I grew up in the 70s and 80s, and only recently got into Blue Oyster Cult because of full access to their catalog via youtube. Only with Blue Oyster Cult do you get the full realization of the tragedy that was radio. All we had was rock top 40, or the college stations, which were wildly diverse, but tended to feature strictly esoteric lo-fi bands. There was a whole area of rock music that got mostly left out, and bitter, negative reviews from paid, cynical rock critics at anything except Leonard Cohen didn’t help. Every time I listen to a Blue Oyster Cult album I never knew existed, I find songs in them that I fall totally in love with because they’re so intriguing, meaningful, and beautiful.
@@BikewithloveI grew up during the same time and BOC was definitely one of my favorite bands. I had most of their albums either on vinyl, cassette, or eight track. You're so right about having full access to a bands discography because of TH-cam lol. I'm actually just starting to rediscover BOC after many years and god they were so good. LoL I'm actually starting to think I had good taste when I was a kid
Buck at 72 years old just did a "speed solo" ala Maiden on "The Alchemist" & didn;t even break sweat .... the man's diversity & talent with a guitar is endless & timeless.
INSANELY under rated band. When you deep dive into their catalogue, the amount of amazing songs to uncover is incredible. I have to go with the mention of "Veterans of the Psychic Wars", from '81. It features an absolutely brilliant solo from Buck. It steps up the pace mid way,and Buck fastpicks the song up up into the darkened heavens. Its fantastic.
There are so many bands who put out albums with one great song and the rest are fillers. BOC often had 9 great songs and one that was pretty good. The only ones of theirs you ever hear on the radio generally are don't fear the reaper, burning for you, and godzilla. That's sad because for everyone great song that you heard on the radio they had about 15 that you hardly ever heard.
Nice appreciation of drummer Albert Bouchard's contribution also... but Allen Lanier's tasteful tinkling of the ivories also deserves recognition, as does Joe Bouchard's lovely bass work... and coated over the top, like a layer of sumptuous coconut icing, is Eric Bloom's mellifluous vocals... this was BOC at their magnificent best...
...also "Some Enchanted Evening". Easily one of the hardest rocking '70's live albums. I had it on cassette and we would cruise around (not that sort!), and wore the thing out!
@@jeffreyschaefer3979 Literally the only time I sobbed like a baby other than when my daughter died was when Allen died. It obviously didn't hurt the same, but still, it broke my heart. He has been missed, he left with too much song writing to do, damn it all.
An often-repeated lament, the "hall of fame" thing. I don't feel like there's a hall of fame that adequate for their talent. Their true fans know who they are, and that connection is all that matters!
In Denver, 1980, Sabbath cancelled that night. It was the "Black & Blue Tour". BOC brought it in spades saying they were going to try to make up for Sabbath being out. And they did!
I was there that night. I remember Eric Bloom being pissed off and he said " F Black Sabbath" and they destroyed McNichols arena. Still have the ticket stub!
Hi Fil: This video works nicely with your interview of Buck. I knew he was special the first night of engineering school. Out of nowhere, he walked into my room (the door was open) with a blue Fender and a pig-nose amp. Ironically, I was unpacking my reel-to-reel collection of Baroque masterpieces. We ended up singing Oldies together into the wee hours. That was September 1965. I found Al Bouchard in my English class, and a month later with two others, we had a bar and frat band called The Travesty. Two years later, Donald and Al ended up on Long Island and BOC evolved from there. I am lucky to have written a handful of tunes with Buck, most notably: “Golden Age of Leather” and “Mirrors.” He is a total musician, and also has a way with words! He and his beautiful wife celebrated their 50th anniversary together last summer. In closing, it’s hard to call a group that’s sold 25 million albums worldwide under-rated as most everybody does, but the their catalog speaks god itself!
Thanks for sharing that! Saw them 16 times and many times he was otherworldly on that guitar; his whole body buffeted by his playing. And great tunes! I’m just waiting for one of these fine reactors to discover Cultosaurus Erectus. Btw, love both Golden Age and Mirrors. The first so atmospheric and wistful and the title track, lyrically authentic. Thx!
Buck is my favorite guitarist of all time. My first lead guitar influence. I had On Your Feet Or On Your Knees on 8 track and would only listen to 2 songs- "Born to be Wild," and "Cities on Flame," then after about a year I enjoyed the entire album and loved it. Buck Dharma is a Guitar GOD!!! BUCK LIVES FOREVER
So, so happy to come across this video whilst digging into some of your older videos Fil! I got to see BOC and Buck back in 1978, they were awesome live!
Blue Oyster Cult has always been about composition and lyrics. Great musicians but their esoteric lyrics and themes is absolutely what made them. [[[ "Flights of black horsemen soar over churches pursued by an army of birds in the rain..." ]]]
Nice analysis! Been a major BOC fan since1973. Saw them when they were touring with the laser show back in the 70's and those concerts were incredible! Buck may be one of the most underrated guitarists in rock. Not by me though, for me he is at the top of my list! BOC ON TOUR FOREVER!
@@stevenwilkinson1265 I don't agree, but it sure isn't something to argue about. We each love them for the flavors of each album. Spectres #1, but I wish it had the long version of I Love the Night and then it's REALLY hard to call up a #2, , but if it's studio, I'd probably go Secret Treaties, but man, T&M is right there. Or if the mood had me, some first album Black Sabbath. Spectres and Sabbath 1 back to back chilling in one of the many cemeteries around there at night, you just couldn't beat the mood it sets. Even BOC #1 in that line up is great. The best were foggy nights too. Damn it, I want my 1970's back!!!! Some rum, bourbon or whiskey(Wild Turkey was pretty popular with the parents back then, that'd keep us warm!), some Genny Cream Ales, some really nice bud and killer tunes (tough 8 tracks weren't scared of 10* weather), what more could a person want besides a little cutie to keep each other warmed up? Look up the massive acreage of cemeteries starting at the south west edge of Pine Ridge Rd and Genesee St in Cheektowaga, NY on Google Earth and you'll get just an idea of what a great spooky place we had to party in. Then, when it started to get really cold, there were plenty of woods to slip into to build a camp fire. Sadly, they've robbed the newer kids of much of those woods in the following years. Damn it, adulthood is vastly over rated.
I really appreciate the fact that you chose a live version of "Astronomy" as your case study of Buck Dharma and Blue Öyster Cult. It shows that you have some awareness of the band's body of work and where it lives in the hearts of its most ardent listeners. Because of that, I am now more inclined to take whatever you have to say about other bands and their works as credible. Most people know "Don't Fear the Reaper," "Godzilla," and "Burning For You" and it would have been the easy way out to comment on one of those songs. They're good songs, mind you, but I keep telling people they have far more dynamic and interesting material than those three songs. Most have no clue about Sandy Pearlman's Imaginos story in which "Astronomy" marks a pivotal moment. Well done, Wings of Pegasus. I'll be looking for other analyses from you.
Some folks don't like certain albums, but I can't think of a bad apple in the bunch. I think some albums, like Mirrors, got maligned due to the era they were released, even calling it disco. I don't see it one bit. Rolling Stone didn't like them and some folks latched on to that, like Rolling Stone ever had any skills in judging bands. They hated Sabbath too. What does that tell you?
John Houlgate . So true John. Blue oyster cult studio albums are great,but you get the real experience watching them live. Their live shows are mind blowing.. I was lucky enough to see the original lineup in 79. Still to this day the best concert I’ve ever seen.
