Archives: June 2000

Double T, yes I finally got the Internet at home but it Took (The "Old Man") some work. As a matter of fact, I just got hooked-up today. Unfortunately, my e-mail is not working correctly. I can send messages but can't receive them. Thanks for the happy birthday wish! It's still June in my time zone so close enough. : )

To anyone that has sent me personal e-mail (such as Janice, Beechlady, Robyn, Double T, or Steve L) that address has been dead since June 1st. Those messages are floating somewhere in cyberland.

Steve L, if you replied to my message that I sent you today, I didn't receive it. I will need my provider to work on my e-mail. Apparently, not enough funds were contributed to the cause. (LOL)

To Everyone: I was thinking more about "How Could I Turn You Away" and have changed my mind about who wrote it. I think the title sounds like a song Dewey would compose. I think it's somewhat similar to some of the song titles of his, such as: "Can't Fall Asleep To A Lullaby", "Don't Let It Get You Down", and "Nothing's So Far Away (As Yesterday)". I guess we'll find out in the future. Hopefully, it'll be in the near future.

Joe B, the person you sent help to at Rhino regarding "Highway" was no doubt, Gary Peterson. What an extremely nice gesture on his part. Wouldn't you say?

Squeaking in a late return June Birthday Salute and thanks to Robyn, Kevin Korn, Johnny, and all others not known. Heck, Happy Birthday to Everyone! Yes, Robyn, we did party in the keys.

Johnny, good to see ya back once in awhile. Did you get that collection money from everyone for an internet service yet?

Lori, we'll call you this weekend about the concert, thanks for the info. (personal use of the Folder for America business)

THANKS, Steve and Scott, for the new America section at RockAndRollUSA.com, and link info.

Happy Fourth to ALL!

Joe, I hardly thought your info was worthless. Thanks for the correction on the Peter Wolf thing. I would've gone on thinking he was one and the same as the "other" Peter Wolf. Or something like that. As far as your contributions on timing, hey, that's worth a thank-you. And what better place to thank you accept on the album credits. Too cool fer words. I'm sure Steve will also earn a big Thank You on the album.

Jim R.

Robert Lamm was on an internet chat (on his own official website) on 6/28 to discuss the BLW album, Like a Brother. He had some nice things to say about America and Gerry Beckley. See this link for the transcript.
http://robertlamm.homestead.com/chatscripts.html


Anonymous asks: Will you and Gerry Beckley do another project together?
Robert says:
I think so. We will at least write some songs together.
Robert says:
...and we're very good friends.

Anonymous asks: Will you ever tour with America? Will you ever play something from "Like a Brother" in concert?
Robert says:
I would love to. Previous attempts at putting the bands together have failed, but we keep trying.

Darlin asks: Robert - your arrangment of Nilsson's "Without Her" is wonderful. The harmonies are great. How did you decide to use this song?
Robert says:
When the Harry Nilsson album was being put together, amazingly, that song had not been claimed by any of the other artists
Robert says:
and I arranged it while Chicago was in Vancouver recording the Big Band album.

Hey Jim & You People,

The Peter Wolf on BLW is a different dude than the fantabulous lead singer of the J. Geils Band. This Peter Wolf is a long time writer/producer of L.A. pop/rock from folks like Starhip, etc. I know this really has no practical application, but its one of millions of pieces of generally worthless trivial info trapped in my brain. Taking space away from much more worthwhile and important things, I might add. Hope everyone has a great holdiay weekend. God bless America.

Peace
Joe B (Joe Bartosch)

P.S. Does anybody physically have a promo copy of the "Highway" set yet? Someone told me they saw my name in the credits. I'm not sure why it would be there (though I did e-mail some guy regarding timing on some of the promo singles I had from radio), but that would be very cool.

P.P.S. Steve Lowery totally rules!!!

Actually, my B-L-W CD "jacket" has been doing just what Beechlady says. So far, I've had it laying around in my car, sitting in my bag, and thrown somewhere on my desk. I like it, but I'm not sure why I like it. Then again, it took me months to finally convince myself to throw away those long boxes that used to come with CDs years ago. Hopeless pack rat.

Jim R.

Gerry's songs and lead vocals are great, but I like "Today" and "Feel the Spirit" the best, followed by "Watching the Time." For me, the Peter Wolf (formerly of the J. Geils Band) songwriting co-credit and Gerry's echoing background vocal on "Feel the Spirit" made this song the most intriguing one on the album.

The collaboration was such a good one that I find myself disappointed there will be no more Beckley-Lamm-Wilson efforts. I also find myself agreeing that a Dewey Bunnell solo or collaborative effort outside of America might be irresistible.

Jim R.

YOu have too much time on your hands.
What to do with the CD insert........jeesh
That HOT Florida sun is getting to you.
lol, hl

Ok. I like the sleeve that comes with the new CD, but what does one actually DO with it? Putting it back on the CD hampers one from a quick retrieval incase of aural emergencies. If it lays around it could get all scuffed and mangled. What's a woman to do??????

TkH<----see THIS is what happens when my Mac dies.....!!!! HELPPPPP!

Mine is "Walk Don't Run"!
(The Mommy remix version of "Run Don't Walk")

TkH<------"don't make me stop this chatter"....rofl

I'm glad I DON'T work in TV anymore, Howard...lol! Seriously though, I'd be "voted off" after one week! BUT, ummmmmm ummmmmmm those rats sure looked tasty......rofl

TkH<----anyone know where I can pick up a PowerMac 9600 with low mileage?

AND what if they're 3 " heels?

(C;

TkH<----I'm going thru withdrawl....SIGH

I'll BE HERE, Mr. L!!!!
(C=

TkH<------now where's that boot block again?

The America 3-CD box that came out in May is from Australia, I'm told. I may find out more soon from my source. Does anyone know if the two cd pkg. from Pinnacle Records is available from any known sources?

Happy 4th!

I am going in to the room in a minute or two. see you there!

uh, my post was yesterday. won't be there this evening ( at least not as of this moment) Have fun.

What if the shoes are to small? or to big? Then I guess I'm walking barefoot for a mile and holding on to an old smelly pair of shoes.

Beechlady, honestly, the next survivor series is in Australia.
I work in TV, I know! :0)

Hey Tkh...
you should try out for the next survivor series in...
Australia!! (LOL) You're too much.
hl :0) I'm coming down to Florida August 19-26th!!!

GMG arrived in the mail yesterday, YEAH!!!! The re-mixes sound GREAT! Thought I would be giving BLW a break for awhile, but am listening to both back to back this morning. THANX GERRY & everyone involved in bringing us these great new CD's, KEEP THEM COMING!!!!

I'll try and make it today!!!

TkH<------Some days you are the bug, some days you are the windshield.

WOW! Tornadoes in Austrailia? What's this world coming too????? I thought the one that surfaced when I was in L.A. a couple of years back was highly UNUSUAL,,,,,,,yeah, Spurs you haven't lived life till you have an F4 breathing down your back (took the back of our barn off while it was a 1/4 mile away-I was a 15 year old standing in the doorway debating whether to *rescue* the dog or NOT)! Glad to hear everyone was OK!!! (C=

I'm hoping Rhino gives it more than just the "Back To The Fifties" TV ads that we see here (or you could insert the "80's" set or the Jazz set in there too)......

TkH<--------Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in his shoes. That way, when you criticize him, you'll be a mile away and you'll have his shoes.

I will be in the room around 6:30 if anyone wants to chat

Hello everyone,seems our lads are going to be super busy as usual,and in particular with the release of Highway.I'm wondering what promotion ideas Rhino have up their sleeves.Strange thing for Australia a Tornado on the outskirts of town extremly rare one a decade according to the weather people,but it was still enough to suck the occupants from the house including an 18 month old baby still strapped to her highchair, lucky all involved were ok, fair bit of damage though and nothing like on the scale you folks get in the US.

Oh yeah, I should've mentioned: you know that fabulous metallic logo on the cover of "Highways"? I want it. In metallic form. I want a new belt buckle, a pewter paper weight, a decorative collectible, or all three. I want it now. But the tooling needed for die-cast tooling suggests to me that I'm being a little bit unrealistic.

But I do like that logo.

Jim R.

Technically, the logo is copyrighted, so having an embroidery machine (which is how all these nice-looking products are now becoming available) is not the issue. However, anyone with the equipment could obtain permission to use the logo for a fee. The fee might be based on the number of units of clothing to be produced, or it might be a flat fee that allows the embroider to split the cost over the number of units produced. The more units, the lower the cost.

My point is that anyone who already has the rights to produce the America logo on clothing can either use an embroidery machine or contract for the work. It's a simple matter of getting the producer and embroiderer together and then marketing the product to fans. (That's us.) We now know of someone who is doing this type of product marketing (as evidenced by the t-shirt that just begging me to wear it tonight), so I'm hoping the clothing producer sees the logic in finding a commercial embroiderer. And they are everywhere.

Jim R.

Went out and plunked down 14.99 for the BLW cd today. I'm on my third listen and I had to take back my initial review of the sound samples I listened to of this very fine cd. Watching the Time is my favorite followed closely by Today, I Wish For You, Sheltering Sky & Like A Brother. This is an exceptional cd and I just needed to clear what I said about it in an earlier post. Life In Motion brothers and sisters.....DanC.

Size 7 1/2. Let me know where to send the check.

KevinS.

Hey, if embroidering their logo on a hat without their permission is copyright infringement, I bet they'd want me to stop burning copies of Human Nature and selling them out of the back of my van.

I have a friend that has a machine for embroidery. What are the chances of getting the rights to do this? I work for a college and reprinting our mascot is a no-no. Just curious as to copyright infringments. I would guess it cannot be done. If anyone can give us (me) a good understanding please respond.

Now that my oval-logo T-shirt has also arrived (Monday), I'm also in the hat kind of mood. I said it earlier, but at the risk of being redundant, repetitive, and repetitious, I'd like everyone to know how easy it is nowadays for embroidery work to be done on commercial apparel. Screen printing is no longer a much more affordable option. So an embroidered shirt, hat, and jacket (let's make it a true hat trick) are very possible, as long as the audience can be easily reached and they're willing to pay a nominal set-up charge in addition to the licensed logo and the cost of the apparel. I'd estimate that an embroidered America logo on a $15 fitted hat would cost less than $25, plus shipping.

Jim R.

Beech, the secret is to be too d--- busy to think about it! And by the way, I am looking for a 2nd job (geez, I should be thinking about retirement at my age!) Found my son a terrific car for his 16th..the trick is adding him to my insurance!! Anyone accepting applications? Lol..Ryan hasn't seen the car yet, and maybe it isn't too late to take it back! Have a great week..I'm in class..yawn....

Thanks to Lori for MY hard copy of "Like A Brother"!!!!!! My record stores are pitiful around here too!!!

Again, thanks to Steve for the "pre listen" too!!! (C=

TkH<-------serving number 45. Number 45......

double yer pleasure, double yer fun......

GEEZO.

You'd think I'd learn after a while...

TkH<---bottom of the learning curve

Um, that would be my patriarchial ancestors money. WHAT? You think I would actually fritter away my OWN MONEY? Are you NUTS? roflmao

TkH<------still waiting

Um, that would be my patriarchial ancestors money. WHAT? You think I would actually fritter away my OWN MONEY? Are you NUTS? roflmao

TkH<------still waiting

Hi, everyone! Been a LONG time since I have posted, but I have been lurking around. Moved from Tennessee to Pennsylvania and have been living out of boxes for a while. I preordered Like a Brother about a week before it was to be released from Amazon. It was finally shipped today. The "order rank" for the Like a Brother CD is 1,601. I am assuming that is the number that have been ordered.......? The number has gone up from about 136 when I preordered and somewhere around 500 last week. I ordered it because our record/cd stores around here are pitiful! I had no confidence that they would stock it locally. I cannot wait to hear it. The reviews on this chat folder are great. Can't wait for Highway, either, but I guess I'll have to.......

...Got both cd's on Monday. SHELTERING SKY is excellent! NOW SUE is my favorite on GO MAN GO.

JB

A casino for your 40th huh Beech Woman?

So, whose money are you going to gamble with?

Your's or your Dad's???

GaryH <-------long past 40 .....sigh..

>>I suppose you could also have it tattooed, but that's going a little too far for me

It all just depends on WHERE you have the tattoo....lol (C;

TkH<------no likey needles.....

Robyn:

>>I think you are already in a 40 state of mind anyway!!!!!

ROFL! Yeah, I must have been BORN at 40. Seriously I don't give a rats poo poo about much anyhow......sad state of affairs, maybe, but when I DO care about something I give it 100%!!! (C= Need to conserve energy and all...lololol!

I found out Dad's taking me to a casino for my 40th, so MAN AM I GOING TO HAVE FUN!!!!!! ((((C=

Hope everyone is well!

TkH<---dreaming of that BIG TAKE!

John, you mentioned only wearing your America t-shirt one day in four. Does this mean that I should actually take time out to wash mine? Oops.

I think the America T-shirts look great, but what I'd REALLY like to see are America logo hats to wear to concerts or just to the supermarket. That way you can sport the America logo every day instead of one day in four. (I suppose you could also have it tattooed, but that's going a little too far for me!)

john

hey, Beechlady, someone told me that when you turn 40 you don't give a rat's popo what anyone thinks anymore. and you know what? it's true! Enjoy yourself ( I think you are already in a 40 state of mind anyway!!!!!)

Guess we swamped them with orders!!!! ( HEY what did they expect, we have only been waiting since NOVEMBER OR SOMETHING!!!!!!)

Got mine Saturday, along with the Di Farrelly cd and a very cool America oval logo t-shirt, which I wore to work yesterday ( we are starting more moves and demolitions of libraries, so it came in handy!

Am enjoying BLW right now, will give a "serious" listen to Go Man Go tomorrow!

Mark:

I had the same question you had. I never seem to have good luck ordering over the Internet, and seeing as how I ordered my CD and T-shirts the day they became available, I was wondering if my order got lost too. So I sent an e-mail to Heart Times Coffee Cup studio last Friday to confirm whether they got my order. They told me to expect my order the end of this week. So I guess they're getting to them as fast as they can. I can only assume your order is on the same schedule. You might want to e-mail them for confirmation. Their e-mail address is on the bottom of the order form page.

KevinS.

Has everybody who ordered Go Man Go from the web page gotten it? Just wondering because I ordered mine a long time ago but still haven't received it. I know some people have, I was just wondering if my order was not received or something and if I need to re-order.
Thanks

I had always thought I wasn't *bothered* by the fact I'm turning 40 in August (My MOM was making more of a deal about it than I was) but after reading my last thread of posts, maybe I should reconsider my mental state....lol.

TkH<--------no halters, thankyou.

SNICKER!

It's too bad you had to talk over the phone, tho.......I've always been a visuals kind of gal.....I like to compare body piercings...

Geezo. I HAVE TO STOP this line of thinking.....I'm showing my (pathetique)aging....

TkH<----yeah, yeah it's all a STATE OF MIND, I know!!! ((C=

been reading this chat folder for about 3 years & finally got around to registering.I've been a big America fan for about 25 years & have had the pleasure of meeting the guys several times.I must say they are the most accomodating "celebrities" I've ever seen.They always have time for their fans.Looking foward to seeing them come to the south jersey area soon.

I called Hastings Music Store yesterday and asked the sales clerk if they will be getting copies of America's "Highway" on the 18th of July. She replied, "Is the group named Highway?" I asked her how old she is. She said, "I'm nineteen". I immediately thought of the lyrics to Steely Dan's song, 'Hey Nineteen': "We can't talk together/We can't talk at all/Hey Nineteen".

Mark, I'm not sure if you were saying you think "How Could I Turn You Away" might be on a new CD released by Oxygen or if the song will be the new release from a new CD. Either way, I tend to believe it's one of the two. I lean more toward the latter.

Rob, I agree with you about "Hope". It's such a wonderful song. Too bad it wasn't included. I feel the same about "Garden Of Peace".

Steve L, regarding my access, it will be soon. Thanks.

"Brothers and sisters, I sense that somewhere out there one of our
viewers has a pain......."
Beechlady, you've been to Borders and Best Buy and still no B/L/W cd?....and now you're downloading files.......
I have an extra copy of "Like a Brother" since I preordered, and then impulsively HAD TO make a store purchase. If interested I can get it to you (we are practically neighbors). Contact me off the folder if you want to make arrangements.......
(just acting) Like a Sister.....

Bodden Town is being reissued with the new release containing Dan's new single "On Wings Of Eagles." This will be good news for those of you who waited before purchasing Bodden Town.

