Music Review: America - Here and Now
Published January 02, 2007
See? I’m not sure I could have as gracefully discussed each of these tracks in quite the same way as Beckley and Bunnell so wonderfully do themselves.
What I am able to do, however, is tell you I completely and whole-heartedly have come to love and embrace this CD as I add it into my ever-growing collection. Surprisingly, to me at least, I very rarely play the disc containing America’s greatest hits. While they are amazing songs, I find myself gravitating to the new material.
That is the magic of this album, for me. Hopefully it will be magic many of you get a chance to experience for yourself. From the lovely guitar chords that open “Chasing the Rainbow,” the soft beauty of the vocals on “One Chance,” the rollicking rock-and-rhythm of guitars that make up the melody on “Ride On,” to the closing harmonies of “Walk in the Woods” — ah, it’s all wonderful.
I love every note, every chord, and every vocal on this album. America the Beautiful, you say? America's Here and Now is just as beautiful, I think.
- 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.