Blue Öyster Cult

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E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)

Blue Öyster Cult

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Eric Bloom]
Psst! Come here!
I hear the music, daylight disc
Three men in black said, "don't report this...
Ascension" and that's all they said
Sickness now the hour of dread

[Chorus: Eric Bloom]
All praise
He's found the awful truth
Balthazar
He's found the saucer news

[Verse 2: Eric Bloom]
Wait! there's more…
I'm in fairy rings and tower beds
"Don't report this," three men said
Books by blameless and by the dead
King in yellow, the Queen in red

[Chorus: Eric Bloom]
All praise
He's found the awful truth
Balthazar
He's found the saucer news
[Verse 3: Eric Bloom]
Dead leaves always give up motion
I no longer feel emotion
When prophecy fails the falling notion
Don't report this
Agents of Fortune

[Chorus: Eric Bloom]
All praise
He's found the awful truth
Balthazar
He's found the saucer newsEmbed

Blue Öyster Cult has produced some of the most iconic songs in rock history, and E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) is no exception. A true fan favorite, the song brings together the best elements of the band's sound with its catchy melody, powerful guitar riffs, and thought-provoking lyrics. Let's dive deeper into the story behind this incredible track.

About E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)

E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence), which was released in 1980, is part of the band's eighth studio album, Fire of Unknown Origin. It was written by Buck Dharma, the band's lead guitarist and one of its most prolific songwriters. The song's music was initially a purely instrumental track called "No Traffic," which the band had been playing live for a while before recording it on the album.

Later, the band's producer, Sandy Pearlman, suggested adding lyrics to the track. Pearlman had written his own set of lyrics and had even attempted a vocal track, but ultimately, the band used the lyrics written by Joe Bouchard, Blue Öyster Cult's bassist at the time, who titled his version "Des Pot Soup."

E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) describes an encounter between the narrator and an extraterrestrial being. The lyrics touch on themes of communication, curiosity, and fear of the unknown. The song's chorus, "Calling occupants of interplanetary craft," has become an iconic rock phrase and reflects the band's fascination with sci-fi and otherworldly themes.

But there's more to E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) than just its lyrics. The song's music is a perfect example of the band's ability to combine hard rock with catchy melodies. Buck Dharma's guitar riff is instantly recognizable and has become a staple in the band's live performances. The song also features some incredible keyboard work by Allen Lanier, Blue Öyster Cult's keyboardist, which perfectly complements the guitar riff and adds another dimension to the song's sound.

E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) was released as a single and was a moderate success, reaching number 66 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's popularity led to it being included on several of the band's greatest hits compilations, cementing its place in rock history.

With its catchy chorus, powerful guitar riff, and thought-provoking lyrics, E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) is an excellent example of Blue Öyster Cult's ability to create memorable rock tracks. It remains a fan favorite and continues to inspire new generations of rock musicians.

In 1981, Linda McCartney of Wings claimed to have accidently videoed a “speck” in the sky while following Paul. Paul and Linda McCartney believed in UFOs.

In 1979, Blue Öyster Cult left Columbia Records and signed a deal with Elektra Records.

The song was included in the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, which takes place in the 1980s, and also can be heard on several radio stations throughout the game.

Throughout their career, Blue Öyster Cult took inspiration from a wide range of sources, including science fiction, horror movies, and conspiracy theories. E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) is a prime example of the band's fascination with otherworldly themes and has become one of their most beloved songs. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering the band's music, give E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence) a listen and experience one of the best rock songs to come out of the '80s.