Ranking the Studio Albums: Blue Oyster Cult

Join host Pete Pardo as he ranks the Blue Oyster Cult studio album discography from best to worst!

[@SirWrecksy]

not "worst to best".. more like "fucking excellent to mind blowing epic"

[@MAGNUM2F]

@The Mystic Ruler his words do have a ring of absolute truth about them...

[@goopah]

SirWrecksy has the right of it. Bravo, sir.

[@TonyRamos2024]

Blue Oyster Cult's debut album is one of my favorites.

[@Jeffnardo62]

Definetly top 3

[@donaldcady3839]

First are best. Listening to Spectres a lot lately. Fire of unknown origin my top.

[@Buckeye_4_Life_]

@@donaldcady3839 I think FOUO is my favorite...but lately I've gotten into the Imaginos album...

[@madsoxx]

I agree. That would rank in my Top 3 for sure. In fact, I rank them Secret Treaties first, BOC debut 2nd, and Tyranny and Mutation 3rd.

[@chuckpadgettmusic]

One of my top 5 albums of all time. One of the greatest debut albums ever.

[@AudiophileTubes]

'Fire Of Unknown Origin' is a masterpiece! Great video, by the way.

[@mikekeeler6362]

To me this is a metal band and vary good

[@treeduck3705]

My top spot is between Fire of Unknown Origin and Secret Treaties.

[@whammy250]

Secret Treaties is the first full BOC album I ever heard and its just a masterpiece. That is all.

[@iancunningham5576]

YES IT IS!!!

[@srogerf]

@@iancunningham5576 its their best '--- and i will not - apologise - im making a career of evil'

[@kenknapp2319]

Not the first BOC album I heard, but by far my favorite for sure

[@markuhlman3767]

I was introduced to BOC with their spectres album...

[@brentalanadamlandgrave7635]

"Imaginos" should be near the top. It's an aMAzing album.

[@trevormachado]

Agreed. It’s in my top three

[@geoffwaller8571]

On your feet or on your knees, has the best versions of the songs off the early albums.. BOC was at their best playing live.

[@Bartockamus]

Oh yeah!3 (5) that should be on the top 10,Some Enchanted Evening, Extra Terrestrial live,On Your Feet or on Your Knees. Can't believe that he didn't put at least one live album, that's just fucking ignorant! Remember, ignorant isn't an insult, it means that you don't know about something, and he obviously doesn't know B.O.C.'s live work!!!!

[@59bonzo]

@@Bartockamus Well, i'm sure Pete knows (obviously) those live albums very well. He's a great fan of live records as he stated so many times (See Classic Live Album War). Here he's ranking studio albums only.

[@MrFrikkenfrakken]

'Live in the West 75' is the record OYFOOYK wanted to be, it is stunning. I would put it first in concert records followed by ET Live and SEE (but if you take the double album SEE it flips with ETL.) I started following the band in early 1973 so OYFOOYK has a special place in my record collection. As far as Pete's list I can't argue a bit about the ranking, ST is perhaps one of the best records a band in this genre has put out from first track to the last.

[@staernpeder]

But the sound quality sucks a bit, kind of "blurry" mix.

[@BoltRM]

@@staernpeder Incorrect. Excellent & best recording of them live. 💪😎

[@brentalanadamlandgrave7635]

"Imaginos" - a fantastic work.

[@garyjskadra1180]

5 - Club Ninja 4 - Fire Of Unknown Origin 3 - Spectres 2 - Revolution By Night 1 - Agents Of Fortune

[@privysorrow5120]

BOC doesn't get enough love. Glad to see someone that appreciates them so much!

[@shaughnziech2193]

I absolutely love Spectres, it was different, Death Valley Nights, I Love The Night, Fireworks, Going Through The Motions and of course Godzilla

[@kenknapp2319]

That had some great songs on it... I love the night is my favorite on spectres

[@ErikAlmeida95]

Nosferatu!! My favorite song from the record.

[@mikefisher2673]

Still one of my favorite albums today not a bad song on it. Saw them in concert in 78 at a Day on the green.

[@Jeffnardo62]

He put Cultasaurus erectus THIRD LOL

[@Jeffnardo62]

Celestial the Queen a good one in there too !

[@TheWusster]

thank you for this, Pete. this gives me LIFE!!!! Love BOC. and love hearing a true fan talk about them.

[@Soedel.Deluex]

" Buck" Dharma is clearly one of the best rock guitarist ever. BOC hasn't really done much since 2005 still it would be nice if the band put together a final original album. They are touring and they still put on a heck of a show.

[@eddiep2899]

They have been touring since the early '70s! And they did not have to be releasing a new LP just to hit the road... sheesh

[@bobthebear1246]

*HELL.* Say *HELL.*

[@stephennorris2524]

New studio album in 2020 on Frontiers Label.

