Archives: December 2000

Many of you voted for your top 3 songs of all time on the WABC 77 web site. Two America songs made it in the top 30. Ventura Highway was #28 and A Horse with no name was voted #11. There were some complaints that we stuffed the ballot box and some votes were not counted. However, 11 & 28 is prety good. I'll mention it again next year when the voting starts up again. Thanks for showing there is no stopping the great America fans. By the way, the number 1 song for the 3rd year in a row was Hey Jude by the Beatles.

I hope you all have a great 2001.
Mark

the best part was not having to give up "another try" to hear "windwave". they did them both. woodsy did a fine job playing the drinking glasses on "windwave" & i always love his contribution of 'i get the shivers up and down my spine, the only time i'm happy's when i know she's mine' on "woman tonight". i think "woman tonight" is the most fun song they do. "wheels" is a great song. they didn't do "horse" as an encore the second night. it was included in the regular set. the venue was a hotel ballroom. i'd guess there were about 1,500 people there. dewey's son and some of his friends attended. i was a great way to end the year.

playlist from las vegas 12/29 & 12/30. same list both nights.

1. riverside
2. ventura highway
3. magic
4. don't cross the river
5. daisy jane
6. windwave
7. another try
8. three roses
9. i need you
10. wednesday morning
11. wheels
12. tin man
13. woman tonight
14. only in your heart
15. california dreaming
16. lonely people
17. hangover
18. things we said today
19. never be lonely
20. sandman
21. sister golden hair
22. horse

;-)

In the film Hideous kinly theere is a song from America, I am not sure of the tittle but I think its called "In the morning". It appears during the end credits before the Moroccan a capella tune is played.I fell in love with this song and cant find the lyrics anywhere. Can someone help me please? Thanks!

Robyn, I know the three of you will have a great time tonight. I can't think of a better way to bring in the New Year. I just wish I could be there too. Will be looking forward to a report of tonight's activities from you or others attending.

Happy New Year to everyone online!!! I can't believe it's another year already!

And YOU (and the family)TOO!!!

EVERYONE BE SAFE and have a wonderful celebration!

TkH<--------hip replacement?

Happy New Year to all of you! My family and I will be ringing in the new millennium ( and yes, 2001 officially begins the new millennium) in a wonderful way. The concert will be a lot of fun. Take care everyone.

Well..thanks for the tidbit on Rundgren..I didn't know he was in Nazz. Later in 1972 he did a song called "I Saw the Light" that holds special meaning for me..my first love from high school that I later lost to cancer..anyway, thanks for the info! See what I learn here? Lol..

After Dewey mentioned Mark Knopfler’s new CD on Rock Line I went out and bought the CD…. I have always enjoyed Knopfler’s guitar work and music…this CD may not be for everybody but I really like it…there is a song about touring America called “do america” that is a fun pop song ( I am sure Dewey, Gerry, and the band can relate to this one) ….the first two cuts are strong the first listen…I really like Prairie Wedding (cut number 8)……a love song story in Knopfler’s tradition…(Romeo & Juliet)

Other CD’s I recently purchased and like are: Lyle Lovett – Road to Ensenada, Collectice Soul – Blender, Neil Young – Siler & Gold, Michael Tomlinson – Run This way Forever, and I love America’s - Highway !!!!!!!!

…thanks Pat for mentioning Mary Coppin’s music…she is a very talented singer songwriter..(I have a link to her web page on my tiny little self indulging web page www.geocities.com/leakycanoe)..


Happy New Year Everyone!!!

Happy new year for all

LisaRose ... you are correct! Todd Rundgren was a member of Nazz and did write "Hello it's Me". I like the Nazz version better than Todd's solo effort.

If you go to the www.cdnow.com website and do a search on "Nazz" you can check out the band's bio. Also, 3 albums from the band are now availble on CD.

Yes, I heard of the Nazz and if my memory is correct, I believe that Todd was in thet band. I know he wrote the song. Todd Rundgren is another favorite of mine and I have one of his drumsticks that he played "Bang The Drum All Day" with when he played with Ringo Starr a few years ago. He is an incredible musician/producer.

Has anyone ever heard of a group from the 60's called Nazz? They did the original version before Todd Rudgren of "Hello, It's Me". Just wondering...
Threw a hip out, Beech?? Well..guess what Grace (me) did?? Got out of my car yesterday in my company parking lot and went splat on a sheet of ice. Hurt my hand, my back (not to mention the accompanying embarrasement)..Ouch. This has not been my week. :-( Where's the motrin? 800mg motrin, that is. Happy 2001 everyone!

Ok, so what ever happened to Percy Faith?

(C;

TkH<-----threw the hip out

I can't say that i know much about THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS, but one of my all time favourite artists, AL STEWART loves them. :)

ANDY

speaking of giants - tell me somebody out there loves They Might Be Giants as much as i do.

Talking about other bands, some being Christian artists, among my top favorites is a Christian band called David and The Giants. I don't care much for their hard rock songs but I absolutely love their ballads. They really touch the heart! Is anyone else familiar with them?

Check this group out--at http://www.swandive.org/ and go to music and hear a clip. I think they are really good--let me know what you think

John, another fine band ... from Colorado is the "Samples". They do allot of college circuit touring. At http://www.thesamples.org (The Samples fan web site) there are a few live mp3's available for download. I personally recommend their CD from a couple years ago entitled "Outpost".

John, another fine band ... from Colorado is the "Samples". They do allot of college circuit touring. At http://www.thesamples.org (The Samples fan web site) there are a few live mp3's available for download. I personally recommend their CD from a couple years ago entitled "Outpost".

As Kevin already mentioned, Howard has received quite a few songs and he's working on getting them ready to be posted. There were some unforeseen difficulties that delayed the process, but I believe they will be coming. Howard, can you give us an update?

John; a few months back, Leaky had mentioned about a female folk singer from California, by the name of Mary Coppin. I bought her CD: A Room Up For Rent; and I must say; it is fabulous. Because of this chat folder, I have bought several fine CDs (Peace, Jeff Larson, and Mary Coppin).

Thanks Leaky for the excellent recommendation.

Have a Happy New Year everybody.

guster is rather neat. as is switchfoot (you seemed to have listed alot of christian artists) there is a new guy out named ryan adams who is absolutely mind blowing. on one listen he jumped in to this years top five at the last minute. VERY beatles/dylan. in the best of ways. there is also a local band that i just accidentally stumbled on called am vibe (they're stuff i s available on mp3.com, i dunno about cd's yet.) but i've been listening alot to them too. very kim deal/my bloody valentine/love and rockets kind of stuff.

happy new year.

mB

John .... my daughter recently recommended the band "Guster" to me. I've Napster'ed several of their songs - all excellent: Fa Fa, Center of Attention, Airport Song, Happier, to name a few. Check them out ... satisfaction guaranteed.

Alibi_95: I think Howard mentioned it a few weeks back. If I remember correctly, the contest got a very good response. I think Howard said he's now trying to find the time to get all the songs downloaded.

KevinS.

>>>Any other "must haves" you'd like to suggest?<<<

I am partial to a band called " the late Walter Phobicman" their latest release should be available soon, via their website www. phobicman.com

Steve Lowry or Howard Lieboff,

A few months earlier, there was supposedly a "cover your favorite America song" contest/just-for-fun deal.. whichever.
At any rate, I took the deal very seriously, and cut a good studio-quality cover of I Need You. (mixed as a CD single, complete with cover art, and information about Donald and myself and why we paid homage to America.) I was in a big hurry to get it out, as the contest was said to end the first of November. OK, so my pont is.. what happened? ..did no one take this seriously besides us? If so, why haven't the songs been posted? Well, maybe it was just for fun.. but I spent a good bit of time on the tune.. I mean, hey.. don't get me wrong.. we had a blast doing it. I just want to shout it from the rooftops: "Thanks, Gerry, thanks Dewey! You inspired me to pick up a guitar. In addition to the 100-some original songs you inspired us to write, here's one of yours!"

Sorry, guys.. I just wanna know what happened.....

I just happened to stop by Dan's web page store and 7 Mile Entertainment is selling the Highway box set for only $29.95! I have never seen it anywhere close to that cheap anywhere else. Almost makes me wish I had held off on buying it. Those of you who have yet to purchase it, I would recommend that you wait no longer. I don't think you will find a better deal. Dan's web page is at http://www.danpeek.com/. Just click on the Store and then the 7 Mile button.

>>It would be great to see Kiri, Beechlady, and/or some other regular >>visitor win an America dream vacation.

What a nice sentiment, Mike. BUT, it'd also be nice to see YOU win!!

(C=

TkH<------felt&tar&nails. Oh MY.

Hi Kim,
It's great to hear from a former bandmate/friend of AMERICA!!
I have a question for you, you mentioned you had one of the first & only Rickenbackers. According to the Rickenbacker Registration page (A GREAT site, all you need to know about RIC's, there is a link to it on this webpage) one of the first 360/12 strings was sold to Suzi Arden in July of 63", (the 2nd 12 string , which was made at the same time was delivered to George Harrison by Mr. F.C.Hall.) The guitar then moved to Route 66 Guitars in 1989, then sold to Oyama Katsuyuka in 1992 who is the current owner.
Please, bear in mind, I'm not trying to doubt your claim, just telling you what I read. If you still have your RIC, I'm sure they would be interested in it, & it's history on the Ric website. Check it out!
Sorry this was so long.
Take Care,
EDDY

Haven't posted for a long while. All the best of the season to everyone out there, especially Gerry and Dewey and the rest of the band.
Didn't get any America stuff for Christmas (only the '85 "In Concert" cd is lacking from my collection) but did give some away ( Human Nature to my brother, BLW to my brother -in-law and the Peace trilogy to my sis,)

Gave my wife Taxiride (recommended here by several people). Great stuff.

Thanks to all of you for introducing me to some great music through this board. (Jeff Larson, Peace, Jars of Clay, Endorphins, Taxiride are some of the artists I've tried and loved on your recommendations) Any other "must haves" you'd like to suggest?

j...from the not-so frozen north...just rainy

Yes, we do know, Robyn, but you are the chat master and it's just not the same without you...(LOL2).. I won't be able to join next week but I'll be there in spirit for a heavy dose of People in the Valley.DanC.

"You Can Do Magic" has been released on the following albums: View From The Ground, America In Concert (85), Ventura Highway And Other Favorites, The Very Best Of America, Encore: More Greatest Hits, Hourglass, America In Concert (95), You Can Do Magic, Premium Gold Collection, Centenary Collection, and Highway. Among all of those releases, there were 4 different versions of the song. The original was released on View From The Ground and the first live version was released on the 1985 America In Concert album. As already mentioned, the song was redone on Hourglass in 1994. Another live release of the song came out on King Biscuit's 1995 America In Concert CD which was taken from a 1982 show.

Could be from the outstanding AMERICA release HOURGLASS ? They had re-recorded YOU CAN DO MAGIC for the HOURGLASS release. HIGHWAY is AMERICA's latest. By the way Amazon has finally corrected the spelling for VAN GO GAN, GERRY BECKLEY'S solo debut masterpiece. Amazon should have virtually all AMERICA & GERRY releases.

Perhaps it's from "Hourglass". But that version isn't that different to me. I know many of you probably disagree. Plus, I think Andy would be very familiar with "YCDM" from "Hourglass". Right, Andy?

I should know the answer to this, but somehow I missed it. I was driving home yesterday with my car radio tuned to an oldies station. At 4:40, they played YOU CAN DO MAGIC. (the fact that an OLDIES station played that song is pretty depressing, but that's a seperate set of issues). Anyway, this was definitely NOT the usual version that I've come to know from THE VIEW FROM THE GROUND. In fact, I don't ever recall hearing this particular version. I wouldn't say it was "live", but it had a different feel to it. I left a message with the station manager, but he never returned my phone call. (Typical New York attitude). So does anyone out there have any theories about what I might have heard? What alternate version of YOU CAN DO MAGIC is out there?

ANDY

good year for all

You know, you guys CAN chat if I am unavailable (lol)

Next week, if everyone is agreeable, I propose a group listen of "Hearts" We can start to listen at about 7:15. Hope to see everyone there and a few new "faces" as well. Everyone is welcome!

I've been away for a while. Enjoyed scanning the post's of familiar America Fans today. Great to see America is coming to Salt Lake City on my Birthday in 2001. Hope it isn't another private gig, unless I'm invited (LOL).

Great to see Leakycanoe get the Highway box set for Christmas. For those that didn't, it would be the first thing I'd buy with any cash presents. The 3 CDs are constantly spinning in my cars six CD changer. Maybe I can add the missing songs from my America, Homecoming, Hatrick, Holiday, etc. CDs using my new CD-RW Christmas present. Waiting for that original Hattrick release so I can include it. Any word on when it will be released?

I’m also disappointed in not hearing anything more about that Caymen Islands contest. It would be great to see Kiri, Beechlady, and/or some other regular visitor win an America dream vacation.

Well I'm going to go listen to that Rockline broadcast I missed.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. I'm Kim Shaheen, one of Gerry Beckley's best friends from 1969-70, when we were THE recording duo of London and Dewey Bunnell was our engineer at Morgan Studios. We cut many songs there, I had 1 of the 1st/only Rickenbacker 12-strings in England (a certain George H. had the other). We did such tracks as "Clarice" (and got to listen to Rod Stewart's 1st album w/the Faces, we had the room with the good monitors). Well, my reckless drug use/insensitivity,etc. finally messed up my bond with Gerry and after 20 some years clean, I would really like to reach them and talk/play/record again. I publicly apologize to all your fans for any embassassment I have may have caused. I was only 16-17 at the time. My new site/band ThunderBisquit is at www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Balcony/6981 where they can get ahold of me, and also hear song clips. I hope 30 years is long enough. Kim. PS:Gerry, how of I get ahold of Becky Henley?

