Archives: September 1999

Do not assume that you know what is going on in the mind of a friend. Hey, if you are confused-ask, the worst that may happen is that they will decline your offer to listen. Silence also is not always a bad thing. Sometimes silence occurs because your friend is searching for words with which to better communicate. Give your friend a chance for the words may not be there physically, but the thoughts within are there--waiting for the proper inspiration to be released.

F P

Shari - Ding!Ding!Ding! Yes, my ex-husband showed up at the church just moments before the ceremony. Lovely. Stinking of gin and tears in his eyes. (Divorced 4 years ago, due to his extracurricular activities) But, anyway. He had made a "card", and said congrats to me, and shook Tom's hand. What a winner.
Eeek!
Beth

I give up, who was the unwelcome guest?

Does anyone know the significance of Gerry's "three stones" that symbolizes his studio, Human Nature? I don't; I'm quite curious.

Oh, and one more thing. Go Reds.

KevinS.

Yea..I've popped my cork (although those who know me will swear I popped it long ago..)..let the root beer flow..or whatever suits your fancy! I don't care if it is being promoted by whotheheckisamerica.com...they are recognizing this fantastic effort with their top award! There..I'll go sit down now, this root beer is going to my head.

Kevin

At this point ANY publicity and promotion is a good thing. It doesn't matter if it comes from a "major" or a "minor" site.

Gee Kevin, you're SUCH a party pooper ;) I never heard of rockandrollusa.com either, but it's nice to see different folks who appreciate America.

Along with the Pop Album of the Year award (Yea!) is Scott West's interview with Ian Samwell entitled "Horse With No Name". Look for it in the Reviews and Features section of rockandrollusa.com.

While I think it's great that Human Nature is nominated for pop album of the year by rockandrollusa.com, I just have a few questions before I uncork the champaign.

First of all, who the heck is rockandrollusa.com (no disrepect intended)? Is it a force in the music business? Is it a site that gets a lot of traffic? Is it well-respected among artists or radio and record people? Does a nomination get any kind of spin beyond just on that particular website? Is it a site anyone has ever been to before now? Who runs the site? How independent is it? And my last question: How can Human Nature be nominated for pop album of the year when it came out last year?

Hey, I hope it wins. It's just that, if that if it does, I want it to be a big deal. (Like last father's day, my kids voted me "their best dad ever." I got excited until I realized I don't think there were too many other candidates.)

KevinS.

Good guess Janice. RE pop album of the year-- Could this be the first of many well deserved accolades? Hope so!

Hmmm,...someone from the IRS??
On another note...POP ALBUM OF THE YEAR..YES!!

matthew sweet is great.
big fans.

mB

Speaking of America, Matthew Sweet's new album "In Reverse" is due out October 12. The new single "What Matters" is now getting airplay. Listen for it. America rocks.

KevinS.

Thanks Steve! How immensly cool! There it is, as Pop album of the year HUMAN NATURE! they couldn't have made a better choice.

Beth, was it Office Obie? (really obscure reference)

Beth, I'd guess the same as ShariL and Steve. If not, how about: OJ? LOL

Shari, I'll go along with your "ex-husband" guess. That's what I was going to say but you beat me to the punch.

A real person, or something like a bat?
If it's a real person, I'm guessing your ex-husband or the ex-wife.
LOL!!!
Thanks for sharing your pictures.
Shari <><

Robyn, no Tooth Fairy. Hint: We were not happy to see this person. We were glad this person did not stay. Anyone else want to take a guess?!
Beth

Robyn, you can access Rock&Roll.com by going to www.rockandrollusa.com. It's the same web site that recently did an article on America at the Nugget where Scott West gave high praises to our favorite band and said some wonderful things about Human Nature It wouldn't surprise me if they chose Human Nature as the Pop album of the year.

Great Photos Beth. Thanks for letting us be there. Pray tell, who was the special guest? The Tooth Fairy is out, I take it.

FP, I like your stuff. Where do you get it?

Hey All - I had me a most wonderful Wedding!!! At 1pm on Saturday, (Ceremony set for 4pm) we discovered Justin had left his dress shoes locked inside the band room at school. He looks lovely in the pics with his Airwalks!! He gave us a pretty bad time Friday eve before the wedding. Disappeared without a trace from the Homecoming Game, and after I filed a Missing Persons report, he finally showed up at his grandparents house in town. Made for a late night (2am) but at least he was okay, not intoxicated that we could tell.

Then, we had a surprise visitor at the church just before the wedding! Egads! Anyone care to take a guess?

Stay tuned,
Beth

Kevin, thanks for the great explanation of a song producer. It makes perfect sense the way you said it.

Yes, Happy Birthday to Pete!!

"Human Nature" as Pop Album of the Year by Rock&Roll.com, Jimnak? Too good to be true? Maybe that's the "big" announcement that John Corbett said was coming as mentioned to him by someone. That would be sooooooooo awesome!!!

Try to be consistent in how you treat a friend. A friend cannot read your mind. After months or years of treating a friend in one manner do not change without offering her an explanation. tell your friend what you are thinking.

F P

Happy Birthday Pete!
Have a great day!!

Erin :o)

If true---EXCELLENT. How do we access the site? www.Rock&Roll.com doesn't seem to work!

Rumor floating that the Web site Rock&Roll.com will promote HUMAN NATURE as Pop Album of the Year. Sure hope it is true. HUMAN NATURE is one of AMERICA's finest works of musical artistry. What a launch into 2000 that would be.