[@millfred123]

He's not even the best guitarist in the current Blue Öyster Cult lineup ...

[@henryperez606]

millfred123 Buck is my favorite guitarist of all time

[@keviniles8748]

This video helped me get into BOC. I had kinda written them off as a "Greatest Hits" only band, but after watching this about a year ago I gave them a closer look and now I'm a HUGE BOC fan!

[@friscoprocessserver6078]

That happened to me 15 years ago, now I am almost obsessed with their albums

[@Twirlyhead]

Imaginos No.1 for me. Love it. _A Star !_

[@qclegg]

Blue Oyster Cult is an amazing band,Loved them since I was a kid.

[@svt4001]

Pete, great job, sir! I am so glad that you prefaced the video by pointing out that BOC has NO bad albums. This is true. I also appreciate that you pointed out that listeners will have a personal connection to albums. That is why I could never do what you did, and rate them. I would AGONIZE over the process, and ultimately make no progress in completing a list. That said, I was a little disappointed when I saw the back cover of Revolution By Night. Oh, how I love that album! Third row at Merriweather Post Pavillion in Columbia, Maryland. What a show! I think it was during a really heavy snow storm too, but that part I don't recall as well as the show itself, which raises another point- they are ALWAYS GREAT LIVE!!! I have NEVER seen a bad BOC show, and I've seen them a LOT! Thanks again!

[@realmusiklover]

'Perfect Water' is such a masterpiece. Club Ninja is a very decent record.

[@BlueOysterStan]

I’d be lying if I said I haven’t cried to this song at least once

[@DonByronDukeoftheArctic]

Thinking man's music. Like Rush, Iron Maiden, Floyd, Zeppelin, etc...

[@pearlspacejam8639]

Black Sabbath, Alice In Chains, Tool, Chili Peppers, Deep Purple, Pearl Jam, Neil Young, the list goes on

[@Jojo-yl4qx]

Marillion are a thinkers band

[@DannyGadish]

Queensryche

[@imaginosoystercult2414]

Blue oyster cult are one of my favourite groups I love the way the whole band share vocal duties buck Dharma is fantastic guitarist and a great melodic vocalist

[@dylangrey2003]

Where do you put their new album The Symbol Remains? I think it’s great!

[@billkoul9780]

Blue Öyster Cult is overall a very underrated band. They have such a rich discography they should be Hall of Fame level popular. Also Secret Treaties has to be the best of those hidden 70s gems. It's an absolute masterpiece. Pretty good ranking by the way

[@iancunningham5576]

Secret Treaties is not only my fsvorite BOC album. It is my #3 favorite rock album of all time. Rare perfection of originality and consistency. Excellent!

[@markslezak8098]

Totally agree

[@ModernDayWarrior2112]

I’m excited that they’re gonna be releasing a new album soon! Long overdue. Thanks for this Pete!

[@63mckenzie]

Imaginos rocks! Any album that has a song entitled 'The siege and investiture of Baron Von Frankenstein's castle at Weisseria' is impossible not to love.

[@ronrobbins6585]

I love that song too!

[@blondebeast4003]

Great album and that's my favorite song on it. The vocals on that song are killer !

[@63mckenzie]

@@blondebeast4003 An absolute rock classic.

[@cosmictom5255]

Spectres is my favorite BOC album. It's also the quintessential Halloween album for me also. The Vigil from Mirrors is my favorite of their songs. There will never be a band like them again.

[@jesuschambers]

You are obviously a true BOC connoisseur like myself as we both vote for The Vigil as their best song, unlike our host that doesn't even mention it when talking about the Mirrors album. Spectres is a close second to Secret Treaties for me with Nosferatu being in my top 5 BOC songs. The others? Flaming Telepaths, Sinful love and Stone of love.

[@BPaul803]

Glad to see this video here. I started digging through BOC's discography during my college days in the early 2010's. At this point I have all original lp's through 1981 plus '88's Imaginos. I've still yet to come across a good copy of Revolution or Club in the wild though.

[@russellgentile4719]

Pete thank you and awesome list. Been waiting a loooong time for this. I thought you're top three were: 1. Secret Treaties 2. Cultosuarus Erectus 3. Fire of Unknown Origin Thought you said that in the past. I agree they're all damn good. All sound so different. Each song on each album sounds different and eclectic. Why I love them so much.

[@kevinturchin]

Hey Pete, Playing a lot of music before the Thanksgiving feast and I just listened to Curse of the Hidden Mirror. Wow, what a great album! Thanks for sharing your music passion and knowledge. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

[@samuelkuehl6881]

My sixth favourite album by Blue Oyster Cult is The Revolution By Night. I love every song and the album cover is freaking amazing!