Alright !!!!! The guys are coming to North Carolina. Boy Sept is a long way away though, but I will be there ,God willing, Joe

My married daughter called to tell me that the guys were on Regis but I was out shopping. So my youngest daughter threw in a tape and recorded it for me. I didn't have the heart to tell them that I already had it recorded from it's initial airing, but it's good to know that all of our friends and loved ones are watching out for us.

My boss tried to call me at home, but I was sleeping and didn't hear the phone!! Luckily, I have the greatest boss in the world, so she threw in a tape and recorded it for me!!! Lookin good guys!!

Erin :o)

How far away is Altoona from Peoria Il.??? The 18th is my B-Day and I can't think of a better way to celebrate number 45 than to go to a show. If not we'll keep our fingers crossed for an Il. show for 2001. Happy New Year to all my AmericaFan brothers and sisters.DanC.

Just missed u WW. That's poor timing on my part huh? Well maybe next time. DanC.

america in cold barren iowa in cold miserable JANUARY!?! no way! don't see any illinois dates yet. does this mean the 18th will be my only chance to catch them nearby in 2001?

i thought there was supposed to be a contest or something for the caymen islands gig that i had promised my friends i would win in a "marcia get davey jones to play at her prom" sort of way. but i could maybe swing, what is it...altoona?

p.s. santa gave me two live america cds, a ramones double cd, ween, and reo speedwagon. all over the map on music this year.

ok, so, like, where is everyone? ...there it is that muskrat song again! steve, thanks for taking the time to post the rockline links. if anyone hasn't noticed, steve has added a bunch of gigs to the 2001 odyssey tour.

Steve,
I think they were just listing some of their popular songs and that it isn't the set list. Actually, it is certainly worth the trip to find out---but for me I think Iowa is not a hop skip and a jump from NYC.

Due to family committments ( I am having them committed) I will not be in the chat room this evening. Have fun!

See you next week.

..Steve....a venue named Prarie Meadows.....yep howdy do....sounds like Muskrat country alright....just kidding...

Ok. Since I have the "equipment" to do it, if you all chip in to send me, the DAT recorder and my mikes and mixer, I will volunteer to bootleg the acoustic in yonder Caymens.......do you think they'll notice me (to bust me)with ALL THAT STUFF? Hey, if you're gonna do it, do it RIGHT!!!!.....SNICKER! Now if I could just get a digicam for my iBook/iMovie I'd do the VIDEO too.....ROFL!!!!

Ok, dream over. Just kidding. Sigh.


TkH<--------ready,willing,able.....

I just checked out the Prarie Meadows Racetrack and Casino web page (www.prairiemeadows.com/) where America plays on January 18th. Here's an excerpt:

When you come in Italy for a your concert?
I hope in that
bye bye Ciao

....caught the last song "Horse".....Young Moon mentioned it on the folder the other day but I had forgotten about it.....my Daughter, however, called me this morning to tell me to turn on the TV because America was on.....(my kids know thier Dad)...

(thanks Kelly and Steve for the Rockline Soundclips, we need to find a way to get someone to the Caymans to record the acoustic show)

Ramadan Of course, how could I have left that one off the list?

I BOUGHT my OWN America related gift. dh is still having apoplexy about it, but will get over it once he gets to the concert, he always does.

A joyous New Year to all

Well Beech, thanks for adding a chuckle to my day..and Howard, eggnog was the furthest thing from my mind...but thanks for the suggestion. Also laying off the leftover (and over) Chinese.
Well, no America gifts this year...got Journey, Tom Petty and Santana though. (Thanks, kids!) Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday...too many names to list but you know you who you are. :-)
Back to work and planning a quiet New Years with my children..classes start in January (yep, Mom is heading back to school)..and my resolutions..hmmmm..can't improve on perfection! LOL!!! :-)

Today America was on and they played "A horse with no name" and "Ventura Highway" They looked really great. Hope you got a chance to see them....

I'm no musicologist, but I'd agree that the guitar in the David Gray song, "Babylon" sounds like "Ventura Highway." Not quite as full, but the same.

KevinS.

Ahhhhh the Holidays.........
I sit here with men on my roof going Ba BAM, thump thump, tromp, tromp. In order to drown out the noise guess what I have on? lol.
Thought the troops needed a little "welcome to America" briefing!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, I didn't get any America related presents (DAMN that Cayman Island trip was HUGE on my list...rofl), but it was WONDERFUL none-the-less!

Happy Roofing All!!!!!

TkH<-----------eau de TAR!

Hmmmmm? Could it be that D&G are traveling to the Caymans as a vacation with their family and decided to do an acoustic show while there? After all, it wouldn't require too much gear. Plus, isn't there some fantastic scuba diving there? Sounds like Sir D's type of fun to me!!!

Hmmmmm? Could it be that D&G are traveling to the Caymans as a vacation with their family and decided to do an acoustic show while there? After all, it wouldn't require too much gear. Plus, isn't there some fantastic scuba diving there? Sounds like Sir D's type of fun to me!!!

Ramadan.... (C;

TkH<-------Gotta catch 'em all...lol!

Lisa, I don't know how the Cayman Island gig came about. I simply got a message one day from Morey Management saying it had been added to the list. No other details were given. Since the Island's tourism agency is giving away tickets to the concert for anyone who will fly there, I presume they had something to do with it.

are you sure those numbers aren't in thousands ? simply add "000" to the end of it. HUMAN NATURE s super CD by AMERICA.

Steve, Just a quick question for you. Perhaps I missed this, although I do read this site daily. Am just curious how this Cayman Island gig came about?

Steve,

Thanks so much!!!!And to you too Kelly!! You are the best!!!

Lisa

Thanks for all fine work Steve !

I talked to Soundscan today and have these revised numbers. Since "Human Nature" was released 2 years ago,its now sold
12,657 copies. thats up a bit from the 12,631 I reported a few weeks
back. I tried to find out numbers on the Box set "highway" today,and
the lady I was dealing with either had no clue or or just didn't know where to look. She couldn't find that Title in her data base. I'll try again tomorrow as I plan to phone Soundscan again. I promise to keep
this site updated! The "Human Nature" numbers would not reflect stores
that aren't signed up with Soundscan--Walmart,K-mart,Shopko etc. I guess it would be tough to get a truly accurate account.

I received the Rockline Radio cassette tape today from Kelly (Young Moon) and I have digitized it into 8 segements. Unfortunately, the first part of her tape faded in and out but I was able to splice in pieces from my Internet tape and with the exception of the first segment, it all sounds OK. Click on the links below to listen to the soundclips:

Segment 1 - Welcome (temporary fade out)
Segment 2 - Introductions
Segment 3 - Phone Numbers
Segment 4 - Phone Questions
Segment 5 - Ventura Highway Live
Segment 6 - I Need You Live
Segment 7 - More Phone Questions
Segment 8 - To Each His Own Live

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

Still can't understand why I got a lump of coal this year.

First, I hope everyone out there HAD a wonderful Christmas and HAS a fantastic new year.

As far as America-related gifts, I GAVE one (Human Nature to my brother - very much appreciated, I might add) but sadly, I did not receive any (despite the fact that I had Highway plus any Dan Peek/Peace CDs on my list) :-(

Oh well, I DID get a new winter jacket - and not a moment too soon! It has been VERY cold up here in Maine the last couple of days and according to the forecast, not supposed to warm up any time soon.

That's great Leaky!! I know you will enjoy that gift! Well, I got a new walkman so I guess it's sort of "America" related. I can run with "America"!. I noticed a nice little ad in the Sunday, New York Times for the Cayman gig. Now wouldn't that have been a nice present. Happy Holidays everyone!

....It would be fun to hear what America related gifts everyone may have recieved....my wish came true and I recieved "Highway" ...

Happy Holidays !!!!

(Hello Young Moon)

"America" will be on the Regis show tomorrow morning...(as a re-run), incase anyone missed it the first go round.

To Everyone:

Have A Happy _ _ _ _ _ _ _.*

*(the name of America's 4th album)

Pat B.

just wanted to wish everyone that frequents this board a merry christmas and a happy, healthy, and blessed new year.

Wishing Peace and Joy To All! Happy, Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

Just want to wish Gerry,Dewey,their families and everyone here on the folder happy holidays!Lisa

Just back from the desert ( where you can remember your name...) I wanted to wish everyone a joyous season ( hope I don't leave anyone out so...

Merry Christmas
Happy Channukah
Good Solstice
Happy Kwanza
and for the Atheists or agnostics
Have a nice day.

My wishes for a wonderful new year to each and every one of you.

Robyn

Although I'd be willing to bet my last sawbuck that Sir Elton looked a lot better nude back THEN.........(heavy sigh)......

TkH<--------gravity? I thought you said GRAVY!!!!! Damn.

TO: Gerry, Dewey, the band, the webMASTER, & ALL the America fans & everyones families: Hope you have a very Merry Christmas, & Happy Hanukkah!! & in case there are any "Finns" out there Hauskaa Joulua!!
EDDY & FAMILY

Hello,
Just thought I'd provide the link here. It took me some time to find it!

http://www.danpeek.com/bio/story.htm

how about Joni Mitchell fans ?

Elton John fans should check out Dan's latest chapter...hee hee hee.

Here's to a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2001

Hey Howard!!!

Just drink some of that etchahahalol!!! THAT'll pic you up!!!
(C;

TkH<------etchahahalol with cream, anyone???

Hi everyone. I like to wish everyone here a Happy and Healthy Holiday.
Enjoy the Holidays with your families and Janice, alot of Eggnog will make you feel good (spiced with some rum, vodka, etchahahalol).

The song Do you Hear what I hear is on a video that I have somewhere
from the solid gold show. Gerry and Dewey sang 2 xmas songs, that I know. Maybe I can transfer that to mp3 and send to Steve, if I get the energy. OY VEY!

i'm going to be offline for a couple of days so i thought i'd take this time to wish everyone and their families a very happy and healthy holiday season. it's been a fantastic and exciting (and busy) year, and i hope everyone has made it through fairly unscathed.

also, if all future emails could be sent to matt@phobicman.com, i'd be thankful.

take care everyone.

matt
phobicman.com

"Feel the mystic light spreading silently over your body, over trees, over vast lands...behold the universe as light." - Paramanhansa Yogananda

Take time to be holy, friends!
Happy Holidays

Yea..Steve will come through again..would really love to hear To Each His Own.
God-awful flu going around..had a thrilling ride in an ambulance 2 nights ago, hooked up to an IV..got dehydrated. I'm on the mend now, but be careful. It comes on suddenly and attacks the tummy and moves on from there!
Back to bed..enjoy the weekend getting ready for Santa......(I believe in Santa Clause) :-)

In keeping with the H theme, I'd like to wish everyone
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Be safe, be happy and just BE! (C=

TkH<--------------ping

Well in regards to hearing ANYTHING on a Christmas record I'd personally like to hear a instrumental-Beckley-spectacular of "Carol Of The Bells" or "Coventry Carol". Hey. It would also add another "girl" to the list....lol

TkH<-------------ting

Jerey, I'll be digitizing the entire Rockline show next week. I'm just waiting to receive the cassette tape in the mail. Keep checking this chat folder or the What's New section of the America Fans web site for a link to the soundclips.

Regarding America's version of "Do You Hear What I Hear" from the Sold Gold Christmas Special, it is not available on CD. Gerry and Dewey have often said that they would like to do a Christmas CD so maybe we'll get some of those great Christmas classics sometime in the future.

Oooh. "Do You Hear What I Hear" is one of my very favorites, and would be so good for Gerry's voice. Anxiously awaiting the reply of those of you who are all-knowing about what's been recorded and how to get a hold of it.
ShariL <><

Let me start by saying I hate computers that work only when they want to, as was the case with rockline last Wednesday evening. I stayed up late just to here the guys, only to find out my computer doesn't seem to like the music as much as I do. I missed the show and was wondering if rockline ever does a rebroadcast of their shows, and if so when? Also I recently purchased a Christmas album (oops, CD) which had America's "Hark the Herald Angels" on it, and I am thinking the guys also sang "Do You Hear What I Hear" on Solid Gold Christmas special in the early to mid 80s and was wondering if that song was available or if I was lost in my other mind? Any help on these two items would be appreciated.

Thanks for clarifying that! In my defense, I must say that last Wednesday was the day when all 67 branch managers and 6 Regional Managers descend on my office. My brain had preetty much shut down for the evening.

In any case the re- release of that wonderful work is good news. My own copy, a German import is of very good quality, but the lyrics sheet is a laugh riot. ( For instance Hat Trick begins "ooh, can I make it moan" and finds someone "dancing in a rented gown")

Happy Holidays to all!

Look at the very bottom of this article (on box set CD collections available this year) for HIGHWAY!!

http://www.cnn.com/2000/SHOWBIZ/Music/12/20/box.sets/index.html

Give a gift with heft: the box set
December 20, 2000
Web posted at: 1:12 PM EST (1812 GMT)

America, 'Highway: 30 Years of America' (Warner Archives/Rhino) Nearly the entire America catalog can be found here -- that's 23 albums of music -- including the hits "Sister Golden Hair," "Ventura Highway" and "Tin Man."

Wherever the Highway takes you this Holiday,
to your favourite Hideaway or Harbo(u)r,
keep love in your Hearts.
It's Human Nature to have
a hankering for a family Homecoming
at this time of year
so treasure the time in the Hourglass

Help - how do I handle a Hat Trick?
To Margaret .... agreed. Hoping for a Down under tour in 2001.
To Marshall .... I'm hankerin' for another album, but we've had Holiday, and it's too unique in every way for a Holiday II.
I would rather America look to new Horizons than re release old material, but maybe I am just Helplessly Hoping ...............

Here's to all of you out there - Happy Holidays

Chris (Holiday)

Cool about the "Hat Trick" re-release and also cool that Kelly recorded and sent Steve a cassette of D&G'S appearance on Rockline!!!

Talking about "Hat Trick", I now know positively why "Muskrat Love" was released as a 45 single with "Homecoming" song, "Cornwall Blank" as its flip-side. It's for the exact reason that someone here said. I don't remember who it was but he was right-on.

