St. Cecilia: The Elektra Recordings [Limited] by Stalk-Forrest Group (The) (CD, Nov-2003, Rhino Handmade)

Stalk-Forrest Group was mostly Blue Oyster Cult a couple of years before they became BOC. It is a slightly different band cast. I love BOC and have every studio CD they have made. I had to hear what they did before. The music itself evokes images of a long strange trip - Grateful Dead influence, and folk ballads, but with the intellect and strangeness (lyrics) of BOC. I admit that I would not have recognized it as BOC but I did find it fascinating listening, knowing that it was BOC. I could understand that as their sound incorporated more hard rock (lack of a better term - I really don't like to categorize them, because they are more than any category and their songs can vary incredibly), that they incorporated their creativity, some psychodelic and folk influences, their intelligence, willingness to explore edgy topics, and their coolness and sense of humor - and musically their range of talent. It is cool to hear it early.
So is it really good standing on it's own? Only if you are a psychodelic, folk, late 60's GD fan; it's in that genre.
So I like it more historically as a BOC fan, and like most BOC, I'll listen to it a lot and later appreciate it more. In that regard I always hone in on Don Roeser's (yes, he is Buck Dharma on the cover - they all have cool pseudonyms; his stuck well) guitar and melodies. I can hear some early signature sounds, and that is certainly worth it. I could listen to anything that he wrote or played.
BOC is one of the most talented, interesting, and mysterious bands. And this CD was like a glimpse into an old family photo album, before it all came together. By the way, check out their DVD; these guys do rock, and are really good (probably even getting better)in concert. Have you heard Buck on the guitar lately - what planet did this guy come from - amazing!
Matt Shaw