@@andyfisher6308 I hear that Andy, for me it was '76, twice in '77, '78, '79, 3 times in '80 and '81 (2 of those shows were with Rick Downey, I didn't see that coming), but then I had a dry spell during my Army years, they didn't get down around Louisiana very often and I can't possibly blame them for that, I wouldn't have been either if it were an option. Only saw them twice between '82 through '84, but then I caught way up and saw them tons in the mid to later 80's throughout the '90s. Then it was hit or miss until the present day. We're lucky if we get them every other year these days, we can't leave the in laws, well, the surviving MiL having lost the FiL earlier this year. Otherwise, we'd be hitting the road for a bunch more shows. Gotta say, though, I'm pretty stoked about the new studio album coming out this year, for Blue Coupe's new album too. Hopefully we can get BC to town, we haven't caught them yet and really can't wait. We were able to follow The Brains around for a while years back in the day, even got to hang with Billy and Peter a few times before Billy died and Peter left and that'd be nice to do with BC as well. Crossing those fingers. BOC was nice enough to come near Buffalo last year, just when I was feeling well enough after cancer surgery, the timing couldn't have been better for me. The great thing about a BOC show? They never fail to perform like they are at the top of their game, so it was a great show again. It was a shot in the arm I truly needed at the time to boost my spirits. Besides, I was getting a little low on BOC concert Tee's and we can't have that happening!
Damaged262 .l only saw them twice in the eighties. I guess I was bummed out that The Bouchard brothers were no longer in the band. I got over it in the nineties and went to as many shows as possible. The great thing about them playing in smaller venues was being able to get right up to the stage without getting squished. I really like the new lineup with Ritchie Danny & Jules. I hope they stick with it. Sorry to hear about your bout with cancer & hope your free of it now. My family has been hit hard with it as well. Rock on brother.
Buck is just amazing. My personal favorite lead is the one on ''Dominance and Submission'' from the brilliant ''Secret Treaties" album. It's not that long, but incredibly dynamic and creative. I was so proud of myself when I finally learned how to play it halfway decently.
Back in the day I used to make my own 8-track tapes of my favorite songs and Dominance and Submission was one of them. I'd crank it up till the windows rattled! Yeah, fantastic solo on that one!
Secret Treaties is an absolute masterpiece of dark, gloomy, weird, humorous, Sci-fi influenced Rock, that encapsulates everything that was great about early 70s Proto-Metal.
I've had the pleasure of seeing these guys many times starting in 1975. Never been disappointed, even with 3 new members they are always on tour and still rock out just as good if not better.
This ain't no garden of Eden and this ain't the summer of Love, BOC had a special niche mysticism without rainbows and fairies nice and edgy Dharma wrang the last drop out of every phrase phrase I love his playing it's beautiful and he can build to a meltdown and burn obviously a great musician and something interesting his sense of humor always kind of came through he always comes off as a really decent guy I always appreciated that in performers shine your light a little
Mystical and eerie lyrics with multiple movements in this song. This is a very difficult song to play. I have been trying to play it since you posted this 3 months ago. But even if you knew it note by note, you could never play it like Buck Dharma's display of effortless talent. There is way more to this song than the notes. I think that is the true measure of a musician, when you can take notes off a sheet of paper, but can make those notes sound like no one else can. "the light that never warms". Very visual song filled with metaphors. No one actually knows what it means to this day.
I listen to alot of extreme metal but when it comes to classic rock BOC is my favorite band by far. They will always hold a very special place in my heart. And Buck Darhma's extended solo on veterans of the psychic wars live October 9 1981 is a definite highlight of fully live bands that can go off script and add to the song and set.
I loved BOC in the 70's, and was lucky enough to see them many times live. Donald Roeser, AKA Buck Dharma is one of the most overlooked guitarists in rock history. His solo's were always melodic and always different. BOC also was a greatly overlooked band. Their first 3-4 albums rock as hard as anyone at the time, and they were a better live band than they were on their albums. If you like them, check out their live album "On your feet or on your knees"! Hard rock GOLD! Still waiting for your Iron Maiden review Fil!
Their first 5 albums at least are as good as any band. Amazing stuff. His guitar playing just slays me. Rest of band very tight also and very unique sound. Ive never heard any other sound like them.
Buck Dharma never received any respect, because the critics hated BOC, for some reason. The first time I saw them in concert, I was not that familiar with them, and then Buck played that solo in "Astronomy". Blew me away. He is a genius.
Ahh the 1970s, an interesting time to be a young guitar player. Great review/commentary Fil, I appreciate that you pointed out how different a live performance today is from 30+ years ago. What a great performance by Mr. Roeser.
I try and tell young people about older music like this. How it took your on a journey. How it has dynamics and how it made you feel. How the artists had incredible talent. Something today's music seriously lacks. I don't think I'll be getting rid of my old albums and casettes any time soon. Gotta have something good to listen to!👍😎🎸🎶
Thanks for your analysis of my favorite song by my favorite band. As a life long fan (I have all their original albums on vinyl), I think they were and still are a highly underrated band. Albert Bouchard played drums with such a nuanced style, not just going ham all the time, and his brother, Joe complemented with his solid base line. Then there was Allen Lanier, always perfect on the keyboards, and front man, Eric, the consummate showman with his laser light. But Buck was always the main attraction with his ethereal guitar, floating through the song and pulling it all together. His solos were all such wonderful journeys. Thanks, and Rock!
Joe? No shit, for someone who didn't even play bass before the band formed, he really brought something big time to the flavor of the band. I always thought "Man, for a bass player, he really brings it, especially during songs like 5 Guitars". Little did I know back then he was jammin' a bass like he would have if it were a regular guitar. Before the internet, I had no idea. Check him out in Blue Coupe if you get the chance, he's back to his main instrument now and they are killing it. It's Albert, Joe of course and Dennis Dunaway of Alice Cooper fame. Plenty to see right here on youtube.
Thanks so much Fil! Your analysis hit on all the reasons I have loved this song, this performance and this band and you have given me more reasons to keep listening closely to discover new ones! It feels great to have a talented musician validate my own appreciation!
As much as I love that one live, in it's many forms, I'm still partial to On Your Feet's Subhuman. I haven't seen it played live in probably 30+ years, but it never failed to blow me away. Then again, I really can't think of a single show in well over 50 where BOC didn't bring it. They truly are the only band that I'd seen multiple times where they didn't give it their all. (Truth be told though, there were a few Rudy shows where he seemed a bit disinterested, I guess that's why Rudy is doing other things now but it still pisses me off. BOC always made a point of giving him mad credit, always tossing a Rudy's biggest hits compilation in) Hell, during the Black and Blue tour, BOC gave it hard, while Sabbath seemed like they were collecting a check, except for Dio that is. They just didn't seem like they cared too much that year. That was so disappointing too as Sab has always been my #2 band after discovering BOC. Pre BOC? It had been Sabbath all the way. That's why that was so disappointing.
Buck is one of the overlooked great guitar players like Frank Marino is. Never missed a BOC show from the late 70s through the 80s when they came through town. Saw them in clubs in the 90s a couple time too. Always great musicianship. The Buck Dharma Band was also great. He toured them as a three piece and they rocked! Thanks Phil. I appreciate your content.
@Wings of Pegasus Hi Fil, I was lucky enough to see Blue Oyster Cult in June 78 at Newcastle City Hall and 2 of the songs were recorded for the album Some Enchanted Evening. Buck's playing Astronomy from that album is phenomenal: one of the best guitar tracks ever.
I saw them for the first time a month later in New York state. I didn't know them well then but after they got done with Astronomy I was hooked on BOC for life.
I've been a BOC listener and fan for many decades and thought I understood them as well as possible. I was wrong, you've opened my eyes to more depth than I understood before. Thank you!
