Corporate America

The Zoo Crew is spinning Corporate America by Boston, a track from their 2002 album of the same name, for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song stands out as a bold departure for the band, with frontman Tom Scholz calling it the most important track on the album. Released initially under the pseudonym "Downer's Revenge" to test its appeal to younger listeners, the song's in-your-face lyrics critique big business and its impact on the world, a theme Scholz felt passionately about. In a 2002 Billboard interview, Scholz shared his determination to get the song onto college campuses, hoping to inspire future generations to challenge unrestrained corporate systems. The track hit number one on MP3.com's progressive rock charts before the album’s release, proving its resonance despite the album’s mixed critical reception.

Another layer to Corporate America’s story is its production. Scholz, known for his perfectionism, worked tirelessly in the studio, with the song featuring contributions from new band members Kimberley Dahme and Anthony Cosmo, alongside veterans like Brad Delp and Fran Cosmo. Fans on platforms like Reddit have praised the song’s energy, with some calling the album underrated despite its commercial struggles. The track’s socially charged message was a risk for Boston, a band typically known for melodic rock anthems like More Than a Feeling. Scholz’s commitment to artistic freedom, as noted in the album’s liner notes on The Band Boston Fan Site, shines through, with thanks given to Artemis Records for granting him creative control.

Boston began in the early 1970s in the basement of Tom Scholz, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. Scholz, a tinkerer and musician, built his own recording studio and crafted demos that blended progressive rock with 1960s pop influences. His meticulous approach to sound, later a hallmark of Boston’s music, caught the attention of Epic Records after years of rejection. Paired with vocalist Brad Delp, whose high-register vocals became the band’s signature, Scholz formed Boston in 1975. Their self-titled debut album in 1976, featuring hits like More Than a Feeling, became the biggest-selling debut in rock history at the time, propelled by Scholz’s innovative guitar sound and Delp’s soaring voice.

The band’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Scholz’s perfectionism led to long gaps between albums, and legal battles with record labels, including an eight-year dispute with CBS in the 1980s, tested their resilience. Despite this, Boston maintained a loyal fanbase, with Scholz inventing the Rockman amplifier to enhance their distinctive sound. The band’s lineup evolved over the years, with members like Kimberley Dahme and Anthony Cosmo joining for Corporate America. Fans continue to celebrate Boston’s legacy on platforms like boston.org and engage in discussions on the Boston Fan Club on Facebook.

Stay connected with Boston through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for updates on tours and releases. Fan communities thrive on sites like The Band Boston Fan Site and boston.org, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share stories, rare tracks, and concert memories. The Boston Fan Club on Facebook is another hub for fans to connect and keep the flame alive, as Scholz himself acknowledged in the Corporate America liner notes.