Karen, so nice to see you post! And thinks for mentioning Pete's birthday! Happy Birthday, Pete!!..(and Ronnie says Happy Birthday too..you may or may not remember he hitched a ride on your shoulders once last summer!)
(ok folks, that was my last post for the day..promise..I just happen to be spending a lot of time on e-bay today and keep checking the folder..I'll still my fingers now..)

Happy Birthday Pete!

The most dedicated guitar tech around.

Karen D. and Oxygen Records

It is our ecclectic musical tastes that makes all of us here so interesting! The music of your choice is an individual one. Hey, I listen to Big Band Music in the City car ( no FM radio, just AM if you can believe that!) I even sing along.( although , as previously noted, I have a voice that could peel paint off the walls.)

Johnny, I was going to answer your question, but Kevin beat me to it. Essentially the producer is responsible for the finished product. ( He produces--as in makes it appear!)

Again you have educated me on Muskratism..and further more on musical tastes, I'm sure many of you would wince at some of the stuff I have in my collection..as an example, once upon a time the lift at Snowbird Utah had a guy dressed in Swiss Alps atire, yodleing all the way up and down..he was selling albums (as in vinyls)..lol.and I still listen to it on occasion..also have some pretty funky jazz stuff that nobody would like except for me..lol...

Johnny:

Think of the producer of a song the same as a director of a movie. Whereas the director isn't necessarily the writer, once he gets a screenplay, he reshapes the script, casts the actors, gets the performances out of them he wants, and is responsible for the total look and the feel of the movie.

Same with the producer in music. The producer may not write the song, but he "directs" it. He hears something in pretty basic form, probably on acoustic guitar or piano. Then he decides how to best bring that song to life on record. Choice of instruments, arrangements, what studio musicians to add, choosing the studio and the engineer. Just like a good script in the hands of the wrong director can yield a bad movie (or vise versa), a good song in the hands of the wrong producer can go astray. And a good producer can make a great song even better.

Hope that explains it.

KevinS.

The producer of a movie is the guy who put up the money, the one who hires the director. In music, that's the record company.

I agree with Kevin, ( I have made my thoughts on Muskrat Love plain more than once, pretty tune, silly lyrics) If everyone liked the same things,what a beige world this would be. How disappointing the venturahighway site is after such a promising beginning. Makes you appreciate the well tended site Steve keeps ( kudos again, Steve.)

Yes Janice, the original title of the Willis Alan Ramsey tune is Muskrat Candlelight. Ramsey appears to be the J.D Salinger of the Country Music world. Not much about him anywhere. Even his "unofficial web site has a blank bio page.

I agree. It's too bad that venturahighway.com hasn't really been kept current. I realize it's the band's website and the band is busy with more important pursuits. (The monthly "From A Moving Train" section, for instance, is now three or four months behind.) This isn't a critism. I'd rather get music out of America than a website. But it is just another thing that underscores how much work Steve does to keep this America Fan's Website current.

KevinS.

Can someone tell me what it technically means to "produce" a song? For example: "Hope" Produced By Gerry Beckley

Muskrat Candlelight? And yes, I agree,..it is a matter of taste, and I wasn't poking fun at SNJ's taste in music..far be it from me. :)

One more thing about Muskrat Love. Some people like the song, some people don't. Some people like olives, some don't. It doesn't make them right or wrong, just a matter of taste.

I will say this. I've noticed that no artist or performer who has ever written or recorded Muskrat Love or Muskrat Candlelight has ever been inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.

KevinS.

had to mention this thought-provoking post..yes..forgiveness should always be an option. Thanks for reminding us. :)

Great pics, Beth..thanks for making them available for us to see! I'm fine Shari..going back to work on Oct. 11..I'm so excited..! I've got cabin fever big time! I agree with you on the other site..so much potential..but my thinking is that they want personal input, and just when do they have the time? Welcome, Jlamanna..I think that Dewey probably messed up on purpose..wanted to see if you were paying attention..lol..and finally..SNJ (alias Mr. Lewis)..story behind Muskrat Love..hmmm..let's all get creative and guess..just kidding..:) Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

A friend may hurt you without intending it...be honest when you are hurt. Doesn't a friend derseve a chance to redeem himself?

F P

Beth sent me a few photos from her wedding last Saturday which you can now see on the America Fans web site. Congratulations Beth and Tom!

Hi, everybody.
Just went to the VenturaHighway site to see if anythign had been updated. The only change I could see was when you click on Gerry's page, you get the voice beginning from "Houses in White" (altho it's possible that was always there, my sound didn't work when I first hooked up my new computer.)
Do you suppose it has any significance for Van Go Gan, or is it just something she decided to add to her website?
I'm pretty disappointed that it started with such potential and nothing has been updated since. Graphics are great. Content is non-existent.
Things are great in beautiful San Diego. Sorry I can't make it Matt's show on Thursday, can't get off work in time.
How is everyone? Janice, how are you doing?
Take care.
ShariL <><

I really liked the show in Orlando. I'm new to this page and this was only the third time i had seen America live. Did anyone else notice that Dewey may have forgotten or messed up some of the words to this song and had a laugh about it with Gerry after right after they finished. Maybe he did something else wrong musically but something happened when Dewey was singing his part of the song. It was great to see them singing something different like the first time i heard "California Dreamin' ".

This is very close to being my favourite America song (there are so many good ones it hard to pick). Anybody else share the same feeling? I have it on the 'History' album and it appears to be the only one that a member of the band didn't write, anyone know the story behind it? Thanx in advance SNJ (aka brad lewis)

Glad I am not the only one who thinks this is a terrific idea :) Maybe... someday....