I don't think that was it Kevin, at least about anything from Human Nature being on the box set. Especially since Rhino mentioned Human Nature in their initial press release. I was hoping that Wednesday Morning, Wheels Are Turning, and FAMT would have been on the box set. Then I was hoping that Rhino would have released Wednesday Morning as a single and it would have lead to an America resurgence. From what I read, America had the final cut on what songs were included. Maybe they decided, maybe it was decided for them. Who knows. It's kind of like the backroom dealing that goes on when figuring out what song will be released as a single. Though I hope that the fact that the new song was cut from the final list means that there will be a new release in the near future!

I always knew there was a good reason why I liked Don Henley.....his lyrics always get RIGHT TO THE POINT!!!!!! (LOL) (C=

TkH<------feeling rather puffed up myself....

I think we have all been there and done that....I like Don Henley's take on this subject...on his new CD "Inside Job"....he sings "You could have given us the finger much more constructively than that ...now I sit here with the MTV and your bloated Burmese cat.....we're being treated to the wisdom of some puffed up little fart..doing exactly what I used to do.....pretentions to anarchy and art..."(from the song "Damn It Rose").....

I will state that both the people I spoke with at Virgin, while asserting their individuality with their appearance were MOST helpful.

BTW, back in the '80s I worked for several New Wave bands and had purple streaks in my hair ( so did my very blonde dh, a fact which amuses OUR almost 13 year old daughter to no end!) no mulitple piercings though! HEY, it was the 80s I was in my 20s you're supposed to do things like that, right?

I was watching VH-1's Behind The Music-Groupies (a title which I found MOST AMUSING, BTW)and wondered aloud,,,,"hmmmmmmm. Wonder what tales we'd hear from our objects of musical affection?" Not like we'd ever HEAR them, of course, but it'd be um, er, interesting, nonetheless......(chuckle)

TkH<----still waiting....lol

Thanks Nina! (C=

If you think the K-L-D in Borders was funny you should have seen the K-L-D in BestBuy! HE had to wear the company uniform and still try to maintain individuality, with fairly amusing results......(some how pierced noses and eyebrows and "May I Help You" name tags just don't seem to go together.....(I suppose if I have plastic surgery I'll look like that, too!)

Ok, ok. I'm done. I don't have much to say. I shouldn't judge or throw stones!!!!!!

TkH<--------has two kids (13 & 10) and is karmically awaiting the fruition of these last two comments! (C= ]

Nina,
Thanks for your reply. I think tomorrow I will bring in an "America" CD and see how that goes over. You have a great summer too!!!

Ok, so this week hasn't been so great for me. I DO want to apologize for the insensitive remarks deriding today's youth (i.e. the "Korn loving dweebs" bit). "When I was young"....(roflmao)we rebelled by locking ourselves away in *the room*, listening to that *unintelligible Rock & Roll* at about 66 db until 12-1 am EVERY NIGHT. Punishment enough for the unenlightened in our households, don't you think? In this day and age it seems that either self improvement or the likes takes the place of aural punishment. Piercing body parts or goth colored hair is the *thing* now and I suppose just as appropriately to the point as what I used to do......SO, for all those purple spiked haired, body pierced, Korn loving dweebs out there, please accept my apologies!!!!! (C; BTW I still get funny looks from folks when they see my ear cuff, thumb ring, digit ring and toe rings.....roflmao so I guess I shouldn't throw stones, eh?

TkH<----still doesn't like Korn, even after the 3rd listen....(!)

Hi to everyone. Just to let you know that on the LA news last night, it was reported that the Coachhouse, in San Juan Capistrano, near LA, caught on fire and had extensive damage. It didn't "burn down" but it looked pretty bad on the news. I have seen America perform there and it is like no other venue. It is really up close and personal and a lot of fun. I know Dewey and Gerry are friends with the owners there. I hope it can be rebuilt so we can still go there to see the concerts. Anyone know any more info? Take care....Nanse

Thanks to Steve I'm in the midst of downloading "Like A Brother" piece by piece (thank you, sir!). I've basically given up on stores down here and am going to do the only patriotic thing I can and ORDER it via the net!

SIGH

TkH<----Macintosh withdrawl......

well, I picked up BLW on Friday ( nice b-day gift from my mom, she doesn't KNOW she bought it for me, but she did--lol) went to Virgin Megastore ( or as we call it mini-store due to it's rather woeful lack of selection) Marched up to the first spiky haired multiply pierced employee I could find and asked if they had the new Beckley/Lamm/ Wilson. He gamely searched the new music racks then set me to the counter. The magenta haired girl tried typing in Beckley Lamm Wilson, but I could see she had never heard of them. I suggested she try the title, BINGO. They HAD three copies. There in the rock section ensconced behind it's own little plactic divider. Was I happy??? Yes. I will need to listen to it a bit more before I write any type of review here.

THEN on Saturday, in my mailbox was my order from Heart Times! kind of a busy weekend, so I have not been able to give Go Man Go the proper attention either. Heaven is very beautiful was interesting, but again it needs a complete listen.

All in all a GREAT WEEKEND!

Kids have a way of surprising us, don't they? You teach "sophisticated" NYC 8th graders...and I teach small town Massachusetts 6th graders...yet both sets of students came to appreciate the music of Gerry Beckley...in one form or another!!! I guess there is no denying
true musical talent when you hear it!

My school year ended before I could play the new BLW CD for my students...Darn It! I would have liked to hear their take on it...especially "Sheltering Sky", my personal favorite.

Have a good summer!

Nina

It hasn't been mentioned yet, but "Highway" probably should have included the song "Hope" (a grammy nomination) if this anthology were to be truly complete.

Because it is the last days of school, I have been packing up my room with the assistance of about 10 eighth grade students. We have computers in the room so I allowed them to play "their" music. Jeez!!You can imagine what NYC kids are into!! Anyway, I begged them to put in my "Like a Brother" CD and promised it would only be a few minutes cause I figured it wasn't their type of music and these students really tell it like it is. I nearly fainted when they told me how much they like it. I even said it was okay to take it off after a few minutes but they insisted that they wanted to hear it again and again. Their favorite was "I wish for You" followed by "Sheltering Sky"and "Without Her". They said they liked the "beat". It makes me think that if these songs can get some airplay, it will welcome in a new type of audience. The next day, when I brought it a nonAmerica related CD, they said, "where is that other CD--that's what we want to hear!!!'". I AM SO PROUD OF MY STUDENTS!!!!!

Another link to an America friend. It lists all the America albums Bill Mumy has contributed to, on his official web site.

http://www.billmumy.com/Mumy%20Music%20&%20More.htm

My guess is that tiny little Oxgen, bless their hearts, wouldn't play ball with Rhino as far as rights fees go so Rhino couldn't include any songs from Human Nature on Highway or any new songs from America while America is still signed to tiny little Oxygen. So it would make sense that Rhino wouldn't acknowledge that song even exists. What was tiny little Oxygen thinking?

KevinS.

Again, just a guess, I could be dead wrong. Wouldn't it have made sense for tiny little Oxygen to let Rhino promote America's Human Nature since they don't have the wherewithall to do it themselves?

This song sounds more like Dewey than Dewey. The drums/congas are the best I've heard since Ray Cooper worked on the first America album. Give it a listen ... I GUESS THERE ARE NO DRUM MACHINES IN THE CANARIES ... YEA BABY!!! Lead guitar work is good and I like Guillermo's accent as well. I'd like to hear America cover this tune ... just to see if they sound like themselves.

This song sounds more like Dewey than Dewey. The drums/congas are the best I've heard since Ray Cooper worked on the first America album. Give it a listen ... I GUESS THERE ARE NO DRUM MACHINES IN THE CANARIES ... YEA BABY!!! Lead guitar work is good and I like Guillermo's accent as well. I'd like to hear America cover this tune ... just to see if they sound like themselves.

Johnny, it's good to hear from you. Hurry up and get an Internet connection so we don't have to wait so long between posts.

There is absolutely NO information that I'm aware of regarding "How Could I Turn You Away". Rhino pretty much doesn't want us to know any song by that title even exists but I hope we'll see it on a future America CD. Maybe Jim or Kelly know something about it.

Don't know if anyone has mentioned this before: The sky and clouds are so ever present on the front cover of "Human Nature", "Like A Brother", and "Highway". They all look great especially "Highway", in my opinion.

Jim R, my favorite songs sung by America written by someone else: "Jody", "California Dreamin'", and "Head And Heart" to name only three.

Double T, regarding the "politically correct" photo, I hope the wrapper around those cigars that Clinton "smokes" don't have "America" written on them, too. (LOL)

A rockin' song contest sounds fun even though I didn't get to vote in the last tournament but only a few rounds. Good idea, Cathy!

Kevin, I'm with ya regarding "How Could I Turn You Away". Boo-hoo! Can anyone tell us who had the lead vocals on the song, Dewey or Gerry? Plus, who wrote it? I'm very curious.

I finally picked it up today. Went to Tower first. They had one copy left, but couldn't find it ANYWHERE in the store. They searched everywhere for me, and were very apologetic. Went to Borders and they had one copy that I actually found on my own. All I can say is WOW. It's BEAUTIFUL. I can honestly say I love every song, but my favorites are Sheltering Sky and Watching The Time. Gerry...you guys did an awesome job. Thank you so much for sharing your incredible talent and amazing music. I will always treasure this album.
I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Erin :o)

Four weeks until my next America concert!!!!

Re: pure AMERICA. GO MAN GO has a number of songs where GERRY features the acoustic guitar as the chief instrument. There is even a song WHAT HAPPENED which has no vocal track & only GERRY playing his acoustic guitar, it's terrific to hear GERRY's solo acoustic guitar playing. NOW SUE is a dream w/the 6 string acoustic guitar along side & mixed to perfection.

Enjoyed the America cover songs from Guillermo Albelo. Especially enjoying Look at the stars... Listening to it again now. I try to imitate America on the guitar and really appreciate the quality of thier effort, since I can't come close to touching Guillemero's vocal skill. Lets us know when you have a CD available.

Also enjoying BLW, especially Watching the time go by and the Hearts CD which I only had in scratched album until I got it in the mail from Amazon yesterday with BLW.

Sure have a lot of music with America ties to listen too recently because of this Web site. I'm becoming a music head. (BLW, Endorphins, Canary Islands, Van GO Gan, Bodden town). Of course pure America CD's still command the majority of my listening time. Thanks every one.

i tried to preorder my copy of "highway" today from cd world for $39.87. they said that they are out of stock and to check back later. has anyone had any luck preordering "highway" at the discounted price?

Thanks for the info Marshall. There is a link to NewSurf.com from Jeff Larson's bio but I have now added one to it from the main links page. Thanks for the suggestion.

fyi:
Jeffrey Foskett will be going on tour to support Brian Wilson on his Pet Sounds tour.

http://www.new-surf.com/1212.html

I came across this on Jeffrey Foskett, who sang background vocals with America on Human Nature (Overwhelming World).
He is releasing a CD "Twelve and Twelve" in September '00. It has a new recording of Gerry Beckley's "Emma" from Van Go Gan, in which Gerry played and sang background vocals.

Jeffrey Foskett and Jeff Larson have a joint web site, www.new-surf.com. Order information for their CD's is there.
Steve L., you might add this to the "America Friends" links.

Our *summer vacation* will be in October.

We're doing the Revolutionary War thing. Williamsburg and the area.
Will make the oldest child and his daughter VERY HAPPY......(C;

TkH<--------sigh

Ok, so I've had about the WORST MONTH a human could ever have (outside of the physically tragic realm, yes I have my health and everyone around me is OK.....mentally, though.......ugh). I go to Borders and get the "passed Korn" treatment. So I decide when I go to CompUSA (I highly recommend you don't, btw)I'll stop at BestBuy to get "Like A Brother".

BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOO. You think poor old Beech has a chance at mental stability this week? NOOOOOOOOOOOO. YOu think that poor Tery is going to have ANY mental satisfaction and aural stimulation this week?
NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Sigh. sorry for the vent.

TkH<------nothing witty to addendum too.

I haven't logged-on for about 10-12 days but got a chance to today (still using the public library). So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY today Robyn!!! Also happy birthday to TerryT tomorrow and to KevinS on the 26th, I believe.

Saw a tin sign at Hastings Music Store. It has nothing to do with America the band but I thought it was interesting. It had a picture of a hot-rod car and a Route 66 sign. It read: "America's Highway".

Until next time.

"It appears that Book Publishers are watching anxiously as their peers in the music business have been upended by digital file trading like Napster…..I just read that Book Publishers are trying to establish piracy protections now so they don’t end up in a reactive mode the way that the recording industry is……for some reason I don’t think I would enjoy curling up to an e-book like I do a good old fashion paperback……besides my paperback packs a lot easier for vacation travel…….and no batteries required…..."In these pages we consume
Lives in many colors lovers in full bloom
And through the ages words are born
Speaking to the senses lifting the forlorn"
(sorry...but its a slow Friday afternoon)

Thanks Bones! Now if my stuff from Heart Times Coffee Cup shows up on my porch,I'll be one VERY happy girl!

Jim, thanks for the info on a great cause. Here's a link that will take you there:

http://www.californiasaga.com/carl_events.htm

If you are near Malibu in early October, a good cause on behalf of Mr. Carl Wilson.

October 8, 2000 in Malibu California.
http://www.californiasaga.com/carl events.htm
(note: have not been able to access this Web site thus far)

for more info:
send a SASE to CWWAC
10453 1/2 Riverside Dr. PMB179
Toluca Lake, CA 91602

Hey Robyn, have a happy birthday and many many more. Looking good at 34? 35? 36? 37? 38? (I'll stop now)
This summer I'm getting in shape for my trip to Mars this fall.

After last summer where my family and I drove from BC down to California to visit my brother and catch a couple of great America concerts in Paso Robles (have almost paid the trip off, too) we're planning on spending most of it close to home. Going to do some small 3-4 day biking/camping trips - one in Victoria and one around a small lake just north of here. With all this new music (Highway, BLW, Go Man Go) soon to be coming my way, lounging outside with the tunes cranked and a Rickards Red in my hand is certainly in the plans.
j

Now that summer is here it would be great to hear what everyone is up to as far as summer vacations…….anyone care to share?…..here is what I’ll be doing….

My son and I are going backpacking for a week out of Bishop California….and then my wife, daughters, and son are going camping together for a week on Lee Vining Creek in California…

“All you brothers and sisters
Lookin' for a better way
Why don't you all go to the country
Hitch a ride from the city
Get away for the day

The summertime is gonna take you
People playing music won't forsake you
But when it's hot
You gotta go all the way” (Dan Peek)

A) I've gotten that several times at Tower Records. The last time was from a girl with a weedwacker haircut and pierced everything. She gave me the "hopeless old fogey" look and I very politely replied "Thanks. By the way, did you know you have a piece of something stuck to the piercing in your tongue?" She turned a shade less red than her hair. Made my day. For the record, my 12-year-old has no problem listening to America.

B) The album release party is practically in my back yard, so I'm planning on snagging a poster (and the boxed set).

C) Very much in favor of a rocker tournament.

D) What's wrong with "Hidden Talent?"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GUYS!!! Have a great weekend, enjoy the new music. PARTY PARTY!!!!

When I am the recipient of "that look" I make no appologies. I give the look back. It helps to have my almost thirteen year old daughter at my side looking expectantly at the Korn loving multiple pierced clerk ( with spiky purple hair) Boy is THAT a stereotype ( I worked in punk clubs in the early 80's, I can have attitude too!) ROFLMHO-- gonna get my copy tomorrow.

Pat, I have been playing "Look At The Stars Now At Midnight" over and over ever since I got the cassette tape that Guillermo sent me. It has to be one of the most catchy songs I've heard recently. I don't think the CD has even been cut yet so I'm sure it's not available for purchase. I sent Guillermo a mail message a few minutes ago asking how we could get a copy of the CD once it's released. I'm sure he'd love to hear from you and any other America Fans that would like to write to him. His English is pretty good so I think you'll be able to communicate OK. His e-mail address is TABAIBA@teleline.es (TABAIBA is the name of his record company). --Steve

Thanks Stevo for sharing your x-drive files of Guillermo Albelo's band. Their song "Look At The Stars Now At Midnight" is fantastic. The AMERICA influence is very noticeable. I would be interested in buying their CD. Do you know how I can contact the band? Pat

Thanks a lot Stevo. Thanks a whole lot to Scott West at Rock&Roll.com & all your support for AMERICA. GO MAN GO !

