Archives: October 2000

Check-out the nice concert photos under the "What's New" section. You'll see Stephen and Mike Baratta, Maureen Morrison, and the guys, of course, including Hank L. Also, there's a photo taken by Scott West looking out toward the audience at a different concert..

Gerry used to call him Dewey Bunnel(rhymes with funnel) in concerts I saw in the 80s...he was just kidding around Joe K

So, Janice, are the three of them going out trick or treating?
Cute picture!
Shari <><

Pronunciation: buh - nell (with the accent on the last syllable).

Just for the record...how does on pronounce Bunnell?

I wondered if anyone would get that. I can be pretty obscure at times!

Dewey is the son of Jor-El? Super, man!
Say hi to Bruce Wayne for me, Robyn!

Jim R.
(who has been known to dress as Spider-Man and probably will tonight)

e-bay has a copy for sale lol. ty Johnny.

Havin' fun here! Greetings from Ronnie and "two lazy dogs", Clifford and Sam....(thought I would throw in some lyics to keep it slightly on topic..

members.aol.com/jgabr92262/images/happyhalloween.jpg

(and if Steve would be so kind as to make this a link..) ;-)
Done Janice! --Steve

Since our boys only have 4 or 5 concert dates between now and the end of the year and only a handful confirmed for 2001, could it be that they are heading into a studio to lay down some tunes for a new release? Just wonderin' (and hopin'). I guess they could also be taking a well deserved holiday. Anyone know?
j

An acquaintance who lives in Europe has a copy.

Wow! How did you find that out?

......I am way behind here......but if anyone still cares....my list of moving songs from other artists ended up quit extensive..I narrowed them own and today this is the list (always subject to change)....the list is more of a desert island list....

Hidden Treasures - Traffic
Tiny Dancer - Elton John
All Along the Leeshore - CSN&Y
Maybe - Dave Mason
A Day in a Life - some 60 's band from England

And THANKS Shayne and Mark for being brave enough to take a stab at the question!

DaisyJane64 had the correct answer to the trivia question. "Town And Country" is the other song on the European promotional CD of "Wednesday Morning". Way to go Daisy and as Gerry says, "Thank you Daisy".

Mike, I missed the first two songs of the seven because I was late getting home from work. They did play the 4 songs you mentioned plus Lonely People. I don't know what the other two were.

That would be you Howard. Glad we missed the volcano!

Shayne

Missed the show due to other commitments. Just curious. What seven 70's songs did they play. They probably played Hoarse, Tin Man, Ventura Highway, and SisterGH cause I here these songs on that station reguarly. But what were the other three ?

Hello everyone have had some time of recently due to shift work and have been giving "Holiday" a sound thrashing.Sir George Martin seemed to draw something out of them that I have not heard before or since, and as artists which I guess must be perpetual a thing that you don't really switch off from,look at all the "America" classics on it, stunning work.This now brings me onto "Alibi" in terms of production almost sounds as if the entire thing was recorded live,which is no bad thing,should have been an enourmous album but that I think is where Crapitol let them down badly,almost every song had hit potential written all over it.On they go, and times have changed for pretty well for every seventies act,so what if "America doesn't sell as many albums as they used to, they have carved out an amazingly succesful touring career like no other, what I like about "our boys" is the honesty,and integrity of continual touring and recording of new material as the last two studio albums will atest.Look at the Eagles quite happy to content themselves with milking the largest reunion cash cow that ever roamed the planet and the same goes for CSNY highly successful tours each of them but one studio album in a blue moon really doesn't cut it,as for Don Henleys new offering it sounds incomplete and a mess the guy has a big reputation and ego to match, I wouldn't like to cross his path,and if anyone has watched "Hell Freezes Over" will know exactly what I mean.Surely Timothy.B.Shmitt has enough in the bank to get himself back into "Poco" and continue as a genuine contender and find the freedom to express himself as an artist.

That's it Kiri...time to get you out of the house..you're watching Soap Operas!! :-)
Had a great time bowling yesterday..yours truly came in 2nd and won 1/2 day off with pay and lunch with my boss. (I would like to forfeit the 2nd part!)..
Steve, perhaps the station was talking about when Dan rejoined the band for a song (don't know details or concert) a while back..? Maybe he was confused? Maybe I'm confused??

At least they weren't actually talking to Dewey like they went waaaaaay back and pronouncing it like boon-el (wasn't that Superman's father in the movies? ;) Lol) Sorry I missed it.

Maybe the rejoining was this as mentioned in John Corbett's "Comprehensive History":

"In 1998, Dewey told Steve Orchard about the last time America performed as a trio: 'One time shortly after [Dan] left...I think maybe two years later, or three years later, there was one time we were playing the Greek Theater in L. A., and we did invite him up [on stage] and we did "Lonely People" and "A Horse With No Name" I think'."

No, Kiri, it's not true. I have written to the radio station and told them that Dan has never rejoined the band. There were some other things that weren't quite right, and I also felt like they needed to add some information about Human Nature and Highway. I hope they respond to my mail message.

By the way, America was treated very well on the program tonight although the DJ didn't know how to pronounce Dewey's last name. He kept saying it as if it rhymed with tunnel.

1) on a soap opera today, one guy was trying to console someone in the hospital and offered to sing "muskrat love" for her. she turned him down flat! lol (for the record, i LIKE america's version)

2) looking at the web site of the radio station Steve gave the link to, i saw a section about the station's band playlist - i clicked on america and it gave a small bio, including this sentence:

<<Bunnell and Beckley continue to tour; in 1993 Peek rejoined them as America opened for the Beach Boys.>> is that true?

In case you players out there have not checked out the site Sheetmusicplus.com, they have approx. 5 products on AMERICA, although there are some song duplicates on many. They even have a midi package of songs w/a foto of AMERICA that I have never seen b/4. Some good stuff. HIGHWAY 30 YEARS OF AMERICA, their latest release after HUMAN NATURE. The AMERICA World Tour continues ...

Anyone else think they know?

Town and Country was the other selection.

I'm guessing OLOOLOLO. I don't know why, I just am.

Shayne
Could've been me just the same

from a moving train?? i recall reading once that that song did very well in either italy or spain.

Gee, what a slow Monday. Triv question time.

Oxygen released "Wednesday Morning" on a promotional CD in Europe. There was another "Human Nature" song on this CD. Can you tell us what the other song was?

The upcoming concert in Michigan on Dec 27 should be a good one in that 3 Dog Night & America are both there on that date. Saw 3 Dog Night at Hudson Gardens in Denver last September, and it was quite the good time. Some of their songs they don't do too well(ones that Chuck Negron used to lead on) but all in all they still sound real good(especially on Joy to the World). Will be a rocking good time in Michigan in December, I'm jealous I won't be there. Should Dewey or Gerry read this(I expect some dates in 2001 in Denver or close by, please!!!!!!!!!!!!). Now if America would only do some dates with Ambrosia, now that would be dynamite!!!

KCPX FM 105.7 in Salt Lake City has a daily show called "The 70's At 7" and tonight it features America. The DJ who is known as The 70's Guy will play 7 songs in a row by America and he'll also share some information and other stuff about the band. You can listen to KCPX live on the Internet by going to their home page at www.kcpx.com and then clicking on the "Listen Live To KCPX" graphic in the top right corner of the page. The show runs Monday through Friday at 7 pm (Mountain Time).

....catching up on posts after the weekend
.....thinking of songs from other artists and I will post when the list is complete...
enjoying the posts...
Country Boy Don Henley...must be the Texas roots....."For my wedding" is a great song....
congrates to the Woods!!!!all three of them..
...going to work now

I've really enjoyed reading everyone's choices for songs that evoke their emotions. Good going Shayne with that excellent question! Keep 'em coming you all. If you haven't posted yours, you should think about doing it.

I especially like The Happenings as "cfhere" selected. My sister who's eight years older than me, played The Happenings on her stereo all the time back in the late 60s. They were a very mellow group much like America. Besides "See You In September", you all may remember hearing some of their hits: Sealed With A Kiss, Go Away Little Girl, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, and I've Got Rhythm.

Kiri, I like your choice of Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over". I understand that one of "Our Guys" is also a fan of Crowded House.

Yes Eddy! The same for me with "In My Life". There's also "I Wanna Hold Your Hand".

I mentioned earlier that I saw a new Don Henley video the other day on "Country Music Television". Hmmm? I wonder who decided that...Don Henley as a country music performer. If you think that's strange, tonight I saw Bernie Taupin on TV on the "Professional Bullrider's Championship"! He's a big fan of bullriding. He's currently writing a theme song for the "PBR".

Robyn,

I'm up to 15 mg (3 tablets) of Vicodin 4 times a day (although I haven't taken any since I got home - I stayed by my brother's family for the weekend). I do understand that floating feeling though(-:

I was thing of THINK OF LAURA and another song by Christopher Cross called WORDS OF WISDOM from the same album (Another Page).. I like THINK OF LAURA quite a bit until they overkilled it on the radio and TV (General Hospital).

Shayne
Torn and battered now and due for repair...

Shayne-- Take good care of your wife! (I hope Renee is better soon) Re vicodan, I once mistakenly took a 1/2 vicodan at work!(My doc advised me to break them in half as I could not tolerate a whole one!) It was in my emergency supply and I thought it was a motrin ( which I also break in half) I floated across the room. Luckily I work for understanding people.

I must admit that the Christopher Cross song "Laura" can make me cry at the drop of a hat. One of my best friends was named Laura, She died at 23 from Lupus. I still miss her.

Other than that

Fallen-- by Lauren Wood
I can't hold on-- by Karla Bonoff
I turn to you --by Christina Aguilara ( 13 yo dd's influence)
Fire and Rain-- by James Taylor

I have already 'fessed up about my America songs so I won't repeat them here!

Wow,

I'm impressed by the vast array of music that motivates us all. All these songs that you guys mention makes me realize how many I have missed. Since most of you said more than 3, I'm going to add a few more.

SOMEBODY LIKE YOU - Darryl Hall and John Oates (thanks Johhny, truly a classic)
THE REACH - Dan Fogelberg (again, thanks Johnny, maybe not THE INNOCENT AGE, but from the same album)
KEEP THE CUSTOMER SATISFIED - Simon and Garfunkel
WASTED TIME - The Eagles (THE best song song by this graet band)
BIG MAN ON MULBERRY STREET - Billy Joel (I was shocked to find out it wasn't written about me. Anyone see that Moonlighting episode?)
STRANGER - Electric Light Orchestra
PERFECT - Alanis Morrisette (she may be aingst ridden, but she is brilliant).

Just a few. I guess they would be from my "Desert Island Discs" (along with EVERY America CD - well, maybe I'd leave Perspective at home - naww, whom I kidding?)

Shayne
How can you face him and pretend?

P.S. Renee is feling much better and should be home tomorrow, which would be perfect considering it will be at the exact moment my ability to walk will have all but vanished (working on fumes here, guys HELP!!!)

As one who has spent a lot of time trying to discern meaning from many works of literature, I agree that the song has no specific meaning. Dewey always paints these beautiful word pictures, and Tin Man is sort of like flipping thru a magazine very fast, you get images, some distinct and some are blurry, but all make an impression.

BTW as a BIG fan of the 1939 classic movie, I am totally thrilled that the Los Angeles Public Library is hosting an exhibit that is the Mother of all things OZ! It starts next week. The thing I want to see is the hour glass from the movie! They also have one of five pair of Ruby Slippers and a Munchkin costume. They have some first edition books and some odd things Like wizard of oz wall paper. This ties in with L. Frank Baum's centennial. Kind of cool! Stop by if you are in the neighborhood. With any luck they will post some of the stuff on our web page. I'll let you know.

I sent Bill a personal message explaining what he'd hear if he played "Tin Man" backwards...just a "jumble of words" as Steve said. I thought I'd better explain what I meant before too many attempt to spin the record backwards. :0 )

Bill, I suggest you read what Dewey had to say about the Tin Man lyrics as quoted from the America box set. Go to the Tin Man web page and scroll to the bottom for the excerpt from the box set. In a nutshell, the lyrics are not cohesive. It's a jumble of phrases that stir up mental images about a movie that Dewey has always liked. I might add, it turned into a song that I have always liked.

Gerry:- To each his own, Goodbye Highway, Right Before Your Eyes
Dewey: Pages, Garden Of Peace
Dan: Never Found the Time, All things Are Possible

Non America:
Scatterlings of Africa - Johnny Clegg and Savuka
Follow You Follow Me - Genesis
Year of the Cat - Al Stewart
She's Gone - Hall and Oates

Bill, play the song backwards and you'll know.

Forgot one!
Missing You (Chelsea's Song)
Since my dog of 13 years died, I can't listen to this one without shedding a tear, a VERY moving song!

America:
Garden Of Peace
Clarice
All My Life

Non-America:
In My Life: The Beatles
I Wish For You: Beckley/Lamm/Wilson
Kiss Of Life: Gerry Beckley
Beautiful Boy: John Lennon
In The Living Years: Mike & The Mechanics

Hey guys. I've been busy again for the past few days, so I apologize for not posting this when I first saw it on eBay several days ago.
Check it out.
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&tc=ps&item=478533835

I've got this 1977 songbook at home. It includes all of America material that appeared on Warner Brothers. I never did like WB's nerve to call the songbook "America Complete." They certainly didn't check with Dewey and Gerry, who have taken America almost a quarter century beyond this "complete" book. However, I do treasure my copy as a collectible.

Jim R.

My moving songs would be
1. Taxi-Harry Chapin
2. People Got to be free-Rascals
3. See you in September-Happenings
4. Stoned Soul Picnic-5th dimension
5. Crystal Blue Persuasion-Tommy James & the Shondells

What do these lyrics from "Tin Man" mean? - "...And cause never was the reason for the evening, or the tropic of Sir Galahad" ??? This has been driving me nuts for years. Thanks.

"what does it take to win your love"--jr. walker & the all stars
"please come to boston"--loggins or loggins/messina

Britny Fox - Standing In The Shadows Of Love
Ratt - Round And Round
W.A.S.P - Wild Child
Collin Raye - Couldn't Last A Moment
Peace - Crazy Over You
Earth Wind And Fire - Reasons
Jim Croce - Time In A Bottle
Aerosmith - Train Kept' A Rollin
Expose' - What You Don't Know (whole album)

dan - saturn nights
dewey - tin man, pages
gerry - love's worn out again, only in your heart

outside america:
the air that i breathe - hollies
time for me to fly - reo
sometimes when we touch - dan hill
the chain - fleetwood mac
don't dream it's over - crowded house

good tidings for anniversaries, babies, and roads to recovery!

Like Beech, I'm listing 5 songs that stir my emotions...just too difficult to limit to 3. In no particular order:

"Love Doesn't Ask Why"...Celine
"Someone Like You"...Daryl Hall
"I Believe I Can Fly"...R. Kelley
"The Innoncent Age" LP...Fogelberg (during my mom's passing)
"Broken Wing"...Martina McBride

Happy Anniversary Beech!!

Dewey has given us "Oloololo" and now Woodz has given us "Mama Mimi". :0 )

"Black crow with an indigo glow onthe highway", need I say more?DanC

Congrats are in order!!!!!!!!

Having been there, done that, some advice. GET SLEEP. ANYWHERE YOU CAN. JUST DO IT. DO IT NOW....lol

TkH<-----hoping for someplace with white table cloths.......

B52's--Love Shack (moved me in MANY ways...lol)
Loggins & Messina--Watching The River Run
Sting--Fields Of Gold
Vanessa Williams(although she didn't write it)--Saved The Best For Last
Bonnie Raitt--I Can't Make You Love Me

TkH<-----Happy Anniversary to me!!! (C= (pathetic plea for attention?)

For the old folks like me, you know the Moody Blues album I am referring to is the 1967 Days of Future Passed album (with the London Festival Orchestra).
And...I just went to Amazon after taking a trip down memory lane and found a Klemmer CD, Mosaic (Best of John Klemmer)..it has Barefoot Ballet on it..and immediately hit the Order button. Now I want to add Gabor Szabo and Lonnie Liston Smith to that list! Just an old jazz/sax fan here! Ok..I'm done posting.

Msmith..(is that your real name? lol..great binder idea! Nerd? No. And besides, I like nerds. ;-)
Congrats to Michael and Mimi! Bodhi Ray..what a super name! I remember meeting Mimi once..her and Michael make such a cute couple and I sure the baby is adorable..will a picture be posted?
Three songs: 1) I Will Always Love You..Whitney Houston (played at my sister's funeral) 2) Nights in White Satin..Moody Blues (self-explanatory..in fact the entire album is majestic 3) Barefoot Ballet..John Klemmer (this is a 1976 album..and if you love sax (I didn't say sex..I said sax..like I do..this is worth giving a listen to. I don't know if it has been re-released on CD, and I know that during the 70's Klemmer played in some Terrence Boylan songs..it is a phenomenal album!
Well, that about wraps it up..hope everyone makes good use of the extra hour they get today..here is how I am spending mine! :-)

Yes, congrats to Mama and Papa Woods! Baby Bodhi Ray, you might say, is a (wooden) chip off the ol' block. Perhaps, Jimnak, you can report to us the source of Baby Woodz' first name.

Don't cry, baby (baby don't you cry)
You know there'll always be someone who cares
Don't cry, baby (baby don't you cry)
Come closer let me wipe away your tears

So, oh baby, hurry here to me
Oh baby, come see me
Oh baby, let the hours flee
Oh baby, come see me

Cause a baby boy has got to be free

("Don't Cry Baby", "Catch That Train" & "Pigeon Song")

Great news. Mimi & Michael Woods are the proud parents of Bodhi Ray Woods, 8 pounds 9 ounces, 19." Soon Michael will be back on tour w/AMERICA as their lead guitarist. Congratulations !

Great idea, Shayne! I'll have to give my three songs a lot of thought. Great choice with the Gilbert O'Sullivan song. I sure wonder which three songs Gerry and Dewey would pick.

So sorry to hear about Renee. Murphy's Law strikes again, you know.

Since we are on the topic of sonfgs taht move us, I'm curious as to what song(s) by other artists move us as well I guess you can list three. Mine would be:

ALONE AGAIN NATURALLY - Gilbert O'Sullivan
FATHER AND SON - Cat Stevens
OLD AND WISE - Alan Parsons Project

Shayne
I've been sailing close to the wind...tryin' to get my head above water

What a weekend!

My wife gets sick on Friday, ends up in the hospital (not serious - dehydration caused by a stomach virus). Had the kids by myself and my acheing back. WEEEEE. No one died from it though, so I guess I'm ahead of the game. Thankfully, she'll be home tomorrow (although I'm not going to let her do anything - she's gonna have enough to do when my next surgery comes along).

I didn't realize we were listing each artists songs that moved us... for me it would be:

Gerry - KISS OF LIFE
DEWEY - GARDEN OF PEACE
DAN - RAINY DAY.

Shayne -
When will we ever be home from across the sea?

janice--i also really look forward to dan posting his new episodes. i've been printing them out and am saving them in a three ring binder kind of like a dan book, just like i did with all the song lyrics with dividers separating the 'albums'. what a nerd!! :-) since i've only been a fan for less than a year i've found out after looking at the rocker tourney bracket that there's a couple songs i don't know so i got a little brushing up to do. hope everyone is having an america weekend.

I Love the Highway boxset...but, I would like to know when AMERICA will be putting out new music. I think it is great that Gerry has his solo projects and making new music with other musicians, how about he gets with Dewey and Dan to get some new fresh AMERICA tunes out there. I know I am probably beating a dead horse. There 1st arranged song as AMERICA was Children....So how about the three getting their heads "back together"!

I decided NOT to take the live vs not live route when I paired them up....I realize that they're different (to an extent), but the song remains the same whether it's a live version or a studio version. That's what I based my decision on. Sorry.

TkH<-----Re-doin' the Springfield

Ok..I voted..and.....just wanted to say that I am thoroughly enjoying Dan's autobiography! Cant't wait for the next chapters to be posted! He is so honest and candid...Thanks Dan, for sharing your life story with us!

I've been saying for years that Sandman is the best song live. When I saw them last week in Atlantic City, Sandman was tremendous as always.

Mark

I'm getting ready to vote, but a couple of the songs I submitted as rockers (Sandman, Here) I entered as LIVE songs(KingBiscuit) , I think they are more "rockin" then the studio versions. I'm sorry for being picky, but I just think these songs "rock out" alittle more when done live.
I know this is for fun, but just wanted it to be known when I vote.
Take Care!

dewey: three roses, catch that train
gerry: another try, sergeant darkness
dan: glad to see you, tomorrow
collaboration: HAT TRICK!!!

I think that after all these years, the words and music from Gerry and Dewey still come from their hearts.

Sorry Beech..too tired to type in those extra A's. :-) What..nothing witty at the end??? HAPPY FRIDAY!!! Yah Yah Yah..I'm gonna vote....so far a lot of my favorites have been mentioned...
A plug here for the Winter Olympics..the Olympic Committee is selling bricks (like they did here in Atlanta for Centennial Park, and they are super-cool)..anyway..I just ordered one in honor of my folk's anniversary..be a part of history and it's for a good cause!
Moral is down at work..so guess what..they want us to wear jeans on Monday, leave at lunch and spend the afternoon...BOWLING..yep, this is what Corporate America is coming to...can't wait..(ahem)..
Have an absolutely wonderful weekend!!(and Kiri, check your e-mail..I worked hard for you!)..Janice

After viewing the "brackets" for the "Rocker" (yes, I DO use the term losely after all.....{snicker}...) I'm impressed with the amount of folks who've turned out after just a few days! THANK YOU! (C=

TkH<------Nothing witty, catchy or otherwise "entertaining" here....

Dewey - Old Man Took
Gerry - Kiss of Life
Dan - everything he did on the first LP

Favorite Napster Download - Metallica's The Unforgiven

I enjoy the benefits of technology and make a living off it, but Dewey’s imagery about wide-open places and taking life at your own pace refreshes and calms my sole. I really related to the KevinS Riverside post about Riverside’s positive attitude, personal responsibility, and happiness. Agree completely his thoughts. I also like Dewey’s message of the outdooors, freedom, and being yourself.

“Living on the riverside taking it all in my stride.. big long ride.”
I’m going to enjoy every stage of life, but at my own pace.

“In the desert you can remember your name
'Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain”
Man can be harsher than the Desert, causing you to forget the inner self.

“Cause the free wind is blowin' through your hair”
Enjoy being yourself. No worries.

“And just outside lies the garden of peace”
The outdoors is where I often find peace. I really love the natural outdoors and the quite times away from the encumbered world of man and his technology.

“Step outside and take a breath of the morning
And the wind will tell you which way to go”
You’ve just got to follow your own heart

Going with the theme of one from each....

Dewey--Old Man Took
Gerry--Till The Sun Comes Up Again
Dan--Never Found The Time

TkH<-------Hockey boots,,,,,OUCH!

Song(s) that move me the most:

Dewey: "Garden Of Peace" and "Tonight Is For Dreamers"
Gerry: "All My Life" and "Jody"
Dan: "Lonely People" and "All Things Are Possible"
Collaboration: "Last Two To Dance"

GERRY, DEWEY, and DAN are to blame for all of our madness!!!

(Regarding Shayne's daughter: Blamed by another generation! Sigh. LOL)

Agreed for sure on DEWEY. He takes a theme & creates a magificent short story w/prolific imagery all layered upon a musical bed of roses. By the way he is also the smoothest rhythm player around, his chords melt together to support the melody & imagery. A true minstrel of the 6 string.

Go ahead and blame me. I'm used to it. I have a 9 year old daughter. I get blamed for everything. Although my daughter (who is home with a virus) just told me that she thinks Johnny is behind all of this madness!

Shayne

The song that moved me the most when I was younger was 1960. ANOTHER TRY was another one, but 1960 really moved me (until I heard KISS OF LIFE, of course).

