Chat Folder Archive

Archives: April 2002



Message: 21731 Posted: Tue Apr 30 20:32:34 2002 By: Andy
Subject: Re: Articles & Taylor Guitars

Goanna,
You are right. Taylors are outstanding. Perhaps you should consider Larivee (sp?) and Guild as well. Now I know that many people will give me a hard time for saying this, but Martins guitars never did it for me. It feels as if you have to be too aggressive to get any sound out of them....and way too overpriced for what you get. Just my opinion.

Andy



Message: 21730 Posted: Tue Apr 30 20:26:35 2002 By: Andy
Subject: Re: Articles & Taylor Guitars

It's been awhile since I've posted. What can I say about Taylor guitars? America uses them, Al Stewart uses them, Jewel uses them, so what more is there to say? At the open mic that I go to, there is a (very generous) guy that lets my use his Taylor. It absolutely spanks my Takamine.

Andy



Message: 21729 Posted: Tue Apr 30 13:04:57 2002 By: Pat B.
Subject: Re: Articles & Taylor Guitars

Thanks Steve for the articles. That's alot of typing. It must have been very rough on your hands and wrists. You are definately the BEST web~master ever! **:O)**
I've owned my Taylor guitar for 7 years now, and it still sounds great! I paid $1,600 for it at the Sam Ash Music store in New Haven Connecticut, and it's worth every penny I paid for it. I had originally intended to buy a Martin guitar because that's what I believed AMERICA was using. After comparing all the guitars available, I chose the Taylor. It was years later (from this web~site) that I found out that AMERICA had switched to using Taylors. ~Pat



Message: 21728 Posted: Tue Apr 30 05:12:05 2002 By: Nina
Subject: Re: Pete L.

Hey EDDY....I jump for joy when Pete gives ME a pick...and I'M 46!!!
I agree that Pete is a great guy...always pleasant and kind. So is road manager, Bill C. Gerry and Dewey run a classy organization.



Message: 21727 Posted: Mon Apr 29 09:37:05 2002 By: Howard Lieboff
Subject: Taylor Guitar/Guitar Enthusiasts

If you go to the Taylor Guitar main website, they will send you a free video on how they make their guitars. It's very quite interesting
on how different their guitars are vs. other brands. You just fill out a form on the website and that's all there is.



Message: 21726 Posted: Mon Apr 29 06:18:19 2002 By: EDDY
Subject: Re: Articles & Taylor Guitars

Thanx for the link to the Taylor article, I've had acrobat reader for awhile now, so was able to download it w/no problem.
It was also nice to hear from the "Man" behind the scenes(Pete). It reminded me of what a nice guy he is... I remember one time after an outside concert he was tearing down, & there was these smaller kids jumping around all happy in front of the stage because Pete was handing out some guitar picks to them.(there was QUITE a few of them!) I've allways had alot of respect for what he does, but grew more respect that day for taking the time out of his busy schedule to make some younger kids happy. Just thought I'd share my memory.........



Message: 21725 Posted: Mon Apr 29 04:34:17 2002 By: Goanna
Subject: Articles & Taylor Guitars

Thanks to Genevieve & Steve for posting the articles on the Taylor guitars etc... A very interesting read indeed. I've been in the market for a new guitar for a while, A good Taylor in Australia will set you back about $5,000.00 (AUS) but I think by the sounds of it they are worth it.



Message: 21724 Posted: Sun Apr 28 23:14:16 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: Re: The Magazine articles

Hi Everyone,
I was just reading the magazine articles, enjoyed this so much I printed them out to keep~~~thanks so much Steve L. and to Genevieve also I would like to thank you for your nice response to my post about my dvd not working..... I am looking forward to seeing this mystery ? in the audience that is adding an exhilarated look to Gerry & Dewey & Michael~~~You have me wondering about this! Bye for now~~Nancy :)



Message: 21723 Posted: Sun Apr 28 22:45:45 2002 By: jimbob
Subject: The Magazine Articles

Thankyou so much for posting these articles. Very, very interesting! And thanks to you Genevieve; talk to you soon.



Message: 21722 Posted: Sun Apr 28 18:31:08 2002 By: kade
Subject: Re: Magazine Article - Part 1

Thank you!!



Message: 21721 Posted: Sun Apr 28 17:00:23 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Magazine Article - Part 3

DB: I currently use two Taylors onstage, a black Grand
Auditorium and a black Grand Concert. I use the GC specifically
for "A Horse with No Name". That song is in an odd tuning, so
while it's a bit of a luxury to have a guitar dedicated for one song,
it's nice to have it all tuned up and ready to go, so I don't have to
go [imitates annoying tuning sound] onstage! Michael Woods, our
lead guitar player, has the big sunburst Jumbo 615.
PL: We'll be getting Dewey a new black GC soon, which will be
his main acoustic guitar, and we're moving his current GA over to
be the new ["A Horse with No Name"] guitar. His GA has an older-
style finish, and we want the finish on his new GC to match
Gerry's black guitars.
DB: Pete is really great at keeping our Taylors in shape, by the
way freshly strung up, the batteries changed, and so on. He
keeps them nice and polished and in good condition while we're
out. He's the guy we should give accolades to. He's watching us
onstage all the time, and he might notice something that we don't
about the way we sound or play, and that will affect how he takes
care of the guitars. I think I may have more acid in my fingers,
because my strings tend to go dead more than the other guys'. So
that affects how often Pete changes the strings. We've got the
active-battery type pickups; we just use the two knobs the
earlier kind of pickup system, not those little faders.We play our
Taylors through Roland Jazz Chorus 120 amplifiers, as our
monitors onstage, and we also send the signal to the house
system via direct boxes. Gerry switches between acoustic guitar
and piano, and he plays more acoustic solos than I do, although
Michael is really our lead guitarist. Gerry plays electric [guitar] on
a couple of things. Our set is probably 75-percent acoustic, and
25-percent electric. The show builds in dynamics, so by the end
we'll be playing "Sandman" and some other tunes that are heavier
and full-on electric. I use a little bit of the Roland chorusing effect
on my Taylors, not a lot. I use some foot pedals when I play
electric, on "Sandman", and "Woman Tonight".
GB: I don't use any effects. The Roland amps are purely stage
monitors, although we play in such a wide variety of scenarios
that on occasion they become the amps for the house. Our stage
configuration in general is quite "retro", we're still all wedges, all
floor monitors, we don't use in-ear monitors. We've built up a
system that can work in any environment, and it's important that it
can be set up quite quickly, because sometimes we're on multi-
act bills. If you need a two-hour sound-check to get the sound you
want, well, sometimes that's just not gonna happen. So, we've
found that by keeping it very, very simple, we have raised the
consistency of the sound quality at our shows. It virtually doesn't
change, from gig to gig. The next album we're making is a
Christmas album, by the way.We're long overdue for a Christmas
album! Our schedule is so full with live dates every year, that the
season will come and go, and we always go,"Well darn,we missed
it again!" So, to have it out by next Christmas really means getting
it done now. We're in the studio for the next couple of afternoons.
DB: It's kind of weird, when the Holiday season is long over and
you're singing, "Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!" But a
Christmas album is something we always thought we could lend
our angle to the acoustic guitar thing and vocal harmonies. In
addition to doing traditional Christmas songs we're also writing
some new material, which makes it that much more fun.Andrew
Gold is co-producing and laying down basic tracks, and we're
working at his house tomorrow, then later we'll be doing overdubs.
We're doing vocals tomorrow and the next day. The song we're
working on now is called "Please Remember (Christmases Gone
By)". The lyrics talk about the family tradition of Christmas, about
pulling out the decorations on consecutive years, and how each
Christmas stacks up on those before it. Gerry and I have definite
writing styles. Gerry tends to write more of the ballads and love
songs, writes at the piano more than guitar. I write more of the
"Ventura Highway/outdoors-y" songs. That's what we always say
Gerry writes "indoors songs" and I write "outdoors" songs.
We've been collaborating more in recent years, though. For
instance, on "Please Remember", he wrote the music and I wrote
the lyrics. We're very proud of the fact that the response to what
we do is so good after all these years. We're booked way out into
2003 already; that's pretty shocking for a bunch of 50-year olds!
This weekend we're in [dramatic pause] Ventura! Then we go
over to Mesquite, Nevada. The weekend after, we leave for five
dates in Canada some in Halifax, some in Thunder Bay. After
that, we're in a place in Wisconsin called Lac du Flambeau, and
then we're in Naples, Florida, then home until we do this
Cayman Islands thing in April. That will be great, because we get
a week down there and we only have to do one show! We'll take
the families along for that one; the kids will get to dive and
whatever. The road keeps going, and we've always got more,
more, more. [For current information on America's touring
schedule and other pertinent dates, check the band's official
website: www.venturahighway.com. For more information about
the band itself, visit www.americafanshomepage.com.]

Note from Steve: The information about the band itself is the America Fans home page at /america/index.htm, not the address listed above in the article.



Message: 21720 Posted: Sun Apr 28 16:57:11 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Magazine Article - Part 2

AMERICA
Tim Luranc calls the array of Taylors owned by members of the
group, America, "the most-traveled guitars I've ever seen,
anywhere." The guitars in question definitely have seen a lot of
excitement, in a lot of exotic locales, and a few minutes of
conversation with the two singer-songwriter/co-founders of
America, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell, and their guitar tech,
Pete Leonardo, gives us an insider's glimpse of life on the road as
experienced by these veteran acoustic
rockers and their instruments.
Pete Leonardo: Once,we were way out in the middle of nowhere,
in Kasba Tadla, Morocco, playing a show for Unisys. The
promoters had me set everything up under this big burlap
tent,where the traveling nomads stop to rest, and get shade, and
water their camels, and such.When I asked if it was okay for us to
be there, I was told there was no chance of anyone coming
through that day.Well, after I had all the guitars and everything set
up, here comes the first band of traveling nomads! I had to take
everything out and load it up and move it all over to another spot.
That same day, a big gust of wind came up out of nowhere. It
caught one Taylor and "dominoed" about four of them over. But,
being tough Taylors, they withstood the punishment. Our Taylors
get their fair share of abuse, between the airlines and Mother
Nature. They're outstanding guitars. It's amazing that they
withstand the travel.
Dewey Bunnell: We do 130 to 150 shows a year, and when you
add the travel days to that, we get close to 200 days out there.
Gerry Beckley: The latest trip we took was quite interesting,
because it came on the heels of a greatest-hits package that has
been released around the world. There are two versions: the one
that's released internationally is called The Definitive America,
and the one released in the US and Canada is called Complete
Greatest Hits. The international one has gone "platinum", and is
on the verge of double-platinum in New Zealand. It also went
"gold" in Australia. So, this particular trip took us to New Zealand
for a little over a week.We did four shows there, then went to
Sydney for two sold-out shows, then flew to Singapore for one
show, and then we were home for about a day and a half. Then
we flew up to Ontario, where we drove about an hour or two
outside Toronto and played two nights at a beautiful new casino.
That's a pretty good example of just how diverse our touring
can be.
DB: The trip was a pretty long haul, and our Taylors stood up
well, as always. We've been through a lot of guitars in the last 30
years you name the brand but we've really narrowed the
field to these Taylors. They're beautiful-sounding, comfortable to
play, and we feel good with them.
GB: There are a bunch of wonderfully made acoustic instruments
around the country quality, hand-made things. But when you
travel as much as we do, durability is an equally important factor.
In 31 years of being an acoustic band, we've been through a
variety of different workable scenarios, and all the guitars had
weaknesses, or they wouldn't have been replaced. It long ago
ceased to be about "who's gonna give us free guitars?" I don't
mean to diminish the importance of that in a band's career, but if
you're honestly fastened to your instrument, there are so many
things more important than what you paid for the thing. You might
get a free guitar from somebody, but if you've got to replace it
every four months and every time the sound guy has a fit
because the new one sounds completely different that's just
not gonna fly. Our guitars take a beating more than virtually any
road instruments I've ever known, just purely in the amount
they're used and cased and flown and stuff. So, another important
thing that comes into play is Taylor's ability to service. Things
happen over the years, and the guitars occasionally need tune-
ups and stuff. Taylor has wonderful Customer Service and Repair
departments that handle this sort of thing.The quality of Taylor is
actually a multiple ingredient kind of thing: great sound, durability,
elegance, and terrific service. The Taylors I take on the road
aren't my complete collection; I have a lot of Taylors. I have a
Dreadnought that TJ Baden had them make for me a classic
spruce top, rosewood guitar with a cutaway; it's a wonderful
instrument, and I keep that at the house. I also have a Baby and a
Big Baby, of course. I'm interested in getting one of your new
nylon-string guitars now. At the moment, what I'm playing onstage
are six- and 12-string maple Grand Auditoriums that Taylor made
custom for me. They did a Limited Edition run of this particular
guitar (614-GB).Originally, I had the stars and a special
monogrammed neck inlay done on a Jumbo, but I found that so
much of that larger frame is unused space when you're
performing in a live environment and you've got a band with bass
and drums and keys and things behind you. You're really talking
about hearing the lower mids through the upper range, and this is
why I go for the maple.Maple guitars seem brighter and work
better in a live environment. Either that, or the high end is
completely gone in my ears! I had quite a few of the Beckley
models made, on the Jumbo frame. I have a matched black pair
of six- and 12- strings Jumbos, and there's a blond sixstring
Jumbo still floating around. But I felt that I was wrestling a bit with
that size guitar, onstage. Also, onstage you block the soundhole,
because of feedback issues, and so much of what a Jumbo
contributes is for filling a little room with the sound of an acoustic
guitar. In our case,we're filling a large room with the sound from a
huge PA, and therefore, what the guitar needs to provide is a far
different thing. I've messed with the different sizes and woods,
and found the maple GA to work really well. The 12-string GA
my sound guy has gone nuts for it is the best 12- string we've
ever had onstage. This guitar sounds incredibly bright, it's easy to
manage, and it looks wonderful. It is starting to get a little worn
thin; the top is getting beat up. I had mine made without a
pickguard, and the downside of that is that the top takes a bit of a
beating.



Message: 21719 Posted: Sun Apr 28 16:17:35 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Magazine Article - Part 1

Genevieve was kind enough to send me a couple of versions of the article: one in Microsoft Word format and one in Text format. If any of you are interested in the MS Word you can write to Genevieve or me and we'll send it to you. For the rest of you who are unable to view the PDF file, here's the first part of the article in text format (sans photos). I'll include the rest of the article in subsequent posts.

Behind the Scenery, Part 5: Stage Flight: The Acoustic Guitar on Tour "When you travel as much as we do, durability is an important factor. The quality of Taylor is actually a multiple ingredient: great sound, durability, elegance, and terrific service."- Gerry Beckley

by Andy Robinson
In October 2000, long-time Taylor Repair staffer Tim Luranc was playing host to Pete Leonardo, the guitar tech for the band America. Pete had brought four of the band's six "touring Taylors" (if you include the Taylor bass), and Tim joked that the guitars were "way beat up." But they also served as great examples of the road-worthiness of Taylor guitars. America has been travelling with Taylors almost nonstop for the last 10 years. Their axes come in for servicing at least twice a year, and Luranc says they still are holding up well. Many of us at Taylor look forward to hearing and seeing Jeff Pevar when he performs at our Winter NAMM booth, either with Artie Traum or with his own ad hoc group. He's simply one of the best players out there, and he's also one of the nicest guys we know. And he's elusive; Jeff seemingly lives on the road, and you never know where he'll be next. We thought our readers would find the real-world experiences of these busy artists at least interesting, possibly even applicable to their own music-making.
- The Editor



Message: 21718 Posted: Sun Apr 28 16:09:16 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Taylor Online Magazine Article

FYI, the Wood&Steel magazine in its usual newspaper form is out in most all music stores (those that sell instruments) in about a week. It is free for the asking.



Message: 21717 Posted: Sun Apr 28 09:24:51 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Taylor Online Magazine Article

The article is in PDF format. In order to read it you need to have the FREE Adobe Acrobat reader installed on your computer. Just go to http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html and click on the link at the bottom which says "Get Acrobat Reader Free". Then follow the instructions to download and install it. After that you should be able to read the article. I'm not aware of any way to convert it from PDF format to any other format that I could post on the web site. Good luck!



Message: 21716 Posted: Sun Apr 28 07:47:35 2002 By: Genevieve
Subject: Re: Taylor Online Magazine Article

I agree, interesting reading. Also liked Pete's story about a gust of wind "dominoing" the guys' Taylors in Morocco...
I was able to download the whole thing ( including the iconography) & print the pertinent pages, so if I can help, just let me know. - Geneviève.



Message: 21715 Posted: Sun Apr 28 07:16:34 2002 By: Mike B
Subject: Re: R: Taylor Online Magazine Article

I found the article very intersting. Espeacially the fact that the Christmass Album is being worked on with Andrew Gold and that Dewey and Gerry are writing Christmass songs, not just doing covers. They mention "Please Remember (Christmases gone by)" with music by Gerry and lyris by Dewey. Pete, Dewey, and Gerry talked about thier recent touring through New Zeland, Ventura, Mesquite (where I saw them) and so on and how well the Taylor holds up for 120-150 shows a year.

It took a while to download without graphics to acrobat reader. The America part is page 11 & 12. I couldn't cut&paste, so I printed and parts were cut off the egde of the pages.



Message: 21714 Posted: Sun Apr 28 02:00:55 2002 By: jimbob
Subject: R: Taylor Online Magazine Article

Im having the same difficulty as kade. so if anyone can help it would be much appreciated!



Message: 21713 Posted: Sat Apr 27 20:44:30 2002 By: kade
Subject: Re: Taylor Online Magazine Article

Would it be possible for someone to copy the article and put it here on the Chat Folder?! My computer is not letting me open it up!! Thanks for the help...Kade



Message: 21712 Posted: Sat Apr 27 17:30:17 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Taylor Online Magazine Article

There's a great article in the Taylor Online Magazine about Dewey and Gerry (and Pete, too). I think it will interest both guitar and non-guitar players alike. Go to this link: http://www.taylorguitars.com/news/community/woodandsteel.html and then scroll down and click on BEHIND THE SCENERY, PART 5: THE ACOUSTIC GUITAR ON TOUR (the article is in PDF format). There's a little bit of information on the Christmas project included with the article.



Message: 21711 Posted: Sat Apr 27 14:20:10 2002 By: Genevieve
Subject: Re: DVD - Nancy.

Hi Nancy,

<< I am sure the wait will be worth the while to see this DVD>>.

In my humble opinion, it sure is. I received mine in January, & have had some very pleasant moments watching it since then. I'm sure you will enjoy both the show & the quality of the production. Put aside the music, which we all know to be the BEST, the video & audio mix are simply fantastic. For people like me who haven’t been able to see the guys onstage for more than 15 years, it’s also very instructive & comforting to have access to a live version of their most recent works.

Just one more little thing between you & me :-D : as you will certainly notice the friendly atmosphere onstage… just try to picture I once played the DVD for a pair of very bad, undisciplined old boys ( friends of mine in their mid-forties !) who of course enjoyed the music very much but also spent a while trying to figure out who or what ( ?) in the audience was obviously making Gerry - and then Dewey + Mickael, look exhilarated ( maybe some will know what I mean ?). It was sheer guesswork but much fun too. LOL. But let’s keep it secret ! HHOK – Geneviève.



Message: 21710 Posted: Sat Apr 27 11:31:58 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Lubbock Concert Info

With a lot of work from KimCabrina and a little bit of Internet searching from me, we have come up with some more information about the Lubbock concert on September 11. The venue is actually called the West Texas Canyon Amphitheater & Pavilion and it appears that their web site is http://www.canyonamp.com/ (which is under construction). They are located at 602 East 19th Street in Lubbock, Texas and their phone number is (806) 749-2204. They are about 1/2 mile East from I27 & The Depot District on 19th. Tickets will be available through Select-A-Seat at (806) 770-2000 or via their web site at http://www.selectaseatlubbock.com/. Thanks for helping to get this information, Kim!



Message: 21709 Posted: Sat Apr 27 08:26:36 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: Re: America Chart Info.

