Boston

In 1976 a debut album appeared by a group called Boston. Simply self titled the Boston debut album has had a lasting impact in rock history. It is a rare rock and roll music collection that does not have this seminal album in it.

With just eight tracks here is no fluff. Boston's sound was unique. With high harmonies, strong guitars and the mastery of Tom Scholz. Few bands have had such a cult around an unknown figure such as Schulz. Brad Delp sang and was a very good singer but Scholz was the face and name of the band.

The tracks on this album are one by one as strong as you would find. Fm Radio staples for thirty plus years when these songs come on the radio you either tap your foot and put your finger in your throat. If you loved them once you might be sick of them. They have been played until the grooves come off.

For me it is former. I turn them up.

More Than a Feeling with one of the most notable riffs in rock history, so good that it appears Kurt Cobain was listening when he made Smells like Teen Spirit. Peace of Mind and Long Time continued the progression. What perhaps makes the album so strong though are the additional cuts such as Rock and Roll Band, Smokin' and Hitchin a Ride are, as a result. of said FM radio airplay, almost as well known as the songs that charted.

The last two tracks, Something About You and Let Me Take You Home Tonight are also strong. The last cut being the first foray into, if not a ballad, at least an effort at the sensitive side.

Everyone loved this album in the seventies. Everyone owned it at least once. It is still a seminal album. I for one cannot be tired of it but it the background music for a certain group of people who grew up in a certain time and place.

As the greatest selling debut album of all time, until Guns and Roses came along, that is a large group of people indeed.

When Scholz died a couple of years ago I listened to it again. It ages well. It was one of the best constructed albums you will hear.