The RockAndRollUSA.com web site which is maintained by Scott West has added a permanent America web page with links to lots of America related articles, interviews, and information. The second part of the interview with Ian Samwell was just posted this week. For those of you who don't know, this Chat Folder also resides on the RockAndRollUSA.com server. Thanks Scott for your great support of the band.

By the way, Scott just ordered 90 Human Nature posters from me and he'll be giving them out to the first 90 people to show up at a Highway CD release party prior to the concert on July 21st. Here's the announcement that was posted on the RockAndRollUSA.com web site:

ROCK&ROLL.COM will be co-hosting an album release party for the 30 Years of America (Boxed Set) "Highway" at Plantation Coffee Roasters in Elk Grove California on July 21, 2000 with special guest Ian Samwell, America's original producer. Come celebrate thirty years of America's music and then see America in concert at the Jackson Rancheria Casino (800-822-WINN). For more info email: info@rockandrollusa.com

OK, I'm back. From Best Buy, that is. But Eddy already told ya that the big chain has "Like a Brother." What he didn't tell ya is that it was $14.99 ($15.75 with Wisconsin sales tax). I hope I didn't look too excited when I snatched one of the three copies on the shelf and ran to the cash register Wednesday night. I didn't even have to ask any of the Korn-loving klerks where I could find it. (It was under the "B" section, not under the new release section.) I'm happy.

Sorry, I didn't check Circuit City to see if they had it on the shelf. I suspect they do. Generally, it appears availability is strong, at least for the first week of release.

I'm on my third listen, enough to say that I'd recommend it for America fans. I'd also say that I am enjoying Robert Lamm's and the late Carl Wilson's contributions, as well. My bias makes it hard for me to say whether this CD will be of general interest to music lovers, but I think avid Chicago and Beach Boy fans will help boost sales to a respectable level for adult contemporary albums.

Jim R.

In about twenty years those Korn-loving dweebs will have their cocky little smirks smacked off their faces when they go up to the counter looking for the Korn reunion CD and the stupid girl behind the counter with the nametag "Brittany S" asks, "did you look under C?" and they have to explain that it's "Korn with a K" and the girl says "oh, that's stupid" and they try to tell her it was "alt" way back in the 90s to do that sort of thing and she says "alt what?" and she looks it up in the computer and sees there's one copy and it's in the back in the Gen X section and they buy it and take it home and read the liner notes to find out what their heroes have been up to since their last album fifteen years ago and they read that Jonathan Davis has been selling insurance and Munky went into the aluminum siding business in 2009 and they realize nobody really gives a damn but them.

KevinS.

Beechlady...I just LOVE your description of that "Korn loving dweeb" working the counter of your local Borders store! I, too, have been the recipient of that LOOK you're talking about! I TRY to win them over by joking that all of the music I love is now probably in the discount bins! They are not amused...and I always leave feeling a little worse than I did when I arrived!

Sorry you can't find the CD yet! Keep checking that Borders store! I found mine in the "B" section, right in front of all the BECK CD's!

Good Luck,

Nina

1. right before your eyes
2. head & heart
3. you can do magic
4. you could have been the one
5. i don't believe in miracles

...least favorite non dewey/gerry/dan song--muskrat.

Just got my copy at Borders in Dallas. It was the only one there. I assume that's because they had already sold the other 143 copies of it before I walked in. Price was $16.99. (That's $5.66 per artist, with the extra penny going to Beckley.)

I've got to say, it's a very good album. To be honest, I really wasn't expecting much. My wife's a huge, huge, huge Chicago fan, and loves Robert Lamm. She bought his last solo album, In My Head (or something like that) and it was, in her words, a "yawner." Couple that with the fact that this is from the same culprits responsible for "Hidden Talent" and I really didn't have my hopes up. Boy was I wrong again.

This is an enjoyable CD. Carl Wilson's voice is awesome. What a loss. The songs are great. And--this isn't an America bias--but Gerry Beckley's songwriting skill just shines above the rest. Sheltering Sky is wonderful.

KevinS.

There doesn't seem to be any sign yet of a Canadian release of this cd. I've checked a couple of the biggest on-line stores that also have regular retail stores but none have it listed yet. None had any info on it either. HOpefully it will make it up past the 49th parallel. In the meanwhile, I've had to order it through cdnow and when you add the shipping and exchange it makes it a pretty hefty price. Oh well. Can't wait.

I got mine at Range Music, but I know Best Buy in Duluth,MN. has a few copies, so if you live near a B.B., you might want to check it out.

It's ok by me if it's ok by EVERYONE ELSE......

A Rockin' Song Tournament

Yes or No?

TkH<-----typing on a (horror of horrors) Pee Cee......gasp! (C;

My Borders SUCKS. After looking for it for over 10 minutes I go to the counter and ask about it only to have the young man (i.e. *korn-loving-music-dweeb*) look at me like I had 6 eyes and 5 legs (wait a minute,,,,,,,,lol).....he was no help......lol.

TkH<-----desperatly NEEDS the diversion.....

1. Head And Heart
2. You Could Have Been The One
3. The Last Unicorn
4. Sh-Boom (ok, ok, I know the trio didn't do it, but it's GREAT)
5. Without Her (again, see above-but I can't help myself tonight!)

TkH<-----hating computing and all associated this week.....

Apparently, "Like a Brother" is more readily available than we had thought. In addition to the outlets already listed (CDnow, Amazon, and Borders), I saw it at Camelot Music, a mall-based music chain similar to Sam Goody/Musicland. However, the price at this Milwaukee-area Camelot was $17.99, a dollar more than the list price shown by CDnow.

I tried to order the CD from CDnow this morning because it is on sale for $12.49. However, when I saw the backorder note, I backed off. I don't want to wait an unspecified period before receiving it. I plan to visually check for it at Best Buy tonight. If anybody else finds it at retail outlets for less than list, please chime in.

Jim R.

Took advantage of my first day of summer vacation to venture out to the closest BORDERS store (one hour away!) to purchase the new Beckley/Lamm/Wilson CD. Was very happy to find it, as there were only 2 copies on the shelf! I've only given it two listens so far, but must say that Gerry's "Sheltering Sky" caught my attention immediately. It's a beautiful song...kind of "mythic" in quality. His "Watching the Time" has some very sad, but honest lyrics at the beginning...ending of course on a more positive note. Gerry has been very generous in sharing lead vocals with the other two on his own compositions...I don't think Lamm or Wilson return the favor, but then I've only listened a couple of times. I DO hear Gerry in the background on their songs though. There is no question in my mind that true collaboration has taken place on this CD...I just can't help wanting to hear a little more Gerry! I guess I was spoiled by "Van Go Gan"!

Nina

Ok, here goes...

First of all, let me show my appreciation to Jim for putting GO MAN GO in the perfect perspective. Thanks Jim.

The pluses:

After listening to the different versions of Van Go Gan (the song), I have gained a tremendous amount of respect for the Fife and Drum corps version (the 3rd one).

The new version of Hard To Sleep.

He didn't change Kiss Of Life.

Goodbye Highway and House of Cards are catchy although it appears Gerry was listening to Donald Fagan's THE NIGHTFLY before remixing Goodbye Highway.

Daisy & Di is fabulous.

The Minuses:

Where are EMMA, KID AT HEART and ONE DAY'S DUNING (not to forget INTERNATIONAL, PLAYING GOD and the new and greatly improved I NEED YOU)?

Why do we need another I NEED YOU?

Why mess with "NOW SUE"? It sounds incomplete without the guitars and "make up our minds" prior to the chorus.

What exactly is GLISS?

All in all, I am glad I purchased the CD. It will definately enhance my love of VAN GO GAN, but it certainly will not replace it.

Shayne

VAN GO GAN is an outstanding solo debut by GERRY BECKLEY, highly recommended for anyone who enjoys music to sooth your soul & awaken your senses. I just got GO MAN GO & I have to say it so terrific to hear other variations on GERRY's songs. In the writing & recording process, so many interations run thru the artists' mind, it is great to actually have another version of a song. In this case both discs really complement each other. Fun to know what the final song version is & where it's been.

Guillermo Albelo is a big fan of America who lives in the Canary Islands in Spain. He has seen America in Madrid twice and has photos posted from both the 1996 and 1999 concerts. Guillermo has a band of his own, Etcetera, and he sent me some covers of several America songs plus an original composition. I was so impressed with the quality that I thought you might want to listen to them, too. Click on the links below to download the associated MP3 file to your computer (they will only be available for 7 days):

Ventura Highway (Bunnell)
Tin Man (Bunnell)
Look At The Stars Now At Midnight (Albelo)
I Need You (Beckley)
These Brown Eyes (Peek)
Baby It's Up To You (Beckley)

Guillermo's band is called Etcetera because they play pop, rock, ballads, latin, ... etcetera. They will soon be releasing a CD called Collage which will include the following songs:

A HORSE WITH NO NAME
I NEED YOU
HELEN
LOOK AT THE STARS NOW AT MIDNIGHT
BABY I'M A WANT YOU
VENUS
CUBA
COLUMBIE
DAME TU CARIÑO
PUEDE QUE SI, PUEDE QUE NO
ENVENENAO
LA LLUVIA DE PRIMAVERA (2nd prize in the XX Festival de la Canción Latinoamericana de California, in San Francisco, last June 5).

They are also thinking of including:
VENTURA HIGHWAY
TIN MAN

I want to thank Guillermo for sharing these songs with us (I really like all of them!).

Jim,

Bangladesh to Sprinfield, Missouri, that is a trip... I am going to try and make that Springfield show also. My dad has a place on Grand Lake in Northeast Oklahoma, so I'm gonna try to combine the show with a fishing trip with my daughters, hopefully it will work out. My other choice for a nearby show is Hay Kansas on July 2nd. I think I'll wait the extra days and head South, ha...

Mark (inKC)...

Thanks for sharing the info, Steve. All I can say is that it's a GREAT CD!

Just wanted to put my 2cents in on the new CD which I got today....
After 2 listens its very impressive! It warrants much additional airplay! A couple of comments to make to anybody who cares...."Watching the time go by" was done by Robert Lamm on his solo
CD from last year. Lamm and Gerry shared the vocals and it went under the billing "Beckley/Lamm/wilson". Even though Gerry wrote it,Lamm
recorded it for his Cd with the other 2 guys. Also,"without her" is a
previously released song,showing up on the Harry Nilsson Tribute CD
from 1995. but,it still a welcome addition to this collection!
More good news! I wasn't the only one who bought that disk today,2 others came in and purchased it as well! We'll have to check the
Billboard charts for a possible debut!!!

Mark, if you're only going to buy one, you MUST buy Van Go Gan. Go Man Go is just a remix of the Van Go Gan songs and you won't really appreciate it if you don't already have Van Go Gan. If only all my decisions were that easy! --Steve

i don't have either cd yet. am soliciting opinions on if i should by both or just one. if just one, which one? post comments here, or e-mail me. thx.

Nina - Last Friday was my last day. Handed in my keys at 12:30, got in my truck and blasted Van Go Gan #1 all the way home. Have a great summer. 71 more days until the first day of school, but who's counting.

If you are going to be in town, call me!

Always KNEW the Prez had great MUSICAL taste, at least! ( roflmho!)

Only Game In Town,Head And Heart,You Could've Been The One,California Dreamin',You Could Have Been The One are my five choices. I was wondering if, since they were so close to George Martin for so long, did Gerry,Dewey or Dan ever get to meet John,Paul, George or Ringo and if they ever did, were they ever able to jam together?? Just curious... I am also anxious to read the reviews on Go Man Go. I, for one and probably alone, was not really impressed with the short clips I heard here but those are just samples. I hope I don't get chastised for not liking the remixed versions of songs I originally thought were fantastic. At least they didn't attempt to "improve" my favorite tune on Van Go Gan, Playing God......DanC.

The breakout song for me on the new Beckley-Lamm-Wilson album is Gerry's "Watching the time go by". It seems that whenever Gerry ventures off the "America" plantation his songs gain a whole new texture. Van Go Gan was really a showcase for him.

Click on the following link to see a politically correct photo. We may not all agree on the qualities of the person, but take a close look at the inscription on his glasses. Now that's going in style.

By the way, this photo was taken from today's Drudge Report and was sent to me by Terry Trost. Thanks Terry!

Been off walleye fishing w/my son for a few days, got back today & RUSHED OUT to Range Music to pick up my copy (I have more on order, STEEN!) of "Like A Brother" All the songs are GREAT! I think this one will REALLY SELL because it will appeal to America/Chicago/Beachboy fans alike, I Wish For You is kinda a tearjerker, we really lost a great talent in Carl Wilson. Still Haven't got GMG yet, but it shouldn't be long, since some of you have got yours allready.
I noticed that Van Dyke Parks is listed playing accordion (I heard one on watching the time, my brother also plays accordion) & remember reading in John Corbett's "History" that at one time him & Gerry was suppose to get together on a project, anything ever come of that? Just wondering......Having A FUN 4 day wkend! EDDY

Hi all,

I've been away from the chat folder for about a week, trying to (unsuccessfully) switch to a "newer" computer and server...(What a pain)...plus end of year duties at school took quite a bit of my time (Final day was TODAY!) "No more pencils...no more books...etc.!"

I AM enjoying all the chat about the BLW release,"non-America" written songs, Gerry's Go Man Go, and the new box set that we're ALL waiting for! Any news on that TNN special in July???

One of my favorite non-written by America songs is "You Could've Been the One". For years I thought Gerry had written it...I think because it was on the side of the album that said "OUR SIDE" not "THEIR SIDE"? Plus, the song is a perfect fit for Gerry's vocals and piano.
I remember being a bit disappointed when I discovered it wasn't his song! Still, to this day it remains one of my favorites!

Happy Summer Everyone! I'll be checking in almost daily now 'til Sept.

Bones...Are you out yet??? I'll bet you beat me!

Nina

Hi all..lots of buzz about the box set..I'll have to do some scrolling to where I saw a post about places to pre-order..You're probably right, YngMoon, about the guys not having as much say as they'd prefer about the songs chosen..(politics)..
Happy belated Dad's Day to the Dad's here! I'm going to make it up to my wonderful Dad this week with 4 uninterrupted days with him in Calif, as we were vacationing in another part of the world last week. (No, not as exotic as Bangladesh!)..Anyway, time to find a place to order my copy of Highway..Cheers to all!!

I got Go Man GO yesterday. I have some very mixed feelings on this and will wait to post a review until I have heard it 3 or 4 more times.

Shayne

In no particular order of preference:
--Only Game In Town
--Head and Heart
--California Dreamin (King Biscuit version)
--Right Before Your Eyes
--Love Comes Without Warning

Read my message #12069 for lots of information about the Endorphins and links to their web pages. --Steve

I believe the band consist of Tom Peek , David Peek, Dan's brother in law and somebody else that I cannot remember, I do remember that Tom's nick name is Ten Take Tom !
Regards,
Brad

willpower to wait.......I have none

Just heard a really cool group called The Endorphins. Apparently, the band members are related to Dan Peek. Their CD has a great collection of songs. Echoes of AMERICA but definitely their own style, too. A "must listen to" for anyone. They can be accessed through MP3.com.

Got Go Man Go in the mail today, listening to the new instrumental song, Daisy and Di. I like it ..... cool jazz sound, tranquil, flowing, soothing, breezes blowing .......

The folks at Heart Times Coffee Cup Equals Lightning did a great job getting this out to me, indeed lightning fast.

Tim

I really should read over what I write before sending.....that's "referring", and "transactions" not transitions....

Lisa, I agree with you that the CD is great! I've been listening to the promotional CD for a couple of weeks now and there isn't a bad song on it. It is tough to pick a favorite but I'll go along with Gerry Beckley's "Sheltering Sky" as one of the best.

I am now listening to the CD. I was able to pick it up a store in Long Island a day earlier. I am not sure which song is my favorite yet, either "Sheltering Sky" or "I Wish For You" but also love "Watching The Time Go BY" and actually all of the songs are fantastic so it really would be hard to pick!!! By the way, I payed $17 and change with tax. I was told I had to pay in cash and couldn't get a receipt cause I guess it was not supposed to be sold today.

I hate to admit it, but several songs on the "View From the Ground," "Your Move," and "Perspective" albums appeal to me, even though they weren't written by Dewey or Gerry. (And I really *do* hate to admit it, given that I used to shun such songs.)

So I got to thinking: How about a quick thread discussing songs covered by or originally recorded by America that were not written by Dan, Dewey, or Gerry. Now I know that a lot of us will likely include the most obvious examples, "You Can Do Magic" and "Muskrat Love,"but just to make this more fun, let's list our top 5 favorites in order of preference. (Please disregard this message if you guys have done this before.)