Phil, thanks so much for your appreciation of BOC's amazing musical talent, technique & style. So far ahead of their time the music industry couldn't figure out how to put them in a can. Great musicians are at their very best LIVE!! Still raging in 2020. Happy to subscribe. PK
Astronomy great tune(i call em tunes not songs got that from Joe Pass). My first concert was Rush Blue Oyster Cult and Styx but BOC is probably my favorite rock band and god bless them they never slipped in a ballad. Thanks for posting this Fil
I love the notes Buck chooses; he knows perfectly how to combine eerie, mystical Phrygian notes with standard blues-rock phrasing to create that sound that is so uniquely his. Albert is an ingenious drummer, too .
The vocals here were also excellent work. Great show band as well with a memorable light show. BOC was an experience as much as they were a rock and roll band.
Need to remember to click like! Show Fil the LOVE & appreciation for what goes into ALL his work/musicianship we love. I use to start EVERY morning with Godzilla. Every Friday afternoon with Sandman! 🤙🏼💞
@@rattleshark5081 Bonnie, oh man, Angel from Montgomery! The first time I fell in love with Bonnie was at a strip bar. The stripper danced to 'Wild For You Baby', and I was done! I just heard Poe/Larkin recently and they're very good as well. Thank you for responding! Fil is bringing so many of us true music lovers together. Since we're talking women singers/musicians Pat Benatar's video of 'Promises In The Dark' where she's dressed in a navy blue jumpsuit and boots gives me chills everytime I hear it. That little girls has pipes, and her husband Neil 'Spider' Geraldo has always been an underreted guitarist IMO. I would love to see Fil review that video! 💝☮🤙🏼
@@reemclaughlin4260 Martina McBride did a crossroads with Pat Benatar , McBride is a long time fan of Benatar , some of the songs are on youtube including Promises is the dark..Larken Poe did a few shows last year with Keith Urban , performed Blacktop ends with him and they toured with Bob Seger.
I do enjoy watching Buck control the amount of gain on his guitar tone by adjusting the volume control on his guitar. Last I saw BÖC in 2012, they didn’t play with a click. I believe they still don’t, and it’s brilliant.
Great video choice and great analysis Fil. This solo has always been in my top 10. Buck never plays it exactly the same way twice - but he impresses every time. Tragic that he's never achieved the recognition his immense talent deserves.
As always, an excellent analysis of a great performance. I grew up with the music of the 70s and BÖC's live performance is an example of the dynamics between connected and skilled musicians. Rock on Fil!
From the ME262 album! My very favorite as a young kid in high school! These guys were always just a little outside of the main! That was the appeal to me!
Saw B.O.C. live three times in the late 70s-early 80s. They had a GREAT sound engineer. Very very clean live sound. They also seemed to really love the songs they were playing. Tons of feel, and Buck could just hypnotize you.
I got to see them only once. The artist I played with got the "local act opener before the tour opener spot." Saying I had a great seat is an understatement. Keep it up,
Having seen BOC many times since 1975, it's been a pleasure watching Buck Dharma play distinctly different solos on songs he's played hundreds of times. I suppose that's one of the reasons we keep listening.
What a great band...and what a magnificent guitarist Buck is! I Never get tired of listening to him play! Such a captivating player who takes you on a melodic ride....outstanding! Brilliant Fil! Cheers Mario!😁🤘🤘
Thank you! How did I miss this one? (Must have been when i had pneumonia.) They are such an underated band. The guitar work is just an art form that you dont hear anyone else replicating. The vocals and percussion so well done and tight that some not so familiar with music dont realize how good they truly are at their craft. I think they are as good as many more famous bands. So glad you picked this song as well. I loved watching your face as you listened to the guitar work because i could tell you appreciated his skill. Rock on!
Love this guy, young, smart, enthusiastic, respectful etc. I wish all the young bands today had these qualities, we might actually get something to take seriously musically.
I never paid much attention to the BOC guitar, but the other day I was listening to the old Hear 'N' Aid song "Stars", and at the end of a long run of pointless shredding, there was this one jaw-dropping bit of groovy, stylish playing, and that was Buck Dharma. Respect always.
Melodic fills and solos, that's Roeser's legacy to my ears. He's got plenty of speed and flash live and in the studio but it's those warm notes he produces during solos that have always caught my attention.
I liked how the band passed around the mic when it came to lead vocals. Of course, Buck sings their biggest hits "Don't Fear the Reaper" and "Burnin' For You." Buck also sings a (a later) version of this song "Astronomy." And bassist Joe Bouchard sings one of my favorites "Nosferatu." I think they are about to kick off a UK tour, you going to see them Fil?
They still put on a great show. Eric's vocals have diminished somewhat, but Buck's voice is still strong and his guitar playing is out of this world. I've seen them many times, most recently 2 years ago. When Buck plays a solo you can just close your eyes and be transported.
@@wingsofpegasus Finding time can be a challenge, although very worth the difficulty in doing so if you can. Buck is such a complete and refined player in this day and age, I know he has worked really hard at it and it shows. Saw him not to long ago, hope you can treat yourself to a show! And thanks for the video , very well done indeed.
@@jjvladimir6070 Saw them last year, shortly after my cancer surgery. It was the "shot in the arm" I needed at the time for sure. I disagree about Eric's singing. I personally think it's as strong as ever. Maybe you caught him on a bad night. It's the human voice, so it's subject to simple things, like did they just fly in that day, was the weather bad, you know, normal stuff. For my last show, it would have been a fairly short bus ride into town, a few hours and the weather wasn't an issue getting here, so it was top form again. But, that being said, any day that has a Blue Oyster Cult show in it is a good day.
Long time, BOC fan, dating back to my '70's high school daze. We first caught them on June 28, 1977, Edmonton Coliseum, row 3, floor, dead center, ($6.00)...they still had their, later-to-be-outlawed, lasers, fog machines, man, I've never been the same. Todd Rundgren's Utopia opened, sharing the lasers with their Egyptian Pyramid stage theme. Being in my adolescent, guitar god stage, I was totally peed at Todd staying behind the keys for his entire show. All these decades later, I've seen the boys another 10 times, including this past summer. As people like Fil and myself understand, Buck is one of the most melodic rock guitarists going, an absolute monster! His father was a jazz musician and I detect that influence in Buck's musicianship. About a decade ago, I had the honour of speaking to both Buck & Eric, fittingly, on Rockline, Halloween night. My favourite era is their "Black & White", pre-Reefer period, so being aloud only one question, I asked them about the meaning of the song, "She's as Beautiful as a Foot", from their self titled debut, 1972. Buck said Meltzer, (one of their early, lyricists), wanted to simply make their original lead vocalist, Les Braunstein, sound goofy...that's mock'n'roll, baby! Another time, I exchanged emails with their original bassist, Joe Bouchard, enquiring about buying his red, Guild Starfire bass, that I spotted in an early Long Island, band photo. He said that photo's beach setting, is where they wrote the song Astronomy. What a great guy, absolutely no ego, he replied back to myself, saying it was stolen, back in the '70's, probably an inside job and a former roadie. After leaving BOC, Joe got his Masters in Music. One last recollection, another time live, their drummer was having trouble with his kick pedal, Buck brought out a music stand and a Beatles song book, (I'd heard what a fan Buck especially is and how they like to vocally warm up prior to shows, doing Beatles numbers)...Buck sang John Lennon's, In My Life, absolutely flooring me! Sorry folks, I tend to go on...yet another great analysis, Fil!
The best-ever rock lead guitarist in my book - evidenced by his scintillating body of work over almost half a century. Just one example - his blistering turn on Maserati GT (I ain't got you) from the live On Your Feet Or On Your Knees album - is proof enough for me
BÔC was my first concert in 79 Mirrors tour was 11 and was part of what influenced me to become the musician I am today, the most underrated guitarist and band to ever walk the earth, BÕC for life 🤘☠️ new album The Symbol Remains is awesome!!.. RIP Allen Lanier
@@badmonkey2222 I've heard so many people comment just this week how humble, nice & down to earth Buck is when they met him .... his good nature only matched by his talent.
