Blue Öyster Cult - Curse Of The Hidden Mirror

Year of Release: 2001
Label: CMC International
Catalog Number: 86304
Format: CD
Total Time: 50:54:00

Blue Oyster Cult comes storming back loud and proud after their 1998 release Heaven Forbid with another fine album. The new album entitled Curse Of The Hidden Mirror, keeps the faithful wondering about the meaning and mysteries of the group. A dark shroud of the unknown has always encircled their lyrics. But that's what makes it fun and interesting. And I am sure that is the whole idea behind everything they have ever done. That aspect has always made them stand out amongst the rest of the rock and roll elite. Their music has always been well ahead of the flavor of the week that could be found residing snugly in the mainstream top ten. BOC has been everything but mainstream, thank god.

The seventies style rock remains very much a part of the groups presentation. As far as I am concerned that's just fine. They were in their prime then, and the fact that they can manage to sound every bit as good now as they did then is a tribute to their longevity and solid output over the last thirty years. The core of the original lineup remains with Eric Bloom (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser (vocals, guitars, keyboards), and Allen Lanier (guitars, keyboards). The new faces are Danny Miranda (bass, vocals and keyboards) and Bobby Rondinelli (drums). They replaced Albert Bouchard (drums) and Joe Bouchard (bass) respectively. Dharma and Bloom handled the production chores on this recording as well. They did a fabulous job. The sound is crisp and clear, and it keeps its edge throughout the entire outing.

The opening track is "Dance On Stilts", a real rocker with an irresistible beat. Dharma's guitar is always top-notch, and his voice is synonymous with their sound. I somehow identify with Dharma's voice more than Bloom's. It must have been "Don't Fear The Reaper" (Agents Of Fortune), which was their first major hit, that has made his voice so recognizable. Bloom is just right for the heavier songs though, while Dharma has a softer and smoother edge to his vocal treatments ("Pocket" and "Dance On Stilts."). Buck never lets up on the six-string either. He is one of the most accomplished technicians in the world. Bloom gamely takes center stage on "The Old Gods Return" (is he talking about himself and Buck?) and "One Step Ahead Of The Devil." It's all BOC, and at their very best.

There are neither surprises nor any different directions taken musically on this album. You know what you're going to get with BOC. It's straight ahead rock and roll with a mystical science fiction theme. They have always been one of my favorites; there is no denying that. I saw them perform back in 1976 at the Palace Theater in Albany. Bob Seger opened up for them, if you can believe that. From that day forward I was hooked. If you are a real diehard fan like me, check out the CD Bad Channels-Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1992). I think they made a dream come true when they recorded the music for that movie. You will find out what I really mean about playing music with a science fiction theme when you hear it.

For a bunch of guys in their fifties they sure know how to rock. They put groups half their age to shame. BOC still has it down pat, make no mistake about it. "Curse Of The Hidden Mirror" has my vote as one of the best rock albums of 2001.

Tracklisting:
Dance On Stilts / Showtime / The Old Gods Return / Pocket / One Step Ahead Of The Devil / I Just Like To Be Bad / Here Comes That Feeling / Out Of The Darkness / Stone Of Love / Eye Of The Hurricane / Good To Feel Hungry

Musicians:
Eric Bloom - vocals, guitars, keyboards
Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser - vocals, guitars, keyboards
Allen Lanier - guitars, keyboards
Danny Miranda - bass, vocals and keyboards
Bobby Rondinelli - drums

Discography:
Blue Öyster Cult (1972/1995/1999)
Tyranny And Mutation (1973/1995/1999)
Secret Treaties (1974/1995)
On Your Feet Or On Your Knees (1975)
Agents Of Fortune (1976/1987)
Spectres (1977/1987)
Some Enchanted Evening (1978)
Mirrors (1979)
Cultosaurus Erectus (1980)
Fire Of Unknown Origin (1981)
Extraterrestial Live (1982)
Blue Öyster Cult Live (1982)
The Revolution By Night (1983)
Club Ninja (1986)
Career Of Evil: The Metal Years (1987)
Imaginos (1988)
(Don't Fear) The Reaper (1989)
On Flame With Rock And Roll (1990)
Bad Channels (1992)
Live 1976 (1994)
Cult Classic (1994)
Workshop Of The Telescopes (1995)
Revisited (1996)
Don't Fear The Reaper (1998)
Super Hits (1998)
Heaven Forbid (1998)
Champions Of Rock (1998)
Blue Öyster Cult (comp) (2000)
Don't Fear The Reaper: The Best Of Blue Öyster Cult (2000)
Tales Of The Psychic Wars (2001)
The Curse Of The Hidden Mirror (2001/2006)
A Long Day's Night (2002)
Then And Now (2003)
The Essential Blue Oyster Cult (2003)
Are You Ready To Rock? (2003)
Shooting Sharks: Best Of Blue Oyster Cult (2004)
Extended Versions: The Encore Collection (2004)
Singles Collection (2005)
Collections (2006)
Alive In America, Pt 1 (2006)
Setlist: The Very Best Of Blue Oyster Cult (2010)

Live 1976 (VHS) (1994)
A Long Day's Night (DVD) (2002)
Black And Blue (DVD) (2002)
Live (DVD) (2007)

Genre: Rock

Origin UK

Added: September 24th 2001
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck

Artist website: www.blueoystercult.com
Hits: 3647
Language: english