Here's mine:

1) "You Can Do Magic"
2) "California Dreamin'"
3) "You Could've Been the One"
4) "She's a Runaway"
5) "Right Before Your Eyes"

I also considered "Head and Heart," "Special Girl," and "Only Game in Town," but they couldn't crack my top 5.

Jim R.

CDnow also has "Like a Brother" available for $12.99. They listed the list price at $16.97, so use that as your comparison price when shopping elsewhere. Just to be certain the CD wouldn't be readily available locally, I checked the Sunday ads for Best Buy and Circuit City, which usually list new releases that they will stock for the coming Tuesday. Neither listed "Like a Brother." I'll check Sam Goody tomorrow, but I'll probably order it on-line. (I was hoping to avoid the $2.99 shipping charge, but at least the final price would be below list.)

I've already preordered the boxed set. I figured I'd better stop this foolin' 'round, in that case.

Jim R.

Sure, Cathy, as long as someone is willing to take all of the mail messages and come up with the 32 pairings (i.e., 64 songs). Tery, is that something you want to take on?

Steve, can we now have a Rockin' America Song Tournament? (songs like Hell's on Fire and Green Monkey)?

Wow, Jim! That's pretty cool. Life IS an adventure, after all!
(C=

TkH<------will donate my computer's Hard Drive to anyone in the world, if they want it!!!!! sigh.

guess I know where I'm heading tomorrow (Borders)!!!

TkH<-----Boot block? I don't need no steeeeking boot block...

I'm counting the days...!!!
I need a major distraction!!!! (C=

TkH<------boot block problems suck, Beavis

Tomorrow's the day for Beckley Lamm Wilson's release. Contrary about what was posted about only being able to get this album thru Amazon, Border's tells me that they'll have this on the shelf tomorrow. Should be nice!!

Congratulations to "Young Moon" for winning the Ballad Song Tournament and thanks to Tery (Beechlady) for putting it together.

1 more day until "Like A Brother" (Beckley/Lamm/Wilson) is released and 29 more days until "Highway" is released (but who's counting? LOL).

Jeff Larson's New Surf web page has been updated to include information about his forthcoming album, "Room For Summer". As I mentioned in a previous post, one of the tracks (Carol Ann) features Gerry Beckley on backing vocals. Those of you who have "Watercolor Sky" will want to get "Room For Summer" too.

Anyone know why there are no songs from Human Nature on Highway?

KevinS.

I've alway's loved Woman Tonight. It's different.

TkH<------home at last

According to Dan Peek (via the guestbook on his website) the rhythm on "Woman Tonight" was solely the creation of Willie Leacox. And the idea of the Electric piano not coming in on the downbeat was Gerry's. You're right about America's rhythm section. Not to take anyhing away from Brad, but the rhythm section of Dickey/Leacox was definitely a great combination!

Hi Everyone. It's nice to be back on the greatest fan page again! I was transfered overseas last August. Yes, Dhaka, Bangladesh and brought my family. It takes forever to get anything established here (e.g., a phoneline can take 6 months). Our email address is:
strong@bol-online.com Yes, Bol stands for "Bangladesh online". This is truely an interesting place to live. We decided to live in a flat (apartment) 6th story instead of a house. The mosquitoes carry malaria and dengue fever and we wanted to be up and away from the street. The city is filthy and your never alone. Bangladesh has a population of about 130 million in country which is about the size of Wisconsin. Our boys (James 10 and Jonathan 5) go to the American School which is quite good. We spend time at the American Club (playground, tennis courts, pool and resturant)and lookward to our local and home leaves. My wife Laura, misses shopping, movies and driving. Shopping in Dhaka is like a treasure hunt - you can find it, but not in one place. We have a driver and you need one! It is mass chaos on the streets with no assembalence of order. We had a company picnic and the entertainment was provided by employees. Laura and I played - you guessed it AMERICA songs. We got on stage in front of about 200 Nationals and played "Tin Man", "Three Roses" and "Horse With No Name." On "Horse" we had a Bangladeshi join us with bongos and it sounded great. Everyone had a great time. May be America could come here like the Beatles did - Na, just a hopeful thought! This summer we will be back in the States and plan to see Dewey and Gerry at Springfield, MO Ozark Empire Fair. I can't wait! It's been over 4 years since we got backstage with the guys. Our youngest, Jonathan, has never seen the guys in person. He is in for a treat! He already knows most of their songs by heart. It's sure nice to be back. Steve, you've done a great job. I just have alot of catching up to do! Our other email is still the same, jstrong@unocal.com All for now. Jim Strong

<<what were they thinking>>

First of all, who are you refering to Steve when you say "they".
There are other's involved in this box set and believe me, it's not "America" who decided not to add this song. It's a bummer of course, but politics are always involved in any transition. Maybe down the road, you'll hear this song on another CD.

Just back from seeing the Young Dubliners at the Irish Fair ( celebrating my celtic heritage and trying not to get my usual sunburn) checked out their web page to see when this most excellent band will be playing again and read the bios. seems the bass player's first record purchased was Horse with no name(!) No wonder I like this band ( they are an Irish rock band and combine many of the traditional forms of celtic music with flat out rock and roll.)

Happy Father's Day to all you dads! (I called my 80 year old dad this morning)

After reading my posting I realize that I didn't express myself correctly- Yes Gentle readers you are great fans- I was simply trying to express in regards to "Woman Tonight" that that song always seems to get put down as THE song that was the downslide of the bands popularity- I was simply trying to defend the songs positive attributes!!! And I do agree, the follow-up single to "Daisy Jane" should've been "Old Virginia"- so there---LOL---Buh BYE

Hi Marshall!!! Great question but there is one thing that has always fascinated me. As a musician myself I always get a kick out of listening to "Woman Tonight" because the "1" of each measure seems to switch as the song moves along. Listen carefully to the cowbell and take note of the electric piano's sequences. I love it- Yes, the song remains in 4/4,but it's the rest of the arrangement that's very sophisticated. I'm sure they owe this shuffling rhythmic idea to Sir George. The string part in that song is really cool too. Of course David Dickey's Bass part is proof of what a great Bassist he is. It always bummed me out that the America fans never really figured out that America's sophistication is always present in their rhythmic structures. The acoustic guitar work in "Ventura Highway", the vocal harmony in "People In The Valley" oh the list goes on!!! I cannot wait for the Box Set! I am counting the days!!! See Ya-Tom T.

Oh I almost forgot. Happy Father's Day to everyone! Don't forget to give Dad a call today.

I think that perhaps the tracks from Silent Letter were left off because they were included on Ventura Highway and Other Favorites which was released about the same time as Encore. But I would have liked it better if Encore would have followed more the style of History and been more of a chronological catelogue of singles. Harbor was also not represented on Encore. But who knows what goes on when it comes to picking what songs make it onto an album. I suspect that there is some give and take between the artists and the record company executives in charge of the effort. Overall though, I liked Encore very much. For several years it was the only way to get some of those classics on a CD format. Rhino always does an excellent job packaging their products. Encore was no exception.

Nice to see Young Moon (a collaborative effort, might I add) winning the ballad contest (sorry Erin)! YNGMoon, you must be happy....(C=

TkH<----suffering thru "Daffy Duck's Fantastic Island" AGAIN.....ugh

Hey Marshall! GOOD ONE!

-Never Found The Time is in 3/4
-If you consider "cut time" NOT 4/4 then Here is in 2/4

-Hideaway parts one and two are in 5/4 and 6/8 consecutively....
-Midnight and Old Virginia is in cut time (2/4)
-Seasons is in 3/4
-Can't You See is in 2/4
-Willow Tree Lullabye is in 3/4
-Don't Cross The River is in cut time 2/4
-Miniature is in 3/4

Everything else from the Warner catalogue is "officially" in 4/4 that's printed in the piano/guitar books.....I haven't had the chance to actually SIT DOWN and go thru the Capitol and "et.al" to dissect.

The thing about America I've always liked is the fact their not afraid to explore different keys, also. Their chord building is really nifty.

TkH<------learned THAT stuff from my crusty old music teacher...lol!

Jim, ALL answers to America questions can be found on the America Fans web site (LOL). Well, most of them anyway. In the What's New section of the America Fans home page you'll see a link to the Highway box set. Follow that link and you'll see the official track list along with a link to the liner information from each track. --Steve

Forgive me for asking a dumb question, but whrer can I find the revised track listing for "Highway"? I checked the Rhino site and I couldn't find it.

One that immediately comes to mind is "Seasons"....which boasts one of the most inventive drum patterns I've ever heard. Willie is truly a very creative...and underrated...drummer.

Here's a few:
The classic love story as told in SARAH, has a key change. This song musically is quite complicated as are many of GERRY BECKLEY's songs.
How about HIDEAWAY by the legendary DEWEY BUNNELL. You know there are quite a few songs by AMERICA in non-traditional key signatures.

An America song trivia quiz:

Most songs by America (most pop and rock songs in general) are written in 4/4 time (four beats per measure). Occasionally, songs will be in another time signature. Examples from 60's-70's include:
Beatles: Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, the intro in 3/4 ("Picture yourself in a train by a station.....", etc)
Chicago: Colour my World in 6/8
Neil Young: Only Love can break your heart, in 3/4
Jethro Tull: Living in the Past, in 5/4 (an unusual beat)
Pink Floyd: Money, in changing time signatures

How many America songs are not in the traditional 4/4 time? That is they are different than 4/4, or that the time signature changes in the middle of the song.
I have counted eight from the Warner Bro/Dan Peek years, and only two from '79-'98 (there may be more, I don't know the 80's America albums as well).
Can you name the songs? (Hint - there are two on the first album)

I mean 28 years...boy is my face red. LOL

Maybe the box set should be called 38 years of America. Without any new cuts, thats what it should be called. As a fan I'm really dissapointed. What were they thinking?

guess they couldn't decide how it would fit .... chronologically,
that is..... anyway, I agree w/ Kevin .. as excited as I am about the box, it would've been great to have a new cut included.

All this talk about chronology and organization led me to one thought: What the hell happened to "How Could I Turn You Away"?

KevinS.

Now that I've raised the topic of "Encore" and its organization of tracks, I should ask: Has this thread been discussed before?

I have no problem with the CD bonus tracks concept employed on "Encore, More Greatest Hits" but I did dislike the fact that the album was all over the place in terms of organization. I prefer the clean chronological nature to "History."

Also, the exclusion of Capitol's "Silent Letter" album cuts made no sense, considering "Encore" incorporated a lot of non-single cuts off earlier Warner albums. And if you were going to include album cuts at all, how could you exclude "Inspector Mills" from the list?

At least "Highway" will take us down a more chronological path.

Jim R.

John, I gotta disagree about "Hideaway" (a personal fave) being overrepresented in the boxed set's track listing, but I agree that "Hearts," "Alibi," and "Human Nature" are too short on exposure. Considering Rhino's previous strategy with "Encore," I do wonder how the decision is made to include tracks that were never singles. I mean, how do you select one non-single over another non-single? Certainly, I would give up a track from "Hideaway" and "Homecoming" to make room for more unique material or a better balance of songs from the albums.

Also, I have to agree with someone (Sorry, I don't remember who said it) about how the tracks are ultimately arranged in the set. I would have loved one disc to contain all the rarities (California Dreamin') and previously unreleased songs. The other two discs could have kept their chronological order, much like "History."

Still, I'm looking forward to this compilation. It'll make a nice travel package, and it will be an essential addition to the collections of avid fans.

Jim R.

Kevin, on behalf of the "Could" family and all others affected, your apology is accepted (just don't let it happen again! LOL).

In my blind rage, I accidentally called the song, "How Can I Turn You Away" when the correct title from Rhino was listed as "How Could I Turn You Away." I would like to apologize to the Could family, and all past-tense verbs in general, both transitive and intransitive, including its relative verbs, Should and Would, for any embarrassment my actions may have caused. I mean, might have caused.

KevinS.

When you have a catalog of songs as deep as "America" it's impossible not to miss some great ones for a box (my opinion: Old Virginia, Right before Eyes), but having said that I cheer the addition of "Last Unicorn". I think Last Unicorn and Young Moon are maybe their two best post-WB songs. Now even our kids have something to be extra glad about on this box set offering. Much thanks to Rhino!!!

"Bodden Town" is indeed a very enjoyable CD. "Magnolia", "Amarillo" and especially "Wailing Wall" are standout tracks. You really won't go wrong with this one.

Kevin, I sent a message to Rhino asking them about "How Can I Turn You Away". I haven't received a reply but it looks like it's not going to be there. I don't know if the guys ran out of time to record it, or if they're saving it for a next release, or what the deal is. Maybe they never intended on doing it and it was erroneously included in the Rhino catalog. Anyway, if I find out anything about it I'll surely pass it along here.

Kevin,
I don't have the cd yet, but am planning on buying it very soon! I have listened to the mp3's from the album and came away very impressed as well! I'm with you, in that any fan of America and Dan Peek and good music in general, will love this cd!
BTW, I finally got my copy of Dan's "Bodden Town" and was blown away!! Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! EVERY America fan needs to have this cd in their collection!
Finally....can't wait for "Highway" I must have it..NOW!

Whatever happened to the new song, "How Can I Turn You Away" that was supposedly recorded just for this box set? It wasn't on the track listing. That's real disappointing.

KevinS.

I wonder if the reason there are so few songs from the post-WB days is because all of those CDs and songs are available on CD, while most of the WB stuff isn't, at least domestically.

And what the hell happened to "How Can I Turn You Away"?

Now that the official track listing is out from Rhino, I think there are some kudos in order, along with a couple obligatory gripes. I can't wait to hear "James Holliday" and "Mitchum Junction", both of which have fascinating names if nothing else. The demo of "Ventura Highway" should be fascinating. I don't know for sure if this is true or not, but I've heard that the famous bridge to that song was added late in the production, according to Dewey, who said Gerry is "great at adding bridges". This may be an early version without it -- we've got to wait and see.

Now the gripes... Too few songs from Hearts and Alibi, none from Human Nature, and one of the three hits from the '80s, "Right Before Your Eyes" was not included. The albums most overrepresented were America, Homecoming, which isn't surprising, and Hideaway, which is. Hopefully the various remixes featured on the box set will make it worth it.

Even if they made a box set out of nothing but songs from the first album three times repeated, I'd still be first in line to get my very own!

john

I'm $20 poorer and one America T-shirt richer. Thanks Steve. I'm stillhesitating about adding the remix "Go Man Go" to my collection since I recently purchased "Van Go Gan." I'll be interested in reading the reviews of those who own both.

Jim R.

Well, Dan, no matter how scintillating a conversationalist I am, I could not have kept myself amused for over an hour BY MYSELF!!!!! ( ok mB stopped by for about 20 seconds, but other than THAT)

see you next Wednesday!

>>I am going to have to do laundry, and that will suck.

Ok, Kevin you can bring your laundry over here and I will do it....LOL

TkH<----praise God and pass the Surf...

Hey, I ordered my T-shirts and Go Man Go CD on Tuesday night. It's all ready Thursday. In the afternoon. Where are they? If I don't get my T-shirts soon, I am going to have to do laundry, and that will suck.

KevinS.

Kevin, I have heard the soundclips on the Endorphins web site and you're right about the great songs they have created. There are links to their web sites on the America Fans Links page but here they are for your convenience:

The Endorphins Main Home Page
The Endorphins MP3s Page

Here's a little information about the 4 guys who make up the band.

David Peek - A musical legend in his own right, Dave has a colorful history. He has done everything from travel and perform with Dan Peek, to being the kingpin of the highly successful group from the Southeastern United States, the "Beer Nuts". Dave has even found the time on occasion to sit in with the Supergroup America during some of their concert tours. A highly skilled guitarist and keyboard player, Dave creates music that will rock the house down, or make a diehard Beatle fan bust out crying! Dave is also an accomplished studio engineer utilizing state of the art digital recording techniques.

Bob Propes - Struck from the mold of greats like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Chet Atkins. Bob, a former Arctic fisherman and explorer, takes music to new heights with his original guitar licks and melodies. Bob comes from a well respected Missouri musical family, and as the husband of our sister Angela (who sings vocal backgrounds for The Endorphins), adds a marriage of unbeatable musical styles. Bob also provides the driving percussion for the group, and is a cool, collected master in the recording studio.