I now have a white label "advanced promo copy" of the 45. On the "Muskrat Love" side, it says, "Taken from the forthcoming America album 'HAT-TRICK'".

Several weeks ago, I purchased an America debut LP without "Horse". It was advertised as a "WLP Without Horse". I thought "WLP" meant "Warner LP". When I pulled out the record, I was shocked to discover that it was a white label promo (WLP) in excellent condition! Christmas came a little bit early for me. Yippee!!!

My good friend, Kelly (Young Moon), has sent a cassette tape of the Rockline show and as soon as I receive it I'll digitize it and get it out for everyone to hear (thanks Kelly). It was also my understanding that the forthcoming Hat Trick CD will be from the original masters, as Bill (Leaky) said.

Hi Jessica. Good to hear from you again. We're all doing very well and looking forward to a long Christmas break.

you are probably right leaky, STEVE???? Anyone who taped it careto straighten me out?

Hi everyone, It's been along time since I posted on here, But 1st of all, HAPPY XMAS to all!! & Last night's ROCKLINE was awesome, I was extremely thrilled when Gerry did "To each his own" Oh my gawd I jumped out of bed sooo fast, I knocked over a glass of soda, knocked over the lamp & tripped ver my own feet in an attempt to make sure the tape was rolling & it didn't cut off during the middle Of TEHO! I made it, I must have listened to that tape at least 20 times today at work !! they sounded GREAT, the guitars were very clean & they boy's were quite entertaining !! made me laugh several times!! so, I hope everyone got a chance to hear it??? again, THANK YOU so much Gerry, You made my xmas, !! I love To Each His own & have never heard it live, In person & to tell you the truth, I don't think I could hear it live , without crying !!! Thanks again Gerry & Dewey !! & very kewl that they mentioned your name Steve, yes indeed ! you have done & are doing a wonderful job with this website !! Happy Xmas !! Love, JOYCE HALL--SSMMOOOCH~ P. S. gerry & Dewey, I have a very kewl Beatles boot for the both of you, I'll bring the belated xmas Presents, in May when you make your way here, to Milwaukee Wi--:)--BYE. BYE~

..the way I understood it was that the Hat Trick CD release that is out right now did not come from the original master tapes and that a re-release would come from the master tape and therefore be of higher quality....I may of heard wrong but that was my take on Hat Trick....????

By the way great acoustic versions of the three songs played...I wish that I would have recorded it....

Last night, I believe Gerry said that they were working with Rhino to re-release the first album with bonus material and also Hat Trick with bonus material. I could be wrong, after all the Pre-Christmas sugar my brain is on overload!

Hi! Been gone a looonnngggg time. Good to see the several of the old names here though! Merry Christmas to everybody and especially to Gerry, Dewey and the rest of The Band.

Steve, how are you? It's great to see your web site still going strong. I remember my first few posts way back '96 or '97???? My last concert was in 1998 and I sure could do with a show in 2001 right here in Toronto! Well,I hope! If I could I'd try the New York shows probably!

I don't have Highway yet, but I will. I brought just a few CDs with me when I left the Philippines and I so need to hear the other albums/songs. I found out what I'd do when faced with that question: "which one album would you take if you had to go to an island" or something like that. Well, I took Silent Letter. And Alibi. And Human Nature. And one selection (I cheated, I know!). I miss Inspector Mills a lot and my Hat Trick album. So if there's a new version, I'd be totally willing to get one!

Anyway, happy holidays to all of you guys and hope to be back here often (life is soooo hectic nowadays!).

just testing my access

For all of you who happenned to catch the Rockline segment last night. Did you happen to notice the name "Dan Peek" was never mentioned???

Just an observation


DJS

Yes, I was thinking the same thing! Are they just talking about a domestic release of the CD or remixing songs or rerecording the album? Hat Trick has always been one of my all time favorites.

Robyn (or anyone), please tell us more about the subject of the "new" Hat Trick.

Happy holidays to all you fans and the one and only band America. On vacation for two weeks and will be doing a lot of skiing.

GERRY BECKELY & DEWEY BUNNELL sure sound good soloing (w/out the band). VENTURA HIGHWAY, I NEED YOU, TO EACH HIS OWN duo solo. Pure & very simple & the beauty in their sound & efforts is readily apparent.
HIGHWAY is AMERICA's latest. HUMAN NATURE, HOURGLASS right behind.

Well, I called in and was able to listen to the whole interview over my telephone line ( I turned off the boom box at that point,as there is a delay when you are listening to the radio). They sounded great, I wish they would have had the whole show and not just a scant 45 minutes. I love Little Feat, but turned off the show when the guys left. Nice to hear some of the people from the folder who got their questions in. I hope to hear "To each his own" live again soon. It sounded wonderful. The news that a new version of the Hat Trick album is in the works is great!

Happy Solstice to all!

Yeah, like Erin and LisaRose, it was very frustrating last night trying to log-on to hear D&G on Rockline. It kept breaking up for me too. Have you ever had a dream where you were trying to call someone on the phone and it just wouldn't go through no matter how many time you tried? Well, that's how I felt last night. I could hear Gerry talking and I heard a few familiar sounds of "VHighway". I went from one station website to another. When I finally found a station that didn't break up, it was Lynard Skynard. Boo-hoo!

(Hi Nina!)

I made a cassette tape of the show but it turned out crappy at best. I'm not really set up to record tapes off of the Internet and my Internet connection kept cutting out so there are gaps of silence on the tape. I've contacted Rockline (but they haven't responded yet) to see if I can get a master tape. If I can get the tape I'll digitize the interview and put it on the web site for everyone to hear. If anyone else has a good copy and would be willing to send it to me, I'll digitize it and then send it back.

Even with the Internet silence gaps, the interview was great as were the live acoustic songs. I look forward to hearing it without the gaps, though.

ROFL! Sounds like some of the things I've received over the years (thong underwear!!! Yeah, like I'd WEAR THAT!!!) If you don't want a visual, avert your eyes........JUST KIDDING.....snicker

TkH<------no thongs, no tube tops.....rofl

How frustrating was last night? First, I found out only a few minutes before it was to start that my local station was having a contest and pre-empted Rockline (which they hardly do). Then I went to a few other radio stations on the Web and either I couldn't get through or it had an old ROCKLINE of Aerosmith!! Finally, about 20 minutes into the show, I got to hear the guys but it was broken up a few times. UGH!!! I stayed up til 1 a.m and had to wake up at 5. IF ANYONE WAS ABLE TO TAPE IT _PLEASE LET ME KNOW. If not, I guess I will have to look for it on EBAY!!

I tried forever to listen, but never had any luck. Guess I missed a great show! Hope you see you guys soon!! Until next time, Gerry, Dewey, Willie, Brad, Michael, Pete and everyone on this folder...have a wonderful and safe holiday season. Hope to see you all in Reno in 2001!

Erin :o)

It's 4.15pm Thursday in Sydney and I have just finished listening to Rockline live after a couple of false starts, including getting up at 3.15 am. Trying to work out the time difference was a challenge, as the station in Las Vegas that I was able to get yesterday didn't announce the time. I stayed with that station as I couldn't get the others to work. They had a problem though and missed the first 5 or so minutes. Could someone please fill in what was missed?
It was just fantastic to hear Gerry and Dewey speaking and to hear the live songs.The world seems a much smaller place for having heard this broadcast. It also helped compensate for not having an Australian tour this summer. Here's hoping for one in 2001.
To Gerry, Dewey, the band, crew and all the people who read this board, have a wonderful Christmas and a happy and healthy 2001.

I really enjoyed the interviews and the live songs, especially "To Each His Own". It makes me wonder what the show will be like next month in the Cayman Islands? Gerry and Dewey are great with Michael, Brad, and Willie, but they do a fantastic job on their own, too. Keep up the great work guys and enjoy this Christmas break.

ONLY 45 MINUTES!!!!!! Ah well, nice interview, brief tho it was. Interesting version of Ventura Highway!

For any NYC people out there-this week only Rockline will not be on--out of all weeks to pre-empt the show!!! Thank god for the net and RealPlayer!! I plan on listening from a California station on here.

Office Christmas luncheon/gift exchange today..can't tell you how excited I was to get that paperweight..had to take a valium after that one. I have to admit that I was, however, eying the book about body parts and functions that some other lucky soul got. You know, some people just KNOW what folks like to get..must be a knack. :-)

This evening's chat will take place in an abreviated format. We will chat from 6-8 Pacific time, if that meets with everyone's approval!
See you there.

Yeah Janice/Leaky, and I can name my son FRED.....(Ok, just kidding)

BTW, also a right back at ya for Nina!!!!! I'm not NEARLY as organized as Janice.....if I had my spices alphabetized the world as we know it would come to a complete stand still!!!!! Either that or the underworld would start getting a tad chilly.....lol

TkH<---------whining! (C;

Oh come on..if I can name our lizard Lee..(sorry Dewey)..who, by the way is up to a 150 gallon tank now!! geez.

thanks Beech....
Rock line Wednesday Evening sounds exciting
white stuff sounds exciting
Highway from santa sounds exciting
But Nnaming my grandchild Dewey did not sound exciting to my daughter and her husband...o-well

Well, Steve, the Los Angeles Area radio station that carries Rockline is Arrow 93. Their web page says you can listen to Rockline there as well. it is www.arrowfm.com

Here's the Rockline info sent to me directly from Rockline:

The show goes live at 8:30 PM PST/11:30 PM ET every Wednesday. The toll free number for people to call in is 1 800 344 ROCK (7625). The show is heard on 130 stations across the country. Or people can tune in via the web. And see the show at www.Rocklineradio.comHere is a list of the radio stations that simulcast on the net every Wednesday.

WWW.KTGL.com (Lincoln, NE)
WWW.CD947.com (Chicago, IL)
www.wmgk.com (Philadelphia, PA)
www.wour.cc (Utica, NY)
WWW.kgon.com (Portland, OR)
www.KCGQ.com (Cape Girardeau, Missouri)
www.KBUS.com (Paris, TX)
www.wapl.com (Green Bay, WI)
www.GATER.com (West Palm Beach)
www.WFWI.com (Fort Wayne, IN)
www.WKLC.com (Charleston, West Virginia)
www.wroq.com (Greenville, SC)
www.961therocket.com (Mobile, AL, WKRH)
www.1059.com (WNRQ - Nashville)
www.wtpa.com (WTPA - Harrisburg, PA)
www.KZPS.com (KZPS - Dallas, TX)
www.WXLT.com (WXLT - Carbondale, IL)
www.101kgb.com (KGB - San Diego)
www.kshe95.com (KSHE - ST. Louis)
www.kktx.com (KKTX - Tyler/Longview, TX)
www.q106.com (WQBZ - Macon, GA)
www.kkrw.com (KKRW - Houston, TX)
www.bigdog979.com (KXDG - Joplin, MO)
www.rock103.com (WEGR - Memphis)
www.kjez.com (KJEZ - Poplar Bluff MO)
www.95x.com (WAQX - Syracuse, NY)
www.wtue.com (WTUE - Dayton, OH)
www.wklt.com (WKLT/WKLZ - Traverse City, MI)
www.wxrgfm.com (WXRG - Biloxi, MS)
www.point97.com (KXPT - Las Vegas)

I think the super group AMERICA is scheduled for Rockline on Wednesday (12/20/00) evening somewhere around 8pm or so. It is suppose to consist of an interview & also 3 or so LIVE songs by GERRY BECKLEY & DEWEY BUNNELL alone, in the studio. Rockline has a Web site w/the stations that carry this show. Steve, any other info on this ? This is not to be missed. HIGHWAY ---> AMERICA's latest release.

Back atcha, Nina! :-) Shopping done..decorating done..It is terrible to be a compulsive organizer..(even my spices are in alphabetical order!) Yep..true story.
Ok..Beech..dreaming of white stuff?? Enough snow, already. If I could stay home and look out the window all day, or play outside in it..but..driving in it is a totally different ballgame. I know..quit whining. :-)

Hi all! Before this week gets away from me...I'd like to wish everyone on this folder a peaceful holiday season! As the year 2000 comes to a close, I think about how LAST year at this time I had NEVER been on-line, never heard of any of you "fellow fans", and NEVER met America face to face!

Now...one year later...(and a lucky FOUR concerts later)....I can claim the honor of meeting "our boys" more than once and finding a new home and family on this chat folder. (I'm always lurking...and never TOO far away!) Maybe Santa will bring me a new computer!

Special holidays greetings to all of you I HAVE met this year: Gary & Laura, Bones, Lisa & Bob, LisaRose, Andy, Alan & family....Oh, and Gerry, Dewey, and the band...OF COURSE!

And to those I've yet to meet...Steve L.,Johnny, Howard, Beech, Janice, Kiri.......EVERYBODY.....
"may your days be merry and bright"!

Nina

I agree a Christmas album would be great and perhaps they can add a Chanukah song in there for their Jewish fans?

John,

Thanks for clearing up that misunderstanding. I stand corrected. I've never actually made a comparison of songs from my 50th Anniversary Collection to the original vinyl LP's. It just always seemed to me that there was something missing.

I have the album "Another Day, Another Town" (unfortunately nothing to play vinyl on anymore). Perhaps my seeing "Approaching Day" listed in a discography somewhere led me to believe they had another album together. I'll have to look into purchasing "Bombs over Puerto Rico" when I can afford it. I do think Croce's solo work is by far his best, but also enjoy the folky sound that Jim & Ingrid had together. I'm also a big fan of Gordon Lightfoot.

Thanks for the info.

Alan

In the ensuing years you will see the internet (no NOT Napster in it's old form) having a huge say in what people hear. The technology is there to burn your own CD's easily. When the format changes (from CD/DVD to whatever)then the old standards might return briefly......Also the market is SO splintered into factions now it's harder to go out and find new groups with the mass appeal that there once was! Almost anyone (group) can have it's own somewhat substantial following.......unfortunatly for those groups, unless that following has a "cha-ching" factor, fergit it. UGH. As for Enya, there's always someone out there who doesn't fit in the round hole, the exception!

