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...”
DISC TWO:
1. Ventura Highway (Dewey Bunnell)
Dewey Bunnell: “Ventura Highway” is my most cohesive song in terms of staying power and that little spark of youthful optimism and the California thing. That was inspired literally by the stretch of Pacific Coast Highway in California—Oxnard and Ventura all the way up to Santa Maria. I wrote this in England reminiscing about California and that sun and surf thing.
2. Don't Cross the River (Dan Peek)
Dewey Bunnell: “Don’t Cross The River” has that country flair. Dan (Peek) was raised in Missouri and that’s traditionally our most country-esque song
3. Daisy Jane (Gerry Beckley)
Gerry Beckley: For many years I kept a second home in East Sussex in the south of England. The song wasn’t about anybody in particular. There was a fantastic song by Nick Drake called “Hazy Jane” and that voice kind of stuck in my mind. So I think I somehow morphed that into “Daisy Jane.” There was no such person as “Daisy Jane” and I had never even been to Memphis. So it was all created in my mind as I sat at this little upright piano in this 400 year-old cottage I lived at in the south of England.
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!