Do not name your band after a town, that is if there are still bands to be named here in 2012 and not just random accumulations of individuals intent on careers winning 'get me out of here' or 'dancing' or for that matter 'masterchef'.
Back in 1976 there were still bands and the urge to be in bands and do band things, but there was also the first opportunity to be but not to be, to make the music but stay in your basement. This was the personal choice, and there's nothing ostensibly wrong with it, of Tom Sholtz who lead a band that was not a band called Boston, a man who would describe the music industry as 'alright if it wasn't run by drug addicts and businessmen', longtime vegetarian and supporter of many a worthy cause who certainly knew one wah wah peddle from another (he went on to make them).
You'd know Boston couldn't really be a band because they spend the first half of the sleeve notes to their debut album explaining just how much of a real band they are, and as usual, the lady doth speak volumes. It is clear that they are distinctly bedroom orientated, and by that I mean sitting with your mates in their bedroom listening to it in preference to more carnal activities. They even write songs (track one side two) about being in a rock band. On the second album, they proclaim 'No Synthesizers and No Computers' as a last grab for authenticity.
The first record, which sold more albums than any other in 1976, also says a lot, especially about your Hi Fi system. Mine leapt for joy at this perfect test for it's fidelity, not a crackle or pop came from this mint 12"relic saved for £1 from e-bay, and it was time for me to lie back and indulge in the first two albums of Boston's hooklines in melodious rock. I have been there many a time before.
Unfortunately after 'More than a Feeling', a song to blame for many a youngster leaving parties in Dumfries with the realization there must be something better in the world than that (and also realising they mustn't call their band 'Dunfries') Julie said it was too loud. I said 'It's supposed to be loud' which in retrospect, sounds amazingly lame, like I was...fourteen. The album is amazing, but it is not rock music, it is a musical step to post rock music, it is, indeed, a milestone in not making rock music that sounds better than rock music does.
See similarly Frampton Comes Alive and Thin Lizzy's Live and Dangerous. Yep, it's time for me to face those demons one by one, no mercy at all.
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