I meant a Human Nature CD from the tour..I'm with you Robyn.. :)

Well, if anyone would know, it would be Karen..hmmm..was hoping for new single, or Human Nature tour..or...or..maybe a return visit to the Atlanta area..oh well, if there is anything to this I'm sure the powers that be will pass it along.

I wrote to Karen D. at Oxygen Records and asked her about the upcoming news release. She said, "I have absolutely NO idea what this person is talking about. This is beyond funny to me." So, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for an announcement.

Thanks Marshall for the info on the delayed Beckley/Lamm/Wilson release. According to Scott at Thoughtscape Scounds it will be available in December so that's what I would expect.

From the Chicago Records chat folder, on the reason for the delay.

Reply To PankowFan from ChicagoRecords on 09/24/99_20:32:49
Yes, the Beckley, Lamm & Wilson CD will be coming out on Chicago Records. We have had major problems on the packaging, thus the
reason for the big delay. I hope to get it out before the end of the year.
We are trying our best.

I haven't heard anything. Maybe they are finally going to release Wednesday Morning as a single or maybe it's something about the repackaged In Concert CD.

Dave asked me to forward this message to the Chat Folder:

I would throw this out on the America chat folder except I only have id's from work and they monitor net exposure. Anyway I've heard from a very reliable source whom is a friend with a girl who works at Oxygen that America has two very exciting news releases this week
at the earliest - next week at the latest. Any Ideas?

Thank you
Dave Balletto

[John]: I don't know anything about this. Does anybody else?

My favorite remake (America or otherwise) is "California Dreamin'".

There is a Starlight Theatre here in Kansas City the guys have played at over the years. Something tells me it's not the right one, threy probably couldn't make the commute and it would also be a little cold seeing it's an outdoor venue. I did actually found my password so I could post this, that is a miracle in itself. I've since writen the password on the side of my pc tower...

Mark in KC.

<<<They will be in Australia in December and January. See Steve's Complete Concert List. The Starlight Theatre is a mystery though. Calls to many venues have failed to locate it.>>>

Many people will walk in and out of your life,
but only a true friend will feve footprints in your heart...in your soul.....AND in your memory.

Thoughtscape Sounds website new/pre-order (9/24/99)list for 9/24/99 has the Beckley/Lamm/Wilson CD (costs $16.99), release now due 12/99.
http://www.thoughtscape.com/newpre.htm

They will be in Australia in December and January. See Steve's Complete Concert List. The Starlight Theatre is a mystery though. Calls to many venues have failed to locate it.

I continue to whine ( sans CHEESE) for a live cd of this tour! ( Like they have the time for it-- the schedule remains BRUTAL!)

Hey Johnny, you never posted YOUR favorite remake, wasn't it your question?????

If there's a new CD release of America by Oxygen, how about an America/McCartney collaboration of "Things We Said Today" with Sir George doing the production? On a "McCartney Live" cassette that I have from McCartney's most recent tour a couple of years ago, is the song, "Things We Said Today".

Steve - you're the best!

It was infact, "Things we said today" It just sounded so natural, and easy to sing along to. Then, at the end, I just couldn't place it, since I couldn't remember the melody. I kept thinking "Someday Woman" but it just didn't fit.

After reading your post, seeing the words and listening to it, just hit me. It was a really nice addition to the playlist.

Hello there!

I wanted to mention to everyone a couple of neat free downloads that I think you might like.

One is "gooeybox" http://www.hypernix.com/ gooeybox goes with you everywhere in your web search. For example, I am on the America Fans Chat Folder Web Site - In my gooey box, I would be able to speak with other people (who also have the gooey box)and who are also on this same web site. It is really neat. I just discovered it a couple of days ago and thought some of you might be interested.

The other software is POWWOW - http://www.tribal.com/default.cfm - this chat program has many, many features, includding voice sound when you talk to each other. Not in your own voice, but a computerized male voice.

I just visited http://venturahighway.com - last night and I like it a lot. It more personal than any other web site about America that I have been to. There are going to be V.I.P passes available in select places and Dewey And Gerry have their own pages. (not all developed yet) but sure to be a winner!

Take er easy!

Lori

San Diego is too far south for this SoCal person, but if you are playing in the LA area ( or the beautiful San Fernando Valley) let me know! Have a good show!

Remember Shields and Yarnell, they were of all things a MIME ACT with a variety show (albeit, short-lived and deservedly so. it may have been a summer replacement, they did that sort of thing back then)Don't know where they are now. They were a husband and wife team who looked exactly alike.

Here's wishing you two, light and love, Beth!!!
16 years for us and counting.... (c=

Hi Eddy.....As for VH-1 responding (or for that matter even CARING), good luck. About 2 years back the AOL folder tried that tack and not even ONE response.....This was back when the AOL folder was pretty big! I think all they have is a couple of mail people who sort and shuffle....sigh....anyhooo..... (c=

Human Nature is a good album. I'd forgetten that...

Thursday (thursday, thursday) at 1:30 PM, at the PRICE CENTER in San Diego there will be a fantastic performance by JIBBAH. Admission is free. Pimp Symphony is opening for us. it's going to be REALLY cool. i promise. there's even a song that starts exactly like Riverside (it wasn't my fault, I swear, the drummer wrote it; do you think i would get sued?... hmmmm...) thanx for your time. hope all is well

mB
BluLight Studios

Hey how you all doing?
Well this is my first post so I'll keep it short. I first came across America when they were playing at a Beach Boy (I'm a huge fan) concert and have loved them ever since. Hopefully I'll learn more about the band at this site and one day I may be lucky enough to see them in concert again. Oh by the way I'm a 17/m from Australia. Anyone know if they'll be back in Australia soon?

