Blue Öyster Cult (album)

Blue Öyster Cult is the debut studio album by Blue Öyster Cult. It was released on January 16, 1972 by Columbia Records and, despite positive reception, failed to chart in the United States until May 12, 1972, peaking at No. 172 on the Billboard 200.

Background
In 1969, Soft White Underbelly had a recording contract with Elektra Records, for which they recorded an LP's worth of material. Singer Les Braunstein departed from the band in early 1969, causing Elektra to shelf the album. He was replaced by then-roadie Eric Bloom, and the band's name was changed several times soon afterward, first to Oaxaca, then to the Stalk-Forrest Group. During this time, the band recorded another LP of material with Bloom, but only its single, "What is Quicksand?/Arthur Comics," saw a release until 2001's St. Cecilia: The Elektra Recordings, a remastered release of both Elektra sessions.

In 1971, bassist Andy Winters left the band and was replaced by Joe Bouchard, brother of the band's drummer, Albert. With this change, Sandy Pearlman settled on a permanent name: Blue Öyster Cult. Newly-renamed, they secured a record deal with Columbia Records, which would ultimately last until 1988's Imaginos.

Blue Öyster Cult

 * Eric Bloom – lead vocals, stun guitar, keyboards
 * Donald "Buck Dharma" Roeser – lead guitar, vocals
 * Allen Lanier – keyboards, guitar
 * Joe Bouchard – bass, vocals
 * Albert Bouchard – drums, vocals

Production

 * David Lucas – producer, engineer
 * Murray Krugman – associate producer
 * Sandy Pearlman – associate producer
 * Bill Robertson – engineer
 * Jay Lee – producer (tracks 11–14)
 * Bob Devere – producer (tracks 11–14)
 * Bill Gawlik – cover art