Hi Genevieve, Jason & Steve,
Jason thanks for the info, I just wanted to say looking forward at seeing what info. you all find out about this great legend of a band~~our AMERICA!
Pat B~~~~ Wouldn't it be nice that since this date is Dan P's birthday that he would join Gerry & Dewey for a song or 2 or 3 at this concert, that sure would be nice to see. His favorite of mine is These Brown Eyes of Mine~~this song sure lifted me up many a time when I was a teenager and going through all of those crazy mixed emotions.... I sure hope they come back to Pa for another conert again~~~ I will be there again for sure!
Enjoy your day all! Bye for now~~Nancy :)



Message: 21708 Posted: Sat Apr 27 08:17:31 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: Re:DVD Woes

Hi Rick,
I know exactly what you are saying, same problem here. I have a Toshiba SD2101 in my pc and the same thing the screen remains black and the only buttons highlighted on the control panel are play and fastforward, but nothing will happen when I depress them, the little light on my dvd door slowly flashes on and off while the dvd is in place. and I do get an error code. I took it to my sisters she has a brand new computer and I thought maybe it would work in her dvd player, well it starts to play there,and then it stops and the error code comes up. SteveL the webmaster here on this site was very helpful on telling me about upgrading the firmware so that my dvd player will accept this code and allow the dvd to play. Thanks Steve for all of you patience and info! I will admit though this porcedure is over my head, if I need to do it I am having my son's friend from college come and do it so I don't mess it up. I also contacted DVD Planet the site where I bought the DVD and they said to send my DVD back and they are testing one and replacing it for me. I am so hoping that the one I recieve will play with no problems... Neat~~ about Earthlink, maybe we should all subscribe and get this free dvd player! Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone! Bye for now, Nancy :) Oh and one more thing~~I am sure the wait will be worth the while to see this DVD, just to think I will have Gerry & Dewey right in front of me singing all of my favorite songs, like it is a concert just for ME~~~Sooooo Nice!!!!! :)



Message: 21707 Posted: Sat Apr 27 07:27:42 2002 By: Rick S
Subject: DVD woes

I received the America in Concert DVD a couple weeks ago, and haven't been able to play it on either my computer (Hitachi GD-5000) or my DVD
player (Toshiba SD2109). On the computer it spins for about 5 seconds
with the read light blinking - then just stops. No buttons on the DVD control panel are highlighted except the "play" and nothing happens when it is depressed.
On the Toshiba it loads for about 5 seconds, then displays a "disk error. I'm sure this has to do with the region coding set to 0 (code free) on the DVD.
Has anyone come across a problem like this, and found a way around it?
Tech support doesn't appear to be too interested. Oh yeah, the DVD plays fine at my sons house - he got his DVD player free when he signed up for Earthlink. Go Figure.
Rick S



Message: 21706 Posted: Fri Apr 26 15:39:14 2002 By: Genevieve
Subject: Re: AMERICA CHART INFORMATION

Hi there everyone,

Thanks Jason & Steve for encouraging the 'team'. Indeed, finding chart info on America AND other bands from the 70's in France requires being VERY lucky & patient, since we apparently had no official publication / source for hit singles & albums at the time (until 1994 that is). I made numerous contacts last week & was finally directed (by the very official SNEP) to the same sort of source as the one you found in Canada, Jason. I'm now staying in touch with some guys from two national radios who agreed to search their respective radio files for us... adding that without a "precise list " of potential hit singles or albums it might take a very long time. Another radio guy replied to say he probably found 2 entries for America, concerning Horse & Sister but was not 1OO% sure so was still checking it all out. He also meant to let us know about Ventura getting regular airplay on French radios (along with Horse)...

So, as you can see, being dependent on other people's willingness to help only allows a slow, step by step progression for the moment. BUT, seeing tiny lights shining through the mist is already fantastic, don't you believe? - Geneviève.



Message: 21705 Posted: Fri Apr 26 12:40:37 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: AMERICA CHART INFORMATION

Thanks for the info, Jason and those who are helping.



Message: 21704 Posted: Fri Apr 26 12:00:50 2002 By: Jason Smith
Subject: AMERICA CHART INFORMATION

Hi

Since my last mail I've been trawling the net trying to find more info on how successful AMERICA were in other countries around the world. Unfortunately it's not an easy task because although most countries do have an offical chart web site, most only have chart information going back a few years.

Only the USA, UK and Germany have any real info dating back some decades. Germany has a site that lists every week of their top 20 chart singles since 1956. I've ploughed my way through the 70s but unfortunately couldn't find one entry for AMERICA, although other contempories like the EAGLES were listed. Shame.

I also found a Canadian site called the "Chum-AM Chart". I don't think this is a offical country wide chart but more of a radio station chart. This listed each year's top 100 singles. This is how AMERICA faired:

1972 - Horse With No Name - 3
1973 - Ventura Highway - 63
1974 - Tin Man - 28
1975 - Sister Golden Hair - 61

Remember these are not top chart positions but the best of the year. Therefore "A Horse with No Name" must have been at no 1 for some weeks to reach no 3.

I've also been contacted by fellow America Fan Bruno Mautone who lives in Italy. He confirmed that both "Alibi" and the single "Survival" were no 1's in Italy and "View from the Ground" reached no 8 in the charts. Thanks Bruno.

Good luck also to Genevieve from France who is also on the search.

Regards

Jason



Message: 21703 Posted: Fri Apr 26 06:55:31 2002 By: jimnak
Subject: Re: AMERICA - Cerritos Centre for the Performing Arts 11/1/02

By the way, the next day 11/2/02 features a solo David Cassidy - following on the glow left by AMERICA.



Message: 21702 Posted: Fri Apr 26 06:08:29 2002 By: Pat B.
Subject: Re: AMERICA - Cerritos Centre for the Performing Arts 11/1/02

11/01/2002 >*>*>*>*>>> Dan Peek's B-day!



Message: 21701 Posted: Thu Apr 25 09:56:13 2002 By: Genevieve
Subject: Re: What's Jeff Up To

Thanks for the info, Steve.
Jeff's page also says that they are now considering adding some bonus tracks ... I wonder if these cuts will consist of older/ unreleased material ( as was done on the French Magic Records release) or brand new titles?

Terry - Got your mail about Véro. Thanks. Will answer you as soon as possible. Geneviève



Message: 21700 Posted: Wed Apr 24 10:38:08 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: What's Jeff Up To

Jeff Larson's new CD which will contain Gerry's "Norman" is still on target for a mid-to-late June release. He's going to be doing some finishing work with Hank Linderman this weekend and then the mastering should begin the first of May. It promises be a wonderful CD with some great guests: Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell, Timothy B. Schmit, Jeffrey Foskett, Gary Griffin, Randell Kirsch, Hank Linderman, and Michael Campion among others.

Besides working on the new CD, Jeff also did a 3 page interview with his friend, John Blakely (fantastic guitar player for the 60's group The Sandals). The interview will be featured in the May/June 2002 20th Century Guitar magazine which is available at all the usual places (Borders, Barnes and Noble, Tower, etc). Most of the interview is related to the John Blakeley/Jeff Larson collaboration "Daytrips" which was released on Heyday Records in the Fall of 2001. However, the article will also include information concerning Jeff's new CD, songwriting, etc.

For more information about all of this and to listen to soundclips from the forthcoming CD, you can go to Jeff's New-Surf.com web page.



Message: 21699 Posted: Wed Apr 24 09:30:40 2002 By: Robyn
Subject: Chat tonight.

IF ( and that's a big IF) my computer cooperates,and IF I can stay awake ( moving Libraries is very physical work!) I will be in the room after 7 pm. Hope to see you there!



Message: 21698 Posted: Wed Apr 24 09:28:27 2002 By: Robyn
Subject: Re: AMERICA - Cerritos Centre for the Performing Arts 11/1/02

Hmmm that was the show I am targeting to see...... A Sheraton next door? Sounds like the vacation I need!



Message: 21697 Posted: Wed Apr 24 08:45:23 2002 By: jimnak
Subject: Re: AMERICA - Cerritos Centre for the Performing Arts 11/1/02

Erin,
you have your choice of airports & fares: LAX, Longbeach or Orange county. Cerritos is in-between them all. The chance to see AMERICA in a classic setting.



Message: 21696 Posted: Wed Apr 24 08:32:41 2002 By: Erin
Subject: Re: AMERICA - Cerritos Centre for the Performing Arts 11/1/02

Sounds like a perfect time to take a little vacation...I think I'll have to try to get there....LA really is THAT far from Reno!

Erin :o)



Message: 21695 Posted: Tue Apr 23 16:43:21 2002 By: jimnak
Subject: AMERICA - Cerritos Centre for the Performing Arts 11/1/02


The beautiful Cerritos Centre for the Performing Arts in Cerritos Calif. (just south of LA) has just announced that AMERICA will be making another appearance, this time w/Kansas ("all you are is dust in the wind") on friday 11/1/02, already on Steve's schedule. It is a beautiful setting & a great place to see AMERICA ! By the way, there is a Sheridan hotel, literally a few steps from the Centre & moments (to moment) from all freeways.



Message: 21694 Posted: Tue Apr 23 15:51:01 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Do You Need To Update Your Bookmarks/Favorites?

I'm assuming that most of you are aware that King Biscuit switched servers the end of January and the America Fans web site was also switched. That means that if any of you are still using the old IP address (http://64.70.235.104/america/) to access the web site that you're getting VERY OLD information. I know that a lot of people are using the old IP address because it is still getting a lot of hits. The bottom of the home page (/america/index.htm) has the date that the page was last updated. If that date says 26 January 2002 then you're still looking at the old web server and you need to update your bookmarks/favorites to point to the preceding link.

--SteveL



Message: 21693 Posted: Tue Apr 23 09:34:09 2002 By: speechwriter
Subject: for Dan, re: Badfinger

Agreed, Dan. "Carry on 'Til Tomorrow" is a great song, and much of that first LP is real strong. Lots of folks who dismissed Badfinger as the pre-Fab four really missed the boat. "I'll Be the One," "We're for the Dark," "Blodwyn," the original version of "Without You," "Sweet Tuesday Morning," "MY Heart Goes Out" and a clutch of others show that, not only could they rock, they also knew their way around songwriting informed by some of the same folk, country and country-rock influences that inspired Dewey, Gerry and Dan.



Message: 21692 Posted: Tue Apr 23 05:58:54 2002 By: Genevieve
Subject: Tom K.

Hi Tom - I know you'll be lurking this week ! Thanks for the kind words & for not being another guilt tripper concerning France's hot-button issue. Still hope you'll be my <<Xmas bonus from America (the USA I mean)>> LOL . Unfortunately, European fans of America probably won't be able to welcome them this year, as the concert list for 2002 is now reaching 'saturation' , unless.... But we'll see about that ! Thanks anyway - Geneviève.



Message: 21691 Posted: Tue Apr 23 05:19:09 2002 By: Genevieve
Subject: Radio Silence...

Talking about radio, just wanted to remind you about the release today of Elvis Costello's new CD - 'Radio Silence' being the title of one of the album tracks... Sound samples & review from CDnow at :
http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=743178841/pagename=/RP/CDN/FIND/album.html/ArtistID=COSTELLO*ELVIS/ITEMID=1537130



Message: 21690 Posted: Tue Apr 23 01:19:25 2002 By: Genevieve
Subject: French Radio Votes for America

Hi everyone !
Hope you're all having a great week...
As I think it is no secret that Jason S. initiated a sort of European campaign to collect all the information we can about America's success - past & present, I just wanted to mention some trivial info I found while searching the web. Actually, the French audience of national radio RTL is given the opportunity to vote for their favorite hit singles from the Late 60’s to early 80’s on the radio web site.If you visit the following page

http://www.rtl.fr/RTLMUZIK/Hit-Annee.asp?rubid=46960

you’ll notice that America’s ‘Horse’ is listed for the year 72 and reaching #20 preceding … N. Young’s ‘Heart of Gold’ !!!
For those you might be curious enough to check out the page, you'll have to note the presence on the list of French singer-songwriter Véronique Sanson (#5) who happens to be Stephen Stills' s ex-companion and his son's (Christopher Stills) mother. Well then, didn't I tell you we're living in such a 'small' world?!



Message: 21689 Posted: Mon Apr 22 20:36:11 2002 By: Dan
Subject: Re: Eddy! (and Badfinger)

Speech, underappreciated indeed, "Carry On Till Tomorrow" and the whole "Magic Christian Music" album has always been a favorite of mine.DanC.



Message: 21688 Posted: Mon Apr 22 12:09:59 2002 By: speechwriter
Subject: Re: Eddy! (and Badfinger)

Badfinger was on Apple Records until 1973, then jumped to Warner Bros. for a pot of money. They did four LPs for Apple (five if you count their early LP as The Iveys), then were signed to a total $3 million deal with Warner Bros. At Warners, they released two LPs in 1974. There's a tune on the first Warner LP entitled "Shine On," that wasn't much of a stretch from America's side of the street. However, both Badfinger LPs were poorly promoted by Warner Bros. and suffered commercially for it. The second LP, "Wish You Were Here," drew some critical raves, but by then all of the dark stars were aligning. There was a problem with the disappearance of some advance money from an escrow account, and Warner Bros. was pulled the second LP from the store shelves. So, at the same time Gerry, Dewey and Dan were rapidly gaining altitude and preparing to unleash their "Hearts" LP, Badfinger was plunging into an irreversible nosedive at Warner Bros. Missing money, lawsuits, squabbles over leadership, songwriting space on the LPs, etc., all led to an implosion. Pete Ham took his own life a few months later, in April 1975. I can't think of another band that was so big and was paid so much money to sign, and then crashed so hard so quickly. Of all the rags-to-riches-to-tragedy stories in rock music, the Badfinger story is inarguably the poster child.
But if you want to hear some chilling harmony singing, dig out one of the Badfinger "best of" anthologies on CD (or the "No Dice" CD with bonus trax) and listen to the folk-rocking tune "I'll Be the One." They were truly a band that whose range was underappreciated.



Message: 21687 Posted: Sun Apr 21 19:09:53 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: music...

JeffB beat me to the punch. Here is a link to Jeff Larson's web site with the two new sound clips. FYI - these are not the final mixes. Things are still progressing well for a June release and there will be 12 tracks on the CD (including "Norman" which was written by Gerry).

Carrying on...



Message: 21686 Posted: Sun Apr 21 11:59:49 2002 By: jeff brink
Subject: music...

Jeff Larson has two new sound clips on his site.

Carry on



Message: 21685 Posted: Sun Apr 21 10:04:04 2002 By: Robyn
Subject: Re: DVD

After waitung since MARCH 4 for Amazon to come thru, and not finding it at my ususal stores, I amde the trip to Tower in Northridge THERE IT WAS!!!! (I bought the last copy) Haven't tried to play it yet, Don't have the time to devote to it as yet. BUT AT LEAST I HAVE IT NO THANKS TO AMAZON -- is this a normal thing for them?



Message: 21684 Posted: Sun Apr 21 08:09:42 2002 By: Mike B
Subject: DVD sound followup

The Ohne Filter DVD sound seemed a lot better through my PC than it did through my Pioneer receiver in Prologic mode. The visual experience off watching the guys play guitar up close on the PC really enhanced the experience for me. I don’t think I’ve ever been where I could see Dewey’s lead guitar work before. I really enjoy watching his lead guitar in Pages and Sandman. And the chords/rhythms are usually played different than what somebody else figured out by just listening and putting in a tab. It also sounded better on my Pioneer receiver after turning off the Prologic mode. Since Hell Freezes Over sounds best in DTS Prologic mode, I assumed this DVD would also. Not so on my Pioneer.



Message: 21683 Posted: Sat Apr 20 22:07:47 2002 By: EDDY
Subject: Re: Eddy!

Ahh ha!, here I was trying to find out if there was another song w/the same title!
Yes, Apple records (The Beatles) gave them their big break, I think their roadie (& friend) Mal Evans discovered them. George I've heard played slide guitar on "Day After Day". He also produced that song along w/some of the album "Straight up" (Todd Rundgren then took over as producer) .
I really like this band, seems they had alot going for them, it's a shame it ended tragically, like it did.
Well, enough from me of Badfinger, this is an America board, right?
You have a Great wkend also, Howard!!



Message: 21682 Posted: Sat Apr 20 20:17:52 2002 By: Howard Lieboff
Subject: Eddy!

No trick question Eddy, it's Paul McCartney.
I think Badfinger was on Apple records.
Even George Harrison played lead guitar on a couple of their records.
Have a great weekend Eddy!



Message: 21681 Posted: Sat Apr 20 17:49:34 2002 By: EDDY
Subject: Re: Eddy!

OK, I give up! Checked Dan's message he also said it was McCartney (who's on tour right now) Then thinking it was a "trick" question, checked out the other Dan's (Peek) message, couldn't find a thing.
If it's not Paul, I haven't a clue............



Message: 21680 Posted: Sat Apr 20 12:05:22 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: DVD & It won't Play!

Hi Everyone,
My America in concert DVD just arrived in my mail yesterday. I ordered it on Monday from Planet DVD, this part went well. I was so excited to watch it, but it won't PLAY at all! :( Hopefully I will figure out how to get it to work soon.... Have a good weekend everyone! Bye for now, Nancy :)



Message: 21679 Posted: Sat Apr 20 10:16:21 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: DVD

Bruce, go to my CD Sources web page for a link to Music Video Distributors. They (like everyone else) are waiting for the second batch of DVD's to come in and they should be one of the first to get them.



Message: 21678 Posted: Sat Apr 20 10:14:07 2002 By: Linda
Subject: Re: DVD

I ordered the DVD from Amazon quite a while ago. After they back ordered it for a second time, I canceled with them and ordered it from CD Universe. They shipped it out the following day, and I received it yesterday. I don't have a DVD player, so for once, I was happy my boys have PS2. I think the DVD is great! I also finally got Gerry's Van Go Gan, which I really like. I'm not sure which songs are my favorite yet, but I do seem to hit the replay button quite often for Emma and Only a Kid at Heart.
~~Linda



Message: 21677 Posted: Sat Apr 20 10:05:37 2002 By: Mike B
Subject: Re: DVD

I finally received my Amazon.com order of Ohne Filter's America in Concert DVD. Worth every penny to me for Three Roses, Pages, Wheels, Moving Train, and Unicorn. Pages is playing right now. Great to have recent songs on video to go with my MusikLaden DVD of Gerry, Dewey, and Dan doing Hattrick songs. The DVD plays just fine on the Toshiba DVD player I got this Christmas. It also plays on the 2nd generation 1999 DVD player I have in my PC. Now I would like a DVD copy of that 1979 concert in Central Park.

Sound Quality Comment: Not nearly as good as what Rhino has put out for America. Actually being there at a live concert is also much better. But, I think the sound is better than the King Biscuit Live Concert CD I have. There is plenty of room for a sound quality jump with the DVD format in the right place. Something to look forward to in the future. Say, a video DVD with a view from the Cayman islands. Does Rhino do video DVDs?



Message: 21676 Posted: Sat Apr 20 06:14:34 2002 By: Bruce David Martin
Subject: DVD

How can I get the new Concert DVD FAST? Who has it in stock?



Message: 21675 Posted: Sat Apr 20 03:44:04 2002 By: jimbob
Subject: Dan Peek

Thanks to SteveO, I have BODDEN TOWN. If you guys out there havent heard it yet, you should! It took a few listens, but now I cant stop playing it! MISSING YOU has the same feel as SLEEPER TRAIN inasmuch as it has a similar baritone bass. Well, I think thats what it is, but whatever way, the song is GREAT! It sure confirms how brilliant Dan is. The voice that has been been absent for so long is here and its AWESOME! Take a listen, please.



Message: 21674 Posted: Fri Apr 19 20:27:26 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: New Nevada and Texas Concerts

Erin, the Genoa Candy Dance and Craft Fair is September 28-29 this year. So the guys will be there a few weeks before that. If you happen to find any information on the Internet about the Sierra Starlight Amphitheatre or anything related to the show, please let me know.



Message: 21673 Posted: Fri Apr 19 19:15:47 2002 By: Erin
Subject: Re: New Nevada and Texas Concerts

Finally! I'm so glad to see the guys will finally be back in Nevada, even if it's not at the Nugget. Genoa is a pretty area...I think they'll be here during the Candy Dance, which is a HUGE arts and crafts festival that takes up practically the whole town. Can't wait until September 8th!!!

Erin :o)



Message: 21672 Posted: Fri Apr 19 19:15:22 2002 By: Erin
Subject: Re: New Nevada and Texas Concerts

Finally! I'm so glad to see the guys will finally be back in Nevada, even if it's not at the Nugget. Genoa is a pretty area...I think they'll be here during the Candy Dance, which is a HUGE arts and crafts festival that takes up practically the whole town. Can't wait until September 8th!!!

Erin :o)



Message: 21671 Posted: Fri Apr 19 18:17:59 2002 By: Howard Lieboff
Subject: Eddy!

It's already been answered, See Dan's message.
Hint, he's touring big time now!!!



Message: 21670 Posted: Fri Apr 19 17:26:38 2002 By: EDDY
Subject: RE: trivia question for Eddy..EDDY...TSK TSK

Hmmmmm......This must be a trick question, I'll have to think about this one.......



Message: 21669 Posted: Fri Apr 19 17:18:42 2002 By: Dan
Subject: Re: DVD-A format.

HEARTS, Hands down for me anyway.DanC.



