Galaxie 500

Appearing the following year after On Fire, Blue Thunder makes for a fine effort from the band, combining two originals with two covers. "Blue Thunder" itself, the first song from On Fire, is one of the trio's best, balancing between understated playing and singing and a slow, steady flow towards a lovely climax, Wareham's concluding guitar particularly grand. "Cold Night," meanwhile, is a short, quiet number, notable for Yang's bass work and the atmosphere suggested by music and title. As for the covers, the Red Krayola's "Victory Garden" gets a fair if not revelatory treatment -- certainly it is nice to hear someone do that instead of "Hurricane Fighter Plane" again. More striking is the memorable take on New Order's debut single "Ceremony," slowing down the pace of the original just a bit while keeping all its melancholic inspiration intact, Wareham's delivery of the lyrics perfectly done in his own particular style. ~ Ned Raggett, All Music Guide