[@wagstaff6135]

Excellent guide... I think "Tyranny" is my own #1. Thanks, Pete.

[@mleon1958]

Your videos are awesome and brilliant! You are a scholar and you get into the details like no other.

[@Joewhite007]

Heaven Forbid was the album that made me a BOC super fan!! I agree with you, not a turd in the discography, some are just better than others. Secret Treaties is also my favorite!! BOC rules!!

[@tdk903]

Great list and video. Cultosaurus..was also the first BOC album that I bought as a teenager. I was living in the UK at the time and I also bought it for the amazing cover and my LP had the poster of the cover inside. When I heard the music it just blew me away. Been a fan ever since...an all time Classic band.

[@markbunton9919]

Great show! I can honestly say that I have only heard the hits from BOC. After this ranking I will definitely be picking up several of their albums.

[@jimcoster3266]

Thanks for this absolutely on point as always. Seeing these guys on Wednesday in Birmingham England saw em last year in Nottingham and probably one of the best gigs I have ever been to (and I have been to a lot). If ya get the chance see em they are still taking names and kicking ass

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

Saw them in early 2018, and they were great!

[@adamfarini165]

Debut is definitely my favourite, seeing them live this Sunday!

[@davidbrown6415]

On your feet......or on your knees.....the Blue Oyster Cult :)

[@gwts1171]

BOC are maybe my favorite band ever. Even the lowest on my list gets played pretty often in my car/on my stereo. 13) The Revölution by Night 12) Heaven Forbid 11) Curse of the Hidden Mirror 10) Mirrors 9) Spectres 8) Club Ninja 7) Cultösaurus Erectus 6) Tyranny and Mutation 5) Blue Öyster Cult 4) Imaginos 3) Secret Treaties 2) Fire of Unknown Origin 1) Agents of Fortune Thanks, Pete!

[@planetbarrett6055]

Great to Excellent! 14. The Revolution By Night 13. Heaven Forbid 12. Curse of the Hidden Mirror 11. Mirrors 10. Club Ninja 9. The Symbol Remains 8. Agents of Fortune 7. Cultosaurus Erectus 6. Imaginos 5. Spectres 4. Fire of Unknown Origin 3. Blue Oyster Cult 2. Secret Treaties 1. Tyranny and Mutation BOC is Criminally Underrated, Just Like ELO.

[@RichardW001]

They did two incredible concerts at Newcastle in April and June of 1978. I went to both. The laser show was fantastic. The Some Enchanted Evening album featured Godzilla and We Gotta Get Out Of This Place from the June gig. Godzilla was much longer at the concerts. There was a synthesized drum solo (which was amazing) edited out of the album. Great days :-)

[@RichardW001]

@Scott Leoski Albert was wearing his Godzilla mask. There were clouds of dry ice and lasers everywhere. It was the most spectacular thing I have seen at a concert.

[@Bartockamus]

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING is my favorite!!! To have actually seen that show must have been so fucking incredible!! When Buck makes his guitar say Godzilla, must have blown you away,especially if you were tripping!

[@pauladams9287]

Hey Pete love your shows , would like to give a shout up to a trio of under the radar songs from agents of fortune . that album came out when I was a senior in high school,and I saw the tour with it twice. Morning final, tenderloin, and sinful love. Great guitar riffs Moody and atmospheric always personal favorites of mine. Remember, I love you like sin but I won't be your pigeon ... lol. Oh I have to mention one of those concerts was a triple bill out here in California with angel and be bop Deluxe back in '76. great show.

[@christianman73]

I've enjoyed all eras of this band's music, and I especially love the first three albums, but I have to say, I was very surprised to hear the new one, "The Symbol Remains," and realize that, at least to my ears, it sounds like an unexpected late-career classic! It's up there with BOC's best! Rock album of the year for me!

[@TheJetfighter666]

Pete, you nailed this one bro. One of America’s all time greats. One of my early influences regarding the mystery of the the red and the black.I am so happy you are doing a 70’s obscure show. As you know I grew up with Dave Wyndorf, Daniel Rey, Phil Cavano and Mark “ The Mutha “ Chesley. ( among others in Red Bank) DAMM THIS PHONE- N.J. I was a freshman in High School when Dave brought the first BOC album over to my house. They soon became on of our favorites . We used to have music nights in those early years when “ the Mutha” used to bring all the great new bands over to my house. My house was party central. I soon became an avid collector going all over N.J. and NYC to scour the bargain bins, promos, and cut outs and eventually started working in the legendary Jack’s music in Red Bank. My vinyl collection, including about 1200 import and obscure 45, 8-tracks, cassette, totaled over 10.000 pieces. I had three bands and recorded from the 80’s up until the 2000’s. My Bands were TYRANT ( Punk, Metal.) The BEAST! - Power Metal e.p. / Born to Metalize and my Space Metal Group Glorionblak! I have before mentioned some of our favorites from back in the day but I am going to send you a list of bands from the U.S. and from Great Britton that rocked our world in our formative years. Oh, The BEAST has a brand new album out now. ( it is limited to 300 pressings worldwide) it is on Nervous Breakdown Records and can be bought on E.Bay. I am working on all the old TYRANT songs to release later next year. The new project GIGANTIS! Will follow late next year. God Willing.