Matthew Peek - The youngest member of the band, Matthew has already been instrumental in putting Oxford England on the map with his stunning guitar work in the band SoulCraft. We call him "One Take Matthew", because whether it is lead or bass guitar... he gives a perfect performance in just one take.

Tom Peek - Starting a music career in such an unlikely place as the Northwest Frontier of Pakistan, Tom uses the experiences of world travel to flavor his lyrics and melodies. It is rumored that he has influenced any number of successful musicians with a haunting style that evokes a feel of exotic places... But we call him "Ten Take Tom", for reasons we will not discuss right now.

All this talk about emerging artists and MP3 and such--Has anyone else heard the Endorphins new CD, Release the Endorphins?

Talk about grass roots music making.

If you like Dan Peek's work in America and his solo stuff, then you'll like this CD. (And if you don't like it, what are you, weird or something?)

I've been listening to it the past couple of days and I got to tell you, it casually snuck up on me and has taken me hostage.

It's like a mix between Dan Peek, James Taylor, the Ventures, with a little John Lennon and Carlos Santana thrown in. All in all, not a bad grab bag of sounds and styles. Some real rock and roll bloodlines there.

Listening to the first song "Fireball" sounds like you stumbled onto an unreleased Dan Peek song from the early days that Rhino might include on the new box set, if they were so inclined.

"Hey How Have You Been" is a sweet, James Taylor-infuenced ballad.

There are a few Dan Peek-inspired rockers, like "Walk Away" and my personal favorite, "I Never Knew."

If you like the Beatles, especially "Dear Prudence," you'll appreciate "Comfort Me" and a really cool song "Sparkwood & 21."

And if you get tired of following along at home, there are three instumentals without those annoying things called lyrics that can really slow you down while you sing along, including the Ventures "Miserlou" and their own "Surf Cowboy."

It's basically just four guys and their guitars, making music that they realize very few people will have the opportunity to hear, and having a great time doing it. To me, that's what music making is all about.

Just wondering if anyone else has heard the Endorphins. What do you think?

KevinS.

shoulda stuck around, I was there around 8 your time.....maybe next week, btw, I'm savin my bucks for the box,whatever is on it!!!DanC.

so I gave up! See you all next Wednesday!

I will pass your message on to Mary via e-mail.......you may also want to e-mail her yourself...if you visit her web page www.marycoppin.com you will find her e-mail address........Mary is a very talented lady.....her voice stopped me dead in the street one day while I was walking past a coffee shop that she was playing in...I have been a fan ever since......

Congratulaions Mary on your song "Would You, Could You" winning the song writing contest.
Have you heard about a company called Taxi? They help songwriters get their material listened to by record companys, producers, publishers, artists, etc.. Their address is www.taxi.com/industry.html
Have you taken any songwriting courses? Could you recomend any books that you may have read? I've learned a lot from Sheila Davis' books.
pat

Just placed my order: Oval logo T, Go Man Go (unsigned - in hopes of getting it signed this summer in person), Heaven is Very Beautiful. Will probably order Go Man Go and Van Go Gan T's later.

Thanks to all involved for making this possible! You made my day!

Just bought myself a great birthday present> THANKS GUYS! T-shirt with classic oval, signed Go Man Go ( I hope it's not out of stock!! ) and Di Farrelly's single. Had to have it, even if it DID cut into my budget a bit!

Same bat time (7 p.m. Pacific) same bat channel Hey my name IS Robyn

I just ordered Go Man Go also, hope it comes soon, can't wait to listen to the "re-mixes"!!

Steve: I ordered the green Go Man Go T-shirt. But it was a close call. I thought the white one was pretty cool too.

KevinS.

Does anyone know how long it's taking to receive the orders? I just ordered GO MAN GO and am curious.

Shayne

Matt, "Congradulations" on having one of your songs included in Mac World Magazine. That's pretty special!!!!!.....Looking
forward to seeing it in the "August" issue MP3 Music.

Three cheers (Roses too) to Steve & Heart Times for the distribution & merchandising of GERRY'S solo material. Perhaps more material to follow ? Perhaps another AMERICA release ? Another GERRY BECKLEY solo release ? We hope !

Kevin, did you order the green Go Man Go t-shirt or the white one? They were thinking of scrapping the white one because I liked the green one best but I encouraged them to keep both because some people like white better. I was just curious.

Just ordered me a vintage America t with the original logo. Along with the sporty new Go Man Go shirt. Now that's some damn tasty design work. Thank you for giving me so many more great things to spend my money on.

KevinS.

I am an avid AMERICA fan, but I think I will always think of AMERICA as a trio...even though I still love their new music. I've always felt bad that Dan felt he had to leave the band. The three of them harmonizing together is something very special. I miss it still today.

That's the best news I've heard all day....what an awesome website! Thanks Steve, and everyone else involved for making all this available!!!

Erin :o)

No more waiting! I have been working with Gordon and Bobby at Heart Times Coffee Cup Studios to put together a web page which will allow you to buy Go Man Go, Van Go Gan, Heaven Is Very Beautiful, and various t-shirts. The site is now ready! The following link will take you there and the link will also be on the America Fans home page.

Heart Times Coffee Cup Equals Lightning Studio Store

Hello:

I agree with you. Just to let you know that the version of Watching the Time go by is not the same. In this version Gerry has the lead vocals and looks that is an excellent version of the song.

Regards

>>So enjoy your toys

Um, OK........roflmao! (Pretty expensive toys...)

TkH<------cursing Macintosh & Logic Audio Daily

(c;

Jim,

Well to be honest, I already had some of the equipment, such as a CD-ROM burner. Mike (the other half of my duet "Loose Ends") had a couple of Mics and stands along w/ his PA system. I had bought an older but registerable version of Cakewalk Guitar Studio for $25 at an online auction and was able to upgrade that to the full-blown Pro Audio Studio 9.0 for $199 (less than half what it costs retail). For $299 I got Midiman's Delta 44 PCI Digital Audio Processor (retails for $399, but I found a couple of places that sell it for the lower price). The Delta 44 gives you 4 each inputs and outputs, allowing you to record up to 4 tracks simultaneously. A good sound card such as the Sound Blaster Live will also work for considerably less money, but you can only record one stereo track at a time or 2 mono tracks.

You also need pre-amps to record guitars or vocals. The Audio Buddy (also from Midiman) is an inexpensive but good 2-channel pre-amp that lists for $119, but you can get it for $79 through Cakewalk as a registered user (I bought 2 of these). It will take both high (1/4" phone-type plug) or low (XLR) impedance devices on any channel.

Other than that, I bought a couple more mics and stands and miscellaneous cables (also found them cheap at Musician's Friend) and a pair of monitor speakers to play back what you've recorded (Roland MA-8's for $89) and viola - instant recording studio.

Bear in mind that this is strictly bare-bones and there are some other tools I would like to add eventually, such as a vocal compressor (like Cakewalk's FX1), but I've also discovered that there are a number of shareware and even freeware programs available on the internet that work as good (or at least almost as good) as professional tools for a fraction of the cost.

I also have found some great (FREE!) resources on the web to help get you up to speed quickly.

If you want to e-mail me directly for more information, I would be happy to share more info about my findings. I have spent literally months of research finding the best tools to get the job done for the least amount of money and I would be happy to help you (or anyone else interested) in any way I can.

Alan

hello I'm fan of amerýca ýn Istanbul/Turkey I wanna know some ýnformatýon of fan of amerýca ýn turkey and some ýnformatýon of amerýca (do they want to come to turkey for concert or anythýng else ý wýll glad ýf they thýnk of these

<<Finally(after selling half of my earthly possessions) I was able to convert my PC to a digital home recording studio for UNDER $1000!>>

Oooo, Alan, now you got me interested. What do I need to do the same. -- Jim R.

Without Her was on the Harry Nilsson tribute CD, but I'm glad it was released on B/L/W. It is a great song that was on an otherwise obscure CD.

Watching the Time Go By.. This version is different from the one on Robert Lamm's CD "In My Head". On this one Gerry sings lead instead of Lamm, the rhythm and music are different, and the lyrics are slightly changed. Lamm sings, "I was strengthened by the birth of the Beatles", Gerry sings, "I was strengthened when I first heard the music".

Other B/L/W songs already released include Kiss of Life (Van Go Gan) and Hidden Talent (yeah!), on Human Nature.

FYI: I received a message from Rhino indicating that the track list that was circulated with the July Rhino catalog wasn't 100% confirmed because it is waiting to be finalized by the band. Therefore, the track list that was posted on this chat folder earlier and the one that is currently posted on the America Fans web site and on many of the retail web sites may not be (and probably isn't) correct. --Steve

Mary Coppin Update
http://www.marycoppin.com

Hi there folks,
I know I have not been keeping up on this but here is the latest scoop.
My song, "Would You Could You" won the John Lennon Songwriting Contest's Song
of the Year!!!!!!!
This is the big overall prize. As you might remember, I had already won the
grand prize in the country category with "Would You Could You" which also was
a top ten winner in pop and "A Room Up For Rent" was also top 10 in country.
The Song of the Year is chosen from the 12 category winners by the impressive
executive committee consisting of:
Trace Adkins, Ashford & Simpson, Barenaked Ladies, Jellybean Benitez, Björk,
Black Eyed Peas, Blues Traveler, Brooks & Dunn, James Brown, Cake, Canibus,
Larry Carlton, Tom Chapin, Cherry Poppin' Daddies, Jimmy Cliff, Paula Cole,
Judy Collins, Alana Davis, Ani DiFranco, Bob Dorough, Foo Fighters, Amy
Grant, Harlem Gospel Choir, Ben Harper, Warren Haynes, Indigo Girls, Enrique
Iglesias, Wyclef Jean, Elton John, Diana King, Dave Koz, Raul Malo, Liza
Minelli, Lorrie Morgan, Nas, Me'Shell Ndegeocello, Youssou N'dour, Orgy, Joan
Osborne, Q-Tip, Raffi, Joshua Redman, Busta Rhymes, Carole Bayer Sager,
Salt-N-Pepa, Carlos Santana, John Scofield, Jon Secada, Michael W. Smith,
Spacehog, Spin Doctors, Sugar Ray, DJ John Suliga, Danny Tenaglia, Pam
Tillis, Luther Vandross, Junior Vasquez, Hezekiah Walker, Bryan White, BeBe
Winans and CeCe Winans.
Pretty amazing. It is still not on the JLSC's web site but I finally believe
it (took awhile to sink in though) because I just got back from the EAT'M
Music Conference in Las Vegas where they presented me with the giant $20,000
check sponsored by Maxell. Besides the incredible prize, the contest also
flew band members Lisa Johnson and Danny Donnelly and myself to Las Vegas,
put us all up at the Rio and showcased us at EAT'M where we gave them a great
show.
I can't even begin to describe what this has done for my career. Life is
Good!!!

So now I am on my way to Colorado tomorrow to perform as a finalist in the
prestigious Telluride Troubadour Contest at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.
One more contest, then I think I am through. Also at the Telluride festival
is Jackson Browne, Natalie Merchant, Michelle Shocked, Susan Tedeschi, Bruce
Hornsby and Mary Chapin Carpenter.

Here's my performance info:
FINALIST IN THE TELLURIDE TROUBADOUR CONTEST!
SHERIDAN OPERA HOUSE - 11:30 AM
TELLURIDE, CO
http://www.bluegrass.com/Pages/telluride.html
info: 303-823 0848

In July I perform in 2 Northern California festivals, High Sierra Music
Festival and The Sierra Songwriters Music Festival.

Take care and God bless to you all and thank you so much for your support.

Peace,
Mary Coppin :)

Beechlady,

As someone with limited musical talent and VERY limited means, I agree wholeheartedly about the home studio craze. I have a collection of songs I've written that span a period of twenty+ years. Until now, I just didn't have the means to get them recorded.

Finally(after selling half of my earthly possessions) I was able to convert my PC to a digital home recording studio for UNDER $1000!

I've wanted to record my music for a long time and now this summer it's going to be a reality! No one is going to convince ME that this is a bad thing.

I also think the whole internet/MP3 thing is good as well, because now musicians on a limited budget can not only record their music inexpensively, but promote it as well.

Sure there's a lot of crap out there, but there are also a lot of gems as well (hopefully my songs fall a little closer to the "gems" side than the "crap"). I think every musician deserves the chance to be heard regardless of whether they have the time and means to tour, record and promote their music or know the right people.

Technology is a wonderful thing!

Alan

..darn..technology still can't help me and my spelling.....I am lost without spell and grammer check....please forgive me....(now not know and I am sure there are more)

I enjoyed Matt's comments and insight......and agree with what he said about technology and creative musicians..............I will be honest with you...I was a very big America Fan during the early years primarily because of the acoustic guitars and the great song writing......you might say I was a hard core "Rubber Soul" Fan with his heals dug in.....as America's sound progressed and drum machines and synthesizers were introduced I lost interest for a while......however my opinion slowly began to change primarily due to the way that creative artistic musicians learned how to use technology.....at the beginning it was very mechanical, fortunately it has progressed to being creative........I can know say that I actually enjoy how technology is being used by musicians........(oh ya..... remember the liner notes on Queens early LP's.....no synthesizers used on this LP........we humans tend to resist change...I guess thats Human Nature :-)

Was noticing the track listing for the Beckley/Lamm/wilson CD. It appears that Gerry has the lead vocal on 3 of the songs but.....correct me if I'm wrong,but "without you" came out 5 years ago,and "watching the time go by" was off of last years Robert Lamm
solo CD. What gives here??? I hope we as fans are getting a little more of Gerry Beckley than the track listing indicates. "Without you"
was from the Nilsson Tribute CD,so why include it here? Just wondering aloud to myself......

well said Matt. However a couple of things.....

First of all, I would PAY to see you and your long-haired buddies give a rendition of la Vida loca (roflmho) Reminds me of the classic Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks song " Canned Music" (favorites on the juke box are only half the show)

I have worked for people who have used drum machines in live settings for a variety of reasons. IMHO, a live musician is always better.

re-- your website. You have to tell people how to find it!

Jim, Bigtime bummer. I don't want to make you feel any worse but what a great show you missed. They are playing this Friday down in Burlington Iowa. Maybe you can make that one. Hope you're feeling better. You're post reminded me of a lyric I heard the other night, "so just leave me where I lay"....DanC.

<<Also was wondering if you made the trip down from Milwaukee,>>

OK, tune up the (George Martin-produced) violins here and get ready for a sob story:

I was sick. Not the kind of sick that I usually am. And not the kind of "sick" where I can ignore the symptoms and hit the road anyway. I was shut down "flat" Friday and Saturday with a three-day respiratory virus *on top of* a case of vertigo that has now spanned 10 days. (Prescription decongestant hasn't helped the vertigo yet, thanks to the unrelated virus that kicked in Thursday. Anti-biotics begin today.)

I was so dizzy on Saturday afternoon that the best I could do was lay on the couch, head planted left-ear down against a pillow. To make matters worse, some sort of cable outage in the Waukesha (WI) area took away any and all TV programming for four hours Saturday. (No much-anticipated Fox broadcast of the Mets/Yankees game for the sick. Sooorrryyy!)

Dizzy as I was, at about 3:30 p.m., I reasoned that I still had time to jump in my car, head south to Peoria, flop on the ground at the festival grounds and try to enjoy the concert. I stood up from the couch and immediately allowed my inner ear problem to gently lay me back down to sleep. About the only consolation I had was the America CDs ("History" and "Encore") playing from the entertainment center that helped me doze off with a smile. "Field of Dreams" helped replace the missed Mets game.

I now have to wait a month and a half for the next closest America concert (Stillwater, MN). Not a happy camper this week. Must lay down now. Dizzy.

Jim R.

ok, i feel i need to speak out on this one (in fact i had just written this monster of a reply, and my computer reset, so this one might be a bit more brief).

Technology in the hands of good, creative musicians is a good thing. Is Peter Gabriel any less of a musician because he uses samples (upon samples upon samples). Does Trent Reznor's work with NIN have no "real" musical value or magic because it was recorded primarily with technology? On the far end of this spectrum is DJ Shadow, who has made some of the decades best albums (endtroducing, UNKLE) merely by creatively mixing it up on the 1's and 2's, any less of a musician?

also, where does one draw the line at "musically appropriate technology". Did Bob Dylan cross it when he went electric? or was it the Beatles, when they experimented in the studio with tape speeds and weird sounds (basically just sampling). Or was it Andy Summers of the Poice when he played guitar with a heavily chorused, flanged, and delayed sound. In my personal opinion, his playing is some of the most soulful, magical playing on record.