Message: 21668 Posted: Fri Apr 19 17:10:46 2002 By: Spurs
Subject: DVD-A.

Hello everyone,by coincidence I was looking the the Rhino web page endeavouring to purchase the Homecoming dvd audio but was unable to find it for some reason.As for any future release on the format by "our boys" Holiday,Hat Trick,or the first album,albeit with a decent length interview.No doubt Johnny is taking a well earned rest.



Message: 21667 Posted: Fri Apr 19 15:01:00 2002 By: red oak
Subject: Re: What ever happened to Johnny?

Did they take him away or did he go voluntarily? Some would say he has been gone for years..............



Message: 21666 Posted: Fri Apr 19 14:54:48 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: What ever happened to Johnny?

Johnny is out of town and won't have access to a computer for a couple of weeks. I'm sure he'll have a lot of catching up to do when he gets back.



Message: 21665 Posted: Fri Apr 19 13:15:15 2002 By: Genevieve
Subject: What ever happened to Johnny?

Hey Kevin, that IS a very relevant question. Where are you Johnny?



Message: 21664 Posted: Fri Apr 19 12:49:02 2002 By: KevinS.
Subject: DVD-A.

Good press. I'd love to hear the first album in DVD-A format.

What ever happened to Johnny?



Message: 21663 Posted: Fri Apr 19 10:58:32 2002 By: Genevieve
Subject: DVD-A format.

Steve Orchard's reference to Fleetwood Mac & their popular "Rumours" reminded me of this very positive yet not condescending review of the Homecoming DVD-A by Dennis Burger ( 03/03/02) on the www.dvdangle.com web site. The article is quite long & complete, but the conclusion particularly attracted my attention cause it seemed to me the guy was sort of reading my thoughts . Maybe those three points could have been commented upon here on the Fans Chat Folder (or maybe not?) :
1) One can only assume that Beckley and Bunnell spent more than 8 minutes in front of the mic for the interviews included here – wouldn't it have been nice to hear a complete commentary for the album, rather than the all-too-brief interview included here?

2)Hopefully this won't be the last America release on the format, especially in light of the fact that Hearts – which contains one of the band's most popular cuts, "Sister Golden Hair", is as deserving of DVD-A treatment, if not more so, than Homecoming.

3) America has an amazing and often-overlooked body of work that needs to find a new audience, and hopefully this disc is simply the beginning of a new digital rebirth for the band that has quietly remained a driving force in the world of acoustic rock for the past three decades.

I just wonder which America album you would all like to be released in the DVD-A format? Any comments welcome. Thanks - Geneviève.




Message: 21662 Posted: Fri Apr 19 08:23:54 2002 By: Genevieve
Subject: Re: Back to Earth...

Hey Steve, what an INCREDIBLE WEBMASTER you are!!! Thank you and YES, THANKS VERY MUCH GERRY, for the beautiful sunset... and the Cayman "view from hotel window" to come of course!



Message: 21661 Posted: Fri Apr 19 07:43:32 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Back to Earth...

Genevieve, Gerry got back to me really fast and said that he did take a photo and he'll get it posted as soon as he can. In the meantime, he sent me a beautiful photo of a Cayman sunset. Thanks Gerry!



Message: 21660 Posted: Fri Apr 19 07:21:50 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Back to Earth...

Genevieve, I'll have to check with Gerry and see if he took his camera to the Caymans and whether or not he got a view from his hotel photo.



Message: 21659 Posted: Fri Apr 19 06:58:58 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: Re: Dick Clark's Cavalcade of Stars

I hear the same argument with regards to say...Fleetwood Mac. The most popular Lineup was the "Rumours" era lineup,but it wasn't the "original" lineup. And while I would prefer Chicago WITH Peter Cetera,they still have 4 original members,some of who sang hits that Cetera didn't. Chicago did a Live CD a few years ago that I thought was really good,and even though Peter didn't sing on it,Jason Scheff did a commendable job on the Cetera-era songs. Heck,look at Chicago--More Hits with different lead singers than any other act! While on the subject,I'm a Big fan of the "Average White Band" but they are now down to two originals--one of the vocalists and the Bass player. If Alan Gorrie leaves(vocalist)it should cease to be AWB. Maybe alot of people feel it should be done anyways. I still think the band sounds pretty good,and Elliot Lewis is a good vocalist(taking over the Hamish Stuart vocals when necessary)but if you get down to only one original member in ANY act...I think its time to pack it up. Heck,look at the Temptations--only one original member now. Oddly enough,they continue to sell records. Go figure...



Message: 21658 Posted: Fri Apr 19 04:17:02 2002 By: TZ MAC
Subject: Non-original singers and lineups

When a group such as America performs Dan's songs it's a compromise. Those deep fans like us, realize the difference ...... but there's a ton of "fans" in the audience who don't. And those "fans" want to hear the big hits. If Lonely People is played, they go away happy, never knowing the difference.
And for band lineups, there is often a difference between an original lineup and the most popular lineup. How many people are holding out for a Moody Blues' concert where Denny Laine and Clint Warwick replace Justin Hayward and John Lodge?
As for touring minus original lead singers (Chicago) ....that's not my first choice. But it does keep the band alive, touring and putting out some new material, some of which I really like. And by keeping the remaining members active it might allow for a reunion someday.
Tim



Message: 21657 Posted: Fri Apr 19 04:01:15 2002 By: Genevieve
Subject: Back to Earth...

Hi everyone,

Haven't posted for a while : was on a well-deserved holiday!!! Not in the Cayman Islands though! LOL Went to the North of Europe to visit old monuments, museums & cathedrals. I stood in ecstasy before those colourful stained-glass windows... and got really enraptured by this "world of light " (Had America's music constantly in mind). Thanks anyway to the guys who kept us informed on this board about their show over there.

However, I have to say I'm a little disappointed and keeps wondering what happened to Gerry's camera ( Steve?) since he was supposed to have it with him but didn't post his Cayman "view".

Last but not least, as I am back to Earth (listening to Bowie's "Is there life on Mars?") & daily routine, I'd like to spread THE GOOD NEWS : "Cruel Elvis" (Costello) is back!!! The release of his new album - When I Was Cruel - is expected on April 23 & announced unanimously by the music press as a brilliant return to form . Just some enjoyable news for those who have been missing his lyrical cynicism (or cynical lyricism ?) ;-D -Geneviève.



Message: 21656 Posted: Thu Apr 18 21:11:34 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Help Request With Venue Links

Thanks for the help, Bones.



Message: 21655 Posted: Thu Apr 18 21:11:04 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: RE: trivia question for Eddy..EDDY...TSK TSK

Dan, I'm thinking along the same lines as you. The song "Come And Get It" that Badfinger sang and made popular was written by Paul McCartney in 1969. So, is this a trick question?



Message: 21654 Posted: Thu Apr 18 20:02:54 2002 By: Dan
Subject: RE: trivia question for Eddy..EDDY...TSK TSK

I don't know if this is a trick question, Howie, but Badfingers' "Come and Get It" was written by Paul.DanC



Message: 21653 Posted: Thu Apr 18 19:42:11 2002 By: Howard Lieboff
Subject: RE: trivia question for Eddy..EDDY...TSK TSK

Come and Get It...............
Written by.............Paul McCartney
WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You do not win the prize!



Message: 21652 Posted: Thu Apr 18 18:59:25 2002 By: Bones
Subject: Re: Help Request With Venue Links

Steve,
When I get back to school on Monday, I'll see if Stamford Park Green has a web page.



Message: 21651 Posted: Thu Apr 18 18:13:13 2002 By: EDDY
Subject: Re: Badfinger, trivia question for Eddy

Day After Day, No Matter What, Baby Blue, All Pete Ham.
I also agree w/your America remarks. I think anything they have done as a duo (Hourglass, H.N.) stands up to the stuff they have done as a trio. Of course, this is my own opinion, I love all their stuff, Perspective & Your Move being my least fave albums.



Message: 21650 Posted: Thu Apr 18 16:47:48 2002 By: Spurs
Subject: Caymans,etc.

Hello everyone,havn't posted for a while,been in hospital for a spell and now recuperating at home.Exciting news from the Caymans reguarding a future live recording,as for Firefall their music was very enjoyable but that was when Rick Roberts was handling vocal duties,by the way he also had a couple of solo albums to his name.Ian.g made an interesting point about production,no doubting Sir George's talents but makes me wonder sometimes what could have been,seems to me even on latter "America" recordings the production is rather on the bloated side.Perusal of the touring shedule indicates a very busy year,wonder if there will be any plans of new recordings in the future bearing in mind the success of the two compilation sets.



Message: 21649 Posted: Thu Apr 18 16:47:26 2002 By: Robyn
Subject: Re: Badfinger, trivia question for Eddy

>>>>If Dewey or Gerry were to ever end it...<<<

BITE YOUR TONGUE,MAN!



Message: 21648 Posted: Thu Apr 18 16:17:22 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: Re: Badfinger, trivia question for Eddy

With all due respect to Joey,he shouldn't be touring under the 'Badfinger' name. But,how many bookings do you think Joey would get if he toured under his own name,rather than milking the Badfinger name? Its obvious that Badfinger will never reunite,what with 2 of the originals dead. I'm not quite sure who was singing lead on the hits,but I don't believe it was Joey,which makes it that much more plain to me. Gerry without Dewey? Its not America. Gerry & Dewey without Dan? Still America. The "core" of the act is still together.
If Dewey or Gerry were to ever end it,the other should perform as a solo act and bill it as such.



Message: 21647 Posted: Thu Apr 18 15:11:57 2002 By: EDDY
Subject: Re: Badfinger, trivia question for Eddy

Why "Sir" Paul McCartney! If you want it, here it is.....Come & get it! I really like the demo he did for Badfinger, from what I read he recorded it in just one hour!
I also really like Joey's songs, "After The Pearl" (I think thats the name) is a good record (did that ever come out on CD?) I think The Pilgrim is a good CD also. I really like him as a solo artist, but he still milking The "Badfinger" name, I have a Best of "Badfinger" CD (Excelsior label) W/the original members on the cover, but has joey
doing all the songs on it, it was recorded in 1994.
It's kinda funny, I got to talk w/him in his dressing room once after a concert, & he mentioned about some album he was going to work on, but felt guilty about calling it "Badfinger" because the other lads were gone, I just wonder if this was the CD he was talking about.



Message: 21646 Posted: Thu Apr 18 13:52:18 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Help Request With Venue Links

Alan, I've also been in contact with Kelly and he told me that the page that I've linked to will have all the updated information.



Message: 21645 Posted: Thu Apr 18 10:57:31 2002 By: kimcabrina
Subject: Re: New Nevada and Texas Concerts

Oh my-I've died and gone to heaven!! FOUR new Texas dates, one of them right in my area and two others only four-five hours a away. I might have to arrange a college visitation day to Texas Tech in Lubbock for my daughter (who will be a Sr by then), followed by another America concert (I'm taking her to the Austin concert with me in May) and maybe a quick trip to the Alamo too! I am flying high!

Johnny - is Lubbock close enough for you?

Kim



Message: 21644 Posted: Thu Apr 18 10:53:54 2002 By: Alan
Subject: Re: Help Request With Venue Links

Steve, I see you've linked to the calendar page of LL Bean's web site. I got this reply back from the e-mail I sent last weekend:

Hello Alan,
America will be on our Summer Concert Series this year. Thanks for inquiring. The full schedule will be posted at the end of April, and the series begins in July. All concerts are free, and take place on Saturday evenings at our Flagship Store in Freeport. Concerts begin at 7:30 pm. Folks arrive early to get good "seats" in the park.
Check back on the web in May for full details.
Take care,
Kelly Golden Somers
Promotions Developer

So, by the end of April they should have a full list of summer concerts posted, presumably on the same page you have already linked to.

Alan



Message: 21643 Posted: Thu Apr 18 10:29:29 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Help Request With Venue Links

Thanks Red Oak. Often times they'll create a web page even before the building is completed. If you find a web page for the City Lights Pavilion, please let me know.



Message: 21642 Posted: Thu Apr 18 10:24:35 2002 By: speechwriter
Subject: For Eddy, Re: Dick Clark's Cavalcade of Stars & Badfinger

For what it's worth, Joey Molland bills his band (and all the merchandise he sells on his web site) as "Joey Molland's Badfinger." I'm a Badinger zealot and collector from way back. I love Joey Molland's work and I've sat and shared a drink with him. That said, it's tough for me to hear Joey calling his act "Badfinger." I know he went through all the tough times and wrote a lot of the band's greatest (if under-appreciated) tunes. But Joey's act is not Badfinger, any more than Gerry performing with his son and a coupla pick-up musicians would be America.



Message: 21641 Posted: Thu Apr 18 09:16:56 2002 By: red oak
Subject: Re: Help Request With Venue Links

Steve, I can tell u about City Lights Pavilion in Denver. Since, I work across the street from the Pepsi Center, I can see that it ain't there yet. Clear Channel entertainment is behind this venue and will be put up in the parking lot of the Pepsi Center. When I see some action on it, I'll let u know. Also, I'm quite p@#$%& off about America sharing the Sept 20 date in Denver with Kansas.



Message: 21640 Posted: Thu Apr 18 09:16:29 2002 By: AreUThere
Subject: Re: Cayman concert

I was in Cayman a few years back. Interestingly enough, Dan and his wife Catherine are listed in the local phonebook. I didn't try calling, but I think that's proof-positive that he spends some time there! ;-)



Message: 21639 Posted: Thu Apr 18 08:56:50 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Help Request With Venue Links

Those of you who check the concert list on the America Fans web site know that I try to add a link to the venue for each concert. I spend a lot of time searching for the web pages to link to and in some cases I can't find a page or the page that I find isn't the best one. If any of you are aware of venue web pages that are associated with any of the concerts in the 2002 list, please let me know. In addition to the new Texas and Nevada concerts, I don't have any links for the following concerts:

Jun 20, Stamford Park Green, Stamford, CT
Jul 4, Indianapolis Outdoors, Indianapolis, IN
Aug 17, Sundown Park, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada
Sep 20, City Lights Pavilion, Denver, CO
Oct 11, Williamstown Performing Arts Center, Williamstown, NJ

Any help that you can give will be greatly appreciated.

--SteveL



Message: 21638 Posted: Thu Apr 18 08:49:22 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: New Nevada and Texas Concerts

Thanks to Erin at Morey Management for the latest additions to the concert schedule:

9/8/02 Genoa, NV / Sierra Starlight Amphitheatre
9/11/02 Lubbock, TX / Canyon Amphitheatre
9/12/02 Amarillo, TX / Civic Center of Amarillo
9/27/02 San Antonio, TX / Sunset Station
10/4/02 Dallas, TX / State Fair of Texas – Chevy Mainstage



Message: 21637 Posted: Thu Apr 18 08:27:44 2002 By: speechwriter
Subject: Re: Firefall, Rick Roberts and the roots of it all

Although one reviewer once dissed Rick Roberts for his penchant for "Cuban cowboy schlock" in reference to Firefall's "Elan" LP, I always loved Firefall's records. That is, up until "Clouds Across the Sun." With the exception of the Larry Burnett gem "Old Wing Mouth," which as Kevin rightly notes was a gem, that LP was as misbegotten as Firefall ever was. For the uninitiated, I'd recommend the first four Firefall LPs and, in particular, the first two (Firefall and Luna Sea.)
Incidentally, for those interested in Rick Roberts work and some of the undeniable roots of the music created by the Eagles and America, it's worth hunting down the LP entitled "Flying Burrito Brothers" from 1970 on A&M. This was the post-Gram-Parsons lineup of the band, featuring Rick Roberts, Bernie Leadon (who'd go on to fame as an Eagle) and ex-Byrd Chris Hillman. Although true "Burrito believers" think the record was a sellout and don't buy this argument, I contend that this fresh, effervescent LP is the genuine missing link between the neo-country-rock of the late-60s Byrds and the commercially successful folk-country-rock of bands like the Eagles and America. Great acoustic playing, really fresh lyrical sensibility and an all- around good feeling just radiate from the grooves. Particular favorites of mine include "White Line Fever," "Colorado," "Four Days of Rain," "Tried So Hard," "Ramona" (the Dylan tune) and the pickin-and-grinnin' backporch finale, "Why Are You Crying?" I don't know if it's out there on CD by itself, but I know the whole LP, in its entirety, is included on a two-CD import anthology of the Burritos career that is available here in the U.S.



Message: 21636 Posted: Thu Apr 18 07:47:21 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: Re: Dick Clark's Cavalcade of Stars

Yep,AC/DC was one of those bands who were able to pull it off. Wonder how it would have went over had Bon Scott not died,but merely "left" for whatever reasons? Funny,but 22 years later,and that LP has never died. Still sells,and people still request "You shook me all night long","Back in Black" and "Hells Bells"(among others). No matter what they do in the future,its not too many artists who can put an LP out like that and still have it selling today.



Message: 21635 Posted: Thu Apr 18 06:01:50 2002 By: kimcabrina
Subject: Re: Cayman concert

Ian, thanks for the great review! I am now keeping my fingers crossed that they will play To Each His Own when I see them May 12th in Austin. It is one of my all time favorites.
Kim



Message: 21634 Posted: Thu Apr 18 05:49:08 2002 By: Pat B.
Subject: Re: Bands who tour without original lead singers

Brian Johnson had some very BIG shoes to fill when he took over Bon Scott's vocal duties in AC/DC. The band had considered calling it quits after Bon's unfortunate death. As they began looking for a new singer, they listened to many cassette tapes submitted by singers who sounded exactly like Bon. The band felt that would not have been appropriate. They finally settled on Johnson who sounded like no one else except himself. Johnson proved his worth by singing on the follow-up to then AC/DC's best studio album "Highway To Hell" with the zillion-trillion selling "Back In Black". I never had the chance to hear Bon Scott live, but I did get to see AC/DC during the "Fly On The Wall" tour. Johnson (as well as the whole band) was amazing. I guess fans are more acceptable of replacement singers when the original has left Earth to find Heaven, or Hell, as the case may be. ~Pat



Message: 21633 Posted: Thu Apr 18 00:14:24 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: Re:Cayman Gig review & Chicago without Peter Cetera

Hi Everyone,
Wow Ian G. thanks so much for your great review of the Cayman show. A great songlist~~I sure would love to hear them do To Each His Own~~one of my favorites of theirs... Definitely Homecoming is a great album, lots of great songs, I especially love the simplicity of Head and Heart, this song is so nice... Sounds like a grand time, too bad they didn't play California, who knows maybe they will play this next time... Thanks for sharing this with us!
Shayne~~I to agree that Chicago was never the same after Peter Cetera left.... Have you heard his solo work that he released last summer Perfect World~~it is a nice collection of songs,it is good to hear songs of his again...
Regarding bands on tour I really thought it was neat that Lindsey Buckingham was there for Fleetwood Mac's comeback concert... it was nice to hear all of their old songs and to see them perform again.
Anybody here familiar with the music of the group Level 42 some nice songs, Running through the years, Its Over, Leaving me Now, Children Say. Have a good day all! Bye for now Nancy :)



Message: 21632 Posted: Wed Apr 17 20:46:25 2002 By: jimbob
Subject: Re: Cayman concert

Hey THANKYOU ian g! So good to hear your thoughts on the show. And PIGEON SONG? Wow! Is there anyone else out there who has heard this done live? It has been a great wish of mine to see just the two of them and thir acoustics as I guess its the closest thing to the first album. It is hearing the songs as they were written. As we know, SANDMAN live is magnificent, but I just love the original.



Message: 21631 Posted: Wed Apr 17 19:56:05 2002 By: ian g.
Subject: Cayman concert

I attended the concert in Cayman the other week , having seen the boys here in January 2001 and 25 years before at the Apollo , Glasgow in 1976. For the record " Homecoming " is in my top 10 albums of all time and I'm particularly fond of their early material. My top three songs would be " California " , " Ventura Highway " and " Sandman " , although there are lots of classics on Homecoming. I feel they lost some of that outdoors/desert/ highway/CSN feel when they joined forces with George Martin and although they did some good songs, the over production killed much of the freshness in their music.

The boys played for 80 minutes and were in fine form. Dewey was in great spirits ( seems he's got a fiancee ) and Gerry even cracked a tale about aplogising to George Harrison for stealing the title " I Need You " from a Beatles song. In his best Liverpool accent, Gerry impersonated George's retort " Don't worry , we stole it too " . In tribute , they played the Beatles song as well.

In general, the set and running order was very similar to the previous year. The boys were real professional and real troupers in their singing and playing. Their sound man from California was present, recording with a view to including tracks on a future Live album. Tracks included included Riverside, Ventura Highway, Don't Cross the River, Three Roses , Horse , Sandman, To Each His Own, Wind Wave, California Dreamin , Unicorn, a very rare ( per Dewey ) Pigeon Song , I need you ( x 2 ) and the usual hits. The guys seemed very genuine and really appreciated being back in Cayman. Dewey is big into diving , I gather , and to be honest , Cayman is a nice place to spend a weekend.