TkH<-------hoping for the next exception...lol

CONGRATULATIONS Leaky!!!!!!!!

What a mile stone! I remember MY first like it was yesterday, I'll bet you do too!!!

TkH<--------dreaming of that white stuff

Excellent idea Marshall. At first I didn't think America would sound right doing a Christmas album. But after hearing them do Hark, The Herald Angle Sings, I would love to hear more. And if they could find it in their hearts to include Dan in the project even better.

Click on the links below (different sizes of the same ad) to see the advertistement that appeared in the Los Angeles Times for the Las Vegas Hilton gigs on December 29 and 30 (courtesy of Jim Nakao).

Small version (321x480)
Medium version (768x1147)
Large version (1200x1792)

I've got the 50th Anniversary Collection, and it has all the tracks from Jim's three major label albums. He did an album with his wife Ingrid in 1969 which has variously been known as "Approaching Day" and "Another Day, Another Town". It was released on CD in 1997 as "Bombs Over Puerto Rico" and is worth having if you like Jim in his Gordon Lightfoot-inspired years.

john

P.S. I still think "Operator" is one of the greatest non-America hits of 1972 (aside from the Doobies' "Listen To The Music").

I agree with you that there are many manufactured acts today. The Monkees were indeed manufactured, but they came out with some terrific songs! As for Enya, here marterial is *magical* - she dosn't *need* to tour!

I heard the same comercial here in Texas on Oldies 107.5, but it was for $500.00. I was just waking up so I thought I might have dreamt it.

Hello everyone,what has been happening with record executives since the early eighties is the fact of manufacturing artists as opposed to going out and finding them,this over a number of years as I beleive been a major factor of dwindling CD sales the world over.Who decides what the public should listen to? Take for example "Enya"(not my cup of tea)but by all accounts has easily outsold "U2" and quite amazingly has never toured.Who decides that veteran acts will not recieve airplay? I'm all for new music by anyone,but surely there's a place for everyone especially in times with so much choice,but not on the radio airwaves for some reason,I'll step down from my soapbox and wish all prominent fans (thats all America fans)a very merry safe wonderful Christmas,as for me I'm off to the beach with much liquid refreshment,after all its very hot.

I don't think I could mannage to go swing out west for New Years but would love to try for Cayman Islands gig--have to see. Anyone else going to the Cayman gig?

Hmmm
I picked up an English import in Borders called " the definative collection" It is NOT the one listed on cdnow. it has about 50 songs, is a double cd, and has everything i wanted in my collection. It includes some bonus tracks from Jim and Ingrid. All in all a nice addition to my library.

Anyone want to sponsor me . I need to work on my tan.

Brad

I think that a new recording from the original group would likely be the group's best opportunity for any major publicity and popularity in the future. I appreciate the America is humble enough to realize their current status in the realm of popular culture, and they do not seem to have illusions of reclaiming the former days of grandeur. Still, it would be great to see them continue to succeed in the coming years at what they do best.

I hope something good for future America recordings comes from their visit to the Cayman Islands next month. One way a "reunion" or possibly more accurately "reconciliation" album with Dan Peek could occur is through a Christmas recording. This

1) might satisfy Mr. Peek's desire to infuse his music with a Christian message
2) might be enticing enough for a major record label to have the $$$ to promote (sorely lacking with Human Nature...I was dismayed to read here recently that such a fine record has only sold about 12,000 copies. It is promotion and advertising that sells records. Not just great music).

Christmas records have a necessarily more limited market-share, but a good recording can sell for many years.

The only problem is the title, and how to keep the "H" title trend going. The group used up the word "Holiday" on their 4th album.

So, the title of the new album is..............

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!

And a Happy Holiday to all present and former members of AMERICA!

This afternoon I heard an ad for the Cayman Islands from a travel agent for $749 per person for 4 days and 3 nights. Then I heard them promote about America being there and they played a bit from Ventura Highway. This was heard on WCBS-FM in New York. It also said you can meet the band. Has anyone else heard any kind of ad for this.

Mark

..yes we are exited...and excited also...

..My wife and I would love to make the New Years Show...however our daughter is expecting her first child on December 28th (our first grand child) we are exited and are staying close to home over the Holidays to be with family and welcome the new baby...have a great time at the show and I would love to hear the reviews from all of you who go...Happy Holidays!!
Lky........> www.geocities.com/leakycanoe :-)

I WISH!! Especially since I just found out the Nugget here in Sparks doesn't book for a week or two weeks anymore. Now it's just 2 to 4 days! Oh well...I guess it couldn't last forever. Now if I could just find some way to get to LA...Have a great week everyone!

Erin :o)

Dan,

Actually Jim & Ingrid did a couple of albums together (some of those songs are represented on the 50th Anniversary Collection) and an album called "The Faces I've Been" which featured some previously unreleased tracks (also some, but not all represented on the 50th Anniversary Collection). Also, I could swear there were a few songs ommitted from his 3 "big" albums, but I am not home right now to compare song for song (working late again at the office). I could be wrong. Anyway, I think it would be nice to have the original albums preserved on CD with original cover art, liner notes, etc. (I guess that's the collector in me speaking).

Alan

I downloaded both songs using the program "Napster" from www.napster.com

I downloaded both songs using the program "Napster" from www.napster.com

Try downloading both songs from the Napster website.

I found a link that plays a snipet (from cdnow.com). The link is http://www.cdnow.com/cgi-bin/mserver/SID=17806165/pagename=/RP/CDN/FIND/album.html/artistid=GRAY*DAVID/itemid=1276690

Personally, from the part of BABYLON they played, I didn't hear "Ventura Highway". Perhaps the chorus (which they played) is the part that doesn't sound like VH. Anyone else hear it?

Shayne
Maybe I'm (he's) just a wannabe...

Only in our dreams, Robyn.
ShariL <><

So IS anyone else going???? Or is it just me the dd and the dh?

Haven't heard this one yet.....is there a site with this so we can hear?

TkH<--------My ancestral season! (C;

Yes indeed Cari! It's on a CD that I bought from K-mart last Christmas (release date on it says 1997). It looks like it's been repackaged several times (once a year I'm betting...lol) and has 12 carols from various Artists. Benefits went to "Always Kids" a division of Children's Miracle Network!

TkH<---------------Ivy? WHERE?

David Grey's song "Babylon" is note for note the same song as America's song "Ventura Highway" Why is America not sueing Grey for this blatant rip-off. Mark Greenspun

Listening to the radio today, i heard "Hark the Harold Angels sing..." by Dewey and Gerry. Anyone heard this?

cari

For those of you who are lucky enough to go to the New Years's show and who area also Poco fans:
When they played with America in San Diego in September, I believe they were selling cd's there, including promoting the one Spurs mentioned earlier, Paul Cotten's solo effort, "Firebird"
I went to Las Vegas for a cousin's wedding, going Friday and coming back Saturday, so that blows any remote possibility I had to go there on the 29th and 30th. ARGGHH!
Happy Holidays, friends.
ShariL <><

"Can anyone repeat the tuning for Horse with no name for me. I bought an electronic tuner( since I am losing my hearing) Thanks in advance............................................................

Joe,
When I say the group in New York City a few months ago, Gerry was patient and kind enough to explain it to me. Again, this is straight from Gerry: D E D G B D

Enjoy Joe. And thanks Gerry !!

ANDY

While on vacation in San Diego, I had drinks with my girlfriend at Croce's Restaurant. It's a very nice and comfortable place. We enjoyed listening to the blues band that night.

Can anyone repeat the tuning for Horse with no name for me. I bought an electronic tuner( since I am losing my hearing) Thanks in advance............................................................
Also glad to hear of more concerts, Hope the guys comr to North or South Carolina this year...........Joe

www.croces.com the web site for the restaurant owned and ran by Jim's wife.....great place to visit when in San Diego...

Well..many of you (especially those of you who are used to shoveling snow) will think I'm crazy..but it SNOWED last night..in fact it is still snowing! Please bear in mind that we don't get much snow here (much as in hardly any)..and this is a transplanted So Calif girl who has always wished for a white Christmas. It's so beautiful..just wanted to share. Gonna go build me a snowman! :-)

"Yea, but now the operator can keep the 35 to 50 cents. Inflation ya know...DanC."

These days, you're more likely to get a robot giving you a bunch of voice mail options.

ANDY

Yea, but now the operator can keep the 35 to 50 cents. Inflation ya know...DanC.

"Isn't that the way they say it goes
But let's forget all that
And give me the number if you can find it
So I can call just to tell them I'm fine and to show
I've overcome the blow
I've learned to take it well
I only wish my words could just convince myself
That it just wasn't real
But that's not the way it feels"

long while back, i played this song over and over again until i didn't need to anymore - music gets you through, doesn't it?!
thanks Mr. Croce!

"Another Croce incident involves a good friend from high school who is now deceased. He thought the words to "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" were:

Bad, bad Leroy Brown
The baddest man in the whole DOWNTOWN..."

Johnny,
I assume that same friend of yours also enjoyed listening to BENCH ON A HIGHWAY, by America. :O)

ANDY

I guess Jim Croce's music has touched just about everyone in some way. For me it was during my high school graduation ceremony back in '74. The choir sang, "Time In A Bottle". It wasn't the class song but if you ask the 400 plus alumni, to this day, a majority think it's "Time In A Bottle". Strange how that is. I guess it just goes to show us how much of an impression that song made on our young, innocent minds!

Another Croce incident involves a good friend from high school who is now deceased. He thought the words to "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" were:

Bad, bad Leroy Brown
The baddest man in the whole DOWNTOWN

See, young and very innocent!!! I think about this friend everytime I hear that song and him being so surprised when I told him it was "whole damn town".

The concert list for 2001 is NOT complete. There will be a lot more coming.

As I am reading the messages on here with the radio on ...and on comes (at this very moment) Sister Golden Hair....perfect timing!!!

Alan, correct me if I'm wrong but Mr. Croce only released three albums, except for an obscure disc which was recorded with his wife Ingrid,and all of the songs on those albums ("You Don't Mess Around With Jim",,"Life And Times",, "I Got A Name") were on the 50th anniversary compillation. So what else would you want on CD??DanC.

Wish I could join the party New Years Eve you lucky Californians...

the 2001 odyssey concert tour only lists 11 gigs. i hope that it is not complete.

I guess Beechlady beat me to the punch with the Al Gore joke!

<< Dan's biography is the best thing to happen to the internet since they computerized it in the mid 90s.>>

So it was COMPUTERIZED in the mid-90's, but when did Al Gore INVENT it? (LOL)

<< Just him/guitar and another guitarist >>

And that other guitarist was Murray Muhleisen (forgive spelling - I am not at home where I can check the credits on the albums). IMO, Murray was one of the greatest guitarist that ever lived. He did all this tricky stuff and just made it look so simple and effortless (as anyone who has seen concert footage can attest, right Howard?), yet despite his talent, preferred to stay in the background and keep the spotlight on Jim. He was the quintessential accompanist.

Tragically, he died in the plane crash that claimed Mr. Croce's life as well.

I just got off the phone with Ticketmaster. They tell me the tickets for the event have not yet been printed, but should go out in the mail by Tuesday. They also put my mind at ease that everything was in order for my seats, so I am extremely happy! (Third row is pretty good, considering the first two rows were bought by the local radio station!)

Not when Al Gore invented it....

TkH<---------BushWhacked

> Dan's biography is the best thing to happen to the internet
> since they computerized it in the mid 90s.

Hmmm... I thought the Internet was *always* computerized! :)

KevinS.

Sorry about the double post. My browser was acting up and I didn't think the first one actually got posted, so I clicked the Post button again.

I've been reading all the posts about Jim Croce and had to say something, since Jim Croce is one of my all-time favorite singer/songwriters. His early demise was truly a tragedy. I often wonder what songs he would have blessed us with if were still alive today. I guess we'll never know.

One thing I AM curious about...Why aren't any of his original albums (which I have all of) available on CD? All that seems to be out there are a few compilations. I do thing the 50th Anniversary Collection is representative of his best work, but I want ALL of his stuff on CD!

I've been reading all the posts about Jim Croce and had to say something, since Jim Croce is one of my all-time favorite singer/songwriters. His early demise was truly a tragedy. I often wonder what songs he would have blessed us with if were still alive today. I guess we'll never know.

One thing I AM curious about...Why aren't any of his original albums (which I have all of) available on CD? All that seems to be out there are a few compilations. I do thing the 50th Anniversary Collection is representative of his best work, but I want ALL of his stuff on CD!

Dan's biography is the best thing to happen to the internet since they computerized it in the mid 90s.

KevinS.

Well then..maybe you can answer our questions regarding Dewey and Gerry's input (if any), reaction or feedback. There will be pictures? Not of dirty laundry..no no no.. I will say that Dan is very articulate and detailed in his writings (or should the credit be given to you as his ghostwriter?) At any rate, I anxiously await each new segment and thank you (and Dan) for this very enlightening account of their early days.
Have a great time at the concert, Robyn! Hope you get the seats you want..well back to REALLY leftover Chinese! I really think this stuff died yesterday. :-)

I'll be there in spirit, Robyn!!!!!! (C=

TkH<-------------looking for the Ivy

Well, I ordered my tickets. They have not yet arrived, but dd and I are anxiously checking the mailbox daily! dh is still trying to recover from the price I paid for the tickets, but Ticketmaster says I have excellent seats ( we'll see if they send me the ones I paid for)

Anyone else going?

Of all the groups that we listened to in the 1970's, Jim Croce
was one of my favorites. Although I never saw him in concert,
I have about 5 bootlegs of him in concert and they are gems.
Just him/guitar and another guitarist. What beautiful music he made.
The audience loved him. The audience respected him so much, that you
can hear a pin drop in these recordings. He loved to tell stories about each and every song. Hey Happy Holidays to all my friends here
on this board. Howie L

Yeah, but I'd LOVE to see those pictures.....(snicker)

TkH<--------Holly Jolly

Did I hear correctly? Spurs wrote: "...Dan may bump into the lads on the Caymans..."?

