This site shows just how divisive Club Ninja was. Some fans appreciated and understand the direction the band was taking (like yours truly), while others didnt. Such as this person:
“Two of the songs not written by the band (Make Rock Not War and White Flags), I think would have suited fore example Iron Maiden better then BÖC!”
Club Ninja never would have happened without Sandy Pearlman (left), who co-produced the album:
Sandy Pearlman’s contributions to Blue Öyster Cult are innumerable. He was there from the beginning, groomed the formative band for label-readiness, became their manager, produced their records, supplied lyrical content and concept, and more.
Pearlman got his start writing for “Crawdaddy” and other publications. Along with Richard Meltzer, he was one of the first “rock critics” and is credited with applying the term “heavy metal” to the music that now bears that label. Through that, he made lots of useful contacts that eventually led to his growing music business career.
Pearlman’s influence is strongly present in the first four records, but began to diminish after the Agents of Fortune album, and eventually he parted ways with the band for good.
Pearlman now is Vice President of Media and Artist Development for GoodNoise Corporation, a new record company, and produces bands out of a studio in Northern California.
Video to Dancin’ In The Ruins.
I’ve always wondered exactly what the skateboarding symbolizes. Any ideas?
I post this review stricly for archival purposes. Obviously I disagree with this 2-star review - Club Ninja IS progressive music. It stands on its own amongst the giants of progressive rock and that’s where this reviewer got it wrong. At least they give props the the best songs on the album. Otherwise read at your own risk, Club Ninja fans.
Every true fan needs a copy of Club Ninja on vinyl. Buy yours here on ebay.
Those interested in a copy of Club Ninja on CD are in for a challenge: the CD is out of print and unopened copies are quite expensive. But used copies can be found (although who on Earth would give up their copy? I have no idea). Happy hunting!
Club Ninja was released in early January 1986. The band travelled to Europe shortly thereafter to begin a world tour to promote the album. Below is a setlist from the Mutualité in Paris on 1/27/86. As you can see the band was mixing up their sets with new Club Ninja material and old BÖC staples.
1. RUReady 2 Rock
2. Dominance & Submission
3. ETI
4. Buck’s Boogie
5. White Flags
6. Take Me Away
7. Veteran of Psychic Wars
8. Dancin’ in the Ruins
9. Joan Crawford
10. Shadow Warrior
11. Burnin’ For You
12. Godzilla
13. (Don’t Fear) The Reaper
encore:
14. Cities En Flambé
Bob Rondinelli played drums on Club Ninja, as well as Black Sabbath’s 1994 album Cross Purposes.
A very cool film set to “When The War Comes.” Bravo!