As a fan , I enjoyed the concert - the guys were enthusiastic ( obviously loving what they do ) and their musicianship was excellent. If I had any criticisms , it would be that I find the acoustic framework a bit restricting. Songs inevitably tend to be shortish and similar in tempo. The only song which conveyed a heavier mood and feel was " Sandman " . Personally, I was disappointed not to hear " California " either time, but they are obviously unaccustomed to playing acoustic only and said that certain songs were not feasible without the band. The full band would have broadened the musical range , albeit at the expense of a certain intimacy. No sign of Dan and to reiterate the comments on the board last year , I have never heard of DP being in Cayman. He must keep a low profile , but since one of his albums is called " Bodden Town " , a local town, it must be no figment of the imagination.

The concert last year was more memorable as it was sold out and was the return of big time music ( we're fairly starved of music , but things are looking up with cover bands ( Bjorn Again & Fab Faux )now appearing here. The crowd was healthy ( about 1,100 I guess ) and most folks seemed to enjoy themselves. Hopefully, they'' be back again - with band ?



Message: 21630 Posted: Wed Apr 17 19:34:27 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: Re: Dick Clark's Cavalcade of Stars

Like I said,Mike Love is using the Beach boys name on his current tour. They roll through here in July. I think with the passing of Carl Wilson,and the fact that Al Jardine isn't with em either...its really time to let this band call it a day. Also,one other note about the Guess Who...When Cummings & Bachman reformed,Bass player Jim Kale left. He was not on the Live set called "running back thru Canada" and thats one big Mystery as to why he didn't stick around,considering he was promoting what I feel was a "bogus" Guess Who for a number of years...



Message: 21629 Posted: Wed Apr 17 19:30:10 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: Re: Dick Clark's Cavalcade of Stars

Eddy,I saw the same exact show you mentioned on the Guess Who. Jim Kale was the Bass player and only one of 2 original members. You should hear his interview on how he justified continuing on without Cummings and Bachman! Thats truly a laugher! Since then,Cummings & Bachman have rejoined. I also saw Cummings & Bachman when they were just a duo--excellent show. Badfinger without the 2 main guys?they should let that one rest for sure!



Message: 21628 Posted: Wed Apr 17 19:20:13 2002 By: jimbob
Subject: Re: Bands who tour without original lead singers

I agree; lots of people neither know, nor care, who is playing, as long as it sounds good. Interesting one about whether people would front up to see the Stones if Mick wasnt there. And of course they wouldnt, but also whats interesting is when he did solo tours the shows werent as popular because it wasnt the Rolling Stones. But the one that does get me is THE BEACH BOYS. As far as I know there are three different bands touring, all with past members of the group and thats excluding Brian Wilsons tours. Mike Love should not be using the BEACH BOYS name, IMO, as its NOT them. Just as Brian doesnt use the name, even though if anyone was going to, it should be him. A BEACH BOYS TRIBUTE BAND was how the recent Jeff Foskett NZ shows were billed, and though I KNEW it wasnt the true band, I also knew it was as close as I was going to get to hearing what they used to sound like. Mainly because of Jeff. He sounds unbelievably like Brian, and while I was watching him, I kept thinking how this is the guy who Brian chose to duplicate him on stage, and who currently tours with him. Billy Hinsche too; he was in the band for 30 years and was Carl's former brother-in-law, if I remember correctly. As I was talking to him I was thinking, wow, this guy used to hang with Dennis Wilson! But getting back to the original topic, I think its only the purists(can I use that word?)that appreciate the real thing.



Message: 21627 Posted: Wed Apr 17 18:56:18 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Dick Clark's Cavalcade of Stars

Eddy, I saw The Guess Who several months ago with Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman and they were awesome. They played all of The Guess Who hits along with the Bachman-Turner-Overdrive hits. Of course, they weren't as good as America!



Message: 21626 Posted: Wed Apr 17 18:54:52 2002 By: Howard Lieboff
Subject: Badfinger, trivia question for Eddy

WHo wrote "come and get it" ??????????????????????????//



Message: 21625 Posted: Wed Apr 17 18:39:57 2002 By: EDDY
Subject: Re: Dick Clark's Cavalcade of Stars

I got one for you: I went & seen The Guess Who years ago, NOT ONLY was Burton Cummings (lead singer) not in the band, Randy Bachman (lead guitar) wasn't either!! The 2 original members were the bass player & the drummer! (it was CRAP!!) on the other side of the coin, I'd seen Bachman & Cummings (they didn't bill themselves as The Guess Who) in concert & they were GREAT!!
Another band is Badfinger, 2 of the key members are dead, but Joey Molland still tours as "Badfinger", but I'll still go see him, I enjoy some of his solo stuff, & he really doesn't do too bad of a job on some of the Badfinger stuff. But I think if he's going to use the name, it should be "Joey Molland OF Badfinger"



Message: 21624 Posted: Wed Apr 17 14:42:34 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: Re: Dick Clark's Cavalcade of Stars

its a Legitimate problem out there,and judging by the reaction so far on this board,I'm glad to see alot of people feel the same way I do. However,there are alot of people who don't care,and thats a shame. Is it really Styx without Dennis DeYoung singing? On the other side of the Coin,Pink Floyd did quite well after Roger Waters left. However,if Mick Jagger isn't singing for the Stones,would you go?
Here's a good one though: Foghat has been touring without original member "Lonesome"Dave Peverett,as he passed away some time back. they were using somebody from Humble Pie to sing,and they were also missing another key member! And somebody had the audacity to tell me that the band was rockin',and if I went to see 'em,don't complain about "who's not in the band"! first of all,I'd do my homework first and check out who's in and out. As for the Drifters,the same thing happens with alot of those older Acts all the time,but promotors keep booking em!



Message: 21623 Posted: Wed Apr 17 14:00:00 2002 By: Pat B.
Subject: Re: Bands who tour without original lead singers

A few years back, I saw a group of musicians and singers at the Norwalk Oyster Festival in Connecticut, doing songs made famous by The Drifters. These people were billing themselves as The Drifters, but I knew that they couldn't have been the original members. They were all too young, except for one gentleman who looked like he was the right age to have been an original member. I remember heckling the impersonators. I yelled something like: "You're not The Drifters. Please get off the stage!" I remember getting some stares from people in the crowd, but I didn't care. Someone once told me that there were as many as 5 groups on tour each claiming to be The Drifters. ~Pat



Message: 21622 Posted: Wed Apr 17 13:05:48 2002 By: Shayne
Subject: Re: Bands who tour without original lead singers

I've always had a hard time listening to CHICAGO without Peter Cetera.

Shayne
America needs you, Harry Truman....



Message: 21621 Posted: Wed Apr 17 12:39:25 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: BJ Thomas & Amazon~~DVD

Hi Everyone~~
Yes Red Oak~~I too never grow tired of BJ's songs, and yes Rock'n Roll Lullabye is a fine work of art~~so nice, I guess my babysitting days paid off for me, this is where I listened to all of these great artists for the first time... I really liked his Album~~Most of All.
How about Neil Diamond another great voice with so many good songs especially~~Play me, Song Sung Blue, I am I said....
Rick S.~~I to had the same thing with my AMERICA in concert DVD through Amazon, it was on back order, but never got anywhere getting it, I went to PlanetDVD and placed it on order there and I just got my confirmation the day after I placed my order that it is on its way now.... I am really looking forward to seeing it, and I hope there won't be any problems playing it, a friend of mine got hers there and it works just fine for her...
In regards to the concerts with others performing the songs, these would be a bummer, not the same for sure....
Have a good day all, Bye for now, Nancy :)



Message: 21620 Posted: Wed Apr 17 11:39:39 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: Re: Dick Clark's Cavalcade of Stars

When I had the chance to interview Dewey back in '92 or so(I forget the actual date)he said that he & Gerry had elected to include some of the Dan Peek songs because People were asking for them all the time. And as they were virtually doing everything from the "History" LP anyways,it was a good move. I think it would be harder for them to do "todays the day",and although I would love to hear that song,its better than the guys stay away from that one--in my opinion.



Message: 21619 Posted: Wed Apr 17 10:49:24 2002 By: Beechlady
Subject: Re: Bands who tour without original lead singers

I agree with you whole heartedly Steve! And having seen the Beach men w/o the Wilsons, it's just a sad situation.

I'm advocating dropping Lonely People (GASP, SPURT, CHOKE) even tho I like the song a LOT and it has American "History". Only for the reason that no one does it like Dan (notice I didN'T say "as well", now....) AND it could make room for a new "old chestnut" or two! (C= Back from the cruise and already being beligerent!!!...LOLOLOL

TkH<------+=! No Boundary



Message: 21618 Posted: Wed Apr 17 09:47:47 2002 By: Rick S
Subject: America in Concert 1999 DVD

Hi All,
Was just notified that America in Concert - 1999 DVD is being shipped.
Originally had pre-ordered through Amazon.com, only to wait a month
(seeing it in backorder status) before cancelling and going through
someone else. One would think that by pre-ordering a product that it would be on hand by the release date and would ship shortly thereafter. I generally give a company the benefit of the doubt before
bashing it, but I do not think Amazon.com used very good judgement in
responding to their customers needs or WANTS. One other gentleman voiced this same complaint a couple weeks ago. Thanks for letting me vent.
Rick S



Message: 21617 Posted: Wed Apr 17 07:44:38 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: Re: Dick Clark's Cavalcade of Stars

I'm glad to see somebody else feels the same way about Journey that I do! While new singer Steve Augeri may "sound" like Steve Perry...he's not. Thats the whole point for me. In some instances,bands got away with it(Van Halen with Hagar)and in some they didn't(see Van Halen with Gary Cherone). Guess it all depends on how much of a stickler you are for it.



Message: 21616 Posted: Wed Apr 17 07:11:39 2002 By: red oak
Subject: BJ Thomas

Another performer, like Johnny Rivers, who has one of the greatest voices in music I think, is BJ Thomas. The man was and still is GREAT!!!!! Rock & Roll Lullabye still wipes me out. To be still around performing is a true testament to his willpower and dedication. I never grow tired of the great ones........



Message: 21615 Posted: Wed Apr 17 07:05:45 2002 By: red oak
Subject: Dick Clark's Cavalcade of Stars

Back in the 60's, I used to go to Omaha, Nebraska most summers to attend Dick Clark's Cavalcade of Stars. What a glorius time in R & R history to have been able to see the legends. From Chuck Berry to the Supremes, Johnny Rivers, Rolling Stones, and almost every act that was popular I saw. They used to travel by charter bus and had certain acts for certain parts of the country. Troubadours of music most definitely. They actually booed the Rolling Stones off of the stage when I saw them.
The idea of groups still touring using a famous name without the famous lead singer bothers me too. That's why it's up to we the public to know the difference between Credence Clearwater Revisited & Credence Clearwater Revival. Their can never be a Credence Clearwater Revival without John Fogerty. There is a Journey without Steve Perry, but not worth seeing in my opinion. Use of a name does not guarantee that the lead singer is still the same, and for some, it doesn't matter, but, for me and others like me, it will always matter.



Message: 21614 Posted: Wed Apr 17 05:11:27 2002 By: Erin
Subject: Re: Concert Updates

Still no Reno concerts???? Guess that's a good excuse to visit southern california!!
hope everyone is having a good week!

erin :o)



Message: 21613 Posted: Tue Apr 16 21:34:11 2002 By: Robyn
Subject: Re: Johnny Rivers

There's a book for teens called Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block that features a character called " My Secret Agent Lover Man" I always thought it to be a tip of the cap to Mr Rivers! (Weird book, strangely compelling part fantasy part teen angst)



Message: 21612 Posted: Tue Apr 16 20:53:43 2002 By: EDDY
Subject: Re: Johnny Rivers

I got to see him in concert awhile back, I like alot of his stuff, but my fave song of his will allways be Summer Rain (good tune!)



Message: 21611 Posted: Tue Apr 16 16:40:27 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: Re: Johnny Rivers

Oh Boy I feel like crawling under my computer chair for sure!
I cannot believe I asked this question now. How could I have forgotten Baby I need your Lovin, Tracks of my tears, and Poor side of town, along with the rest of these. I listened to all of these songs when I was younger at my Aunts when I would babysit. I guess I must be getting old at 44, my memory has failed me big time here for sure! Well Slow Dancing Swayin to the Music is by far my most favorite of his, so I guess this is why I didn't remember the rest till now that they are down in front of me to read. Sorry Mr. Rivers! I do appreciate your music. Thanks for all of the answers, Embarrassed & Blushing Nancy
Regarding the Baltimore concert, Wow this would be a one in a lifetime treat for sure, and AMERICA will be there to~~WOW!!!~~ I have Christopher Cross's LP, lots of nice songs. Maybe they should make a DVD of this event, it sure would sell, don't you think!
Okay back under my computer chair now! Bye Nancy :)



Message: 21610 Posted: Tue Apr 16 16:21:55 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: Bands who tour without original lead singers

I may open a can of worms on this one,but as we've been mentioning Firefall lately,I have to reiterate that while the band was great with Rick Roberts as its lead singer,when is it time for a band to quit when virtually all of the originals are gone? I purposefully didn't go to see Firefall on 2 instances because I found out that only one original member was touring. You see this happening all the time. My favorite one is "Creedence Clearwater Revisited". At least they DIDN'T call themselves "Creedence Clearwater Revival",because anybody who is a true music lover knows it isn't CCR unless John Fogerty is the lead singer. I'm glad Gerry & Dewey sing some of the Dan Peek era songs like "Lonely People","Don't cross the river" and "woman tonight",but in all honesty,I never felt comfortable with anybody else in the band singing those songs except the guys who originally sang on them--no offense to Brad Palmer,but thats just the way I feel. While its difficult to expect bands to remain intact years after they formed,I think the Public should be better aware and in lots of cases better informed by venues of exactly who is in and who's out of any one band. If you're just looking for a good time,and you don't care who is singing,it won't matter. Not everybody is a music hound like me. Not everybody is a real stickler for having to have the original singer when they go to see a show. We are selling tickets for a Beach Boys show in July up here of which Mike Love is the only original,oh,and Bruce Johnston who joined in '65. I guess there's not much of an appeal for me there,but the Beach Boys NAME will sell alot of tickets. I could really delve into this topic,but I don't want to get carried away!



Message: 21609 Posted: Tue Apr 16 16:00:10 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: RE: Nancy,Red Oak,SteveL--Johnny Rivers

I think the previous messages really touched on this! I think you have to be old to know Johnny Rivers! I'm 41,but I was a high school senior when "Swayin' to the Music" became a Top 10 hit! for the record,my personal favorite is his #1 hit from '67 or so,"Poor side of Town". Not sure how many of you remember his remake of the Beach boys' "Help me Rhonda" which became a Top 40 hit in the Summer of '75!



Message: 21608 Posted: Tue Apr 16 14:36:10 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Question~~was this song a one hit wonder !

Red Oak said: You have to be old to appreciate Johnny Rivers.

That's for sure. I have one of his vinyl albums (I don't remember which one right off) that is still in pretty good shape and it has some great songs on it (such as the ones that you listed in your post).



Message: 21607 Posted: Tue Apr 16 13:29:55 2002 By: red oak
Subject: Re: Concert Updates

For those that care, that May 31 concert in Baltimore is a multi act concert with America, Ambrosia, Chris Cross, & John Ford Coley.



Message: 21606 Posted: Tue Apr 16 13:03:06 2002 By: red oak
Subject: Re: Question~~was this song a one hit wonder !

You have to be old to appreciate Johnny Rivers. One of the best of all time is songs included:

Baby, I Need Your Lovin
Maybelline
Memphis
Midnite Special
Poor Side of Town
Rockin Pneumonia & the Boogie Woogie Flu
Secret Agent Man
Seventh Son
Tracks of My Tears
Where Have All the Flowers Gone
Mountain of Love

One of the best singers in his time that could go on forever.



Message: 21605 Posted: Tue Apr 16 12:10:09 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: Re: Question~~was this song a one hit wonder !

Hi Everyone!
Wow this chat folder is booming compared to the venturahwy one. My America in Concert DVD is on its way and I am so anxious to see and hear it, I sure hope it will work just fine. Thanks for the concert updates Steve L, sure wished there would have been a Pa. site added there.~~Oh well the year isn't over yet.
Steve Orchard~~My question to you is the song Slow Dancing Swaying to the Music by Johnny Rivers~~was this a one hit wonder for him or did he have other songs that I am missing~~this has always been a favorite of mine?
I have always really enjoyed Firefall's music, so glad to see there are others too. How about Fleetwood Mac, they sure have had some good songs?
Hi Ingrid~~how interesting to find out Ronn Moss was in the group Player, I can't remember ever hearing him sing on the B&theB.
Hmmm Neat~~You Could've Been The One has always been one of my favorites~~now to find out that the Pittsburgh area was the only area it did well in~~I live close to Pittsburgh~~~ Neat! What I want to say about AMERICA"S music is that no matter how I enjoy these other Artists songs~~AMERICA'S music still holds the Key to my Heart, they have a way with capturing me in all of their songs....Nice!
I will have to check out Jeff Larson's new CD, I did like the clips that I listened to at his site... Have a good day All! Bye for Now! Nancy :)



Message: 21604 Posted: Tue Apr 16 10:45:43 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: America comes to MAINE! Woohooooooo!!!!!

Alan, I received some more information about the Freeport concert from the promoter, Kelly Golden Somers: "The L.L.Bean Summer Concert Series will be completed by the end of April. We will go to press on all of the details at that time. We'll release it to everyone internally, as well as the press. Please check back with llbean.com during the first week in May for the final line-up and particulars."

"For the time being though... America has been confirmed to play in Discovery Park on Saturday, July 13th at 7:30 pm. The show is open admission, so we encourage folks to come early to find the best seats. All concerts are FREE."

I think that should give you most of the information that you'll need. Here is a link to the L.L. Bean calendar web page which will have updated information as it becomes available: www.llbean.com/shop/retailStores/freeportFlagshipStore/calendar.html

--SteveL



Message: 21603 Posted: Tue Apr 16 07:38:45 2002 By: KevinS.
Subject: Firefall.

Thanks for correcting me. It's Jock Bartley, not Barkley as I wrote. Rick Roberts rejoined Firefall recently, but I'm not sure if he stayed around. But, for my money, unless it's Roberts and Burnett, it's not really Firefall. It would be like seeing America with only Beckley. Not bad, but not America.

KevinS.



Message: 21602 Posted: Tue Apr 16 07:36:31 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Concert Updates

I just received a list of concert updates from Erin at Morey Management. I'll be updating the concert list web page when I get a chance but in the meantime, here are the new concerts:

5/15/02 Richmond, VA / Innsbrook Pavilion
5/27/02 Ft. Walton Beach, FL / Santa Rosa Bay Brewery & Waterline Cafe
5/31/02 Baltimore, MD / Pier Six Concert Pavilion
6/2/02 St. Petersburg, FL / Vinoy Park
6/28/02 Tinley Park, IL / World Music Theater (w/ The Beach Boys)
7/21/02 Middletown, NY / Paramount Theater
9/7/02 Fresno, CA / Cal. State Univ. Amphitheatre
10/5/02 Tulsa, OK / Caine’s Ballroom (this is a date change)

There is one other concert date that is being changed:
8/13/02 Bow, WA / Skagit Valley Casino Pacific Showroom (the show will NOT be held on August 13 but a new date at the same venue will be announced later)

--SteveL



Message: 21601 Posted: Tue Apr 16 07:14:46 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: Re: Firefall.

The Problem with going to see a Firefall show now(Yes,Jock Bartley has continued to soldier on)is that the band is a virtual makeover from what it once was. I saw Firefall at the California State Fair in 1980 at the height oftheir popularity,and they were good! There is no appeal there now,especially without Rick Roberts in the band. if you hear of Firefall playing in your area,do some homework and see who's actually left in the band--no need to shortchange yourself if most of the originals are gone.



Message: 21600 Posted: Tue Apr 16 07:12:11 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: Re: England Dan, etc...

Good to see that somebody else out there also remembers the band Silver! I too have that Import CD,and it does include some nice tunes!
I think "Wham Bam shang-a-lang"(#16 Pop,1976)will always be one of my favorite 70's tunes! It was also a fairly long running chart hit,spending 21 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. It was their only hit,so they will always fall under that category of "One hit wonder".



Message: 21599 Posted: Tue Apr 16 06:59:35 2002 By: KevinS.
Subject: Firefall.