@@stevenwilkinson1265 no doubt, he really is the nicest guy, a little reserve and mellow just like me lol, i didn't even realize it was him until he spoke because his back was to me, I've met him 3 times he actually remembered me so that tells you right there what kinda guy he is, last time was at House of Guitars in Rochester NY 2001.
Another classic band Fil ! I've gotta put in a plug for Be Bop Deluxe... Ships in the Night and Fair Exchange ( BBC SHOW ) My friend got me hooked on them some 40 years ago and I bet their are a bunch of ur viewers that would love to hear / see them play Once again... thank you for all the great classic artists and bands plus ur information filled breakdowns ! 😎🤘
Pip here: I first saw Buck in Soft White Underbelly in the summer of 68, and over half a century later, I find his playing to be interesting and engaging no matter how many times I have heard a particular song. By the way, saw the little bit of video of you and Buck from last year. :-)
Thank goodness you decided not to do a full history of the band, or we'd have been watching a 4-hour video! BOC was one of those bands that really needed all 5 members as songwriters/singers/performers to be truly firing on all cylinders. This track perfectly captures that classic era of this musically and lyrically brilliant band.
I remember the 1970s as a kid. Big open air venues with speakers stacked as high as the sky. Insane volumes and bass enclosures that could dry your clothes or make you poop your pants. BOC was part of all that...big, live, and mind blowing
I saw this song on the Spectres tour, when they had the full laser show, and this song was just awesome! In this video, Eric is just shooting the laser upwards. When I saw them, he shot it at a couple of mirror balls hanging in front of the stage, and the effect was incredible! It was like spears of light shooting past your head. They made the band tone it down over safety concerns later, which just ruined the entire thing. Buck Dharma is one of the most underrated players in rock. An incredible musician, who has totally his own sound, and so tasteful, always.
Buck Dharma never seems to over play any of his solos. Nice and fluid and very melodic. Knows the structure of songs and plays with in those confines. Brilliant guitar player i think
You hit on much of what makes Buck special ... never wastes a note or shouts "look at me over here" .. plays for the songs & has that lovely fluid & unique style .. he's never bored me for a single second in 40+ years which is very strange for a guitar player in a rock band .. There are far better examples of his playing on this piece actually but it's enjoyable to see this analysis all the same.
@@stevenwilkinson1265 thanks for your reply. I too have been listening to Buck since the early 70s and enjoy everything he has done also. Very few guitar players get my undivided attention and Buck and Dave Davies are the 2 i can listen too all day. Their guitar seems to talk when they play. My 2 fave players. You can keep Page Clapton Hendrix and all but those 2 are the men for me. Peace
You have a new fan! I’ve never enjoyed a more scrutinized reaction in my life! I subbed recently, but you’re different than most, because you actually give the breakdown, which is what I like! Keep up the great work!
WOW! Blue Oyster Cult,i saw them once in the mid 70's, great band, and my 2nd oldest brother's favorite band.. Great analysis Fil, bring them on, ROCK.....
Eric Bloom had such a great "sinister" rock and roll voice back in the day that matched perfectly with BD's sinister guitar that is really only matched by Black Sabbaths Tony Iommi's sinister guitar
One of my favorite Blue Oyster tunes. One thought, it is amazing how bands from the 1970's live performances sound so like the album versions. Very difficult to do. Studio techniques were not used to cover for this band. Mmusicianship at its finest.
That's why On Your Feet is so amazing, only lightly dubbed in the studio, unlike Frampton Come Alive, which is more studio than live album. By alot too.
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Buck Dharma is one of the most underrated guitarists in the world of rock. In fact BOC is probably the most underrated metal there was.
If Metallica cares to cover your song it's definitely not underrated😑 Who cares about a f!@#ing hall of fame anyways🤧
I grew up in the 70s and 80s, and only recently got into Blue Oyster Cult because of full access to their catalog via youtube. Only with Blue Oyster Cult do you get the full realization of the tragedy that was radio. All we had was rock top 40, or the college stations, which were wildly diverse, but tended to feature strictly esoteric lo-fi bands. There was a whole area of rock music that got mostly left out, and bitter, negative reviews from paid, cynical rock critics at anything except Leonard Cohen didn’t help. Every time I listen to a Blue Oyster Cult album I never knew existed, I find songs in them that I fall totally in love with because they’re so intriguing, meaningful, and beautiful.
You will almost never see Buck's name on a Greatest Guitarists lists, which shows how useless those lists are.
@@BikewithloveI grew up during the same time and BOC was definitely one of my favorite bands. I had most of their albums either on vinyl, cassette, or eight track. You're so right about having full access to a bands discography because of TH-cam lol. I'm actually just starting to rediscover BOC after many years and god they were so good. LoL I'm actually starting to think I had good taste when I was a kid
Truth!
Buck...never a dull note...never repeating himself...never losing the moment...never losing the feeling.
Buck at 72 years old just did a "speed solo" ala Maiden on "The Alchemist" & didn;t even break sweat .... the man's diversity & talent with a guitar is endless & timeless.
INSANELY under rated band. When you deep dive into their catalogue, the amount of amazing songs to uncover is incredible. I have to go with the mention of "Veterans of the Psychic Wars", from '81. It features an absolutely brilliant solo from Buck. It steps up the pace mid way,and Buck fastpicks the song up up into the darkened heavens. Its fantastic.
That is a gorgeous song. . .
The Extraterrestrial Live version is brilliant. Amazing guitar solo!
There are so many bands who put out albums with one great song and the rest are fillers. BOC often had 9 great songs and one that was pretty good.
The only ones of theirs you ever hear on the radio generally are don't fear the reaper, burning for you, and godzilla.
That's sad because for everyone great song that you heard on the radio they had about 15 that you hardly ever heard.
Great band and Buck Dharma is seriously underrated as a guitarist. One of the best!
Oh, hi, Larry!
Yes. BOC was once described as "thinking mans' metal"
True! He is a genius. He wrote Don't Fear the Reaper. That's all there is to say
Most definitely. I've been a fan since the 70's!
Underrated to people who don’t know.
And this, my friends, is why Blue Oyster Cult has been my favorite band since 1977.
1976 for me
Nice appreciation of drummer Albert Bouchard's contribution also... but Allen Lanier's tasteful tinkling of the ivories also deserves recognition, as does Joe Bouchard's lovely bass work... and coated over the top, like a layer of sumptuous coconut icing, is Eric Bloom's mellifluous vocals... this was BOC at their magnificent best...
RIP Allen.
Try 1973's On Your Feet or On Your Knees double live album. It was their best album ever to me...
...also "Some Enchanted Evening". Easily one of the hardest rocking '70's live albums. I had it on cassette and we would cruise around (not that sort!), and wore the thing out!
@@jeffreyschaefer3979 Literally the only time I sobbed like a baby other than when my daughter died was when Allen died. It obviously didn't hurt the same, but still, it broke my heart. He has been missed, he left with too much song writing to do, damn it all.
Yet the Symbol Remains - They still have their mojo.
Buck was 1 of the best guitar players in his prime. BOC should be in the hall
An often-repeated lament, the "hall of fame" thing. I don't feel like there's a hall of fame that adequate for their talent. Their true fans know who they are, and that connection is all that matters!
The Hall is a politicized joke! With the amount of time it took to admit Rush and Heart, the neglect of BoC is no surprise.
In Denver, 1980, Sabbath cancelled that night. It was the "Black & Blue Tour". BOC brought it in spades saying they were going to try to make up for Sabbath being out. And they did!
I saw that tour, in Ventura, Ca..
Amazing!
