Don't Look Back

I find it hard to believe, now, that the first time I heard music from Boston I didn't like it. What I heard first was their first album, self-titled "Boston", which is, I think a slightly stronger album than this, their second album. Looking back I'm sure that at least part of the reason that I didn't like Boston's sound was simply because it was so different. There was nothing in rock'n'roll even vaguely like the sound Tom Scholz's had conjured up in his basement. It didn't take me long to learn to appreciate the music, but it sure was strange at first. Now Boston is one one of my favorite rock'n'roll bands of all time due, in large part, to Tom's guitar theatrics. Actually, that's the wrong word to describe his guitar playing,Jimi Hendrix was theatrical, Tom Scholz is simply magic. I think that his work is too often under-rated, probably because there is so little of it. To me, though, there is simply nothing to compare to the glittering glissandos that he seems to bring forth in effortless endless profusion. Combine the very tight overall musicianship of the band, Brad Delp's unforgettable vocals, and lyrics that still, in many cases, speak as much to the social issues of today as they did when written some thirty years ago, and you have an unbeatable combination. The melody of "A Man I'll Never Be" is insanely complex for a rock'n'roll song, which is probably why (along with its six and one-half minute length) that it never got very high on the pop music charts. Tom Scholz is all over the frets on his guitar and is coaxing every bit of feeling he can get out of it. When one realizes that he plays no chords throughout this song his mastery of his instrument is truly apparent. He is, to me, in the same class as Eric Clapton, Duane Alman, Gary Moore, and Roger McGuinn when it comes to a short list of the best rock'n'roll guitarists of all time. But he doesn't do it by himself. Boston was, until their breakup over legal issues with their record label, one of those bands in which each member can be considered a master of his instrument, whether it's Brad Delp and his voice, or Fran Sheehan and his bass, Sib Hashian banging away on the drums , or Barry Goudreau's wonderful rhythm and second lead guitar. Together they were far more than the sum of their parts as one can tell when listening to any of their various solo efforts or work with other bands. It was a magic combination such as happens once in a generation or less. What makes Boston's music even more special is that the vast majority of what one hears on the albums was composed and performed by just Tom Scholz and Brad Delp. They had little help making their music, except for some lead guitar by Barry Goudreau and drums by Jim Masdea. It wasn't until the first album was sold to CBS that a real band was put together to produce the Boston sound. Thus, the folks playing up on stage are not only playing some of the most complex rock music ever conceived, they played it note perfect every time, so that Boston's live sound was as close to the album sound as it's possible to get. The remastering that Tom Scholz did for this re-issue is simply remarkable. The richness of Brad Delp's voice on all the songs, but particularly on "A Man I'll Never Be"' has to be heard to be believed. The remix has transformed one of my best-loved Boston songs from a work of art into a true gem of the craft of music-making. Everything about the remix transforms this album and brings the sound alive in a way that one could never experience outside of a Boston concert. In this day of sound alike rap, hip-hop, and techno, the music of Boston stands as a beacon and an example of true muscianship and dedication to one's craft. Would that there was more music of this caliber.

The Compact Disc (CD) I ordered was delivered quickly. Packaged well & arrived with no issues. It is in brand new condition & was still sealed in its factory plastic. Flawless transaction! Great Price & Great Seller. The CD has several good songs on it & brings back a lot of good memories from my youth. Rock On! \m/

I just found out the first two Boston albums were remastered, read a few reviews, and took the plunge. I was concerned because not all remasters are made equal. Many give up proper dynamic range and "musical purity" to simply pump up the bass and the overall disk volume. Ugh. I hate those. But not here! I'll put this same review on both albums, because my review would be identical anyway. It's been said by many that Boston and Don't Look Back are meant to be listened to as a pair, and it's easy to believe with their short run times. This is a proper remaster, you can have absolutely no fear. If you're still listening to the original CDs, you can feel confident to replace them with these. If you're like me and have been listening to these albums occasionally for decades, you might find yourself realizing something. Your mind has trained itself when to cringe at certain points - the overly loud, shrill cymbol crash, organ note, or vocal peak that occasionally ruins the moment when you're really cranking it (and who can listen to a Boston album quietly?). One time I realized this was when I was jamming along to A Man I'll Never Be and caught myself cringing for that final, loud organ note...for no reason. Instead I was surprised by a nice, warm note to complement the song's crescendo, which has lost none of it's power. This happens a lot with the 2006 remasters of these two albums. They're so much more listenable, and "crankable" than before. The bass is more noticeable - not pumped up for the subwoofer crowd, but proper, tight bass that better fills the bottom end without smothering the overall sound. And that's another benefit - there is excellent separation between the instruments, so you can really get into those guitars, Brad's awesome vocals, everything; yet they still come together to make a harmonious whole. Although the bass has always been there, the back of my mind has been saying "Yeah, there's the bass, just doing it's job, nothing to see here." But when I listened to these CDs for the first time, I actually NOTICED the bass for the first time. Yes, almost 40 years later, I realize that Long Time has a simple but really groovy bass line. Buy these without fear, and expect to hear these albums like they were brand new all over again.

