into the different Rock genre's. Spot on.
Dude....Im gonna be all over you doing classic rock man lol
Psychedelic taking you on a journey. Killer tune, first time hearing this as a kid just blew me away. Growing in the 70's with the music was Priceless!!!
I absolutely love the expressions on your face when you listen to these folks I grew up with!! Your reactions are true and appreciative..gotta love it. From a grandma who still listens to Metallica ;)
Yessssss.great song.love been listen to since I was 8 years old.still love it
SNL had an old skit about more cowbell
It's an interesting review of the song, and I think you're absolutely right. It's a reference to how many people pass away everyday, and it's just a fact of life. I like to think of the ending of the song as if the male figure was a vampire, and he'd come to claim the love of his life, and she ran to him....but hey that's only my interpretation. Great review.
A Classic MASTERPIECE!!
My favorite song ever made, I love rock :)
That a haunted sounds of music . It makes you fear the reaper . I love it . Great sounds of rock classic
This song is soooooo iconic!❣️...... awesome choice!!!❤️
You should check out their: Veteran of the Psychic Wars; this song is about Elric of Melniboné/The Champion Eternal and was written by Eric Bloom and Michael Moorcock. Moorcock is the author of the Elric saga which explores the life of a person that is the first in his entire species to be born with a conscience.
Black Blade
Dude, Veteran of the Psychic Wars. Live Version. That guitar solo will change your life if you liked the one on this track.
So I noticed you've now done their iconic, "commercial/pop" hit AND one from their metal black & white era, "Dominance and Submission"(which no one else on YT has reacted to). Excellent, sir! If you want to continue down their more commercial path, may I suggest anything after 1975(but PLEASE no "Burnin' For You"), or if you prefer their hard as nails stuff, then anything before 1976: "Cities On Flame, With Rock and Roll"(original studio version, 1972), or perhaps "7 Screaming Diz-Busters" from their 1973 "Tyranny and Mvtation".
You Got it !!! Conveyed very well. Great imagery in this song.
Oh but those cow bells!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🤟🏽
Got to see these guys live a few years back at a waterside music festival here in Michigan. Absolutely brought the house down. Had the whole place jumping when they went into this song.
Wow !?! One of the ultimate GOOSEBUMPS songs , and you just want it to keep playing over and over like the wild mantra that it is !😮😊❤