I was there that night. I remember Eric Bloom being pissed off and he said " F Black Sabbath" and they destroyed McNichols arena. Still have the ticket stub!
Hi Fil: This video works nicely with your interview of Buck. I knew he was special the first night of engineering school. Out of nowhere, he walked into my room (the door was open) with a blue Fender
and a pig-nose amp. Ironically, I was unpacking my reel-to-reel collection of Baroque masterpieces. We ended up singing Oldies together into the wee hours. That was September 1965. I found Al Bouchard in my English class, and a month later with two others, we had a bar and frat band called The Travesty. Two years later, Donald and Al ended up on Long Island and BOC evolved from there. I am lucky to have written a handful of tunes with Buck, most notably: “Golden Age of Leather” and “Mirrors.” He is a total musician, and also has a way with words! He and his beautiful wife celebrated their 50th anniversary together last summer. In closing, it’s hard to call a group that’s sold 25 million albums worldwide under-rated as most everybody does, but the their catalog speaks god itself!
Golden Age and Mirrors are two great songs. So good job on those Bruce!
Thanks for sharing that! Saw them 16 times and many times he was otherworldly on that guitar; his whole body buffeted by his playing. And great tunes! I’m just waiting for one of these fine reactors to discover Cultosaurus Erectus. Btw, love both Golden Age and Mirrors. The first so atmospheric and wistful and the title track, lyrically authentic. Thx!
My only annoyance with this lengthy comment is that the Pignose practice amp didn't go onto the market until the early 70s.
@@twenty3enigma I will acknowledge that I can be annoying, Enema, but that's what Buck called his amp even back then. It was about 7x7 inches.
Buck is my favorite guitarist of all time. My first lead guitar influence. I had On Your Feet Or On Your Knees on 8 track and would only listen to 2 songs- "Born to be Wild," and "Cities on Flame," then after about a year I enjoyed the entire album and loved it. Buck Dharma is a Guitar GOD!!!
BUCK LIVES FOREVER
So, so happy to come across this video whilst digging into some of your older videos Fil! I got to see BOC and Buck back in 1978, they were awesome live!
Blue Oyster Cult has always been about composition and lyrics. Great musicians but their esoteric lyrics and themes is absolutely what made them. [[[ "Flights of black horsemen soar over churches pursued by an army of birds in the rain..." ]]]
I saw them for the first time December 20 1974 opening for ZZ Top and every year there after till 1980. Man did they bring the energy and charisma !
On Your Feet,Or On Your Knees....the amazing Blue Oyster Cult...Rock on Fil!
Yes ! saw them on that tour Magic really compare citys on fire or any other i saw them 4 times that one was a 10 !
Well said, well said.
I consider this the best live album ever because these guys could play live, no recording or back up tracks.
Their first 5 or 6 albums will forever be my favorite Rock music ever... by any band.
I saw them in '72, and I have tickets for this October, 2019.
Yup, On Your Feet.... has an AMAZING version of Astronomy. Most versions are pretty solid, with the possible exception of the one on Imaginos.
Nice analysis! Been a major BOC fan since1973. Saw them when they were touring with the laser show back in the 70's and those concerts were incredible! Buck may be one of the most underrated guitarists in rock. Not by me though, for me he is at the top of my list! BOC ON TOUR FOREVER!
👍
Nippert Stadium? Rock on, sir.
I just love Blue Oyster Cult. Such a great band.
Always one of my favorite guitarists. Melodic, tasteful solos. Not just fast, jagged noise.
BOC was a great and very underrated band!! The Spectres album was incredible in 1977!!
That's my fav too, I can't pick a number 2 though, it gets pretty crowded after the #1 spot.
Spectres is a personal favourite for me .. though Secret Treaties & Fire of Unknown Origin are probably their greatest albums ..
@@stevenwilkinson1265 I don't agree, but it sure isn't something to argue about. We each love them for the flavors of each album. Spectres #1, but I wish it had the long version of I Love the Night and then it's REALLY hard to call up a #2, , but if it's studio, I'd probably go Secret Treaties, but man, T&M is right there. Or if the mood had me, some first album Black Sabbath. Spectres and Sabbath 1 back to back chilling in one of the many cemeteries around there at night, you just couldn't beat the mood it sets. Even BOC #1 in that line up is great. The best were foggy nights too. Damn it, I want my 1970's back!!!!
Some rum, bourbon or whiskey(Wild Turkey was pretty popular with the parents back then, that'd keep us warm!), some Genny Cream Ales, some really nice bud and killer tunes (tough 8 tracks weren't scared of 10* weather), what more could a person want besides a little cutie to keep each other warmed up? Look up the massive acreage of cemeteries starting at the south west edge of Pine Ridge Rd and Genesee St in Cheektowaga, NY on Google Earth and you'll get just an idea of what a great spooky place we had to party in. Then, when it started to get really cold, there were plenty of woods to slip into to build a camp fire. Sadly, they've robbed the newer kids of much of those woods in the following years. Damn it, adulthood is vastly over rated.
Loved Mirrors and Cultosaurus Erectus
Steven Wilkinson I agree with you about Secret Treaties. My favorite album. Great cohesive album with a broad range.
To know Buck Dharma is to love Buck Dharma, pretty simple !!!
5'2" with a swiss cheese guitar!. works for me.
BOC is a truly amazing group....I've seen BOC and Buck with the NAMM band at the NAMM convention in Anaheim , several times ....🎸🔥👊🙏
Logged back in to hear this again. In my opinion, best band ever. and best tune and their best tune ever. TY Fil ... Awesome choice of awesome tune
I really appreciate the fact that you chose a live version of "Astronomy" as your case study of Buck Dharma and Blue Öyster Cult. It shows that you have some awareness of the band's body of work and where it lives in the hearts of its most ardent listeners. Because of that, I am now more inclined to take whatever you have to say about other bands and their works as credible.
Most people know "Don't Fear the Reaper," "Godzilla," and "Burning For You" and it would have been the easy way out to comment on one of those songs. They're good songs, mind you, but I keep telling people they have far more dynamic and interesting material than those three songs. Most have no clue about Sandy Pearlman's Imaginos story in which "Astronomy" marks a pivotal moment.
Well done, Wings of Pegasus. I'll be looking for other analyses from you.
Thanks John! ☺
Some folks don't like certain albums, but I can't think of a bad apple in the bunch. I think some albums, like Mirrors, got maligned due to the era they were released, even calling it disco. I don't see it one bit. Rolling Stone didn't like them and some folks latched on to that, like Rolling Stone ever had any skills in judging bands. They hated Sabbath too. What does that tell you?
John Houlgate . So true John. Blue oyster cult studio albums are great,but you get the real experience watching them live. Their live shows are mind blowing.. I was lucky enough to see the original lineup in 79. Still to this day the best concert I’ve ever seen.
@@andyfisher6308 I hear that Andy, for me it was '76, twice in '77, '78, '79, 3 times in '80 and '81 (2 of those shows were with Rick Downey, I didn't see that coming), but then I had a dry spell during my Army years, they didn't get down around Louisiana very often and I can't possibly blame them for that, I wouldn't have been either if it were an option. Only saw them twice between '82 through '84, but then I caught way up and saw them tons in the mid to later 80's throughout the '90s. Then it was hit or miss until the present day. We're lucky if we get them every other year these days, we can't leave the in laws, well, the surviving MiL having lost the FiL earlier this year. Otherwise, we'd be hitting the road for a bunch more shows. Gotta say, though, I'm pretty stoked about the new studio album coming out this year, for Blue Coupe's new album too. Hopefully we can get BC to town, we haven't caught them yet and really can't wait. We were able to follow The Brains around for a while years back in the day, even got to hang with Billy and Peter a few times before Billy died and Peter left and that'd be nice to do with BC as well. Crossing those fingers.
