Something About You / A Man I'll Never Be / Smokin’ (Live 1977)

The Zoo Crew is spinning some classic tracks tonight, and the Zoo Freaks are loving the vibes from Boston's "Something About You / A Man I'll Never Be / Smokin’ (Live 1977)." Let’s dive into some trivia about these songs. "Something About You," from Boston’s 1976 debut album, is a heartfelt track written by Tom Scholz, showcasing the band’s signature layered guitars and soaring vocals from Brad Delp. It’s a deep cut that captures the emotional complexity of love, often overshadowed by hits like "More Than a Feeling." Meanwhile, "A Man I’ll Never Be," from the 1978 album Don’t Look Back, is a poignant ballad penned by Scholz, reflecting on unattainable ideals and personal shortcomings, with Delp’s vocals hitting emotional peaks. Fans on Reddit have noted its introspective lyrics resonate deeply, making it a standout for those who dig into Boston’s catalog. "Smokin’," also from the debut album, is a high-energy rocker co-written by Scholz and Delp, originally titled "Shakin’" when performed by Scholz’s earlier band, Mother’s Milk, in 1973. According to Songfacts, its 4:20 runtime and lyrics like "just keep on tokin’" have led fans to interpret it as a nod to marijuana culture, though Scholz intended it as a celebration of music’s liberating power. The live 1977 version, featured in the Permission to Land release, captures Boston’s raw energy, with a blistering guitar solo and Delp’s commanding performance, often used to close their shows, as noted by fans in Songfacts comments.

Another cool tidbit comes from the recording process of the debut album, which includes "Something About You" and "Smokin’." Scholz, a perfectionist with an MIT engineering degree, recorded most of the album in his basement studio, fooling Epic Records into thinking the band was working in a fancy Los Angeles studio. Wikipedia details how Scholz played nearly all instruments except drums, with Sib Hashian on "Smokin’," while guitarist Barry Goudreau and bassist Fran Sheehan didn’t contribute to the track. This DIY approach, combined with Scholz’s innovative use of his Rockman guitar processor, gave Boston their distinctive sound. Posts on X highlight that Boston was essentially Scholz and Delp’s brainchild, with the band formed later to tour. The live 1977 recording of these tracks, including a setlist from a Cleveland show broadcast by WMMS radio, as mentioned on UNM’s Boston FAQ, shows how the band brought their studio magic to the stage, selling out arenas like Madison Square Garden.

Now, let’s talk about how Boston got started. Tom Scholz, the mastermind behind the band, was a Polaroid product designer by day and a musician by night in the late 1960s Boston music scene. With a master’s degree from MIT, Scholz’s technical prowess shaped his approach to music. He began writing and recording demos in his apartment basement, initially with singer Brad Delp, under the band name Mother’s Milk. Despite rejections from major labels, Scholz’s persistence paid off when their demo tape landed with CBS-owned Epic Records in 1975. Epic signed them, but Scholz resisted pressure to record in a professional studio, instead meticulously crafting the debut album at home. Released in 1976, the self-titled Boston album, featuring hits like "More Than a Feeling" and "Smokin’," sold over 17 million copies in the U.S., becoming one of the fastest-selling debuts in rock history, per Wikipedia. Scholz recruited Delp, drummer Sib Hashian, guitarist Barry Goudreau, and bassist Fran Sheehan to form the touring band, cementing Boston’s place in rock lore.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Boston, check out their official website for tour dates and merch. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, though the band keeps a low social media profile, focusing on music over flash. Fans can dive into discussions on the Boston (Band) Fan Group on Facebook, where diehards share memories and rare live clips. Another great spot is Boston.org, a fan-run site with detailed discographies and FAQs, perfect for geeking out over Scholz’s production techniques. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the Zoo Crew’s playlist, Boston’s timeless sound keeps the rock ‘n’ roll spirit alive.