Here's hoping that if he does, he has guitar in hand!

My Christmas Wish this year is to see three old friends get together (in the near future) and make some inspiring music again.


Pat(never-giving-up-hope)B

I have been reading your comments about Dan's autobiography, and I must say, you have proven once again that The America Fans Chat Folder has the most articulate contributors on the internet.
As the "Editor" of Dan's autobiography I have the easiest job in the world! Dan's instructions to me are, "Don't change a single word"! Regarding Dirty Laundry... in a couple of weeks, Dan gives a hilarious account of what he has often referred to as "The Dirty Danglers". i.e.... Rock Stars sans their laundry. (A word is worth a thousand pictures!)
Merry Christmas from, Tom Peek

I have a copy of the first album WITHOUT HORSE. Last year, Dewey and Gerry were kind enough to sign it for me when I drove up to Connecticut to see them.

ANDY

Thanks for the info, Jim. I wish I could be there!

fyi:
Just to mention that the game plan is for AMERICA to be the headliner. Christopher Cross to lead off, followed by Poco & AMERICA expected to hit the stage around 11pm & lead the midnite explosion. AMERICA is expected to play approx. 1 hr & 15 minutes, very close to a full show, so it will be a very long nite of outstanding music. So if you go to see AMERICA you will surely get your moneys worth & see AMERICA in a New Years' explosion. It promises to be a very fine evening for AMERICA !

Yes..Jim Croce knew how to "hit home" with his songs. His Photographs and Memories album that I believe was released shortly after his 1973 death is a very cherished (and still listened to) piece of my vinyl collection. Lovers Cross and These Dreams are two of my very favorites. Yes, he is missed. g'nite all! :-0 (yawn)

Jim Croce is probably one of the best all-time singer-songwriters. We could go on quoting him all night!!

john

P.S. Jim Croce's son, A.J., has put out some pretty good blues work, although his latest album, Transit, was a disappointingly bland offering.

"well I've had my share of good intentions and I've made my share of mistakes, and I've learned at times it's best to bend 'cause if you don't, well, those are the breaks" Mr Croce left us all too soon.

I have a copy of the first album without "Horse" as well. I've always been amused by reports of that pressing being exceedingly rare, because I've seen it multiple times in record stores. If I had wanted every copy I saw, I'd probably have half a dozen by now at least.

I'd also be curious to find out how many copies without "Horse" were printed in England before that track was ever even recorded. I just think there are probably more of those floating around than we're led to believe.

john

......"And you've been talkin' in silence, but if it's silence you adore"; and how bout this one, also, Robyn; "but in lookin' back at the faces I've been, I would sure be the first one to say, when I look at myself today, I wouldn't of done it any other way". Thank you Mr. Croce. DanC.

Janice, your mention of America's debut album has me wondering how many of us own that rare copy WITHOUT "Horse" on it. I know Kiri told us she does. Any others?

John..your points are well taken. I am one of the fans of which you speak. America was the very first concert I went to in my entire life..1973 in Hawaii..I have their albums (am the proud owner of the their very first album hot off off the press, and it is worn and torn but I don't care). I have added the rest over the years.
My disappointment stems from being naive and I will be the first to admit that. Music, at least in my world, did not include drugs and alcohol..and the musicians I listened to and still admire) were and are, musicians, plain and simple. The fact is, like Robyn says, the times were and probably still are, about sex drugs and rock n' roll. I guess that is just the nature of the business, and one of the reasons I am happily just on the listening end. :-)

Actually, I find Dan's autobiography to be refreshing. I'm sure Dewey and Gerry might differ on how they view some events, but frankly it's great to read more than ambiguities and generalities about how they came together, why some of their best material was recorded, and how they dealt with success. We all know they were "young and inexperienced", or that they engaged in "excesses", or had a few "bumps in the road", but what did that really mean? That may sound a bit nosy, but for many fans who have invested hundreds of dollars in buying the entire America collection and thousands of hours over three decades listening to and interpreting their music and how it has changed over time, such curiosity is perfectly natural. If Dewey and Gerry prefer their privacy, I respect that. But if Dan is willing to talk about it, I am every bit as willing to hear his story as I am the music that is made because of it.

john

Hello everyone,as the year draws to a close another glorious one for "our boys" Highway box set,some great crowds on some of the photos I've seen,and numourous T.V. and Radio apperances,and still plenty of airplay down under locally and nationally.Playing at the Universal Amphitheatre quite a venue when I was last there,hope the place is brimming to overflowing,those Poco fans amongst us will be pleased to note a brand new album in the summer of 2001,and if that wasn't enough Paul Cotton has a very recent solo album out "Firebird".As for Dan's bio it has been a very entertaining read,lord knows what Dewey and Gerry think but perhaps Dan may bump into the lads on the Caymans.I wonder what the chances are of getting an "America" show on DVD would be,in patricular a very recent one?

Funny...I do the same thing around 5:00 on a Friday afternoon as I'm pulling out of the parking lot at work. "Greenhouse" and the live juggernaut combination of "Sandman" and "Here" are equally effective.

Go into your car. Take your Hideaway CD with you. Put on song 8. Hit repeat. Drive around a long time with the stereo turned up as loudly as it will go. Then tell me you give a damn about the election, the weather, how much money baseball players get paid, or whether you really should be back at work.

KevinS.

Janice, my thoughts exactly regarding D&G's thoughts. It's my understanding that it does not involve D&G's input and that Dan is being very even-handed. I still wonder what the other two-thirds really think. I know if it were me, I would enjoy reading about the past that I was a part of and "seeing it" from my former partner's point-of-view.

Shayne, how are you doing? And Jim R, you have been MIA.

Johnny <-------IS leftover Chinese.

Well, remember that the times were different and things were a little looser in the freewheeling 70's. The term "Sex Drugs and Rock-and-Roll" wasn't just an expression.

I keep hearing a refrain from Jim Croce "After all it's what we've done that makes us what we are". I believe that we are made stronger from our mistakes, if we regcognize them as such.

Enjoy the Chinese, Janice. I need another cup of Chai tea myself!

Just finished reading Dan's Chapter 21..what an incredible ordeal and I can only imagine what a nightmare that was for him. As I have mentioned before, I am amazed about his candidness regarding the past. Not to come across like a saint, but I have never in my life even dabbled in the vices of which he speaks. Since this is not a joint biography that Gerry and Dewey have participated in (to my knowledge), I wonder if they are concerned with some of the material being shared with us. I will not lie and say I am not disappointed in reading some of what I have read, but neither will I judge. Everyone has the opportunity to make choices, good or bad, and others have the opportunity to partake or to distance..I have always chosen the latter.
Off my soapbox and I hope that I did not offend anyone or come across as holier than thou. It was not my intent. Back to leftover Chinese (yum). :-)

Wouldn't it be absolutely wonderful to have the unplugged show in the Caymans recorded and released on CD by Oxygen?

The Wednesday night chat will begin at 6 p.m. Pacific time. I was thinking of a group listen of Hat Trick, if anyone wants to do that let me know.

Johnny, if we can't find humor in this situation, then it is a sad state of affairs indeed. Americans have always been able to laugh at themselves. We should continue to do so.

It looks like that CNN segment originated from Showbiz Today -- I happened to catch it while surfing past that show Tuesday night. At the end of the segment, Jim Moret turned to Laurin Sydney and said "I need you" in a sarcastic tone of voice. Pretty witty.

john

Hey All, Regarding my last post about the Justices, I posted it at 6:41 PM Pacific Time which I believe was before the big news about the US Supreme Court's decision. I didn't say whether I was referring to the FL or the US Justices. I just want everyone to know this because I wouldn't want to offend anyone regarding this very emotional matter...our country's presidental race.

Johnny

Just wanted to let people know that America is being featured on CNN
headline news tonight. I happened to have that channel on,and there were Gerry & Dewey,singing and talking about the "Highway" box set!
As Headline news repeats itself every hour,I would recommend putting
it on and trying to catch them on it! I was advised that they were on,
so I'm spreading the word to anybody else who may be checking into the
sitetonight--good luck!

Hmmmm! I could swear that I've seen those same names recently on tv with the word, "Justice", preceding them. :O )

Here in Cincinnati , From a Movin Train did get a little airplay on a light rock station that plays newer songs by older artist.They will play an older hit song in this case Sister Golden Hair, and will go to a commercial then say stay tuned for a new song by ....

Regards,
Brad

Sorry for the accidental double posting.

Pulled out my only Poco album (1975), "Head Over Heels". The members back then were Paul Cotton, George Grantham, Timothy B, and Rusty Young.

Poco member Tim Smith? Very close in name to former member Timothy B Schmit.

Poco member Tim Smith? Very close in name to former member Timothy B Schmit.

According to http://web.ntown.net/~ghartman/poco.htm Poco now consists of:

Paul Cotton - lead guitar/vocals
Rusty Young - pedal steel/dobro/banjo/vocals
George Grantham - drums/vocals
Jack Sundrud - bass/vocals

Rusty and George are original members. Paul replaced Jim Messina after the 3rd Poco album. Jack toured with the band in the '80s.

Wish I could go to the concert, America and Poco are two of my favorite bands!

Thanks Steve! The site I found had scant information.

Robyn, according to one of the Poco web sites, the 4 touring members are Rusty Young, Paul Cotton, Richard Neville, and Tim Smith.

Dopey's in rehab and Snotty got kicked out for being rude to the fans.

Sneezy, Dopey, Doc, Sleepy, Cuddly, Hairy,and Snotty.

Does anyone know who the current touring members of Poco are?

Hello everyone,I'd like to hear something from Oxygen,but it seems they are still hosting this website,they may not be the biggest label going, but they have tried.Look at the bigger labels i.e. Capitol who's handling of "America's" career was shoddy to say the least and Warner's didn't seem so concerned with our guys last few releases.The problem is getting airplay for any new release,Classic rock stations will only play the oldies and popular stations are only playing young bands with new music which perhaps is as it should be but that leaves many bands in a grey area,any new album will not see the light of day,even in the UK groups such as the "Rolling Stones" have been banished from the airwaves of the major BBC station and will be concentrating on the newer bands.Does this mean that there are no radio stations anywhere willing and able to give airplay to anything new by establihed artists?

Yes David, I believe you're correct. Sir George said on A&E's "Biography" featuring the Bee Gees last night, that his favorite Bee Gees song is "the one from 'Saturday Night Fever'". I assumed that he meant "Stayin' Alive" as you said.

kiri, as a matter of proper protocol i think that it would be manditory to have "riverside" in the opening slot, but then that is just my opinion. btw, "saturn nights" has some of my favorite lyrics..."filled the room with flowers from norway, sensed her majesty in the air, made a sign 'bove your doorway, to show i care"...

making my dad an america mix for christmas...listening to the guys and "ridin' the storm out" (snowing and blowing here).

anyway, as master of the mix, i started considering the order i wanted the songs and started thinking some more about how the guys' songs are ordered on their albums. did they have any control over that? is there a music industry formula for what types of songs go where on albums? for example, i love "riverside" being the opener on the first album and i love "saturn nights" being last on homecoming. they just feel right in those slots.

how long has "riverside" and "horse" been the bookends to their concerts?

ok, back to freezing in my midwestern hell. tell me why i shouldn't give in to my brother's wishes and move out to ventura, ca where he is. bet you can't.

Hmmmm...according to the Bee Gees' "Legends" on VH-1, I would think it's "Stayin' Alive". He couldn't say enough good thinks about the song!

I demand a re-count !

Just thought I'd pass along these updated soundscan numbers which I
recieved today. to date "Human Nature" has scanned 12,631 copies. I
thought the CD had sold more than that,but the numbers don't lie.
In comparison,the new Dash Crofts CD(Of Seals & Crofts fame)has only
scanned 172,but that was released a couple of months ago. I believe
if America had been on a bigger label,and hadn't have had the CD backed up following the Impressive Billboard Story in '98,that you
would have seen a better reaction. Just my opinion.....

Kevin, I could not agree with you any more about 'Company'. That song rocks! I remember the day when I bought 'Hearts', just when it came out, and as I was listening to the album for the 1st time, 'Company' just blew me away. That song is simply amazing! There is nothing quite like the feeling of listening to your favorite band's brand new album and getting so excited because their new stuff is just as good as the old stuff! After hearing 'Company', I was forever sold on 'Hearts'.

Sadly, for me, I did not get to experience that same incredible feeling again until the release of Hourglass. Thank God America seems to be more concerned with writing 'great songs' instead of 'hit' songs these days.

Oh yeah, that song's awesome too. Maybe even more proto-typically America than Company. It's just that I had been listening a lot to Hearts the last week and Company just really rocks.

That pin looks like a pin distributed at the polls........
As for the manual and picks? As sad as it is to say, buyer beware. There'll usually be someone out there willing to spend a buck!

TkH<------outside the box

What I previously said about folks selling America autographed items on eBay being a service to folks like me who can't attend America concerts very often, this case nauseates me. It's not the selling of the picks so much, but it's the backstage manual and the use of photos showing America. It reeks. It saddens me that I have to post this message but I can't let fellow fans think I condone this after posting what I said before. Seller, you should re-think what you're doing. An apology to D&G, I think, is due.

What is Sir George Martin's favorite Bee Gees' song?

Or sew in side extensions. Mark's suggestion is healthier but mine is a lot easier.