BOC was nice enough to come near Buffalo last year, just when I was feeling well enough after cancer surgery, the timing couldn't have been better for me. The great thing about a BOC show? They never fail to perform like they are at the top of their game, so it was a great show again. It was a shot in the arm I truly needed at the time to boost my spirits. Besides, I was getting a little low on BOC concert Tee's and we can't have that happening!
Damaged262 .l only saw them twice in the eighties. I guess I was bummed out that The Bouchard brothers were no longer in the band. I got over it in the nineties and went to as many shows as possible. The great thing about them playing in smaller venues was being able to get right up to the stage without getting squished. I really like the new lineup with Ritchie Danny & Jules. I hope they stick with it. Sorry to hear about your bout with cancer & hope your free of it now. My family has been hit hard with it as well. Rock on brother.
Buck is one the greatest players ever. Godzilla is legend!
Buck is just amazing. My personal favorite lead is the one on ''Dominance and Submission'' from the brilliant ''Secret Treaties" album. It's not that long, but incredibly dynamic and creative. I was so proud of myself when I finally learned how to play it halfway decently.
✌Secret Treaties✌ My favorite as well! ❤
Back in the day I used to make my own 8-track tapes of my favorite songs and Dominance and Submission was one of them. I'd crank it up till the windows rattled! Yeah, fantastic solo on that one!
The classic! Everything about that song - and that album - is absolutely perfect.
Secret Treaties is an absolute masterpiece of dark, gloomy, weird, humorous, Sci-fi influenced Rock, that encapsulates everything that was great about early 70s Proto-Metal.
One of my favorite albums of all-time.
Buck Dharma is one of my favourite guitar players.... listen to the solo on Dominance and Submission..... unrivalled.
I've had the pleasure of seeing these guys many times starting in 1975. Never been disappointed, even with 3 new members they are always on tour and still rock out just as good if not better.
Met and hung out with Blue Oyster Cult in about 1984 great guy's and buck Dharma the most underrated rock and roll guitarist ever!!!!!!!
Cool!
My favorite band, they're amazing.
Oh yes .....
This ain't no garden of Eden and this ain't the summer of Love, BOC had a special niche mysticism without rainbows and fairies nice and edgy Dharma wrang the last drop out of every phrase phrase I love his playing it's beautiful and he can build to a meltdown and burn obviously a great musician and something interesting his sense of humor always kind of came through he always comes off as a really decent guy I always appreciated that in performers shine your light a little
Not to mention not a whole lot of songs if not none about just sex
Mystical and eerie lyrics with multiple movements in this song. This is a very difficult song to play. I have been trying to play it since you posted this 3 months ago. But even if you knew it note by note, you could never play it like Buck Dharma's display of effortless talent. There is way more to this song than the notes. I think that is the true measure of a musician, when you can take notes off a sheet of paper, but can make those notes sound like no one else can.
"the light that never warms". Very visual song filled with metaphors. No one actually knows what it means to this day.
I listen to alot of extreme metal but when it comes to classic rock BOC is my favorite band by far. They will always hold a very special place in my heart. And Buck Darhma's extended solo on veterans of the psychic wars live October 9 1981 is a definite highlight of fully live bands that can go off script and add to the song and set.
BOC is the greatest band ever! Love them love them, love them!
I loved BOC in the 70's, and was lucky enough to see them many times live. Donald Roeser, AKA Buck Dharma is one of the most overlooked guitarists in rock history. His solo's were always melodic and always different. BOC also was a greatly overlooked band. Their first 3-4 albums rock as hard as anyone at the time, and they were a better live band than they were on their albums. If you like them, check out their live album "On your feet or on your knees"! Hard rock GOLD! Still waiting for your Iron Maiden review Fil!
Their first 5 albums at least are as good as any band. Amazing stuff. His guitar playing just slays me. Rest of band very tight also and very unique sound. Ive never heard any other sound like them.
One of the best double live albums of the 70s, when rock was king!!
Cool! I'm getting there!
Buck Dharma never received any respect, because the critics hated BOC, for some reason. The first time I saw them in concert, I was not that familiar with them, and then Buck played that solo in "Astronomy". Blew me away. He is a genius.
Yep. I've been saying this for years.
Ahh the 1970s, an interesting time to be a young guitar player.
Great review/commentary Fil, I appreciate that you pointed out how different a live performance today is from 30+ years ago.
What a great performance by Mr. Roeser.
I try and tell young people about older music like this. How it took your on a journey. How it has dynamics and how it made you feel. How the artists had incredible talent. Something today's music seriously lacks. I don't think I'll be getting rid of my old albums and casettes any time soon. Gotta have something good to listen to!👍😎🎸🎶
Thanks for your analysis of my favorite song by my favorite band. As a life long fan (I have all their original albums on vinyl), I think they were and still are a highly underrated band. Albert Bouchard played drums with such a nuanced style, not just going ham all the time, and his brother, Joe complemented with his solid base line. Then there was Allen Lanier, always perfect on the keyboards, and front man, Eric, the consummate showman with his laser light. But Buck was always the main attraction with his ethereal guitar, floating through the song and pulling it all together. His solos were all such wonderful journeys. Thanks, and Rock!
Nice summation. Totally agree especially about the drummer. Youre right about Buck. When he gets going lookout😂
No problem ☺
Joe? No shit, for someone who didn't even play bass before the band formed, he really brought something big time to the flavor of the band. I always thought "Man, for a bass player, he really brings it, especially during songs like 5 Guitars". Little did I know back then he was jammin' a bass like he would have if it were a regular guitar. Before the internet, I had no idea. Check him out in Blue Coupe if you get the chance, he's back to his main instrument now and they are killing it. It's Albert, Joe of course and Dennis Dunaway of Alice Cooper fame. Plenty to see right here on youtube.
Buck's been playing these "classic" BOC songs for 40 years, but still makes them sound fresh and different each time. That's why he is still The Man.
Somebody get this magnificent band into the Hall of Fame. They should have gotten there 20 years ago. Use all that pull you have Phil!!😊
Well, at least they’re in the Long Island Music Hall of Fame. A little consolation.
They’re too cool for the Hall of Fame So much rap and pop
Plus artists like the amazing
Dolly Parton
But not about rock anymore
Thanks so much Fil! Your analysis hit on all the reasons I have loved this song, this performance and this band and you have given me more reasons to keep listening closely to discover new ones! It feels great to have a talented musician validate my own appreciation!
Thanks!
Last days of May live has a great dueling lead guitar showdown
I've seen that version 2018
That's my second favorite BOC tune
There is so many even mirrors which I have that one also .
As much as I love that one live, in it's many forms, I'm still partial to On Your Feet's Subhuman. I haven't seen it played live in probably 30+ years, but it never failed to blow me away. Then again, I really can't think of a single show in well over 50 where BOC didn't bring it. They truly are the only band that I'd seen multiple times where they didn't give it their all. (Truth be told though, there were a few Rudy shows where he seemed a bit disinterested, I guess that's why Rudy is doing other things now but it still pisses me off. BOC always made a point of giving him mad credit, always tossing a Rudy's biggest hits compilation in) Hell, during the Black and Blue tour, BOC gave it hard, while Sabbath seemed like they were collecting a check, except for Dio that is. They just didn't seem like they cared too much that year. That was so disappointing too as Sab has always been my #2 band after discovering BOC. Pre BOC? It had been Sabbath all the way. That's why that was so disappointing.
one of the bands best in humble opinion.
Buck is one of the overlooked great guitar players like Frank Marino is. Never missed a BOC show from the late 70s through the 80s when they came through town. Saw them in clubs in the 90s a couple time too. Always great musicianship. The Buck Dharma Band was also great. He toured them as a three piece and they rocked! Thanks Phil. I appreciate your content.
