DU Album of the Day: "Boston" Boston

Love it? Hate it? Loved it then hated it? Loved it, hated it, and loved it again? Still hate it? There's no denying the eponymous debut album from Boston provided THE rock sound track during the latter part of the 1970s. If you were in the quad at college in those days, Boston was likely blaring from one of the windows as you tossed the Frisbee around (aka "studying" on a sunny spring-time weekend afternoon).

In an album full of big dumb hooks (not meant unkindly), the songs present a panoply of rock music standards almost to the point of cliché. The pitfall is avoided through a combination of superior musicianship (thanks to front man Tom Scholz' legendary perfectionism) and catchy lyrics, just cryptic enough to warrant close listening. This is rock as it's meant to be: By turns muscular and contemplative, free-wheeling and disciplined. Fun to play and fun to listen to, with subtle layers waiting to be discovered by the knowledgeable listener.

1 More Than a Feeling
2 Peace of Mind
3 Foreplay/Long Time
4 Rock & Roll Band
5 Smokin'
6 Hitch a Ride
7 Something About You
8 Let Me Take You Home Tonight