4. I Need You (Gerry Beckley)
Gerry Beckley: “I Need You” was one of the first songs I ever wrote. At the time I sensed it was special. I was listening to a lot of John’s Lennon’s first solo album, Plastic Ono Band, and it was incredibly simple. I remember wanting to write a song with that kind of simplicity to it. I got quite lucky with that one. It was a very successful song for us.
5. Tin Man (Dewey Bunnell)
Dewey Bunnell: “Tin Man” is kind of a hodgepodge of lyrical imagery. Usually when I write a song some single line inspires me. I have always loved The Wizard Of Oz. The basic premise that everyone has a brain or a heart or courage is that line, “Oz never did give nothing to the tin man that he didn’t already have.”
That’s the central theme of the song. There’s a lot of kaleidoscopic imagery in the song. In those days you tried to cram as much into the three minutes as you could and that’s what I was doing with that song.
6. Muskrat Love (Willis Alan Ramsey)
Gerry Beckley: Originally this song was brought to us by our bass player, David Dickey. He was a big fan of the Willis Alan Ramsey album, One, which was a fantastic earthy album produced by Leon Russell. When we heard the song we thought it had some great harmonies and we worked it up as the cover song for Hat Trick album.
It became a single and that caused a bit of a fuss because we were known to be singer/songwriters. To highlight the one song that we hadn’t written was a bit awkward. Years later, Captain & Tennille recorded it. They thought it was our song. They homogenized any of the remaining soul out of it and claimed it for themselves.
7. Woman Tonight (Dan Peek)
Dewey Bunnell: There’s a real offbeat, off kilter type of reggae-esque rhythm in that. The time signature and the rhythm are the real driving forces of that song. We do it live and recreate that rhythmic feel onstage. It stands out as a separate entity by virtue of that rhythm. It’s got its own identity.
8. Only In Your Heart (Gerry Beckley)
Gerry Beckley: “Only In Your Heart” is a pretty straight-forward pop song. A friend of ours back in England was having problems with his girlfriend and I remember listening to him go on about all the problems they were having. I somehow kind of used that as a seed to build this song.
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!