Rob G.Dec 24th, 2006 - 17:44:16

This album is like bookends of a great career. There are the classic hits on one end. Then, a batch of refreshing new numbers on the other end. Great groups like Smashing Pumpkns, Nada Surf, etc., can't help but enhance the patented America sound. Times I've met Gerry Beckley that he's as nice and as authentic as the sounds of the band itself. Time with America on the CD player is like great ol'friends dropping by for a visit. All I really want to say is thanks, guys!

Report this comment

CaptDanJan 14th, 2007 - 01:37:58

Disc Two of this new 2-CD album ('Here & Now') is features live performances of each song from America's first greatest hits album - 'History' - and this was recorded at a special concert broadcast on XM Radio for a show called 'Then...Again...Live.' This is why later hits like 'You Can Do Magic' or the beautiful 'Last Unicorn' are not a part of this - they were not on the History album. By the way, the live version of Sandman is fantastic, a harder rocking version of the original that is the highlight of this disc for me.

Disc One features new material from Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley, as well as songs written or co-written by other great younger musicians. Artists like Ryan Adams, Nada Surf, My Morning Jacket, and more jumped on board to work with America, described by these new hip indie artists as one of the important bands influencing in their early musical formation. This album really retains the great organic acoustic sound and tight harmonies of America's best timeless hits of the Seventies.

Report this comment