Music Review: America - Here and Now
Published January 02, 2007
Rather than break down and give you my own pitiful words concerning each of the 12 new tracks that comprise Disc 01 of this release -- or the 12 tracks of Disc 02 consisting of a live concert filled with some of their greatest hits -- I’m going to allow you to read the artist’s own. Afterwards, of course, I’ll babble for a bit as I am prone to do.
DISC ONE:
1. Chasing The Rainbow (Gerry Beckley)
Gerry Beckley: Although the song appears light in message, I tried to touch on some deeper things. The song’s about how we’re always looking for something better. I used that analogy about chasin’ the rainbow and how you never quite get there. In constructing the song, I made a conscious effort to build a song in a typical America form. It’s an acoustic song and I used a pretty signature opening guitar lick. So in that sense it was kind of written by design.
2. Indian Summer (Mark Rozzo; additional lyrics by Dewey Bunnell)
Dewey Bunnell: “Indian Summer” is by this young band called Maplewood. It’s a very apropos choice for a cover song in conjunction with our sound because it lends itself very much to our vocal harmonies and the imagery in the lyric is very visual; it kind of has a “Ventura Highway” vibe. It’s always different for me to sing someone else’s song and interpret their lyrics. But this song was similar to one that I’d write. It was very descriptive of an Indian summer. I added two more lines to the third verse, “reflections on the sea,” “fireflies on the lawn.”
3. One Chance (Gerry Beckley)
Gerry Beckley: “One Chance” is a song I wrote quite a few years ago. In submitting an abundance of material to Adam (Schlesinger) and James (Iha), I’m so glad that they managed to dig this out. It shows you that you sometimes need to mine all the little things you have lying around. And it just may be my favorite song on the whole record. It has a pretty straight forward theme which touches on, “do we really only get this one chance in life?” and how important that is in building relationships.
4. Golden (Jim James)
Gerry Beckley: I’ve been a fan of My Morning Jacket for quite a while. “Golden” comes from the group’s It Still Moves album. It’s a beautiful song that we felt we could really do justice to and I hope that’s the case. We were very fortunate to be able to find in them people that were fans of ours. Jim James, who wrote it and the group’s drummer, Patrick Hallahan, came in and played on it.
Dewey Bunnell: “Golden” is an interesting song. It grew on me. This album in general needs a couple of listens because there’s a lot going on. “Golden” feels like an old dust bowl depression-era song. As a writer you write for your own voice. When I sing that song it feels like a different voice of mine that I’m getting to use.
- Music Review: America - Here and Now
- Published: January 02, 2007
- Type: Review
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Rock, Music: Live Concerts, Music: Classic Rock and Oldies, Review
- Writer: Michael Jones
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Comments on this articleComments
Well written review. Thanks.
Here's hoping millions of people agree with you.
Moser
Macedon, NY
I never let go of America from the time they were new and I was in high school, but this is some of their best work ever. This music ought to bring back some old fans, and (I hope) find some new ones for a group that has been under the radar for way too long.
It sure found me. The more I listen to this album the more I wonder why I'd so simply dismissed America as something that wasn't "my taste" in music, before. Ah well.
I won't make that mistake anymore.
I buy and sell your albums from eboy. Shirts, hats or anything America
America's release party was sponsored by Lyric Jeans www.LyricCulture.com which has a line of designer clothing featuring Sister Golden Hair and Horse with no Name. Really awesome!
A pity that you would have to buy this from 2 locations to get the bonus tracks though....
Glass King, and Saturday Sky. Why not give us the FULL album, guys?
Can anybody please tell me what ever happened to Dan Peek?
He's still around and still recording. Check out his website for more info: Dan Peek
I couldn't wait for the release of HERE and NOW. I got an advanced copy of the 3 song min cd from a DJ in November and yesterday, finally purchased the full length CD! What an album! It is so good to see the younger folks rightfully respecting AMERICA as musical heroes. I was invited to the concert that produced the live recording but could not make it, unfortunately....
The voices of Dewey and Gerry are still remarkable. Goosebumps after all these years!
Came across America's Christmas CD awhile ago and listen to it every year (I recommend it). But like many others I've forgotten about America for 30 years. My curiousity got to me and a little web surfing led me to their new release by chance. It's a strong release and I hope it gets some recognition. For real fans, check out their web site soon and request an autographed CD booklet.
these guys are musical wizards...this cd is as awesome as their first.
Just as fine wine-they are getting better with age... rock on...or shall I say .........."ride on"......HA
I am glad that America is still around and still showing the young kids what real music is and talent.
I remember the first album and I was 16 at that time! now listening to the new one I still feel 16 years old !!!!! That's fantastic thaks to you guys.... Alessadra from Milan Italy......
hope to see you in my country as soon as possible!!!!! ciaooooo
I wish the whole world had more exposure to these guys. Fantastic music all the way around. Lets forget about the Britneys of the shallow current music scene and give more credit to real musicans that are timeless!-J.T.
'71/'72 was a magical time for me, having just entered high school and purchased America's first LP. Every new one after was a special event and my own guitar playing developed through listening to them. I lost interest when Dan Peek left- just not the same. 'Here and Now' has me all caught up in it again. Some real hit material here.
I find myself really enjoying the live versions of their "hits" on the second cd more than the original recordings. The sound for one is exceptional. Whoever mixed this live recording did a phenomonal job. Additionally, The songs themselves come off much stronger here aS well. The arrangements are tighter and more cohesive, and each song has a vitality and energy lacking in the original studio recordings. Though the absence of Dan Peek is a noticeable loss, America has never sounded better.
Bought Here&Now a few weeks ago. A very pleasant surprice; strong songs as well as top notch production.
And yes, I did know that George Martin have produced a string of their records; I have most of them on vinyl and I believe that their latest record is close to the best they have ever put out.
Right from the start America was a big name here in Denmark where I live; you frequently come across their old records in record shops here and in Germany, England and Sweden.
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Funny thing - I never listened to America til I got hold of their 4 CD box set a few years back - I too was surprised to see George Martin's name there. And they've been produced by FOW's Adam S!?!?! This is the must track down album for this year I'd think.