It’s an undeniably great album, no matter your tastes. I believe Scholz played all instruments except drums and additional guitar and bass on like two songs, regardless of what the album’s original liner notes said. Pretty amazing. And Delp’s tracked vocals and harmonies are amazing. Ironic that what was labeled slick corporate rock wasn’t much more than a home demo in practice.
That last point is the most important one, Tim. Its reputation as “too slick” is still hilarious to me when you know the backstory. Thanks for reading!
Spot on! I used to hate/love them when driving around California with only my AM radio to keep me going. They did that and more.. more thsn a feeling when J hearvthose old songs... tears, joy. EXHILARATING! best music ever indeed. Californiadreams.substack.com they were my no. 1 lowest common denominator along with Fleetwood Mac's Dreams, BOC'S Reaper, Chuck's Feel So Good and Hotel California who needed my stolen cassette deck? Check out my soundtrack album for me book i just recorded at for The Road Trilogy stevegabe.substack.com and many thanks for your articles truly the Nazz!
Thanks for writing it Matt. It’s an Import record. This happens to be a record I dislike. For most of my life I refused to listen to it. Paul Rees’ book, which I love, had me reframe my look at it. It’s been so ubiquitous I never had to sit listen to it to hear all the songs. So I never did until a few months back. I’ll share my reaction to published this week that goes down a further path with it. https://substack.com/@chadwakefield/note/p-200002494?r=cycpd&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Scholz's technological background is shown off in the well-defined EQ and arrangements of the recordings, allowing his instrumental skill and Delp's charming vocals to be heard in the best possible way.
About 25-30 years ago, I used to joke that my "rock critic card" would be summarily revoked if any of my editors knew just how much I loved this album (and Don't Look Back, which I received for my 13th birthday). Now, of course, I don't care who knows it...
I also love that the two great debut albums of 1976 — Boston and Ramones — cost about the same to make, with equally influential but far different sonic results. Of course, as you mention in your fine piece, Scholz kept costs down by going the DIY route and keeping the Hollywood studio time to a minimum, and The Ramones were probably overcharged for their week at NYC's Plaza Sound, but it all worked out...
Great stuff Matt! I’m certainly not alone in considering this one of the greatest debut albums. Boston is also one of those bands where the debut is the best work they ever produced (I include Counting Crows in this list as well). I love this album, it’s a no-skip for me.
I was just a kid in 6th grade when their debut album hit the charts. Just learning my chops on guitar. Immensely influential in both my life and my musicianship. Dont Look Back was the sound track for the summer of '79 for me. Had a cool boom box and I recall the summer days at Newport and Huntington beaches while Boston cranked out all day long. Great memories and your piece is awesome as it sheds light on that great band, and great moment in my life. Thanks!
Fantastic overview! I've been on a Boston jangle lately too, nostalgia, maybe. I saw them headline the Chicago Stadium in '77, with Red Rocker Sammy Hagar as the opener! Last week, I posted an early CIRCUS Mag article - https://x.com/Dfactor/status/2091413437863825644/photo/1 and here's a link to those early Mother's Milk/Boston demos - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkDwp-CBnGw - have a listen - 'Smokin' started as 'Shakin'!
Hometown hero. RIP Brad.
The first album I ever bought with my paper route money in 1976. 50. Years. Ago!
One of my favorites
Thanks for reading!
My pleasure. Really fantastic piece.
It’s an undeniably great album, no matter your tastes. I believe Scholz played all instruments except drums and additional guitar and bass on like two songs, regardless of what the album’s original liner notes said. Pretty amazing. And Delp’s tracked vocals and harmonies are amazing. Ironic that what was labeled slick corporate rock wasn’t much more than a home demo in practice.
That last point is the most important one, Tim. Its reputation as “too slick” is still hilarious to me when you know the backstory. Thanks for reading!
Spot on! I used to hate/love them when driving around California with only my AM radio to keep me going. They did that and more.. more thsn a feeling when J hearvthose old songs... tears, joy. EXHILARATING! best music ever indeed. Californiadreams.substack.com they were my no. 1 lowest common denominator along with Fleetwood Mac's Dreams, BOC'S Reaper, Chuck's Feel So Good and Hotel California who needed my stolen cassette deck? Check out my soundtrack album for me book i just recorded at for The Road Trilogy stevegabe.substack.com and many thanks for your articles truly the Nazz!
Thanks for reading, as always Steve! Check out his work, y’all.
I love the formation story. Reconsidered the record as a historical document recently. Reshaped some of my opinions of it.
Thanks for reading Chad! Curious what opinions were reshaped specifically?
Thanks for writing it Matt. It’s an Import record. This happens to be a record I dislike. For most of my life I refused to listen to it. Paul Rees’ book, which I love, had me reframe my look at it. It’s been so ubiquitous I never had to sit listen to it to hear all the songs. So I never did until a few months back. I’ll share my reaction to published this week that goes down a further path with it. https://substack.com/@chadwakefield/note/p-200002494?r=cycpd&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Scholz's technological background is shown off in the well-defined EQ and arrangements of the recordings, allowing his instrumental skill and Delp's charming vocals to be heard in the best possible way.
Couldn’t agree more. How those two elements never sound like they’re crossing the streams is unreal.
About 25-30 years ago, I used to joke that my "rock critic card" would be summarily revoked if any of my editors knew just how much I loved this album (and Don't Look Back, which I received for my 13th birthday). Now, of course, I don't care who knows it...
I also love that the two great debut albums of 1976 — Boston and Ramones — cost about the same to make, with equally influential but far different sonic results. Of course, as you mention in your fine piece, Scholz kept costs down by going the DIY route and keeping the Hollywood studio time to a minimum, and The Ramones were probably overcharged for their week at NYC's Plaza Sound, but it all worked out...
Great stuff Matt! I’m certainly not alone in considering this one of the greatest debut albums. Boston is also one of those bands where the debut is the best work they ever produced (I include Counting Crows in this list as well). I love this album, it’s a no-skip for me.
I was just a kid in 6th grade when their debut album hit the charts. Just learning my chops on guitar. Immensely influential in both my life and my musicianship. Dont Look Back was the sound track for the summer of '79 for me. Had a cool boom box and I recall the summer days at Newport and Huntington beaches while Boston cranked out all day long. Great memories and your piece is awesome as it sheds light on that great band, and great moment in my life. Thanks!
Fantastic overview! I've been on a Boston jangle lately too, nostalgia, maybe. I saw them headline the Chicago Stadium in '77, with Red Rocker Sammy Hagar as the opener! Last week, I posted an early CIRCUS Mag article - https://x.com/Dfactor/status/2091413437863825644/photo/1 and here's a link to those early Mother's Milk/Boston demos - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkDwp-CBnGw - have a listen - 'Smokin' started as 'Shakin'!