Blue Öyster Cult - Secret Treaties 12" Vinyl LP Album

Produced by Murray Krugman and Sandy Pearlman. Engineers Tim Geelan, Jerry Smith.

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT - Secret Treaties 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover

Blue Öyster Cult's "Secret Treaties": A Deep Dive into a Hard Rock Masterpiece
Album Description:

Blue Öyster Cult's "Secret Treaties," released in 1974, marked a pivotal point in the band's career and the broader landscape of hard rock. Following the success of their previous albums, "Tyranny and Mutation," "Secret Treaties" solidified their unique sound, a blend of heavy metal energy, psychedelic influences, and cryptic lyrics that explored dark themes and occult imagery.

The album emerged during a time of cultural and social upheaval, reflecting the anxieties and disillusionment of the era. This historical context is subtly woven into the music, creating an unsettling atmosphere that resonated with listeners seeking something beyond the mainstream.

Musically, "Secret Treaties" is a tour de force. The band's dual-guitar attack, driven by Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser and Eric Bloom, delivers a powerful punch, while Allen Lanier's keyboards add an eerie, otherworldly dimension. The rhythm section, anchored by brothers Joe and Albert Bouchard on bass and drums respectively, provides a solid foundation for the band's sonic explorations.

The songs themselves are a testament to the band's creative prowess. From the driving riffs of "Career of Evil" to the apocalyptic vision of "Flaming Telepaths," each track is a self-contained journey into a world of mystery and intrigue. The lyrics, often enigmatic and open to interpretation, added to the album's allure, inviting listeners to unravel their hidden meanings.

The album's production, helmed by Sandy Pearlman and Murray Krugman, is crisp and powerful, capturing the band's raw energy and nuanced musicianship. Recorded at Columbia Studios in New York City, "Secret Treaties" benefits from the studio's state-of-the-art equipment and experienced engineering team, resulting in a sonic landscape that is both expansive and immersive.

While "Secret Treaties" was not without its controversies, with some critics dismissing the band's occult themes as juvenile or gimmicky, the album's impact on the hard rock genre is undeniable. It paved the way for countless bands that followed, influencing generations of musicians and solidifying Blue Öyster Cult's place in rock and roll history.

Music Genre:

Psych, Acid, Metal

Album Packaging / Information:

Produced by Murray Krugman and Sandy Pearlman.

Engineers Tim Geelan, Jerry Smith.

Record Label & Catalognr:

CBS 80103

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record 

Year & Country:

1974 Made in England
Band Members and Musicians on: Blue Öyster Cult - Secret Treaties
Track Listing of: Blue Öyster Cult - Secret Treaties
    Side One:
  1. Career of Evil
  2. Subhuman
  3. Dominance and Submission
  4. ME 262
    Side Two:
  1. Cagey Cretins
  2. Harvester of Eyes
  3. Flaming Telepaths
  4. Astronomy

 

Front Cover Photo Of BLUE ÖYSTER CULT - Secret Treaties 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT - Secret Treaties 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover

 Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).

Photo Of The Back Cover BLUE ÖYSTER CULT - Secret Treaties 12" Vinyl LP Album

 

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT - Secret Treaties 12" Vinyl LP Album 
 back cover

Close up of record's label BLUE ÖYSTER CULT - Secret Treaties 12" Vinyl LP Album Side One

"Secret Treaties" Record Label Details: CBS Walking Eye Logo around Center Hole, 80103, Made in Englad ℗ 1974 CBS Inc Sound Copyright

"Secret Treaties" Record Label Details: CBS Walking Eye Logo around Center Hole, 80103, Made in Englad ℗ 1974 CBS Inc Sound Copyright
 
Index of BLUE ÖYSTER CULT Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

 Blue Öyster Cult is an American rock band formed in Long Island, New York, in 1967. They are best known for their classic rock hits, including "Don't Fear the Reaper," "Godzilla," and "Burnin' for You." The band's music is a blend of hard rock, heavy metal, and science fiction, with lyrics that often touch on themes of science fiction and the occult.

 The band's lineup has undergone several changes over the years, with founding members Eric Bloom (vocals, stun guitar) and Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser (lead guitar) remaining constant throughout. Other members have included Albert Bouchard (drums), Joe Bouchard (bass), Allen Lanier (keyboards), and Danny Miranda (bass).

 Blue Öyster Cult has been praised for their musicianship, and the band's intricate arrangements and tight musicianship have been a major part of their appeal. They have been influential in the development of the heavy metal genre, and have been cited as an influence by many other bands in the genre.

 The band has released several albums throughout their career, including their self-titled debut album, "Blue Öyster Cult," in 1972, "Agents of Fortune" in 1976, and "Spectres" in 1977. Their music has continued to be popular over the years, and they have maintained a dedicated fanbase.

BLUE ÖYSTER CULT - self-titled
BLUE ÖYSTER CULT - self-titled

CBS 64904 , 1972 , Netherlands

Blue Öyster Cult's self-titled 12" vinyl LP. Released in 1972, this album showcases the band's signature fusion of rock and mysticism. With haunting tracks like "Transmaniacon MC" and "Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll", the album's intricate musicianship and captivating themes continue to resonate, marking a timeless exploration of sonic mystique   

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BLUE OYSTER CULT - Extraterrestrial Live
BLUE OYSTER CULT - Extraterrestrial Live

CBS 22203 , 1982 , Netherlands

Blue Öyster Cult's "Extraterrestrial Live" 2LP album. Capturing the band's 1981 tour, it delivers electrifying performances of hits like "Burnin' for You" and "Godzilla." With special guest Robbie Krieger, the album's interstellar sound, produced by Sandy Pearlman and George Geranios, immerses you in a celestial spectacle, leaving an indelible mark on rock's cosmic landscape.

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BLUE OYSTER CULT - The Revolution By Night
BLUE OYSTER CULT - The Revolution By Night

CBS 25686, AL 38947 , 1983 , Netherlands

"Experience Blue Öyster Cult's 'The Revolution By Night' 12" vinyl LP, a sonic voyage through the band's 1983 prowess. With tracks like 'Shooting Shark' and 'Take Me Away,' this album masterfully blends rock with atmospheric allure. Produced by Bruce Fairbairn, it's a nocturnal odyssey that encapsulates the band's evolution and enduring impact on the music scene".

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BLUE OYSTER CULT - Secret Treaties
BLUE OYSTER CULT - Secret Treaties

CBS 80103 , 1974 , England

"Delve into the enigmatic realm of Blue Öyster Cult's 'Secret Treaties'. Released in 1974, this album weaves a mysterious tapestry of rock and intrigue. With tracks like 'Astronomy' and 'Harvester of Eyes,' it's a mesmerizing fusion of dark melodies and thought-provoking themes. A testament to the band's artistic depth, 'Secret Treaties' continues to captivate and mystify listeners".

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