I was a big fan of Firefall's. They were like a cross between America and the Eagles. Rhino has done a great job of reissuing their old albums by including a lot of songs that weren't released originally, as well as great liner notes with the story behind the band and the albums. While Rick Roberts had the hits, I really gravitated more toward the songs of Larry Burnett. For the first four albums, they wrote an equal number of songs per album. Burnett was a straight edge rocker, and his lyrics were always a little darker. As he admitted later, the record label didn't expect him to have any hits, so he was free to write great songs. His most popular Firefall song was "Cinderella," which as much as any song showed his personality. Unfortunately, drugs and egos destroyed that band too. Rhino has reissued all but the last of Firefall's albums with Roberts and Burnett (I think it's Clouds Across The Sun), which features an awesome Firefall song in the vein of Dewey's Pigeon Song or All Night, called "Old Wing Mouth." I wish they would release that one. After Burnett left, so did Roberts, but Firefall continued on. Their lead guitarist Jock Barkley took over the share of writing duties, and I can only say he that he was a great guitar player but one of the weakest songwriters of all time. Silly lyrics.

Firefall was great for a brief shining moment.

KevinS.



Message: 21598 Posted: Mon Apr 15 21:54:51 2002 By: Joe B
Subject: Re: England Dan, etc...

Hey Jason and You People,

Good catch on Batdorf and Rodney. I mentioned those guys a while back here on the board. Along with that album you mentioned on Asylum, they had one on Atlantic called "Off The Shelf". Also very good. Their best album "LIfe Is You" was released on Arista, circa 1975. It's available on CD at Melody Boulevard. It's expensive, but if you can't find the vinyl and have the dough, you'll enjoy it. A couple of other John Batdorf notes. He co-wrote the song "You Could've Been The One" on America's lp "Alibi". It was a single and actually was a decent-sized hit in the Pittsburgh market, though it didn't get much play elsewhere. Batdorf was also one of the principals of the band "Silver", which had the summery pop hit "Wham Bam Shang A Lang" in 1976. That album is also available on import CD and includes several great tunes. Silver opened for America on one tour. Anybody out there see any of those concerts????
Somewhat recently Batdorf released an album with a new partner, under the name "Batdorf & McLean". Okay CD, but not great.

Peace
Joe B (not always posting, but always lurking)

P.S. Go Cubs
P.P.S. Go Blackhawks
P.P.P.S. Jeff Larson rules!



Message: 21597 Posted: Mon Apr 15 19:27:11 2002 By: John Corbett
Subject: Little River Band

There's another often overlooked group that recorded a lot of "Gee, I didn't know that was THEIR song" songs. A couple years ago, Capitol released an expanded version of the Greatest Hits CD, kind of like the Complete Greatest Hits idea with America, and it is really worth getting.

john



Message: 21596 Posted: Mon Apr 15 19:01:20 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Ohne Filter DVD Playing Problems (FIXED!)

Kim (and others), I finally got the DVD player on my computer to play the DVD! I'm listening to it right now and it looks and sounds great! I did a bunch of things tonight and I'm not sure which one fixed the problem, so I'll tell you everything I did. First of all I found an RPC-1 version of the firmware for my Pioneer DVD-16 player (at www.firmware.fr.st/). I installed the firmware but the DVD still froze when I tried to play it. Then I installed a program called DVD Genie (from www.inmatrix.com) which allows the Regions settings in Windows and my DVD software (WinDVD) to be set. That didn't seem to help either because the DVD still froze during the FBI warning message when I tried to play it. Then I had an idea, and this is what worked. During the FBI warning message I right mouse clicked on the video and there was an option that allowed me to advance to the next Title or Chapter. Before the message froze I advanced to the next Title (or Chapter) and it kept going. From then on I could play anything I wanted on the DVD. I had to go through this little exercise each time I loaded the DVD but at least I can play it. I'm hyped! It's a great CD.

I guess that persistence paid off for me this time. I hope that this information might help others who are having problems.

--SteveL



Message: 21595 Posted: Mon Apr 15 17:59:46 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Nickel Creek...

You definitely did stump me. I'll have to get my hands on it ASAP.



Message: 21594 Posted: Mon Apr 15 16:27:51 2002 By: jeff brink
Subject: Re: Nickel Creek...

Steve, At melodyblvd.com or try www.dayfazerecords.com It's in the netherlands...I think. I really like it. There's a song "If wishes were horses" and it's fantastic!

It's fun to stump the webmaster! Ha!

Jeff B.



Message: 21593 Posted: Mon Apr 15 16:03:36 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Nickel Creek...

JeffB, I have all of Jeff Larson's CD's and his new CD won't be out until this summer so I'm curious what "Redheads and Woodpeckers" is allegedly by Jeff. Perhaps you didn't really mean Jeff Larson but some other performer??



Message: 21592 Posted: Mon Apr 15 16:01:40 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: America comes to MAINE! Woohooooooo!!!!!

Alan, I'm afraid I'm still waiting to hear back from Erin about the concert list updates. I'll be sure to let you (and everyone else) know what I find out just as soon as I'm told anything.



Message: 21591 Posted: Mon Apr 15 15:42:02 2002 By: Ingrid
Subject: Firefall, Player, Orleans

What a great off-topic topic. I too have recently been digging up my musical roots -- must come with middle-age : ) The Firefall Greatest Hits compilation is a TREASURE. Stephen Stills Music BMI produced a lot of Rick Roberts' music. Stephen Stills (god) is on vocals and rhythm guitar on "Break of Dawn," and he, Rick Roberts and Chris Hilman wrote "It Doesn't Matter" together.

I received "The Best of Player" and "The Best of Orleans" at Christmas. "Dance With Me" is one of my all-time favorite songs. Another one of their hits is "Love Takes Time" (#11 Pop, #13 AC). IMO, The Orleans collection is the stronger of the two, and there are some fun "then and now" photos of the band in the cover book. Two really interesting tidbits about two Player members: Ronn Moss is now a daytime soap opera star, playing Ridge Forrester on "The Bold and the Beautiful." And in 1990, Peter Beckett joined Little River Band.

For those who like a little more southern comfort, I mean, "country," in their folk rock, I'll recommend Lynrd Skynrd's "Skynrd's Innyrds" and the Allman Brothers Band (one of Dewey's favorites) "A Decade of Hits 1969-1979."



Message: 21590 Posted: Mon Apr 15 15:31:20 2002 By: Alan
Subject: Re: America comes to MAINE! Woohooooooo!!!!!

Thanks for the link, Steve. i wasn't able to find out anything from LL BEan's web site, so I sent an e-mail to their customer service dept. asking for info, or at least to put me in touch w/ someone who can give me more info. If I find anything out, I'll let you know.

I have had several correspondences w/ Mark Turner since my last post. According to him, America is playing Friday the 12th at Hampton Beach, but I don't see that listed on your concert list. Do you know anything about that? When I saw there was nothing on that date, I was ready to contact the local Chamber of Commerce (who I have been pestering about bring America to Farmington for some time) and let them know that it would be a golden opportunity to bring them here while they are right in Maine for the next 2 days anyway. I work w/ one of the board members but didn't dare say anything today since I'm not sure about their availability that Friday night. Could you check on that one for me?

Thanks!

Alan



Message: 21589 Posted: Mon Apr 15 13:11:08 2002 By: jeff brink
Subject: Nickel Creek...

I have some of Chris Thile's (of Nickel Creek) Bluegrass music. Personally, I like the new direction he's taken with Nickel Creek. You're right Nancy..."The Lighthouse Tale" is a fine song. The boy is right up ther with Sam Bush playing the Mandolin.

Also, My Jeff Larson cd "Redheads and Woodpeckers" came today. It has 15 tracks and there are some VERY GOOD acoustic songs on it.

Carry on...Jeff B.



Message: 21588 Posted: Mon Apr 15 11:37:08 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: America comes to MAINE! Woohooooooo!!!!!

By the way, here's a link to the Caribou, ME concert information: www.cariboumaine.net/events/documents/cariboufest.htm



Message: 21587 Posted: Mon Apr 15 10:39:29 2002 By: Rick S
Subject: Registration

Steve,
Thanks for your help and quick response. All it took was a newer version of Netscape. You run a great website.



Message: 21586 Posted: Mon Apr 15 09:32:06 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: Re: No BLUEBIRD~~soo sad!

Hi Dan C,
Thanks! What a shame his voice is so nice in this song, I really liked Silly Love Songs, how about Band on the run, or Someone's Knocking at the Door? He had so many good songs though this would be a treasured memory for sure! Nancy :)



Message: 21585 Posted: Mon Apr 15 08:18:28 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Tulsa Concert Update

I received the following message from Rick Stevens regarding the Tulsa concert: "I live in the Tulsa area and just wanted to pass along that when I called Caines Ballroom concerning tickets for May 14th show, they informed me that it has been rescheduled for Saturday, Oct 5th."

I'm checking with Erin at Morey Management to verify this.

--SteveL



Message: 21584 Posted: Mon Apr 15 08:03:02 2002 By: EDDY
Subject: Re: WOW

Looks like I missed a "Fab" show, thanx for listing some of the songs he did! I been a Beatle fan for as long as I can remember, even got a Rickenbacker 4001 bass similar to Pauls (still working on getting a Hofner someday!) I'm sure you'll be high from this concert for awhile, I know I was when I seen him. Driving Rain is A great CD, I also liked Flaming Pie alot, I'm hoping he will have this concert on DVD, I'm pretty sure he will, alot of his concerts & events get on video nowdays.
What a cool tribute to George, from what I read, he was really into ukeleles.
Thanx again for the post, it did make me feel like being there! But on the other hand, now I'm really sorry I missed such a great concert....



Message: 21583 Posted: Mon Apr 15 07:54:05 2002 By: Dan
Subject: Re: Nickel Creek & WOW

Nancy, I agree Bluebird is a nice song but alas no Bluebird in concert or Silly Love Song either. My Love was in the set though.DanC.



Message: 21582 Posted: Mon Apr 15 07:46:41 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: America comes to MAINE! Woohooooooo!!!!!

Alan, I have contacted the promoter for the LL Bean concert in Freeport but he hasn't replied yet. If you happen to know of a web page for the concert series or anything at all that would be worth linking to, please let me know so I can add it to the concerts web page. Thanks!

--SteveL



Message: 21581 Posted: Mon Apr 15 07:23:11 2002 By: Brad Askew
Subject: McCartney set list / DVD problems

Hello, everyone. As I posted earlier, I am seeing McCartney in Atlanta on May 13. I was able to find a set list online. You can see it at
http://www.canoe.ca/PaulMcCartney/apr12_mccartney9-sun.html

I bought the new America DVD and had the same "disc error" problem many of you have experienced. My player is about 3 years old and is a Toschiba. I will be looking for your posts on any way to fix this. Take care, Brad



Message: 21580 Posted: Mon Apr 15 06:04:45 2002 By: kimcabrina
Subject: Re: Ohne Filter DVD Playing Problems

I checked with the folks at Best Buy re my Pioneer DVD player, and the theory I was given by the folks there was that not all DVD players are capable of playing "Code Free" DVD's. They suggested that I check my owner's manual for a symbol which will indicate it will play code free or call Pioneer and ask them. I think my eyes started glazing over at some point from all the techno-jargon being thrown at me! lol I haven't had a chance to do either yet, but have added it to my list. Has anyone else out there had any luck with any better answer?

Have a great Monday!
Kim



Message: 21579 Posted: Mon Apr 15 04:17:57 2002 By: jimbob
Subject: Re: WOW

Great review Dan! The feeling after a concert like that is incredible. No wonder you are still sky high! And Nancy, you are right; Bluebird is quite superb.



Message: 21578 Posted: Sun Apr 14 23:58:22 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: Re: Nickel Creek & WOW

Hi Alan~~~~Yes I know of the band Nickel Creek, I happened to catch them on CMT, and there is something nice and refreshing about their songs, I really like their new one called The Lighthouses tail and I also like When you come back down. I am so glad you will get to see AMERICA again, I too hope they will come back to Pa again real soon.
Hi Dan~~~WOW! I can only imagine how this would be a one in a lifetime experience~~for sure... Did Paul happen to sing the song Bluebird from The Band on the Run album, a special friend told me about this song, and it is such a nice song~~I must admit I am partial to it because I love bluebirds! Did he sing Silly love songs and My luv too, I definitely can relate with you when you said you are still sky high, when I got to see AMERICA on Feb 7th at Seven Springs I to was this way and I didn't come back down for a couple of days~~what a nice high that was for sure.....anyway thanks for sharing this with us! Bye for now! Nancy :)



Message: 21577 Posted: Sun Apr 14 23:01:00 2002 By: Dan
Subject: Re: Reunion Tours

I agree Red Oak even though I used to think that it was crazy to pay those high prices for reunion concerts as well. But after 100 dollars a pop for McCartney, and seeing the spectacular video show that went with it, I have to say you usually get what you pay for. I don't regret what I paid at all as it will be a show I will never forget. On the other hand the last time I saw America it cost me 3 bucks a ticket and it was also fantastic and something I will never forget so go figure. DanC.



Message: 21576 Posted: Sun Apr 14 22:40:01 2002 By: Dan
Subject: Re: WOW

There were plenty of highlights to be sure. A few of them were, his tribute to George with just Paul on a ukelele singing Something, a cool acoustic set that included Blackbird, Mother Natures Son, and We Can Work It Out, Getting Better, which he said hasn't been done since being recorded for Sgt. Pepper, rousing renditions of Live and Let Die and Back in the USSR and Band on the Run, a hell of a jam on The End. Some of my personal faves were Let Me Roll It, Lady Madonna, and Maybe I'm Amazed, oh and Hello Goodbye. Then of course there was The Long and Winding Road, Let it Be, and Yesterday. And a great little sing along at the end of Hey Jude. There were also four tunes from the new album Driving Rain, which I recommend to anyone. I hope that gives you a little feeling of being there, and yes the band he had just flat out rocked the house. They came on at 8:30 and played non stop for 2 and half hours with Paul sounding fantastic on every tune. I tried to keep a set list but gave up after the first 2 songs because I was so into it. Almost forgot, they also did Carry That Weight. So many highlights I'm still trying to sort them out. I even shelled out 95 bucks for a jean tour jacket which is now hanging in my bar along with the very cool concert program. Sorry for the long post but I'm still sky high.DanC.



Message: 21575 Posted: Sun Apr 14 17:59:09 2002 By: Alan
Subject: America comes to MAINE! Woohooooooo!!!!!

Just got an e-mail from an America fan from Caribou (Mark Turner). he saw my fan bio and e-mailed me to let me know that America will be coming to Caribou on July 14th! Unfortunately, this is a Sunday and Caribou is about a 6 1/2 - 7 hour drive from Farmington (w/ work the next morning), so it's not going to work.

Anyway, I didn't see the Caribou concert last time I looked at the concert schedule, so I just looked to see if it had been added - and it had. I also noticed above it that on the 13th they are playing in Freeport, which is only a 2-hour drive from my house! I'm DEFINITELY there! It appears that they are going to be part of the LL Bean summer concert series this summer (which I believe are free shows). Although I didn't get to go, last summer Nickel Creek was one of the bands that played there. Have any of you heard of them? They are Newgrass (kind of a fusion of bluegrass and jazz) with a kid that plays mandolin like you wouldn't believe. I'm not sure how old he is now, but he was 14 when I first heard of the band and that was somewhere around 2 or 3 years ago.

Anyway, I'm going to go to LL Bean's web site and see if I can find out more.

Steve, if you have any additional info, I'd appreciate it.

Alan



Message: 21574 Posted: Sun Apr 14 16:28:03 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: Holiday~~England Dan & Re : Reunion tours

Hi Holiday,
You are welcome, I'm sure! I looked up the Titles this may help you out some in finding them. The Very Best Of England Dan & John Ford Coley released in 2000, Dan Seals~~ In a Quiet Room released in 1995 and Dan Seals~~Stones released in 1980, and The Best of England Dan & John Ford Coley released in 1978. Good Luck in finding them, I hope you enjoy them. Lots of nice songs for sure!
Red Oak~~ Regarding the Eagles and their reunion show, I agree it was really great, but don't you think they would have been able to pull in a larger crowd or maybe even have had more shows so that more fans were able to experience this,without charging the high ticket prices. You said it right when you said what makes AMERICA alluring to their fans is their availability to them, this too has kept their music alive and also leaves us with wanting more new things from them.... Whereas with the Eagles and others comeback concerts are just that, a one time deal. Sad in away isn't it. I am glad that AMERICA continues to have new shows~~~so sad that would be if they were one of these comback tours.
Hi Robyn, sounds like this would be fun to see, thanks for sharing it with us. Bye for now, Nancy :)



Message: 21573 Posted: Sun Apr 14 15:15:22 2002 By: Robyn
Subject: Off topic post-- Headparade

Last night my dd and my best friend went out to see headparade at Rusty's on the Santa Monica Pier. We had another grand time! The band was tight and Matt seemed to be having as much fun playing as I have ever seen him. The whole Beckley clan was in the house as well. The band was not as earbleeding loud as the last time ( thanks guys)and a good time was had by the capacity crowd.



Message: 21572 Posted: Sun Apr 14 08:40:15 2002 By: red oak
Subject: Re: Reunion Tours

Having seen the EAGLES twice in the past 7 years here in Denver, I would like to say that the cost of the tickets was worth every penny spent to see a band that represents longevity in american pop music. I took my daughter to the 1st EAGLES concert in 1995 when she was 21. To this day, she still talks about what a great show that was! Sometimes, what u pay is irrelevant to the menory that was achieved. An EAGLES concert live, priceless! For everything else, their's MasterCard.
I will say also, that after seeing AMERICA 4 times during those 7 years, that they are every bit as good,with less backup players, than the EAGLES. What makes AMERICA so alluring is their availability to the fans, which the EAGLES do not show.
Each time one sees AMERICA or EAGLES, be happy that you are seeing music greatness, no matter what the cost........



Message: 21571 Posted: Sun Apr 14 06:13:05 2002 By: holiday
Subject: Re: England Dan

Thanks for the info Nancy and Steve - makes sense now, Dan Seals of Seals and Croft ..... I sure know of them. Looks like it's back to the record store again this week ... lol
Chris



Message: 21570 Posted: Sun Apr 14 04:50:09 2002 By: Goanna
Subject: Re: Ohne Filter DVD Playing Problems

Thanks Steve,
I've been to the site and have just ordered it... Amazon however seem to say it's code 1 US & Canada only, so I gave it a big miss on their site. Hopefully the copy from Music Video Distributors will be o.k.

sorry, should have opened my eyes on your website...*L* might have made it easier.....thank you.

Goanna - OZ



Message: 21569 Posted: Sun Apr 14 03:17:46 2002 By: Jason Smith
Subject: England Dan, etc...

I agree, England Dan & John Ford Coley are a fine band, although I only have the greatest hits on tape. Has anyone heard of a Country Rock group called BATDORF & RODNEY? I recently picked up a old LP on the Asylum label 1972 entitled BATDORF & RODNEY which is rather fine. It reminds me of early AMERICA - Lots of acoustic guitar interplay and harmony vocals. The singer (Batdorf, I think) sounds a bit like Graham Nash.

Jas



Message: 21568 Posted: Sat Apr 13 20:09:15 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Ohne Filter DVD Playing Problems

I just finished upgrading my Pioneer DVD-116 player with the latest firmware and it still won't play the America-In Concert DVD. So, there goes that theory. I wish I knew what was on the DVD that was keeping it from playing on my player as well as the other players out there.



Message: 21567 Posted: Sat Apr 13 19:10:52 2002 By: EDDY
Subject: Re: WOW

WOW!! I sure envy you!! I got to see McCartney years ago at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago, what a GREAT show!! (I have some nice pic's of that concert)
I heard he really has a rockin' band! I really wanted to see him this tour, but work, time, & money will prevent me doing so this time around.
If it's not too much trouble, can you post some of the highlights from the setlist? That way I can almost feel like I was there.



Message: 21566 Posted: Sat Apr 13 16:02:20 2002 By: jimbob
Subject: Re: Reunion Tours

Hi Pat! I agree with your comments 100%! Cheers, jimbob.



Message: 21565 Posted: Sat Apr 13 15:13:37 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: Re: Goodbye I love You!

Hi Steve,
Thanks so much for the billboard rating info on Goodbye I love you, I know when I called in requesting this song and the dj said that it wasn't a released single that it blew my mind, i see you said it charted at #43 in the top 100, I think his lunchtime format is the top ten songs, so this is probably why he wouldn't play it.... He is alot younger then me so I think he is more familiar with the 80's songs... Regarding Player, I must admit there were times that I thought Ambrosia sang these songs... Thanks for listing the rest of England Dan & John Ford Coley's songs, I have these to, but I have recently heard the ones I listed so they were more fresh in my mind....Yes I agree Firefall has a great collection of songs! Bye, Nancy :)



Message: 21564 Posted: Sat Apr 13 13:46:36 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: Re: Player

Another underrated band for sure! though they only had 3 Top 40 singles,here's a group that had a few other good tunes as well! I believe they have a good collection also available via Rhino Records.
"Baby come back" was a #1 single,"this time I'm in it for love" was #10 or so and "Prisoner of your love" also made the Top 40! hey,There are lots of great 70's bands out there that most people have forgotton about!