I agree with your post KevinS regarding Riverside. Dewey's music has always inspired me too and while his best was up to 1974, he still put out some great work with Lullaby and The Border , albeit with Russ Ballard's inspiration on the latter. I have returned to his songs since Hourglass and Wheels are Turning with Gerry is a personal favourite of late. I hope the guys both keep putting out first class work like Human Nature for some time to come. Being Down Under, I only became aware of Human Nature a few months ago, with the help of the Venturahighway site. I loved From a Moving Train as soon as I heard it - it received no air play down here which is a real pity.
I'd like to pose a couple of questions if someone would like to respond, I'd greatly appreciate:
1) Are the guys likely to tour Australia again soon? I missed them at the start of this year as they only toured the east coast - come back to Perth guys.
2) Riverside moved KevinS - what America song has touched you the most? I have many over nearly 30 years, but my ID is my favourite album and Lonely People did it for me. Their first George Martin album seemed to mark a new direction in 1974, and I loved it then, as I do now.
Regards friends
Chris H.

I agree with your post KevinS regarding Riverside. Dewey's music has always inspired me too and while his best was up to 1974, he still put out some great work with Lullaby and The Border , albeit with Russ Ballard's inspiration on the latter. I have returned to his songs since Hourglass and Wheels are Turning with Gerry is a personal favourite of late. I hope the guys both keep putting out first class work like Human Nature for some time to come. Being Down Under, I only became aware of Human Nature a few months ago, with the help of the Venturahighway site. I loved From a Moving Train as soon as I heard it - it received no air play down here which is a real pity.
I'd like to pose a couple of questions if someone would like to respond, I'd greatly appreciate:
1) Are the guys likely to tour Australia again soon? I missed them at the start of this year as they only toured the east coast - come back to Perth guys.
2) Riverside moved KevinS - what America song has touched you the most? I have many over nearly 30 years, but my ID is my favourite album and Lonely People did it for me. Their first George Martin album seemed to mark a new direction in 1974, and I loved it then, as I do now.
Regards friends
Chris H.

I say we start blaming SHAYNE now instead of Johnny (how much blame can one man take in one life...rofl). I mean, heck, Shayne can always blame the drugs!!!!! (at least for now...lol-kinda)

TkH<-----groovin' with Kathy Lee....YE-AH, BABY..."Heartache, Heartache..." YOU GO GIRL....

Well, since I'm a Kirk Hammett groupie, I'd have to say Metallica not the Zep, sorry, Steve! Isn't he just the CUTEST THAAAAAANG? {snicker}

TkH<------tongue pierced

Well Johnny,,,,,,,they weren't ALL one person's choice.....!!!!
I only book 'em Dano! (C= One persons rocker is another's non-rocker!

TkH<------doin' a Springfield!

Hey Stevo; the reason Whispering was included in the contest was because someone had nominated it. It may have, or might have, or could have, possibly or probably have been me, but I'm not going to admit to it! Oh...........ok, the secret's out, it WAS me. To my ears, Whispering rocks bigtime. (in the context of being an America song of course)

This time it wasn't Johnny's fault; it was mine. LOL



PjB<<-----------------------<< gotta keep whispering on the phone at night gotta keep whispering gotta get it right gotta keep whispering 'till the morning light, secrets secrets >>

i recall a saturday afternoon following a heavy college (summer session) friday drinking excursion ..had to make a 3-hour drive home for a friend’s wedding rehearsal dinner. overslept - threw stuff in a bag - stumbled into a t-shirt and cut-offs and no shoes - got in my clunker - popped in my favorite driving mix - and headed out on the highway. was doing a nice 90 mph with the windows down - side b - “sister golden hair” revives me - my blond-brown hair was long then whipping out the window, singing “i’m not ready for the alter” at the top of my lungs - you know, being sister golden hair herself, and i fly right past a state trooper....

i pull over immediately (cause i know i’m screwed) as the song ends with “1-2-3-4”. somehow, the cop lets me off with a warning. it’s hard to listen to that song now without thinking of then.

Robyn,

I hope your right because it made no sense to me the other way.

It's all that gray stuff (and vicodin).

It's Johnny's fault.

Shayne

I thought it was " we burst the pretty balloon"

While TK was trying to come up with her list of rockers, I looked through my America CDs and could only come up with a little over 30 songs that I would consider real rockers. America was primarily a folk rock / lite pop band that would have one or two rockers on each album. They weren't metal guys. So she had to really stretch it to get 64 songs for the tournament. But it should be fun anyway. Though I will be upset if Muskrat Love wins and will declare the entire tournament invalid!

I was thinking it was Led Zeppelin, Mark, but maybe it was Metallica.

TK must have been thinking of Metalica's version of Muskrat Love when she included it in her list.

Hi Bruce,

Please email me when you get a chance.
Thank you.

Maureen

Thanks go to Shayne for transcribing those lyrics and to Marshall for making a few corrections. It will be easy for me to create the lyrics pages for those songs as soon as I get a little spare time (hopefully this weekend). I really appreciate all of your help in keeping the Fans web site going! --SteveL

Pat, thanks for pointing out the duplicate entry of Wheels Are Turning. Tery warned me that there might be duplicates. I have changed the second entry to My Dear (why? because I felt like it - LOL). Those of you who voted for Wheels Are Turning over Tin Man can go back and change your votes for Tin Man if you'd like. You can change your votes as many times as you want until the round closes.

Johnny, I don't know why Whispering was included, but Muskrat Love was included to humor me!

From the very beginning America songs have meant something to me. I was 12 or 13 when I first heard Riverside, and the line "the world don't owe me no living" and "you stay on your side and I'll stay on mine, you take what you want and I'll take the sunshine" really struck a chord with me. It was a "hey, man, nobody owes you a damn thing, get off your lazy ass and do something and don't expect things to get handed to you." Combine that with the optimism of the "I'll take the sunshine" language and it was a song of personal responsiblity and happiness. To me, it was even a political message, which may be more than Dewey intended, but to me it was telling people to, "quit to suckling off the government teat." Toss in line "Aw, come on, children, get your heads back together again" from Children, and America was saying something powerful to me at the time.

KevinS.

You're right Pat. Oh well, it's all just for fun. "Never Be Lonely" vs. "Mirror To Mirror"...cruel Beech cruel!

Go Shayne Go!

Saw a Don Henley video this morning on "CMT" (Country Music Television) called "My Wedding Day" or something close to that. It certainly DIDN'T sound like a country song...unlike "Lying Eyes" by the Eagles.

I guess you can call this a Hat Trick!

Without Her

I spent the night in a chair thinking she’ll be there
But she never comes
And I wake up and wipe the sleep from my eyes
And I rise to face another day…
Without her
(without her, I can’t go on)

It’s just no good anymore when you walk through the door
To an empty room
You go inside set a table for one - it’s no fun
When you have to spend a day
Without her do do do do do do do do do do do
Without her do do do do do do do do do do do

Reverse, the pretty balloon took us to the moon
Such a beautiful thing
But it’s ended now
And it sounds like a lie
I said I’d rather die than live without her (without her)

Love is a beautiful thing when it knows how to swing
It moves like a clock
But the hands on the clock tell the lovers to part
And it’s breaking my heart
To have to spend a day without her
Do do do do do do do do do do

Reverse, the pretty balloon took us to the moon
Such a beautiful thing
But it’s ended now
And it sounds like a lie
I said I’d rather die than live without her (without her)
Without her do do do do do do do do do do,
Without her do do do do do do do do do do do
(can’t go on )

I spent the night in a chair thinking she’ll be there
But she never comes
And I wake up and wipe the sleep from my eyes
And I rise to face another day…
Without her
Do do do do
There’s no song without her
It’s all wrong without her
Can’t go on without her

You know I thought the line "gray stuff around us" sounded odd. Thanks for teh help. BTW, I meant "scarred" I simply can not spell.

Shayne

Hey Beech; Wheels Are Turning was listed twice!
It's been paired with Tin Man and also Lady With A Bluebird.
Obviously this must be all Johnny's fault! LOL

Johnny; I think Whispering rocks a lot more than Clarice. I would define Clarice and Muskrat Love as ballads, not rockers. Green Monkey is a rocker.


PjB<----------you can feel the green monkey crawlin' across your back

Shayne,
Thanks for copying this down.

On a few lines, some edits:
"I was strengthened WHEN I first heard the music" (I wonder if this refers to Buddy Holly)
In Robert Lamm's CD In My Head these lyrics are changed to:
"I was strengthened when I first heard the BEATLES"


"Sparked by inspiration I was SCARRED by the pain"

"And then the world changed
There was hope in the distance
UNTIL IT RACED UP around us had proceeded to shine"

The lyrics are printed in the IN MY HEAD CD insert.
Copyright Gerry Beckley, 1999, Human Nature Music.

Whispering and Muskrat Love as rockers??? On which planet? :0 )
Definitely not my fault even though I love both songs.

Hi Everyone,

I listened to the CD this time as I copied the lyrics. Let me know if there are any changes:

Watching the Time

I was a child in the ‘60’s
So unsure of my direction
I would follow where my friends and family would lead
I was strengthened
And I first heard the music
Sparked by inspiration I was scared by the pain of
Constant departures, I was wounded severely
At an early age but my hopes hung high
On the thought of the future, I was happy to watch…

The time go by
Eye to eye
Watching the time go by
Watching the time go by
Day for night
Watching the time go by

And then the world changed
There was hope in the distance
Till the gray stuff around us had proceeded to shine
Like the moonlight
Full of reckless abandon
We would reach for the stars
‘Cause there was room at the top
And food on the table
We were doing quite well
At such an early stage
There was no need to stop
Nor were we able and no one could see…

The time go by
Eye to eye
Watching the time go by
Watching the time go by
Day for night
Watching the time go by

There are moments I regret more than the rest
There are days I can’t recall at all
Looking back now, there’s not much that I would change
I am happy to watch…

The time go by
Eye to eye
Watching the time go by
Watching the time go by
Eye to eye
Watching the time go by

Watching the time go by
Day for night
Watching the time go by
Watching the time go by
Why, oh why
Watching the time go by

Let the voting begin! Tery (Beechlady) sent me the 64 songs that made the song tournament and she set up the pairings. So...., if your two favorite songs are pitted against each other, don't blame me (LOL). The first round will run for about 10 days and then the subsequent rounds will be a week each until we have a winner. May your favorite America rocker win.

Link to the America Rockers Song Tournament

Steve,

I started using a laptop (since I'm working from home). The one I'm using now is an older slower one, but I am getting a new one delivered today, so I'll see if that makes any difference. Thanks anyway.

Shayne

rockin in the free world, hey hey my my, harvest moon, but no horse. Bet you would of liked it.

Did he sing Horse With No Name? I also understand he does a mean version of The Night They Drove Ol' Dixie Down!

I know some of you on this chat folder don't care for Neil Young. I saw a Neil Young concert this year and I have to say he was great. If you like acoustic guitar you would of liked this concert. I'm still a true America fan but love acoustic guitar.

Shayne, the Live Chat Box software is written using a Java Applet and Javascript and I seem to recall that WebTV connections have always had trouble running Java correctly. Perhaps that is what is causing your connection problems.

Congrats to your folks, Robyn! It is amazing..there still are people out there that believe in forever..
My folks are coming out to my house to celebrate their 52nd..my mom and dad married when Mom was 16 and Dad was 19..Now they are still young..Mom is only 68 and Dad, 71..They have kids, grandkids and great-grandkids!! I remember some rough spots too...but they also gave it another try. :-)

Hello everyone,had an interesting email from my brother in law in the UK,this may be a bit off topic but do you ever wonder what happened to the groups that nearly made it? He was a member of a group called the "Beat Merchants" couple of minor hits in the early sixties,but did get to record in Abbey Road Studios,where the "Beatles" equipment was still stacked in a corner.Got a call from an American chap who is keen to release a lot of their old material,checkout the website at the beatmerchants.com seems early sixties bands are quite popular in the US .If a song means something to me it would have to be "Sister Golden Hair" didnt do a thing in the UK but I loved the song and it always reminds me of haymaking in the glorious West Sussex countryside and long hot summer evenings,with the odd bottle of cider provided by the Farmer which is traditional in the UK during harvest,the year was a vintage one that I'll always remember.

sorry you couldn't get into the room Shayne. Had a nice crowd this evening (thanks to all who stopped by)

As I've been listening to BLW lately, I decided to rediscover some old Chicago LP's. I had forgotten how much I loved that band (especially with Peter Cetera, regardless of his being a jerk on VH1). So I went to a great lyrics site http://www.summer.com.br/~pfilho/summer.html and they had most of the songs by them I liked. They have a few America lyrics also, but the Fans Page still rules.

I can't figure out why I can not access the live chat. I keep getting a logging off message. Does that happen to anyone else?

Shayne

VERY cool, Robyn! Hope they have 50 more!!!

TkH<------feeling a little toasty again....hmmmmmm......sigh.

I think everyone has a song that touches them. Mine, as I have said before, is "another Try" That song came out around the time my father "hit bottom" as they say. and when I didn't know up from down, and the state of my parent's marriage was shaky, I used to listen to that song. I wasn't all alone and it made me feel better somehow. So thanks Gerry for that song and thanks to America for recording it.

BTW. My dad is recovering and my folks just celebrated their 50th anniversary!

Thanks Johnny for laughing at my attempt at humor!

Chat tonite about 7:30 Pacific. ( I have to make some jello brains for Halloween!)

>TkH---------------->HtK------------->Santa's secret---------->helped OJ-------->Hide the Knife?

Ok, now I'm SCARED.......John-ny!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! (LOLOLOLOL)
I don't think you're going to be getting much from ME for Christmas.....(snicker)

¢¢

TkH<-------DON'T mess with the order, HEAR? (rofl)

Kiri..you got my attention..nobody goes off topic more than me! Lol..Just as an FYI.. I subscribe to Writer's Digest magazine..in the back there is a section called "We Type Manuscripts" in the back..you can run an ad in there and they are listed by state..it may at least give you an idea on how much folks are getting for actually doing some typing/word processing at home. E-mail me and let me know how you are doing..or let's kick around some ideas..Good for you at wanting to be your own boss!

TkH---------------->HtK------------->Santa's secret---------->helped OJ-------->Hide the Knife?

I guess I really don't know "Beechese" after all.

Robyn, loved your "Harry Potter Goes Surfing"! Very clever!!

Shayne…you struck a chord with me when you said “There are so many memories associated with their songs, both good and bad”…and Johnny I felt the same way……"Gerry, Dewey...it's me! You know, the guy that your music has meant so much to...the guy that has heard you sing for thousands of hours during good times and bad." Then I had to realize that Gerry and Dewey didn't know me from any other fan”…….

If I may, I would like to share my America song …”Old Man Took”….from the moment I heard that song I thought of my grandfather. My Grandfather in my mind was “Old Man Took”. He spent his retirement years sitting along a riverbank with a fishing pole in one hand and a beer in the other. The last time that I saw my grandfather alive, we sat up most of the night talking. That evening and the things that we talked about had a big influence on my outlook on life. “Old Man Took” will forever remind me of that evening and my grandfather….thank you America!

For the last time
I watched Old Man Took bait his hook
And then throw his line
Pick up his wine

He's a friend of mine
Known him all my life and his wife
'Neath the swayin' pine
And the clingin' vine
Just before he left

He said now young man
Take good care don't let the bugs bite
Please make sure to say a word at night
For all your brothers feeling blue
Blue, blue, blue
All the time

So I stayed awhile
Took my tea alone, called it home
Like a playing child
Running wild

Heard a bluejay call
Said we got you now
Hope you bow
To the old man's word
I'm sure you heard
Just before he left

He said now young man
Take good care don't let the bugs bite
Please make sure to say a word at night

Stephen, love "Hark The Herald". Have a vid of D&G singing two Christmas songs on "Solid Gold". Would sales outweigh production costs for a Christmas CD, though?

Beech, it must be pointed out that Shayne praised his wife while under the use of narcotics and in need of her assistance. LOL. But seriously, that was very nice.

Kiri, I've wondered the same about internet work. I've also wondered about whether anyone has ever received payment for giving referrals such as those allegedly being paid by Microsoft.

That anagram, hmmmm. Still thinking...

Sorry Gery

I meant Gerry

----------> Havin' a brain cramp

Now that we're talking Christmas - What does everyone think about Gery & Dewey's version of "Hark,The Herald Angels Sing" found on the CD Heard.

I think it is just wonderfal. I wish the boys would do an entire CD of Christmas Music !!

---------> Still loving All My Life live

Steve

OUCH-a-roni Shayne. I had back problems back when I worked (they miraculously disappeared when I quit...lol) and I feel your pain (sort'a)!!! I hope you get it taken care of in an expediant manner!
It's heartening to hear a man PRAISE his spouse! The world needs more like you Sir, I salute you!!!!

TkH<-----secret anagram of Santa....can you guess the words? LOLOL

Thanks Johhny,

You should feel bad since it was your fault. haha.

I appreciate the concern. I also have to say how much I appreciate Renee (my wife). On top of dealing with 4 kids (including 2 two year old boys - YIKES!), she manages to take such good care of me. I am very lucky. Now, WHERE THE HECK's MY LUNCH???? Naw, I'm just kidding (about the lunch part, not the great wife part).

Shayne

Beech, it's not the farting in the pool that bugs me but it's the peeing.

Shayne, you stated exactly how we all feel about DG&D's music and its effect on our lives. That's why when I met Gerry and Dewey, for the first and only time thus far, I had such a strange feeling. I was thinking, "Gerry, Dewey...it's me! You know, the guy that your music has meant so much to...the guy that has heard you sing for thousands of hours during good times and bad." Then I had to realize that Gerry and Dewey didn't know me from any other fan. It was a bit of a downer. But now they knows me as the nut on the chat folder, the triv guy, the flamed one, and the one they can blame things on. Again, it's a bit of a downer. LOL

Shayne, it hurts just thinking about you having to have a follow-up surgery. Yikes!

Ok, here's my little gift to you all.....
Santa's going to throw a party on herrrr-er-HIS lanai......at my "summer home".
BYOB(everage), loud America and friends on the stereo, Bar-b-que. I expect to see all little girls and good little boys there, no farting in the pool. GOT THAT? Now remember, Santa likes Champagne, but will work for Margaritas, too! Maybe he'll even break out the popcorn, if everyone behaves!!!!!!!!

Ho Ho HO!!!!

Santa<--------getting on the party Jones before it's too late

Watching The River Run..........SIGH......Personally I'm just hoping for something NONsports related for Christmas....(MEN...!!!)

TkH<------I AM Santa......

Thanks so much, Steve and Gerry. I appreciate that. I blame the vicodin for the errors in my copy and the fact I was working from memory. I'm going to send you the words to the other 2 Gerry songs (maybe tomorrow). Turns out I need more surgery on my back, so I guess I'm not going to be too busy for a while.

It's very gratifying to know that Gerry and Dewey follow the chat folder. I'm glad they feel as special of us as we do them. It's amazing that one person's artistry (or 2 or 3) can have such a profound effect on other peoples lives. There are so many memories associated with their songs, both good and bad. I still feel KISS OF LIFE was written specifically for me for when my father died. I still find it difficult to listen to the song without crying. I remember rushing Renee (my wife) to the hospital when the twins were born and HUMAN NATURE was playing on the CD player. She still says the last thing she remembers was WEDNESDAY MORNING (I brought the CD player in her room so she could relax). I remember vacations with my family and father not understanding why I would want to play my AMERICA 8 tracks the whole way (I brought AMERICA, HEARTS an HARBOR everywhere we went for 2 years). More memories and feelings that can be imagined.

One of the greatest feelings was seeing the band for the first time in 1983 at Radio City Music Hall and realizing that there were others who were as knowledgeable about their music as I was. Then a few years ago, finding Rick's site (before my own internet access, I had a friend print up each newsletter and fax it to me from New York).

I'm sorry this is so long. again, maybe it's the pain killers. I guess, knowing that Gerry and Dewey frequent this folder, I wanted to say "thank you". Thank you for your talent and thank you for being the soundtrack to my past (and apparently my present). Here's hoping the future's as bright.

Shayne

That has to be one of THE MOST beautiful songs I've ever heard. I'd love to hear that one live!! Hope everyone's having a great night!

Erin :o)

Great song ( Great book by the same name too, any connection, I wonder?) Nice to see the lyrics in print. Thanks Shayne Gerry and Steve!

Shayne, I received a message from Gerry with a few corrections to the lyrics you transcribed and I tweeked a few other words after listening to the CD a few times and I think we have it fairly accurate now. Thanks so much for your help. Here's a link to the Sheltering Sky lyrics thanks to Shayne and Gerry. --SteveL (BTW: If any of you wonder if Gerry or Dewey ever read this chat folder, this should answer that question.)

anyone know anyone/anything about typist/word processor type stuff from home (telecommuting)? been searching a MOUNTAIN of web sites offering things. can't tell what's a scam and what's legit.

bad luck on job searching lately and thinking about this route. please email me if you have any advice/ideas/knowledge on the subject. sorry to go off topic - but i know NO ONE personally who can give me direction on this and you guys are a pretty informed bunch. thanks!

It IS nice whern some one takes the time to make certain that the next generation has a PROPER musical education!


Greensleeves is an old English folk song. I remember it having been attributed to Henry the VIII, but I can't confirm that. You may know the tune as the Christmas Hymn, "What Child is this?"

RmP<-----Internet Provider of TMI
BTW- Greenslee

..being the big acoustic guitar fan that I am ….I must admit that one of the things that I really liked about the early doobies….was a strong presence of the acoustic guitar in many of the tunes….like “Black Water” that Beech mentioned….one of my faves was “clear as the driving snow” from The captain and Me …..early 70’s music all included to some extent great acoustic guitar stuff…..Loggins & Messina, Firefall, Neil Young, and a band called America (my favorite :-)….…..

Speaking of Neil Young…Neil’s new CD “Silver & Gold” is very good if you like a mellow….. acoustic…….home made….. bottle of wine….. sunset….. type of sound….this CD is in the style that I like from Neil…..EmmyLou Harris and Linda Ronstandt both provide additional vocals

LkY<..........Santa please bring me the new America Box Set called Highway...I have been a good little boy.....

Just to pass along:
Amazon.com appears to now have virtually all of AMERICA's CD's, including domestics as well as import versions. They include LAST UNICORN & VAN GO GAN. The prices look very good. They also have the fantastic & enchanting AMERICA DVD done live in the GDR in 1975. Of course they do have HIGHWAY & HUMAN NATURE, AMERICA's latest releases.

Shayne, thanks for transcribing the lyrics to Sheltering Sky. You're right that no one has written them for me and I haven't had time to transcribe them myself. I'll get them out on the web site as soon as possible, but it might not be until this weekend. That should give everyone time to look at your transcription and see if anything needs to be corrected. Thanks again.

I've mailed my final 4/8/16 bracket list into Steve. So you can hope to see the contest firing up soon! Maybe we can get a better turn out for IT than the elections coming up!!!!

TkH<------politically apathetique this year.....(C;

No question Tom Johnston played a huge role in the early Doobies. One of my favoeite LP's of all time is "What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits". My feeling is that as big as they were, they were huge once Michael McDonald arrived.

I didn't man to imply that Dan Peek's contribution was small. It was a comment of their biggest hits (granted an exception to LONELY PEOPLE).

Shayne

I've always been partial to the "Blackwater" era, myself-takes me back to my freshman year in High School (not that THAT was particularly great, but it's ETCHED there...lol) along with the "Hearts" album! AH, cheerleading (REALLY!!!! lol)State H.S. Basketball championships, apple pie and Chevrolet!

TkH<------LSD I.V. almost done...... (C;

Sad to hear about Benjamin Orr. I always thought that his singing voice was underutilized in The Cars. He sang my 2 favorite Cars' songs: Drive, and You're Just What I Needed.

About The Doobies', I agree with the general conscientious of earlier posts. I enjoyed both versions of The Doobies (Tom Johnston fronted verses Michael McDonald fronted). Although I think Minute By Minute is one of their best albums, Tom Johnston's songs, guitar playing and singing is what made the Doobie Brothers the Doobie Brothers.

In the box set Dan says “And this seminal moment happened: The three of us were over at a friends house at a party... We sat and arranged one of Dewey’s songs. Something just clicked – we had the sound...”

Dan Peeks last biography entry names the song that defined the sound, but it is not included in the box set.

I got to hear that song with 3 part guitar and voice harmony in an early 1970’s concert. Who else got to here the first America song live?

Mike Bunn> When the sun comes up on a sleepy little town down around San Antone... Tom Johnston definitely.