Dan,
That is quite a warm story. Thanks for sharing that. It all sort of brings together that look & feel of an AMERICA song. Only GERRY & DEWEY can trigger such intensely deep, but gentle feelings.

Cari, I suspect that the recent addition to the playlist that you're talking about is "Things We Said Today" which is the cover of a Beatle song. Be sure to read my post #8001 for the lyrics and a link to a MIDI file for that song so you can see if it's the one you're thinking of. --Steve

Just got from UCF Arena. America and Andy Childs - Firefights Benefit concert. It was great, as always. I started to write the playlist so that I could share it with you but lost track while enjoying the show with my 5 year old daughter.

Gerry made a comment about Dewey singing Lonely People for the first time in a very long. It was a crack about Dewey not being able to hit those keys and that would determine the future of the song. So the crowd really cheered Dewey at the end. Gerry then commented that it was only a joke.

Only two songs from Human Nature... Wednesday Morning and Moment to Moment. I was looking foward so Pages and my daugher wanted FAMT, since they had played all 4 back in May.

There was one song added tonite, that I'd never heard at any of the concerts over the last 18 years I've been seeing them. My memory is really failing me right now and I can't for the life of me remember the song. Maybe someone out there can help me out.

There was a free program with mostly ads but also a full page bio and picture of Gerry and Dewey. Also, much to my surprise, there were T-shirts and baseball cap for sale. I hadn't seen any of these items at any of the shows I've seen over the last couple of years. I knew they were out there, just not at the shows i've been to lately.

Hope someone can remember that recent addition to the playlist. Its driving me nut now.

Good nite all.

A friend will warm your heart, even though you don't always know why.
Friends are not perfect, don't expect perfection from your friends.

F P

I have received almost 100 biographies from America Fans around the world, but I don't think I've ever received one that has impressed so much as the one I received today from Dan Black. I trust that you'll all enjoy reading it as much as I did.

It's been quite some time since I've watched the Soaps...Mine being "Days" and "Another World". Anyway, I remember once hearing "Another Try" in the background. I remember thinking to myself that one of the actors or staff must've liked it to have been played...this was atleast 15 yrs. ago. J.B.

Hi All,
I am a big fan of the soap opera 'All My Children'. I have been watching the show for years. I tape the shows and try to watch a few episodes a week, and on this past Fridays show there was a scene with Scott and Beeca sitting in this restaurant talking and playing in the back ground was Sister Golden Hair. I was very happy to hear it. Of course I didn't hear anything the actors were saying. Did any one else see?

Just thought I'd share that with you all. Take Care.

Maureen.

friendship can be displayed in something as simple as a smile
a smile from a true frirnd displays warmth and understanding
An amazing fact most people do not know: You can "hear" smiles
Close your eyes when talking with a friend and you can hear a smile
TRY IT

f p

It's Saturday Night......after all the talk regarding Hat Trick...I just had to pull out my old copy of the LP and give it a listen....it had been awhile....what a great collection of songs.....wind wave, willow tree lullaby, and Rainbow Song have always been my favorites off of that album......and the song hat trick sounded great....I had forgot that Carl Wilson and Tom Scott had worked with them on this album.....thank god for album notes...and what about Lorene Yarnell who tap danced on Hat Trick...anyone have any background on her....

PEOPLE,

I AM GETTING MY BUTT KICKED IN THE HALL OF FAME WEBSITE. I COULD SURE USE SOME SUPPORT. IF YOU DO GO INTO THE WEBSITE, TAKE A LOOK AT THE RESPONSES I'VE BEEN GETTING , YOU'LL GET THE IDEA. SOME ARE JUST REAL LOSERS, OTHERS HAVE SOME VALID POINTS. THE BATTLE IS FAR FROM OVER, IT WILL HAPPEN, IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME. PERSERVERENCE PAYS OFF! I HAVE BEEN SPREADING THE WEBSITE ADDRESS FOR THIS CHAT FOLDER, SO ANYONE WHO DOES HAVE A GENUINE INTEREST CAN JOIN IN.

Thanks All for your Good Wishes!!! Looking forward to the events of the day. Steve, the roses are great. Robyn, same thing! Gotta run - have just a few things to get done today....
Beth

I agree with you on this one Alan......good point, thanks for sharing.

Robert....this is really nice and worthwhile for you to share with all. Definitly worth looking into !!! "America" as we all know, should have been there years ago.....but, all in good time.

Hello Everyone,

I was just in the hall of fame website. In case you haven't visited yet there is a section called "the inductees forum" where fans can post a message. For the past several days there have been hundreds of listings from Queen fans praising that groups achievements. I thought you guys might want to post your own messages so that we can make some noise as well for America. The address is www.rockhall.com .Its a neat sight in that there is a ton of information on it.

Robert Burgess

Thanks All for your Good Wishes!!! Looking forward to the events of the day. Steve, the roses are great. Robyn, same thing! Gotta run - have just a few things to get done today....
Beth

Hi Beth! I don't post very often but I felt that I can't miss this. Congratulations! Where in Wi. do you live? I know someone in Wi. but I don't know if Blanchardville(?) is in the Northern side or not. Anyway, i wish you and the lucky man many blissful years together.

