Still In Love

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some cosmic vibes as we spin "Still In Love" by Boston from their 1986 album Third Stage here at THE ZOO! This track, nestled within the medley "Can'tcha Say (You Believe in Me)/Still in Love," is a heartfelt anthem for those holding onto love through time and distance. According to the Third Stage liner notes, the song was crafted in 1983 by Tom Scholz, capturing the essence of enduring devotion with lyrics like "Ooohh, still in love with you / You know I need you baby, to stand by me." The track’s lush harmonies and soaring guitars, processed through Scholz’s innovative Rockman amplifier, create that signature Boston sound, often mistaken for violins but purely electric magic. A quirky tidbit from the album’s production: the recording process was so intense that Scholz noted the studio’s record button was pressed nearly a million times, with over 100 reels of tape filled, making "Still In Love" part of a painstaking labor of love.

Digging deeper, "Still In Love" wasn’t just a standalone piece but a seamless extension of "Can'tcha Say," recorded over 1981 to 1983. Critics like Paul Elliott from TeamRock.com praised this medley as "two great AOR songs in one," highlighting its emotional depth and Brad Delp’s stacked vocals, which give a "rock/choir effect." The song hit #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #7 on the Mainstream Rock chart, a testament to its radio appeal despite its complex origins. A wild story from the studio: Scholz faced a nightmare when a four-year-old mix of another Third Stage track got stuck due to sticky tape, nearly losing irreplaceable work. Thankfully, "Still In Love" survived the analog chaos, delivering its romantic punch to fans. Boston’s vegetarian ethos, noted in the liner notes, also shines through, with Scholz and Delp’s commitment to compassion adding a layer of soul to their music.

Let’s rewind to how Boston got its start. Founded by Tom Scholz, a mechanical engineering graduate from MIT, the band’s story began in the late 1960s when Scholz, then a Polaroid product designer, started tinkering with music in his basement studio. His obsession with sound led to years of recording demos, layering guitars, and perfecting what would become Boston’s debut album in 1976. Scholz played nearly every instrument himself, with vocalist Brad Delp joining to provide the iconic voice that defined hits like "More Than a Feeling." The self-titled debut, released after Scholz signed with Epic Records, sold over 17 million copies in the U.S., becoming one of the best-selling debut albums ever. Scholz’s blend of classical influences, 1960s pop, and multi-tracked guitar harmonies—often compared to violins—set Boston apart, with the Rockman amp he invented shaping their crystalline sound.

Boston’s journey wasn’t without turbulence. After their second album, Don’t Look Back in 1978, legal battles with Epic Records delayed Third Stage for eight years, during which Scholz fought for creative control. Only Scholz and Delp remained from the original lineup by 1986, with drummer Jim Masdea and guitarist Gary Pihl contributing to "Still In Love." The band’s meticulous approach, driven by Scholz’s perfectionism, meant Third Stage was crafted over six years amid studio floods and power failures. Despite the gaps between albums, Boston has sold over 75 million records worldwide, cementing their legacy as arena rock pioneers.

Connect with Boston’s cosmic voyage online! Check out their official website at bandboston.com for tour info and news. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates, though their X account is less active. Fans can dive into the community at The Band Boston Fan Site, packed with lyrics, forums, and chat rooms, or visit thirdstage.ca for deep dives into Boston’s music since 1999. Join the Boston Fanatics Facebook group to share your love for the band’s timeless sound. Keep rocking, Zoo Freaks, and stay tuned for more vinyl vibes from the Zoo Crew!