It's sad to hear about Benjamin Orr dying.My brother used to rave about one of his solo albums but i never got around to listening to it.I might have a listen this weekend.
The Cars' debut album is still one of my favourites.

RICK

I noticed that Gerry's contributions to BLW are not in the lyrics page (I'm assuming no one has written them for Steve). I think I have all the words to Sheltering Sky though. But, before I send it to Steve, I wanted to make sure they are correct. So, here they are. Remember, I'm writing this while on pain medication at 3:17am (from what's left of my memory). Let me know if I missed somethin. Thanks.

Sheltering Sky
Gerry Beckley

It’s a long, long way from here to there
‘Neith the shadows over the daylight
We both stare at the same blue moon
Under the sheltering sky.

Some say love is the rarest word
Some say truth is a point of contention
I know we have a love never mentioned
Under the sheltering sky

If we wake from an endless dream
Will our worlds come tumbling around us
I can hear a silent scream
Calling in the night

Am I fading in your eyes?
Is my memory clear as the day we met
For now, we must both remain
Under the sheltering sky.
Under the sheltering sky.


Shayne

Hmmmm.... I'm wondering how you could blame your not owning the Highway box on Johnny! ;)

The link below is his page on All-Music Guide. He died the 3rd of this month. Congrats to the people who maintain this site for updating its info so quickly!

http://allmusic.com/cg/x.dll?p=amg&sql=B111439~C

After listening to the Dell ad last week, I emailed them telling them I thought it was great and that they should use it. I got an auto-reply at the time, but got an actual email from a real person tonight. So if you haven't listened and commented yet, do it now!
Take care.
ShariL <><
(Also jealous that I haven't heard "All My Life" live.)

Maybe they should name the next one " Harry Potter goes surfing"

or if you've read them you know that Voldemort is called " He- who must-not-be-named" Both would carrry out the H theme and connect to the books

RmP<-------- I don't work in the Library for nothing, ya know!

David, I know I certainly have no idea what those stickers mean on import CDs. Perhaps, "Stop! Don't Eat Yellow Snow!" :0 )

Talking about Michael McDonald, he and Aretha Franklin recorded a song as a duo. They performed the song on an awards show. After the song, they both took a bow. Aretha spread her arms out after she bowed and narrowly missed striking McDonald in the face. He had to move out of the way. Aretha didn't realize what she had done. I was embarrassed for McDonald but it was funny.

Here's a strange connection: McDonald was once a member of Steely Dan. Steely Dan, long after McDonald, had a huge hit with "Hey Nineteen" that refers to Aretha. As mentioned, McDonald performed with Aretha. I bet when McDonald was a member of Steely Dan, he never thought he'd be performing with Aretha.

Hey Nineteen
That's 'Retha Franklin
She don't remember
The Queen of Soul
It's hard times befallen
The sole survivors
She thinks I'm crazy
But I'm just growing old

There's a lot of truth to those lyrics. I often think of them when I mention America to the younger generation and they don't know who I'm talking about.

I forgot to mention in my last post that Jeff was with them when I saw them in concert (78 or 79, I can't remember which) and he ROCKS on guitar. I remember he sat on a stool instead of standing like most guitarists do (I'm a sit-down guitar player myself, so I can appreciate that) and when he really got into it, he leaned WAY back on his stool. A couple of times I thought he would fall over backwards. Great show.

I have to agree with several other posts that I much prefer the PRE-McDonald Doobies to the POST-McDonald ones. I was attracted to them for much the same reason I was to America. Their music was very rhythmic & heavy on the guitars. When McDonald joined the band, their music took on a whole different feel - heavy on the keyboards and not nearly as rhythmic (I have nothing against keyboards, but I wished they had left room for the guitars, too).

I also like Tom Johnston's voice MUCH better than Mike McDonald's.

..as you can tell I have not yet bought my Highway CD....if I had I would have had the answers to my Muskrat questions.....shame on me...thank you Johnny for the info!!!

Leaky, according to the "Highway" booklet, The Captain and Tennille's version of "ML" went to #4 in 1976. Yes, America's "ML" went only to #67. Check it out on page 31 of the "HW" booklet.

I pulled out my Doobies LPs and see that Baxter did indeed officially join them in 1975 on "Stampede". According to the credits on their 1974 LP, "What Were Once Vices...", he played pedal steel guitar for them and received credit on the back of the LP.

Baxter AND McDonald were both members of Steely Dan.

I liked the Doobies both before and after McDonald. Saw them once in concert when "What A Fool Believes" was in the top ten. It was a great show! Andy, regarding McDonald, I do blame myself. LOL! I like him with the Doobs but was never too interested in him as a solo artist.

I've also had the same experience of receiving imports that aren't wrapped. However, I'm more curious about the strange stickers I've found on most of my America imports. One is a yellow circle with an exclamation point, another is a red hexagon with "STOP!" in white text. Does anyone out there know the purpose of these stickers?

go to the links below to view them:


http://www.spdcc.com/home/dhp_bear/yellowsticker.gif

http://www.spdcc.com/home/dhp_bear/Redsticker.gif

As far as my two cents are concerned, I like the Doobie Brothers with Tom Johnston singing. I find Michael Macdonald's voice to be unbearably horrible.....Just awful. I don't mean to offend anyone around here as I know there are quite a few Doobie fans among us. Again, I really enjoy the songs that Tom Johnston sings, just pleeeeezzzzzeee no Michael Macdonald.
If anyone disagrees, just blame Johnny!! LOL

Seeeeeyyyaaaaaa

ANDY

..I liked the early Doobie line up the best....lots of good guitar...one of my all time favorite guitar players, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, joined them I believe sometime around the stampede LP, anybody know for sure?. The "skunk" man also played with Steely Dan and I hear is now trying to, or is involved in politics (Republican Side).

I would have thought that America's Muskrat would have gone higher on the charts then 67....didn't C & T's version come after America? and how far up the charts did it go? Number 1?

Sorry to hear about Mr. Orr...I loved his solo single release "Stay the Night".......

LkY <.......Maybe Jeff the "Skunk" Baxter needs Aroma Theropy

Just had a coworker bring in a copy of the NY Times with the ad for the BB King America concert highlighted in yellow. Not too surprising for most of you except that I live in a very small town outside of Vancouver, BC. Now if she had brought in a copy of the Vancouver Sun with an ad for an upcoming concert....

Working in an elementary school I think America's next album should be called "Harry Potter and America Duel Lord Voldemort". (Continues with the "h" and would certainly sell 50 million copies.)

j

I saw the Doobies last summer and I've got to say that they still sound as fresh as when I saw them in 77. almost as good as the America show we saw this summer as well. Listening to my import copy of Hearts I recieved in the mail today. Strange thing about my purchase though was that the Harbor import was wrapped in plastic like usual but Hearts was not wrapped in plastic. Has anyone else ever got anything like that from CD Now? no skips or anything so I guess I shouldn't B...h. DanC.

Mark, your explanation sounds very good. The dates surrounding "Hat Trick" have me wondering though.

According to the album sleeve, "Hat Trick" was recorded between May 29 and July 12. Let's say half of the songs were recorded by June 20. "Muskrat" reached #67 in September. That would mean "Muskrat" was released no later than the first half of June if we apply your explanation. That puts "Muskrat" out there for at least 3 months. That seems like a long time to me especially since it only went to #67.

You may be absolutely right but the dates have me wondering still.

I believe that the single was released before the album was released, which is probably not the best way to promote the album or the single and may have contributed to their mediocre performance on the charts.

I had never noticed this until just the other day. The flip-side to America's single, "Muskrat Love", is "Cornwall Blank". How strange! Why did "Muskrat" from '73's Hat Trick LP, have its flip-side from the '72 LP, Homecoming? Anyone know the answer to this unusual occurrence?

The Doobies had at hit in the early 90s, "Music Is The Doctor." It was their return of Tom Johnston comeback album. It was pretty good. It was the early guitar Doobies sound, not the later keyboards/jazzy sound Michael McDonald led them to. Their follow up album to that comeback album didn't do nearly as well, and in my opinion wasn't nearly as good. I hope this new one recaptures the spirit.

Shayne, you said that the biggest difference between America and the Doobies was that America still has the singers who sang their biggest hits. With all due respect, America still has 2/3 of the singers that sang their biggest hits.

KevinS.

Actually Johnston was the main singer/leader of the early Doobies (Listen To The Music, Jesus Is Just Alright, China Grove, etc...). McDonald didn't become the singer/leader until the late 70s early 80s. While their later stuff wasn't bad, I prefer their earlier stuff.

Shayne, we've ALL been there.....
Watching the Doodies is kind of like watching Amewica.....

TkH<------in Aroma Therapy

I can not believe I wrote "The Doodies". Of course I meant "The Doobies". I have all the respect in the world for them. A truly great band (with or without Michael McDonald).

Heck of a freudian slip.

Shayne

I'm sorry I missed that, Johnny. The big difference of course, between the Doodies and America is that America still has the singers who sang their biggest hits, while the Doobies are without Michael McDonald. Kind of like The Cars without Ric Ocasic. Speaking of The Cars, did anyone hear that Benjamin Orr died? He sang their biggest hit DRIVE. Evidently, he died of pancreatic cancer. Very sad.

Shayne

Anyone else see the Doobie Brothers on Regis this morning? They have a new CD called, "Sibling Rivalry". It'll be interesting to see if their new single will do anything on the charts since they're like America...glory days in the 70's and some in the 80's.

For those of you who are Doobie fans, some of the band members on Regis were Tom Johnston, Patrick Simmons, Keith Knudsen, and John McFee. Regis said the Doobies have sold over 50 million records. I wonder how America compares.

Great stuff. It's hard to believe we fans are so fortunate to get such an insider's look into the band. I can't wait for the next one.

KevinS.

I,too was in my glory last night in AC. My brother stole some of my thunder, But hearing All My Life for the 2nd time and WIND WAVE was excellent!!! These guys just keep getting BETTER. It ended up being a very long night conversing with Willie and other "Groupies" but it was well worth it.

By the Way - did I mention that I sat in the first seat at the stage RIGHT IN FRONT OF GERRY - and when he played All my Life there was only about 5 feet seperating us. And did I mention that after he finished playing "Sister" he leaned over and handed his pic to me !!

Well, I'm sorrying for gloating a little too much but I can't help it.

-------> Crossing off California Revisited for All My Life on the set list



Steve

Steve, if you ever become a bookie let me know because predicting New York will win is brillant, unfortunately New York is also going to lose. Take care Mark

Howard, thanks for extending the song contest deadline. I WILL be sending some stuff in when my friend comes up in November. I could submit some stuff myself, but being strickly a rhythm guitar player, it would sound rather bland just hearing me strum the chords through the solos, and I wouldn't want to subject anyone to that. I feel bad enough subjecting you all to my singing voice. I figure that's torture enough!

Mike and I do an interesting version of Old Virginia on guitar and mandolin. If we can find the time we might record that one and get it submitted, too.

Mark and Mike, thanks for sharing those Atlantic City concert reviews with us (and for passing along Dewey's greetings). I, too, have never heard All My Life live and I'm envious of those of you who have. It sounds like you were treated to a fantastic concert.

Regarding the World Series, I think it has been appropriately titled the Subway Series. Nobody outside the New York subway area really cares about the series. I didn't even know who had won until the paper landed on my doorstep this morning. I suppose there's another game today.

<----SL ... predicting that New York will win it all, bets anyone?

Hello everyone,wonderful to hear from Rick after quite some time,at least this puts paid to all the speculation,two great guys responsible for some really magnificent work which we have all been grateful for.Some great concert reviews,lucky things.

Guess I should clarify. I NEED to hear them.......sigh.

TkH<--------0-5 beats 5-2? What is this Paper, Scissor, Rock?

AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

)C=

(eyes crossed, pain searing the left frontal lobe)

The only thing worse than that is my beloved Broncos stinking up the joint............sigh.

TkH<---Lions and Tigers and Labs, Oh, MY.

I was also at the show last night in AC. It was a great one,heard All My Life for the 2nd time & Wind Wave for the 1st time.We also went backstage after the show ,but cfhere,I don't know who you were. We were the guys getting the 8 X 10 pictures signed.Also met Maureen & Bob from Long Island & went out with them & Willie Leacox after the show.Didn't get home until 5:00am.All in all it was a great night.The boys sounded better than ever.Me or my brother Steve will post pictures in a couple of days.

Choosing between the Yankees and the Mets is like having to choose between bad breath and body odor.

On another nore, it's killing me that I never get to hear Gerry sing ALL MY LIFE. That's the one thing left for me to hear them do! I guess I'll have to see them next time in Atlantic City. Meanwhile, is it too soon to put in a request for Sgt. Darkness or Tall Treasure??
Hint hint hint.....:)

ANDY

You made the right choice, cfhere. I'd rather have watched America for the 41st time than relive the winning run that the Yankees scored in the bottom of the 12th to take a 1-0 Subway Series lead. Ouch.

Jim R.

It's been about 6 hours since I got home from the America concert in Atlantic City. I had a tough choice to make between watching my Mets in the world series or going to the concert. I definitely made the right choice. I've seen the guys in concert about 40 times, but this may have been the best.
The concert was sold out. They played the long set and Gerry sang All My Life, which was great. Even though The Horsey is my favorite song, the best song they do live is definitely Sandman. Hank did a great job subbing for Woodsy.
After the concert I was lucky enough to go backstage. I got autographs and my picture taken with both Dewey and Gerry. Steve, I was finally able to give them a copy of the montage I did. They seemed
excited about it and said they would play it later. They haven't heard it before. Dewey sends his regards to you. The only negative thing about the night was that Gerry was watching the ninth inning of the world series and he came down to tell us that the Yankees tied the game in that ninth inning. Oh well.
Anyway, that's my report. If anybody else was there please let me know and we can compare notes.

Nope! His is a little more speakable....Kellan......but you wouldn't believe the people who always speak out (from a Dr.s Office or such)
"Holly? Holly Lierin?" or "Holly? Holly Kellan?"

TkH<-----pondering the W chromosome! (C;

thanks ANDY for the BBking's review. i wish i could have made it but i had other commitments.

Johnny that last post was PHUNY....and yes it was great to hear from Rick...as mentioned Rick and Steve = class acts!!

..and Beech...is your boy's name Sue as in Johnny Cash("making my children's lifes difficult on purpose")just kidding

and right on Lisa Rose!!....send it in....and you too Alan (My coooolective Soooooul Bud)

LkY<....."life is like a minestrone topped off with parmesan cheese"......and don't forget the throwed rolls

I was at the first of two shows, and I had the pleasure of meeting other fans, some of whom lurk on this message board.
B.B. King's is an excellent place to see a show, and the sound quality is quite good. The two problems is that it is extremely expensive (obviously no fault of America's.....blame Johnny :)lol))
and this venue insisted on TWO shows for a night. That guaranteed the "short" set list. The only good news is that these days, the short set includes WINDWAVE and HANGOVER. As someone who sees America several times a year, I really appreciate it when we are thrown a rare curve ball.
Between shows, Gerry was gracious enough to tell me Dewey's tuning that he uses for HORSE. All members sounded great. With Woodsy out in California, Dewey took over the task of singing the final line in YOU CAN DO MAGIC: "you're the one that could put out the fire..."

This is the second time that I saw Hank Linderman fill in on guitar. He is a fine guitar player and definitely does justice to Mike Woods and America. Those that see him should make note of his wild "Lindsey Buckingham" Turner guitar. Hank and Lindsey are the only two people that I know of that uses a TURNER.

I wish everyone a great weekend :)

ANDY

LisaRose, give that young man an A+!

Sure was glad Rick's sign-off was, "All The Best" and not "Seeeeeya!" Just a little levity on the beginning of another, hopefully, wonderful weekend!!

Actually I was jabbing "phun" at my name, Tery Holly? I REALLY give it to my husband, never trust a person with two names of the opposite sex (Jim Holly....lol) It gets pretty confusing at Doctors offices and schools....no one can figure out which name is "first". My daughter in particular gets it bad (her first name is Lierin, everyone automatically thinks Holly is the first name because NO ONE knows how to pronounce Lierin...lol ((Leer-in))...)

TkH<----making my children's life difficult ON PURPOSE....rofl

After spending a very b o r i n g day in Kansas City, it was so great to open up this page and see the message posted from Rick! He and Mary certainly have their priorities in order and I wish them continued health and happiness. Thanks for posting the message, Steve.

I HAVE AN EIGHTH GRADE STUDENT WHO OVERHEARD ME TELLING ANOTHER TEACHER ABOUT THE CONCERT LAST NIGHT AND SAID--I PLAY AMERICA ON MY GUITAR--AFTER I WAS REVIVED--CAUSE I FAINTED--CAUSE HE IS SECOND GENERATION INDIAN---I TOLD HIM TO TAPE IT SO I WILL BE SENDING THIS IS---I COULDN'T BELIEVE HE SAID '' OH, ARE YOU GUYS TALKING ABOUT THE GROUP WHO SINGS HORSE WITH NO NAME--MY PIANO TEACHER MADE ME PLAY THAT--AND I ACTUALLY LIKE IT.'' HE TOLD ME, HE USUALLY CANNOT STAND WHAT HIS TEACHER MAKES HIM PLAY AND THAT WAS THE ONE SONG THAT HE ACTUALLY LIKED--I ASKED HIM WHAT WAS THE WORST SONG AND HE SAID GREENSLEVES -NOT SURE IF I SPELLED IT CORRECTLY--PERHAPS IT IS GREENLEAVES--NOT SURE -DON'T REALLY CARE--ANYWAY I FIND IT AMAZING THAT A MULTICULTURAL 13 YEAR OLD IS FAMILIAR WITH AMERICA

Thank you for clearing that up Tom! Gee and I thought LA was weird

RmP<----- A Valley Girl fer sure fer sure ( couldn't resist!)

I just want to clear this issue up before it gets out of hand!
There is a restaurant in Southeastern Missouri near I-55 which is "famous" for it's "Throwed Rolls".
Legend has it that: They have a guy that brings out a basket of fresh baked dinner rolls, and the
customers just hold up their hand, and he throws a bread roll into their hand from across the room.
Apparently he never...I mean never misses!
I have never been there myself, because here in England we consider this bad table manners (LOL).
Tom Peek

Deadline:I've only received about 5 tapes from people, plus I'll make mine next week.................pitiful...don't you think!
Yes, Deadline can be extended til November, 2010! Okay?

BB Kings: There were 2 shows (short sets I believe): 8P and 10P. That's all I know, but hey I was in front of BB Kings....boo hoo boo hoo. Please anyone, give me a cleanex to clean up my keyboard from the tears. I couldn't make the concert that's why. :0(
Maybe next year :0). hl

This excludes any America fans with two first names, of course! Like LisaRose, LeakyCanoe, and BeechLady!!

TkH<-----never trust a person with two first names....

JoY---->nor a person who goes by two initials...Orenthal James!

(I've fallen in too deep/Sometimes it's hard to keep/Secrets, secrets)

Johnny, I like YOUR initials better than mine.....sigh....

TkH<-----never trust a person with two first names......(lol)

TkH<---chinese chicken tastes like chicken

JoY--->chinese checkers tastes like marbles (LOL)

I know Beechese and Chinese!

AHA that explains it! What do I know? I live in LA!

Make no mistake where you are......you're going NO further
(after 12 P.M. pacific)
Drat, I didn't ask Kenny if I could use his song for this PSA!!! Oh, OH......

The song nominations will be entertained until 12 P.M. PST. You don't e me, you may not get your unique and fav song included in the list! I will slave away this weekend composing the 64 million dollar brackets and hopefully we'll be on our way to another round of voting!

TkH<------I'm psyCHIC! The next post is off topic, be forewarned NOW.

Oh, ALAN, stop yer whinning.......
(C; (just kidding!!!--I just HAD to post that!)

I too would like to know how many Sir Lieboff has procured! I'm just so DARNED curious to hear the collective soul of OUR little world....

TkH<-----collecting donations, dial 1-800-call Tery....

>>-----------> Wassssssuuuuuuup BEECH


Whaaaaaaazzzzzzzzzzzzzzuuuuuuuup!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TkH<---chinese chicken tastes like chicken.....

Howard,

How's the contest coming along? Have many people have submitted material?

I was wondering if you would consider extending the deadline as my friend from Florida (also a huge fan and the guy I play most America tunes with) isn't going to make it up to Maine until after the first of November, and he's the one I REALLY want to record with. Mike Worthley (my partner-in-crime with Loose Ends) isn't a big America fan, but I have talked him into throwing a few songs in our act. Plus, I am quite busy between now and the end of this month. I REALLY want to submit something, but am not sure I will be able to find the time between now and the end of the contest.

I'm not suggesting that that you extend the deadline just for me, but the last time I heard, you weren't exactly deluged with entries. If that has changed and the submissions are pouring in, great! I'll quit whining and get on with my life. But if participation is still not what you'd like it to be, please consider extending the deadline a little longer. It would give me and possibly some others a little more time to put something together.

Alan

Just wanted to know if anybody went to the show last night in New York. I'm going to AC tommorrow and wanted to know the set list.

Any other "groupies" planning to attend tommorrow. Just curious

-----------> Wassssssuuuuuuup BEECH

Robyn: I believe it's "Throwed Rolls." You know, like tossed or thrown. It's not gramatical, it's the South.

KevinS.

Thanks Rick for the message. Since you have given so much to America Fans on the Internet, I'd been wondering what you were up to. I really enjoyed your thoughts.

Thanks Steve for the offer to Email Dan's interview but I downloaded both parts. Your always right their to help out. Thanks Dan and Tom for giving us the reflective interview.

Thanks Robyn for answering my Elder question.

And, thanks John Corbet for peaking in. You contributed a lot to my America Internet experience. It was great to see your post.

Mike Bunn

Dave,

I play accoustic guitar and play a lot of America tunes. I am currently involved in 2 bands plus a friend of mine from Florida when he's able to get up here. Last summer we managed to play an open mike night at a local bar. We played about 45 minutes and at least half of our songs were America tunes (mostly ones that most people wouldn't know - so they had no idea we were playing so many songs by the same band).

Alan

Dave,

When I was at the Topsfield Fair show on the 7th, there was a lady in front of me getting a really cool tour jacket signed by Dewey and Gerry. I overheard her telling them she got it on ebay, so you might want to check back there from time to time. I think you can use Auction Watch to automatically monitor auctions and notify you if something appears that matches your search criteria.

Hopoe this helps.

Alan

Leaky,

It was definitely Ed Roland. The name rings a bell, plus I remember he was the guitarist who's brother is also in the band and I'm pretty sure he was the guy who writes most of the songs, so it HAD to be him.

My 17-year-old son and I also share a love for this band's music. We also both enjoy Barenaked Ladies, Counting Crows, The Wallflowers, Hootie and the Blowfish and Sister Hazel. Unfortunately, I have not had the time to really get to know these bands intimately (band member names, who plays what instrument, who does the writing, etc.) like I do the bands from "my" generation (America, Eagles, Poco, etc.), but I still very much enjoy their music.

I was planning on taking my son to the Barenaked Ladies concert in Portland (Maine) at the end of November, but all the tickets were sold out by the time I heard about it (in fact, they were pretty much gone the first day they went on sale). My son and I are both bummed, but haven't lost all hope yet. We're still keeping our eyes open for ticket giveaways on local radio stations or someone selling their tickets because something came up and they can't go.

In fact, I used to have a bookmark to a couple of websites that offered classified ads of people who are selling tickets to concerts. You can type in the band or artist name, date and venue and it will search for tickets for sale. I seem to have lost these bookmarks. If anyone out there has the url to any sites like these, I would love to get them back again.

Thanks,

Alan

p.s. I apologize for the lengthy, off-topic post.

Rick, thank you very much for your message about clearing the air about previous and past rumors. Glad to hear everything's okay
with you. Best of luck to you and your family for the future.
God Bless and take care. HL

I'm jealous of Rick and his choice of venues! WOW. I can only hope that I get to retire in such a splendid manor! What a lucky guy! I wish him the best in what EVER he does!!!!! Hope he reads this!
(C=

TkH<------waiting for Godot......