Oh no..not Bertha..retiring...and I thought she was gray and wrinkled because she was an elephant..I guess the elephant lady will have to hitch a ride in a new elephant's mouth..ugh..oh well, Bertha will not be forgotten here..I had bought a t-shirt there with Bertha's picture on the front..I'll wear it proudly in memory of the 10 or more performances I sat through...thanks for the update, Erin.

I'm sure those of you who have seen a show at the Sparks Nugget remember the elephants who open for the guys...well...Bertha (the big one) is retiring this weekend, so no more elephant show. Just thought that was kind of interesting...All I can say is, it's about time. :o) Although, maybe they'll be missed...who knows?
Have a great weekend everyone!
Erin :o)

Beth, Congrats !! If I wouldn't have just left Wisconsin, I may have joined you!!-In any event, Have a wonderful day & all the happiness in the world--:)---JOYCE HALL

Congratulations Beth!! I wish you both all the happiness in the world!
Erin :o)

Hi, all. Been a while! E-Bay auction has an America poster from the 70s for bid. You should find it under 'music.'

The Hat Trick album was filled with unique lyrics and music.During the song Hat Trick tap dancing suddenly appears out of nowhere.At times America exhibits a neat 1920's/vaudeville musical style.The cover of Holiday and the music of Holiday capture that musical era.

Yes Red Oak, Iwas there with about 6-10 other die hard America
fans helping Karen/Oxygen out holding up Human Nature signs
way up in the air to help out promote push get on tv every
second they flashed the cameras on us.

hl

I boo-booed reading ur message. After reading ur bio, I realize u were just miffed that America did not appear on Today this year.
I didn't realize u were there in Sept of '98 to see them. I still say tho, they need to get on QVC and promote something new!

I believe they appeared on Today in September of 1998 to promote the album Human Nature.

Hi all,
I work in New York City and every so often I walk to Rockefeller
once or twice a week (only 5-7 minutes away). During the summer, I saw the banners for the musical groups appearing on the Today show summer concert series.

NOW...There's no reason why America couldn't have appeared
on the show this past year. Doobie Brothers, Barry White, Jimmy Buffet, and more appeared this year. Hey, it would've just given them more national exposure or make new fans possibly, or does this make too much sense. WHAT GIVES???

Sorry, but just had to say that! Have a great weekend everyone!:0)
hl

Beth,
I live in Superior WI. Can't get much more north than that. BTW,and sorry to say, but I have a golf tourney tomorrow. Good luck and I hope you have a great day!!!

Actually, I was trying to listen to Muskrat Love today on my way in to work, since it has been the topic of much discussion of late. I kept saying "This is the silliest song I have ever heard." I suddenly realized why they don't do it live anymore. If you had a greaat catalog of songs like America does, would YOU add Muskrat Love over some other tune? Thought not!

Congrats Beth!..Marriage is a great institution if you like institutions..I know..boooooo...bad and old joke..probably Jack Benny or somebody..I mean it though..much happiness to you, Beth!
On the Hat Trick note..been still updating my vinyl collection with CDs..have not replaced Hat Trick yet, but come to think of it, it would be so much easier to skip over Muskrat Love...I often wonder if they ever felt silly singing that song..sorry..I just find it so..so..well, never mind, 'nuf said. Have a great week end everybody..oh..almost forgot..got a scanner!! Be watching for family photos! (pooh to all of you sticking your index finger down your throat!)..Lol.. :0

Sorry for the confusion, Cathy. I was simply mentioning that a DJ in Salt Lake City was looking for Hat Trick and I helped him find it. I've never had any problem finding it either, but apparently he was looking the wrong place (i.e., Amazon.com). The other thing I was pointing out was that he had good taste in music. I guess my subject title was misleading.

I'm all confused about Hat Trick. I have the album and was looking for the cd and found it quite easily, although it's listed as an import at some sites (Why???). I found the least expensive ($17.90 -- includes S&H) at Buy.com. I also found it through the America Store at cdnow and it was available at Barnes and Nobles.

CONGRATULATIONS BETH!
Wishing you & your hubby a Lifetime of happiness.
(do I hear "All My Life" at the wedding?)

BETH CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!! Hey I have cousins all over Wisconsin, shall I tell them? JUST KIDDING!!! Much Happiness to you both!

Congratulations Beth! I'm afraid Utah is a little too far from Wisconsin for me to make it, but I certainly do appreciate the invitation. I celebrated my 23rd anniversary this year and I'm looking forward to many more. Marriage is a wonderful thing and I've learned that you get out of it what you're willing to put into it. So give it your all and you'll be happy for a long time. Since I can't be there, I hope you'll accept these three roses from me. According to Dewey the Three Roses that he sings about represent the words "I Love You" which, I'm sure, is how you feel about your fiance.

Best wishes for many happy years together!
Steve

I would give detailed directions to my house, of course! Seriously, if anyone is in the neighborhood, what a trip!
Beth

Steve-- CD Now, which has a link fronVH.com, has Hat Trick. That's where I got my copy.

Hello All! I'm getting married tomorrow!!!!! If anyone happens to be in Northern Wisconsin, you're welcome to join us at the Open House Celebration on Sunday, Sept 26.
Beth

A friend may hold your hand
A friend may capture your heart
A true friend will hold you in mind and memory forever

FP

With all this talk about Hat Trick, which by the way is most excellent, i had to put my two cents in. When I'm in a real nostalgic mood I just slap on my favorite America album, yes album, and my first America album; HEARTS. Not a bad one in the bunch including one of their most under-rated tunes; COMPANY. Just lurking out here in Illinois. Thanks for listening.
Dan C.

Dewey,

If you ever get this message, I would be suprised! After all the begging for you to come close to me at "Ricks site", I did not see you!