I was 9 years old when I first heard Boston, and the first side of that LP with More than a Feeling, Peace of Mind, and Long Time. One of my friends played it on a turntable back in 1976, brand new album vinyl and all that fresh from the record store. I was turned inside out. Then Don't Look Back was out on the radio, the song. I remember listening to the song day after day on the radio. I had no money for records but wow did I love that song. I didn't even know there was an album; and I may not have known it was Boston, I was so young. Years later I remember reading the Rolling Stone Record Guide, the first one, and it gave "Boston" 3 stars and "Don't Look Back" 2 stars. I felt so empty about it, having loved the music so much. I have to say I don't listen to Rolling Stone any more. I have to say I could prove to you that Boston was the greatest band of them all. They were the happiest, even their bluesy stuff is joyful, just beautiful. A Man I'll Never Be is one of the greatest ballads of all. The band is always totally interesting in its recorded sound. I know that it all started at MIT when Tom Scholtz was recording in his basement what would later be two absolutely brilliant records. This record is non-stop excitement. If you love guitars, this has everything, virtuosity included and big sound. It's like you're front row. It brings tears knowing that the worst tragedy was losing Brad Delp a few years ago. The band rocks out and never lets up in its energy or symbiotic madness. Buy this, it won't disappoint ever.

While I have spent hundreds of dollars collecting the very prolific bands " The Beatles", " The Rolling Stones", & " Pink Floyd " just to name a few. I was able to collect Boston a very influential epic band for a quarter or much less of the price! Boston is a band you hardly get tired of listening to, as their music & lyrics are layered & timeless! Yes, it took a long time between albums...but it was worth every year! A fine example of quality over quantity! I could go on & on about the intricacies of Boston's music! Instead, I will say gather their entire catalogue before it cost you over $100 a C.D.! Well worth every penny for any serious music library at the prices now offered!

...it sounds like leftovers from the 1st album (Which is EXACTLY what it IS!!!) It's not bad but I think that it's not as good as it could be...There are a few gems on here but there are a few songs that definitely would have been better off either not released or put on the 1st album. This is the last album that Boston would record with the original lineup: Tom Scholz on Guitar, Barry Goudreau on Guitar, Brad Delp on Vocals, Sib Hashian on Drums, and Fran Sheehan on Bass. The Music: Don't Look Back- A nice melodic rocker to open the album. I like the guitar opening a lot The Journey- A nice relaxing instrumental. It's Easy- This is one of the tracks that could have been better unreleased or on the 1st album. Not that good IMO A Man I'll Never Be- Best song on the album! This is Boston at their most passionate. I think that this may be one of their best songs overall! Feelin' Satisfied- This song is similar to Rock n' Roll Band from the debut album, but I think this one's much better! Party- Just like "It's Easy"...a harder song that just fills the disc's space... Used to Bad News- The last good song on the album. I love this one! Don't Be Afraid- sounds like tracks 3 & 6... Verdict: If you enjoyed the 1st album and don't mind more of that sound, then get this. If you liked the first on but want something different from Boston, then get Walk On or Corporate America. If you're new to Boston, get the debut album or Walk On...both are better than this one.

This is one of the best albums ever made in the Rock History!

Works great.

Grande gruppo

Excelente producto y en perfectas condiciones

Tom Scholtz what a great talent,a master of music.

Don't Look Back es mi álbum preferido de Boston y tengo varias ediciones de él, 1ª edición CD, CD Mastersound en oro del año 93, remasterizado del 2.006 y vinilo americano reprensado en los 80. Tengo que decir que esta edición en LP editada por Friday Music es excelente. La carpeta es exacta a la original, se abre donde se pueden ver fotos del grupo y los créditos del álbum, con una calidad de impresión magnífica. El LP está prensado en vinilo transparente, lo cual lo hace lucir mucho, y la etiqueta (galleta) es exacta a la original de Epic de los 70, en color naranja y con el logo antiguo. En cuanto al sonido, es la mejor edición del álbum que tengo, es un placer escuchar Don't Look Back con esta calidad, con su dinámica intacta, donde cada instrumento se distingue perfectamente y en su sitio y además, al estar prensado por RTI (que junto con Pallas son para mi gusto las mejoresfábricas de prensadode discos de vinilo) y en vinilo virgen de 180 grms, no sólo da un sonido excelente, este disco es extremadamente silencioso, nada de "clicks" ni "pops", ni en elsilencio entre pistas. Lo recomiendo sin reservas para los fans de Boston y todoaquel a quien le guste este álbum.

Another great album from Boston