<(we love you Beech :-)

And I YOU!!!!!!!!! (C=

TkH<-------trying to get RID of the accent....

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted to the folder... I just got back into grad school over here in Santa Barbara, so I've been quite busy lately. I just heard Dan Peek's radio interview, and I have to say it's great to hear him talk about Bodden Town. I guess I'm a little confused about him saying that he lives in Missouri. I thought he was still in the Cayman Islands...

Regarding the Warner Bros. catalogue, what does it really matter anymore? All of us have virtually every album Dewey and Gerry (and Dan) have ever put out, and anyone who doesn't can surf the web and quickly rectify such a tragedy.

Right now I'm listening to Harbor. Haven't listened to it in a while. I know that Dewey and Gerry called it an "uneven" album or something like that, but it's still one of my sentimental favorites.

Now I've got to surf over to Dan's page to feed the urge. Gotta open up my wallet so I can get his new Christmas album!

john

no Larry Elder is a contoversial talk radio personality. Young and Elder ( Too funny are those their REAL names?) are different guys.

What a nice message from Rick.

Proving once again, what all of us "groupies" already knew, that both Rick and Steve are gentlemen and class acts. My personal thanks again to both of them for all they have done for America and America fans.
ShariL <><

I received the following message from Rick and it is posted here with his permission. By the way, after receiving Rick's letter I immediately modified the web site history to remove the part about not receiving any e-mail messages from Rick. After reading Rick's reply I think you'll find that he's still the ultimate gentleman that we all knew he was and that he's very much opposed to the controversy that Bubba has been trying to stir up. Here is Rick's letter:

Hi Steve,

Regretfully I've been receiving email messages about an online commotion that has to do with the history of the America Web Sites and hopefully this situation will come to a screeching halt. I've emphatically informed everyone I've heard from that any efforts to create a controversy are not appreciated......period. Most importantly, nothing positive will be accomplished for America........which completely goes against the efforts all of us have made over the years. I'm sure you feel the same way.

It has been a long time since we've communicated, so I thought I would give an update on what has been been going on out west.

Mary and I have two kids in college right now. One is heading for Med School and the other is a freshman at the University of Washington. Next year we will have three in college and an empty nest at home. Needless to say, our primary goal the past couple years has been to save money for college.........but it's all been worthwhile.

We did, however, find some retirement property in the San Juan Islands that we couldn't pass up........so a couple years from now we hopefully will be out on the deck watching the ships and Orcas go by and listening to America, Dan Peek, Peace, and Jeff Larson CDs......and live happier ever after! Throw in some Gordon Lightfoot, Fleetwood Mac, and the Moody Blues too. We've also decided to keep our cabin over on the coast which is very secluded.........and still has excellent salmon fishing nearby.

Mary and I did get an opportunity this August to see America in Sandpoint, Idaho with some very special friends. It was during the forest fires which resulted in a change of venue of the Hamilton concert the previous night. Apparently, the smoke was so thick at the stage that the show had to be moved to Missoula on very short notice.

The concert we went to was on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho. We were all particularly impressed by Wind Wave and the Human Nature selections. (Wheels and Wednesday Morning) Gerry invited us backstage after the show which was very gracious, so we got to see everyone. I wished I would've heard "Houses In White" before the show, because I certainly would've mentioned what a great song this is!

The Highway Box Set is magnificent, and a dream come true for America and all the fans. I well remember all the posts and emails from many fans who wanted this to become a reality but didn't know if it would ever happen. And I did see the updates on America's VenturaHighway.com........and the graphics were impressive!

It is so great to see America with their very own site where a person can even buy a Gerry Beckley t-shirt! This is because when the internet thing started, Ike and I thought we were only short timers........because Gallin Morey had planned to get a site up and we were just a stop gap measure to temporarily fill in some cyberspace) So it's wonderful to see America with their very own page complemented by the America Fans.....even though it took longer than anticipated.

We recently saw America on the Regis Show, and were very proud of Gerry and Dewey and the class appearance they made. They are always so deserving of the best, and represent themselves so well with eloquence and humor.

Another huge thrill for us has been to see Dan Peek's website develop and follow his biography.....and to hear that Peace is planning to release another CD. Dan and Peace will *always* remain special friends in our hearts beyond words. I have to say that Dan's song "Everything" expresses my true outlook in life.

Also, it's wonderful to see Jeff Larson has released another CD. Meeting him online was a true highlight of the America web page experience.........and we feel so fortunate to have his music brighten our lives.

And of course, we've been watching every Mariners/Yankees playoff game.......and were hoping for a Mariners/St. Louis series! We did go down to Safeco Field for one game. Too bad it's now a Subway Series.

Hopefully everything is well with you and your family in Utah. I would imagine it's really going to be exciting with the upcoming Olympics.......not too far away......for all the excitement they generate.

Again, from my standpoint, there are absolutely no issues from the past that are worthy of bringing up and taking the focus away from America where it has always belonged.

Keep up the good work........it's made a big difference for all!

All the best,
Rick

Very cool interview. Thanks to Tom for the listening tip! It wasn't working for me any other way. One burning question.... what the heck is a "throad roll"?

Here's thinking that Chicago should have changed its name to "Los Angeles" around 1976! (the "If you Leave Me Now" era)

..that would be PHUN..........there is only one Beech!!!..LOL

<......male trying to learn Beechspeak.... :
Beech Boys
Beech Ball
Son of a Beech
tawlk
Phun
Gerry Beechly
Dewey Beechnell
Dan Beechk

(we love you Beech :-)

Here's thinking that Chicago should have changed its name to "Los Angeles" around 1976! (the "If you Leave Me Now" era)

I did an advanced Alta Vista
(http://www.altavista.com/cgi-bin/query?pg=aq&stype=stext)
search for:
Art Bell NEAR song

I found that the song was writeen by Jeff Kolby (I assume it's performed by him too)

Speaking of that show on VH-1....
Wouldn't it be fun to see "our" men on it? That would be PHUN! Pick a topic......tawlk amoungst yourselves......

TkH<-----trying desperatly to remember a "Peter Cetera styling" to reprint so I can get my fingers slapped.......{snicker}

yuppers, I saw Chicago BTM! It was good, but made Peter Cetera look like an ass......(snooty, snooty, la-de-da and all that rubbish) I mean, c'mon. Excluding his contribution to Chicago's catalogue on the show was pretty childish. "Waaaaaaaaa" BUT, I guess it takes ALL kind of folks to make the world go round......(C=

TkH<-------Behind The Music's "exclusive" groupie.........

Well kiri, if you think it's a rocker then it qualifies! Go ahead and send your list. Just make sure it's diverse. One person admitted sending "Hat Trick" five times!

I'm not sure if Steve has any inside info on that.

Sorry, no inside information. We'll all have to wait and see.

Chicago was great!....Watching it reinforced my feeling that when Terry Kath died, so did Chicago! He gave it that original edge. I'm also hoping for one on America. I'm not sure if Steve has any inside info on that.

I'm surprised it took VH1 this long to do something on Chicago, seeing as how Chicago's one of the top artists of all time according to Joel Whitburn's Billboard Book Of Top 40 Hits. Chicago was the #7 most charted artist in the 70s and #25 in the 80s. That's pretty exclusive company. Who the heck else have then been featuring, then?

Maybe VH1 just hasn't gotten to America because they're working their way up.

KevinS.

Did anyone see the BTM with Chicago. I thought it was one of their weaker efforts. Apparently Peter Cetera divorced himself so much from the band that not only did he decline to be interviewed, he refused to allow VH1 rights to play any of his Chicago songs.

It got me thinking though, America has often been aligned with Chicago (especially with the release of Like A Brother). How long will it be before America is featured?

Shayne

i wasn't a part of previous contests so i wasn't sure how these worked. i'd send in a list but figured my top 5 are already on the list. also wondered how "soft" the rocker could be? - as long as it's not a slow song? some of the 80s stuff isn't necessarily what i would call a rocker but yet gets me movin. it seems easier if people can "argue" their favorites. could we see what you have so far so we will feel motivated to make sure our favorites are on the list? like i said, don't know how these things work so i'm just asking.

Sorry that the Young and Elder interview is taking so long to download...
We debated on not setting it up as "downloadable" because the interview has a total run time of over 15 minutes (part 1 and part 2 are + 7 megs each), but we decided that some people would prefer to download.
The optimum way to hear the interview is to select "Lo Fi Play", then, if you are setup for this, you can hear the interview immediately as "streaming".

THANK YOU AMERICA FANS!... due to your interest... The interview has reached #9 in the MP3.com interview charts, after only 24 hours!

We will soon be adding some short (30 second) sound clips from the Caribbean Christmas CD to Dan's Website (www.danpeek.com) We hope this will give us all "instant gratification" (LOL)
Tom Peek

You are, as always, most welcome beechlady! Hey I sent MY list in , but I COULD come up with 5 more, if need be!;)

Can I put my hand down now? My arm is getting tired.-- Jim

Hey, Beech, I more than appreciate the efforts of camera crew and director in TV coverage of a baseball game. Since *I* love the sport, I depend on them to make the game more intriguing on the small screen. (The camera crew in the Mets-Cardinals series was excellent.) But as much as I like baseball, I think it'd wear thin if my job was to cover 162 games a year, including transcontinental travel, during the warm-weather months. I might even get sick of America music if I was on a road-crew doing 150 shows a year. (Gasp, did I just say that! Throw me out of the groupies union!)

Jim R.

None taken!!! (C=
I've tried to gear it to all genders and ages.....(snicker)...unfortunatly having only X chromosomes makes that kind of difficult (on the first count)....(C;

TkH<-------I say we inaugurate another chromosome. "Chromosome W"

To Beechlady

Thanks for the translation, I'm a little slow on your "Lingo" but I think I'm getting used to it !!! LOLOLOLO


BTW --------> I meant no disrespect by the nuance

The problem with a 32 song contest is that my Song Voting program is written to handle 64 songs and I'd have to modify it to cut it down to 32 songs. I don't know if that modification would be easy or hard, I really don't have time right now to look into it. However, I could enter the 32 rocker songs that Tery sends me and pit them against one other song 32 times and then I could quickly vote for the 32 rockers in the first round and then change it to the second round where the 32 rockers would all be winners. That would be fairly easy to do if it doesn't bother anyone.

Hey, how about pitting Muskrat Love as the one song against the 32 rockers? Since I'm in the minority of America fans who like that song, it would surely lose all 32 pairings in the first round!

FYI: I have the MP3 file that Dave has been referring to. If anyone wants to listen to it, drop me a line and I'll e-mail it to you. It does have America-like harmonies and I can see how someone would think it is Gerry and Dewey, but I'm quite confident that it isn't.

Yeah, it's been thought of,,,,,,,BUT that'd have to take a show of hands from everyone......if it's agreed, then Sure! Why not!!! (C=

TkH<-------starting a new political party

I'm sorry, is this too many posts?

TkH<------feeling frisky today....WATCH OUT

You could always just have a 32 song contest instead of 64.

I believe (and furvantly hope) that "Beech" (as its' being referred to here) is an easily picked up nuance.....I hope it isn't a "female" thaaaaang....Do any guys understand Beech? Show of hands......lol

TkH<------understands ASL, some German, some Spanish, 10 year old boys.....

Um, as to the inquiry of "how the list is going"? (many thanks to Robyn for bring that up!!!!!)

It ISN'T! Since the last plea for everyone's top 5 (on Monday) I've received one.

So far only 14 people have emailed me. I have a total of 30 songs for a 64 song contest....(ugh).....I'll entertain "nominations" until the 20th (tomorrow) as was previously stated on Monday. Sooooooooooo, if you want your vote to "count" e me as soon as you read this (i.e. can) and devise your top 5 America Rocker songs.
Otherwise you'll be left to MY devises......(and if your song isn't included,,,,,((as Doris Day used to sing)) "Que Sera, Sera".....)

(C=

TkH<------------1-800-call-Tery, How may I help you? (C=

Sorry for the slow (nonexistant)postings. Our dog is really, REALLY sick and I've been preoccupied with that for the last day or two....sigh.

In reply to Steve B, I've grown to HATE Baseball (almost in a fond sort of way) because a.) I used to work as a sports TV cameraperson and did Tiger Baseball in Detroit for way too many years. To me Baseball is like watching grass grow....sorry.....and b.) My husband is a TV Sports Baseball Director (we met in TV-no nepotism on his part I assure you....rofl...but it did get me a lot of strange comments....)and he's gone with the team (Marlins) all year.

SO, hence I strongly dislike BASEBALL.....lolololol! Even tho I'm OUT of work (voluntarily) now, everytime I hear it on the telly, I fall into a DEEP TRANCE and occasionally snap-pan left to catch the thirdbaseman snag a grounder.....lolololol

TkH<-----------no trances allowed here.....

I came across it on Napster while looking for some Art Bell
references. Please check it out. It is STILL driving me mad. :-)

Any idea on how I can get part II a bit quicker.

Mike, I can e-mail part 2 to you if your e-mail system allows large attachments. The same offer goes to anyone else out there who would rather have part 1 and/or part 2 e-mailed to them. Just drop me a line and I'll send it to you right away. --SteveL

Downloaded Part I of the Dan Peek Radio Interview at a snails pace from MP3.com. Great to hear Dan's talking voice and insight on the reunion thing among other things. Coincidentaly Larry Elder was on Jay Leno while I downloaded the file. Is the LA Larry Elder show the same as the Young and Elder Show? Any idea on how I can get part II a bit quicker. Like KevinS said, it would be great if Dan and Gerry would listen in, and feel the nostalgia.

Hello everyone,there was mention that around the same time tracks were being selected for "Highway" that Warner Brothers (US)were going to be doing something with America's back catalogue,wonder what happened there? What is disturbing that there has been no news of any sort from Oxygen almost since the release of "Human Nature" a show of support would be most welcome at the moment,not unless they are waiting for the dust to settle on the box set.

"Ventura Highway" still a stunning tune,sounds so haunting on "Homecoming" and yet positively exhilarating on any live set,and if there is to be a new album at some point I'd request at least one track with an acoustic let your hair down feel.

Chat tonite at 7 pm. see you there

You see, Robyn and I, we understand Beech. We both knew she was expressing her true feelings about this beloved pastime. Hmmm...Mets or Yankees..Yankees or Mets...nah, I'm just gonna fast-forward to spring training..maybe the Dodgers will get it right next year (however I'm not holding my breath).
Glad to see that we are all happily getting along, off topic as usual..but getting along...groupie hug!!! :-)

Hi Dave,
I played in a band for 12 years in the Salt Lake area and I love playing AMERICA music.

Dave, there is no directory of America fans who are musicians. However, there is a biography page on the America Fans web site that lists information about many fans across the country. The fans who play instruments usually indicate that fact in their biography. Another option is to post a note here asking about musicians in your area and they can either e-mail you or respond here so that everyone will know.

Dave, I don't know anywhere that you can get America tour jackets unless you can find someone who bought one many years ago and is now willing to part with it (for a price, of course).

Alan….I am also a big fan……this is one band that my 19 year old son and I share a passion for….as you know Collective soul are rockers…..I feel that the Elton John influence is in the strong melodic choruses (did I spell that right?)….”Blender” is their 5th release and came out October 10th….it has a little harder edge then their other albums and the melodies are not as strong as the first three albums (which I consider their best work)…none the less if you are a Collective Soul fan you will like “Blender”….

As far as the guitarist that you heard interviewed it was probably Ed Roland who writes all the songs and is the lead singer…the band also has two other guitarists Dean Roland and Ross Childerss….other members include Will Turpin on Bass and Shane Evans on Drums…..

I have yet to see Collective Soul in concert…but my son and I plan on seeing them the next time they play close to Home…

(speaking of Rockers…how is your list coming together Beech?)

Loosely translated. I believe my esteemed collegue is expressing her great dislike for America's pastime. My dilema-- whom do I dislike more, the Mets or the Yankees? Decisions decisions.....

Is there a directory of America fans throughout the U.S. who are musicians? It would be great to have a search by "state" for those of us who not only listen but play the guys music!

Does anyone out there know where to get an America tour jacket?

Could you please translate?

Leakycanoe writes: << (I'm listening to the new "Collective Soul" CD this morning....very good CD....would you belive that Elton John is featured on the song "perfect day") >>

I haven't heard their new CD yet, but I'm a big fan of them. On their web site, I was reading an interview some time ago w/ their lead guitarist (name slips my mind) and I remember him listing among others, Elton John as one of their biggest influences. Seems to me that Jeff Lynne from ELO was another, but I can't remember for sure. I remember finding it surprising because I don't really see that influence in their music.

As far as WHEN I get their new CD - I'm extremely broke right now. I haven't gotten Highway, Go Man Go or Beckley-Lamm-Wilson yet. 'Nuff said.

BLEEEECH. Yaaaaaaaak. Pshaw. (sigh)



TkH<-----Baseball, Apple Pie and Chevrolet?

Dan's Christmas album, Caribbean Christmas, has been officially released. It is available for $9.99 online at 7 Mile Entertainment. The album features all traditional favorites except "The Star", which was written by Dan, and was previously released on the MCA album On This Christmas Night. This new album is the first instrumental album that Dan has made, and he says that he had more fun making it than any album he has ever been involved with! The entire album has a "Caribbean" flavor, complete with the sounds of steel drums, marimbas, and that unmistakable guitar. 100% Dan Peek...

Track List
1. Mary's Boy Child
2. Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
3. Silent Night
4. Away In A Manger
5. The First Noel
6. Oh Come All Ye Faithful
7. Oh Holy Night
8. Medley: Midnight/Joy/3 Kings
9. The Star
10. Angels We Have Heard On High

Their great, that's why they are the New York Yankees. Just like America, you would'nt want to change their name. Go YANKEES and go AMERICA

I find the nickname "Yankees" to be offensive and demand that it be changed back to their original nickname, "Highlanders"!!!!

CHANGE THE NAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where did you find this mp3 file?

Yes, LisaRose,
whose poems are great prose
You're rootin' for the Yankees.
But take out your hankys
'Cuz I'm prayin' for the Mets
(though I ain't takin' bets.)

Jim R.

P.S. -- I don't hit much better than I ryhme either.

Very interesting poster, very patriotic and all that. Cool image of an eagle. I even like the way the poster displays the America name. (I'm refering to the very 1st poster). I would even enjoy seeing something like this on their next album cover. I'm surprised that America never went with some sort of patriotic theme on any of their album covers. We do know that America has patriotism because Moon Song contains the backword lyrics: "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country".

Thanks for all your help guys! Keep me posted if you find out anything else!

Those are two very cool posters. After seeing them, I would said that David's "new" poster probably DOES pertain to our guys.

The America concert originally scheduled for October 20th at Waterloo Village in Stanhope, NJ has been canceled. America's agency tells me that it will be rescheduled in 2001. Sorry about that for those of you who were planning on attending. You'll just have to delay it a little.

Dave and I are quite confident that this is an "early years" poster but we don't know what year. Here are links to two other posters that Dave found on the Internet. You'll notice that at least one of them is very similar to Dave's.

Poster 1
Poster 2

Same time same place. After 7 p.m. Pacific. See you there. ( I resisted the urge to quote " he who must not be named")

Johnny, you might be right. I remember seeing an earlier America concert poster, that looked similar to this. Steve might have it on his archives here. If not I have a powerpoint slide presentation with America pics on it and I'll look tonight.

More on the subject: If from 1971-1973, it could well be since America didn't have their wonderful logo then. If from 1974 on, I'm skeptical. So here's to hoping it's from 1971-1973 and Houston, Texas.

Howie, Steve, and All, I believe this poster is one not from this year but from the early 70's. Whether it's advertising a concert by "Our Guys" or another musical event, I don't know. However, I tend to doubt that it is, but I certainly hope so for David's sake.

Can David confirm the year that his poster is suppose to be from? That would help some. I just think it's not current.

Steve, couldn't have been. According to the 2000 sked, the played in Sherwood Oaks Country Club, California. So is there an imposter band floating around???? or was it a musical of some sort?

A fellow America fan, David Moretti, recently picked up the attached America Poster. It's not specific, so he'd like to find out if this is our favorite band, "America"? Click here to see the poster. If you know whether or not this poster was an advertisement for our guys, please post your reply on the chat folder or feel free to send me a mail message. Thanks.

If you're an America fan, and I'd bet most people here are, you have to listen to Dan Peek's interview. Great insights into the early years and the Neil Young/CSN controversy, as well as his thoughts on a reunion, his latest solo effort and other tidbits. Definately worth a listen. And as an added bonus, you'll get to hear part of Dan's awesome song Heartland from Bodden Town.

KevinS.

I can't help but hope that maybe that feeling of nostalgia I get when I hear Dan's music and read his weekly updates to the America story and hear him on the radio, maybe a couple of other guys might get that same feeling too.

I have been counting down the days for this long awaited concert in AC - haven't seen the boys in a year and CAN'T WAIT !!! Just wanted to know if any "GROUPIES" like me are going on Saturday Night. I'll post some pictures next week on the concert.

BTW----> I think it's great that Steve has never acknowledged "You know who" because he doesn't deserve to be.


SEEEEEEEEYAAAAA "-----"

lol. Glad for you LisaRose (p.s. LOVE your poems!!!)! (C=
Let's just hope the B-Ball morons (owners AND players) don't decide to strike 2002.....SIGH.

TkH<------inflated flamers, inflated doritos, inflated dog, what's next? UGH.

YANKEES! YANKEES! YANKEES! WHAT A WEEK IT HAS BEEN ALREADY- METS WON LAST NIGHT--YANKS TONIGHT --SUBWAY SERIES IT WILL BE--FIRST TIME SINCE 1956. THANK GOD THERE IS NO GAME THURSDAY AND I CAN ENJOY THE CONCERT AT BB KING'S WITHOUT CHECKING THE SCORE. LETS GO YANKEES! I AM JUST WONDERING IF A GROUPIE FOLLOWS BANDS, WHAT DO YOU CALL A PERSON WHO FOLLOWS SPORT TEAMS?

Greetings!
I just grabbed an MP3 file called "Art is Gone Song".
It is some sound clips from Art Bell slapped over some background
music. I cannot for the life of me place the background music...but
doggone it...it sounds like America. Please... PLEASE....
could someone please email me the Song Title/Album this music is
from? Some of the lyrics:
"That's my radio, can I sit here all alone? Can't hear you on the phone, are we done or will there be some more? Yeah, my blood rushed to the floor...oh, oh,...it's the feeling, that it won't sit easily,
that's the feeling, to think that there will be, all the time that you've spent, taking us around, all the things you've said, bringing all of us around....bringing all of us around."
I looked up the America Fan Page because of this clip.
What's the frequency, Kenneth? :-) I truly await someone's
answer. Drop me a line at wg4@uswest.net if you would be so kind.

Tom Peek has posted an interview that Dan made on the Young and Elder show in Los Angeles in August 2000. Dan speaks freely in this rare radio appearance. The interview has been broken into 2 parts and is available exclusively on Dan's MP3.com web page. Thanks to Tom and Dan for once again making this information available to America fans first.

Oops! It's Kiki not kiwi. Wrong fruit. :0 )

Bubba, you said, "Johnny is half right but that's about PAR. But he's ok." Bubba, like Elton and Kiwi's song, "Don't Go Broken My Heart."

To borrow some of Gerry's lyrics...

Smile away these blues
I don't care if I'm accused
Now he's gone, he's gone, he's gone, he's gone
I don't mind, he's gone, he's gone, he's gone

From the Doobie Bubbas...

Bubba is just alright with me
Bubba is just alright oh yeah
Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo doo doo doo oh yeah

Goodbye and Yeeeeeeya too, Big Bub!!!

..that last post is my last bubba bash………like the “Wizard of Oz”…. we all show our goodness some time in our life….. Bubbas got to have some heart somewhere down deep…..