She sits alone as she sews
Pierce the grey valiant
I search for zero

(Gerry's "Now Sue")

sorry, bonzie, they only go up to xxl. you'll have to go on a diet :-)

That pin looks pretty fishy. The only times I've ever gone to ebay was when someone on this folder referred to something. So after LisaRose's comment on this pin, I went searching under music for America. What I found even funnier than the pin was 2 guitar picks, one each from Dewey and Gerry, that someone is selling for $20.00 plus shipping!!! (Same person is also selling a book on how to get backstage to meet your favorite celeb and get a guitar pick, and the photos on the book site are of America, taken from backstage.)
$20.00? WOW! None of the cd's are priced anywhere near that!
ShariL <><

Thanks Mark. I ate way too much on Thanksgiving and the waist line expanded. I'm now looking for a XXXL t-shirt.

it looks homemade to me!

is anyone else planning on being there? I would love to get together. Let me know.

Please take a look at this item on ebay--http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=518922702
I think the seller is trying to say it is our "America" button. At the very least it is false advertising. He/She even put it in front of the "Highway" Box.

Kevin,
Company is a brilliant song; no doubt about it. It used to be a constant regular feature in America's live shows in mmost of the 80s. Much as I loved that song live, I thought that the album version was even better.
For me, HAT TRICK is the definitive America song that I judge eveything else by. It truely contains everything that makes America great: Killer harmonies; songwriting contributions from all three original members; Deweys strangely great lyrics; The greatest Gerry Beckly line ever written ( "just a little of nothing, that's all you had the time to give..."), a few great changes in tempo...etc.
I know I'll never get to hear it live, but for my two cents, Hat Trick represents the very best of the best. Some time ago, I played the Live version from Toronto, recorded around 1973. I think that the link to hearing it is still on the fan web site. Anyway, it sounded as amazing as anything, and I wish I had known about America in the 70s.

ANDY

kevin, i think you know more about music than i'll ever know, but for me the defining america song has gotta be "hat trick". ...to each his own it's plain to see...

Robyn, I received a mail message a week or so ago from Rockline saying the America concert was on December 20th (that is a change from the original schedule). I presume that's still correct but we all know how these things can change.

Has the Rockline Appearance been rescheduled? My local station lists "the best of Rockline" on the date that previously said "America"

WW, that was a great time that night. Sorry I haven't been back for a while. I promise I will return one of these evenings for another group listen. Probably when you all least expect it. Maybe for a new record or for a marathon listen with the box set. Until then rock on America fans.DanC.

Yeah, it's hard for me to listen to the CD in order!!! When I had the album it was SO much simpler...lol!

TkH<-----waiting for the onslaught

I have to agree with your opinion of "Company". And it was always a killer tune live. Yhey should bring it back into the live set.

Kevin, that's very interesting what you said about "Company". Because of "Company" being such a rockin' song, I had thought for over twenty years that side two of "Hearts" was really side one. I guess I just never thought differently and never thought to look.

The decision IS hard. My two favorite albums, my two favorite jammin' songs.......

TkH<------Supreme What?

bones, i just got back from venturahighway.com and saw that they were selling america xxl tee shirts. just thought you'd like to know :-)

Green Monkey may win the song tournament, but I've got to tell you, there's something metaphysical or something...hell, I don't know the right word...about "Company" from Hearts. It pretty much has everything that makes America great, all conveniently packaged in one song. From the acoustic guitar riff opening, to the poetry of Dewey Bunnell's lyrics, to the trademark three-part harmony of the chorus, to the kind of percussion America used to do until they turned those duties over to a robot, to the gear shift into overdrive of the electric guitar jam, back to a downshift into a killer hook, and just when you think they're going to end on a nice fadeout, they shift back into overdrive with the kind of spontaneous combustion that was so prevelent in the pre-George days, and the song ends in a all out jamfest. All this in under three-and-a-half minutes. It doesn't seem physically possible.

Of course, your opinions may vary. But I don't see how.

KevinS.

That's not to say Green Monkey doesn't rock the house either. Dammit. I can't decide which is better.

well, I asked for New Year's eve tickets! ( that would be a gift to all three of us, dd said that that would be "the bomb"--am I raising her right?)

Here's one for you.
Who's buying anyone an America related gift this HOLIDAY? Does anyone think they're getting an America related gift?

Personally I'd like that Bass on eBay.........

TkH<----sugar,fat,starch,caffeine!!!!!!

As yet another song contest winds down, need I say, I'm not suprised? Unless something "phunny" happens GREEN MONKEY will win (but like Dubya I'm going to hold off nominating anymore cabinet members-sorry Johnny...lol (C; ).

Wouldn't it be GREAT to hear it LIVE? Say, stick it in the middle of the set between Never Be Lonely and Sister Golden Hair....(C= Yeah, yeah, I'm on hallucinogens again.....sorry. Sigh.

TkH<----need....more.....caffeine.......send,,,,more,,,,cookies....

"Andy, you receive the award for "Most Excited". You submitted 7 songs!"

Johnny, I guess the theory was that if I throw enough stuff...something might stick :)

ANDY

There were 35 different Beatles songs submitted that we'd like to hear Dewey and Gerry cover!!! Of these 35, there were only three songs that received more than one mention. These three tied with two mentions each. They are:

"Here, There, And Everywhere" (Pete and Chris aka 'holiday'),
"Norwegian Wood" (Beech and Robyn),
"Nowhere Man" (Steve L and Chris)

I hadn't posted my two choices but you all (and Sir D) probably know what one of them is so I won't mention it. The other, however, is "In My Life".

Andy, you receive the award for "Most Excited". You submitted 7 songs! And Mark Smith, you receive the "Most Out-of-the-Box" award with your wish to hear Gerry and Dewey cover the Beatles' version of America's "Hat Trick" and "Inspector Mills". :0 )

Thanks to all of you who participated!

The follwing was posted on the Christopher Cross site (www.christophercross.com):

Christopher has just been signed to appear New Year's Eve at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles. The bill is America, with special guests Christopher Cross and Poco. Christopher will be
on from 9:15 to 10:15PM. Visit Ticketmaster for admission information. It should be up in the next few days.

Thanks Steve! Well, no ticket prices are yet listed, but the site confirms that the tickets go on sale on Sunday. I hope I can afford them!

Robyn, I'm afraid I don't know any more than you do at this point. I did finally find a link to their web site, though, if anyone is interested: www.hob.com/business/corporate/hobconcerts/universal/

Yes, but they STILL don't know the ticket prices! They advised me to call back tomorrow or Sunday. Steve, do you know anything They don't?

I will post info here if I ever get it!

Wow! The Universal Ampitheatre on New Year's Eve!! It's a pretty large venue and a lot of big-name acts go through there. America used to play there from time to time. One of their best 1980s live recordings was made there back in 1984. It's a great show if you haven't heard it.

john

Sadly enough my husband still has his from his old stereo (or should I say "hi-fi"). He's kept it for sentimental reasons.....when we were moving I ALMOST threw it out, but I'm sure divorce would have ensued....rofl!

TkH<-------Wanted. Extra cerebral cells with easy payment plan...

I have numerous items autographed but I guess the oldest ones are the America "Hearts" song book from 1975 and an 8 track tape. Can't play the 8 track but it is a nice item on my "America" display shelf. Does anyone still own an 8 track???

Set of 2 America Guitar Picks (Bunnell/Beckley): Great Christmas Gift http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAP.dll?ViewItem&item=517191157

Limp alligator lizards in the air in FL ----> erectile reptile electile dysfunction!

peoria dan, ever since we had a group listen to 'hearts' a few weeks (months??) ago in the chat room i can't listen to 'old virginia' without thinking about you listening to that song with the volume cranked all the way :-)

Hello everyone,wonderful to see America playing the Universal Ampitheatre,a large venue and especially with Poco these two groups have shared the the stage over many a long year.When America toured the UK way back in the mid seventies it was with Poco.I'd like to see America take on Europe,where some english bands have been doing rather well although forgotten in their homeland,take the case of Smokie enourmous throughout Scandinavia seen by 3 million people this year alone still recording and charting in Germany as well.Seeing as Oxygen are hosting this website it would be rather pleasing to hear news of some sort from them,come back Karen.

Well I finnaly got thru to someone at House of Blues Universal! I asked about the ticket prices for the show. Silence. Fianlly "we don't know. We're trying to find out" Hey is it a FREE show? (roflmho)

Ahhhh, but entrapment is better than electile dysfunction....(!?!)

TkH<------putting the FUN in dysFUNctional

Johhny wrote: <<Regarding moving, they don't call New Mexico, "The Land of Entrapment", for nothing!!>>

LOL! Much of Central and Northern Maine are like that. We have a saying up here about that: "If you could buy a bus ticket with food stamps, there'd be no one left here!"

I've always wanted to see Poco! In fact, a few months back, I mentioned in a post that I thought a double-billing of America/Poco would be awesome.

Too bad it's on the left coast...

Would it be so bad to move the concert to Dallas???

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

Yes, but the venue doesn't seem to know about it ARGH!!!!!!

Gerry signed my cocktail napkin in Reno..I really didn't bring anything for them to sign, and it was more like a silly gesture. I really wanted a signed t-shirt but didn't want to ask, so Pete came to my rescue. He picked out a nice color, and caught all 5 of them before a show and had them sign for me. For those of you who have met Pete, count yourselves amoung the lucky..he is truly a sweetheart.

Well, how's the Christmas shopping coming?? Between getting my decorating done..(2 dogs for sale..they ate the lights I had put up around the fence!)and dealing with my son who has his underwear in a knot..(I pulled his keys for 30 days after the turkey nerd got a speeding ticket!)..I am ready for a calgon moment.

Back to work..hope everyone is hummin' right along!!

Here's the latest addition to the concert list. I'll get it out on the web site by this weekend.

12/31/00 Los Angeles, CA - Universal Ampitheatre (w/ Poco and Christopher Cross)

I LOVE the lunch box idea, Mr. Y!!!!! (C=

TkH<------flu sux

I HAD planned on having them autograph an American League Official Baseball. Reasoning? Baseball gave me the money to get my studio together and make music. America was my "first" teen creative inspiration, they kind of "got me on the road"....I don't think it's so much an "unusual" thing to have autographed, yet it is VERY personal! (C= BUT, time and circumstances have kept me from it so far.....we'll see......

TkH<-----yeah, yeah, I had other things in mind.....lololololol

Shayne, there's always the future.

My most unusual items are: The Tin Man doll that I sent to Robyn who had Dewey autograph it for me. Thank you Robyn and Dewey! (And thanks Erin for being willing to "accept the assignment"!) Robyn said she wasn't quick enough to catch Gerry. Dewey signed it, "Best Wishes!, Dewey Bunnell 'America'". The other is a transparent Remo drumhead. It was autographed in blue ink at the recent Regis show. It was signed, "Gerry Beckley America Dewey Bunnell". I love it when the guys include the band name! And one other item. It's Dan's autograph on the "Highway" booklet with the words, "Johnny, Fasten Your Seat Belt!! Dan Peek". Dan is referring to his bio stories.

I'd like to have my metal 60's-70's lunchbox autographed but that might be pushing it. On the lunch box is a cartoon of a family in a van driving across the U.S. with a sign on their vehicle that reads, "See America". I know...you're probably thinking I'm "out-to-lunch" with my lunch box. Can't say I disagree. LOL

I wonder what Dewey, Gerry, and Dan could tell us about all the different things they've been asked to sign.

The only things I have are a ticket stub from the Radio City Music Hall concert in 1983 and the Human Nature CD I bought from HSN. Oh, well. Not to hip, I'm afraid.

Shayne
It's only just a memory, just a little history...

Here's something that might be interesting to discuss: What is the most unusual item that you own that has been autographed by Gerry, Dewey, or Dan?

If you don't have anything presently, what do you plan to have them autograph in the near future? Hey, keep it clean now. We have young children present. :0 )

LisaRose, you're just too on to me. LOL

Alan, I need to track down that guy who was in front of you! Regarding moving, they don't call New Mexico, "The Land of Entrapment", for nothing!!

Johnny,
What a great idea--one of us can buy it, get it autographed and sell it back on ebay for a profit!!! (just kidding)

Johnny,

I know you're track record for being able to attend America concerts isn't great, but if you took it to a show, I'm sure Gerry would autograph it for you. Last year at Topsfield Fair, the guy in front of me had his guitar with him and they signed it.

Alan

p.s. You need to move to a more "America-friendly" part of the country.

How "ironic" with the recent discussions about eBay. But not autographed??? That alone would double the value, I'd say! Otherwise, I would even bid on them and I can only play a radio.

Ger, will you autograph?

Makes me want to learn to play the darn thing.

Well, THAT'S sure to start a bidding war the likes of which e-bay has never seen

Click here

Here's another one (a bass this time) on ebay.

Here's a link to one of gerry's guitars on ebay in case any of you are interested. It's a Fender Japanese Stratocaster 12 string in mint condition.

Please join me this evening in another lively friendly chat about things America! I will be there around 7 p.m, even if the chat "officially" begins at 6.

Thanks Johnny - I just read the Gerry interview recently where he acknowledged the Beatles and CSN&Y and it reminded me of some of the similar song titles from Neil Young's "After The Gold Rush" from 1970.
The great thing we still have that sets America apart from all the other early '70's artists is that, apart from Dan's departure, they never split up and still bring out such great new material like "Hourglass" and "Human Nature". I don't really care that these albums have not sold in great quantity, as long as they can keep it up, I'll value the quality.
Why not another new album by this time 2001. While I would love to see them again Down Under, I would be equally happy to see some more new material. I believe they could have enough already if you add in a few covers I think most of us would be happy to see them perform - enough good ideas have come from these pages alone.
I, for one, would certainly prefer to see new material and well selected covers on any future CD rather than re releasing some of their earlier songs as I am sure we all have their original songs anyway in our collections.
And if it should all end tomorrow, we will always have three decades of priceless gems from our America. I am more than happy with that.
Chris H

groupie: noun. One of a group. One representitive of a collective of like minded individuals persuing a common cause.

TkH<-----writing own dictionary

I'm not a "groupie". Rather, I am an obsessive fan who has made America's music into the soundtrack of my life and dependent upon repeated concerts and future albums for my happiness. Okay, so I am a "groupie". Are you happy?

john :)

Thank all of you guys for your responses and opinions. I found them very interesting. I guess the major consensus here is as you say Leaky--we ARE luck that Gerry and Dewey are the nice guys they are and how lucky we are to be fans (or groupies -as Bubba calls us!!)of such talent and personality.

