Music Review: America - Here and Now
Published January 02, 2007
5. Always Love (Matthew Caws)
Gerry Beckley: “Always Love” was written by Matthew Caws, the lead singer and writer in Nada Surf. “Always Love” was quite a big independent hit. To be honest, the only thing in question about this song was we wondered if it had been too big of a hit. It had been used on Laguna Beach and a few other high visibility places on television. But we really loved the song.
This album wasn’t going to be a project where we picked a ton of outside material; we wanted it to really be mostly self penned stuff. But we felt that there was gonna be room for some carefully selected songs. “Always Love” was a very strong song. In Nada Surf’s version it was quite a bit heavy. I thought the song was strong enough on its own that it didn’t have to have the power chords. If we brought it back and substituted some of that with vocal harmonies and acoustic guitars that it would be equally as strong and probably a bit more signature America.
6. Ride On (Dewey Bunnell/Adam Schlesinger)
Dewey Bunnell: “Ride On” is the closest thing to a rocker for me on this album. Ryan Adams plays a real retro guitar on it and Ben Kweller plays a little electric piano ala Ray Manzarek of The Doors. I also do a solo at the end; it’s my only electric solo on the record. “Ride On” is a retro sounding song that has a Sixties psychedelic feel.
Adam added some “sha la la’s” vocal pad things to the pre-chorus that drew it into a little more of a pop vein from it being just a jam song. The theme is about pushing on. (Recites lyrics) “Ride on into the driving rain and if your journey should end in the promised land be sure to speak with a voice loud and true.” It’s a rallying song.
7. Love And Leaving (Gerry Beckley/Bill Mumy)
Gerry Beckley: Bill Mumy is one of our oldest friends and he’s become one of my favorite collaborators. He’s more of a lyricist. In the case of “Love And Leaving” it’s a song that I had that I really liked but was in desperate need of some help in finishing it. Bill came on board and provided priceless help in completing the song. I almost thought “Love And Leaving” would be a good album title because so often a lot of my songs are about one or the other.
8. Look At Me Now (Gerry Beckley)
Gerry Beckley: “Look At Me Now” is somewhat tongue in cheek. It’s a about a guy who has broken up with a girl and he’s really not doing very well at all. But he’s trying to have that conversation with his ex saying, “Hey, look how great I’m doin’. I’m shining my shirt. I’ve ironed my shoes.”
- 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.