..my wife and I saw Almost Famous……we liked it………I wonder what comments America and the road crew would have about the movie……in the movie, after spending time on the road, the characters began searching for something real in their life’s….and this was only after a year of being on the road…….could you imagine 27 years of being on the road……

hey booboo…...I mean bubba….are you a politician?…………attack, attach,attach….and then attack again……or are you with the media?…..a reporter or something………spin, spin, spin….and spin again……

(remember beware of Toto he may pull down your curtain….bark, bark )

All I know is what I know. I have dealt with Steve for probably close to 5 years now and all I can say is that he has always been very helpful, nice, and straightforward with me. His web history tells his side of the story (what else would you expect). I can find nothing mean about it. From what I know it appears to be an honest account. Evidently Rick still has sour grapes about Steve's page becoming the most popular America page on the web, since he's having his "groupies" come on here and do hit jobs on Steve! That's really too bad, because I used to enjoy Rick's page too. Why doesn't he come on hear and give his side of the story instead of hiding behind groupies? Steve is very gracious on this board. He makes no attempt to delete posts attacking him.

Btw, Bubba, how's your wife Goldie?

Up until now, I've read all that I want to read & ready to explode.
Fact is Bubba's angry, probably with good reason according to
what goldylox posted & what he supposedly experienced. Who even knows if he was involved. If so fine. So instead of confronting whomever he's angry at or with, uses this chatboard as an outlet to vent his frustrations. You want to act like a child, stay off this board and go away. Whatever went on with both America websites is between the involved parties. We have nothing to do with it, nor do we care. We're
trying to maintain a simple and great atmosphere here and have a little fun. You want to join, that's fine. Act your age, not like a whining child looking for attention. We're mature grownups here, let's act like it. And as far as us being groupies, we sure are and proud of it.
It has its advantages...Right? To the people I've given copies of
you know what to!!!

Apparently Bibba's girlfriend (now wife) hasn't been showing him enough attention at home. It's too bad he has chosen to harass people through the internet to get his jollys stroked.

Johnny is half right but thats about par. But he’s ok. Me and my girlfriend (now wife ) were helped out by Ike Gauly. and Rick Walgren a few years back. Ike sent my wife some rad pictures of America and guitar picks and Rick helped us meet America in Phoenix after a show through their road manager and sent us an autographed picture and we sent some email back and forth. We’ll never forget their help. So when we stumbled on Goldys post about the one sided web page history which slammed both of them it was time to speak out. Don’t dish it out if you can’t take it. Enough said. Goodbye and Seeeeeeeeeeya

Enough is Enough you idiot. If you don't agree with Steve Lowry and this EXCELLENT website - go to a different one. Maybe the Backstreet Boys, N'Sync,Britney Spears!! YOU GET THE IDEA !!!!!!!

Bubba's been by himself to long.

yours for only $3.99

Who let the Bubba out?...hoo...hoo
Cruel To Be Kind.
Killing Us Softly With His Song.
Jealous Guy.
Bubba On The Run.
It's my realtimewebspace and I'll cry if I want to.
OOps I did it again!

I totally agree with Mark's comments. Bubba, YOU are only making Rick W. look bad, not Steve. You're making Rick look like he's you. I don't think you want to do that, do you? Just tellin' it like it iz.

How about a cheer for the humor in my Bubba
That could brighten up the darkest nights
It's just another sign of "love"
Whenever we would fight

Yeeeeeeya!

Since you apparently dislike Steve sooo much, why do you bother to frequent his web page and board? Maybe because you can't stand him sooo much that you want to try to public humiliation? Which is very unbecoming and usually makes the person launching the attack look worse than the person he is attacking. Or maybe it's just because Steve's page is the only game in town for America fans?

Come on there bubba, you sound like a groupie to me, but that's okay.

KevinS. I’m with you. It’s great to here about the individual projects of Gerry and Dan, but what I really want is news about new material from AMERICA. The box set left me wanting more America.

Bubba. I have complimented this Web Space because it has provided me with America news I can use, friendly fans, guitar-playing fun, America insight from around the world, and enjoyable distractions. From my point of view you have only provided thorny distractions.

Just spent a week at Lake Powel in the sun. I left all electronics at home to enjoy nature with minimal interruption from modern man.

Let's not forgeet, Andy, that the same "cheesy drum machine that butchered up PERSPECTIVE" also emasculated HOURGLASS and many of the tracks on HUMAN NATURE.

KevinS.

See, I knew I liked you, Bubba. So you might have popped one too many arthritus pills that Al Gore's dog uses, but I liked your rap.
May I suggest a rap beat to your last post? We can find that cheesy drum machine that butchered up PERSPECTIVE, and programme a sequence for your last post. As the great philosopher would say, Seeeeyyaaaaa.

Rap Master Andy B.

Two big thumbs up on the Dell jingle. Very catchy.
Seeeeeeeeeeeya

Once upon a time I invented the Internet with Al Gore and then started a web page after leaning on some friends who I took advantage of their kindness and now am sleezy enough to badmouth and make look bad to make me look good although Goldie told the truth and I knew the groupies would come to my defense even though I made some cheap shots that were uncalled for but I play the innocent victims roll really good because I like to pick fights and stand back and watch because I know I can run to mommy like a sissy but meanwhile take all credit for everything while pretending I'm humble but really am very cunning and calculated even to the point the resident stool pigeons will leave droppings on all different ideas while I smirk and sigh just like Al in the debate but I'm really more like his buddy Slick Willy and thats not to bad for a computer nerd that has them all fooled except the ones with street smarts that can spot phony suck ups and used car salesmen that need to be enlightened by Bubba who tells it like it iz in a New York minute and cuts through the bs just like Sue on Survivor who says keep on truckin'

Seeeeeeeeeeeeya

Nina, when you get a chance, can you email me.
I have a question for you. Thanks, :0)
hlieboff@aol.com

Naw,,,,,,I was jabbing at Miss Country Western Crooner.....lol! Don't be ashamed, HOLD YOUR HEAD HIGH (lolol)

(C;

TkH<-------12 step programs for having kids?

With all due respect for G.B.'s original masterpiece, (one of my faves) I love LeAnn Rimes' song "I Need You". I think the melody is bold, the chords are cool, and her singing superb. I crank-up the volume each time I hear it on the radio. But for your FYI; the song was written by Dennis Matkosky and Ty Lacy, not LeAnn.

Lyrics:

I don't need a lot of things I can get by with nothing
Of all the blessings life can bring I've always needed something
But I've got all I want when it comes to loving You
You're my only reason You're my only truth
I need You like water like breath like rain
I need You like mercy from heaven's gate
There's a freedom in Your arms that carries me through
I need You

You're the hope that moves me to courage again
You're the love that rescues me when the cold winds rage
And it's so amazing 'cause that's just how You are
And I can't turn back now 'cause You've brought me too far
I need You like water like breath like rain
I need You like mercy from heaven's gate
There's a freedom in Your arms that carries me through
I need You.

Now Bubba knows the rest of the story. Andy, remember, I got the idea from your cool Domino's Pizza creation...that cute little fuzzy mascot of theirs, Bad Andy. :0 )

"He Ain't Heavy (He's My Bubba)"

Bubba:
There was a time when there were no annoying ads. One day, Johnny came up with the idea to have annoying ads. From that day on, we've had annoying ads around here. Thanks Johnny ! lol
Seeeeyyaaaaaa

ANDY

p.s. This groupie can't wait for the Thursday show in NYC !!!!!

To borrow an idea from another flamer from my recent past, EnoughBubba! Yeeeeeya!! LOL!!!

... :-)......

Kevin--you are too funny!!! I think Bubba really wants to be one of us---if not then I guess he has nothing better to do than to go on this site---but then again, children do have curfews. He really should be doing his homework instead.

..you know Johnny I think you are right... Beech must have been referencing to the Lean Rimes song "I need You".......today I can blame my misunderstanding on the cold medication and not the many years of being a groupie on prozac.....

("Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man that he didn't already have")

Instead of going to /america/ (which has the annoying banners), go to /america/index.htm (which does NOT have the annoying banners) and then bookmark that page. Your banner woes will be gone.

Bubba, there's a way to turn off the ads across the top of the screen. Steve's posted it here, but I've been so busy with my groupie duties I can't remember what it is. Maybe someone will re-post it or you can scroll through the past couple month's worth of posts and find it. Ask your mom to show you how to find posts from the last couple of months.

KevinS.

Whaddyamean theories? Groupies can't handle the truth huh? Just telling it like it iz. Seeeeeeeeeeeeya

Nobody (sale today at Target) answered my post (special on Windows 2000) about the tacky (SALE PRICE ENDS THIS WEEKEND!) ads (the Used Car Favorite for Over a Decade) on these pages. How about getting rid of 'em (Used Diaper One Day Special) Their freezing up my computers assets Seeeeeeeeeeeya

I'm really glad to have seen Hank Linderman up on stage with Gerry and Dewey at Mohegan in Connecticut. Ever since Van Go Gan, I've wondered about his influence on the group. Seeing him up on stage, pinch hitting, reminded me of how Gerry and Dewey value their friendships. So I guess they naturally attract good guys like Hank. I wouldn't mind seeing more of Hank, either in concert, or through his great production work.

My Goodness...The things you miss out on when you don't log in everyday! I just read three days of postings, and this chat folder is "humming"! My server just WON'T connect me to the web...don't know why??? (All I get is a big promo for Winona Rider's new movie "Lost Souls"...then "Initialization cancelled! Oh, well...I guess that's what I get for having free sevice from AltaVista!) So I'll be absent for awhile until I find a solution to the problem! I'll try to check in once a week though...so BE NICE, you guys! (Groupies, huh? I think I'm flattered!)

Oh, the radio station in Boston was not all that forthcoming with info. about the "Gerry Interview". I DID call, though! The female DJ did not attend either concert last week-end...and would not expound upon whether more snippets of an interview are coming or not! Nice girl, just not very helpful!

Everybody have fun in NYC...I'm with you in spirit!

Nina

I just finished viewing the videotape of the America / Blood Sweat and Tears episode on TNN. The most amusing part was when Dewey spoke about misunderstood lyrics. He said that one time a fan approached him at a show, totally thrilled that they will finally get to hear the song "BENCH ON A HIGHWAY" HAHAHAHA This is hysterical !!! I've been having laughing fits ever since. As side projects, Gerry can make more solo CDs, and Dewey can easily be a hit doing stand up comedy. Bench on a Highway, indeed. hahah

ANDY

Leaky, I believe Beech was referring to Leann Rimes' song, "I Need You", when she mentioned copyright infringement. By the way, I forgot that you were on Thursday night's Live Chat and provided us with a lot of fun and ribbing about Dewey's twin, hence "Hewey". Regarding that, I can see a resemblance. No need for any embarrassment for listening to the Backstreet Boys, in my opinion. The embarrassment should be with O-Town (from "Making The Band") and their performance on the "Miss America" show last night. They sounded bad and I mean "bad" as in not good. I was just "clickin' around" on the television. Of course I wasn't viewing that show! :0 ) I think they should have had America perform. It's a perfect fit...America and Miss America!

Thanks Steve for fixing me up so I could listen to the Dell jingle.

..it is my opinion that bubba, goldie and other anonymous characters that appear from time to time on this chat page are/is not any of us at all…..possibly it is one person who like the “Wizard of Oz” chooses to hide behind that large curtain (“smoke glass stain bright color”) in that little room all by him/herself……technology gives the wizard the ability to project himself larger then what he truly is…….. (unfortunately “sometimes we are quick to take the bait”) ……

..now on to bigger and better things ……….

…Beechlady…..you are correct I copied those photos from a backstreet webpage (if that’s what you mean by Copyright infringement)….I cant believe I visited a backstreet webpage ….I am ashamed……but I did see some similarities and searched for a photo to share with all of you ….. (you must understand I have had a bad cold the past week….cold or no cold I must laugh at myself when I say I do enjoy some of their songs)…as far as backstreet boys doing a copy of an America song…I truly hope that never happens….I’m afraid it would end up having the same results as “Muskrat Love”…… its so easy to ruin a good song…….

(I'm listening to the new "Collective Soul" CD this morning....very good CD....would you belive that Elton John is featured on the song "perfect day")

WOW.

Robyn, sorry about your friend and coworker. I agree with whoever brought up "Till The Sun", I LOVE that song. "Garden Of Peace" is great too! Sorry I couldn't be more original....sigh. I've fried too many brain cells in Virginia...lol!

BSB doing America Cover? I'd say, Windwave. Odd bouquet but fairly fruity, dry but mildly tantalizing....(lol) JUST DON'T DANCE TO IT....

I'll entertain "Rocker" nominations until this Friday. So if you've put this off and are in a brain lock, here's 5 more days!!!! (c=

Janice-I know where of you speak on the sick and working and home thing!!!! UGH. Luckily mine are now getting to the point where they can actually function WITHOUT me (for the most part)!!!!!

TkH<------knows more American Revolutionary History than can possibly USE...lol

Can you say "Copyright infringement?" SURE YOU CAN.....ugh.

TkH<-----family vacation. Oxymoronic.

My son came to my "sick bed" last night to tell me that Gerry just made an appearance on The Simpson's (he was using his own name) and it looked just like him, AJ said. Not being a Simpson's viewer I was not tuned in, but AJ said it was a new episode (however, I cannot vouch for any the above information). Going back to bed now. sniffle.

The title of the film was, I believe, "Hideous Kinky"

I saw almost famous and thought it was o.k....America had horse with no name in recent film with kate winslett who plays english single mom who goes to morocco in the early 70's...that was an interesting film named......??? Does any one Know the title??? Rockin Onward,Dennis,Goldeneaglevideo

Johnny, for your benefit and anyone else who can't listen to the jingle on The Generals' web site, I have copied it to my X-Drive internet drive and made it available to download for the next 7 days. Click on the following link to download it and then play it with your favorite MP3 player.

Take Off With Dell jingle (MP3 file)

Here's a link to a photo of the 45 jacket cover which shows Dewey wearing his high school letterman jacket. The cover is of the single release in Spain of "Te Necesito" ("I Need You"). Thanks Johnny for making it available.

I AM GOING AND THINK ANYONE WITHIN 500 MILES SHOULD GO TOO

Johnny,
You need realplay-go to realplayer.com and install--I think it is free unless you want a more sophisticated one but don't really need it. Then you just click on the title of the jingle. I am not real sure how I heard it --I think from one of my friends who is a huge America fan who heard it from his friend in L.A.

I'm just curious who's going to be able to go to the Thursday show at B.B King's in NYC. America doesn't get to play in the city very often, so this should be a treat. I went to high school 19 blocks from where they will be playing.

So who's going? Lemme know.

As the great Bubba says, Seeeeeeyaaaa !

ANDY

p.s. I'm still waiting to blame Johnny for something :O)

"...CAN tell me...."

Steve, hope you can find a little time this weekend to make the photo (record cover) available for viewing with Dan, Dewey, and Gerry on it. It has Dewey wearing his high school letter jacket.

LisaRose, you sure did mention the Dell jingle in your post. I remember you saying that. How did you hear about it?

I wasn't able to hear anything. Hope someone came tell me what service I need to download in order to hear the jingle and The Generals' songs. Steve, can you advise?

Nice photos of D&G with The Generals on their site as well as one with Jeff F.

Ironically on October 9th, I posted this ''..I did forget to ask Gerry one thing though--I heard something about a song he wrote or sang for a possible Dell computer commercial. Anyone know anything about that? .....''so that clears that up. It sound great-short but sweet like a jingle should sound like. You can email Dell at Webmaster@Dell.com For snail mail it is Dell Computers, One Dell Way, Round Rock, Texas 78682. It would be great if everyone on here can send their support. By the way--the General's music is pretty cool too!!

David, "America Fans Web Site History" is the 9th bullet on the home page under "What's New". Goldie's post is #13826 on October 4.

Now, to check-out "The Generals".

That Bubba refferred to. I looked back though the postings, but didn't see any posted by "Goldie".

hey everyone,

My name is Rusty Shaffer and I'm a good friend of Gerry Beckley. I wanted to let you know that we (my band THE GENERALS and AMERICA) have recorded a demo "Jingle" for Dell Computer. Dell is reviewing it as we speak and Michael Dell has listened to it, likes it, and now it's on its way to their AD agency. I wanted to tell you this because it's up on our web site and the more people we have listening to it and maybe even e-mailing DELL, the more the odds are that it will go through.

You are more than welcome to put it on your web site, of course reflecting the correct copyright, so that we can get it out to America fans everywhere.

our web site is www.thegenerals.com and you'll see it at the top with the words.

I appreciate this and so does Gerry and Dewey.

thank you.

Rusty Shaffer & Michael Gregory
The Generals

Thanks for the ALIBI Johnny....lol

"Clarice"

Andy and LisaRose, each of your posts made me laugh...in a nice way. You two are killing me!

Nope Andy, I ain't Bubba and Bubba ain't me. His spelling is much better than mine but whose isn't. Instead of Bubba's "Seeeeeeeya", I would have signed off, "Yeeeeeeeya".

For those of you not on last night's Live Chat, "someone" used the nick, Hewey, claiming to be Dewey's twin. I was still on the Live Chat with "Clarice" and TerryT when Bubba posted his messages last night. LisaRose, you left early "claiming" to be sleepy. Hmmmm? (LOL) Also Bones aka "NeckBonz", windwave, Robyn, Jody, and DaisyJane all left before Clarice, tt, and me. Could have been any one of them. Someone give me Inspector Mills' phone number! Yeeeeeya.

Actually think Bubba is HEWEY

Joe B., I prefer the BLW version but listen to the Robert Lamm version for a change of pace. I like every song on BLW which is a rarity for me.

jb

I dunno...Call me nuts but there's something about Bubba that I find almost amusing...sort of in a low brain cell kind of way...His posts provise the same kind of entertainment that watching a pack of monkeys at the zoo fling their own poo....you get a laugh, but you're not too proud that you enjoy watching it.

Two further Bubba theories:

1. Bubba is really Johnny. ( Hey, it's been 3 days since I blamed
Johnny for something ! LOL )

2.) The constant years of touring finally made Gerry snap, so
he created the Bubba alias out of sheer madness.

ANDY

Hey You people,

"Highway" is currently on sale for $39.88 at collectorschoice.com

Peace
Joe B

P.S. Somebody previously mentioned this, but I must agree "Lot To Learn" on Jeff Larson's "Room For Summer" is amazing.

P.P.S. I know I'll be villified and cast out, but I prefer the version of "Watching The Time Go By" from Lamm's solo CD to the BLW one.

P.P.P.S. Do yourself a favor and listen to "Coastline"today; it'll put you in a good weekend state of mind

Remember about six months ago we heard that there was great news just around the corner from tiny litte Oxygen? I knew that was a pipe dream. But I do wonder just what the heck is happening with any future America releases.

Since tiny little Oxygen announced that it was planning to announce great news, we've gotten great news from Rhino about the Highway release, great news from Human Nature Records about Gerry Beckely's second solo album, great news from Seven Mile Records about a slew of solo Dan Peek work and a PEACE albums, great news from America's management about an appearance on Regis.

Human Nature is now entering its third year. Let's get America back in the studio.

While I'm on the subject, I tell you what I'd like to hear. America getting together with the band and letting it air out on a studio record. An album of rockers.

If not that, then how about just an album?

KevinS.

I did it! Touchy feely, touchy feely. Like a dang "blue light special" huh, Bubba?

Touchy touchy. As expected, the groupies rally. Theres some nice folks here though. Whats the deal with the tacky ads? I'm trying to read the page and all I get are ads. Its like I'm at KMart. Who let the dogs out and caused this? Seeeeeeeeeeya

no Kevin. Groupies start out sleeping with the Road Crew. THEN you can sleep with the band!

Damn! Where's my prozac! "guppy"!

That's "Bubba"...sorry Bubb.

Yes, I'm a groupie, a guggy, a poopie, a puppy. But Buuba ain't my fault! LOL

I have been a teacher for 13 years and have enough experience and training to recognize a troubled child. So, I do feel that Bubba wants some kind of attention and is very needy and that is why he posted those comments. Hopefully, his parents will get him the necessary help or one of his teachers will recognize his strange behavioral pattern. Funny, that no matter how talented a group of performers are, they will all tell you that without the fans and supporters behind them--they wouldn't be recognized for their talent. America has and will always be a success and have a large following. This is due to their outstanding talent, good natured personalities, commitment and I am sure they would agree---their fans.
About the --Getting a Life--statement. Bubba, dear--we all have lives and probably all have it SO together and organized that we have the time to enjoy our interests too. A final note for you Bubba is a Yugoslav perverb--'' COMPLAIN TO ONE who can help you ''. GOOD LUCK

Does that mean I have to have sleep with someone in the band? I feel so cheap.

KevinS.

Well there was no school bus to miss here where I live..teachers' have a work day..so kids get to stay home. I am on a vacation day today..and get this...I'm sick..yep..sick..on a vacation day! And I can't tell you what a pleasure it is to be spending my sick/vacation day with ALL THREE OF MY CHILDREN HOME. 'nuff said...time to transform to short-order cook and laundry lady.

Did Bubba miss the school bus this Morning? Or did his Mommy forget to wake him? It must be tough on these 17 year olds who are repeating 3rd grade again. Just telling it like it iz. Seeeeeeya.

Shayne

Hey Bubba;

No, we are not a "small pack of GROUPIES" as you have labeled us.

Just friends and fans of the band America.

But what if we were a small pack of GROUPIES?

WHAT'S IT TO YOU?

Yo, drop the homeboy act. Are you down with it? Just chill. Let's shout out for a good cause, know what I'm saying?

Did Al the "Serial Exaggerator & Self Serving & Smirking" Gore by any chance ghost write the web page history which Goldie posted about and made the excitable groupies gulp down Prozac? Some people will do anything to make them look like a saint. Did the guy who wrote the web page history help Al invent the Internet too? Sounds like he's a legend in his own mind. Telling it like it iz. Seeeeeeeeeya

The Backstreet Boys, In Sink, etc. are out of the same talent pool as Milli Vanillys. They call themselves bands but couldn't play a song flute if they had to let alone write a real song. They couldn't carry real bands like Chicago, Beach Boys, Steve Miller, and Americas jocks, and probly aren't qualified anyway. Just telling it like it iz. Seeeeeeeeya

Weren't some of u a little tough on Goldie? Goldie just exercised freedom of speech. Goldies right anyway. The web history story is a big put down and self promoting and offensive to the readers. I get the idea theres mainly a small pack of GROUPIES here that need to get a life that all thinkalike. I like America. Saw them in Arizona back a few years. They still rock bigtime. Bought the boxset. Worth every penny. Enjoy the music. But show some respect. Drop the groupy act SeeeeeeeeYa

Leakycanoe asks that musical question: <<what America song would you like to hear the Backstreet boys copy....or what backstreet boys song would you like to hear America copy>>

For reasons too numerous to mention, I would prefer that America NOT cover a BSB song...and vice versa!

Howard,

Why not ask them to submit a song to your contest?

I'm still trying to find time to record my entry(ies?) and get it (them?) in b4 the end of the month. I have been working A LOT of hours at my job lately. How many entries do you have so far? Are you considering extending the deadline?

Alan

anyone see the recent movie "almost famous"? anyone dig it? was sorry to see cameron crowe did not include america on the soundtrack. it would have been a great addition since the film is set in the 70s.

crowe did say in a charlie rose interview that he was really into the beach boys song on it "feel flows. simon & garfunkel, the who, allman bros., elton john, and cat stevens were some others included on the cd.

are there any recent movie soundtracks america is on?

Jim...Looks like LisaRose has the "Gerry Interview" situation well in hand. If she comes up empty, I'll try calling WROR Boston tomorrow to see what I can find out. Like I said yesterday, I only heard a couple of statements by Gerry, mainly about "HWNN". I hope there's more "interview" but I've been listening for almost an hour this evening and haven't heard any America songs (and traditionally that is when they'd play any statements...right before or after a song.)

LisaRose...The female DJ's name is Julie Devereaux, I think! Thanks for the "invite" to NYC...but this rural New England girl "can't get there from here"! I AM tempted... and pea green with envy! You and Andy have a super time at B.B. King's! I'll be thinking of you both!

Bones???? Take me to NYC next Thursday, please? I'll let you hold up the stupid sign????!!!

...'N Sync did a copy of Christopher Cross's Sailing so thats why I thought why not have The Backstreet Boys copy an America Song....Royalties would probably be pretty good.....I would like to hear a copy of Daisy Jane....a Love song that may appeal to a young lady who is a Backstreet fan

I was composing my last message and have just now seen the close-up.

