1976 was an impactful year in terms of my music exploration. My biggest influences, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, had both passed what would prove to be their “prime” and Kiss had almost completely filled that void in my world. I still continued to explore new music and Boston came on to my radar. My much older brother had always formed my musical tastes and he already viewed bands like Boston with a jaundiced eye, as he saw them as what others would later derisively refer to as “corporate rock.” Ironically, I discovered them because his band covered both “Peace of Mind” and “Smokin'” as their singer Larry Galbraith could do a shockingly faithful imitation of Brad Delp (no mean feat, as we all know.) However, I didn't buy the album until hearing “Long Time” on the radio and then I was hooked. Listening to my original vinyl for this write up, I discovered I darn near wore it out. And I know, Coates choosing another debut album. Weird.

 

P.S. I'm going to work diligently to not fall into the history of the band and this album, but David Wild's liner notes in the Epic/Legacy release of this CD are absolutely fascinating. Lot of history and drama for such a “faceless” band. Also, check out the Lachy Doley featuring Dino Jelusick cover of “Long Time” on YouTube. All sorts of worth your time.

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1. More Than a Feeling (Tom Scholz)  A+

   This album veers into the Zeppelin IV sphere of those we've all listened to so many times that doing so again seems unnecessary. And “More Than a Feeling” feels like a song that has become so ubiquitous on classic rock stations that it is almost taken for granted. But, good lord, what a song. From the perfectly played and recorded acoustic fade in intro, Brad Delp's shockingly pure vocals,the picturesque, accessible lyrics  and Tom Scholz's tasteful but understated (especially for that era) guitar fills and leads, the song is just a master class in songwriting and execution. It borders on soft rock, but with enough “electric” to be tolerable to rockers. But no one could possibly miss those incredible high notes by Delp. This seems like a song that every cover band feels like they could cover and I can just hear their singer saying “oh hell no.” Alice Cooper is quoted as saying you have to have one song that allows you to have a career and Scholz opened his album with his. One of the greatest songs in classic rock history! (Kind of want to put a gold star on this one.)

A+

Kip

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   It’s hard to add something new in reviewing this song because it is such a well known classic. I’m trying to think why it is such an appealing song and I think they took not necessarily intentionally, but it takes aspects of what I like from other bands, and brought it all together into a new package. I think “More Than a Feeling” has the soaring harmonies that Styx were known for, but Boston does it even better. They take the crunching guitar, that makes you want to just put in your best air guitar moves, that Bad Company did, but Boston does it even better. Better in the sense that is more accessible to the public; I feel this song is kind of going for what Robert “Mutt” Lange was talking about doing with Def Leppard making the electric guitar accessible to all and I think Boston beat him to the punch. I remember being at a party with my first wife in 1984, so this album was already 8 years old, and “More Than a Feeling” came on over the stereo. Everybody perked up and danced and sang along to this song. It was beautiful vibe at the party, it created a moment I’ll never forget. It brought everyone together. Who could not be prouder of a song for that reason alone. I wouldn’t change a thing about this song it is perfection.

A+

Jeff

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   What can I say about this song that hasn’t been said. It’s an absolute classic. Written, performed and recorded

For our enjoyment. From the tasty 12 string intro, through the hard rock guitar chords, the hand claps and soaring twin guitar melody. This song is a record executive spicy dream. So catchy and singable it’s quite amazing really. Brad Delp’s vocals are a revaluation, plain and simple. Soulful and sweet. How many times have I heard this song? Not sure, but for me it still gets me going. Thank you, Boston!

A

Mark

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2. Peace of Mind (Tom Scholz)  B+

   This would be “that” song for about any other band of its time. “Peace of Mind” always seemed like Scholz's personal mantra. Being a tall, gawky guy who chose to perform in pick-up basketball garb, he was kind of the anti-rock star. Remembering that Page, Blackmore, Perry and the like were the guitar heroes of the time, he didn't fit into that persona at all. And the lyrics discussing what was important in life and being content in who a person is, didn't fit with the sex, drugs and rock and roll lyrics that dominated much of the rock music at the time. Maybe that's why it was attractive to so many people. This band had a kinder, gentler vibe (which bordered on boring live), but this song fit that description, again with just enough guitar and vocal gymnastics to not fall into easy listening. Another brilliant, relatable song.

A+

Kip

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   This album just sounds so good. It has a mature Abby Road clarity. Starting out with a perfect America sounding acoustic guitar “Peace of Mind” quickly turns into a great turn up the song, roll down the windows and feel for at peace with the universe, for at least 5 minutes, no worries. This second song isn’t as perfect as the album opener, but still is a strong song for a debut album.

B+

Jeff

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   Nine, I counted nine pick scrapes in this gem, and I probably missed some. I’m wondering if this was the birth of the pick scrape? Hmmm…Ok from now on I’m going to grade on a pick scrape Scale. 5 pick scrapes equal an A 4 pick scrapes a B And so forth. Ok, I’m feeling more centered. Now, keep in mind if a song has 9 pick scrapes it doesn’t necessarily Mean an A grade is forthcoming. Oh yeah, the song! For me this tune is about seeking what makes life fulfilling, or maybe a reminder of a more harmonious perspective to my existence… hmmm. Yeah, I like that! 4 pick scrapes!

