The second disc covers all the live tracks, which is a greatest hits compilation played live essentially. They do a nice job considering they are missing Dan Peek. The do have some very capable backup on stage to make their old magic return.
I thought it was very clever of them to release a package like this; it generates interest in their back catalog while introducing the new recordings at the same time. This is of course a double shot for the fans and the band at the same time (i.e. their wallets). I enjoyed every bit of this great set. I wish America all the success in the world now and in the future.
Disc: 1
01. Chasing The Rainbow
02. Indian Summer
03. One Chance
04. Golden
05. Always Love
06. Ride On
07. Love & Leaving
08. Look At Me Now
09. This Time
10. Work To Do
11. All I Think About Is You
12. Walk In The Woods
Disc: 2
01. Ventura Highway
02. Don't Cross The River
03. Daisy Jane
04. I Need You
05. Tin Man
06. Muskrat Love
07. Woman Tonight
08. Only In Your Heart
09. Lonely People
10. Sandman
11. Sister Golden Hair
12. A Horse With No Name
Article comments
1 - Vern Halen
Like yourself, I was never a big America fan - I was a Deep Purple / Sabbath nut about that time of my life. America was too....neat, clean, whatever. But I found a box set of their collected work and was amazed - they're quite a good band, with good writing & playing and stellar singing. And I'm finding so many other "rockers" from my generation are experiencing the same thing - maybe we got mellow in our old age, or maybe it took us this long to develop good taste.
I'm anxious to hear this new America album - everyone I know says it's good.
2 - Keith
Oh yes me too, it was all about Sabbath, Kiss, Queen, all of the rock acts of the day, I was not open to anything else! Things changed as I reach my mid twenties and I have been exploring ever since! America is a fine band but I still need to be in the mood for it and for the most part still like to rock. Mellow out? Nah! Well, sometimes. Better taste, yes.
3 - CaptDan
America is very much worth a listen and digging deeper into the tracks from their box set reveals some great and satisfying rockers like Green Monkey, Cornwall Blank, and the live version of Sandman (available on this new 2-disc album!).
In truth, this is no reunion album as the band has never stopped playing and performing (although the late-80s to early 90s were pretty slow for them). They do 100 shows a year and are still at the top of their game.
This new album is a terrific combination of great new music with new live versions of their familiar hits.
4 - Moe Hobbs
I buy and sell America pariphaneliaer on ebay. Hope the band does well. I need to make a living!
5 - Mark Saleski
no mention of either Ryan Adams or Ben Kweller?
c'mon, you're kidding me.