Hmmmmmm, a little, maybe.

Leaky, the photo that Steve posted is difficult to see and compare because of its size. Are we taking about the third or the fifth guy from the left?

Since I don't know the BS Boys' songs well enough, I'll have to pass on what song America should cover of theirs. But, it would be nice to hear the BS Boys cover any America tune.

Talking about boy bands, I liked watching, "Making The Band". I was sorry to see that it ended. And yes, I am a bit ashamed to admit that I watched it.

Although Leann Rimes' current hit, "I Need You" isn't like Gerry's song, it does have something similar to it. It uses similes like Gerry's. It's hard for me to understand exactly what Leann Rimes is singing but it sounds to me like:

I need you like water, like red, like gray
I need you like mercy from heaven's gate

Whatever the lyrics are, the songwriter used "I need you like..." just as Gerry did and in the form of a simile as I mentioned. Pure conincidence? I dunno!!!

OY VEY!!!!!!!

Here's a better photo (also courtesy of Leaky).

..Johnny....I just e-mailed a recent photo of the backstreet boys to Steve L.......if he can post it....you may get your chance to see the comparison

a side thought for all of us..what America song would you like to hear the Backstreet boys copy....or what backstreet boys song would you like to hear America copy...(I know you are all probably laughing at the suggestion, and I hate to admit but I do think that the Backstreet Boys do have talent and I do occasionally enjoy listening to them)

Here's a recent photo of the Backstreet Boys that Leakycanoe (Bill) sent to me. You can decide whether or not he looks like Dewey.

Erin kindly sent me some information about London's Central High School. Indeed, the school colors are blue and white and the mascot is a bobcat which is a type of wildcat!

I think we need a current photo of Dewey wearing his old high school varsity/letter jacket. How about Sir Dewey? :0 )

Thanks Erin for the info.

Hey everyone on the guest page, a person by the name of
David asks us to check out his band. THere's about 6 or 7 people
in the band and check out download and listen to their
version of "A Horse With No Name." It blew me away.
Do yourself a favor and listen to them and email them,
they would appreciate it very much.

http://web.tiscalinet.it/TheBandit

I'm eager to see the comparison, myself. A Backstreet Boy, huh? Then perhaps that makes Dewey the "Venturahighway Man".

I hope to send Steve a picture of Dan, Dewey, and Gerry taken sometime between the first "America" album and "Homecoming". It shows Dewey with the same look that he has on the "Homecoming" album cover...with a beard and long hair. I think a majority of us have never seen this picture before. Dewey's wearing his high school letter jacket with his name on it. A patch of Central High's mascot appears on the right sleeve. It looks like a cougar or wildcat. The picture is very cool looking. The jacket appears to be blue and white or maybe purplish blue and white. Dewey's in the center, Dan's on the left, and Gerry's on the right.

Does anyone know exactly what Central High's mascot is?

Nina--I didn't waste anytime and I looked the radio station up and spoke to the DJ JJ WRIGHT--what a nice guy. He didn't know about the interview but said it was probably done this past weekend. He then told me that I could listen on the internet so I did and he just mentioned my name--ironically he had just played Ventura Highway. I will try to call again when the DJ who played the interview is on. Thanks for the info Nina. Hope all is well in your closet. Wish you were coming to New York next week to see the guys at BB King's place.

Frankly, I didn't think any of the BSb's were OLD enought to GROW facial hair!!!!!!!

Oh, Nina. Anybody. Call WROR and find out about that interview. Maybe they'd be so kind to send a tape so KevinS could transcribe it for us. Kevin *is* the official chat folder transcriber of America radio interviews, isn't he?

Oh, and I suppose some of us now also want the bearded Backstreet Boy to shave, 'cuz he looks better that way. Beards rule.

Jim R.
(the increasingly grayer bearded one)

Had my head in a closet, organizing "stuff" while waiting for my ancient computer to kick in and connect to the web when I heard a WROR (Boston) disc jockey say..."Gerry Beckley of America"...

Apparently, it was a pre-recorded interview with Gerry talking about their first big hit "HWNN". I wasn't quick enough to hear all he said...but he mentioned how surprised they where when "HWNN" was picked as the first single because the song only had two chords and went on and on. Then he said that they had tried all the tricks to make the song a good song... (then he took back the word "tricks") and explained exactly how they had built the song up with the single vocal first, then the two voices, building up to three vocals and so on. The disc jockey then played "HWNN" saying that when she first heard it, she was convinced it was Neil Young.

Makes me wonder if there's any other Gerry statements I missed..or if more will continue tomorrow? It's not unusual for this radio station to play snippets of interviews with popular musicians during the rush hour. I never expected to hear Gerry! I must have been in the right place at the right time! Does anybody know how old the interview might be? Has anyone in states other than Massachusetts heard on their local radio stations?

YES...I also saw the MTV clip of Backstreet Boys...and I had the same reaction...the guy looks just like Dewey did in the old days! I was startled by the resemblance and thought if an America movie was ever made...this would be the kid to play Dewey!!

dd confirms this. She says Kevin "kind of looks like Dewey in those pictures" Said she did a double take as well. ( nice to have a thiteen year old expert in residence)

..Dont laugh but...has anyone seen the new look of the backstreet boys? I saw a quick interview with the backstreet boys on MTV the other day...one of them grew his hair out and has a beard..I swear I had to take a double take...the guy looked just like Dewey in his long hair days.....maybe it was just the camara angle...did anyone else catch the interview? tell me Im not crazy......

Thanks kiri. and thanks again to all of you.

robyn -
don't know who wrote it - but something about it has made me feel better in the past. i am so sorry.


Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.

after 7 p.m. Pacific.

The support and suggestions have been great. I have found Watership Down running thru my head ( "I can see thesre's better days. They're coming they're coming") Theresa heerself would probably suggested " A dying Cub Fan's last request" A wonderful person with a terrific sense of humor. I miss her.

My dd and I are walking in a "making Strides against Breast Cancer" 5K at the end of the month. If anyone has a name they would like me to add to my shirt, please email me. I would be honored.

I see on VenturaHighway.com that the T-shirts and hats are coming soon. Wonder if there will be any XXL T-shirts?????? I can only hope.

Robyn, I am very sorry to hear of your friend's passing. Listen to songs that remind you of the good times you had..(I know they are America songs, right?)..As you know, I lost my sister to cancer 3 years ago and since she and I were both America fans growing up in the 70's, Homecoming holds a special place in my heart, especially To Each His Own..anyway, again, I'm sorry. I have lost friends to cancer..and my brother's fiance, Pam, is still continuing her battle..

Jim, just to let you know, I read your post twice so that I thoroughly understood your confusion..and I am totally confused now as well. :-) Janice

Went down Saturday to Topsfiled, planning to attend both shows. We left around the same time as last year, planning to be there an hour before the show. In Topsfield, we ran into traffic backed up for 3 miles at a dead halt. It took us more than an hour and a half to get to the fairgrounds. Then we had to park, walk for half a mile (at least it seemed that far), get our tickets, fight our way through the crowd and get to the grandstands. Needless to say, we missed almost the whole first show. But we were there when Dewey and Gerry signed autographs. I got my Van Go Gan CD signed by Gerry and a couple of albums by both. I was hopiung to have Go Man Go and the Box Set for signing, but still have been unable to afford it.

While waiting in line, I noticed a person a couple of people ahead of me that looked an awful lot like Nina (I recognized her from the picture on this web site). She also had a small boy with her and I remembered her saying she was bringing her 5-year-old nephew to the show. I finally got up the courage to tap her on the shoulder and say "excuse me, are you Nina?" Lucky for me it WAS her (I would have felt quite foolish it it turned out to be someone else). I introduced her to my wife and the 3 of our six kids that came to the show. It was nice to meet her. She's every bit as nice in person as she is on the Chat Folder.

While Dewey was signing my albums, I explained that I got stuck in traffic and missed most of the show. I asked him if they had played Wind Wave and were they playing it that evening. To my delight, the answer was "yes". I asked if they were playing any other "new" material. He said that they had "Hangover" worked up, but decided not to play it here because they didn't think it was appropriate for this venue, because there were a lot of children. Always the professionals.

I knew this was pushimg it, but I asked if they would consider playing "Moment To Moment" at the second show. I explained that I had hoped to hear it live, but they've never played it at any of the shows we've attended. he said it was on their playlist, but they would have to polish it up a bit since it had been a while since they've played it. Jokingly I said, "Well, there's still a few hours yet before the next show!" (I knew I was REALLY pushing it then).

Anyway, the night show was spectacular as always. I thought Hank Linderman did an excellent job filling in for Mike Woods. Hearing Wind Wave performed live alone was worth the trip from Maine! What great entertainers they are!

Nina, again - it was great meeting you. Wish we could have spent a little longer chatting. Hope you had a great time at Mohegan Sun (wish I could have been there).

Sorry to hear of your loss Robyn……there are lots of great America songs that may be of comfort…….however, I have found that the music of Michael Tomlinson (michaeltomlinson.com) has always been the best music for me when I need to hear healing music…..when Michael’s sister died he wrote the song “All Love for Good”…it is on his “Calling me back to the Wild” CD……here are the lyrics:

All Love for Good
Day is just dawning
Late autumn sounds
And I'm out here watching
My breath become clouds
Those limbs seem so bare
Were yesterday green
Now I feel winter in me

Who knew your summer
Would go by so fast
We needed your autumn
Of golden to last
Oh, if you can hear me
Send down your laugh
Cause I need this
The world needs your kiss
And we all miss you still
Isn't all love for good
How do we get this misunderstood
God doesn't care who we love
Just that we do
I found the letters
You mailed in my dreams
I knew you were saying
That now you have peace
I guess now you've finally found
A world in between
And you send letters to me
I'm gonna climb up that headland
And roll out this string
I'm gonna let fly my kite
Like we did back then

And I'll know that you're with me
When you whisper up there
Oh, I still hold your memory
And your heart beats so near

Isn't all love for good
How do we get this misunderstood
God doesn't care what we love
Just that we do
©Michael Tomlinson

My humble 3 suggestions for comfort:

1. Garden Of Peace

2. Glad To See You

3. Angel (by Sarah McLachlan)

Best of luck :)

ANDY

Actually,Nina when I went to the County Far last year, one of the pigs WAS named Hammy Faye Bacon. And yes, I like the pig races! Sorry it was an unplesant experience for you. Gerry owes you one!

Hey, Janice, I can certainly understand your Atlanta situation. To show you how confused I've become, consider this:

I'm a Mets fan born in Brooklyn, but who lived 22 years in Minnesota and the last four years in Wisconsin. When people hear me talk, they don't hear any New York accent, so they wonder "Why the Mets?" Well, I was 12 when I moved from Brooklyn, where my father lived his whole life until taking us to Minnesota. I found out in 1988 that my dad was actually rooting for the Dodgers and not the Mets in the NLCS that year (even though the Dodgers moved out of Brooklyn to L.A. way back in 1957). Three years later (1991) in Minnesota, a friend of mine, an Iowan who had moved to Minnesota, told me he was rooting for the Braves to beat the Twins in the World Series, even though he had never lived in Atlanta, Milwaukee, or Boston. When people find out I live in the Milwaukee area, they assume I'm a Packer fan. "Nope, Vikings," I explain. "Oh, are you from Minnesota," they ask. "No, I was born in Brooklyn," I answer. "So why are you a Mets fans in baseball and a Vikings fan in football when you're living in Packer/Brewer country." Answer: "I'm very, very confused."

Is it any wonder I favor a band called America? I mean, that's the only place I've ever lived.

Jim R.

LisaRose..I KNOW how it is to forget to ask the guys something while you're there with them! I AGAIN forgot to ask Gerry about that Christmas song I posted a few weeks back! Oh well, I guess I'll just have to keep going to America concerts until I find out the answer!!!

Bones...If there's a DANCE in it for me, I'll BUY that darn cape and boots! About your "Gerry" sign, I don't know if he'd think it was funny! Better ask Gary! I'd never have the nerve to flash it, but maybe a guy can get away with it? I applaud your creativity all the same though!

Enough PIG jokes already! Believe me, those races WERE NOT a pleasant experience!!! (By the way...I told my nephew that Willie got a phone call from his wife and THAT'S why he wasn't able to sign drum sticks at the pig pit!) Just a little fib, but it worked! Nephew is no longer blaming ME for getting him there too late!

ONE IN A MILLION

written by GERRY BECKLEY Peformed by AMERICA

...I don't know, but I personally like "Till The Sun Comes Up Again" as a song of hope...

Robyn,
I'm truly sorry to hear about your friend.

Thanks for asking about Stephen.
He's been on imuran (maintaince med) since August and
so far so good. It's the darn prelone (steroid which has Stephen's tummy and face very swollen) we're weening him off of. Steroids when taken go straight to your cheeks and stomach. But he's in very good spirits. His outlet is music and I'm sorry to say that Broadway shows
like Annie, Sound of music, Peter Pan and Beauty and the Beast are
his niche, not America....but I'm working on it. :0)

and tummy

Thanks, guys. I just happen to have Hourglass in my portable player.

How is your little guy doing Howie?

So sorry to hear about your friend and co-worker's passing, Robyn. Howie is right-on with "Garden Of Peace". I can't think of a better song in this regard.

Robyn, 2 songs that I listened to when my son was hospitalized
in July and I was going through a very rough time.
Beach Boys/God Only Knows
America/Garden Of Peace

I came in to work this morning to the news that a friend and co worker had lost her brave battle with cancer. So, I am looking for suggestions for songs to make me feel better. Anyone have any? Thanks!

Janice- I couldn't believe it either!

Dearest Jim, with all due respect I am not a Braves fan! (Did you hear that, Robyn?..he called me a Braves fan!). Ahhhhhh..you made me choke on my morning coffee reading that..and for the record, I am a
D O D G E R fan. I live in Atlanta by default, something that I will be changing in 3 years when my 2 oldest start college (Ryan will go to Georgia Tech, AJ is hot-footing it back to Calif)..but....it's ok..it was an honest mistake and I forgive you. :=)

Hammy Faye Bacon finished second to the last...right before Jim Shake-and-Baker!

Nina, what a great aunt you are--it was wonderful to see all you guys to. The shows were amazing--Andy's review was on target. I did forget to ask Gerry one thing though--I heard something about a song he wrote or sang for a possible Dell computer commercial. Anyone know anything about that? can't wait to see them again so soon at the BB KING BLUES CLUB IN MANHATTAN. The fans I have met on here are just as as nice as the performs we are on here for.

Pig Races??? I LOVE the Pig Races. Was Hammy Faye Bacon racing?

RE Hank Lindemann-- My old friend, Lauren Wood used to refer to him as "her" guitar player. Busy guy!

Jim, you haven't missed the "Rocker" nomination deadline. Beechlady extended the date. You have until October 16. She says so in her post #13859. If you miss the deadline now, it won't be my fault! :0 )

I was at Mohegan last night, and had the pleasure of seeing Hank Linderman on guitar for Michael Woods. Hank was great. To think that he was there to pinch hit. He played flawlessly, and even better than flawless, when you consider the fact that he was just "sitting in." I especially enjoyed seeing him because of his great work on Van Go Gan. AMERICA has now been at this venue quite a number of times. They obviously feel very comfortable at Mohegan. The setting is also quite intimate for their type of music.

Thanks again Hank!!! It was great seeing you!!!

Nina, If you would of had the red cape and blue boots on and if you told me we wanted to do some dirty dancing, I would of let you go.(LOL) Still think I should of made my small sign and showed it to Gerry. I bet he would of got a kick out of it.

Wow, did I ever miss some serious sh, um, stuff while I was busy editing toy train sh, er, stuff last week! I severely missed the chat folder during my week from hell.

A coupla comments.

First, the flamer. As a one-time newspaper editor of a suburban weekly, I can assure you that the most vicious, and most inaccurate, letters to the editor usually came from people who submitted them anonymously (despite a printed letters policy that strictly stated that such letters would not be printed). I believe there are some people out there who will never understand why the rest of the world automatically discredits their opinions when such opinions are submitted in a shadow. The internet is probably the only broad-ranging venue where such an opinion can see the light of day unedited. Freedom of speech? Gimme a break. Such cowardice has nothing to do with freedom and everything to do with a narrow-minded point of view. It's posters like goldie, who takes wild shots at an individual under a hidden identity, that will eventually introduce the concept of libel to this venue. In my experience, people like goldie are best ignored.

I have corresponded with Steve (here) and with Rick Wahlgren over the past several years. I have found both to be pleasant fellows, both helpful and humble. Hopefully, these two America fans can mend whatever fences need to be mended. Regardless, I've appreciated the efforts of both to keep me in tune with America events and chit chat. I can't imagine how lost I would have been without them, roaming America aimlessly since 1996.

Second, I missed the rocker nomination entry date. Bummer. But as Dewey said, "Don't Let It Get You Down."

Speaking of Rocker, I'm glad my Mets won't have to face him. (Sorry, Janice, if you're a Braves fan.) Bring on the Cardinals!

And finally, happy birthday, John Lennon. You're 60th undoubtedly would've been as colorful as your 40th, if you were here today.

Jim R.

P.S. - Thanks for the postscript giggles, Joe.

Forgot to tell you all a cute story from Topsfield Fair on Saturday.
(I shared this tale with America's road manager and wondered if he passed it on to Gerry and Dewey after he heard it!) Early on in the concert (it might have been during the introductions) Gerry was ribbing Willie and told the crowd that Willie would be signing drumsticks at the "pig races" after the show! Well, you have to remember...I had my 5 year old nephew with me at the time... and the only thing nephew wants from Santa this year is a drum set! His eyes went BIG and he repeated to me what Gerry had said. I was hoping he'd forget by the end of the concert, but no such luck! Despite my
efforts to convince him otherwise...guess where Auntie spent MOST of her post-concert time? The lousy PIG RACES! Thanks alot, Gerry!!!

Hi to DaisyJane64 & hubby, Bones, LisaRose, Andy, Gary H & Laura...
nice to share an "America" week-end with you all! See you all again, I hope!

Hey Bones...Thanks for holding me down when the urge struck me to go dance in front of the stage!!! I was able to leave with my dignity intact!

Nina

Hey Dan,

Working the Bear's beat as a sports anchor and also being producer of their radio broadcasts this season, I've got disagree with your assessment that they "suck". You really need musch stronger words to desrcibe their incompetence.

Peace,
Joe B,

P.S. At least I've got the Cubs...oh wait, they stink too..
P.P.S. At least I've got the Bulls..oh wait, they stink too...
P.P.P.S. At least I've got the Blackhawks...oh wait they stink, too..
P.P.P.P.S. Forget it

Oh yeah, about that broken E string on Gerry's 12 string Taylor: IT'S JOHNNY'S FAULT! lol


ANDY <---------getting way too silly from lack of sleep :)

These two shows were well worth the 2+hours drive from New York. Since there were two shows, we were treated to the so called "short set". The good news was that the short set these days includes WINDWAVE and HANGOVER. What a treat !!!
The sound quality was very good (unlike the October 4 Joan Osborne show in NYC, but I digress). Clearly, the sound check was taken very seriously.
This was about the third show featuring Hank Linderman instead of Mike Woods on guitar. Hopefully Woodsy and family are doing well back home. Meanwhile, Hank proved that he was perfectly able to fill Mike's shoes (no small task!). One of his guitars seemed unusual and rare. He explained that it was made by TURNER, and that Lindsey Buckingham also uses that guitar.
With the absence of Woodsy, Dewey filled in the vocals at the end of YOU CAN DO MAGIC..."you're the one that could put out the fire....." It may seem like a trivial point, but it got me thinking about the huge number of vocal duties that Dewey's taken on over the years. He does some of Dan's vocals, I once heard him do a line in what is normally Gerry's job in You Can Do Magic, he has done McCartney's song (Things We Said Today), and of course he sang lead on California Dreaming. What's left for Dewey to cover? A Britany Spears number? lol
All members of the band were generous with their time between shows. As a fan, I am deeply apprciative of their generocity. I assume that there are things that they'd prefer to do between and after shows other than to talk to strangers. I think I do a better job of staying calm in their presence than I did years ago when I'd get within an inch of fainting.
Pete Leonardo provided me with some really usful advise on using an electronic guitar tuner. He's the guitar tech (among other things) and I was amazed at how he was able to tune up those Taylor acoustic guitars in such a loud enviroment.
As for Gerry and Dewey, the only thing I can add is that they both sounded and played perfectly. Even the broken string on Gerry's 12 string Taylor didn't phase him. This may have been the first time that Gerry performed Sister Golden Hair on an 11 string guitar! LOL
No matter, your ears couldn't detect any trouble. All in all, the two shows were a treat!!

ANDY

Highway can be purchased from 7-Mile Entertainment via Dan Peek's Website (The Store). Shipping and handling is included in the price, so it is a pretty good deal... and Dan will autograph... on request.
Tom

Well what can i say this weekend was awesome!!!!!! I was able to meet Gerry ,Dewey,and Willie and they all signed my box set.They were so nice.The shows were excellent and at the Topsfield shows i sat with Gary and Laura H. On Friday and Saturday and was also joined by Nina on Saturday.At Mohegan i enjoyed the concert with Nina,Bones,and next to us was Andy and Lisa Rose.This was definitely a weekend to remember!!!!!!

Highway & History sales ranks are at about 950 on Amazon.com today. Within 24 hours of the Regis show they had climbed to 43 & 87 in sales rank. Publicity (hype) pushes sales. America's first Album is head and shoulders above Eric Clapton’s unplugged, in my opinion. Yet Clapton’s unplugged sales rank is 350 today.

I’ve also enjoyed the updates to venturahighway.com’s look and feel. Great to see this chat folder at the top of the links list.

I'm surprised at the photo that was selected for Dewey on Venturahighway.com's home page. I definitely would have chosen a different one. I know what you're probably thinking and you're right, no one asked me.

How's 'bout them Bengals. I prefer watching my teenage Daughters volleyball games.


...Good to see venturahighway.com building thier website.

jb

I've purchased several imports from CD Now and had no problem. The quality is fine and CD Now has excellent customer service.

BTW, go CARDINALS, on a football note; do the bears suck or what?DanC.

Just got done ordering a couple of CD's from CD NOW. They are imports and I was wondering about the quality and content of them. I don't believe Ive ever purchased an import CD and would like to know. Thanks, DanC.

Hello Everybody! Just got in from the First Show at Mohegan Sun (Couldn't stay for the 2nd show because I must get up early for work). The Guys were really great. This is my Third time seeing them at the casino (But it was about the 30th time since 1975). Highlights were "Wind Wave", "Hangover" (Not one of my faves- but it was great to see the guys do it!), The jam at the end of "Sandman" was really strong too. As usual they were the consummate professionals and they made it very difficult for me to force myself to leave. Well- I gotta go. We'll talk more later!!! See Ya TeeTee

I neglected to mention that the dealings I've had with Rick and Ike in the past have always been pleasant and insightful.

Hey Robyn,

As a Cub fan, I've got to say you don't realy know the true meaning of yhat phrase.

Joe B

P.S. The Van Go Gan CD is AMAZING!
P.P.S. Sheltering Sky on BLW is also AMAZING!
P.P.P.S. Oloololo on HM (see above)

fyi:
If you are having trouble finding HIGHWAY, you can buy direct fron Rhino or Amazon has HIGHWAY, VAN GO GAN (they will be correcting the spelling on their web site, LIKE A BROTHER & AMERICA's GREATEST HITS.
Some international fans have expressed some difficulties.

I tell my dd that I had to walk two miles to school, uphill both ways! While the two miles part is correct ( yes I WAS "Walking in LA"), at least it was nice most of the time ( some winters we would get Monsoon like rains, but that's another story)

My dad and I would secretly listen to baseball in the garage. My mom did not think it seemly that a girl should like baseball. I think we "cleaned" the same dust pile all summer one year. Last year when my mom was so sick, I sat with my dad watching a Dodger game, talking baseball. It was nice to reconnect to the normal mundane world thru baseball.(BTW-Mom's ok now)

You are right Johnny. That is Gary and his lovely wife Laura in the very front row, My family and I are a back a ways. We chose our spot for maximum sound ( although we did move up toward the end) Sorry you didn't let me know you were there Larry. I had a mountain of food I had to lug home! Nice shots.