[@diannecarpenter7718]

I love Blue Oyster Cult! Thank you, "Pete" for your review! 🎤🎸🎵🥁

[@dominiczito7567]

I always enjoy your videos. This is a good one for sure. Love that you preface the video with even the worst is a great album! I couldn't agree more and of course, my list is a bit different than yours, but it's all subjective. I have to admit I laughed out loud when you attempted to sing, "The Revenge of Vera Gemini" as if that was an actual lyric from the song! LMAO! (to those unsure, it's NOT! LOL!) Keep rockin'!

[@ryangettig274]

Secret Treaties&Spectres=Bucking Frilliant Masterpieces:)

[@StephenZimmer]

Really enjoyed the ranking as I have been exploring BOC lately. Didn't see The Revolution By Night in your list on this video, and curious to know where you placed that one. (I know The Symbol Remains had not been released as of the time of this video. Your review of that one was really enjoyable as well.)

[@ledzep9501]

Buck Dharma on a recent interview, confirmed that they are already writing new material, and they plan to release it this year!! Big news...

[@JIF882]

Really? Do you have a source? Did Frontiers Records sign them?

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

Let's hope that happens, cause I've been hearing that out of the BOC camp for 2-3 years now and we haven't gotten anything yet.

[@JIF882]

@@seaoftranquilityprog I remember when Buck was on That Metal Show many years ago, and he said that BOC were making an acoustic record. That hasn't come out yet.

[@ledzep9501]

Not many details, Buck just says its gonna be out this fall...

[@etrigan68]

It was supposed to be out last fall, then this spring now this fall...Richie should write the material. And if anything, self produce it like Albert has with Blue Coupe.

[@Randy-ix2xy]

Im 55 and only been listening to different Blue Albums for about a month now ...watching this Video really helped and You definitely know Blue Oyster Cult Songs. Thank You for such credible info.

[@robertzm]

1) Secret Treaties - masterpiece 2) Tyranny & Mutation - masterpiece 3) BOC - just shy of masterpiece due to less than stellar sound production, but some great classic BOC songs. 4) Fire of Unknown Origin - great 5) The Symbol Remains - great 6) Agents of Fortune - great 7) Heaven Forbid - solid 8 - Tie) Spectres, Mirrors and Cultosaurus Erectus (solid albums) 11 - Tie) Revölution by Night, Club Ninja, Imaginos and Curse of the Hidden Mirror. I don't own these LPs and that is by choice. I didn't find them strong. Maybe with more listens I might like them better, but I still wouldn't place them higher than the LPs above. I saw BOC live in September 2022 in a small concert hall with table seating (meal service) that seats 500 - 600. FANTASTIC!!! I had not seen them live since 1976 when they were headlining arena tours with a laser light show. Saw them twice in 1976 and blown away both times. So I had high expectations in 2022, but it was tempered by the fact that Father Time is undefeated. WOW, there was no rust on Buck or Eric despite the years and the rest of the band is outstanding too. Super high level musicianship with great singing and a great song catalog. Pete, thanks for your great channel and your many guest stars. You were an enjoyable source of entertainment and knowledge during the pandemic. I started spending more time with things music working from home and bored. I would play CD's while working in the home office and my love of music from my younger days came back.

[@robertzm]

Listened to Curse Of The Hidden Mirror a few times now and its catchier than I originally thought. But that is typical for BOC, their songs tend to grow on you.

[@folden2008]

awesome thanks for turning me on to this band im ordering the first 7 albums,great video as always Pete

[@Bartockamus]

Please do yourself a favor and check out Heaven Forbid. I was hooked before the first song was over,but it has 5 or 6 fantastic songs.& a couple I don't care for. Best on live album of theirs for me.check out Some Enchanted Evening, and Extra Terrestrial live.And on your Feet or on Your Knees,(live)

[@folden2008]

Right on Kent I’ll check them out,recently ordered Cultasaurus Erectus,On Your Feet Or On Your Knees and Mirrors

[@mikecambridge5493]

Agree with your top 10 BOC Thanks for video. How about reviewing some classic 70's Nektar

[@Butch1056]

I've been folllowing you for a while now, and have to say we share a lot of thoughts when it comes to music. Secret Treats is My favorite BOC lp and in my top 10 all time.