Message: 21563 Posted: Sat Apr 13 12:21:39 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: Re: Firefall, Ambrosia &Others

"Goodbye I love you" charted at #43 on the billboard Hot 100 in 1979. Whoever the DJ was that said the song was not a single doesn't know his music. I heard that song on the radio alot,and it should have been a bigger charting single than it was. As a DJ over the years,I played that alot,including on a special I did this past New years eve!
Most of the Firefall material is available on CD,but if you want one really good collection,stick with the compilation available from Rhino records.



Message: 21562 Posted: Sat Apr 13 12:19:15 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: Re: England Dan

England Dan & John ford coley had a great streak of hit singles! "I'd really love..." was a #2 billboard Hit! They also hit the top 10 with "Nights are forever without you" and "Love is the answer". other Top 40 records included "Gone Too far" and "Its Sad to belong".
They have a compilation Cd available,just check the usual sites!



Message: 21561 Posted: Sat Apr 13 11:17:06 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: Re:England Dan & John Ford Coley

Hi Holiday!
Wow! I'd really love to see you tonight~~a really nice song for sure. I will tell you what I know, England Dan is Dan Seals and he is the brother of Jim Seals of Seals & Croft, he started up playing backup music for his brother, and then he went on his own to do I think 1 album with John Ford Coley~~some of the other good songs are calle I'll Stay, Part of Me~Part of You~~Gone to far~~Wanting you Desperately, Westward Winds, Running after You~~really a great collection of songs....Dan then split and went to do a country/western album with Marie Osmond, Meet me in Montana was a realeased single that did very well. He then did some really great work on his own~~ Songs called ~~You Still Move Me~~One Friend~~Don't Believe I'd Fall in Love Again~~Some really nice songs. I hope you have luck finding these! You would also enjoy some of these 70 groups also~~
Bruce Hornesby & the Range, Restless Heart, Lobo & Kenny Loggins by himself and in Loggins & Messina!
Bye for now, Nancy :)



Message: 21560 Posted: Sat Apr 13 08:08:43 2002 By: holiday
Subject: England Dan

...... no, not our Mr Peek ..... LOL, but all the talk of '70's artists reminded me of a song called "I'd Really Love To See You Tonight" by England Dan and John Ford Coley - can anyone tell me something about these guys?. I've always liked the song and their style seems to fit the mould of '70's artists (and America) we've been talking about. Does anyone know where/when did they come from? The only reason I found out who sings the song is from a 'various artists' CD I picked up in Bali. With songs from the likes of Bee Gees, Bread, Cat Stevens, Air Supply, Elton John, Chicago, Phil Collins and of course, England Dan & JFC - how could I resist buying it? It also had "Key Largo" by Bertie Higgins - never heard of him either, but I do love that song. All that was missing was LRB and America......LOL
By the way, I think it was Pat B who mentioned Jim Croce last week - I picked up his "Time In A Bottle" song and have to agree that he could write lyrics that raise the hairs on the back of your neck.
Chris



Message: 21559 Posted: Sat Apr 13 03:39:09 2002 By: Pat B.
Subject: Re: Reunion Tours

Jimbob~ I think that the Doobie Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, and the Eagles are all bands of high caliber, but they can keep their outlandishly high-priced-final-reunion-tour tickets. I don't mind paying a fair price for live music, but I don't like it when a band trys to bleed every last cent from their fans. Just another reason why I have such a high regard for bands like AMERICA. ~Pat



Message: 21558 Posted: Fri Apr 12 21:14:30 2002 By: Howard Lieboff
Subject: Hey Shayne, I have it

Shayne, I knew I had that "Now I know" song which appears at the end
of the "Middle Age Crazy" song. Had it on a tape which said various clips. Not bad of a song. Just Gerry being that crazy romantic person
that he always is. Hey everyone, been lurking to long. :0)
Have a great weekend everyone! HL



Message: 21557 Posted: Fri Apr 12 17:42:18 2002 By: Dan
Subject: WOW

We experienced McCartney last night in Chicago; INCREDIBLE,AWESOME,THRILLING,BREATHTAKING,MAGICAL,and of course FAB!!!!!! What more can I say?DanC



Message: 21556 Posted: Fri Apr 12 09:43:11 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Ohne Filter DVD Playing Problems

Kim, I started to go through the process of upgrading my firmware last night but I got cold feet. I've upgraded firmware before and it always makes me nervous because you could render your device inoperable if you make even one mistake. I'd hate to lose the use of my DVD player because all of my other CD's and DVD's work fine with it. But...., I may try to upgrade it just so I might be able to play the DVD on my computer and not have to fight my kids for the PS2 (LOL).



Message: 21555 Posted: Fri Apr 12 09:39:11 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Ohne Filter DVD Playing Problems

Goanna, the DVD says that it is Region Code Free so it should play anywhere. If you go to the CD Sources Web Page you will find a link to Music Video Distributors who is selling the DVD for $19.95. It's also available through Amazon and other major online music stores.



Message: 21554 Posted: Fri Apr 12 06:25:28 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: Re:AMERICA'S Pull

Hi Everyone,
Jimbob~~~In regards to AMERICA being accessible, I feel that this has helped their music to grow and to still be loved and leaves us the fans wanting more and more from them. Sure these other groups pulled in large amounts of people for their comeback concerts, but that was all they were "comeback conerts". I would like to think that Gerry & Dewey's music is alive and still growing. This chat folder and the Venturahwy message board show me that there are lots of AMERICA Fans out there that have voiced their opinion and that opinion is that we love their music and we will go to their shows and we look forward to new music projects in the future. The Love & Appreciation for AMERICA'S music is still alive for sure!~~~Nice :)
Re:Cayman Gig~~~~I to would like to hear from the person that was so lucky to get to attend this, please share your experience with all of us...
Have a great weekend everyone! Bye for now Nancy :)



Message: 21553 Posted: Fri Apr 12 05:54:09 2002 By: kimcabrina
Subject: Re: Ohne Filter DVD Playing Problems

There is a message over on the vh board re the DVD playing problems. The gist of that message is that the new DVD discs are being manufactured using the latest, greatest technology and the manufacturer is not making them compatible with "older" DVD players. (We bought our Pioneer DVD player in December 2000) It has something to do with the firmware in the DVD player. It was suggested that you may be able to have this firmware upgraded. I have an extended warranty w/ Best Buy, so I may take my player in this weekend and see if they can "fix" my problem. I am fortunate in that my kids have a Sony PS2 so I can watch my DVD; however my problem comes when trying to get out of the bean bag chairs after an hour! LOL

Kim



Message: 21552 Posted: Fri Apr 12 03:39:25 2002 By: Goanna
Subject: Re: Ohne Filter DVD Playing Problems

Hi Steve,
was just wondering if the DVD is available for the Australian region of players and what is the exact website address I could buy it from.
thanks

Big Fat Goanna



Message: 21551 Posted: Fri Apr 12 01:24:32 2002 By: jimbob
Subject: McCartney and things

Brad, Ive seen McCartney twice too, and I know why youre looking forward to seeing him! I saw him in '89 at Wembley Arena in London; from memory it was his first big tour in a long time. I was in the eleventh row and I can well remember looking behind me and seeing people CRYING during the show! Next time I saw him was in Auckland, NZ, in '93 I think. 60,000 people absolutely ROCKIN! It remains one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. Gerry and Dewey constantly remind us how, along with the BEACH BOYS, the BEATLES were their biggest inspiration, and I know why: McCartney is unbelievable in concert, and he is only a quarter of that band. Sort of, anyway. I wonder, if AMERICA HAD split, when Dan left, and reformed recently, would they automatically have played to much bigger audiences on their return? Even if it was just Gerry and Dewey? Does the fact that they are accesible, and always have been, lessen their pulling power? Im thinking of bands like THE EAGLES here, and the huge ticket prices demamded on their 'reunion' shows. DOOBIES, FLEETWOOD MAC, the list is probably endless. As regular readers of this folder will know, Im extremely pleased AMERICA HAS continued, but Im keen to know your guys thoughts.



Message: 21550 Posted: Fri Apr 12 00:45:33 2002 By: jimbob
Subject: Cayman Gig

Remember when the Cayman gig 2001 was announced? Lots of discussion about it; would Dan show up etc? Of course we all knew that he most likely wouldnt, but still it was fun to speculate. Great reports from Terry too. But what about this years show? The fan that did go this year, has to be a REAL fan, so please, can you share your experience with us?



Message: 21549 Posted: Thu Apr 11 21:36:49 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: Re: Firefall, Ambrosia &Others

Hi Everyone!
I enjoyed all the posts, I really like Ambrosia's & Firefall's music. I too have Firefall's Elan & Greatest Hits, I enjoy them both lots of good songs, I especailly like Someday Soon, Count my Blessings, Goodbye I love You, regarding this song I thought that it had been released as a single, On the radio station I listen to, there is a 70's & 80's lunchtime request, I had called oneday requesting Goodbye I love you, only to have the DJ say to me that one was never released as a single, sorry I cannot play it....such a nice song, I must have listened to it so much that in my mind I thought i had heard it on the radio....As for Ambrosia,I like all of their songs that were released, not really familiar with any of their albums. Just wanted to say that Vince Gill was the lead singer for Pure Prairie League on the song Let me love you tonight~~nice song, I am a fan of Vince Gills,saw him in concert 2 yrs ago,really a good show. I would like to mention these other 70's groups~~~The New Colony Six~~they only had 2 or 3 songs released. The Looking Glass, The Jefferson Starship,The Steve Miller Band, and I really think the Bee Gees are right up there with AMERICA~~~Lots of good songs for sure. What a great time in music! Bye for now! Nancy :)



Message: 21548 Posted: Thu Apr 11 21:31:39 2002 By: John Corbett
Subject: Player

Player is another one of those great late '70s groups that I think gets overlooked. "Baby Come Back" is one of those great songs that simply can't be overplayed. But they have some other great stuff, too. "This Time I'm In It For Love," "Prisoner Of Your Love," "Silver Lining," and "If Looks Could Kill" were other pretty darned good hit songs from this "one-hit wonder." I highly recommend getting both the recent greatest hits compilation (with a couple new tracks) and the Player/Danger Zone double CD that One Way put out recently.

john



Message: 21547 Posted: Thu Apr 11 19:51:43 2002 By: Brad Askew
Subject: Catching up on posts / DVD/ May concerts

Hello, everyone. Last post for the night, I promise! Have been WAY behind on reading chat posts. I finally caught up tonight and responded to a couple of messages.
I bought the new America DVD at Borders for only 16.99 this week! Thought the price was excellent. Haven't been able to watch it yet.
I plan on seeing the guys at Stone Mountain on May 25 here in Atlanta, my hometown. I also have tickets to see McCartney in Atlanta on May 13. I have seen him twice before and can't wait. I will try to stay more up-to-date on the folder. Take care, Brad



Message: 21546 Posted: Thu Apr 11 19:45:53 2002 By: Brad Askew
Subject: Re: need some help on a song!

Hi, Steve. I think I have the song you are looking for! I copied the movie years ago on VHS. The quality probably isn't perfect but should do. I will have to search for it in my ridiculously large video collection. You can e-mail me, with your mailing address at: m.b.askew@worldnet.att.net I can then let you know when I find it. Brad



Message: 21545 Posted: Thu Apr 11 19:27:24 2002 By: Brad Askew
Subject: Re: Greetings

Hi, Jason. I also collect America items. Feel free to e-mail me at m.b.askew@worldnet.att.net Take care, and good luck finding Dirt Pit Manor! Brad



Message: 21544 Posted: Thu Apr 11 19:19:06 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Ohne Filter DVD Playing Problems

After spending over 3 hours tonight trying to get the DVD to play on my computer I gave up. I tried downloading new software (PowerDVD) and changing every possible setting on the DVD driver. But it always stops playing at the end of the FBI warning message. The one common thread among all the people who can't get the DVD to play is that it seems to be on a Pioneer DVD. Mine says it's a Compaq DVD but it's really a Pioneer. It is a Pioneer model DVD-116 with 1.06 firmware revision and the vendor information is 2000/12/05PIONEER. It is Region Locked which may or may not be the problem. The region code is set to 1 (USA).

I've resigned myself to the fact that I won't be able to play it on my computer. At least I have two other places where I can play it but I feel bad for others who don't have that option.

I'm still glad that I have the DVD because it is FANTASTIC! The quality is wonderful and the concert is great. I still highly recommend it to all America fans but I have to warn you that you may have problems playing it on Pioneer DVD players.

If any of you have other input or advice, I'd love to hear it.

--SteveL



Message: 21543 Posted: Thu Apr 11 16:49:38 2002 By: jeff brink
Subject: Re: Ambrosia/firefall/Orleans

CIRCLES is a fine song.



Message: 21542 Posted: Thu Apr 11 16:37:04 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: Ambrosia/firefall/Orleans

Just my 2 cents here,in response to the comments on the afore-mentioned bands...I have 4 of the Ambrosia albums,and a separate GH collection. I personally prefer the big "singles" as opposed to some of the LP cuts. "Nice,Nice very nice" from the 1st Album is still a great rock song,and not one of the ballad hits. If you want a very pleasing album,check out lead singer David Packs 1986 release "anywhere you go"--the ballad formula works on that too,as two of the singles from that LP were very Ambrosia-ish: "That girl is gone" and "I just can't let go". Firefalls best stuff can be found on the Rhino collection "Greatest hits" with the exception of a severly edited version of "Strange Way"--buy the "Elan" disk for the full version. Orleans had 3 big hit singles,and thats about it. "Love takes time" hit #11 in 1979 and stands out as my personal favorite,although later in the 80's they had a single called "circles" which I found very pleasant. It was also good to see shayne mention Hamilton,Joe Frank & Reynolds. There's an act certainly in need of great compilation. I nominate Rhino records to tackle it!



Message: 21541 Posted: Thu Apr 11 14:20:28 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Ohne Filter DVD Playing Problems

I should mention, that I watched the entire thing using my kid's PS2 and it was fantastic! The clarity of the video and the excellent sound make it a must have DVD. I only wish I could play it on my computer where I have an awesome sound system so I could appreciate the Digital Dolby 5.1 Stereo.



Message: 21540 Posted: Thu Apr 11 14:17:20 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Ohne Filter DVD Playing Problems

I received my DVD last night and I'm having problems getting it to play in my computer's DVD player (similar to problems that others are having). It works just fine in my kid's PS2 and in my wife's Sony DVD player. I've been in contact with the Music Video Distributors director of publicity and he's trying to help me figure out what's going on. I'm also trying some experiments of my own to see if I can figure out what's causing it. I hope I can get it to work by using some different software that I obtained this afternoon. If I get it working, I'll be sure to let you all know.

--SteveL



Message: 21539 Posted: Thu Apr 11 12:43:01 2002 By: Pat B.
Subject: Re: A Tale of Two Bands: Firefall and Ambrosia

Ladd~ I'm a fan of the band AMBROSIA. If your only experience of that band is their radio hits, and their album "One Eighty", I can understand why you were disapointed. One reason may be is because you bought the album because of the hits and assumed that that was what AMBROSIA was all about. Kind of like someone buying "Perspective" by AMERICA and not liking it because they bought it hoping to hear songs that sound like "Horse With No Name". Actually, AMBROSIA's non-hit songs are (what I think) the "meat-and-potatoes" of that band. I have all 5 of their albums and "One Eighty" is clearly their weakest (imo). I was disappointed in that album too, because I know that they had done so much better in the past. The phrase: "one eighty" means changing one's direction. I thought it was a clever title since the album was released in '81. With their album "One Eighty" being album number 4, I think AMBROSIA was attempting to be more commercial than their previous albums. I don't know if it was a band decision or record company decision, but I thought it was a bad decision. AMBROSIA's other 4 albums: (Ambrosia, Somewhere I've Never Travelled, Life Beyond LA, and Road Island) are all very important albums in my record collection. ~Pat



Message: 21538 Posted: Thu Apr 11 11:19:38 2002 By: Shayne
Subject: Re: A Tale of Two Bands: Firefall and Ambrosia

Pure Prairie League was a two or three hit wonder. They fused country with pop similar to Poco, but not as effective. They hit big in the early 70's with AMIE but were unable to muster anything (at a time that this particular sound was popular) until 1980 with LET ME LOVE YOU TONIGHT.

ORLEANS reminded me of another band in the 70's called HAMILTON, JOE FRANK and REYNOLDS. They did "DON'T PULL YOUR LOVE and FALLIN' IN LOVE". That album was pretty good (had it on 8-track). ORLEANS had very little staying power as well, although besides DANCE WITH ME, they hit it big with STILL THE ONE thanks to it being used repeatedly for ABC-TV promos.

A few other bands you may wish to revisit are POCO, LITTLE RIVER BAND, PABLO CRUISE, THE NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND and PLAYER. ALl made from a similar mold although POCO and LRB were bigger successes.

Shayne
When it all goes crazy and the thrill is gone, days get rain and the nights get long...



Message: 21537 Posted: Thu Apr 11 10:51:51 2002 By: Jason Smith
Subject: A tale of two bands

I'm not familiar with AMBROSIA but do have FIREFALL's first album which is okay. I think the best Country Rock albums came out in the late 60's early 70s when the idea was still fresh. You can't go wrong with PURE PRAERIE LEAGUE's "Bustin' Out" which is one of my all time favourite albums. Soulful, laidback harmonies with some fine country picking. It includes the US hit "Amie" and has other classics like "Boulder Skies" and "Early Morning Riser". Craig Fuller should get more recognition for this marvalous album.

If you like FIREFALL you could also try and find Rick Roberts early solo albums like "She Is A Song". Again, this is a laid back singer/songwriter album like early Jackson Browne and doesn't have the radio friendly hits of FIREFALL, but still a fine album. You may already know that Rick Roberts replaced Gram Parsons for the Flying Burrito Brother's 3rd album (confusingly titled: The Flying Burrito Brothers). This one's hard to find - I'm still looking for a vinyl copy but I think there is a CD compliation with all the tracks included.

One of the original Country Rock Albums and one of my favourites is Dillard & Clark's - Fantastic Expedition of... which include Bernie Leadon of the Eagles on banjo.

Other recommendations include: Michael Stanley Band, Ozark Mountain Daredevils and Danny O'Keefe.

Being from England you may know bands of a similar ilk I've never heard of. Let us know your fav's, not forgetting AMERICA of course.

Jas



Message: 21536 Posted: Thu Apr 11 07:25:27 2002 By: Ladd
Subject: A Tale of Two Bands: Firefall and Ambrosia

Alright, I've been exploring my 70s roots over the past few years, and took a couple of pitstops the past couple of months to dig out some old gems.

First stop: Ambrosia. I picked up the ONE-EIGHTY album with the great songs "You're the Only Woman" and "Biggest Part of Me." Now, it can't be overstated how DIVINE those two songs are. They are incredible. But the rest of this album SUCKS! There are some decent songs, but even they have problems (Like "Livin' on my Own" being the biggest Doobies with Michael McDonald rip-off you've ever heard). Then there are total laughers, like "Kamikaze." I was pretty disappointed. Maybe it's an 80s thing. It came out in 1980 and it has that keyboard cheese sound that the 80s made famous. I still can't understand how you could make 2 such PERFECT tunes and then produce that crap (while kissing each other on the album cover).

On the other hand, I got a FLASHBACK compilation album the other day of Firefall to hear another two great songs, "You Are the Woman" and "Just Remember I Love You" (love jammin' the latter on my gi-tar). But this time, THE OTHER SONGS WERE GREAT! "Mexico," "Cinderella," "Goodbye, I Love You", "Strange Way," man, what a pleasure this is. It made me seriously want to buy all the Rick Roberts Firefall albums. Can anyone suggest an order in which to purchase them?

Also, did I misgauge Ambrosia, or do you guys agree they are terribly uneven? And what about Pure Prarie League and Orleans? Should I go there? Are there other great country rock/pop bands from the 70s that I am missing?

TALK TO ME, Y'ALL. I LUV' YA'.



Message: 21535 Posted: Wed Apr 10 18:45:24 2002 By: Shayne
Subject: Re: need some help on a song!

Steve,

I have been searching for the song for as long as I can remember. I even taped the movie hoping to get the song on tape, but alas, the station aired their "Next on the 10 o'clock news" promo over the song.

If you ever find it, please, please, please let me know.

Shayne
But I don't believe in miracles...