Robyn, Back when I was a boy (walking 10 miles to school in 3 feet of snow, etc.) I lived in foster home for boys and the rules were fairly strict...bedtime was bedtime period! However, many was the night over the years that I would put my small transitor radio under my pillow and listen to a westcoast game. Reds vs. Dodgers or Giants. Usually by the time the postgame shows were over it would be way after midnight and I had to be up around 4:30 am to carry out "clinkers" from the coal stove and feed "critters". That's how much of a baseball fan I used to be. Anyway, I really did'nt walk 10 miles to school in the snow. But I did miss the bus on purpose once and had to walk to school that day.

jb

Enjoyed viewing Larry Dilley's concert photos from Palmdale, CA (see the "What's New" section). I think the Inspector Mills in me spies Gary Harrison and his wife Laura sitting on the front row on the left in photo #3. Robyn must be near by, huh Robyn?

Nina, glad to hear that you and your nephew had such a great time!

the rallying cry of Dodger fans for generations---"Wait till next year!"

How's 'bout them Cardinals? Used to be a big time baseball fan (Reds)...now lukewarm at best.

Hi all! Just back from the America show at Topsfield Fair. Great show, great weather, great people! Yesterday America played in the drizzle and cold...but today they had bright blue skies and sunshine galore! Some minor glitches with the sound system didn't seem to matter to the assembled crowd. It was the short show...no Beatles song, no Three Roses, no Hangover...but a wonderful Windwave! Had a great time seeing Gary H and his wife, Lisa from RI, and FINALLY Alan and family from Maine! (Wish we had had more time to talk!) Gerry and Dewey were kind enough to sign all paraphanelia handed to them, including my box set! Both signed my little nephew's poster and History CD...Dewey taking time to chat with him about Tinman and the movie The Wizard of Oz! (Needless to say, my nephew is a bigger fan now than when he arrived...Humming all the songs all the way home !)

As I've heard many of you say: "Tonight...all is right with the world"! Mohegun Sun tomorrow...can life GET any better?

Nina

Hope you don't mind the "NIKE" logo on the socks

NO. No BLACK tube sox. They MUST be white with a red stripe around the top!

TkH<-----------("Road To Boston" fifing accompaning this post)

Hello everyone,firstly to tackle "goldie's"post,no one has heard the the name before which I beleive leaves a large question mark hanging over the entire thing,but what I will say is that Rick and Ike are missed.I do recall one of Rick's concert reviews,and an important one at that from Vancouver where "America" were backed by a full orchestra one of very few during their 30year career,also around that time I believe there was also one in Dallas but the author's name escapes me.I thought Rick threw in the towel when personal attacks were made against Barbara Bickmore via students,Steve's done a wonderful job,and I have very much enjoyed Rick's time at the helm of the "America Express Newletter" who knows Rick may tune in more often when official site is up and running,I hope so.

dark sun glasses, black tube socks and cowboy hat are optional......right?

No Robyn..nothing can make me miss the sig-alerts on the 405 and the 91! (You know the ones..all of LAPD heading for Winchells at the same time..causes quite a traffic jam)...

your advice was followed..fire, wine (actually hot sake)..and a card game with Ronnie..he beat me..I'm humiliated..that's it..I'm going to bed.

Gee Janice, kind of makes you miss those Sig-Alerts and slow speed chases, doesn't it????

This post probably qualifies me for a "Johnny Award." ;)

( Off to see if I can catch a shuttle to the train station . Bus strike enters it's third week, and it's getting ugly here. Then back here for an author Meet-and greet Sara Paretsky, Marcia Muller and Sue Grafton, ah the perks of working here!)

Have a wonderful weekend all!

...dont wear any knickers tomorrow that way they wont get in a twist(just kidding).....sounds like you need a glass of wine, a nice fire, and some soft America Music..the rest is at your discretion....have a great night

(third post today......Im outa here)

Ok Leaky..you're getting quite a bit of mileage here out of my "underwear in a knot" line..cut it out..I have a copyright on that saying..and speaking of underwear in a knot..does anyone want to hear about my morning?? (a resounding "NO")..great, I'll tell ya's about it!
Here I am, trying to get to work this morning..a terrible thunderstorm (I'm setting the stage here)..I'm in the fast lane,tank on empty..traffic was stopped and I mean stopped and it reminded me of LA...there must be something terribly wrong up ahead..nope! An 18 wheeler was pulled to the right with his hood up, police car with lights flashing behind him! Geeeezzzzzy Pete...get a life Atlanta!! And you wanna know the worst part? I had to go to the bathroom. Then...I get to work...secured parking..(I still have to go to the bathroom)..I forgot my badge..I am stopped by the gastapo security..a flight pass card and drivers license will do..sure..no drivers license to be found..(I have to go to the bathroom)...I finally pass the gastapo and enter the building..the water main is broken..no working bathrooms!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And how was your day??
I feel so much better now for getting that off my chest (and I don't have much chest to get things off of)... :-) Thanks for listening.

I like the pseudo Brittish expression "getting your knickers in a bunch" or "getting your knickers in a twist" Uncomfortable any way you say it!

V E R Y funny, Bones!!!! I wish I had the figure to pull off the entire ensemble, but alas, no! People would run screaming from the casino! I'm with Johnny...I think you've got the height to showcase the outfit to it's fullest! I DARE you! I'll see you tomorrow or Sunday!

Consider yourself "flamed", Johnny.
Enjoy your weekend everyone. This is our Thanksgiving weekend so no school on Monday! Gonna work on my tape.
j

I agree with you about "Stereo", Joe. Plus, the lyrics of "Stereo" match the subject matter:

We override
The feedback from the others
The unkind phrase
We lock-in phase
We're only really listening to the stereo

(Oops, this makes my 4th post today. I'm approaching the "worthy-of-being-flamed" zone!)

Hey Goldie,

$!#* %!$

Peace,
Joe B

P.S. Steve rules!

P.P.S. "Stereo" rules!

P.P.P.S. Postscripts rule!

Johnny, it MUST be the top (stretched WAY down over the nether regions, of course)trust me......ROFL

Ok, on to other less, eh-hem, revealing topics......

TkH<---------PikaWHO?

....when it comes to spelling my underwear are in a knot..thanks Johnny...it's all your fault

That was funny Leaky! Yep, goldie's undies are definitely like "Overwhelming World"...both are "tied up in a knot".

Sorry goldie, but this is what happens when you post without ID'ing yourself.

firestone undergarments = great example of your underware being in a knot (goldie is this your brand ?)

Lynda Carter Concert Garb = feels like Bowie, Rocky Horror, or Dead head days...(it must be October)

Mike, no doubt you meant March 99 instead of May 99 regarding post #5776.

For those of you who weren't around when Rick and Ike posted on this site, like me. Look in the archives at post 5776 (May 1999) by Rick via Beth. Ike posted several times in April-June 1999. Post 6371 is a personal take by Ike on the Dan reunion thing. I don't agree that today's America should feel slighted becasue Fans miss Dan, but do understand how it could get old. I found these posts interesting. Like Janice said, they don't seem to condone the bickering type of post by Goldie. They only want the best for America.

Johnny, I've still got "shivers up and down my spine" from the concert I went to a month ago.

That's a deal Tery, but only if you wear a one-piece bathing suit. I haven't decided whether it should be the top or the bottom. :0 )

I sent in mine!

lol Beechlady. I was kind of imagining the outfit from the Lynda Carter series myself! How about it bones? andy?

Tell ya what. Send me your lists until October 16th. You won't get a reply quickly but they will be tabbed.........(C=

TkH<------Firestone manufactured undergarments? Just a thought......

Sounds to me like "goldie" is a little bitter,,,,,,,,,,,,I'm wondering if there's a REASON for this? And as for people on this folder "believing" Steve--well I'd rather believe someone I can regularly talk with then a phantom flamer.........Steve was 100% accurate about Rick dropping off the face of the earth. He did just that with some of us who have been around a while. All of a sudden poof. Theres no jab in that, it's just the TRUTH! I believe there was no "assumption" on Steve's part, just YOURS that there WAS an assumption goldie. Big difference between assumptions and speculations.......I reinterate "you only see what YOU want to see".

TkH<-------off the Ivory box.....lol, N-E-X-T

Alright guys if you won't wear boots, I'll PAY BOTH OF YOU to wear tube tops........Deal?

TkH<---------no-can-do

I've been a Chat Folder regular since February. I don't know Ike, and I don't know Rick. However, I do know a little something about SteveL. When I came on board I had asked a few questions about America which Steve answered promptly and thoroughly. And he didn't know me at all. From my 'perspective', he's always keeping us fans fully informed of past, current, and future events regarding our favorite band. He's always sharing his X-Drive Files, and always posting relevant links for us on the internet.

The Bottom Line:

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SteveL is Cool.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Goldie is Jealous.


ps: kiri; I really enjoyed your poem.

Bummer Bones, mine too! LOL

sorry Johnny, the blue go-go boots make my ankles swell up.

Bones, if you wear a red cape and blue go-go boots, even I will show up at Mohegan and I'm not due for a concert until 2007! LOL!

Andy, you're half right. They were good days but they aren't old. Hey, I smell pizza. I think that cute littl' "Bad Andy" has been at it again. I think he's to blame. hahaha!

Wonder Women ??????? Does this mean you will be dressed in a red cape and blue go-go boots at the Mohegan? Hope to see you there Sunday night.

As hard as Steve works on this site and keeps it up-dated, he deserves to pat himself on the back. Thanks Steve.

Hey it's not too early to plan on a Southern California show next year in 2001. The Sun Theatre show in Anaheim would be a great place to see AMERICA; minutes from Disneyland & Angels stadium. Another would be Humphrey's in San Diego. I would think there is a great chance for repeat shows there next year. Just a thought, but in a way, this is AMERICA's home & the shows are always wild !
AMERICA wild !

I WISH I could go to that show. I'd love to see the guys in NYC. I bet it'll be great.....figures the one weekend I'll be in Southern California, the guys are on the east coast....you east coasters enjoy the shows!!
Have a great weekend, everyone!

Erin :o)

..ditto regarding everyones comments regarding this goldie monster
"The monster exposed himself from underground
Burning his face as he ran through the town
Hoping the patrons just don't hear a sound" ...
(Steve keep up the great work that you do!!)

What ever happened to the good old days when we just blamed Johnny for everything?? LOL

ANDY

I know a lot of people have already replied to Goldie (whoever he or she is) and I don't want to beat a dead horse (with no name?), but I just had to weigh in on the subject as well. All I can say is that in the short time that I have known Steve, he has been nothing but kind, humble, selfless and extremely willing to help wherever and whenever he can. Many times I feel that Steve has gone above and beyond what many people would for fellow America fans with no other reward than the good feeling one gets from helping another person.

Frankly, after reading the history of this web site, I just don't see where Steve has attempted to elevated himself to sainthood or portrayed anyone in an unfavorable light. If anything, it's clear from my reading that Steve regrets that Rick might have felt snubbed and is saddened by the fact that he won't communicate with him about it.

So goldie - I don't know what you've been smoking, but it has obviously impaired your judgement and ability to think rationally. And you're one to talk about being cowardly. I can't think of anything more cowardly than to lash out at others while hiding behind a false identity.

My 2 cents worth.

Alan

Sure hope Howard & many others near NYC can make that show. AMERICA's debut, I believe at BB Kings place in Manhatten. I bet it will be an outstanding show. We would like to hear the glowing reports back. Maybe BB & Lucille will join AMERICA on stage for HORSE - well just a thought. AMERICA has done awful lot of sold-out shows in NYC.

I agree with the sentiment here about hiding behind a pseudonym without access to reply directly. I have no problem with anyone disagreeing with opinions, actions, etc. but at least have enough integrity to do it in an open, honest way.

To Goldie... put on a disc, have a beer and chill out.

John Lussier jlussier@sd46.bc.ca ( a non prominent fan)

"you see, ya can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself" - that's for you, steve

out of nowhere, a phone call this morning! - now have an interview tomorrow with a company i applied to (and gave up on) long, long ago. 'bet all your encouraging words cosmically helped put that in place!

couldn't sleep last night - listened to "homecoming" - wrote this -
“revolutions per minute”
that additional instrument of soft crackle begins
until the first piano chord
they linger, waiting for 12-strings
who carry in bongos
bearing memories of oceans and deserts I haven't seen
a wobble
a skip
I catch a balance and call it an alternate mix
a survivor since ‘72 and many moves
I know every groove

Very interesting..however, not a post that I feel either Ike nor Rick would post. As you may recall, Ike posted awhile back about something that disturbed him, and he did not hide behind an alias screen name. Rick has always been very accessible and I will never forget the times that he has provided me with very helpful insight, always signing, "all the best". I'm mystified. and for the good news!

Ford/Firestone is giving me a new set of tires this weekend for my Explorer!! Bless their pointed little heads. :-) I'm having trouble selling it...my guess is that the truck has lost it's appeal but I will not make this a forum about that! Have a nice day..and don't sweat the small stuff.

Like Eddy, I have chatted with Ike a few times. He very kindly sent me several autographed photos of D&G that I greatly cherish and appreciate. I have never had the pleasure of corresponding with Rick. All of us who are regulars to this site, know Steve to be an honest, kind, and caring person. Goldie's message was sent without any identity other than a psuedo name. To me, no identity equals no weight. Sorry Goldie...try posting with a real identity.

I really am sorry that "goldie" feels that way. I have reviewed the America Fans Web Site History carefully and it is accurate as far as I know. I didn't think I took any jabs at Rick or Ike other than to say that Rick hasn't replied to my mail messages. It's true that I can't represent his side of the story but I don't know what else to do or say if he won't reply. As I mentioned in the history, Rick and Ike were very instrumental in getting me involved with America and I appreciate their efforts. They have dedicated a lot of time, money, and effort into promoting our favorite band. I have often thought about creating a couple of "Tribute" pages on the America Fans web site honoring Rick and Ike because they really were the first two involved with the online ring of America fans. They were instrumental in getting the AOL chat folder set up on a permanent basis for America fans. They were the first two to have America web sites. They are both friends of the band and I consider them my friends, too. --SteveL

I have reread the website history, & have found no "jabs" at Rick or Ike, I've allways found Steve to be very nice, & think he was being very sincere in his observations.
I'm also not going to "jab", because everyones intitled to their own opinions, I've allways enjoyed all three sites on America, I've had the chance to correspond w/Ike alittle in the past, & found him to be a very nice guy, & think he has a great website. I think the reason why I allways come to the Fans website is because it is continually being revised, allways something new to see.
Well, nuff'said from me, I need to get ready for work, just wanted to express MY opinion.
Yours In Peace,
EDDY

Oops! I said that Gerry helped produce "Carol Ann" but it was actually Gerry's friend, Hank Linderman, who produced it. Sorry about the misinformation.

I am sure we'd all love to hear what Rick has to say. He has, so far as I have seen, chosen not to. Ike occcassionally posted here in the past, but has not done so in a while. Sniping at Steve under a nom de plume isn't cool in my book.

No doubt Mike, that would be Michael's lead vocals on "Woman Tonight"! And what a fine job he does.

Sounds like another trouble maker with nothing better to do.

Damn. Just think what it would be like if America were actually popular.

KevinS.

Don't know where you are coming from anomonous goldie. I have found SteveL nothing but humble. It's Fans (like me) who enjoy this site that have been doing the grandstanding. How about sending me an objective Email about why some Fans out thier are jealous ? I don't get it.

Hey there Spurs!

Yeah, there's always one or two out there that just HAVE to make life interesting to boost their egos! The aol folder always got the flamers too,,,,,,,just a "nature of the beast" sort of thing....sigh

TkH<----------"Some will be taken, some will remain".......

Funny how one only sees what they want to see, eh? It's a subjective world out there little buddy!

Also funny how one hides behind a nonexistant "dead" screen name when they know they're DEAD WRONG!

Crawl back in your hole Goldie. You were better off lurking!

TkH<----If you don't have anything NICE to say......

In the early days there are lots of pics (I have them in my Hat Trick piano/guitar book) of the guys with Martins......

TkH<-----------High (um, er, ah...)and dry now! (C=

Hello everyone,my word this site has fired up lately.

of

I think the Martin days were soon after their debut & stratospheric leap upon the music scene, w/GERRY very fond of Martin guitars. As their live shows got in bigger & bigger venues, the Ovations made sense due to the built-in capabilities for acoustic amplification.
Today w/newer technologies, Ovation has lost some their initial niche.

I recently read the America Fans Web Site History and found it to be quite interesting. Why? Certainly not because it is a factual story about the origin of this web site.

The web site history could have been chronicled in an objective fashion, without the personal jabs at Ike Gauley and Rick Wahlgren. However, Steve Lowry cowardly chose to self-promote himself while maligning Ike and Rick. Based on Steve's essay, his behavior qualifies him for sainthood, while he paints Ike and Rick in an unfavorable light.

By Steve's own admission, he has had no direct contact with Rick Wahlgren. His information about why Rick may have discontinued his web site was second hand, and Steve sharing it with us now makes it third hand information. If there were personal differences between Steve, Ike and Rick, they should have remained private. Steve asserts that Rick has refused to reply to his messages (of course this is only Steve's version of the story). Considering what I have read, I can hardly blame Rick.

Steve Lowry never misses an opportunity to pat himself on the back. However, his grandstanding is especially repugnant when it is done at the expense of others. Even more amazing is that some of you on this board think this is okay.

What time frame was AMERICA playing Martin guitars? I'm aware that they used to play OVATION (blech!) and possibly IBENEZ. But MARTIN? Sounds interesting. When I discovered AMERICA in the 80s, I think that they were using OVATION guitars. I'm glad they made the switch to TAYLOR.
Other people that I look up to that use TAYLOR guitars: AL STEWART and JEWEL.

ANDY

Yes Johnny, in Garden of Peace Carl Wilson carries the lines:
“inside this world it’s beautiful
peace in the garden has come true”

In Come Back Jeff Fosket also carries several lines. I’m not sure Andrew Gold’s part in Barstow is more than back up vocal. Anybody beg to differ? You have to see America in Concert for the other lead vocal I was thinking of.

I've mentioned this before but after talking about Jeff Foskett's new CD with a cover of Gerry's song, Emma, I thought it would be good to remind everyone of Jeff Larson's CD, Room For Summer with Gerry's song, "Carol Ann". Gerry helped produce that song and Jeff does a great job on lead vocals. Those of you who haven't got the CD or haven't heard the song before can download an MP3 soundclip by clicking on the following link:

Carol Ann MP3 soundclip

Note: The soundclip will be available for 7 days

You are most welcome Nina. Nice that Gerry allayed your fears so quickly.

anyone up for a chat-- or is everyone watching the cma's?

Mike, would one of them be the "Barstow" portion with Andrew Gold and perhaps, Carl Wilson on "Garden Of Peace"?

Looking forward to tonight's Country Music Awards...as a country music fan. Yeehaa!!

Steve and Gerry...Thanks for clarification on Gerry's East Coast/West Coast commitments this week-end! I WAS worried there, for a minute!
(Yes, Robyn, NOW I CAN breathe again!)

You've "gotta" understand...I'm NOT a hero to anyone...EXCEPT my little nephew! He thinks I'm almost "Wonder Woman"! So disappointing HIM would have been the worst thing about a cancelled concert!(How do you make an "almost" 5 yr. old understand about prior commitments...when he's been talking about seeing "America" all summer long?!?) He's really looking forward to his first ever, real, live concert! (He'd prefer seeing "The Monkees"...but I can't quite swing that one!")

Looking forward to seeing a few of you Chat Folder Fans at either the fair or the casino!

Nina

Oolololoo is mainly a Dewey song. Though Whispering does kind of break the mold

I believe Johnny was pointing out that America & Dewey broke the mold on some Human Nature songs. VGG is not the only place Gerry experiments.

I often skip past Overwhelming World suite in my car even though I don’t mind Barstow. It starts out way too mellow for my general mood. Well, last night I enjoyed listening to this suite while in a mellow mood with the headphones on. I think thats Jeff Fosket taking lead vocal on some lines in Come Back. Reminds of two other America three part songs with 3 lead vocals. What are they ? One more question. Are there other America songs were somebody besides Dan, Dewey, or Gerry takes lead local. Back-up vocal lines don’t count.

About 5 years ago I went acoustic guitar shopping. I was completely determined to buy a Martin Guitar, mainly because that was the guitar America used. I went to the Sam Ash Music store in New Haven Connecticut. As I was trying out a Martin, I noticed they had Taylor Guitars for sale. I asked the salesperson about the Taylors and he said that they were a very well made guitar. I tried one out and fell in love with it. My ears, hands, and eyes told me to buy it, and I did. Years later, I find out that America are now playing Taylors! How interesting!

The moral to my story is to learn to trust yourself and your own instincts.

Oolololoo is mainly a Dewey song. Though Whispering does kind of break the mold.

For everyone here that plays acoustic guitar.
Check out Taylor Guitars website.
They send out a free cataloge and video, giving you a tour
of the factory and how it makes guitars. I got both. The video is excellent. They have an very innovative way of manufacturing
the guitar necks in a very different and special way.
Jim probably knows what I'm talking about.
Taylor...expense, but worth it. I'm still playing
my 1972 Yamaha Acoustic guitar and mid 1980's Takamine 12 string.
cya, HL

Just a brief reminder to submit your 5 nominations (if you haven't already done so). So far the pickin's are pretty slim, so if you don't want a "Tery-Holly-contrived-event" going on, you better email me with those nominations!!!!.....(rofl)

TkH<----------glub, glub

Yeah, that concert is WONDERFUL. I love the jazzed up versions of songs in it!!!!!! How cool is THAT??????? (C=

TkH<---------12 inches of rain, 4 feet above sea level, one day. You do the math.....UGH

Breathe again Nina!

I always thought David looked like he was having the time of his life. I admired his style. I also think America has been fortunate to find TWO splendid bass players! Brad does a superb job as well.

fyi:
As you have all seen GERRY's beautiful 12 string Taylor. This guitar is a custom made, one of a kind, Taylor - made especially for GERRY BECKLEY. It is a Grand Auditorium (slightly narrower waist than a standard dreadnought). Taylor had always recommended against such a model for various structural reasons. Now that GERRY's playing has proven the viability & sound value in such a model, Taylor is talking about a production model & probably a limited edition model for 2001, of course all in the planning stages now. It took an innovative step forward by GERRY to get Taylor to see the light. You gotta love that 12 string guitar playing w/GERRY at the helm. On the Regis show you saw GERRY play I NEED YOU on the 12 string - I have never seen that b/4.

Mike & all,
The concert in central park done around the time of SILENT LETTER was originally released on the Pioneer laser format, not sure if it is still available. I don't think it was ever released on VHS tape. Sorry. But hey it's great reason to get a DVD player. That DVD AMERICA show is quite excellent. Done in a studio w/no audience, almost like a recording session - perfect execution.

I watched the '79 Concert in Central Park video again last night. Was I ever impressed with David Dickey's bass playing. Had some truly awesome bass lines. This is certainly not to take anything away from Brad. He plays a mighty fine 4 string as well.
j

Thanks for the info on the DVD. Unfortunately, I don't own a DVD player, just a laser player. So, any suggestions on where I can get America concerts on video? Especially the Equador 1998 show? Thanks to anyone who can help!!!

Mike

There, thanks to Robyn and Steve I'm now not PeeCee illiterate anymore ("dag-gum" it, and the fact I actually WROTE IT DOWN NEXT TO the PeeCee...rofl) (C=

TkH<------------¢¢

"Oloololo" and "Whispering": two great "HN" songs by D&G that stretch America's "normal" boundaries.

Gerry wrote and said that he will definitely be at the scheduled concerts and not at the walk-a-thon. So, enjoy the concerts!

Robyn, your tip might work for Windows PC computers but I don't know if it will work on Macintosh's (since I don't have access to them to try it). On my PC laptop when I press the Alt key it tries to open the menu on my Netscape browser so the trick doesn't work for me. Thanks anyway on behalf of those who can get it to work. I still use my HTML method. Just my 2¢ worth. --Steve

Nina, I'm checking with the agency to make sure the Topsfield Fair and Mohegan Sun dates are still valid (although I'm fairly confident that they are). I'm also trying to find out the venues for the Sarasota and Islamorada concerts in November.