The truth of the matter is that good, creative musicians will be good, creative musicians, regardless of the pallette. If some guy has some awful song, and it features a drum machine, it's not going to be a geat song if you throw in Stewart Copeland banging away behind him (although it might help a little, after all he IS Stewart Copeland).

As for as DJ's for "events" (weddings, office parties, etc...), as a Semi-professional working musician, i can still appreciate the fact that organizers would prefer the album version of "Livin La Vida Loca" over me and my long haired buddies rendition of it (no matter how carefully crafted, and perfectly rendered it is). It's give and take; the DJ's are easier to setup, convnient, noise ceiling friendly, and versatile (just change cd's), while the live band would probably have more energy and audience interaction.

As far as home studios go, i'm a huge fan of anything that allows artists to get hands on with their work and come out with a worthwhile product, without having to pay a $100,000 to watch the clock at ocean way studios. In fact Van Go Gan came out of a home studio, and I think it sounds pretty good (especially the hand claps on VGG). It is true that home studios open the flood gates to hear some pretty atrocious music, but likewise it also exposes you to music you might not have heard before that you like (jason falkner's first album), and I would rather be the judge of that then a record company.


I agree that it might sound better if George Martin was able to bring a couple of pals on the road and add some real strings to daisy jane, but that would be prohibitively expensive (as would carting around baby grand pianos) and ultimately result in America, real people trying to make a real living, not being able to. But as it stands they do find with the keyboards they have now.

As far as napster goes, i think it's great for unsigned bands, but I think they DO have to work out a deal with the guys on labels, much like radio. Although I laughed 'til I cried when I found out that the offspring was making bootlegged Napster merchandise, selling it on their website and keeping the profits. We need more artists out there with that kind of wit. And the internet can be a powerful promotional tool. Due to a website that i put up, that had a couple of recordings that i put together by myself in my bedroom, MacWorld magazine asked to include one of the songs in it's august issue on Mp3 music. (don't look for it under mB, it's under a different name) That's 175,000 people I probably never would have reached with my music.

It's important to learn to utilize advances in technology to our own good, rather then digging in our heels and fighting it. Anything that helps get what's in the head on to tape can only be a good thing.

Take Care Everybody, and keep making music in whatever way you can, as long as you enjoy yourself (and don't piss off the neighbors)

mB

Dear Beechlady;
I think it's perfectly fine for nonmusicians to play with their easy-to-play musical toys. After all, it's their time and their money.
But speaking as a semi-professional musician, my heart breaks everytime I attend a function that has hired a DJ instead of a live band. In fact, my own band would probably be hired for a lot more weddings if it were not for DJs. I find it amazing that many people will pay tons of cash for gowns, tuxes, limos, photographers, rings, etc., and then try to save a little money by hiring a DJ!!
Even our beloved AMERICA has used drum machines. Drum machines may be functional, but in my opinion NOTHING can compare to a living, breathing human being. Just listen to Hal Blaine's superb playing on Homecoming. No machine on earth has Hal's touch. We humans have something that machines lack: a soul.
Beechlady; have you ever sat in a room and listened to an accomplished musician play? It's magical.
So enjoy your toys, but remember that machines (including Napster) are hurting real people who are trying to make a living.
pat

ps; My own music teacher was not a "Mr.Crusty". Bruce was a highly intelligent, inspiring, motovating and gifted guitarist.

Fourth of July blast with AMERICA!

Welleby Park, Sunrise Fl (11100 NW 44th St.)
Schedule is as follows:
5:30 gates open
6:30 Blues Band
8:00 AMERICA
9:30 fireworks

Gene, we ALL hear the call of the wild....

Come save me..from things we shouldn't do!

Hello All. I'm back but for a short time for now. I'm using the public library's Internet. Have been reading all the posts on a every-other-day basis. So, I wasn't really away. I've really enjoyed reading everyone's comments about "Highway". Thanks Dan and Nina for your comments about my absence.

A few things that I thought were interesting about the box set:

1) Who wrote "James"? I'd bet it's not Dewey since he's never written an America song using a person's name. Oh yeah, there was that feathered friend, Fred. Rather, the late Fred. (LOL)

2) "Mitchum Junction" sounds like a song title by Dewey or Dan. Does anyone know?

3) "How Could I Turn You Away" I tend to think it's a song by Gerry. Otherwise, that would mean four songs in a row sung by Sir Dewey.

4) I'm really surprised that "Garden Of Peace" wasn't listed since the promo material mentioned that some of Carl Wilson's last work was with America. I hope it's one of the songs to round out the 64.

5) Sorry to hear that "Last Two To Dance", "Mirror To Mirror", and "Call Of The Wild" weren't included. :(

Hey, welcome back. We missed you...DanC.

test

Great thoughts on the Peoria show.
AMERICA is better than ever, LIVE ! Hope you all can catch them this year as they continue on their 2000 tour. The soon-to-be released HIGHWAY 3 disc set, really kind of captures what they have been up to, studio wise - the lst 30 years. Watch for more great works of art from AMERICA. HUMAN NATURE is their latest.

Went to the show last night and as everyone should know it was most excellent. They played the long set (1&1/2hrs) and I got to hear several songs that I have not heard at my previous 4 shows. (Hangover, which was my wife's fave, And Forever, which was my fave, Mirror To Mirror, and believe it or not Three Roses). I just can't put down in words how good these guys sound live. Just thought I would let you all know that America is still rockin' and sounding as good as ever here in the midwest. Also was wondering if you made the trip down from Milwaukee, John? What were you're thoughts of the show? As far as I can remember we got to here 24 tunes in all but I didn't write them down. Anyway another fantastic show and I'm planning to see them again on the 16th in Burlington Iowa. DanC.

P.S. Maybe with a little luck I'll be able to hear another one of my faves (Wind Wave) at the Burlington show.

Tower Records is having a sale on the Highway Box Set for $39.99 if you place an advance order. CD World is still slightly cheaper at $39.87 but at least we know we have several options. Has anyone else found it cheaper?

Beside Amazon, CD NOW will also be selling the CD and is taking advance orders now.

Can anyone tell me where I can get the chords to "Kiss of Life"
thanks

Yes the Cubs rule. They'll ALWAYS beat the Marlins.....lololol

TkH<------Tampa & Philly & Pittsburgh Oh my.....

regarding Rob's post.......
I guess this is a case of personal choice.. I would much rather see God Of The Sun over Old Virginia.

wow! the gas here (hilton head and Savannah area) is still right around the $1.41 to $1.59 mark. It was cheaper for me to fly to Atlanta for the Stone Mountain show than it would be to drive. this has got to stop.

The best team in baseball!! They're just resting this year. Don't worry though, in 2008, they will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of their last World Series title, and I'm sure they'll have a lot of fun in store.

john

P.S. The Cubs are the only professional sports team in the world in which Haley's Comet has passed by the earth TWICE since they won their last championship.

I received a news letter from Harmony Central this morning that had an interesting editorial. "Dave" (Mr. Editorial in this case) had read an article about a person saying that technology was taking the person out of musicianship. That article went on to state that technology and home studios, the blossoming of internet studios were robbing musicians of their experential souls........Ok. Here's MY take on it (c'mon. You HAD to know THAT was coming...rofl).

I think technology can, on the surface, LOOK like a bad thing to some. Yeah, you might think one of those "one-man-band-boxes" (Yamaha/Casio/Radio Shack keyboards)may be cheesy, sure. BUT have you ever seen someone who *isn't* a "musician" sit infront of one? They usually end up having a BALL! Is a little time spent getting satisfaction out of making a noise really a BAD THING? I think it can open otherwise previously stuck shut doors!!! At the very least you come off with the satisfaction that you did something different (if not unusual). Just because you didn't spend hours with "Mr(s). Crusty-Music-teacher" at $15 per TRYING to play Czerny, doesn't make you a musician? Basically I believe (as did "Dave")that ANYONE if given the chance can play a musical instrument proficiantly enough to give themselves satisfaction. Playing your first piece of music (even Mary Had A Little Lamb)without error can give you such a feeling of accomplishment.....

The home studio *craze* is something that allows those of us with very LIMITED means to make something meaningful. I've not visited an internet studio yet, but what's wrong with bringing people together that perhaps WOULDN'T have ever gigged together normally?

What's your take(s) on this? I'm curious.

TkH<-----gave her old Yamaha PSR 310 to her Mom

Did you get my e-mail? Let me know.

Thanks

It has been a while since the song tournament started and we're now down to the final four with only a few days left to vote for your favorite ballad. Here are the standings as of now:

"Sergeant Darkness" is beating "All My Life"
"Young Moon" is beating "And Forever"

Click here if you'd like to vote or to view all of the results.

Once again, I'm grateful that the boxed set is coming out. I hope it sells a million copies and gives America a shot in the arm in terms of well-deserved publicity and popularity so the band can make more new music. I understand that the boxed set is geared toward the casual fan rather than hardcore like myself who have practically everything, but I'll buy it anyway.

From a marketing standpoint, however, I wonder how many casual fans will shell out the $50. I hope I'm wrong in believing that many casual fans think "History" is enough of a representation of America's music.

For those keeping score at home, according to this Web site, "I Need You" is available on 15 exisiting recordings, "Ventura Highway" on 13, "Horse With No Name" on 12 and "Sister Golden Hair" on 11. Even some non-hit songs are available on many different recordings: "Sandman" on six, "California Revisited/Everyone I Meet" on five, "Hollywood" and "Old Man Took" on four and my beloved "Cornwall Blank" on three.

It would be nice if there were some new stuff or live/updated versions of the old standards in the set for us die-hards.

I agree, Joe B. While I'm dissapointed that they didn't consult me on the song selection, I think box set, nonetheless, is the biggest thing to happen to America maybe since their "Magic" comeback.

I just hope they get the exposure, and it leads to something. Maybe not with tiny little Oxygen, bless their hearts, but maybe, just maybe with someone who can really promote them.

KevinS.

Hey Steve and You people,

I've said it before and I'll say it again. "WATERCOLOR SKY" TOTALLY RULES!!!!!!!!!!If you haven't purchased it yet, do it RIGHT THIS SECOND. I've recommended it to several friends and they all loved it.

Peace
Joe B

P.S. Though us hardcores always want a little more, the box set is definitely a positive event for the guys in terms of exposure for anything new that is upcoming. Though I have to admit it would've been nice to have "Love Comes Without Warning" on disc. Guess I'll have to keep the ol' turntable a little longer.

P.S.S. The Cubs stink but they still rule.

'twould be interesting to see what & how differently they'd be if we knew what Dewey's & Gerry's individual listing of tracks would be if totally up to them, no Rhino or (gasp!) us to please -- just what they would each choose to be remembered by, to have put in their own little aural timecapsule....

gas "only" $1.69 in the Twin Cities

I know that most of us were hoping for more from the boxset, but all in all, its a very positive event. I think it will enable Rhino to make some money, while getting America some much needed and deserved attention, which should lead to a new cd, with better backing and promotion. Lets hope so! I'm a big Fleetwwod Mac fan and you should read all the comments about their boxset!! Its very much like Highway, with all the hits and favorite album cuts, but sorely lacking in those treasured fan nuggets, demos and rarities, that we all crave! But, I guess that why we have bootleggers!

To:PatB...400?? WOW!! You are quite prolific! For your sake, I hope you are spared from someone calling your creations..."Horrible"

I received word that America fan, Jeff Larson, will be releasing a new CD this coming August called "Room For Summer." It will be a follow up to his great "Watercolor Sky" CD and will feature Gerry Beckley on backing vocals on one or more of the 15 tracks. The CD will be produced by Jeffrey Foskett and Hank Linderman so it's sure to be a hit. More information will be coming as the release date gets closer.

Thanks once again Steve for all your hard work-Love the site

This is great, THANX!

I have created a web page dedicated to the Beckley/Lamm/Wilson CD Like A Brother which I think you'll all enjoy. Besides listing the tracks on the CD it also has sound clips from every song, the author and lead singer for each song, a copy of the promotional brochure that is being sent out, a copy of a fantastic article written about how the album came to be, and lots of photos including a photo of a promotional CD with Gerry and Robert's autograph. This CD is fantastic and I'm sure you'll all want to get it. It will be available only from Amazon.com for the first month (June 20 - July 20). --Steve

It'll be interesting to see what exactly makes the box set as opposed
to what the Catalog lists. When Rhino put out the Doobie Brothers box
set,they had 2 solo hits "listed" on the Promo sheet by founding members Patrick Simmons("So wrong")and Tom Johnston("Savannah Nights"). While both of those songs were top 40 hits,they never made the "final cut"(I have the box set). So while there were 3 songs "missing" from the final list,we know for sure that one will be "from
a moving train" and the other will be that new studio track. Unless
"right before your eyes" is included,its a toss-up right now as to
the final track. If I hear anything different,I'll be sure to post the
info. As a retailer/DJ,I should have the box set at least a day or two
before it hits retail. Stay tuned!!!!!

I've been an America fan from the beginning...and this fan is happy to see they're still putting out great music. My kids are becoming fans. Sunrise...Sunset

Now that I think about the box in a different light -- more of an anthology -- I can't help but think of some of the songs that SHOULD have been included:

OLD VIRGINIA
BELL TREE
ALL AROUND
RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES
LAST UNICORN

god of the sun could easily have been missed. "Can't You See" is a good song by Dan, but not one of his best. I still think that it would have been a great tip of the hat to Dan for Rhino to have bought the single-use rights to "All Things Are Possible". This song was a HUGE adult contemporary hit and even garnered him a grammy nomination.

Now that I think about the box in a different light -- more of an anthology -- I can't help but think of some of the songs that SHOULD have been included:

OLD VIRGINIA
BELL TREE
ALL AROUND
RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EYES
LAST UNICORN

god of the sun could easily have been missed. "Can't You See" is a good song by Dan, but not one of his best. I still think that it would have been a great tip of the hat to Dan for Rhino to have bought the single-use rights to "All Things Are Possible". This song was a HUGE adult contemporary hit and even garnered him a grammy nomination.

I guess my question is if some of the "lost" America gems like "Norman" or other tracks we don't even know about aren't on this collection, when will they ever see the light of day? What it comes down to was three CDs wasn't enough. I liked the Doobie Brothers boxed set, because three CDs were enough for the bulk of the hits and choice album cuts, while the fourth CD contained nothing but demos and unreleased material. Looking at the track listing for the America box set, I think Rhino wasn't sure whether they were aiming for the collector or the average Joe Bloe on the street, so they went both directions at the same time, leaving off popular hits like "Right Before Your Eyes" for a "Can't You See", but at the same time not really going all out for the unreleased material. I just think that most people who want to tinker with America will get History first, then Encore. I'm sure the box set will make a great gift for closet America fans to find in their Christmas stocking, but overall it's junkies like us who make a box set like that worth making.

john

I agree with Dan C.....JOHNNY, WE MISS YOU!!!

As far as the 3-CD set is concerned...I'm glad to see it come, no matter what! (Although, I must admit...I was hoping to hear Gerry's "Annabel" with HIS vocals...rather than just his guitar work as on the Jeff Larson CD.) I guess RHINO can't please everyone!

Gas prices in Massachusetts..$1.65 per gallon..Unleaded, Regular.

Gary H. ... Thanks for the negatives!!! I got them on Tuesday.

Bones...I was waxing nostalgic as you mentioned ALL those "blast from the past" members of the Boston Celtics!!! Brought me back to my high school/college days! Danny Ainge!!! Ah, youth!

Nina

Good points about the pitfall of being a rabid fan (all of us) compared to the rest of the world. I'm not sure how many albums Rhino hopes to sell at $50 each, but clearly they wanted to make this set attractive to more than just us. On the other hand, who do you think all those remixes, unreleased demos, hard-to-find singles ("California Dreamin'"), and other odd stuff is for? I agree $50 is more standout-ish than the typical price of a new CD, but if you've ever paid close to $20 for an import version of a classic 1970s America album, I don't think you could honestly say that $50 is a lot of money for three discs with exquisite liner notes and exclusive material. Sure, I wish "Norman," "Last Two to Dance" and other material was included, and I'd like to know whether they were considered and why they aren't in the final cut. But that doesn't lessen my interest in the release of the boxed set. This is big news for America fans!

Jim R.

Sorry, folks, but Milwaukee (and Chicago) has got the highest gas prices in the nation. Today, 93 octance (premium) hit $2.18 a gallon. All the politicians here are blaming the required use of reformulated gasoline, required in smog cities to improve air quality. But the prices are insane for regular blends everywhere. It certainly si making my planned trips to Illinois, Minnesota, and northern Wisconsin for America concerts more expensive.