Buck is one of the greats. He could play the hell out the guitar but remain melodic. BOC is an all-time favorite. Love it, Fil.
👍
@Wings of Pegasus Hi Fil, I was lucky enough to see Blue Oyster Cult in June 78 at Newcastle City Hall and 2 of the songs were recorded for the album Some Enchanted Evening. Buck's playing Astronomy from that album is phenomenal: one of the best guitar tracks ever.
I saw them for the first time a month later in New York state. I didn't know them well then but after they got done with Astronomy I was hooked on BOC for life.
I've been a BOC listener and fan for many decades and thought I understood them as well as possible. I was wrong, you've opened my eyes to more depth than I understood before. Thank you!
Thanks!
Phil, thanks so much for your appreciation of BOC's amazing musical talent, technique & style. So far ahead of their time the music industry couldn't figure out how to put them in a can. Great musicians are at their very best LIVE!! Still raging in 2020. Happy to subscribe. PK
Astronomy great tune(i call em tunes not songs got that from Joe Pass). My first concert was Rush Blue Oyster Cult and Styx but BOC is probably my favorite rock band and god bless them they never slipped in a ballad. Thanks for posting this Fil
the greatest guitarist you've never heard of....Buck Dharma AND Roy Clark.
The live version,on "some enchanted evening" is superb,the best I have heard.
Kudos Fil for choosing a great BÖC song. One of my favorites.
Awesome band. Been listening to them since 1973.
I love the notes Buck chooses; he knows perfectly how to combine eerie, mystical Phrygian notes with standard blues-rock phrasing to create that sound that is so uniquely his.
Albert is an ingenious drummer, too .
That analysis contained so much valuable insight, Fil. Thanks!
No problem!
Fantastic breakdown Fil!
The vocals here were also excellent work. Great show band as well with a memorable light show. BOC was an experience as much as they were a rock and roll band.
One of the best American Rock and Roll bands of all time.
Need to remember to click like! Show Fil the LOVE & appreciation for what goes into ALL his work/musicianship we love.
I use to start EVERY morning with Godzilla. Every Friday afternoon with Sandman! 🤙🏼💞
Dont forget about the Warning. I have brought that to Fils attention several times.
@@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61 Yes!!!! I love those girls and they ROCK!
@@reemclaughlin4260 I would like to here his opinion of Bonnie Raitt and Larkin Poe. JM2C
@@rattleshark5081 Bonnie, oh man, Angel from Montgomery! The first time I fell in love with Bonnie was at a strip bar. The stripper danced to 'Wild For You Baby', and I was done! I just heard Poe/Larkin recently and they're very good as well. Thank you for responding! Fil is bringing so many of us true music lovers together. Since we're talking women singers/musicians Pat Benatar's video of 'Promises In The Dark' where she's dressed in a navy blue jumpsuit and boots gives me chills everytime I hear it. That little girls has pipes, and her husband Neil 'Spider' Geraldo has always been an underreted guitarist IMO. I would love to see Fil review that video! 💝☮🤙🏼
@@reemclaughlin4260 Martina McBride did a crossroads with Pat Benatar , McBride is a long time fan of Benatar , some of the songs are on youtube including Promises is the dark..Larken Poe did a few shows last year with Keith Urban , performed Blacktop ends with him and they toured with Bob Seger.
I do enjoy watching Buck control the amount of gain on his guitar tone by adjusting the volume control on his guitar.
Last I saw BÖC in 2012, they didn’t play with a click. I believe they still don’t, and it’s brilliant.
Saw them in London last month: Buck was really on top of his game - quite brilliant!
Great video choice and great analysis Fil. This solo has always been in my top 10. Buck never plays it exactly the same way twice - but he impresses every time. Tragic that he's never achieved the recognition his immense talent deserves.
I’m glad you give props to the amazing drumming. Albert Bouchard is one of the all time greats as far as I’m concerned.
As always, an excellent analysis of a great performance. I grew up with the music of the 70s and BÖC's live performance is an example of the dynamics between connected and skilled musicians. Rock on Fil!
All the solos Buck played in the songs mentioned are incredible. My favorite? His solo on Nosferatu. Give it a listen.
From the ME262 album! My very favorite as a young kid in high school! These guys were always just a little outside of the main! That was the appeal to me!
Saw B.O.C. live three times in the late 70s-early 80s. They had a GREAT sound engineer. Very very clean live sound. They also seemed to really love the songs they were playing. Tons of feel, and Buck could just hypnotize you.
Astronomy from SOME ENCHANTED EVENING 78 Live is one of the best Guitar solos ever, thanks Fil
Bought that cassette when it came out and then wore it out.
I got to see them only once. The artist I played with got the "local act opener before the tour opener spot." Saying I had a great seat is an understatement.
Keep it up,
Having seen BOC many times since 1975, it's been a pleasure watching Buck Dharma play distinctly different solos on songs he's played hundreds of times. I suppose that's one of the reasons we keep listening.
How about some love for “Don’t Turn Your Back”...the most underrated solo from the most underrated guitarist of the most underrated band
What a great band...and what a magnificent guitarist Buck is! I Never get tired of listening to him play! Such a captivating player who takes you on a melodic ride....outstanding! Brilliant Fil! Cheers Mario!😁🤘🤘
Thanks Mario!
Buck is/was a innovative player with great tasty lines. Pentatonic, Modal, Harmonic minor, Country, Blues, Be Bob, I hear it all in his playing.
Thank you! How did I miss this one? (Must have been when i had pneumonia.) They are such an underated band. The guitar work is just an art form that you dont hear anyone else replicating. The vocals and percussion so well done and tight that some not so familiar with music dont realize how good they truly are at their craft. I think they are as good as many more famous bands. So glad you picked this song as well. I loved watching your face as you listened to the guitar work because i could tell you appreciated his skill. Rock on!
Thanks!
The inter play (captured on the split screen) between Albert & Buck at the climax of the song is just magical ....
Awesome. I learned to play lead listening to and wearing out BOC's "On Your Feet or On Your Knees".
Love this guy, young, smart, enthusiastic, respectful etc. I wish all the young bands today had these qualities, we might actually get something to take seriously musically.
Thanks!
Some of the greatest lyrics ever too!❤B.O.C.
I never paid much attention to the BOC guitar, but the other day I was listening to the old Hear 'N' Aid song "Stars", and at the end of a long run of pointless shredding, there was this one jaw-dropping bit of groovy, stylish playing, and that was Buck Dharma. Respect always.
👍
Buck has never done pointless shredding in 50 years ... he has an incredible innate ability to know what a song needs & how to be interesting ...
Melodic fills and solos, that's Roeser's legacy to my ears. He's got plenty of speed and flash live and in the studio but it's those warm notes he produces during solos that have always caught my attention.
Dominance and Submission. Killer riff and lightning solo
Fantastic job fil....I started drumming when this came out 8 years old I watched him and watched him....rock on brother
Cool!
I liked how the band passed around the mic when it came to lead vocals. Of course, Buck sings their biggest hits "Don't Fear the Reaper" and "Burnin' For You." Buck also sings a (a later) version of this song "Astronomy." And bassist Joe Bouchard sings one of my favorites "Nosferatu." I think they are about to kick off a UK tour, you going to see them Fil?
They still put on a great show. Eric's vocals have diminished somewhat, but Buck's voice is still strong and his guitar playing is out of this world. I've seen them many times, most recently 2 years ago. When Buck plays a solo you can just close your eyes and be transported.
It's possible, but finding the time is always the hardest part!
@@wingsofpegasus Finding time can be a challenge, although very worth the difficulty in doing so if you can. Buck is such a complete and refined player in this day and age, I know he has worked really hard at it and it shows. Saw him not to long ago, hope you can treat yourself to a show! And thanks for the video , very well done indeed.