To get the ¢ symbol, try this

hold down the alt key, then key in 155 on the keypad NOT the numbers above the letters. This gets the ¢ sign, at least for me. I picked up this and other handy tips on making symbols from a trade publication called the U*N*A*B*A*S*H*E*D Librarian. e-mail me if you have a symbol you desperatly want to be able to type. Here in LA the Ñ symbol is invaluable!

As I may have mentioned in an earlier post, the duet which I play in ("Loose Ends") is in the process of recording a CD, and I have scrapped a couple of songs for ones that I personally think aren't as good. The reason for scrapping them was that Mike (my partner in crime) really wasn't into them at all and put what I felt to be a half-hearted effort into playing them. He couldn't catch the vision of how I wanted them to sound, either.

I decided to wait and record them with my friend Scott (who co-wrote one of them) when he comes up from Florida next summer because they are more suited to his style of playing. I would rather hold off recording them than to not have them come out the way I think they should be done. Had I done them w/ Mike, I know I just couldn't help but feel that the songs were in some way compromised and I know I would never be happy with them. Perhaps this is a similar sort of situation with Gerry's solo work.

One thing I will say for Gerry - his solo work does kind of "push the envelope", but not so far that it pushes away America fans. IMO, some artists push the envelope too far when doing a solo venture and tend to alienate their fans. A good artist can branch out and do his own thing and be able to say "this is mine" while still maintaining enough of a level of familiarity that they don't alienate their fan base - and Gerry has sucessfully pulled it off.

My 2 cents worth,

Alan

What I meant was..... Wasn't the Cancer Walk scheduled for LAST Saturday, OCTOBER 1st!? (Not Sept.) Sorry for the error.

Just following up on an observation of Robyn's....

How can Gerry be in California on Saturday or Sunday Oct. 7th/8th and also in Massachusetts & Connecticutt on Saturday and Sunday Oct. 7th/8th?

I'm getting that uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach....! Can someone confirm or deny where the band will be this week-end?

Has either of America's appearances at Topsfield Fair or Mohegun Sun been cancelled or postponed due to Carl Wilson's Cancer Walk on the west coast? (Wasn't it originaly scheduled for LAST Sat., Sept. 1st?)

The Walk-a-thon is a worthy endeavor, for sure...BUT I'll have one disappointed five year old nephew if he can't see his NEW favorite band on Saturday at the Fair!!! (Auntie Nina has NEVER broken a promise....looks like my nephew was right...we MIGHT have to get on a plane to see America!!!!)

er, um, IT'D be pretty boring (not that I'M not too...lol)

TkH<----rain rain go away, OK KEITH?

And luckily it is America and everyone is entitled to their opinions!
Otherwise I'd be pretty boring.....

TkH<----Macintosh crunching rhythem section intact

@--------/---------
@--------/---------
@--------/---------

3 Roses for Janice!!!!!!!!

(C=

TkH<-------a massively boned bustier, MAYBE........

thx steve for increasing my vocabulary. i was just reviewing my concert play lists and noticed that 'windwave' was the song chosen to bump 'another try'. just like the song tournament here on steve's website, so many excruciating choices! shariL, i was really surprised when i read your post about 'all my life' being on the playlist for the encore at humphrey's. it's my wifes favorite america song. i bet not many chat folder participants have heard 'all my life' (the winner of the ballad tournament) live. what a treat it would have been. well, maybe at the next concert.

<<<<"I wish America would get back to the rich acoustical sound of their first three albums and chuck the rhythm-section-powered-by-Microsoft crap out the window.">>>>


I couldn't have said it any better. Thanks Kevin.

In the Carl Wilson memorial post a day or two ago it mentioned Jeff Foskett as a former member of the Beach Boys. Jeffrey Foskett has a new CD out called 12x12 because it features 12 songs with 12 guests. One of those songs is a cover of Gerry's "Emma" with Gerry on background vocals, guitar, and keyboards. Other songs include a duet with Marshall Crenshaw "The Best Thing", Jeff Larson "The Word Go", Brian Wilson "Everything I Need", Robert Lamm "Living Alone", etc. Details can be found at Jeff's web site: www.new-surf.com/foskett/

Isn't the point of a solo album to strech your wings away from the group? Remember that in a group, the styles need to mesh as Kevin so aptly put it. I really like VGG ( it's the one that I'v e had in my car player for a few days) I also like Human Nature ( so much I bought it as gifts) Just as long as Dewey and Gerry keep making music in their various forms I will be happy!

Beech..I have to tell ya..I love your little comments you put after your posts..they crack me up every time..here I am at work..sipping my coffee..and along comes a post from Beech..thanks for the giggles!

Regarding the stack of plastic drinking glasses to simulate the ribbed percussion instrument: Michael had to do the same thing at the Park City concert. I was backstage with the guys when they were discussing whether or not to play "Windwave" and they decided they would if they could get the plastic cups (I'm glad they got them because it's a great song). The actual instrument that they wanted is called a huiro (pronounced wee-row) and it just so happens that I have one at my house (I bought it when I was living in Colombia, South America). I told them that if I had known they wanted one, I would have brought it with me. I guess they don't have the right packing stuff to take one with them so they have to improvise.

My two cents (sorry Steve, I forgot how to make that damn symbol again...rofl)!

I think maybe he has the "America is America" sound and uses the solo time for outstretching.......it's kind of like your beloved job and a hobby. You like them both and NEED them both!

TkH<----------no tube tops, either.....{snort}

I imagine what you're talking about, Mark, is tough for any artist.

I'm sure a lot of it is driven by record companies. They signed a band because of its past and they don't want artists straying too far from what fans want of them. Artists get trapped doing the same thing over and over. (I wish America would get back to the rich acoustical sound of their first three albums and chuck the rhythm-section-powered-by-Microsoft crap out the window.)

As far as Gerry is concerned, to me Van Go Gan was a much better record than Human Nature. Gerry did seem to be more willing to explore things as a solo artist than he would with America. Lyrically, for example, a song like "Playing God" would never make it to an America album. And that's a shame. First of all, if America would do more work lyrically like that, maybe they'd earn a little more respect. Not only that, but what do they have to lose? I really doubt that the fan base for America is much larger than the fan base for Gerry Beckley as a solo artist. The handful of us who've stayed with America this long certainly aren't going to turn away if Gerry Beckley did more Van Go Gan like stuff with America.

On the other hand, the styles Gerry expores away from America don't really mesh with Dewey's style. That's evident by records such as "Perspective" and many of the cuts on "Human Nature."

KevinS.

Yeah, Terry T, me too, ME TOO.....sigh.

Ah a margarita, a chaise lounge, turquoise waters and AMERICA-Um, can anyone say "OH, YEAH" ????? LOL

TkH<-------yeah, but no bikini....{snicker}

After listening to Gerry's outstanding solo efforts (Van Go Gan and Go Man Go) and his work on the BLW cd, it seems to me that Gerry experiments (for lack of a better word) with his music more or seems more willing to break new ground on his work outside of America, than when he works on an America cd. I'm not bashing his recent America work, it's just that when comparing his music on Hourglass or Human Nature with the aforementioned works, he seems to "play it safe" on the America cds. Again I'm not saying that's bad, quite the contrary his work on both Hourglass and (especially) Human Nature is excellent. It's just that he seems to push the envelope with his other work. Maybe Dewey is influencing him on the America stuff or maybe Gerry just tries to fit into an America "mold" or maybe it's just my imagination. Just trying to disect the music instead of a personal life!

...that's no question.
At the risk of receiving ridicule from my own Loved One, Folder Members, or hearing the chirping of crickets, I can't help but expound upon the subject of personal/public life. Many know those who have been through it, and many also have been through it themselves, as with myself. There are always at least two sides to every "story", and this story by now is more History than a current event. The very fact that Dewey is making no secrets of anything in that she and her daughter have been present at many concerts recently, and even on stage, is a sign of having moved on. I totally respect Robyn's, Johnny's, and others' answers to Spur's totally innocent inquiry. ShariL was merely reporting the facts, which were already laid down in the radio interview. I just want to again compliment the caliber and maturity of this whole Folder Gang and its Master for reminding us of how great an AMERICA site this is, how we don't resort to soap opera/tabloid levels, and how the focus is so miraculously maintained on the MUSIC, which is the Heart of it all. Wishing someday we could all meet together, the prominent and us others. The way this issue (of the past for some, but new to others) was dealt with inspires me. Excuse me while I get a Kleenex, as I wait for news of the Islamorada concert location. This is MY fault, Johnny.

Teri Beech, my Rocker choices are being refined at the moment. This is what I was waiting for!

Howie, I'm always a last minute guy, so look out!

Suite Judy Blue Eyes comes to mind at this time, or Southern Cross...hmmm...good cover songs

i was fortunate enough to attend both concerts. between shariL & jimnak they've covered most of what i was going to say. my second favorite song 'another try', played at four other concerts i attended this year, was not on the play list this past weekend...bummer! also these being my 5th & 6th concerts this year since becoming and america fan i've had the privilege of hearing 'windwave' a few times. i'm not too musically inclined, but there's this ribbed percussion instrument used on 'windwave'. i was really surprised to see woodsy play it. he used a stack of plastic drinking glasses with a rolled over lip (the part of the glass where you put your mouth to drink) and then rubbed a stick or something over the stack to create the sound. when hank linderman subbed for woodsey on saturday night this was omitted from the song. did anyone else notice? also i miss woodsey singing "i get the shivers up and down my spine, the only time i'm happy's when i know she's mine"...hank did do a fine job standing in on short notice and it seemed like the rest of the band really enjoyed sharing the stage with their friend as there was some good natured bantering that went back and forth. nanse--was that just a lucky guess when you gave dewey the three roses and the next song up was ...'three roses'?

Brad, you're right that Dan's Christmas album will have "The Star" on it. So, we can go right ahead and quote you.

Johnny ,

I think that Gerry was on a tribute Beachboys album I think around 1988, I also think Mike Love and maybe Tim B Schmidt were also on it. The Dan Chritmas CD is supposed to have the Star on it, but do not quote me

Brad

I don't think it's all instrumental, but I don't know for sure. There should be soundclips of all the songs posted within a couple of weeks on Dan's web site and then we'll know.

Thanks for the special sneak preview, Steve!
Do you know, is the whole cd instrumental?
ShariL <><

That's right Spurs! I got lost driving to the signing yesterday ( NEVER use mapquest they give you TMI) and I did the only logical thing. I blamed Johnny. };P

Hello everyone,as I had mentioned in my previous post I did not wish to offend,reading sharL's post came as quite a shock and I do agree private lives should remain private.I remember posting beer cans and ash trays sometime ago and was the recipient of a quite terrifying post whereupon I was labeled irresponsible and accused of stereotyping,my post had been taken quite literally and I was speaking in terms of rock'n'roll cliche,since then I have trodden carefully and sometimes when posting I do feel like I'm treading on eggshells,but I believe it is important to have a sense of humour no matter how different.Besides I can always say Johnny made me do it.

As a BONUS to America fans and chat folder participants, Dan and Tom Peek have pre-released a soundclip from Dan's forthcoming Christmas CD. This soundclip isn't even available on Dan's web site yet. To download the soundclip of "Oh Holy Night", click on the link below which corresponds to the format you prefer and follow the instructions on the page that comes up. A big thanks to Tom Peek for making the soundclip available and to Dan for allowing America fans to be the first to hear it. Enjoy!

Oh Holy Night Soundclip - MP3 Format
Oh Holy Night Soundclip - WAVE File Format

Note: The soundclips will only be available for 7 days.

It was a question asked in honesty. Keep asking questions Spurs!

My only two cents on this topic is that if in fact there is trouble, then I wish all those involved peace and happiness.

ANDY

I used to regret some of the things that I've posted, but I don't feel guilty anymore since I learned that it's all Johnny's fault :O)

ANDY

....Michael Woods also played on Michael Angeloff's CD which is reported as being the last recording appearance of Carl Wilson..www.michaelangeloff.com

Yeah, me too......rofl!!!!!

TkH<------got any Buspar?

In defense of Spurs, I don't think he (or is it she) meant anything hurtful. It was just a question posed with sincerity and curiosity, in my opinion. Now we all know what the boundaries are. Spur's been a great fellow-fan and has posted many good questions and comments. We all post things we regret now and then. At least, I know I have.

I think I recall reading that Gerry subbed for one of the Beach Boys for a short time. Perhaps it was during a lull as an America member.

We're here to make friends...old & new...from far & near,
welcome newcomer friends, laugh, chat, discuss, opinionate, share, experience concerts, collect, gather, remember, communicate about the greatest group ever............AMERICA!

What are we?...a bunch of YENTAS? NOOOO!!!
Let's abide by the guy's wishes about their personal lives.
Face it, everyone has problems!
Keep It On The Road....HL

What I'd like to know is how he can be two places at once! Isn't he supposed to be on the East Coast? Darn, he's GOOD!

Gerry Beckley of America (former Beach Boys band member);


I know from this Fan site that Carl Wilson and Bruce Johnston has contributed vocals to America studio cuts, Gerry has collaborated with his friend Carl on projects like the BLW CD, America has headlined with the Beach Boys in concert, America was influenced by the Beach Boys, and Gerry Beckly gets around in the music scene. But, who can tell me when Gerry was a Beach Boy band member either live or in the Studio? Just curious.

No one deserves to have their private lives dissected by total strangers. Both Dewey and Gerry are very generous with their time and extremly gracious to their fans. We, in turn, owe them the respect to keep their private lives private. Dissect their music, look for meaning in the lyrics, but let's not get into someone's life. Just my opinion, here.

Mark, thanks so much for sharing that information with us. I know that Gerry was a very good friend of Carl and it's great that he can help support this wonderful cause. As a cancer survivor myself, I appreciate activities like this and celebrities who are willing to give of their time for such a great cause.

It's a shame, but Dewey's situation is not a secret. I believe he said in the radio interview several months back that he was living with a woman. It's tuff to have a private life when you're a public figure. Bad things happen to public people, including the break-up of marriages. It's a shame and I wish bad things didn't happen to people, but Dewey's personal life is really none of our business. I'm sure we all have friends and family members who have been through similar situations.

Got this email today, thought I would pass it on. Mark (InKC)...

The Carl Wilson Foundation Sponsors Third-Annual Walk Against Cancer in Malibu Oct. 7-8

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 2, 2000--

Carl's Sons, Jonah and Justin; Chicago's Robert Lamm; Christopher Cross; and Other Surprise Celebrity Friends of The Beach Boys to Appear Three years after The Beach Boys' Carl Wilson passed away from cancer, the Carl Wilson Foundation (CWF) will host its annual Walk Against Cancer to raise funds and awareness for cancer research.

The third-annual event will be held at Paradise Cove and Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, Calif., on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2000, and Sunday, Oct. 8, 2000, respectively.

A star-studded lineup of musicians will be accompanied by the first appearance of Carl's wife (and Dean Martin's daughter), Gina Wilson. This is her first public appearance since Carl's death on Feb. 6, 1998. Tickets are $37 and include an all-you-can-eat BBQ lunch, access to a Beach Boys memorabilia auction and a free concert. For tickets call 310/888-3545. For more information visit the Web site http://www.carlwilsonfoundation.org.

A true gathering of family and long-time personal friends of The Beach Boys, festivities will begin on Saturday, Oct. 7, from noon to dusk at Paradise Cove, the same place where The Beach Boys shot the cover of their first album, "Surfin' Safari," in 1961.

An old-fashioned Malibu beach party will be held and feature a mini-concert with Jeff Foskett (former Beach Boys band member), Billy Hinsche (former Beach Boys band member and Carl's cousin) and John Zambetti (The Malibooz).

On Sunday, Oct. 8, the day will begin with a hike up a Malibu mountainside, a BBQ lunch and an all-star jam featuring The Honeys (Marilyn Wilson, Diane Revell and Ginger Blake -- wife, sister in-law and cousin, respectively, of Brian Wilson); Ricci Martin (Dean Martin's son and Gina's brother); In Bloom (Justyn Wilson, Carl B. Wilson and Mario Tucker -- Carl's son and Dennis' son); Carnie and Wendy Wilson (Brian Wilson's daughters); Billy Hinsche; Gerry Beckley of America (former Beach Boys band member); Robert Lamm of Chicago; Wayne Tweed (studio musician for The Beach Boys and Smokey Robinson); Jeff Foskett; Bobby Figueroa (former Beach Boys band member); Blondie Chaplin (Rolling Stones guitarist) and Ricky Fataar (Bonnie Raitt's drummer) (Carl's friends from South Africa and former Beach Boys); and Michael Angeloff, a new artist, whose CD features Carl's last performance.

A live auction will feature items including: Dean Martin's golf clubs; Brian Wilson touring memorabilia; Ringo Starr's drumsticks; a Brian Setzer autographed CD; Nancy Sinatra's autographed CDs and video; Roger McGuinn, Brian Wilson, Joe Walsh, Gerry Beckley, Robert Lamm and Beach Boys posters. Remaining auction items will be placed on eBay to benefit the foundation.

CWF's charitable mission is support for cancer research and assistance to cancer victims (especially musicians disabled and impoverished by the disease), with the goal of improving their quality of life. The Carl Wilson Foundation (CWF) has been established by Jonah and Justyn Wilson (Carl Wilson's sons) to oversee the distribution of these funds, and to help insure that the battle against this terrible disease will continue.

--30--jap/la

CONTACT:

The Carl Wilson Foundation

Betty Collignon, 310/888-3545 or 818/760-2511
or
Brown & Dutch Public Relations

Alyson Dutch, 310/456-7151 or 310/883-2059 (media)

Virtual Press kit at www.bdpr.com

It is estimated that the Caribbean Christmas CD will be released in about 2 weeks. They are presently in the "quality control" stage. Once they have approved it quality-wise it will be out very quickly. And yes, they will making sound clips available. --SteveL

Here's my opinion. Gerry and Dewey are very outgoing with their fans and make themselves available much more than many other artists. However, they prefer to keep their personal lives to themselves and keep that separate from their lives as public figures. I think we should respect their desires and stay away from any kind of discussion of their personal life. That's just my opinion but it's a request of theirs that I plan to honor. --SteveL

fyi.
Paul Reuther who went to school w/AMERICA & worked for them for a while, was at the Sun theatre show, he lives just a few miles away.
Lots of neat memories.

Spurs, its's just my personal opinion here and certainly not meaning to speak for anyone. I think some topics are off limits. This would definitely include Dewey and Gerry's personal life. I hope you agree.

(I said, "Ferry Cross The Mersey". I dug out my 45 record and I see it's "Ferry Across The Mersey".)i

Hello everyone,it is with some dismay I read shariL's post 13737,it would seem that Dewey has a girlfriend and here's a thing with the internet,"to comment or not to comment" one would say this is of a quite personal nature,does this mean that Dewey's marrage to Vivien is over? and maybe this accounts for his moving from the glorious spectacle of Marin County located the other side of the Golden Gate bridge to Los Angeles.There has always been thankyou to Dewey's family in the credits of most albums,and a relaxed photo of the couple on the Harbour poster,thats all I'd better say,I recall looking into Gerry Rafferty's home page who had gone through a recent split with his wife,and was discussed by all and sundry with not a comment of course from GR.Dan's autobiography makes for some very interesting reading and I beleive Gerry would make a wonderful job of performing it.I hope I have not offended anyone with my observations.

While there, you will see what my earlier post today meant regarding how I'd love to hear Gerry sing, "Ferry Cross The Mersey".

If you haven't been following Dan's serialized autobiography (or even if you have), you'll want to start reading it now as he has finally met up with Dewey and Gerry and is starting to make music with them. Here's a link to Part 11 of the story.

Yes Jim, I am here and did have a fantastic time last night at the Sun Theatre. I want to thank you again for getting the stuff signed for me. The venue is a lot of fun because you can have dinner and a show and not feel as crowded as a lot of other dinner theatres. I haven't been on the chat folder for awhile but have been reading what everyone has wrote. I sure do love seeing the guys in concert. I gave Dewey three roses before he began the song and I snuck up to the 3rd row to watch the rest of the show. I am so bad!!!!!!!! At Humphreys the night before it was just tooooooooooo crowded. I brought my 11 year old son with me and we sat way back in the 21st row. Kind of a bummer. Hoping to go to Vegas in December!!!!!! Take care.........Nanse

Well I am back. It took forever to get to Long Beach due to a sig-alert ( that's LA-speak for a major traffic jam) on my chosen route. Smallish but entusiastic crowd ( they made a mint on the guy just ahead of me. He had, I believe, NINE cd's and came back with another stack a bit later. dd got her's signed and i had two myself. I must say how nice everyone was. The Wilson brothers were so polite. Robert Lamm introduced himself to my awe-struck daughter. I had said a breif hello to Gerry when he came in. He said to my dd "I've seen you before" She was too shy to reply. So thanks everyone. That was neat

Hope to see some of the photos ( camera still broken here). So all you lurkers who took pictures --how about it????

Ok, as was suggested a while back.................I introduce to you a new contest NOT to compete with Howies, (PLEASE SEND YOUR TAPES IN TO HIM, under penalty of unmentionable nastiness!!!!!!!!!!)this one is the companion to the "Ballads" contest in March of this year. The America Fan's Chat Folder ROCKERS contest is now officially on!

Send me your top 5 Rocker Songs.
The list will consist of 64 songs and the usual brackets will ensue.

I will accept nominations until October 7th (yes I know, only one week, but I'm going on vacation from the 7th-15th). SO b's and g's get your lists together and email them to me! If the list is deficit of 64 I will round it out myself,,,,,,,,SO if you don't want to be at MY mercy (rofl)........send 'em in.....lol!!!!! (I only had to put in 3 for the last contest!)

TkH<-------Marlin's last game today! Yiiiiiiiiipppppppppppppppe!!!!!

Jim, thanks for sharing all that information. It's great to be able to stay in touch with what's going on with the band.

". Well due to unforseen circumstances, at approx. 4:30pm, 4.5 hours b/4 showtime, Hank gets a call to come on down & play lead guitar."

Does this mean that Mike is now a Daddy? If not is Mom doing alright?

ANDY

Ferry Across the Mersey..geez..I am really gonna date myself by stating that I saw the movie (with Gerry and the Pacemakers) back in the early 60's!
Speaking of movies, I am making my movie debut (mentioned several months ago) in the Denzel Washington Titan movie that was released this weekend. See if you can pick me out..I am in the stands (they put my hair up because I didn't look 70's enough)..then again they may have clipped me out! Lol...
See all the inspiration you receive here, Kiri? Yah, most of us are VERY old, and we have had our share of "stuff"..I sometimes WISH I would "get the pink slip"..I'm in my 19th year dealing with "corporate crap" (sorry..I refer to it as that)..and so fed up that I am returning to school in January in order to prepare myself for major changes! My passion is to write..and I am going (and doing) just that...I hope you find what floats your boat as well! It's a glorious Sunday..enjoy!
Oh..and congrats to the new papas..Michael and Willie!
Janice

Sure hope there is someone out there who was at AMERICA's debut at the Sun Theatre in Anaheim California. For the 2nd day in a row, AMERICA sold out completely, the previous day was San Diego; 1,200 excited fans ! An outstanding show, everyone on their feet & screaming. A really outstanding show. WIND WAVE, WEDNESDAY MORNING, WHEELS, NEVER BE LONELY, THREE ROSES just to name a few stand-outs. By the way, AMERICA's lead guitarist' Michael Woods' wife is expecting & the game plan is for Hank Linderman to step in sometime in the next few weeks, until Michael returns from "maternity" leave. As you may know, Hank has co-produced & performed w/AMERICA, a terrific musician & a gentleman too. Well due to unforseen circumstances, at approx. 4:30pm, 4.5 hours b/4 showtime, Hank gets a call to come on down & play lead guitar. A real gamer he made it in time & the show was a huge success.
By the way, on the same day, DEWEY threw out the 1st ball at the Angels game, quite an hour & a lot of fun for DEWEY. All in all it was a very fine & satisfying Friday & Saturday for AMERICA. AMERICA is stronger than ever. See them live !

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Last Revised: 5 November 2000