Of
Blue Öyster Cult's three live albums,
Extraterrestrial Live is the one to own. The two-record set, partially recorded on
BÖC's home base of Long Island, contains the band's biggest hits, "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" (making its second live appearance) and "Burnin' for You," as well as longtime concert favorites like "Cities on Flame," "The Red and the Black," and "Godzilla." But it isn't just the superior song selection that gives this album the nod over
On Your Feet or on Your Knees and
Some Enchanted Evening;
BÖC had regained its momentum in 1981 with
Fire of Unknown Origin, and this album demonstrated their renewed spirit in the forum in which they were most comfortable -- live work. ~ William Ruhlmann