B

Mark

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3. Foreplay / Long Time (Tom Scholz) A+

   Apparently “Foreplay” was the first piece of music Scholz ever wrote and he found a comfortable place for it here. As a stand-alone, it would probably just be a proggy indulgence, but as the intro to this song, it really works. Just know at the end of this, I'm giving the grade for “Long Time” alone. And while Scholz is a fairly pedestrian guitarist, the keyboards on “Foreplay” show that he is a talented player. “Long Time” is another example of Scholz's storytelling brilliance. The soaring guitar at the end of the instrumental leads into an absolute monster of a song. I think I always favored this one because it “rocked” harder. Finding out later that Barry Goudreau played all of the rhythm guitars on this one explained that. Again, an incredibly well-crafted piece that builds to one of my strongest musical memories. Using the restrained acoustic the first two times leading into the chorus builds to one of the air guitar staples of all time later in the song. Again, the lyrics are almost cinematic and fit into that “Babe I'm Going to Leave You” sphere. This is one of the very few songs I ever heard for the first time on the radio (remembering that I almost never listened to the radio as a kid.) I was impatiently waiting for my father, resigned to listening to the AM radio station in his car. When the electric riff roared out of the speakers, I distinctly thinking, “this is awesome.” The use of acoustic under the electric became a staple of countless others following this album, including the Angel album we reviewed earlier. This song concludes one of the great Side Ones in music history and like Zeppelin IV, was repeated so constantly that it was literal days before I heard Side 2. Another stone cold classic and one of my very favorite songs.

A+

Kip

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   I like instrumental openings to songs that build into a powerful cue to the next song and Foreplay does not let you down. Wow! The quiet of this transition is spectacular from the CD, no pops and crackles to take away from this solid musical moment. Long Time is incredible. I love the dynamics of this song! Such a fresh little guitar lick over that perky organ/synthesizer peculating in the back ground! And the acoustic guitar hand clapping bridge is pure genius. It had been done before but never to this perfection. The lead guitar is amazing leading back into the organ (6:03) It doesn’t get any better than this! Who doesn’t like this song?

A+

Jeff

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   I’m feeling a bit inadequate right now…how can a poor shlub like me judge perfection!? How!? This goes beyond pick scrapes! This goes beyond air guitar with a tennis racket while jumping on your bed as your neighbor sees you through the window with a look of scowling disgust…It’s a level of bitchin' that beyond my grasp!!! Sweet, sweet Hammond organ is the beginning. Like Silver Surfer to a new world…swirling in the eddies of surface noise he waits, until BAM! Guitar and drum crack the barrier thrice! Then fade away back into the void. A herald to what is coming…then, Galactus reveals his big giant head and out of his mouth comes… “It’s been such along time, I think I must be going… yeah…” The mind reals…the rest is wave upon wave of sheer guitar mastery. Vocals that will prolong life expectancy. A sonic super stew so deep and satisfying you’ll want to dive into your speakers, again breaking the sonic barrier until the end of side one spits you out face first back into this mundane colorless reality. Oh and more hand claps! 5 pick scrapes!

A

Mark

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4. Rock & Roll Band (Tom Scholz) B+

   Side 2 opens with a most fascinating song to me, maybe in all of music, as it tells a very specific, seemingly autobiographical tale that is completely fabricated. Telling the familiar trope of a bar band grinding out an existence in order to “make ends meet” and be discovered, it was completely written and performed in Scholz's dungeon home studio and features only himself and friend Jim Masden on drums (this is the only song that doesn't feature Sid Hashian on drums.) I'm guessing this is their most covered song, due to it's subject matter, danceability and lower, somewhat less daunting singing range (though it still has some awe inspiring high notes.) Again, this would have been a career defining song for many bands and is just another cool song here. The depth quality of this album is silly.

A

Kip

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   17 million copies sold! This solid song wraps up the first side! Anyone listening to this record by this point would have decided I need to own this! This song is weak for me, sounds a bit formulaic to me. This could have been easily on a Moxy or Prism album too. Not bad …but not that special to my ears.

B

Jeff

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   This tune is a rock musicians wish come true. Local band makes the big time. It also has one of the best solo drum fills in existence! Yes I know you know. I totally dig the verse guitar riff. It scoots right along, and is fun to play. A dream come true is a sort of freedom I think. 4 pick scrapes!

B

Mark

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5. Smokin' (Tom Scholz, Brad Delp) B+

   The next piece is a rocking shuffle that was made for blasting while cruising on Friday nights. Just a terrific riff with another “good to be alive” lyric. As a VERY amateur guitar player, this is one of my favorite songs to play along to. This is also the loosest “jam” song they ever recorded, even featuring the classic 70's guitar/organ trade offs later in the song. This is very much a Scholz creation as he plays every instrument but the drums and vocals. For just about every other AOR band, this would be an absolute crown jewel and here it is a bit of an afterthought. But not to these ears. Again, my brother's band covered this one (and very well, thank you) and if they were faced with an unenthusiastic crowd, this one solved that quickly. Another gem.

