Mean Woman Blues

The song "Mean Woman Blues" from Barry Goudreau's self-titled 1980 solo album is a high-energy rocker that showcases his guitar prowess and the vocal talents of Brad Delp, a fellow Boston bandmate. According to a 2003 interview with Classic Rock Revisited, Goudreau recorded the album during a hiatus from Boston, when band leader Tom Scholz was embroiled in legal battles with their label. Goudreau had written several songs, including "Mean Woman Blues," hoping they’d make it onto Boston’s next album, but Scholz wasn’t interested, prompting Goudreau to pursue a solo project. The track, with its driving rhythm and frenetic guitar leads, was noted by Record World as a “powerhouse rocker,” capturing the raw energy that Zoo Freaks would vibe to on THE ZOO radio station.

Another tidbit about "Mean Woman Blues" comes from its recording process, which Goudreau discussed in a thirdstage.ca interview. He worked closely with Delp and drummer Sib Hashian, also from Boston, to create a sound that echoed Boston’s melodic hard rock style. The album’s producer, John Boylan, who had co-produced Boston’s debut, helped shape the track’s polished yet gritty edge. While the song didn’t chart as high as the album’s single “Dreams,” it became a fan favorite for its raw attitude, perfect for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, free-spirited playlists. Unfortunately, no specific social media posts from Goudreau’s current accounts on Facebook, Instagram, or X directly reference "Mean Woman Blues," as his posts tend to focus on recent projects like his band Engine Room or tributes to Delp.

Barry Goudreau’s journey into music began in Boston, Massachusetts, where he was born on November 29, 1951. As detailed on his official website, Goudreau’s love for music sparked early, inspired by rock ‘n’ roll on WMEX, Boston’s rock station, and TV performances by Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison. He was particularly drawn to the guitar, recalling in a Music Museum of New England bio how he’d stand in the backseat of his mother’s ’59 Plymouth, jumping to the music. His parents, skeptical he’d stick with it, initially borrowed an acoustic guitar from a friend when he was 11. By 13, Goudreau was playing in his first band, the Tornadoes, and by 15, he joined another with future Boston drummer Sib Hashian, gigging at nightclubs up to seven nights a week.

Goudreau’s big break came after enrolling at Boston University to study geology, a path he chose after realizing a career in oil or government wasn’t for him. Music pulled him back, and during his sophomore year, he played in a cover band called Random Sample. Through an ad in The Boston Phoenix, he met Tom Scholz, then a recent MIT graduate, who joined as a keyboardist. Their collaboration evolved into Boston, with Goudreau contributing guitar to the band’s 1976 debut, which became the fastest-selling debut album at the time. His work with Boston, followed by solo and other projects like Orion the Hunter and RTZ, solidified his legacy, which Zoo Freaks celebrate when spinning tracks like "Mean Woman Blues."

Fans of Goudreau can connect with him through his official website, where he shares updates on his music and Engine Room project. His Facebook page features posts about live performances and tributes to Brad Delp, while his Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of his gigs. On X, he engages with fans about his latest shows and classic rock nostalgia. Fan communities include the Barry Goudreau Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks and others share memories and discuss his discography. Additionally, Bandsintown provides concert updates, and Music Museum of New England hosts a detailed bio for diehard supporters.