Don't Look Back

I find it hard to believe, now, that the first time I heard music from Boston I didn't like it. What I heard first was their first album, self-titled "Boston", which is, I think a slightly stronger album than this, their second album. Looking back I'm sure that at least part of the reason that I didn't like Boston's sound was simply because it was so different. There was nothing in rock'n'roll even vaguely like the sound Tom Scholz's had conjured up in his basement. It didn't take me long to learn to appreciate the music, but it sure was strange at first. Now Boston is one one of my favorite rock'n'roll bands of all time due, in large part, to Tom's guitar theatrics. Actually, that's the wrong word to describe his guitar playing,Jimi Hendrix was theatrical, Tom Scholz is simply magic. I think that his work is too often under-rated, probably because there is so little of it. To me, though, there is simply nothing to compare to the glittering glissandos that he seems to bring forth in effortless endless profusion. Combine the very tight overall musicianship of the band, Brad Delp's unforgettable vocals, and lyrics that still, in many cases, speak as much to the social issues of today as they did when written some thirty years ago, and you have an unbeatable combination. The melody of "A Man I'll Never Be" is insanely complex for a rock'n'roll song, which is probably why (along with its six and one-half minute length) that it never got very high on the pop music charts. Tom Scholz is all over the frets on his guitar and is coaxing every bit of feeling he can get out of it. When one realizes that he plays no chords throughout this song his mastery of his instrument is truly apparent. He is, to me, in the same class as Eric Clapton, Duane Alman, Gary Moore, and Roger McGuinn when it comes to a short list of the best rock'n'roll guitarists of all time. But he doesn't do it by himself. Boston was, until their breakup over legal issues with their record label, one of those bands in which each member can be considered a master of his instrument, whether it's Brad Delp and his voice, or Fran Sheehan and his bass, Sib Hashian banging away on the drums , or Barry Goudreau's wonderful rhythm and second lead guitar. Together they were far more than the sum of their parts as one can tell when listening to any of their various solo efforts or work with other bands. It was a magic combination such as happens once in a generation or less. What makes Boston's music even more special is that the vast majority of what one hears on the albums was composed and performed by just Tom Scholz and Brad Delp. They had little help making their music, except for some lead guitar by Barry Goudreau and drums by Jim Masdea. It wasn't until the first album was sold to CBS that a real band was put together to produce the Boston sound. Thus, the folks playing up on stage are not only playing some of the most complex rock music ever conceived, they played it note perfect every time, so that Boston's live sound was as close to the album sound as it's possible to get. The remastering that Tom Scholz did for this re-issue is simply remarkable. The richness of Brad Delp's voice on all the songs, but particularly on "A Man I'll Never Be"' has to be heard to be believed. The remix has transformed one of my best-loved Boston songs from a work of art into a true gem of the craft of music-making. Everything about the remix transforms this album and brings the sound alive in a way that one could never experience outside of a Boston concert. In this day of sound alike rap, hip-hop, and techno, the music of Boston stands as a beacon and an example of true muscianship and dedication to one's craft. Would that there was more music of this caliber.

The Compact Disc (CD) I ordered was delivered quickly. Packaged well & arrived with no issues. It is in brand new condition & was still sealed in its factory plastic. Flawless transaction! Great Price & Great Seller. The CD has several good songs on it & brings back a lot of good memories from my youth. Rock On! \m/

I just found out the first two Boston albums were remastered, read a few reviews, and took the plunge. I was concerned because not all remasters are made equal. Many give up proper dynamic range and "musical purity" to simply pump up the bass and the overall disk volume. Ugh. I hate those. But not here! I'll put this same review on both albums, because my review would be identical anyway. It's been said by many that Boston and Don't Look Back are meant to be listened to as a pair, and it's easy to believe with their short run times. This is a proper remaster, you can have absolutely no fear. If you're still listening to the original CDs, you can feel confident to replace them with these. If you're like me and have been listening to these albums occasionally for decades, you might find yourself realizing something. Your mind has trained itself when to cringe at certain points - the overly loud, shrill cymbol crash, organ note, or vocal peak that occasionally ruins the moment when you're really cranking it (and who can listen to a Boston album quietly?). One time I realized this was when I was jamming along to A Man I'll Never Be and caught myself cringing for that final, loud organ note...for no reason. Instead I was surprised by a nice, warm note to complement the song's crescendo, which has lost none of it's power. This happens a lot with the 2006 remasters of these two albums. They're so much more listenable, and "crankable" than before. The bass is more noticeable - not pumped up for the subwoofer crowd, but proper, tight bass that better fills the bottom end without smothering the overall sound. And that's another benefit - there is excellent separation between the instruments, so you can really get into those guitars, Brad's awesome vocals, everything; yet they still come together to make a harmonious whole. Although the bass has always been there, the back of my mind has been saying "Yeah, there's the bass, just doing it's job, nothing to see here." But when I listened to these CDs for the first time, I actually NOTICED the bass for the first time. Yes, almost 40 years later, I realize that Long Time has a simple but really groovy bass line. Buy these without fear, and expect to hear these albums like they were brand new all over again.

While I have spent hundreds of dollars collecting the very prolific bands " The Beatles", " The Rolling Stones", & " Pink Floyd " just to name a few. I was able to collect Boston a very influential epic band for a quarter or much less of the price! Boston is a band you hardly get tired of listening to, as their music & lyrics are layered & timeless! Yes, it took a long time between albums...but it was worth every year! A fine example of quality over quantity! I could go on & on about the intricacies of Boston's music! Instead, I will say gather their entire catalogue before it cost you over $100 a C.D.! Well worth every penny for any serious music library at the prices now offered!

Top Album für mich dass beste von Boston

Grande gruppo

This vinyl record is under the EPIC, MUSIC ON VINYL, SONY MUSIC label, the mastering and pressing is very good quality and it was presses at RECORD INDUSTRY in the Netherlands, the outside sleeve is done very well, good quality. A pleasure to listen to this record, I wish all records could be made like this.

Excelente producto y en perfectas condiciones

Tom Scholtz what a great talent,a master of music.