A

Kip

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   This one song always stood out on the album as it sounds a bit different to me. It has more of a ZZ Top vibe for most of the song, but the instrumental break is very unique. "Smokin'" has a catchy energy that makes you tap your toes and bob your head. I love the classic organ (1:26). Now when I was younger, when the album first came out, I wasn’t that crazy about the organ sound, but now that I’m older I really appreciate classic organ in a rock song. Also dig the harpsichord after the organ! The instrumental break on this song is very interesting, unpredictable and nice change from the rest of the vibe of song. Fun song and has a good boogie vibe with a very inventive instrumental break!

B+

Jeff

 

   Oh nooo, is this a boogie?! I think it is. :-( 3 pick scrapes!

C

Mark

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6. Hitch a Ride (Tom Scholz) A-

   While this is the “softest” song on the album and the one that I probably listened to the least as a kid, it is a very well crafted easy listening song that would have fit very comfortably on FM radio in the late 70's. The acoustic sound on this song is absolutely stunning and is a perfect end of the day headphone song. Again, for many bands, this would have been their submission for airplay and here it is the closest thing to a “throwaway” the album contains. Scholz may have been a frustrating personality for some but he certainly knew what he was doing and wanted. Another high quality recording.

B+

Kip

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   This song sounds great, "Alan Parsons / George Martin Great". No wonder Eddie Kramer said he couldn't do any better. Delp's vocals and Scholz's playing are flawless and then their stream of consciousness becomes more poppy in the chorus. I think the lead guitar has some melodic moments that would have worked well if they had added that melody to the refrain of the song. It's a nice song within a song. Overall: don’t hate it, but don’t really love it either.

B+

Jeff

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   Aaah that’s better… back on track with an acoustic guitar intro sweetly deployed by… I’m not sure, but it sure does make my day brighter. Oh Brad, what a voice you have. You are truly missed. This one is sure to be a ballad. All signs indicate so until the high gear is kicked in, and the Hammond organ is well oiled and cranked. Man, what sound! The guitar leads are so smooth and melodic it truly soothes the soul. This maybe my favorite… maybe. Also, another song of freedom and or escape? 5 pick scrapes!

A

Mark

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7. Something About You (Tom Scholz) B

   Again, an almost Scholz only creation, this song too fits into the category of trying to be radio friendly. The lyrics are palatable and the vibe of the song is comfortable, with just enough electric in it to satisfy the guitar geeks (me) of the time. It is a classic verse/chorus/verse/chorus/guitar solo number that makes it seem instantly familiar upon first listen. Again, a song that would have been a feature on a lesser album, but here it is something of a place holder.

B

Kip

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   Love the opening, has film score vibe and the lead creates the signature melody but I focus on the great bass line that starts playing (:27).I just love the drums and bass so much I concentrate on them until (2:19) when that lead breaks in, great tone on the guitar. I’m just paying attention to the mix on this song. It is perfect!

A

Jeff

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   Man those twin guitar leads are smooth! The rhythm guitar tones fit in the mix just right too. Brad is his usual awesome self as well. Not so much a freedom song, more of a makeup song. Oh well. 3 pick scrapes

C

Mark

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8. Let Me Take You Home Tonight (Brad Delp) B-

   Only Boston could create an album that waits until the last song to feature what would become recognized as their “classic” line up. A Brad Delp written tune, it features Barry Goudreau on all of the guitars, Hashian on drums and, for the only time on this album, Fran Sheehan on bass. Opening with another warm acoustic riff with a cool little slide in it, this composition is the perfect “end of the bar night” proposition sung by a potential suitor with an unfairly alluring voice. Again, the last song on the album would have fit comfortably on the soft rock stations of the time, but it is dwarfed by the magnitude of the side one monsters. It's also noticeable that it features none of the soaring high notes that made Delp famous, hinting that Delp is enjoying singing a song that wouldn't leave him flat on the floor of the studio after. A perfect ending to an almost perfect album, which unquestionably has to be rated as one of the best debuts ever.

B+

Kip

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   I’m sure that many love this closing to the album but this is my low point. I never really catch the feeling or mood that this song is striving for. It’s OK as a tune, but I feel it is lacking emotion for me. I don’t really hate it, just indifferent to it.

C+

Jeff

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   This is a nice change of pace… kind of a Hooty and the Blow Fish meets Kenny Loggins trip. Acoustic slide and electric guitar sharing the solo section is really good too. If I may nitpick a bit… maybe put this song in the middle of side B instead. For me the acoustic mellowness would on been a nice change of pace from the hard edges of the other tunes. Maybe flip with something about you? I don’t know…3 pick scrapes! This music bring back a lot of good memories and bad ones too. I feel blessed that I grew up in a time when these albums came out. Very blessed.

 C

Mark

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