September 2001

Shayne
Keeping track of every minute that remains...

December 12, 2001 (10:00 a.m. EST) Approximately.

Encore came out in July 1991
Hourglass came out in May 1994
Human Nature came out in September 1998

That's 34 months between Encore and Hourglass, and 53 months between Hourglass and Human Nature. At that rate that next America album will be 82.6 months after Human Nature, which would be 6 years, 10 months later, or in July 2005. I'm not sure we can wait that long!!

john

October 2001

TkH<-------psyCHIC (snicker)

2003 sounds about right. I predict that the next America release (assuming there is one) will be released on Gerry's Human Nature label, because considering the meager sales of the last two CD's no major or mid-major label will be interested in the project, unless it is a reunion CD with Dan.

2003, That's to long. We need one by the end of the year or next year.

AT this time, we have no idea if and when a new America album will appear. I suggest we have a contest to predict the date, and the Webmaster can archive the results for future announcement.

I predict that in factoring together 1) the past 15 year history of how long it has taken America to release new recordings, 2) the touring schedule, 3) time for Gerry Beckley to pursue solo artist recordings and collaborations, 4) need for time to compose, record, and produce, 5) dickering with Oxygen Records or whoever might distribute, etc. the next America album will be released in........

June 2003

Good luck GUYS!! I'm enjoying Human Nature till then!

somebody on this board is celebrating a birthday

...…….we are lucky that Gerry and Dewey are the nice guys that they are……all of us have had no problem obtaining an autograph…….as we all know some celebrities have such jolly green giant egos that they won’t sign an autograph….I sometimes feel that this is a market strategy to keep the market value of their autograph high…….

…for example I had an experience a couple of years ago……Pete Rose almost refused to sign a couple of baseball cards I asked him to sign for my son……..…..his initial reply was “this ain’t no *#!damn baseball card show”…but then he had a change of heart and signed them……I honestly felt like tearing up the cards right there in front of him…

LkY<........goodnight and God bless America

The Championship Round of the Rockers Song Tournament is under way and will continue until midnight on Sunday. If you haven't cast your vote yet, click on the preceding link and be sure to vote (insert your favorite Gore/Bush voting joke here). The two finalists are "Green Monkey" and "Sister Golden Hair". The last time I checked "SGH" had a one vote lead so every vote will count (insert your second favorite voting joke here). FYI: We held a song tournament a couple of years ago and "SGH" ended up beating "Ventura Highway" by one vote in the final round. Could "SGH" repeat as the most popular rocker???

SteveL<------(insert your favorite webmaster joke here)

I think Pat B's analogy is cute!!!!!
I'm not one for thinking autographs are "sacred" though. After having been mauled for years by people who are trying to get at their "object du jour", I guess I'm complaining more about the methods of the madness, rather than the actual signatures themselves. My camera position was directly on the field with the first row of seating behind my back. You don't know HOW many times I've had bodies ON my neck and head, crap thrown on me, been SPIT upon, all because when asked if I could get them an autograph I POLITELY (and nicely-just the usual midwestern way) said "I'm sorry, I can't. I'll get thrown out". That's ONE of the (myriad of) reasons I got OUT of sports TV....so this was a close subject to home....lol!

TkH<---------eBay lover

I would have to say that my first reaction to this was the same as most people on this chat folder. However; after calming down from "how-dare-someone-sell-something-so-sacred!?" I must agree with Johnny. Consider this scenerio; a casual fan or maybe even a non-fan is cleaning out their closet, and comes across America's autograph. They deside that they no longer want the item. But before discarding it in the trash, (over the years I have thrown away alot of good stuff from my closets to make room for new stuff!) they try to sell it on the internet. Then a die-hard fan like Suat from Turkey, who maybe hasn't had a chance to see the band live, takes advantage of the opportunity to get an autograph that they will enjoy having. Think of that autograph as a poor abandoned little puppy who needs a good home! I don't know how Gerry and Dewey feel about this, but I would feel pretty cool if my signature had a cash value to someone!

And who knows, the sellers just might be Gerry and Dewey themselves! Trying to make a little extra cash to pay for that vintage 1960 Fender Stratocaster Sunburst guitar for sale at Sam Ash Music. (just kidding) LOLOL

low is fantastic. "secret name" is a must have. listening to it right now.

enjoy your day.

mB

A very interesting topic to say the least. I certainly can understand the feelings of those that are offended by those that sell Gerry and Dewey's autograph on eBay. I look at it a bit differently, however. Being a fan since nearly the beginning, I've been to only three America concerts. The first was in 1974. I've met Gerry and Dewey only once and that wasn't until 1998. I've never met Dan but I hope to one of these days. So, if not for those folks selling their America autographed items on eBay (unless you have a dear friend like Robyn), some of us fans wouldn't have any of these items to cherish. So, I guess it has both its negative and positive side. Obviously, those folks that sell autographed America items aren't hardcore America fans. So, I look at what they're doing as a service to some of us. Once purchased, these items are now in the hands of those that can really appreciate them.

Andy, I think it's very interesting what you said about Dewey asking you if you wanted your name included with his autograph and its value with verses without it. I think it is wonderful of Dewey to care enough to ask. By the way Dewey, you have a marvelous signature!!!

In the '98 Albuquerque show, Gerry was available for autographs both before and after the show. Gerry, Cathy and I really appreciated that.

Back to the subject. I view buying and selling items on eBay as an American way. Sure there are extremes but I don't view selling autographed items that way as I mentioned above. I recall awhile back that fellow fan Joanne Meyers mentioned on this folder that Dewey told her he sold a t-shirt he wore to someone who really admired it.

I wonder this: Let's say there's a signed "Homecoming" album cover with Dan, Dewey, and Gerry's autograph for sale on eBay. What would you do? I bet a whole bunch of us would scramble to bid on it. I know I would.

I am the last person to condone the actions of someone getting an autograph with the intention of selling it to make a profit. But let's put this into perspective. I have been collecting autographs for about 15 years. I collect only those persons that I have respect or admiration for. there have been more times than not, waiting hours to get an autograph on my favorite piece of memorabilia. These items I have collected through the years and have sentimental value. I have invested a lot of money for concert tickets, transportation, CD's and records, concert t-shirts, hats etc. At my current hourly rate doing my job...let's just say I make more in an hour than most of my individual autographs are worth. So let's do the math- if I spend a total of 4 hours at a event (my time=money), pay about $30 for a concert ticket, purchase a T-shirt or program ($20-$30), compete with a crowd of over zealous fans looking for an autograph...let's say I'm fortunate enough to get an autograph...quick, scribbled, illegible signature on my now creased (from the inconsiderate crowd) album cover/poster/keepsake. What kind of profit margin are we talking about here? It seems to me that if I sold the item, I lose money!

It's a bummer when a celebrity thinks I'm trying to take advantage of them by asking for an autograph. There will always be inconsiderate, greedy people that ruin it for everyone else (that goes for both fans and artists). But I don't think you can stop selfishness, you can only deter it. Be an example the next time you have the fortune to meet your favorite celebrity. Be considerate and respectful of their time and personal space. It makes the experience worth more than any amount of money invested. I have had some great people interaction by following that philosophy.

By the way, Gerry and Dewey are outstanding people! I think they know when someone is genuinely thrilled to meet them. For those of you that choose to take advantage of their generosity and kindness...you suck and have no integrity. But we all have the right to make choices, it's just that you make the wrong choice. We shouldn't pay so much attention to those that attempt to profit from celebrity, I've seen how some of them live...if it's a celebrity, they're not at peace. If it's a fan, they're not making enough to keep up on personal hygiene.

-Just my opinion, based on my experiences.

It's no doubt that is too bad that some of their cherished signatures are being sold. However that probably won't stop them from keeping their real fans happy w/signatures. Just because there are a few bad apples is not a good reason to stop satisfying the other 99% good fans, I suppose it all goes w/the territory. GERRY & DEWEY will simply continue taking care of business w/their fans & let the dribble fall where it may. They stay focused. They thrive.

Oh yeah, for what it's worth, I'd part with my limbs before I'd part with that LP !!

ANDY

I am still troubled by seeing America's autographs on e-bay, but now I am wondering if Gerry and Dewey really mind. Consider this story that happened to me a little over a year ago: In the fall of 1999, I drove up to Connecticut to see America at the Mohegan Sun. Between shows, I showed Dewey and Gerry my rare copy of their first LP that IS MISSING A Horse With No Name. Needless to say, I was might proud of my rare gem. While Dewey was signing my LP, he asked if he should sign it to me, or to leave it blank. I was shocked at his question. After all, who on earth would NOT want an autograph to be personally made out to them?? So Dewey explained to me that if I was thinking of selling that LP, it would be worth more WITHOUT my name on there !!!
Obviously, both Gerry AND Dewey are most generous with their time, and they certainly expect SOME of their autographs to be sold later on. What I have no way of knowing is if they look favourably upon their autographed items being re-sold. Sure they expect it, but do they actually approve of it?

ANDY

Yeah, LisaRose-pretty much my sentiments. I had to live around Baseball players for 15 years of my life. Autograph seekers (loud and IN MY DAMN EARS) were a way of life. They come in, grab little kids (who for the most part were fairly RUDE and impolite) and pay them to get autographs from mid to BIG stars. Then these folks go out on eBay and booths (in sports memorabilia meets) and charge HUGE buck-a-roonies for them. As long as there's a market, it's going to happen (AND as long as Mr.'s Bunnell and Beckley continue to sign). Another "happy" human nature fact.....sigh.....

TkH<------huh?

Yeah, LisaRose-pretty much my sentiments. I had to live around Baseball players for 15 years of my life. Autograph seekers (loud and IN MY DAMN EARS) were a way of life. They come in, grab little kids (who for the most part were fairly RUDE and impolite) and pay them to get autographs from mid to BIG stars. Then these folks go out on eBay and booths (in sports memorabilia meets) and charge HUGE buck-a-roonies for them. As long as there's a market, it's going to happen (AND as long as Mr.'s Bunnell and Beckley continue to sign). Another "happy" human nature fact.....sigh.....

TkH<------huh?

I agree with Lisa. I have Dewey and Gerry's autograph many times over, and I wouldn't be caught dead either selling or giving them away. Period.

ANDY

Q--What's florescent lime green, weighs 5 pounds and costs about $1500?

A--My son's new laptop! (ouch) I must say, though, it's the FUNNEST little expensive toy on the planet!!!!! Had to get it for the boy (got a pretty severe L.D. diagnosis last week-can't write) for school. I've been playing with it WAY too much (LOL)!!! Any of you out there do laptops/USB/midi (Alan? Webmasters? ANYONE????) I'd be interested in hearing any stories (horror or no!)......I've had SOME feedback from a few folks, but before I sink my hard earned buckers into the next P-O-S I'd like to RESEARCH it a bit better (grin)! (You can also bet it WON'T be that dubious lime green, either...lol)

Thanks in advance!

TkH<--------who said laps are big?

Maybe I am wrong to feel like this but am so annoyed that people are selling the guys autographs on Ebay. Some are very recent as it is the "Human Nature" CD. It makes me think that the same people that are seeing them and waiting between sets for their autograph which they both so graciously give are just doing it to try to sell it. That really bugs me. I have about 7 of their autographs-(why so many, I don't know-just like to get them to sign everything I have from them and still need a few more signed!) and would never even think of parting with them unless it was given as a gift to a fellow fan. How dare people waste Gerry and Dewey's rest time to possibly make money. Especially, since some of the autographs are recent, I feel it is premeditated and disgusting. But hey that is just my opinion. Any other thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Members: Zak Sally, Alan Sparhawk, and Mimi Parker
Genre: Rock
Style: Sadcore, Slowcore, Dream Pop, Indie Rock, Alternative Pop/Rock

Formed in Duluth, MN in 1994, Low was perhaps the slowest of the so-called "slo-core" bands--delicate, austere and hypnotic, the trio's music rarely rose above a whisper, divining its dramatic tension in the unsettling open spaces created by the absence of sound. Initially comprising the husband-and-wife team guitarist/vocalist Alan Sparhawk and drummer/vocalist Mimi Parker along with bassist John Nichols, Low began as an experimental reaction to the predominace of grunge; Shimmy Disc producer Kramer soon invited the group to record at his Noise N.J. studios, and the resulting demos earned them a deal with the Vernon Yard label.

Discography:
1994 "I Could Live In Hope"
1995 "Long Division"
1996 "The Curtain Hits the Cast"
1999 "Christmas"
2000 "One More Reason To Forget (live)
2000 "Low"
2000 "Over The Ocean"

(Info from "All Music Guide")

Sorry about that Alan! You do what you have to do when it comes to friends, getting tracking and info confused is a small price to pay when it comes to friends!!!!! (C= You GO, boy! ((((C=

TkH<------your long distance relationship specialist

Any Beatles ballad cover by America would sound great…but for a live performance I would like to hear something with the energy level and raunchy guitar work of Helter Skelter…..woodzeeee could turn up the guitar and let his hair down……. mixed in at the end of the show when the set is climaxing would be great……maybe Woodzee could sing this one……….or should I say scream this one……..

Beechlady,

My friend from Florida and I are actually thinking about trying this "long-distance collaboration" thing. Thanks so much for painfully pointing out every reason why it won't work!!! lol!

Seriously, I have already considered some of these logistics problems. But when you have a best friend that you only see maybe once every 1 or 2 years and you REALLY want to write and play together, MAYBE this is better than nothing. We'll see. Right now I don't even have time to finish the CD I'm working on with a guy that lives 20 minutes away fer cryin' out loud! So, I guess I shouldn't even worry about it for now.

Alan

One of my all-time favorites is "I Should Have Known Better". It wasn't a big hit for the Beatles, but I think Dewey and Gerry would sound great doing it.