[@kealsta]

Nice job man. Anyone who puts Perfect water in their top ten has my attention. I will be watching your top ten next.

[@metaljim]

Great list, again! Completely agree with Secret Treaties, it's been my favorite BOC album since it came out. I bought it on cassette back in 1974 and it's remained near the top of my favorite albums list ever since. Also agree with Tyranny and Mutation being #2. I'd have put Fire of Unknown Origin at a strong #3 and the rest don't really matter in order.

[@monktonred]

Pete, I appreciate your great enthusiasm for BOC.

[@ElTorroTheMan]

Love BOC. Ok list Pete. hehe..... My first must be "Secret Treaties" I like most of them but...... Thanks Mr. Pardo

[@bishlap]

As a HUGE NY cult fan, being able to see them many times a year locally - from small venues/catering halls, to The Academy - to MSG and The uniondale shithole, brings back great memories. Having listened to BOC from '72, I finally tired of them after "Agents, " which I did not like at first, but 40 yrs later appreciate it more now than ever. Agents is far from my fave, but it really is a toss up between the 1st 3 studio records. I love the live, "On your feet etc," but studio-wise I'd have to go w/ Secret Treaties by a slim margin over Tyranny/Mutation and the 1st album. I loved the BOC so much that they were on my turntable more than Zeppelin in their prime. Hey, Pete, thanks again for hitting my sweet spot w/ another great video. It's always reassuring to hear/see someone that recognizes the music of my teens and beyond. Peace, Pete.

[@flexiblestrategist9922]

I love Mirrors. All of it. Critics and many fans hate it. They were so impressed with The Cars self titled album so they wanted to try to go commercial. Never happened but that doesn't take anything away from it.

[@sspaay]

Mirrors is very under rated.

[@jeremydraper733]

Way better than I thought it was gonna be, I still play it, it’s a good one for sure.

[@xaspirate8060]

It certainly proved that they could do a 'nice' album to go with all of the great power rock albums. I give 7/9 songs an A -- the lousy Sun Jester can't even sink this album though. Very happy that they put Lonely Teardrops as last cut to wrap this baby up...song had alot of meaning for me at that point in life.

[@jeremydraper733]

Xaspirate I actually really like the great sun jester haha

[@jeremydraper733]

lurch321 it’s one of my favorites of the mirrors album

[@craig9306]

Disagreed..."Tattoo Vampire" is a great, heavy song!

[@TheWrongHands18]

I agree. It would have fit awesomely into Secret Treaties. It would have made that album even more bizarre and perfect.

[@svogender]

Yeah...The B side to "The Reaper"..!! Great song..!!

[@guapoflannett2822]

I agree.

[@RichardW001]

I rate Heaven Forbid highly too. I've always liked it. I agree with you about Agents too. It's a bit too slick for me.

[@Treborhtims1972]

I agree Richard,there are some great tracks on Heaven Forbid. Hammer Back,Harvest Moon,Power Underneath Despair....their best since Fire of Unknown Origin in my opinion.

[@ursaminorjim]

Totally agree with you on "Secret Treaties." That album is just...bonkers. In all the best ways. How do you rank the BÖC live albums?

[@kevinhoffman4371]

So many good song writers and singers. Such a great variable mix!! Each album was so exciting to listen to for the first time.

[@albertvangestal3696]

'Spectres' - a sublime masterpiece.: Death Valley Nights, Godzilla, I love the night, Searching for Celine... for me a life changing aural experience when I first heard it in 1978 (at the age of 14). I recall first seeing the ad for the album on the now defunct Bob Guccione's trendy science mag 'OMNI' : 'Laser Day with the Cult'.

[@keithrogers1096]

I have to go with their first 3 albums as my favorites.

[@MBonfire1]

Doing my due diligence I checked out Secret Treaties again and was shocked that the band wrote none of the lyrics. It's unbelievable since almost all the members wrote lyrics.

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

Correct-most of their early albums the lyrics were written by Sandy Pearlman, Richard Meltzer, and a few by Patti Smith. The band did compose all the music though.

[@vaughangrey1298]

"Imaginos" should be ranked higher IMHO. The only thing hurting it so much is the track order and the fact that it isn't really a BOC album.

[@Buckeye_4_Life_]

Why isn't it a B.O.C. album..?

[@todaysangelcard4843]

@@Buckeye_4_Life_ Long story, but basically it is more of a solo side project for Albert Bouchard. He spent about seven years on and off recording it with various collaborators and wasn't even allowed to include his vocals, finish the trilogy he envisioned, or release the album as he wanted to with the appropriate track order. There's a lot more, but you can Wikipedia it.