I apologize deeply, but I just could not afford it in anyway this year!

A lot of my money goes on money making opportunities. Next year (2000) I will make it to your shows in Florida, I promise! I will plan now for it.

I still "WISH" that you would write a book!!!!! I would love reading it!!!! You sure do have a way of speaking!!!

If you ever need a friend, you can write me anytime for anything!!! I am single with no dependants and I live alone. Write me at seasonslorirae@icqmail.com anytime!!! For a fun filled moral relationship.

I am going to make you something special for you and your family in hopes I can get it to you at one of your shows in the year 2000.

Hope to see you soon!!

Lori York

I missed everyone in the chat session tonight!! No-one showed up except for me and CJ. And, he/she left without a warning!!!

I just don't have the money to see America this year!!!!! I want to be comfortable you know!! And, I am not sacrificing my safety for anyone!! Maybe Next Year I will be able to see America play with all my bills paid and SAFE transportation.

-Lori

Can't seem to get back into the chat room - dates are 9/24 (tomorrow!!!) in Daytona Beach, 9/25 at Expo Hall in TAMPA (take the bbus!!!) and 9/26 at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

Happy Bike Riding!!!

Chris - Cleveland

I happened to be talking to a Salt Lake City radio station DJ this morning and he found out that I was the America Fans webmaster. He immediately told me that he has been trying to get Hat Trick for over a month now and Amazon.com and the other places that he has tried haven't been able to come through for him. I made a quick phone call to Thoughtscape Sounds and they told me that they had one in stock which he could have. I called him back and he was a very happy camper. He even gave me a King Biscut 25 Rock and Roll Hits CD to show his appreciation. I was glad to know that one of my favorite DJ's has excellent taste in music.

For anyone who cares, his name is John Carter and he broadcasts on Arrow 103.5 which you can even listen to live on the Internet.

Although we place no monetary value on friends, friends are our most valuble possesions; they are a gift from our Maker. Cherish the friends you have at this time. Give anyone willing to be your friend a chance BEFORE you decide it isn't worth the trouble. F P

BONG HITS??? For years ( when I was young and innocent and under the influence of Disneyland) I thought that was supposed to relate to Submarine Ladies. I am ROFLMHO.

I remember hearing "Rainbow Song" on the radio once or twice back in '73. Too bad it didn't catch on.

I just put on Hat Trick and it sounds as good as always. Wind Wave, Rainbow Song, Submarine Ladies, the title track, Green Monkey, Goodbye and of course, Molten Love are my favorites. Green Monkey is a great song - sometimes I wish that America rocked a little more back then because this is a very cool tune, featuring none other than a Mr. Joe Walsh on guitar. Very cool.

Hat Trick is one of my favorite America albums. I have to agree with BC on Molten Love - it could have been a huge hit. It is easily in my Top 10 favorite songs of all time. I especially love the bong hit sound effects at the end of the tune.

Rock and Roll sometimes seems to me like the goal is to live fast, die young and leave a good corpse! It's the ones who crash and burn that get all the attention. Pity, because class acts like America continue to make consistently good music that won't get played due to the non-tabloid character of the musicians.

Johnny-- regarding remakes, hey I am partial to the Spanish version of SGH the guys recorded a while back!

Does the music business kind of mirror life in general...where as the older you get, regardless of continuing contributions you're forgotten? That is, as someone said earlier ...unless you're a drunk, an addict....whatever. Emailed the Tonight show. We'll see?

Jeff B.

I just emailed Donny and Marie asking them to check into having America on the show. I remember reading some time ago that America was on the Home Shopping Network. To me that was a mistake. They should have appeared on QVC to promote their new album. QVC has a better image than HSN and would reach more viewers. If I was America, I would release a live concert CD from this year and promote it on QVC. The sales would be much higher because of appearing on QVC.

Red Oak

My mistake on previous message. What I meant to say was you can email from the tonight show web site at www.nbctonightshow.com or www.nbc.com/tonightshow/. The actual e-mail for the 2nite show is:
tonightshow@nbc.com. Sorry for the misinformation, I hope this clears things up.

Tx

Red Oak

Oops, just what the heck do I mean??? Let me try it again. I meant ACTUAL remakes. Boy, I can tell it's going to be a long day.

Robyn, I actually meant remakes. I know I didn't make that too clear, sorry. Red Oak, still "no go" using all three different addresses.

Or, if that email address for Jay doesn't work, try
www.nbctonightshow.com

The email address for Jay Leno is:
www.nbc.com/tonightshow/

Proposed remake or actual one Johnny? I recently bought the new cd by Janice-Marie, one half of the r&b group "tast of Honey" she remakes her own "Boogie Oggie Oggie" in Spanish. Cool sound. She has a nice mellow voice and hasn't lost the chops.

I really like Red Oak's idea about e-mailing "The Tonight Show", especially since Jay Leno is an AmericA fan. Red Oak, I attempted to send my e-mail message to the show, but the address you gave didn't work for me. I tried: www.nbc.com/tonightshow

On a different matter, how about an AmericA recording of the Beatle's song, "Yesterday"? A collaboration with Paul McCartney would be awesome with Sir George Martin producing it. McCartney has collaborated with Michael Jackson on "Ebony and Ivory". Other collabaration/remakes have been performed with the original artist(s) such as "Walk This Way" by Run DMC with Aerosmith; "Too Much Heaven" by Jordan Hill with The Bee Gees; "I Need You" by Jeremy Jackson with Dewey and Gerry.