>>> " Bring back the band " <<< -KevinS

>>> " Bring back the WHOLE band " <<< -PatB

>>> " Bunnell, Beckley and Browne sounds good to me. " <<< -holiday

>>> " Bunnell, Beckley and PEEK, sounds better to me. " <<< -PatB

give us some info.

Somthing tells me that sales for "Try Whistling This" are going to increase this week (LOL). Have never heard of Low. Will definitely have to check them out. Can anyone give up some info about them?

Chris, great match-ups that you did with America and CSNY! Very uncanny!!

What's the story behind that acquisition?

Gerry was reading the posts from Kiri (#14600) and Rick (#14602) about Neil Finn's "Try Whistling This" and he said that it's one of his favorite CD's along with anything by Low.

Actually, Jackson opened for the guys back in '73. He collaborated with Gerry on Sister Golden HAir, suggesting a change to "Will you meet me in the middle" from "will you meet me in Virginia" . At least that is the "Urban Legend"

Yeah, that story reminded me of Jebby Bush's wife......"Yeah, lets get thousands worth of goods thru customs on the cheap" Floridians have LOADs of Bush stories like that.....sigh. (Not that Gore's much better)

TkH<------antisleepdeprived (!?!?!)

Enjoying the posts after buying "Beatles 1" last weekend. I agree with SteveL re "Nowhere Man" and the harmonies fitting America's style. Also "Everywhere" and maybe "I'll Follow The Sun" - any Beatles ballad really.
Johnny - loved your posts here - right on with your bizzaro world match ups - song line ups and band members. Very clever - some truth in it too.
I believe Gerry recently cited the Beatles and CSN&Y as being big early influences. Maybe the following CSN&Y songs prove it too:
Southern Man/Sandman (always reminded me of each other) and Tin Man
Old Man/Old Man Took
Only Love Can Break Your Heart/Only In Your Heart
I Believe In You/I Do Believe In You
Till The Morning Comes/Till The Sun Comes Up Again
Don't Let It Bring You Down/Don't Let It Get You Down
Are You Ready For The Country/In The Country
Teach Your Children/Children
- a lot of the Neil Young songs appeared on "After The Goldrush"
He also had a "Tell Me Why" as did the Beatles
The Beatles also had an "I Need You" (on "Help")

Actually, come to think of it, I see more Neil Young influence on America than anyone else. I believe the boys could do some fantastic covers of very many Neil Young's songs. Has NY ever played with them?

I also think they could do some great covers of Jackson Browne's material. "Take It Easy" is more America's style than the Eagles - Jackson should have written it for our guys!!!!!!

My dream would be that Jackson, Gerry and Dewey could collaborate on some new material as they are all still putting out great new songs.
Bunnell Beckley and Browne sounds good to me.
Keep well friends.
Chris H

Yeah exchanging files is an option in this day and age, BUT it's sometimes a Pain In The Royal BUTT to get files/tracks/order all produced into a coherent package....."ok, ok. Here's drums/track 10,
I got rhythem guitar, no, solo (?!?)on 3 is it??????? I don't care how carefully you document your art in the studio, it's bound to get shuffled around a tad...lol! GET THEE TO A PRODUCER....(snicker)
Anywho,,,,,,,,,,,just a thought!

TkH<------spellchecker anti-Christ

Like to hear them play, Here There and Everywhere.

Hatrick in my opinion, is America's Abbey Road. I saw America in concert right after the release of Hatrick. Magical times!

Perhaps a reason why, as Kevin said, Human Nature was "hit and miss" had to do with Gerry and Dewey's incredibly HEAVY touring schedule. I'm talking about the promotional end. From what I've read on this chat folder, I think the guys did a fine job of promoting the CD. Perhaps more time could have been used, however, to promote it even more. But, there's only so many hours in a day and D&G had many other obligations, without a doubt.

Alan: Like Steve, I can only give an educated guess. I think it's all, sadly, economics. They either can't afford to hire the outside musicians, or would rather keep the session fees themselves. So, unfortunately, instead of the intensity of Willie Leacox's drumming that kept their earlier work fresh and energized, you settle for the pedestrian drum machine.

And I've often wondered about the lack of Dewey's presence on Human Nature since the day it came out. I certainly hope it wasn't because the guys didn't live near each other. Hey, don't release an album if you don't have time to work together on it.

Both points you brought up are why I think Human Nature was very hit and miss.

Bring back the band.

KevinS.

Steve,

Thanks for the answers to my questions. Although they are as you say "an educated guess", they certainly make sense to me. I was aware that Gerry plays multiple instruments while Dewey plays only guitar. I was just curious as to why on even a couple of Dewey's songs on HN, Gerry seemed to play all the guitars. I probably didn't word the question very clearly.

A friend of mine told me that David Crosby's son has a band and that David contributes guitar and vocal tracks even though they live quite far apart. They use Cakewalk Pro Audio (which is what I have). His son's band records their tracks then send the project files to David. He adds tracks and sends them back to his son for final mixing. This allows for long-distance collaboration. Of course, with their grueling tour schedule, this probably wouldn't be practical for Dewey and Gerry as they probably have to make every second in the studio count. Still, it would be nice to have the same America on CD as the ones that tour together. (Not that I'm complaining - both the CDs and live shows are GREAT).

Alan

Thanks for the info Nina. I finally got the magazine on probably the last day it was available. You forgot to mention that when they list the 24 hits which is "yours to enjoy for 10 day without risk!" they listed as the number ONE song "A Horse with No Name" by...uh I can't think of the name of the group off hand. Glad it made your day--made mine too!!! Guess us teachers are thankful for even the little but important things in life!!

I scared myself so I decided to get a life and stopped. LOL

You're SCARING ME.......lol

TkH<-------mozzerella jones

HATRICK...right?...LOL

Okay, while we're all in fantasy hour, here are some ideas for Beatles' SOLO songs that I'd like to hear America cover (After America is finished performing HAT TRICK :)

Solo John Lennon: OH MY LOVE

Solo Ringo: PHOTOGRAPH (or IT DON'T COME EASY...I can't decide)

Solo George: BLOW AWAY

Solo Paul: ANOTHER DAY (or PUT IT THERE..I can't decide :)

Hey I can dream, can't I? Besides, I'd much rather hear the boys cover their own obsecure material suh as MY DEAR, MONSTER, TOMORROW, and HAT TRICK HAT TRICK HAT TRICK HAT TRICK HAT TRICK....y'all get the point, right? LOL

ANDY

1. YOU NEVER GIVE ME YOUR MONEY
2. FOR NO ONE

Both Dewey and Gerry would do excellent jobs singing those songs :O)

ANDY

Alan, I can give an educated guess about the answers to your questions but they're certainly not definitive:

1. Why don't Woodz, Brad, and Willie play very much on the studio albums? With the band's grueling tour schedule Gerry and Dewey have to use every spare moment they have to try to put out new material. Since the band members live all across the United States, it's rather difficult to get them together between concerts to do any recording. So I believe convenience and expediency is one answer to the question. If all the members lived within driving distance of Gerry's recording studio, I guess that they would be involved a lot more.

2. Why does Gerry play guitar (and other instruments) on most of the Human Nature songs? Once again, the answer could be the same as the previous answer. Most of the songs were recorded in Gerry's studio and that's also where they were usually mixed. At the time that Human Nature was recorded Dewey was living in Northern California and it was difficult for he and Gerry to spend lots of time together between concerts. My guess is that they did what they could while they were together and then Gerry filled in the rest whenever he had the chance. As far as other instruments are concerned, Dewey stays basically with the guitar while Gerry also plays the piano, harmonica, and quite a few other instruments.

Linking Beatles/America

John Lennon/Dewey Bunnell
Paul McCartney/Gerry Beckley
George Harrison/Dan Peek
Ringo/Willie

Dig A Pony/Donkey Jaw
Cry Baby Cry/Don't Cry Baby
Because/What Does It Matter
Oh! Darling/My Dear
Helter Skelter/Monster
Yesterday/One Morning
Junk/No Fortune
Norwegian Wood/Bell Tree
Sgt. Pepper's/Sgt. Darkness
Day Tripper/All Night
In My Life/All My Life
Girl/Woman Tonight
Eight Days A Week/Wednesday Morning
Come Together/Here
Octopus' Garden/Three Roses
Back In The USSR/In The Country
Don't Let Me Down/She's Gonna Let You Down
Taxman/Tin Man
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da/Oloololo
Help!/I Need You
Yellow Submarine/Submarine Ladies

And on and on....

If I had my choice, it would be these two songs:

She's Leaving Home (imagine the harmonies on that one)
Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight (they have to be together)

Golden Slumbers and Carry That Weight were the only songs Peter Frampton and the Bee Gees gave Justice too in the movie (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band). As a huge Bee Gees fan from way, way back, I bought the soundtrack. As an avid Beatles fan from way back farther, I hated it. Imagine, Steve Martin singing "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" and George Burns (GEORGE BURNS???) singing "Fixing A Hole". Sheeesh. Of course if 'NSYNC or he Backstreet Boys did that movie today, the soundtrack would go to number one for 6 months at least. Yuck.

Shayne
How bout a tear for the year of 1960....

Listening to Eleanor Rigby got me thinking that it would be a great song to play followed by Lonely People. I tried to come up with other songs that would "pair" in this way I came up with

Long and Winding Road/Ventura Highway or Goodbye Highway
Hello Hello/ Goodbye

and of course
I need You/ I Need You.

Johnny this is right up your alley ( and were you poking fun at me for not being able to choose ONE Beatles song? Let's face it the catalog is too vast for that!)

Across The Universe (highly underrated) and Two Of Us.. how fitting?? DanC.

I think both Dewey and Gerry would do a very fine version of "I Will."

I think both Dewey and Gerry would do a very fine version of "I Will."

Robyn,got the email this morning...thank you so much!!!

and Steve when you have time can you update my email address to the following, thanks: leakykanoe@email.msn.com

The Long and Winding Road...ala...AMERICA-HIGHWAY

Hi All! It's been a long and winding road back, almost TOO much to catch up on, in here (!!!!)......sigh....Hopefully things have settled down. They say everything comes in threes. I hope thats true, cuz if so, I'm DONE for awhile (C% }.

I second Robyn's "Norwegian Wood" post.

Hope everyone's T-day was fulFILLING!

TkH<-------"But its allllllright, I'll get byyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.

Joe B- The song "DANCE" is inspired by Karla Faye Tucker. She was put to death in Texas a few years ago after a murder conviction. She had become a Christian while in prison. Brian wrote the song, but did not personally know her. It's one of my favorite songs too.

I've been moving the studio around lately, listening to HIGHWAY a bit. HOMECOMING has long been my favorite record, but HAT TRICK is starting to make a challenge... Best to all!! kmar

johnny, i know this answer doesn't fit the question, but i'd like to see them replace "things we said today" with "hat trick" or "inspector mills".

Ever wrote....sorry.....

Imagine is John Lennon, Luv.
Great song, stands up to any "Beatle" song he every wrote.

You've Got To Hide your Love Away

And your Bird Can Sing

I'd love to hear Dewey take a stab at "Glass Onion". And Gerry with overdubbed harmonies on "Something" would be great

Imagine...is that all the Beatles? Don't know, but I love that song...

Erin :o)

I've got a couple of questions that have been eating away at me for some time, so I've finally decided to ask them. Hopefully someone here more knowledgable than me (which is probably everyone on this folder) has the answer.

First question: From looking at the credits on later CD's, I notice that Dewey and Gerry don't utilize Woodz, Brad and Willie very much in the studio. Why is that?

Second question: On Human Nature, I notice that Dewey is listed as playing the guitar on very few songs. Gerry seems to play most of the guitars (and other instruments), even on the Dewey-penned songs. What's up with that? Dewey is a fine guitarist and I'm just wondering why he didn't play more on the album. Did he perhaps have a hand injury he was recovering from or something at the time HN was recorded? Just curious.

Alan

Obla-Di, Obla-Da has always been one of my favorites, and I'll bet America could do a great cover of it. of course, there's always While my Guitar Gently Weeps (Dewey vocals) or Yesterday (Gerry vocals). Too many choices!

Come Together....Let's get Dan Peek involved!

My vote would go to Ticket to Ride. I always loved the Beatles doing it and I would love to hear the guys do it. I also got the Beatles 1 CD and it's great. By the way it sold 550,000 the first week out and over 600,000 the second week out.

Mark

Hey All, let's make it TWO Beatle choices instead of one. More fun that way. Good idea, Robyn!

About 10 years ago in concert , Dewey in a festive mood , played the opening riff to Day Tripper a couple of times. I would have like to here the boys do that song.

Brad

Norwegian Wood or Blackbird ( although I think Dewey's take on Yellow Submarine might be a lot of fun!)

Just bought the Beatles' One. Nice collection to have in the car. I had forgotten how great they sounded.

"Nowhere Man". Great harmonies that would fit well with the America style.

The guys are still performing the Beatles song, "Things We Said Today", I believe. IF you could have the guys cover a different Beatles song, what would you choose? I'll keep a tally and will report the results...if there's enough response.

Just read this in the Dan Peek newsletter. Great news for all!

Thanks to unrelenting requests, and support by fans... Dan's solo albums,
"Electro Voice", and "Crossover", will soon be available as an all
inclusive double album! We are committed to releasing this unique package
in time for delivery before Christmas. Please watch for announcements at
www.danpeek.com !

Check your e-mail. Is that the info you needed?

Hey Stevo; just got through my 14th listen to Under The Mercy by Peace; you're right; it's a GREAT CD! Well worth the price. I agree with my brother JoeB; 'Dance' is a terrific track. My only complaint is the song; '2010'. Don't much care for it's end-of-the-world-doom-and-gloom-forcast lyrics. Actually seems a bit out of place being on a Peace CD. Also, it's chords are way too reminiscent of Bad Company's song 'Seagull'.

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Last Revised: 1 January 2001