I Think I Like It

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with some cosmic trivia about "I Think I Like It" from Boston's stellar Third Stage album, as spun by your favorite hippie DJs at THE ZOO! This track, released in 1986, is a hidden gem that captures the band's signature sound with a twist. According to liner notes from the album, "I Think I Like It" is a rewrite of a rocker originally composed by John English over 13 years earlier, reimagined by Tom Scholz with fresh energy. The song features a dynamic guitar duel between Scholz and Gary Pihl, trading leads that give it a live, electrifying feel. Fans on SongMeanings have called it an "underappreciated gem," praising its straightforward lyrics about personal transformation and newfound clarity. The recording process was no walk in the park—Scholz's perfectionism meant years of tweaking, with over 100 reels of tape used for Third Stage, as noted on gonna hitch a ride. One quirky studio tale involves Scholz operating tape decks with his foot while blasting chords through a tiny amplifier, a testament to his hands-on approach.

Another layer of intrigue comes from the album's all-analog production, a bold choice in the digital-heavy '80s. The Third Stage liner notes reveal a chaotic moment when a four-year-old mix of "Cool The Engines" got stuck due to sticky tape, nearly losing irreplaceable tracks. For "I Think I Like It," the band avoided synthesizers, relying instead on Scholz's Rockman processor to craft those iconic, violin-like guitar tones. Fans on Boston Fans (Facebook group) often rave about how this track's uplifting chorus and layered harmonies reflect the album's theme of life's stages. The song's message of embracing change resonated with listeners, with one Last.fm commenter noting it "inspired me for years!" This track, though not a chart-topper like "Amanda," remains a fan favorite for its raw energy and introspective vibe.

Now, let's rewind to how Boston got its start, born from the genius of Tom Scholz. A Toledo, Ohio native, Scholz was a rock fan who balanced his passion with serious brainpower, earning a master's degree in mechanical engineering from MIT. While working at Polaroid, he built a 12-track home studio in his basement, where he and vocalist Brad Delp crafted demos that caught Epic Records' attention in 1975. Scholz, a multi-instrumentalist, played nearly every part on their debut album, Boston, which became the biggest-selling debut in rock history at the time, with hits like "More Than a Feeling." His engineering chops shone through, inventing the Rockman amplifier that shaped Boston's lush, harmonized guitar sound. Despite lineup changes, Scholz remained the band's core, with Delp's soaring vocals defining their style until his passing in 2007. Boston's perfectionist approach—sometimes taking eight years between albums—cemented their legacy as arena rock pioneers.

Stay connected with Boston through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest news and tour updates. Fans can dive deeper at gonna hitch a ride, a dedicated fan site with lyrics, forums, and tour info, or thirdstage.ca, a treasure trove of Boston history since 1999. Join fellow Zoo Freaks in the Boston Fans or Boston Rock Band Fanpage Facebook groups to share your love for the band. For a live fix, check out Third Stage: A Tribute to Boston, a Washington-based tribute band that nails the classic sound. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!