Message: 21534 Posted: Wed Apr 10 18:01:13 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: re: Presidential Visit

Janice, I don't know of anyone who went to the Cayman Islands other than the anonymous winner of the E-Bay auction, Gerry, Dewey, and Erin Edwards (I presume that Pete and Bill went, too, but I don't know for sure). Erin called me from the islands and said she would be sending me a concert update soon. Unfortunately, I was away from my phone so I only got her message on my answering machine. It would have been fun to talk to her to find out how things were going there.

--SteveL



Message: 21533 Posted: Wed Apr 10 12:35:45 2002 By: Nina
Subject: Reply to Janice

You guessed wrong, Janice! I teach grade 6; although I have taught lower grades, as well! Kind of sad, isn't it, that the concept is taught in your son's grade 3 class...and we're still trying to make it "stick" in grade 6!

I had a 6th grader identify the word "farmer" as an adjective yesterday! Another one said that "bird" was an adverb. God, give me strength!

I'm always using those "Schoolhouse Rock" videos and songs to review the parts of speech...they're so catchy and fun...and easy to recall and sing, but students seem at a loss when asked to identify a word's part of speech!



Message: 21532 Posted: Wed Apr 10 12:16:09 2002 By: Robyn
Subject: re: Presidential Visit

>>Robyn, 6PST is 9EST here..my bedtime! Can't you start it at 3PST? lol.<<

Well, YOU can start anytime you want, I'm still at work or on the subway....

Seriously, there was a "movement" if you will, toward extending the chat time from 5 pm (that's 8 your time Janice!) So go for it! Just be sure to post so that you won't be talking to yourself.



Message: 21531 Posted: Wed Apr 10 11:10:49 2002 By: Janice
Subject: re: Presidential Visit

Nina, let me guess. You teach 3rd grade. That lesson sounds vaguely familiar from Ronnie's recent homework assignments. Interesting stuff..and in math it's multiplication and division. I told him that this is the last year I help him with math. :-)
Robyn, 6PST is 9EST here..my bedtime! Can't you start it at 3PST? lol.
Life is moving at warp speed, dragging me along. Summer almost here..kids out of school, oh joy.
Ryan got accepted to college and starts flight training at the same time.
AJ is getting ready to take the SAT and move back out west for college next year. There will be no "empty nest" syndrome in my house. Nope. I'll miss them and think of them often. :-)
More tests in Houston next week. I'd rather take the Greyhound than fly anymore. Talk to ya's soon.
I liked the concert pictures Steve! Did anyone go to Cayman this year?
Janice



Message: 21530 Posted: Wed Apr 10 09:49:59 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: need some help on a song!

I'm working on an America "Rarities" compilation,and I'm wondering if anybody has a taped,CD or vinyl copy of a song Gerry did with Lisa Del Bello in 1980 called "Now that I know". The song came from a movie called "Middle age crazy". If the song is only on the video,does anybody have it? And if so,is the song done in its entirety? I can always transfer video to CD-R. Any help on this is much appreciated!



Message: 21529 Posted: Wed Apr 10 09:26:31 2002 By: Jason Smith
Subject: Mad Dog - a European single

Mark

Thanks for your interest. I agree it would make interesting reading to know how popular America were (and are) in other countries, especially which singles were hits. For instance SISTER GOLDEN HAIR didn't even dent the UK chart and yet was a No 1 in the US. Maybe there are some real obscure hits out there that we have no knowledge of. For instance all of my 4 MAD DOG singles from Europe have TIN MAN as the B-side which would seem to indicate that TIN MAN was never released as a single in these countries.

Hopefully someone in the know will let us know.

Jason



Message: 21528 Posted: Wed Apr 10 07:41:31 2002 By: Robyn
Subject: Chat tonight

Remember to join in the fun this evening. Chat time is 6-9 Pacific. See you there!



Message: 21527 Posted: Wed Apr 10 05:16:40 2002 By: Nina
Subject: Re: Presidential Visit

Terry T....Let me put my grammar skills into action and help you de-code Pat B.'s message about the sign. FINALLY something I can help with!

PAINTED is a transitional verb, passing its action directly to the SIGN, which is known as the direct object. Although the sign is on the PORCH, the PORCH itself does not receive the action of being painted.
Therefore, we can conclude that Pat B.'s porch is still the same color it was before he endeavored to paint the sign.

That ends our lesson for the day! Have a good one!



Message: 21526 Posted: Tue Apr 09 20:53:59 2002 By: Mark
Subject: Re: Mad Dog - a European single

thanks for the info. I have wondered about how America's songs did in other countries. Some we have heard about, like Survival was a number 1 single in Italy and From A Moving Train went to number 1 in Spain. But I have seen other songs that are included on various international "best of" CDs that make me wonder if they weren't big hits in other places, songs like She's Gonna Let You Down and The Last Unicorn. Anybody have any more info?



Message: 21525 Posted: Tue Apr 09 13:28:43 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: Re: Thanks Mike B and DVD~~Amazon

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the answer about the tv in & out audio jacks, I will have to get these so I can watch mine on the tv too. In regards to your question about if anyone recieved their AMERICA DVD from Amazon, my friend Mary did recieve hers just this past week, it was to be here before and then they moved the date to the 26th of March, and she just got it last week. I hope yours arrives soon. I am looking forward to getting mine too! Bye, Nancy



Message: 21524 Posted: Tue Apr 09 12:22:09 2002 By: Mike B
Subject: Re: DVD Player long cable jacks/tv

America on DVD. Has anybody recieved the latest America in Conert DVD from Amazon.com?

The back plane of my PCs DVD-ROM has a stereo audio out mini-jack and a video out mini-jack. I plugged these with a long audio/video extension cable (~30-50 ft) into my TVs audio/video in jack. I can see and hear a DVD simultaneously on the TV and PC. I only get video and sound on my TV from the PC when playing a DVD. I do not get sound or video from other PC applications. I bought adaptors and the extension cable at an electronics store for converting the mini-jack to the standard RCA jack with audio (red & white) and video (yellow)plugs.



Message: 21523 Posted: Tue Apr 09 12:05:53 2002 By: Terry T.
Subject: Re: Presidential Visit

<< On my front porch, I painted a huge sign which reads... >>

You painted it on your PORCH?!

I heard his speech there today. He envisioned every citizen giving 4,000 years of their lifetime to voluntary service. Then he corrected it to 4,000 hours. The audience laughed, I laughed. He's a funny guy.



Message: 21522 Posted: Tue Apr 09 10:49:26 2002 By: Jason Smith
Subject: Mad Dog - a European single

Hello all,

You may have seen the two picture singles of MAD DOG which I sent to Steve a while back. I've recently discovered two further MAD DOG singles from Spain & Germany both of which have different covers. It perplexes me that this single was never released (to my knowledge) in the US or UK and yet appeared in many different varieties across the rest of Europe.

Does anyone know if it was a hit in any of these countries and if so how successful it was?

In the UK we have a Singles Chart book called the "Guinness Book of Hit Singles" and I know that the US has a similar publication called the "Billboard Chart". It would be great to know if other countries have similar publications and to especially see how AMERICA charted in these countries.

For your information America where never that successful in the UK except for the debut single. Here's their performance in the UK singles & album charts showing thier highest position:

SINGLES:

1, Horse With No Name - 3 (13 weeks in charts)
2, Ventura Highway - 43 (4 weeks in charts)
3, You Can Do Magic - 59 (3 weeks in charts)

Albums:

1, America - 14 (13 weeks in chart)
2, Homecoming - 21 (5 weeks in chart)
3, Hat Trick - 41 (3 weeks in chart)
4, History - 60 (1 week in chart)

Interestingly, I've just posted the Single cover of JET BOY BLUE from Japan which again wasn't released in the UK or US. Maybe we could compose an America chart from around the world.

Jason



Message: 21521 Posted: Tue Apr 09 09:15:24 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: Re: DVD Player long cable jacks/tv

Hi Everyone!
I was reading all of the posts and Mike B. I was wondering did you just connect the in and out audio into the speakers connection for the PC.,or would the DVD have its own audio connection. I sure would love to be able to do this with my tv, I have an excellent DVD player in my PC, the sound is so good,I have a 17 in screen on my pc, but I have a 32in tv with dolby digital sound, so I sure would love to be able to do this with my DVD player also. Sorry if I have you confused, I was just wondering if this would work with all DVD players. Thanks!

Hi Pat, I like your way of thinking, what better an opportunity to show your love for your Country, and your favorite music group all in one..... Nice!

I have called my favorite radio station the past three weeks in a row and have requested A Horse with No Name, telling the DJ each time that it has been 30yrs since this magical time in history, upon calling this week, the DJ just said I know your voice and don't say it you want to request America~~A Horse with No Name right, and I said yes you got that one right.... If I had my way America would be back on the top 10 list for the week again..... I can never get enough of their great music....
Have a good day everyone! Bye for now Nancy :)



Message: 21520 Posted: Tue Apr 09 07:42:27 2002 By: Mike B
Subject: Re: DVD-ROM

You have a lot more RAM than I have and playback works just fine on my Pentium II PC. Only cavet, my PCs video card and most newer video cards have dedicated video playback built in for optimum performance. On other systems the playback is handled by the software and then performance can be limited by your system RAM.



Message: 21519 Posted: Tue Apr 09 05:03:56 2002 By: Pat B.
Subject: Presidential Visit

President George Bush will be visiting my
hometown of Bridgeport Connecticut today.
On my front porch, I painted a huge sign which reads:

"Welcome President Bush. AMERICA IS NUMBER ONE."

I couldn't resist the opportunity to display my patriotism, as well as identifying the GREATEST band on planet Earth! ~Pat



Message: 21518 Posted: Mon Apr 08 19:49:02 2002 By: jimnak
Subject: Re: DVD-ROM

Alan,
you should be ok, go for it. Very minor smootheness in video or sound a small possibility. If it works well try the AMERICA Musikladen DVD from 1975, that's quite extraordinary also as record of AMERICA doing it live. That DVD features some unique intros to AMERICA's classics.



Message: 21517 Posted: Mon Apr 08 16:46:32 2002 By: Alan
Subject: Re: DVD-ROM

Thanks to all who gave feedback on the DVD-ROM question. Of course, some day I want a real DVD player. Sonds like the DVD-ROM is a good interim step. I have a 17" monitor with good resolution and my video card is 64MB, which was a lot when I bought it. I know that 128 and 256MB cards are very common now. I don't know if system memory is a factor or not in this instance, but I do have 512MB. Hopefully that helps. To those who replied to my last question - how much video RAM do you have? And does it sound as though I have enough to get a good picture?

Thanks again.

Alan



Message: 21516 Posted: Mon Apr 08 16:10:29 2002 By: cfhere
Subject: April 8, 1972

30 years ago today, A Horse with no name & the 1st album were at #1 for the 3rd week in a row on the Billboard charts.

Mark



Message: 21515 Posted: Mon Apr 08 10:19:50 2002 By: Nina
Subject: Concert Schedule

O.K., guys, I've been VERY patient (six months worth...since Gerry's kidney stones) awaiting a concert listing in Massachusetts or New Hampshire, and I STILL don't see one! Of course, I'll trek to Mohegun Sun this summer to see my favorite band, but I'd like to put in my order for something CLOSER please. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!



Message: 21514 Posted: Sun Apr 07 18:27:22 2002 By: jimbob
Subject: spelling

sorry about my spelling!



Message: 21513 Posted: Sun Apr 07 18:25:06 2002 By: jimbob
Subject: Re: AWSESOME/Greetings

Hey Eddy, that is indeed AWSESOME! You got best seats in the house from the sounds of it. And Jason, I hope you find Dirt Pit Manor. What a cool thing to do! Good luck.



Message: 21512 Posted: Sun Apr 07 12:11:05 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Daylight Saving Time

Dave, I'm not sure how they decide what foreign singles to release. Does anybody else know?

Sorry about the snow and 19 degrees - I guess you'll have to move to Utah (LOL).



Message: 21511 Posted: Sun Apr 07 11:29:28 2002 By: Jason Smith
Subject: Greetings

This is the first time I've used the chat folder although I've been viewing the site for over a year. You might have come across some of the picture single sleeves that I've been sending to Steve to post. If anyone else is a collector let me know. Living in England there seems to be a wide range of picture singles available in Europe which don't appear to have been issued in the US. So I may be able to help other collectors by putting them in touch with the sellers I've come across.

I have the honour of living very close to where Dewey, Gerry & Dan first met and formed America. Central High School in Bushey, Watford is only 5-6 miles away. More amzinigly, and this is something I only discovered 3-4 months ago from Dan's AMERICA STORY, is that I was born and grew up in the village where DIRT PIT MANOR is located. This house was where AMERICA first lived after they got their record contract before "A Horse With No Name" was released as a single.

Spurred on by this incredible co-incidence I e-mailed Dan at his own site and was honoured to receive a personal reply telling me where Dirt Pit Manor was located. I've now found the road (which happens to a long one!) and have found 2-3 possibilities. Unfortunately, I only have the drawing from HISTORY to go on and have no idea whether this is an accurate depiction.

Can anyone help? Does anyone know of any photos? I posted a similar message on the offical AMERICA site last week but have presently had no reply. I'm hoping that Dan will help me out again, and with a bit of luck I'll find it and take a photo for everyone to see.

Keep up the good work Steve and hello to fellow collector, Johnny Yee.

Jason Smith



Message: 21510 Posted: Sun Apr 07 10:55:22 2002 By: Robyn
Subject: Re: DVD-ROM

Mine looks and sounds great Alan! It depends on the clarity of your screen and the quality of your sound system for your pc. Go for it!



Message: 21509 Posted: Sun Apr 07 07:13:23 2002 By: Dave Balletto
Subject: Re: Daylight Saving Time

Steve - Just wondering about some of those singles in other lands. Do they have independent companies that just pick any songs they want to become singles or is their copyright issue, etc that they square
away ahead of time with the record company.
P.S. 70's - We woke up to a light snow cover and 19 degrees in CT



Message: 21508 Posted: Sun Apr 07 07:07:03 2002 By: EDDY
Subject: AWESOME!

Just got front row, center stage, for AMERICA in July up north here in the great state of Minnesota!
Also will be seeing Cheap Trick at the same place in May!
Hey, if I'm gonna miss McCartney this tour, I have to make up for it some how!
I'M PUMPED!! (nothing but America & 'Trick in the player this morning!)



Message: 21507 Posted: Sun Apr 07 06:57:10 2002 By: Mike B
Subject: Sorry - Triple Post

I hit the refresh button at the wrong time and got my first triple post. My apologies. Just making up for not posting for a while.



Message: 21506 Posted: Sun Apr 07 06:50:13 2002 By: Mike B
Subject: Re: DVD-ROM

The DVD-ROM that came with my 1999 PC has video/audio out ports. I plugged the DVD-ROM into my TV with long RCA cable/jacks and watched the America MusikLaden AMERICA DVD on the TV or PC monitor for a few years. I like the medium so much that I got a dedicated DVD/sound system this past Christmas. DVDs with DTS sound are suburb (Hell Freezes Over).

Has anyone got the latest America DVD from Amazon.com. I pre-ordered it January. Amazon says it was released March 26th, but my pre-ordered copy still has not shipped.



Message: 21505 Posted: Sun Apr 07 06:50:01 2002 By: Mike B
Subject: Re: DVD-ROM

The DVD-ROM that came with my 1999 PC has video/audio out ports. I plugged the DVD-ROM into my TV with long RCA cable/jacks and watched the America MusikLaden AMERICA DVD on the TV or PC monitor for a few years. I like the medium so much that I got a dedicated DVD/sound system this past Christmas. DVDs with DTS sound are suburb (Hell Freezes Over).

Has anyone got the latest America DVD from Amazon.com. I pre-ordered it January. Amazon says it was released March 26th, but my pre-ordered copy still has not shipped.



Message: 21504 Posted: Sun Apr 07 06:43:32 2002 By: Mike B
Subject: Re: DVD-ROM

The DVD-ROM that came with my 1999 PC has video/audio out ports. I plugged the DVD-ROM into my TV with long RCA cable/jacks and watched the America MusikLaden AMERICA DVD on the TV or PC monitor for a few years. I like the medium so much that I got a dedicated DVD/sound system this past Christmas. DVDs with DTS sound are suburb (Hell Freezes Over).

Has anyone got the latest America DVD from Amazon.com. I pre-ordered it January. Amazon says it was released March 26th, but my pre-ordered copy still has not shipped.



Message: 21503 Posted: Sat Apr 06 21:24:02 2002 By: ShariL in San Diego
Subject: David Cassidy songs

Hi, everybody.
"Living A Lie" sounds very familiar to me. Did it get airplay, does anybody know? If not, I must have had a friend who bought the album. If I'd realized at the time what it was, I would have bought it myself, having two artists I had a major crush on singing together! Yum! Altho I sure hear a lot more of Gerry on that song that David.
Setting my clocks ahead now.
And yes, Steve has my vote for Webmaster of the Universe!
Thanks, Steve.
ShariL <><



Message: 21502 Posted: Sat Apr 06 20:55:07 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Daylight Saving Time

It has been a very quiet day on the Chat Folder. Perhaps everyone is enjoying the spring weather (at least it's been very nice here in Utah with temperatures in the 70's).

I found out tonight that not everyone is aware of the song "Houses In White". For those of you who have never heard of it or have never heard it, here's a link that talks about the song and includes several RealAudio soundclips (including one for the entire song).

For those of you who are in the United States, don't forget to set your clocks ahead an hour before you retire tonight.

--SteveL



Message: 21501 Posted: Sat Apr 06 16:52:01 2002 By: Andie Frederick
Subject: America

I heard the Howard Stern interview with America. It was really good. Their speaking voice sounds like their singing voice. They handled themselves really well. Howard tried, but it didn't work. That is good! That's why I don't listen to Howard Stern. So if it wasn't on here, I would've never seen it on TV to watch the Howard Stern Show, because I don't watch Howard's show. Not my cup of tea show to watch! My hats off to Gerry and Dewey for being yourselves and not allowing yourselves to fall to people like Howard Stern.



Message: 21500 Posted: Sat Apr 06 09:30:04 2002 By: jimnak
Subject: Re: DVD-ROM

Alan,
The performance of DVD's on your computer are highly dependant on your grafics card, your monitor & your processor (he true test tends to be DVD action games). They all a play a roll, but the grafics card is very important, else you might not get a smooth frame-to-frame full motion effect. That AMERICA in Concert DVD is really outstanding.
Good luck.



Message: 21499 Posted: Sat Apr 06 08:25:22 2002 By: Alan
Subject: Re: Half Million Hits

BTW, Steve - congrats on the half-million mark and keep up the good work!



Message: 21498 Posted: Sat Apr 06 08:24:16 2002 By: Alan
Subject: DVD-ROM

With all these great America DVDs available, I am really itching to get a DVD player, but my budget just won't allow. I have noticed recently that you can get a DVD drive for your PC for as little as 50 bucks (about what you'd pay for a CD-ROM drive a couple years ago). Granted, this is just a straight player (also reads CD-ROMS), not one of the combo drives that is also a DVD-R and CD-RW as well, which still are quite pricey. But this gets me thinking that maybe I will have a way to play these DVDs less expensively than I thought possible. I already have a CD-R/CD-RW drive (albeit old and slow), so I could get by w/ something basic.

My question is for anyone who has a DVD-ROM drive in their PC: How do DVD movies/videos play on a PC? I'm sure the experience wouldn't be as good as on a TV set, but is it acceptable?

I'm just afraid that if I wait too long, they might not be available (especially the Musikladen one). But at the same time, I can't justify spending the money on them right now w/ nothing to play them on.

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

Alan



Message: 21497 Posted: Sat Apr 06 07:38:46 2002 By: jimnak
Subject: Re: Half Million Hits

Half a million hits, that's a few more than AMERICA !
Keep up the great work. I think this Internet thing is hear to stay, hope it's not just a fad.



Message: 21496 Posted: Fri Apr 05 14:59:43 2002 By: Genevieve
Subject: Re: Half Million Hits

Hi Steve,
If i wasn't afraid you might see a negative connotation in it, due to the usual reference to T.Wolfe's novel, I'd say we should call you "Webmaster of the Universe"!!! And I agree with Jimbob : by creating this web site you made it possible for some isolated fans to meet wonderful people, most of them animated by an incredible generosity ! We are grateful to you for (somehow) causing / initiating this superb forest fire. -Geneviève.



Message: 21495 Posted: Fri Apr 05 14:26:45 2002 By: Steve Orchard
Subject: Re: David Cassidy

I don't have alot of additional info on that David Cassidy song. Gerry
also did a duet with David called "Take this heart" which is available on the Razor & Tie collection. Its pretty much a rarities disk of Cassidy stuff,but doesn't include the songs just added by Steve Lowry. "Gettin' it in the streets" was a 1976 LP that never even charted. Howard Lieboff may have some additional info,otherwise
all I can pass on comes from the woman who runs the David Cassidy website out of New Zealand. She has the LP,and after looking it over told me that Gerry had a hand in just about every song,either playing
or singing on it. Good luck to anybody that can find a copy of this,its extremely rare. I didn't even see it listed on www.gemm.com which is the Massive site devoted to all things involving CD's or records.



