SPECTRES

Growing up, this album seemed to always be on my turntable, but returning to it many years later, I find it to be a mixed bag. Showcasing some of their strengths , 'Spectres' seldom lives up to the potential that they had shown in their "black and white" days. Most of the problem can certainly be attributed to the huge popularity of '(Don't Fear) The Reaper', which catapulted them into megastardom. This album really feels as if they were under the gun to get another commercial release out, and it was clearly written with "hit single" in mind (interestingly, their vision of a hit single is so far of the mark, its laughable. Can anyone imagine 'RU Ready To Rock' or 'Fireworks' making it to a top 40 station).

Looking at its strengths, this album features what is surely one of BOC's best moments, the riff heavy monster homage 'Godzilla.' This song still packs a punch and is great fun to listen to. 'I Love The Night' is both dark and gorgeous, very fitting to their tradition. 'Searcin' for Celine,''Fireworks,' and Goin' Through The Motions' are all good entries, certainly not essential, but very enjoyable. I think the thing that is often overlooked by casual listeners is BOC's wicked sense of humor, and the multi-talented individuals that were involved in the band. Looking at the songwriting credits through the years you see that they all had a hand in shaping the sound, often using different singers on the tracks. You are definetly listening to a full band at work.

However, it is the sheer number of different ideas and sound that send this off the rails. There is no continuity to the album, and the weak tracks are weak. 'Golden Age Of Leather,' often cited as a fan favorite, sounds disjointed and unfinished, meekly coming to a close. 'Death Valley Nights' is a good song wrecked by off key vocals, and 'Nosferatu' is so unmemorable that I listened to it thirty minutes ago and cannot form the tune in my head at all.

For fans only.

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