@@jjvladimir6070 Saw them last year, shortly after my cancer surgery. It was the "shot in the arm" I needed at the time for sure. I disagree about Eric's singing. I personally think it's as strong as ever. Maybe you caught him on a bad night. It's the human voice, so it's subject to simple things, like did they just fly in that day, was the weather bad, you know, normal stuff. For my last show, it would have been a fairly short bus ride into town, a few hours and the weather wasn't an issue getting here, so it was top form again. But, that being said, any day that has a Blue Oyster Cult show in it is a good day.
@@Damaged262 Buck just announced a new BOC album will be released in the Fall. I hope Joe and Albert Bouchard at least make an appearance on it.
Long time, BOC fan, dating back to my '70's high school daze. We first caught them on June 28, 1977, Edmonton Coliseum, row 3, floor, dead center, ($6.00)...they still had their, later-to-be-outlawed, lasers, fog machines, man, I've never been the same. Todd Rundgren's Utopia opened, sharing the lasers with their Egyptian Pyramid stage theme. Being in my adolescent, guitar god stage, I was totally peed at Todd staying behind the keys for his entire show. All these decades later, I've seen the boys another 10 times, including this past summer. As people like Fil and myself understand, Buck is one of the most melodic rock guitarists going, an absolute monster! His father was a jazz musician and I detect that influence in Buck's musicianship. About a decade ago, I had the honour of speaking to both Buck & Eric, fittingly, on Rockline, Halloween night. My favourite era is their "Black & White", pre-Reefer period, so being aloud only one question, I asked them about the meaning of the song, "She's as Beautiful as a Foot", from their self titled debut, 1972. Buck said Meltzer, (one of their early, lyricists), wanted to simply make their original lead vocalist, Les Braunstein, sound goofy...that's mock'n'roll, baby! Another time, I exchanged emails with their original bassist, Joe Bouchard, enquiring about buying his red, Guild Starfire bass, that I spotted in an early Long Island, band photo. He said that photo's beach setting, is where they wrote the song Astronomy. What a great guy, absolutely no ego, he replied back to myself, saying it was stolen, back in the '70's, probably an inside job and a former roadie. After leaving BOC, Joe got his Masters in Music. One last recollection, another time live, their drummer was having trouble with his kick pedal, Buck brought out a music stand and a Beatles song book, (I'd heard what a fan Buck especially is and how they like to vocally warm up prior to shows, doing Beatles numbers)...Buck sang John Lennon's, In My Life, absolutely flooring me!
Sorry folks, I tend to go on...yet another great analysis, Fil!
.Great story Gordon.
The best-ever rock lead guitarist in my book - evidenced by his scintillating body of work over almost half a century. Just one example - his blistering turn on Maserati GT (I ain't got you) from the live On Your Feet Or On Your Knees album - is proof enough for me
BÔC was my first concert in 79 Mirrors tour was 11 and was part of what influenced me to become the musician I am today, the most underrated guitarist and band to ever walk the earth, BÕC for life 🤘☠️ new album The Symbol Remains is awesome!!.. RIP Allen Lanier
Yes I've been listening to it! Buck might come on the channel to chat about it ☺
@@wingsofpegasus that's cool he's really down to earth and easy to talk to I've had the pleasure of meeting him, good luck and hope he does 👍👍
@@badmonkey2222 I've heard so many people comment just this week how humble, nice & down to earth Buck is when they met him .... his good nature only matched by his talent.
@@stevenwilkinson1265 no doubt, he really is the nicest guy, a little reserve and mellow just like me lol, i didn't even realize it was him until he spoke because his back was to me, I've met him 3 times he actually remembered me so that tells you right there what kinda guy he is, last time was at House of Guitars in Rochester NY 2001.
Another classic band Fil ! I've gotta put in a plug for Be Bop Deluxe... Ships in the Night and Fair Exchange ( BBC SHOW ) My friend got me hooked on them some 40 years ago and I bet their are a bunch of ur viewers that would love to hear / see them play
Once again... thank you for all the great classic artists and bands plus ur information filled breakdowns ! 😎🤘
Bill Nelson - another guitar genius! Check out BBD's Maid in Heaven. Brilliant!!!
Thanks!
My rec is Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape from Live in the Air Age. A few solos in there that are stunning.
A guitarist's guitarist....... His tone, touch and melody really is as good as it gets.
Pip here: I first saw Buck in Soft White Underbelly in the summer of 68, and over half a century later, I find his playing to be interesting and engaging no matter how many times I have heard a particular song.
By the way, saw the little bit of video of you and Buck from last year. :-)
Very inspirational explanation.
Buck states in interviews he started out as a surf guitarist. You can often hear quite a few surfy licks in his playing if you listen for them.
His dad played at weekends in a Jazz / Blues band as well which is another aspect of his sound I think ....
I get the feeling from the solo (around 9:00) that he's mind is at least five notes ahead of what he's playing. Incredibly assured improvisation.
Buck Dharma was and still is a "Brilliant" guitarist.
Thank goodness you decided not to do a full history of the band, or we'd have been watching a 4-hour video!
BOC was one of those bands that really needed all 5 members as songwriters/singers/performers to be truly firing on all cylinders. This track perfectly captures that classic era of this musically and lyrically brilliant band.
I remember the 1970s as a kid. Big open air venues with speakers stacked as high as the sky. Insane volumes and bass enclosures that could dry your clothes or make you poop your pants. BOC was part of all that...big, live, and mind blowing
I saw this song on the Spectres tour, when they had the full laser show, and this song was just awesome! In this video, Eric is just shooting the laser upwards. When I saw them, he shot it at a couple of mirror balls hanging in front of the stage, and the effect was incredible! It was like spears of light shooting past your head. They made the band tone it down over safety concerns later, which just ruined the entire thing. Buck Dharma is one of the most underrated players in rock. An incredible musician, who has totally his own sound, and so tasteful, always.
Buck Dharma never seems to over play any of his solos. Nice and fluid and very melodic. Knows the structure of songs and plays with in those confines. Brilliant guitar player i think
You hit on much of what makes Buck special ... never wastes a note or shouts "look at me over here" .. plays for the songs & has that lovely fluid & unique style .. he's never bored me for a single second in 40+ years which is very strange for a guitar player in a rock band ..
There are far better examples of his playing on this piece actually but it's enjoyable to see this analysis all the same.
@@stevenwilkinson1265 thanks for your reply. I too have been listening to Buck since the early 70s and enjoy everything he has done also. Very few guitar players get my undivided attention and Buck and Dave Davies are the 2 i can listen too all day. Their guitar seems to talk when they play. My 2 fave players. You can keep Page Clapton Hendrix and all but those 2 are the men for me. Peace
You have a new fan! I’ve never enjoyed a more scrutinized reaction in my life! I subbed recently, but you’re different than most, because you actually give the breakdown, which is what I like! Keep up the great work!
Thanks!
WOW! Blue Oyster Cult,i saw them once in the mid 70's, great band, and my 2nd oldest brother's favorite band.. Great analysis Fil, bring them on, ROCK.....
Myfavourite band
Eric Bloom had such a great "sinister" rock and roll voice back in the day that matched perfectly with BD's sinister guitar that is really only matched by Black Sabbaths Tony Iommi's sinister guitar
One of my favorite Blue Oyster tunes. One thought, it is amazing how bands from the 1970's live performances sound so like the album versions. Very difficult to do. Studio techniques were not used to cover for this band. Mmusicianship at its finest.
That's why On Your Feet is so amazing, only lightly dubbed in the studio, unlike Frampton Come Alive, which is more studio than live album. By alot too.