WHY THE SEA IS SALT

The world does not really need a rebirth of 1970s BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, but here we have it, and they're getting a lot of attention. I don't get it--this longing or need for repeat or replication of old bands. I want something new and refreshing and inventive and creative and different.

Best songs: the MIKE RUTHERFORD/NOEL MACALLA-sounding, "At Sea" (Reprise) (5:15) (8/10); the slower, more melody-oriented Southern Rock, 3. "Tuesday's Child" (9:44) (8/10); the bland ANT PHILLIPS-sounding, 4. "The Tallest Tree" (6:14) with its guest performances from Anthony Phillips (12-string guitar), Steve Hackett (lead guitar), and Peter Jones (Irish whistle) (8/10), and; the cheesy and second-rate instrument choices (and embarrassingly poor singing) of the album's melodramatic epic, 5. "All These Things" (22:43) (7/10).

A solid three star album; good, but definitely not anything special.