Jim R.

Here's what I found regarding the price of the new "Highway" box set. Even though the list price is $49.97, you can get it for less than that. If anyone finds it for a cheaper price, please let us all know.

CD World - $39.87
CD Now - $44.99

My mistake; TomK

Marshall; enjoyed reading your stats. I'll bet you're an accountant!
Ditto on your comments about Hearts; one of their best. (oops, is that an opinion? sorry.)

To TomT; the answer to your question is 400

pb

I wonder if Rhino will release "How Could I Turn You Away" as a single, to promote the new box set?

That would be cool.

KevinS.

I will be in the chat room this evening, around 7 if anyine cares to join me!

See you there!

Great to see a new box set, but I'm hoping for new material like a new CD. Would be nice if they could produce a new CD once a year.

I think Rhino is not marketing for the fan base here ( the ones that already HAVE every America recording available) I believe that the thinking is more of a get-it -all- in one place sort of thing.

"Someone" will just have to release all the things WE have been clamoring for!!

Ditto Beechlady...."Fan standpoint" -vrs-"lets sell an America Box Set"..its great to see the Boxed Set!!!!

I think *we're* all looking at this from a "fan" standpoint and Rhino is looking at it from a "Lets Sell An America Boxed Set" standpoint. They're looking to hook not just us fans, but the general populace that perhaps doesn't have History....They're (Rhino) trying to please as many people as they can in one 64 set bang. I too would like to see the aforementioned rare songs, but hey! Like mentioned earlier, it's just GREAT to see the BOXED SET! As for packaging and REpackaging songs, it's not just the record companies that get money from this.......as miniscule as it is, the artist(s) also reap(s) a reward for having their catalogue rehashed! (C=

TkH<------rehashing HER catalogue!

Hello everyone,I maybe echoing thoughts of others when I say that disappointment is a word that springs to mind whilst viewing the track listing.Indeed,a very worthy output underlining America's considerable appeal,this is a mighty 64 tracker.One wonders what will happen to so much that never made it,cant help feeling this is an opportunity lost in terms of greater insight into the band warts and all,maybe a ten year wait till the next one? I dont mean to be all doom and gloom,hearing many of the tunes remastered, remixed,and reading Sir George Martins comments will suffice.Puts me in mind as to what promotional ideas Rhino has,with the HN realease the guys did get to do some TV.

well well well
I'm sure the box set isn't going to have what everybody wants on it, but I think it's a good representation.HOWEVER
I think a couple of cool love versions of songs could be included rather than the original studio tracks.. I always thought Sandman rocked live,and I always liked the version of Company/Hollywood from the first live album. Of course, Norman would be cool to hear mainly because people have been talking about it for so long. Also, maybe another song off of Alibi. And the movie songs..that one from THE LONLEY GUY and of course The LAST UNICORN stuff.and maybe "Love Was just another Word" that's sort of an America tune isn't it? But hey..64 songs and a cool book......I'm there.
Later
Gene

Thanks for the info, Marshall. I spoke with the marketing manager of Transparent Music today and he said that for now Amazon will be the only supplier of the CD. The official rollout of the Transparent Music web site isn't until the day after tomorrow so don't be surprised if it still has a few bugs. I have soundclips from all 10 tracks as well as a track list which I'll be posting on the America Fans web site later tonight. Check out the "What's New" section and you'll find a link to the soundclips there.

As far as additional tracks go,the sidebar to the Catalog info states
that "...As amply displayed on HIGHWAY,the first comprehensive retrospective covering America's 30 year career,from 1972's "A horse with no name" to 1998's "From a moving train",the bands future is as large as its legacy......"
So.....You will apparently get one track from "Human Nature" and also
the new Unreleased track. Who knows what the extra song will be? I'm
surprised that of all the charting singles,I did not see "right before your eyes" on this list! so it sounds like alot of those "rare" tunes I've seen mentioned will not be included on this box set. HIGHWAY
apparently is also the first step in an overall plan to revamp the
bands Warner Bros. Catalog(thats mentioned in the catalog too as such). Thats pretty much ALL of the pertinent info worth sharing!

The CD Like A Brother is listed on sale June 20th, TransparentMusic, and can be ordered from Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00004TQS5/qid%3D960347234/104-8141586-6717564

Transparent Music has full versions of I Wish for You (Carl Wilson lead vocal) and Feel the Spirit (Robert Lamm lead vocal) to listen to at this website.
http://www.transparentmusic.com/intro.html

Great to see the song list. I also would like to more previously unreleased material, but will take what they have. The set is decidedly "Bunnell-Beckley-Peek" era heavy. This is OK. 72% of the songs in the collection are from the first seven albums (America through Harbor). 53% of versions of the 83 songs recorded in the first seven albums are in the collection. This compares with 15 songs (19%) (assume one from Human Nature) of the 80 songs recorded from Silent Letter-Human Nature era(1979-1999.(I didn't count Last Unicorn, but did count the four on Encore).

America: 7 (8 if you count the "Donkey Jaw" outtake", they just left off Children, Clarice, Never found the time, and Pigeon song [surprised?])
Homecoming: 7
Hat Trick: 8 (nice to see so many from this album, they just left off Wind Wave [an America Fans favorite!], Willow Tree Lullaby (one of the few America/Dan Peek songs in 3/4), and Goodbye (one of my all-time Gerry Beckley favorites, oh well!)
Holiday: 6
Hearts: 4 (includes Simple Life, puzzling why so few from arguably their best Martin-produced record)
Hideaway: 7 (surprising so many from this, generally weaker overall than Hearts)
Harbor: 4

Post Peek era begins in spring-1977
America Live (Martin produced): 0
Silent Letter (Martin produced): 3
Alibi: 1
View: 2
Your Move: 3
Perspective: 2 (Can't Fall asleep should have the Rhino records/Encore version with an extra verse)
Encore: 1
Hourglass: 2 (and not HOPE, Mirror to Mirror, or Garden of Peace!)
Human Nature: ???
Other unreleased songs (a new song recorded just for this set(How
Could I Turn You Away).

STILL looking forward to the boxed set, but I really agree with John Corbett, I would've loved to see:

Norman, Last Two To Dance, Love Comes Without Warning, Last Unicorn, and maybe a tip of the hat to Dan with Rhino purchasing "All Things Are Possible".

Now having said that I still never thought I'd see the day a box set would come out, so I remain pleased.

Certainly glad that Rhino's giving America its due, but ...

As a fan, one concern I've had over the years is the number of times the group's old songs have been repackaged by one record company or another to make a quick buck (a couple of live albums, "History," "Encore," etc.). At least the "King Biscuit" CD had some different songs, plus live versions of "Sandman" and "Here."

I guess I'd just as soon Rhino would have put the money into an album of fresh material and actually pushed one of the songs as a single.

Seven songs from "Hideaway" versus 3 from "Hearts"? And not many alternate cuts? What's up with that? You're right though, Kevin, we diehards will still pay the piper... Hey, I kinda miss Johnny...DanC.

I have always laughed when people comment on Dewey’s lyrics…..for example…I heard “Horse” on Temecula’s local radio station (KATY FM) while driving in my car the other day……after the song the DJ commented on the lyrics “ain’t no one for to give you no pain” stating that the writer must have been under “heavy pain medication to write those lyrics”…..I just laughed…. I can remember when "Horse" came out and everyone said that the song was about kicking heroin addiction……"I let the horse run free".... keep um guessing Dewey……….

They list 61 of the 64 songs. One of those songs will be a new song recorded for the box set. Since no songs from Human Nature are listed, I would bet that at least one of those last two spots will be taken from Human Nature (I'm betting the single version of From A Moving Train). So that means there is maybe one other "new" song that could be included. I had hoped for more.

"Obviously,there are more tracks to add to this disk, but that's all the Catalog lists."

I'm holding out for Last Two To Dance. I am really hoping we can get some released overseas but not in USA music.

Tim

"All Things..." and "Doer..." are great albums in terms of melody and catchy songs. "All Things..." is a must for an America fan, due to Gerry's and Dewey's background vocal contributions on "Love was Just Another Word." "Doer..." is a little more heavy in Christian lyrics, but the title song sounds like classic America; "All Things..." plays like a pop album, close to mainstream. In fact, it makes me wonder what was up with Dan just one year earlier when "Harbor" came out.

You didn't ask, but I'd say "Bodden Town" is substantially different than those first two solo albums. It is much more slower paced and less melodic.

Jim R.

I don't have Crossover and Electrovoice yet -- I'm hoping they are one day issued on CD, though I'd buy the vinyl if I saw them somewhere for a non-collector price.

I was hoping there would be a lot of new or uncovered or out of print stuff. Looks like there are only three new songs: "James," "Mitchum Junction" and the new one "How Can I Turn You Away." Four if you include "Simple Life" which is on the Japanese import of Hearts, which I have.

Not to include "Norman," which was never released but we assume was recorded, or "Love Comes Without Warning" and "Last Two To Dance," which are rare releases that will be lost forever if not included here, is a shame.

There's nothing from Human Nature either.

Most of this is from the three-man America WB years. We always debate on which was better. Maybe this is the answer. Maybe the two-man America isn't as important.

I guess I just have to rethink the whole thing. I'm not paying $50 for America archives, I'm paying $50 for the booklet and liner notes and repackaging of the "best of" the 22 America albums I already have.

But Rhino knows I'll pay it.

KevinS.

61 songs are listed and the this doesn't include the new song recorded for this box set. So, there can't be many unlisted songs. I'm excited, because the unreleased demos seem to be from the days of the first album, my favorite. Any info on the time frame of the unreleased demos ? It looks like most of the top 40 hits are included and a lot of Hat Trick songs, which I don't have on CD yet.

The average Fan from the 70's can't find most these songs in the record store on CD. Hopefully this box set will be visible in the average music store and bring more fans back like Encore and Hourglass did for me. In many stores today (Wal-mart, Fred Meyer) all you see is History. Any info on what outlets will carry this box set ?

I'm sure Rhino knows that the majority of people buying the box set already have every America album anyway, and those who don't at least have the basic albums from which this box set is drawing so heavily. $50 is a lot of money to spend for a handful of demos. Especially when "Norman", "Love Comes Without Warning", and "Last Two To Dance" aren't on it. Let's keep our fingers crossed that the remaining few tracks hold some surprises.

john

Me too Mark, I was hoping for alittle bit more rare/unreleased material. But, I can't wait to read the liner notes/book.
Maybe the third disc will have more. Keep smiling, Howard L

I'm a little disappointed that the box set doesn't contain more previously unreleased material. So far only 4 demos and 4 alternate versions and no Norman. I was hoping for more. Maybe the 3rd CD will contain a few more once it's rounded out.

"Don't Cross the Border" Title of a new track on the Highway box set. Up here in BC we are paying 70 cents per liter. Works out to about $3.50 per gallon. Talk is that it hit $1.00 / liter by the end of the summer ($5.00 / gallon)

j

Pat,

I've been away from the folder for about a week and am just now catching up on all of the posts, but I for one really like America's version of Muskrat Love (can't stand Captain & Tenille's). There may be other posts that I haven't read yet, but at least you know now there's at least ONE other fan of the song!

Alan

Thanks Steve. I do read this site everyday but thought I missed something. I guess Ice Magazine made a boo boo!!

I received some information from Steve Orchard today regarding America's "Highway" box set. The information came from the Rhino catalog that he just received. Thanks Steve for sharing this information with us.

The following info comes from Pages 10-11 of the July Catalog from Rhino that goes to Retailors. We use this info for ordering purposes. I got mine Monday June 5th... I don't have time to type everything,but here are some highlights...

1)The Box set features four previously unreleased demos: ("James", "Satan", later recorded as "Donkey Jaw", "Mitchum Junction", "Only In Your Heart", and "Watership Down") plus a previously unreleased Studio Track "How Could I Turn You Away" recorded especially for the set.

2)More rarities include the single version of "Everyone I Meet Is From California", "Simple life", and alternate mixes of "Submarine Ladies", "Who Loves You", "Watership Down", and "Letter".

3)Co-produced by America, the box liner notes feature extensive track by track comments from all three founding members, plus commentary from Sir George Martin (Producer of 6 America albums)

4)The box set covers a vast musical expanse on 3 CD's stuffed with 64 tracks from Albums and singles released by Warner Brothers, Capitol, American International, American Gramaphone, Rhino and Oxygen between 1972-1998

Here's the track listing according to the catalog...

Disk 1
Riverside
Horse with...
I need you
rainy day
here
three roses
sandman
everyone I meet is from California
James(demo)
satan(demo)
Mitchum junction(demo)
ventura highway
to each his own
don't cross the river
cornwall blank
only in your heart
saturn nights
hat trick
molten love
its life
submarine ladies (unedited, alternate mix)

Disk 2
Muskrat love
green monkey
she's gonna let you down (single edit)
rainbow song
tin man
another try
lonely people
hollywood
baby its up to you
old man took
simple life
sister goldenhair
daisy jane
woman tonight
who loves you (alternate mix)
lovely night
amber cascades
can't you see
watership down (alternate mix)
letter (alternate mix)
todays the day
sarah
are you there
God of the sun
Sergeant darkness

Disk 3
California dreamin
all my life
only game in town
1960
survival
you can do magic
Inspector Mills
My dear
The Border
she's a runaway
Can't fall asleep to a lullabye
special girl
Nothings so far away as yesterday
Young moon
Greenhouse

Obviously,there are more tracks to add to this disk, but that's all the Catalog lists.

Lisa, the box set is definitely called "Highway". I sent a message to the person at Rhino in charge of publicity and she confirmed the name. Besides, I have posted the artwork for the box set and it has "Highway" printed very large on the cover. --Steve

Those were the days until the bulls came along with Jordan.

I saw it when it aired originally. I felt that it was more of a slap in the face (making fun of their lyrics) than anything else.

Shayne

Whenever I see an America CD on the racks that I haven't seen before, I have to take it home and try it out. Currently, there's a ten-track "America Live" CD which just came out this year with a picture of the original trio on the front. I thought I'd get it because the ten songs were different than the ten on the Capitol release from 1985. Well, it turns out to be a condensed version of the 1982 King Biscuit show. No need to get it -- unless you collect everything ever put out by America. This comes on top of the three other versions of that same concert. Ugh! America's been performing for thirty years. There have to be some other concerts floating out there they could release instead!!

john

Thanks Steve, Loved the sound clips and enjoyed reading the article in Billboard today. I never realized this CD was in process since 1992--can't wait to get it!!!

I read in Ice Magazine that the new CD set is called "Highlights"--is this a mistake or now the third name change?

The "85-86" Boston Celtics would put a serious hurtin on these Lakers. Could you imagine Parish, McHale, Bird, Johnson, and Ainge with tattoos, I think NOT!!!!!!! Those were the days..........

Gas prices hover on the ridiculous here in LA. $1.79 per gallon at the cheapie places...

HEY if any of you San Diego people are going to the Walter Phobicman SHow ( and I HIGHLY recommend you do!)please be so kind as to post a review here. ( hope that's ok Steve!)

Sunday morning I was flipping through the tv and I started to watch Rock 'n roll jeopardy. To my surprise, one of the categories was the songs from America. Was I ever pleasantly surprised. The songs that were asked was A Horse With No Name, Ventura Highway, Muskrat Love, Tin Man, and Lonely People. Lonely People was the only song the 3 contestants didn't know. Of course I knew all 5. I don't know if anybody else has seen this in the past, but this brightened up my Sunday morning.
Also, can't wait for July 18.

Hi....have been here to America's website, but has been awhile back. I have a question to ask about this song. After the first chorus, there's an instrumental part that only plays for a few seconds . Was that played in a Marlboro Country commercial several years ago? All I can remember is the guy on a horse and I guess he was "crosssing the river" LOL. Don't remember how much of the instrumental they actually played during that commercial though. TIA

Read in the S.F. Chronicle Lively Arts/Nightlife section on Sunday: "More reunion news: America performs July 14 at the Solano County Fair in Vallejo."

Someone please clue me in on when they broke up.

That concert, incidentally, could be a cheap date. I called the fair to check ticket prices and was told the show is included in the price of admission ($6 for adults, $3 for kids). I'll believe it when I see it. But if you're anywhere near the Bay Area, it may be worth the trip. The fairgrounds are right across the street from Marine World, incidentally.

Gas prices in san diego ARE the highest in the nation. But at least the ticket prices aren't. FREE live performance of some of the late Walter Phobicman's work at the world famous Belly Up Tavern (www.bellyup.com), Tuesday June 6 (tommorrow). tlWP at 10:30. There will be giveaways and other fun stuff.
And we LOVE the new Go Man Go stuff. So cool.