[@Buckeye_4_Life_]

@@todaysangelcard4843 o.k. thanks for the info

[@Treborhtims1972]

Pete,I've been meaning to get in touch with you for sometime. Your love of the Canterbury Scene,Heavy/Progressive Rock,Jazz Fusion,Trad Metal,Death Metal....so much of your tastes in these (and Record Collection) echo mine! When I saw this feature on B.O.C. (have been into them since I was a kid,37 years ago,when I first heard Fire of Unknown Origin,I was 10 years of age!). I felt compelled to comment. I agree,Secret Treaties is their Masterpiece,then for me,the first album,then Fire of Unknown Origin. I also think the Extra Terrestrial Live Album is an absolute gem (the versions of Veteran of the Psychic Wars and Joan Crawford are immense,the atmosphere on each of them,spell-binding,brilliant performances!

[@fuhrersavior9575]

i just got ET live in the mail today.

[@Treborhtims1972]

@@fuhrersavior9575 Hello Fuhrer Savior,let me know what you think of the E.T.L. album Mate. What are your favourite B.O.C. albums?

[@fuhrersavior9575]

@@Treborhtims1972 I will. Favorite B.O.C.'s: Tyranny and Mutation. Fire of Unknown origin (that's so metal!), Secret Treaties, I just Cultosaurus. I like a few songs on it. The rest has to grow on me yet. Mirrors is really growing on me as of late. I still don't care for In Thee, but the rest of the album rocks. Revolution by Night is really growing on me too. I know its one of their cheesier numbers, but I absolutely love Let Go, as of late. I still say Feel the thunder is the best track on that record and Take me Away was the second best, but Let Go might be pushing Take Me Away to third place. Specters is a dynamite record! Nosferatu, I love the Night and Death Valley Nights are great. The first album is really good too. I totally forgot about Heaven Forbid. I have that on a store sold cassette. It just kind of blended into my wall of cassettes. That has some good numbers on it.

[@c.d.macaulay66]

Supposedly George Carlin ran into BOC in an airport once and started singing “OD’d on Life Itself”. Way cool!

[@EyesOfFrozenMeat]

Spectres > The rest! Though, it took me years to come to that conclusion. Mirrors is exceedingly underrated. What the hell is wrong with True Confessions?

[@steverogers2603]

They played True Confessions with Buck on vocals as a tribute to Allen when I saw them last summer and I thought it was one of the highlights of the show.

[@shaughnziech2193]

Hey Allen got his moment

[@jonesy2111]

Mirrors is very underrated and is one that has definitely grown on me

[@stevenwilkinson1265]

I've long thought that Spectres was my favourite BOC album BUT both Secret Treaties & Fire Of Unknown Origin are probably their most flawless & supreme recordings .... as Pete says even BOC at their weakest is a joy to behold though ....

[@loganseagroves8490]

True Confessions is great

[@crusheverything4449]

I don’t think there’s anyone on the internet who speaks more intelligently or naturally about 70s & 80s rock and metal, which, to me, is the best music ever. Being from NW CT, I hope to meet you one of these days, Pete, and buy you a beer - maybe at The Chance. Keep up the great work, man!

[@billsmith7784]

I'm from CT as well. We should meet up for some beers and talk music!

[@mikereiss4216]

@@billsmith7784 Hard rock and prog rock too.

[@lincbond442]

I agree, he really knows his stuff and his passion of the music is contagious. I only started watching his channel a couple of weeks ago and I can honestly say he is the best at what he does.

[@kevinhoffman4371]

Your enthusiasm for Secret Treaties is awesome. The music nerd in me smiles.

[@NP-ip3nj]

Despite it being commercial, I really, really dig Mirrors. I would rank it much higher than you did. Pete - have you heard Cult Classic where they re-recorded a bunch of their songs and what did you think of it? Also - No Bad Channels?

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

I have not

[@NP-ip3nj]

It's not bad if you can track it down, but not essential. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5awgYxpqr6lirs

[@shaughnziech2193]

Love the title track, In Thee, Dr. Music, You’re Not The One I Was Looking For, I absolutely hate remakes by bands, new label, usually misleading

[@robsongremio]

The lyrics of "In Thee" are amazing!

[@robsongremio]

@indytbird Agree 100%

[@strangeways75]

Great show as always .... here's my list .... 1. Fire of Unknown Origin 2. Agents of Fortune 3. Secret Treaties 4. Spectres 5. Imaginos 6. Cultosaurus Erectus 7. Heaven Forbid 8. The Revolution By Night 9. Tyranny and Mutation 10. Blue Oyster Cult 11. Mirrors 12. Curse of the Hidden Mirror 13. Club Ninja

[@russellgentile4719]

Nice list. Mine is similar!