How about this for the next game: Name the title and the artist (the "new" artist and the original one) of a song remake.

Eddy,

I think that you are right, America needs to be on VH1, but I feel a better forum for them would be the Storytellers show. Everytime I see Behind the Music its about some poor idiot who had it all , drank it away and then came back to their senses (or died) and then had to make some attempt at a comeback (this is why their subjects are people like Leif Garrett and Vanilla Ice) As we all know our guys don't fit this mold at all. They have been consistantly focused and hardworking for the past thirty years. Far too busy making all of that incredible music to screw it up. I for one would like to hear them tell the stories behind all of those phenomenal songs. Two weeks ago I sent an e-mail to VH1 suggesting this.

Robert Burgess

HEY GUYS,

I JUST READ YOUR MESSAGES AND I COULDN'T AGREE WITH YOU MORE. AS YOU KNOW BY NOW I AM DOING ALL THAT I CAN TO GET AMERICA INTO THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME. I WILL DEFINATELY E-MAIL JAY LENO, THATS A GREAT IDEA, WHY NOT E-MAIL DAVE LETTERMAN TOO! MY PARENTS DIDN'T RAISE A QUITTER. I AM VERY VERY STUBBORN, I WILL STOP AT NOTHING TO GET THE MIGHTY AMERICA THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE IN ROCK AND ROLL HISTORY.
IF ANYONE HAS ANY OTHER GOOD IDEAS LET ME KNOW

ROBERT BURGESS

P.S I SPENT THE LAST TWO HOURS ON THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME WEBSITE. YOU MIGHT WANT TO VISIT THIS SIGHT TO SEE SOME INSIGHT INTO THE INDUCTION PROCESS.

I just heard a segment on VOA (Voice of America) this morning on the short wave here in Japan. A very flattering broadcast. The main thrust of the feature story was the group's endurance over the last three decades, and it's incredibly successful (and extensive) touring schedule of recent years...

Just to re-introduce myself! Have been a long-time fan, and personal friends of the band! Hope to be able to chat (...and get INTO chat) sometime with you!
Rammy! OjO

I just fired off an email to Jay Leno suggesting his staff look into booking America for the show. This might be a good time to appear on the show to re-introduce the public to the great sound of America. Plus, exposure on the Tonight Show might be what's needed for future consideration in the R & R Hall of Fame. I urge everyone to email Jay at www.nbc.com/tonightshow and echo my message to have the awesome America on the show. Tx.

Have been very busy at work, but wanted to tell you all about my son's visit this weekend. He's 22 and obviously I had more musical influence with him than I thought. When he came up, he told me he had six America CDs in his car...I was shocked...I only have five America CDs (better get to the music shop). Anyway, it was very refreshing!! Can't wait for the Patriot Center concert...I'm taking my 17 year old daughter. She's also an America fan (but won't admit it to her school friends).

I just heard on the radio this morning the list of nominees for the R&R Hall of Fame. No America, but it did include a few bands that IMHO have had far less an impact on the music business than America. This R&R HOF stuff is so political. If you were part of the protest counter-culture then all it takes is one hit and a couple of hit albums to make it into the hall. But if you weren't identified with leftest political causes, then a dozen hits aren't enough to even get you nominated! What a bunch of bull!

Hey Folks!
I know this has been said before, but I really do think that AMERICA deserves a shot on "Behind The Music" I mean, they have had everyone from Leif Garrett to Vanilla Ice on this program, I really think it's time for a refreshing change.
I guess, what got me thinking about this subject again was that I'm seeing people interviewed on this program that have America "connections" like Henry Diltz, session drummer Hal Blaine, & last sunday on Glen Campbell Jimmy "The Last Unicorn" Webb.
Besides interviewing "The lads" they would have ALOT of choices of other people to interview who can tell of their experience w/America, for example: Diltz,Webb,& Blaine (as I mentioned before) George Martin, The Beach Boys (who they have toured with) Tom Scott, David Geffen, Joe Walsh, Bill Mumy, Russ Ballard, Timothy B. Schmit, Christopher Cross, Robert Lamm, Jeff Foskett, Andrew Gold, David Dickey, Mike Woods, Willie Leacox, Brad Palmer-etc. Two other great choices would have been Carl Wilson & Phil Hartman, unfortunately they are no longer w/us.
This might be a crazy idea, but I think if all of us that has a bio on this website, or even reads this message board "bombbarded" VH-1 with letters (not e-mails) they would have to take notice, if we sent them to the VH-1 address "Where are they now" & mention how much we enjoyed their segment & in our own words give our reasons why we think AMERICA should be on "Behind The Music" they would at least have to look into it, don't ya think? Well, it was just a thought, anyway. I'm still going to write them a letter & tell them how I feel, I would LOVE to see them on this show. Anyone else have any ideas or input on this, or am I just "dreaming" on this?
THANX for hearing me out,
EDDY

Haven't posted in a long time, but I have been "lurking" when I have had the time. The discussion of Hat Trick and Muskrat Love intrigued me enough to post this time. I,too, like (and always did) America's version of Muskrat Love, however, I always thought Molten Love would have been a hit off of Hat Trick. Green Monkey would have been a great song for "FM Radio" in the early 70's.

