Aside from the occasional moments when I find myself tuned into the local classic rock station, and songs such as “A Horse With No Name” or “Ventura Highway” come floating out of my stereo’s speakers, America is not a band I would claim to have been familiar with on a day-to-day basis. Until now, that is.
In the two weeks or so since I’ve been able to listen to their new 2CD release Here and Now, the days that I listen to it far outnumber the days I do not. Perhaps my unfamiliarity with the band is due to the twenty-plus years that has passed since they released a new major label studio album. Perhaps. Then again, that hasn’t stopped me from listening to The Beatles - much. More likely is that I’d mentally labeled them as something belonging to the limbo of the classic rock discount rack.
Whether it is because they teamed up with the decidedly current and talented team of Adam Schlesinger (of Fountains of Wayne) and James Iha (of The Smashing Pumpkins) as producers to help them record the 12 new songs featured on Disc 01 of this release, or that they were finally ready and more than capable to lay down another chapter in their Rock N’ Roll storybook — the end result was an album I sincerely believe will do very well upon its January 2007 release.
“James and I are honored to be working with Gerry and Dewey,” Adam Schlesinger explains in the official press release that accompanied my copy of the album. “They write timeless songs and they are phenomenal singers and musicians.”
Mentioning that he and Iha had a blast working with Beckley and Bunnell in the studio, he also adds that the experience was doubly rewarding as they were able to bug them for George Martin stories in between song takes. George Martin, famed producer of The Beatles, produced the bulk of America’s hits.
Did you read that? I consider myself a semi-decent devotee of all things related to The Beatles, and I didn’t know they shared a producer with America until I began to research the band for this review. This is why I joined Blogcritics — to expand my music knowledge.
In addition to Schlesinger and Iha, special guests appearing on Here and Now include: Ryan Adams, who plays on “Ride On”; Ben Kweller, who joins Jim James and Patrick Hallahan (of My Morning Jacket) on a cover of “Golden”; and Ira Elliot and Matthew Caws (of Nada Surf) join the group on their own rendition of Nada Surf’s “Always Love.”
Article comments
1 - Vern Halen
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.
2 - Moser
Well written review. Thanks.
Here's hoping millions of people agree with you.
Moser
Macedon, NY
3 - Lynn
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.
4 - Michael Jones
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.
5 - Luo Lee
I buy and sell your albums from eboy. Shirts, hats or anything America
6 - Dee
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!
7 - H Cogswell Jacksonville, FL
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?
8 - DC
Can anybody please tell me what ever happened to Dan Peek?
9 - Michael Jones
He's still around and still recording. Check out his website for more info: Dan Peek
10 - Rick
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!
11 - Gary
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.
12 - lady from the moutain
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.
13 - alessandra
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
14 - John Tarallo
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.
15 - Mike Willey
'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.
16 - Daufhin Thorndike
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.
17 - P. Nielsen
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.
18 - Jay Moore
Much like one other comment, I listened to this album several times on Rhapsody and just two days ago finally bought it.
Listening to this takes me right back to the 70's when America was such a huge part of my musical listening. If not mistaken, I believe "Hat Trick" was the first ablum Martin produced for them and I was very surprised as I knew he was considered the "fifth Beatle".
This is such a great CD for anyone of any age to listen to. Just as Dan Fogelber did, America has come full circle. Thank you guys!