Music Review: America - Here and Now
Published January 02, 2007
9. This Time (Dewey Bunnell/Gerry Beckley)
Dewey Bunnell: “This Time” is a real interesting song; it’s a little out of the norm for me at least. It’s got kind of a show tune feel. I wrote the lyrics and Gerry wrote the music. The theme of this one lyrically is the traveling salesman once again hitting the road and saying goodbye to his wife and this time he’s gonna make it. You’re not sure what he’s selling but he’s getting on the train to head out and make his fortune for the umpteenth time.
Gerry Beckley: When I’ve been writing with Dewey lately I will build a variety of tracks for him to take back to his house and listen to see what he hears and which songs inspire him. “This Time” came about in that kind of collaboration. He completely created the scenario and it’s almost a movie. As we were recording the song, James (Iha), one of our producers was envisioning the video. The lyric is a wonderful story about, “‘We’re gonna get it right, this time.”
10. Work To Do (Adam Schlesinger)
Gerry Beckley: I had been emailing Adam (Schlesinger) back and forth for about a year and a half, sending songs and getting his comments. That really was the genesis of this whole project. At one point, I said, “Where do you think we take this from here?” Adam said, “I think we ought to cut a couple of things and see how it goes.”
We felt that if I was gonna come to New York to cut a couple of things that we should do one of mine and one of his. We picked “Work To Do” as a very strong example of a good Fountains Of Wayne type of song. It has very strong pop elements and a great lyric. We were trying to make that link with our two bands and “Work To Do” is a good example of that.
11. All I Think About Is You (Gerry Beckley)
Gerry Beckley: “All I Think About Is You” is another song of mine that had been around for years. In a very bizarre twist this song was covered man many years ago when Bill Mumy was producing Wild Man Fischer. A couple of pivotal albums for me were the first McCartney solo album and After The Gold Rush by Neil Young.
There’s something about the home constructed-ness of both of those albums that really made a mark on me for a long time in my songwriting. In “All I Think About Is You” I really wanted to try and capture that. We intentionally kept that song as simple as possible.
12. Walk In The Woods (Dewey Bunnell)
Dewey Bunnell: “Walk In The Woods” is my most personal song on the album. It’s purely inspired by my new life here in the woods in Wisconsin with my wife and my daughter. It’s another of my outdoor-y type songs about walking in the woods. (Recites lyrics) “Would it matter to you if we just took a walk to see where this trail leads to...”
- 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
- Michael Jones's BC Writer page
- Michael Jones's personal site
- Spread the Word
- Like this article?
- Email this
Save to del.icio.us
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.
Add your comment, speak your mind
(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/57658)
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.