[@IronmanKMSA]

New album this year!! Where will it fall into this? I love BOC, will put in fave song from each of these gems 13. Imaginos - "Del Rio's song" 12. Spectres - "Golden age of leather" 11. Curse of the hidden mirror - "Here comes that feeling" 10. Heaven forbid = "Hammer back" 09. Club ninja - "Dancin' in the ruins" 08. Revolution by night - "Shooting shark" 07. Blue Oyster Cult - "Then came the last days of May" 06. Mirrors - "The vigil" (My all-time fave BOC song) 05. Tyranny and mutation - "Baby ice dog" 04. Agents of fortune - "Morning final" 03. Secret treaties - "Subhuman" (2nd fave BOC song) 02. Fire of unknown origin - "Vengeance (the pact)" 01. Cultosaurus erectus - "Black blade" (whole album kicks ass)

[@Acoustict]

Secret Treaties is my favorite BOC album too. I thought I would be alone there but I think it is also a perfect album the way the songs all go into the next ones. Fire is my second fave. Thanks for your videos.

[@jonesy2111]

I have been a fan since I was 14 and in fact BOC was my first concert and I saw the band many times through the years and was fortunate enough to meet them and hang out... I met their bass player Danny through a friend who knew the sound man... they are still on my top 5 list and their music has always been a cut above other metal bands in my opinion. Buck is such a great guitarist and a nice guy too... I like the first album the best because it brings back such great memories it has a flow and songwriting that is just so cool. I then like Fire of Unknown Origin -such a great polished production and incredible songs. I could go on and on but you are absolutely right they never released a bad album and the two overlooked albums are very good. My music taste and interest has changed many times over the years and some of the stuff I liked sounds bad to me now but BOC has always maintained my respect and interest for their musicianship and exceptional songwriting - albums...plus I have to mention their great laser shows that are still of the most exciting and memorable concerts e v e r

[@tonyjulius6011]

Love the rankings! Could you give the year when you say the album. Thanks.

[@michaelhasse6769]

i almost agree on your selections except my all time favorites are fire of unknown & cultasaurus as 1&2. love those 2 albums

[@1999batmanfan]

Any possibility on a Budgie vid?

[@XxYaRiNxX]

I was on the toilet watching this. Right as I turned to wipe, and you said "Club Ninja" as the first album, I stopped in my tracks, turned my head to the screen and audibly said "Huh?" in disbelief to myself on the Jon. Great album(s) , good vid.

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

Thanks...though a bit TMI!

[@ivermec-tin666]

FYI: Both Secret Treaties and Tyranny and Mutation lp's are available on vinyl, from Speaker's Corner; a German label that specializes in AAA (analog sourced, analog mastered, and analog pressed) vinyl albums.

[@megadef69]

Hey Pete! New to the channel. Liking it a lot. How about a worse or best on a band you don't like, other than Motley Crue. Thanks.

[@Buckyoladdy]

IMHO... 1) Mirrors - Don't ask me to explain, simply my fave 2) Spectres - Killer top to bottom 3) Secret Treaties - Great, solid album 4) Blue Oyster Cult (debut) 5) Fire Of Unknown Origin 6) Agents Of Fortune 7) Cultosaurus Erectus 8) Tyranny & Mutation Tied for 9 & 10) Revolution By Night & Club Ninja

[@bobscott7440]

With Mirrors, it's got to be because of The Vigil.

[@brentrusche2056]

Pete, I really respect your order and will now have to revisit 'Secret Treaties' and see how it matches up with 'Tyranny And Mutation.' I always thought the later was my favorite next to the almighty...'Cultosaurus Erectus'! I think that is a criminally underrated album in their discography and will never understand why Classic Rock radio has relegated BOC's legacy to two songs: 'Don't Fear The Reaper' and 'Burnin' For You' Long live 'Cultosaurus Erectus'!

[@bobthebear1246]

And hence the disparaging term "Dinosaur Rock" was coined...

[@jeffs60s]

I'm with you on Secret Treaties. Dominance and Submission: killer buck solo. My second favorite was On Your Feet...live.

[@redlady935]

My fave track too. Just fantastic!

[@iilias1]

Hello mr pardo -hope ur ok! One question :how u can tell if a band change their sound for commercial reasons or because it wanted to? I mean look at rainbow and opeth as examples -when it is justified? And please check a band called wytch hazel and Sanhedrin -u will like them! Thank u!

[@acdc09]

I'm really looking forward to their new album later this year

[@petersharp7644]

In no particular order, Spectres, On Your Feet Or On Your Knees, Secret Treaties, Some Enchanted Evening and Agents Of Fortune. They all hit the spot!