Message: 21494 Posted: Fri Apr 05 14:09:47 2002 By: Pat B.
Subject: Re: David Cassidy

Thanks Steve for the DC songs. During my adolescence, I thought that the Partridge Family was "the bomb" (modern speek for "real cool"). I was quite impressed with "Living A Lie". Did DC write that song? ~Pat



Message: 21493 Posted: Fri Apr 05 06:58:21 2002 By: holiday
Subject: Re: Half Million Hits

One night, one in a (half) million
Twilight, lastin' us through tomorrow
Nothing can come between us

So great to see such a milestone
So great to call this place a 2nd home .... ha ha

My congrats too Steve - you're one in a (half) million.

On a completely different topic, I have picked up a couple of 10cc records since last week's discussions of '70's artists. WOW - came across a 1975 track called "Waterfall" from an early Greatest Hits album. Sounds just like a Neil Young or Dewey Bunnell composition from their '72 hits era. Simple accoustic guitars and America like harmonies with lyrics about getting back to the land - verrrrrry cool.

Chris



Message: 21492 Posted: Fri Apr 05 05:49:03 2002 By: Mark
Subject: Re: David Cassidy

David Cassidy was very frustrated by the music and sterotyping from the Partridge Family. After he left the show he released 2 or 3 solo albums that were actually pretty good pop/rock albums, but he just couldn't overcome the Partridge Family image and the albums were ignored by the media.



Message: 21491 Posted: Thu Apr 04 20:43:58 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: Re:Half Million Hits!

Hi Everyone,
So nice to see Positive feedback on this Chat folder, I don't know if any of you have seen the Negative Post on the venturahighway message board..... it is so disgusting, ruined my night for sure. The nerve of some people.
On a much brighter side, let me add my congrats too on hitting the half million hits.... I have checked here daily for the last year, and I have also met some really nice friends because of finding AMERICA on the net and this site for sure. Thanks Steve for the great job you have done bringing this site to life..... Just know there are people out there that appreciate all you do....
I also downloaded the songs with Gerry & David Cassidy~~liked them too, so many years since the Partridge Family! WOW!
I am feeling a little better now, take care all and have a great evening or day whatever applies to you all.
Bye for now, Nancy A fan of America's music and so happy to say this!



Message: 21490 Posted: Thu Apr 04 14:36:05 2002 By: jimbob
Subject: Re: Half Million Hits

I too saw that this page has just exceeded a half million hits. Saw it late last night NZ time. This page is the first I look at each day, and Ive 'met' an incredible bunch of people! THANKYOU!



Message: 21489 Posted: Thu Apr 04 14:16:40 2002 By: EDDY
Subject: Re: Half Million Hits

Congratulations on the 1/2 million hits, I try to log on at least once a day. You do a fantastic job on this site, allways updating, allways something new to check out, keep up the GREAT work!!



Message: 21488 Posted: Thu Apr 04 09:33:35 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Half Million Hits

I just noticed that the counter at the bottom of this page has exceeded a half million hits. I think it rolled over last night just a little before midnight (PST). Thanks for all your participation in keeping it active and lively.

FYI - I wrote the Chat Folder software in 1996 and it has been around since about December of 1996 (a little over 5 years). That means that there has been an average of about 4,297 messages per year and about 100,000 hits per year.

--SteveL



Message: 21487 Posted: Thu Apr 04 08:18:15 2002 By: Robyn
Subject: My Thanks

To all who were able to join me in the chat last evening. and for all yo Los Angeles bashers I invite you to visit my city and see it for yourself! ( remember America calls this city home)



Message: 21486 Posted: Thu Apr 04 08:02:54 2002 By: RichM
Subject: David Cassidy

I've never listened to anything by David Cassidy (except in reruns of the Partridge Family). I'm surprised I'm saying this, but I actually like both the songs, especially "Living a Lie." They sound like they could fit in on "Hideaway" or maybe "Hearts." You learn something new every day I guess.

Rich



Message: 21485 Posted: Wed Apr 03 21:11:07 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: David Cassidy Songs

Thanks to Steve Orchard and Howard Lieboff I have a couple of MP3's for your listening/downloading pleasure. They are a couple of David Cassidy songs from his 1976 LP titled "Getting It In The Streets". Gerry sings lead on both of them. They are in MP3 format and I'll leave them on the Chat Folder for a couple of weeks. Each one is about 4 1/2 megabytes.

Living A Lie
Love, Love The Lady

Thanks again to SteveO and Howie!



Message: 21484 Posted: Wed Apr 03 13:54:17 2002 By: jimnak
Subject: Re: Nashville cats :reports from the front

sorry that's all the info I got. We need an eyewitness account !
But hey soon the Cayman show will be rolling; where is that ebay winner ?



Message: 21483 Posted: Wed Apr 03 12:27:28 2002 By: Genevieve
Subject: Nashville cats :reports from the front

Very enthusiastic report Jimnak, but a little concise however. I usually like succinctness, yet if you' ve got some more details about the whole event, I'd love to read about them.



Message: 21482 Posted: Wed Apr 03 11:30:49 2002 By: jimnak
Subject: Nashville cats

reports from the front:

AMERICA belted out 6 acoustic (less Daisy) songs at the songwriters show in Nashville Tennessee. VENTURA HIGHWAY, I NEED YOU, DAISY JANE, TIN MAN, SISTER GOLDEN HAIR, HORSE WITH NO NAME. A smashing success & a great display of the fine things that can be done on the acoustic 6 & 12 string by none other than AMERICA ! Nashville is in awe !!!



Message: 21481 Posted: Wed Apr 03 09:53:43 2002 By: Robyn
Subject: Chat tonight and to Genevieve

Just a reminder that tonight is chat night. If my cpu cooperates and my new monitor doesn't explode (that's kind of what happened last week!) I will be in the room after 7 pm. Hope to see everyone there!

Genevieve- no offense taken! June is usually associated with Gemini, July is Moonchildren!



Message: 21480 Posted: Wed Apr 03 08:32:30 2002 By: Genevieve
Subject: View From Hotel Window: Nashville

Steve, I wanted to thank you for posting the link to Gerry's latest view . How cool he added you to his "View From The Hotel Window" recipients !...
So thank you Gerry for sharing "your best shot" (lol) with us too. Despite the (bad?) pun, I'm quite serious about this unfinished photo album for 2002. I find it really very impressive to think of all the various places (& respective climates) Dewey & Gerry have already been to this year . It shows what being constantly on the road also means... ("You are the needle on the compass"). Anyway, I hope the Nashville show will get a review. Just thought maybe someone interviewed all those musicians? We'll have to check out the press. And some time later we might get the guys' comments as well...

Robyn,
forgive the two-sided but short-sighted gemini, brainless scarecrow in me ! Hopefully, June will be a fine month for us all, the Geminis AND Cancers on this page, with the release of Jeff Larson's new CD.



Message: 21479 Posted: Wed Apr 03 07:17:36 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Radio and Records Chart info

Mark, thanks for the info and the link.



Message: 21478 Posted: Wed Apr 03 07:13:58 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Replt to Steve L.

Nina, your password has been changed to the one you sent me in your e-mail message. BTW: Your inquiry didn't force me to do the clean up. It just triggered my memory because I've been meaning to do it for quite some time now. I generally try to do it about once a year.



Message: 21477 Posted: Wed Apr 03 06:31:14 2002 By: Nina
Subject: Replt to Steve L.

Steve,

Thanks for your help. I sent you an e-mail this morning with information you requested. I hope my inquiry didn't FORCE you to clean-up the Registration info.?!? You really do a super job, Sir!!!



Message: 21476 Posted: Wed Apr 03 06:06:28 2002 By: Mark
Subject: Radio and Records Chart info

For what it's worth here's some more chart info. Radio and Records is an industry publication that got its start in 1973. They started publishing a pop chart then that was based on airplay only (vice single sales). It started out as only a Top 20 chart (vice a top 100 that was published by Billboard and Cash Box), so a song had to be a big hit just to make the chart. It later expanded to top 30 then top 40. Now I believe they publish a top 50 for pop charts and have expanded to include other charts for various formats including country, adult contemporary, jazz, etc… The web page for Radio and Records is http://www.rronline.com/

Since the demise of Cash Box, Radio and Records is the only truly national chart publication other than Billboard (which is the dominant publication). Again Radio and Records charts are slightly different than Billboard because they are based only on airplay, where Billboard also factors in sales for a single. America fans will remember that From A Moving Train hit the Radio and Records Adult Contemporary chart soon after it was released. Here's what I have been able to find out about how America's songs did on the Radio and Records chart (again keep in mind that they didn't start until 1973 and a song had to make either the top 20, 30, or 40 just to register on the chart. So minor hits like Amber Cascades or California Dreamin won't register and the early big hits like Horse With No Name and Ventura Highway came before the publication started)

Tin Man --- 1
Lonely People -- 4
Sister Golden Hair -- 1
Daisy Jane -- 9
Today's the Day -- ??? (I heard it made the chart but haven't found out for sure yet)
You Can Do Magic -- 3
The Border -- 27
From A Moving Train -- 25 (Adult Contemporary chart)

If anybody has any corrections or additions please let me know.



Message: 21475 Posted: Wed Apr 03 05:39:03 2002 By: Pat B.
Subject: Howard Stern / America

I too, had a very negative reaction, the first time I heard Mr. Stern's radio program. However, my opinion of him changed after I saw his movie: "Private Parts", which I thought was very entertaining. Now I listen to him regularly and find his (controversial) brand of humor quite funny. How very interesting that today I heard on Howard's show that AMERICA had once sang the "BaBa-Boowie Song"! Unfortunately Howard did not actually play the tape of AMERICA singing the "BaBa-Boowie Song" today. I'm sure it's probably very funny. And, who knows, it might even be worthy of Steve to include it somewhere on the AMERICA site. I wonder if it's available? This very well could indicate that Dewey and Gerry might possibly be fan's of Howard's show. (I don't know, I'm just guessing)
During the early hours of the terrorist attacks on 9/11, while many people were fleeing Manhattan, Howard debated weather or not to leave the studio and go home or remain on-the-air. Howard chose to remain on-the-air to help provide information to the city as the day's terrible events unfolded. ~Pat



Message: 21474 Posted: Tue Apr 02 20:40:50 2002 By: jimnak
Subject: Re: Registration Cleanup

Thanks for all the work Steve, now you can get back to your real job.



Message: 21473 Posted: Tue Apr 02 20:30:54 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Registration Cleanup

I just finished cleaning up the Chat Folder registration area. There were about 50 people who had registered but hadn't posted anything in the past two years. Those registrations were deleted (but they can always register again if they want to post something). FYI - there are 176 people currently registered which means that 176 different people posted at least one message in the past 24 months.

Nina, I found your registration and I'll be sending your information to the e-mail address that you used to register. You can reply to my message to tell me what you'd like your password to be (or just send the password you would like to me via e-mail).

--SteveL



Message: 21472 Posted: Tue Apr 02 19:14:20 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: View From Hotel Window: Nashville

Gerry has added me to his "View From The Hotel Window" recipients so here's his latest view: Nashville (4/2/02)



Message: 21471 Posted: Tue Apr 02 16:37:44 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: test...help!

Nina, send me a mail message with your user ID and what you want your password to be and I'll change it for you.



Message: 21470 Posted: Tue Apr 02 13:27:55 2002 By: hekawi25
Subject: Re: billy bragg

billy bragg is british and for years did very political and
sometimes controversial stuff. his two most recent recordings
are "mermaid avenue" and "mermaid avenue II" wherein he was
entrusted with previously unpublished woody guthrie lyrics.
he set them to music and along with the group wilco and
natalie merchant made these two critically acclaimed cd's.
his voice is hard to describe, kinda between early dylan
and cat stevens.



Message: 21469 Posted: Tue Apr 02 13:14:46 2002 By: jeff brink
Subject: Re: Re: Cayman Gig / Jeff L

Geneieve, I believe June is what they're shooting for... and "Norman" sounds great. I'm looking forward to hearing it in it's entirety. Let me say too that I appreciate the recent Jeff L. updates. ...not sure who maintains that page?

...hope the Christmas cd is doing okay.

carry on...Jeff B.



Message: 21468 Posted: Tue Apr 02 12:46:35 2002 By: Nina
Subject: Re: test...help!

Hey, Steve...I guess we can blame this on my "computer illiteracy", but somehow I DID just as you suggested (clicked the update registration) and tried three times to put through my new e-mail address...but the old one wouldn't erase! I'd love to have my OLD password back because it is imprinted on my brain! Is there anyway we can do this...or am I now out of luck because I've already been given a new one? Help!

All of you DO realize I have absolutely NO idea of what I'm doing half of the time I'm using a computer, right? (How I ever got all of the correct names to put on the quilts I'll NEVER know!) I can't tell you how frustrating it is to see things like the Howard Stern/America interview become available and I can't access it! Plus all of the music clips I've never been able to hear! (Pass me a box of Kleenex, please.)



Message: 21467 Posted: Tue Apr 02 10:50:46 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Re: Cayman Gig / Jeff L

Genevieve, I have told Gerry that we enjoy his "Views" and he plans on continuing it as far as I know.



Message: 21466 Posted: Tue Apr 02 10:49:13 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: test

Nina (and the rest), you can always click the Update Registration link at the top of this page to change your e-mail address, password, etc. That way you don't have to re-register every time. Just update the pertinent information.



Message: 21465 Posted: Tue Apr 02 10:28:50 2002 By: Robyn
Subject: Off topic post

If anyone is in the Santa Monica area this evening, go see headparade at 14 Below. details at www.headparade.com



Message: 21464 Posted: Tue Apr 02 10:16:04 2002 By: kiri
Subject: billy bragg

i'm going with a friend to see Billy Bragg in a couple of weeks. anyone here a fan? what should i know about his music?

sorry i'm off-topic.



Message: 21463 Posted: Tue Apr 02 09:12:18 2002 By: Robyn
Subject: Re: Re: Cayman Gig / Jeff L

>>And if you get the chance to, please tell Gerry we really enjoy watching his "Views". <<

You just did! I think they read this site when they get a chance.

Gemeni, huh? June is also a great month for the Cancers on this page!



Message: 21462 Posted: Tue Apr 02 09:02:36 2002 By: Genevieve
Subject: Re: Cayman Gig / Jeff L

<<As far as recording the show goes, I know the venue wouldn't allow it last year so I doubt that they'll allow it this year.>>

TOO BAD!!!
But thanks Steve for the info. And if you get the chance to, please tell Gerry we really enjoy watching his "Views".

Jeff,
thank you too for the update. I know some of us here are counting the days to the release of J.L.'s new & very promising album - really nice and catchy sound clips - & are already fond of his version of Norman... Did they say June? Hey, a wonderful month for a gemini like me !



Message: 21461 Posted: Tue Apr 02 08:47:40 2002 By: Nina
Subject: test

Hi...just checking to see if I can still post! I had to change my e-mail address, and that means a new password and number on the Chat Folder. Life is sooooooo complicated!



Message: 21460 Posted: Tue Apr 02 08:21:39 2002 By: jeff brink
Subject: new-surf.com

There are 2 new sound clips on Jeff L.'s site..."Sparkle to it" and "Heavy rain". Also some info.

carry on...



Message: 21459 Posted: Tue Apr 02 07:20:10 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Cayman Gig

Genevieve, I got a message from Gerry a week or so ago and he said that he would have his camera with him in the Cayman Islands. He won't have his laptop with him, however, so we won't be able to see The View From the Hotel Room photo until he gets back in the states. As far as recording the show goes, I know the venue wouldn't allow it last year so I doubt that they'll allow it this year.



Message: 21458 Posted: Tue Apr 02 04:45:50 2002 By: Pat B.
Subject: Happy Birthday Willie

Happy Birthday Willie.

I'm looking forward to hearing YOUR superior drumming
(and not a drum computer) on the next AMERICA CD.
[hopefully]~Pat



Message: 21457 Posted: Tue Apr 02 01:27:41 2002 By: Genevieve
Subject: Re:Cayman Gig

Hi everyone,

A DVD of their live performance in the Cayman Islands? Sure sounds like a GREAT idea to us (still) frustrated, yet VERY PATIENT European fans ! Also hope Gerry won't forget to take his camera...



Message: 21456 Posted: Mon Apr 01 21:30:55 2002 By: Nancy
Subject: Re:Cayman Gig

Hi Jimbob!
I agree that sure would be nice for them to make a CD or DVD of this performance, that way we could all be able to enjoy this, even though we aren't fortunate enough to be there for it.... Rhino if you are reading this, sure would appreciate if you would consider this.
Bye for now, Nancy :)



Message: 21455 Posted: Mon Apr 01 20:08:47 2002 By: jimbob
Subject: Cayman Islands gig

Bones, I agree with you! How, I wonder, do we get Rhino's attention to the fact that we NEED a recording such as this?! I have three different live shows on CD and three on video, and although there is nothing that really comes close to this band live, its my belief that a concert with just Gerry and Dewey on acoustic guitars would surely rank up there with the first album.



Message: 21454 Posted: Mon Apr 01 19:31:00 2002 By: Bones
Subject: Re: Howard Stern Interview

Sure would be nice if Rhino records recorded the show in the Cayman Islands and released it some time late summer or early fall.



Message: 21453 Posted: Mon Apr 01 17:44:16 2002 By: Mary
Subject: Re: Cool Link!

Thanks so much for sharing the link to WABC in NY. grew up listening to it down at the Jersey Shore in the late 60's/early 70's. A real "blast from the past" to see Bruce Morrow listed as the dj from that period, aka Cousin Brucie.

Mary



Message: 21452 Posted: Mon Apr 01 16:39:16 2002 By: cfhere
Subject: April 1, 1972, Cashbox Charts, Howard Stern

It is no April Fool's, 30 years ago today, A Horse with no Name and the 1st album both are #1 for the second straight week on Billboard's charts.

Mark, I enjoyed reading about the Cashbox charts on the America songs. It's a shame they had nothing on albums.

I listened to the Howard Stern interview from 1994 with America. I always felt that Howard Stern was a jerk, but the guys as usual handled everything great. I loved the "NEW" version of the Horse.

Mark



Message: 21451 Posted: Mon Apr 01 12:29:27 2002 By: Nina
Subject: Happy Birthday, Willie

Let me add my two cents worth...Happy Birthday, Willie! I hope you had a day filled with all sorts of good stuff!!!



Message: 21450 Posted: Mon Apr 01 12:00:01 2002 By: Robyn
Subject: Happy Belated Birthday Willie!

Hope you had a great day ( and many more to follow!)



Message: 21449 Posted: Mon Apr 01 11:30:11 2002 By: Maureen
Subject: Happy Birthday Willie !

Dear Willie,
I just wanted to say 'Happy, Happy Birthday' and man, many more.
Sorry this is a little late - I hope you had fun anyway. See ya soon.
Maureen for L.I.



Message: 21448 Posted: Mon Apr 01 09:26:10 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Re: Howard Stern Interview

I just finished listening to the interview. The songs were great and I thought Dewey and Gerry handled themselves well considering how crass Howard is. Now I know why I never listen to him.



Message: 21447 Posted: Mon Apr 01 08:34:34 2002 By: Howard Lieboff
Subject: Howard Stern Interview

I remember that interview. I missed the interview but recorded the songs. Songs sounded great.



Message: 21446 Posted: Mon Apr 01 08:20:50 2002 By: AmericaSL
Subject: Howard Stern Interview - No April Fools

After eight years of searching, Frank Mathis finally found a rare America interview with Howard Stern. Howard conducted a very positive and upbeat interview with Gerry and Dewey. He came across as a big fan. He asks them a couple of personal questions and the guys do a medley of three songs. Howard seems to create an informal environment which is reflected by hearing a side of Gerry and Dewey that one doesn't get in conventional media interviews. This interview was conducted on June 3, 1994 when Gerry and Dewey were promoting "Hourglass."

Frank wants to thank the people in the Howard Stern binaries group (alt.binaries.howard-stern) for sending him this interview. Nice people who posted the interview ten minutes after his request.

I'd like to thank Frank for tracking this interview down and for sending it to me so I could share it with all of you. It will remain on the chat folder for a week or two in MP3 format and after that you'll be able to listen to it on the America Fans web site in RealAudio format. Click on the links below to download or listen to the interview:

Interview Part 1
Interview Part 2

--SteveL


[March] [May]
Last Revised: 5 June 2002