-the staff-

Thanks, Steve, for putting those clips on so quickly.
Beechlady, you had a STOPLIGHT to do your chinese fire drills at? Lucky you. We just did them in the middle of the main drag. We didn't even have a four way stop.
San Diego has, for the last two years, had almost the highest gas prices in the nations. My local station is down (?) right now to a low of $1.59, after a high a few months ago of $1.86. Even my kids are commenting that they can't believe they're excited to see the prices as LOW as $1.59. (It's higher lots of places in San Diego.)
ShariL

Paid $1.79 yesterday. Coming to work this morning through Los Gatos and Saratoga, CA, where the gentry live, it was $1.84.


Congrats to Erin! Maybe I'll see you there. The Mountain Winery is a great venue.

It's supposed to reach record highs today in the Salt Lake City area (around 100) but that's not the only thing that's hot. I procured some soundclips from the forthcoming Beckley/Lamm/Wilson CD, "Like A Brother". The soundclips are in MP3 format and you can download them from my internet X-Drive account by clicking on the links below (the links will be active for 7 days). Thanks to Jeff Reeves for making the soundclips available.

1. Today
2. Feel The Spirit
3. I Wish For You
4. Run Don't Walk
5. Watching The Time Go By
6. Life In Motion
7. Sheltering Sky
8. They're Only Words
9. Without Her
10. Like A Brother

It's around $ 1.41 in Virginia, cash or credit. You know that a large portion of the price is due to taxes. And much of the variation in different parts of the country is due to variations in state and local taxes.

This morning I had an office mate conduct the official drawing for the free tickets to the July 23rd America concert at the Villa Montalvo Historic Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California. The lucky (and I'm sure to be very excited) winner is Erin DiPietro from Reno, Nevada. I believe that Erin has seen the guys every time they've ever played in Reno and now she'll have a chance to see them in California. Congratulations Erin!

$1.38 here in Orem, Utah if you're willing to pay cash. You can get it for $1.40 - $1.46 with a credit card. --Steve

Yeah, but WHAT ABOUT THEM MARLINS, EH?

TkH<------30 gigs, no waiting! (C=

Guess we're the lucky ones at $1.57!

TkH<----self producer

THANX Steve, for the sound clips, even tho-it's like giving me a little taste of something really good, & not letting me eat the whole thing! There was just 1 clip (House of Cards) that really didn't trip my trigger, other than that, the other songs sound AWESOME!! In a way, it's kind of strange to hear some of these songs in such a different format, because I'm so used to the VGG versions. Can't wait to lean back & listen to the whole thing!

How did the the Lakers ever survive?...their new theme song should be survival :

"I'll let the moon announce my arrival
To every eye that cares to see
Just working on the art of survival
Where do we go from here, where do we go from here"

LET THE CELEBRATION BEGIN!!!!! ( my dd is especailly thrilled, her dance teacher is a Laker Girl)

Hey Matt and You People,

Lakers fans should immediately drop to their knees and give thanks the Great Spirit of Basketball. Only a total, unmitigated, embarassing choke job by Portland allowed the pretty boys (except Shaq, who's rather ugly) to advance.

Peace
Joe B

P.S. The no-call on the Smith drive WAS a joke; but by that the time the Blazers were already destined to lose.

P.S.S. Go Pacers! (even though I hate them)

how sweet the nectar of victory is.
(despite the suspicious no-call on steve-smith's drive with 25 seconds left..)

mB

Reno has the fifth highest gas price in the nation....at least $1.64, but usually higher.
Counting the days until July 18th...
Erin :o)

I'm just curious as to how much people are paying for a gallon of gasoline across the United States or around the World. $1.77 for unleaded regular today. Wish my pay check increased as fast as the price of gasoline keeps going up.
Listening to "Goodbye Highway" (sporty remix) and the beginning of this song sounds like it could be on one of the car racing games for my play station. This song is sure to be a WINNER. Nice job Gerry.

Does anyone have any info on the Va beach concert? I would like to go but there is little info about the concert inthe listing. Also I think Dans albums were great. You have to enjoy Christian music to appreciate them though...........Joe

For what its worth here's how I would rate Dan's solo albums from the 70s and 80s (that would exclude Bodden Town and his work with Peace, but those should be excluded anyway since they really aren't solo albums):
1. Electrovoice (85?) - IMHO this is Dan's strongest solo effort. Contains the remake of his America classic Lonely People, which still receives some airplay on CCM stations. I normally don't care for remakes, but I like this one. Not a bad song on the album. Too bad it's not available on CD. My cassette is worn out.
2. Doer of the Word (84) - Dan's second solo effort and I like it much better than his first. Unfortunately, he didn't release this album until 1984, nearly 5 years after All Things Are Possible. Because of this he lost all the momentum he had from All Things being a hit. Gerry sings backup on the title track, which was a big CCM hit. This one is available on CD.
3. Crossover (86?) - A good album. I love the title track, which is kind of a follow-up to his America hit Don't Cross The River. Unfortunately this album has yet to be released on CD.
4. All Things are Possible (1979) - This was his biggest commercial hit and was nominated for a Grammy, but it's my least favorite of his solo albums. Not bad, but I think his other stuff was better. This one is available on CD.

No news yet, Rob, but it will be available very soon. Gerry, Bobby, and Gordon are putting together a web site where you'll be able to order Go Man Go, Van Go Gan, Heaven Is Very Beautiful (Di Farrelly), and a few t-shirts (more will be coming later). As soon as all of the details have been worked out and the web site is complete, I'll post it here and on the America Fans web site. In the meantime, listen to the soundclips from Go Man Go and read the track listing on the America Fans web site. --Steve

Has there been any news (I might've missed) on where and how to order "Go Man Go"? I gotta have it!!!! It would be hard to improve upon VAN GO GAN in my opinion.

To be 19 again.... what a great summer,1975!!!!!!

25 years ago this week "Sister Golden Hair" was numero uno on Billboard. Just thought I'd pass that on.

Just got done watching Rock & Roll Jeapordy on the game show network (yes I do have a life) and much to my delight a category during the game was "Lyrics by America". The answers were for Horse With No Name, Tin Man, Ventura Highway, Muscrat Love, and Lonely People. How about that!!!! DanC.

I've been reading the comments about Dans recorded music with amusement. Interesting to note the diverse comments about his stuff.
In my opinion,"All things are possible" is the best of his solo work.
"Doer of the word" would be second. "Electrovoice" is 3rd and "Crossover" would be 4th. Those would be the rank for me of his Christian Material. While "bodden town" is good,it took quite awhile
for me to grow into that CD. Hopefully alot of his America-era music
will be covered on the box set.

>>If you haven't sneaked into the drive-in in the trunk of a car you haven't lived!

AMEN on THAT one, Mr. P! Or how about Chinese Fire Drills at the only stop light in town while out cruising.....

TkH<----grew up southwest of Lake Wobegone.....

I can agree on some middle ground about the Grammys today,
but in 1977 people were not as cynical as they are now.
I just can't understand why All Things Are Possible was
nominated, but the Grammy was won by that
lightweight Bob Dylan! But, I can't begrudge the guy that
wrote my all time favorite line, "The pump don't work because
the vandals stole the handles"!

I have some inside scoop on that disputed song Hometown...
Although written in 1977, it is about Farmington Missouri in
1967. Back then it was a real life version of the mythical Lake Wobegon.
Everything Dan sings about really happened... it was a small town
and teenagers had to make their own excitement. If you haven't
sneaked into the drive-in in the trunk of a car you haven't lived!
I know this because my girlfriend was driving and Dan and I were in the trunk.

You want to hear some great Dan Peek? Listen to Bodden Town. Listen to PEACE. His song "Call On Me" from PEACE is a rock classic. Every bit as good as anything he wrote with America, and he wrote some of America's great songs ("Donkey Jaw," "California Revisited," "Today's The Day" to name a few). You won't find a better song than "Heartland" off of Bodden Town. Start to finish, both albums--Bodden Town and PEACE--are much stronger than Human Nature. While I like All Things Are Possible for what it is (I've never been a fan of Christian rock), you've got to remember that was 1977. Dan has gotten so much better as a song writer and a vocalist. Lately, he's dialed it up to 11.

KevinS.

PatB,
How many songs have you written? I'm sure Dan would love to have your input on any songs that he is currently working on. You may not have liked "All Things are Possible" but to label it as horrible, is a tad extreme. Its not my favorite album either but I really did enjoy several of the songs on it. And as far as the Grammy's are concerned, should America give back their best new artist grammy?

Pat, I couldn't agree more. The Grammy's????? What a joke. I don't even waste my time on that drivel!!!!!! DanC.

I knew I would catch a little heat for my opinion regarding All Things.... Marshall asked for opinions.
"Divine Lady" breaks the first song writing rule regarding personal pronouns. In "Hometown" Dan sings about the perfect day: his horse goes crazy, bad traffic jams, bad movies at the drive-in, and being run out of town; gee, sounds like the perfect place for me!

As far as the Grammys are concerned......well, what are the Grammys???
Oh yeah; that's that nice little old lady who lives around the corner.
The year when Tom Petty was nominated for best HEAVY METAL album was the year I began ignoring the Grammys. (I like Tom, but he's not heavy metal)
It generally seems that the artist and albums I admire usually arn't even nominated. Now, if I were given the chance to vote for the Grammys; I would have voted for Human Nature as album of the decade.
pb

Just got done listening to the samples from Go and I have a few opinions for what they are worth. First is that it seems to be much more darker that Van. I liked what I heard in the new Now Sue but did not like the new Goodbye at all. I also would like to know why my favorite song from Van Go Gan wasn't included, and that is Playing God. which I thought was a real gem? Just some ramblings....DanC.

That must be why it was nominated for a Grammy.

>>All Things Are Possible is horrible
pb<<

really?? I thought that was a good album. I'm not a big Dan fan but there is some good work there..better than the stuff he wrote for Hideaway & Harbour. I really like Love was just another word and the title track

Sam....stogie?..........My guess is that it's Monica.......just a joke

I saw that too..So what tour are they on now? and what's different about the tour that is starting in Ok??

Hi Marshall;

I own 2 Dan Peek solo albums:
Electrovoice is fairly decent
All Things Are Possible is horrible
pb

Lol..I don't know to do fancy hyperlink stuff, but here are Clifford and Sam..(oh yes, and Ronnie in the middle)..

http://members.aol.com/jgabr92262/images/ronnieandpuppies.jpg

Um, grammer isn't my strong suit......lol.

To
Too
Two

One of these day's I'll get a post right.

TkH<-----packing her own brand of heat...rofl

That would'a been MY guess to, Dan! He looks like he's packin' a little heat, too.....lol

TkH<-----seems to *sense* those things....rofl

Jim, thanks for sharing that link to the Highway plug.

Gerry asked me to pass along the news that there will be a good review of the Beckley/Lamm/Wilson album (Like A Brother) in next week's Billboard magazine. The review will run on the front page of the issue that (I think) is out on Monday. If any of you see it, be sure to pass along your thoughts and impressions.

For you webby's out there ... here's a link to the USA Today article that Howard L. discovered:
www.usatoday.com/life/music/music094.htm

dan, i was in chat room last night about 7:30 pm left coast time. got tired of talking to myself so i left. wednesdays are ok. had a nice group listen of view on wednesday. gary h graciously served as master of ceremonies.

My guess is Sam; notice the stogie??? DanC.

Most nights are good for me but on occasion I am let out of the cage....DanC.

I don't know if this is Susie or Sam... do any of you know? This official Muskrat photo was sent to us by Terry Trost.

This is my last day of work here, so I will no longer be using suttonk@dal.ddb.com as an e-mail address while I screw around on the internet during business hours. So, please, no longer send hate mail, death threats and all requests to leave the country to this e-mail address. I will hve a brand spanking squeeky clean new e-mail address on Monday.

Thanks.

KevinS.

Well, WEdnesdays are good for me, but I don't know about everyone else.

If I were tiny little Oxygen Records, bless their hearts, now's when I'd be getting America back into the studio for a second album. Don't wait, like they did when releasing a second single from Human Nature, until the momentum has totally died. Marketing 101. If you can't use your own money, ride on the coattails of someone else. And right now Rhino's coattails look mighty long and sturdy. Don't drop the ball on this one.

KevinS.

Hey everyone, on page 4 of the Life Section with all summer concerts
in the middle of the page:
>America hops on A Horse With No Name for a four-month tour
in support of Highway: 30 Years of America, a 64 track,
3 -CD box set due July 18. The tour kicks off July 1 in
Oklahoma City.

Pretty cool. The page is full of alot of artists and tour dates.
Peace everyone, HL

OK
How do I get it??

I think the white shirts are the best. It would be great to have Gerry and Deweys images on the front along with some sort of logo. The back could have their flowery scroll logo style with a list of their top hits and/or albums over the last 30 years.

By the way, Erin, I've never heard of Abbie Hoffman either. I guess I'd better go check out that web site, too.

If Wednesday seems to be a better night than Thursday for chats, I can change the web site to say Wednesday. Most nights are bad for me so whatever is best for the rest of you is what I'll go with. So, post your thoughts here about the best night to chat.

You should have been there LAST night! See everyone next Wednesday.

I was sure lonely on the chat tonight... DanC.

Please, I'm hoping this is not typed to blind eyes, but I'm really going to get into "And Forever" if its included at the June 10th show in Peoria. I've been calling for a cut from Silent Letter for years. And I, for one, can't think there's a better choice from that album. So, again, I'm hoping to hear it live on the 10th. and maybe a cut from Alibi thrown in for the hell of it.....DanC

No Beth, I wasn't..as I explained to Gene earlier today I had come down with bronchitis and had to rest up and be prepared for a trip to Louisville where I was making a presentation Tues...sorry I missed it though..Yes, it is a fantastic place for a concert and I have taken the kids there many times..(and of course out of town visitors)... Sounds like you had a wonderful time! Thanks for the review and would love to see your pictures!

Anyone have reviews on Dan Peek's 70's-80's solo albums? Which are the best, worth getting?
All Things are Possible (1979)
Doer of the Word (82?)
Crossover (84?)
Electrovoice (86?)

Come on young Erin, get your bell bottoms & party like it's 1969 !

Thank you Virginia....I'll check out that website.

Erin :o)

Abbie Hoffman was a major political activist in the 1960's. A good website for more info is www.theaction.com/Abbie/Hoffman.html

This is something I should probably know, but who is Abbie Hoffman??

Erin :o)

Willis Alan Ramsey's song was the only cover on the "History" album. That kinda bugged me, especially when "Hat Trick" had so many better original songs to pick from. (I love "Submarine Ladies" and "It's Life.") But "Muskrat" was the first single and the other "Hat Trick" songs either weren't singles or weren't top 100 hits, so I accepted its inclusion as a "greatest hit." I think the song is tolerable, but I actually prefer Tenille's vocal to Gerry's, in this case. (Did I just write that!) It sounds more like her natural singing voice. Gerry's voice sounds distorted, and the harmonies didn't have the more lively America feel.

However, I like the idea of redoing the song with a completely different approach. No, not that "bluebird" idea, nor any "pigeon by the name of Fred" approach, but some sort of lively take on stage. Hey, maybe Gerry can wear a yacht captain's hat and quietly sit on the keyboards while Dewey sings. The Captain and Sir Dewey. Excuse me whilst I whirl, and twirl and tango back into my sick little corner now.

Jim R.

Dear beechlady,I just like color & light lift you up kind of designs,instead of the ho/hum kinda black on grey stuff.Logos are cool as long as they aren't genericly crafted. Something to reflect americas music rather than a corporate slot or promotional gliche.Organic cotton or hemp for materials & non-toxic ink would be the best t-shirt to promote enviromental integrity and vision. Many Blessings,Dennis Proffitt,Goldeneaglevideo

I heard that Gerry will be singing the song, "Carry On" in a new Abbie Hoffman movie. Any info on this? Am I correct?

Stone Mountain was a complete blast. It's been almost a year for me and the band sounded great..with the sculpture as a backdrop..it was a perfect setting to a memerable memorial day weekend. Even with the train cutting through half the audience.(you had to be there). New additions for me... Weds AM was great, so was Wheels are Turning...Big surprise for me was hearing AND FOREVER..one of my favorite all time songs. 'bout 10,000 people someone said and very much into the show. I met some new friends and saw some old ones...all in all a great night! once again.thanks guys

love muskrat

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Last Revised: 1 July 2000