[@gasolinechlorine]

Great rundown! Haven't heard a BOC album yet that I didn't love. Have yet to get Club Ninja, Heaven Forbid, and Curse of the Hidden Mirror though... Out of print and EXPENSIVE...

[@JohnnyangelNIU]

I have an extra Heaven Forbid, but I think you can buy the mp3 downloads from amazon for under 10 bucks.

[@toddfoster828]

I agree with Secret Treaties, but I wonder how high would you rank their new album? I absolutely love The Symbol Remains.

[@mrflipperflopper3495]

Hot rails to hell and Mississippi queen Made my dad get me a Guitar when I was 10!!! I am 55 and while I write this I am starring at 3 les Paul’s and SG and and a strat and tele.... Not to forget my Marshall amps that are too loud to gig with any more ! My point.. great music inspires !! Never dies ! Because of many of those albums you talked about.. I was able to enjoy many years of playing and touring locally and regionally ! Thank You !!!

[@JohnHoulgate]

Sea, I like your picks. I think I'd pretty much come up with the same order.

[@MidwestBriar]

I got a Secret Treaties vinyl in great condition from some record shop in Michigan for like $12 earlier this year. What a steal!

[@skybluemarshall]

You know that you're dealing with a hardcore BOC fan, when Secret Treaties is their number one or number two album. It's probably one of the most underrated Classic Rock albums of all time Whenever the conversation of the greatest Classic Rock albums of all time, comes up, I like to bring the conversation to a screeching halt by name dropping Secret Treaties. It deserves to be listed among the greats, but it never will be. My brother had it and we strengthened many casual BOC fans by dropping that album on them. The live album On Your Feet Or On Your Knees often got the same reaction. Minds were blown and fans were born. Another album that I like to mention durng that conversation is Phenomenon by UFO. It's almost guaranteed to get that same, "Huh?" reaction that Secret Treaties gets.

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

Amen brother!

[@gaagleboss6449]

secret treaties is like the introduction to boc besides spectres and fire of unknown origin

[@homeworldmusic]

Secret Treaties was their tipping point to a mainstream sound. The first 2 had an awesome primitivity to the sound (1st album) and/or performances (2nd) and will always define the band for me, but yeah, Treaties and Agents were much more polished collections.

[@timwolff3948]

BOC and UFO in concert in New York on Halloween 2019!! I'm going to fly out from Minnesota!

[@stevenwilkinson1265]

Danny Baker (UK mega celeb, ex music journo & all round cool guy) just called Secret Treaties one of the most important albums of the 1970's ... that will do for me .....

[@bobm839]

Pretty close to what my order is. However love Club Ninja more than most fans! More BOC topics please. This is great.

[@captainh3831]

Great list and commentary.

[@maxsambucca2502]

My first album was Spectres just love Godzilla, Death Valley Days...great album cover...where did the album on your feet or on your knees rate? .

[@davidm2066]

I love BOC. My first concert was BOC touring in support of Revolution by Night. My first exposure to BOC was signing out FIRE OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN from a public library, because the album cover was pretty cool looking. I agree with you Pete, that even the lowest ranked album doesn't mean that it is bad, I just had to put it some where. Here goes: 13. AGENTS OF FORTUNE - Many songs I skip when playing this disc 12. SPECTRES - Again I skip many songs on this one 11. MIRRORS 10. REVOLUTION BY NIGHT - just couldn't put dead last since it was the first show I saw - Had to lie to my parents about going with someone to see them. I went by myself - Great show - No Godzilla, but the motorcycle- Born to be Wild and the flying saucer- Take Me Away 9. CLUB NINJA - I have always liked this disc 8. CURSE OF THE HIDDEN MIRROR 7. IMAGINOS - I love this one. 6. HEAVEN FORBID - Probably their heaviest release. 5. BLUE OYSTER CULT 4. CULTOSAURUS ERECTUS - Great disc 3. TYRANNY AND MUTATION - Fantastic 2. FIRE OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN - My intro to BOC and solid all the way through 1. SECRET TREATIES - Pete said it all about this one. This should be a staple in anyone's collection who loves the 70s hard rock scene. All of their live discs are great. SOME ENCHANTED EVENING is probably my favorite as I love the live version of ASTRONOMY - probably my favorite song by BOC. I love BOC, so it is difficult to pick out a favorite song. Ask me next week and it might be WORKSHOP OF THE TELESCOPES, HARVESTER OF EYES, PERFECT WATER, THE MARSHALL PLAN, VETERAN OF THE PSYCHIC WARS, ETI, I AM THE ONE YOU WARNED ME OF, THE VIGIL, TAKE ME AWAY, etc....