Here's a rather candid review I received from a fan. I found it very interesting because it talks about those who were attending the concert:

We just got back from the Suttons Bay/Traverse City area, and I wanted to tell you about the show: Nothing earth-shaking to tell here really, We arrived at the casino in the early evening, and after checking into the hotel there, we wandered around and watched as people made every attempt to lose as much of their money as possible, and get drunk in the process. As show time neared, a small crowd gathered around the entrance to the show room, a 1000 seat auditorium connected to the gambling area. Eventually the doors opened and we took our seats. Not the best seats, to the far right of the stage near some large speaker stacks and the sound mixing board. There was an opening act from the local area that played a mix of songs in the Pearl Jam vain that actually won over the crowd by the time they were done, especially when they finished their set with the 60's hits "Oh where Oh where can my baby be" (not sure of the actual title), [note from Steve: the title is "Our Last Kiss", a favorite of mine in the 60's] the latest remake from Pearl Jam, and " You Really Got Me", the old Kinks standard. The alcohol fueled crowd was in a nostalgic mood!

America took the stage and immediately the crowd erupted when the opening chords of Riverside began. The sound quality from where we sat was very bass heavy and seemed to overshadow the vocal harmonies a bit too much for my taste, but the guys really seemed to enjoy the crowd response and played a great show again. I noticed that this show was slightly abbreviated from the last few I've been to, probably due to a late starting time and opening act.. Eliminated were Woman Tonight, and Pages. I think Pages was left out due to some problem with Woodz's keyboard which is used to produce the tubular sounding effects in that song, i'm not sure. Dewey also made a slight boo-boo in Sandman, mixing lyrics in from a later verse, to which him and Brad got quite a chuckle!

Our far right seats actually proved to give me an interesting vantage
point to watch the crowd reaction during the show. It was fun to watch so many people singing in unison all their favorite songs, each one obviously bringing back floods of memories and feelings that we all need reminding of occasionally. The crowd was an odd mix of grey haired old ladies just needing a break from the slot machine, burnouts that don't really know that the seventies are over yet , die hard fans (I had to get myself in there!) and upper class couples who probably wished they had ear plugs! Each group seemed to rise to the occasion by the nights end and everyone was on their feet, fists pumping in the air screaming for the encore we all knew was coming.

So, there were some advantages to our less than perfect seats, and it was again a night to remember- thanks to America!

Steve.....I remember that concert. There was a beautiful young lady in the crowd shouting "Muskrat Love", Muskrat Love......that's when Gerry played a few cords from the song.....one you'll NEVER here in concert I'm sure.

Scott, at Thoughtscape Sounds, finally got in touch with Chicago Records and they confirmed that the B/L/W CD will be released this year, but it will happen after the new Chicago Live CD which is due the Second week of October. Scott believes the B/L/W CD will be late October.

Thanks Kindly CJ!!! I needed that!!!

Lori

Anyone coming to Central Florida for any of the shows this weekend?

I agree with Brad, Steve..I would have made them promise to never play that song either!! :) Hi to all..fall is setting in here and leaves are turning..quite a beautiful sight..enjoying catching up on the posts..visiting with Mom who is here from sunny (?) California.
Should be released to go back to work by the middle of October..I've been off since June and they'll probably have to point me in the direction of my office! (there is still a note hanging outside reading that I'll be back on July 12!)Everyone has been wonderful..have a great week! :)Janice

My Resolution was to "be a better groupie" and I can hardly believe it - I am. I've been to see Hall & Oates (#1 Groupie) thing more than a few times and I've seen Gerry & Dewey more than a few times. I learned soooo much from the Master Groupie for H & O (that's Dawna) and I've driven more miles in search of my fascinations than ever before. Music/Groupie driven resolutions are the best!!!

Life's short, live large and remember, if you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!!!

CJ

I really don't like Muskrat Love per se, but if I have to make a choice, I will take the America version anyday. I can ALMOST block out the inane lyrics and concentrate on the harmonies. I remember C&T sang that one for the Queen when she was here ( it was "their" hit of the time) Do you suppose that they thought QE could relate to muskrats??

Hi Everyone! I have never seen "America" play, but if they are active in the year 2000, And in Florida, I will see everyone of their conserts!!! Hopefully get good pictures to show!!

Come on back to Florida "America" I want to see you play!!! I will have a car and will go by myself! I rather go alone to be honest. The crowd they drawl isnt violent!! In my beliefs.

Anyone know what tribe those Indians on the cover of their CD are? The CD is Called "America" and Indians are in the backround. Anyone know what tribe they are from? They look sooooo sad!!

Thanks to all who responded to my first message on this chat folder! Steve, those pictures from Orem are GREAT!! I really enjoyed them. I do hope that I will fall in love with "America" all over again when I see them live in 2000 (hopefully)!!

See ya! I enjoy reading all of your alls posts.

Lori York

Gary, thanks for the great review. It sounds like you and everyone else there had a great time. All of us that have been fortunate enough to see the guys this year will agree with you and the newspaper article that they certainly can do magic!

FWIW: I still like "Muskrat Love" by America and I don't push the skip button when it comes on ... I turn it up so I can hear the great harmonies and fantastic acoustic guitars. I think it would be great if they would start playing it live again. At a 1995 concert in Park City, Utah, while Rooster was doing some work with the sound equipment between songs, Gerry started playing the opening chords to "Muskrat Love". I asked him afterwards why they didn't play it anymore and he said that when Brad joined the band he made them promise they would never play that song. I doubt that that was the real reason, but that's what he said.

Howdy America Fans,

Well, we just returned to Texas after witnessing yet another truly excellent America concert! The show in Evansville, IN might have been one of the best this summer, maybe even rivalling the show in Orem. The weather was great, the crowd was into it, the lights and sound system were perfect and all in all, a great great performance. The set list was basically the "long set" with the exception of "California Revisited" which was not included in the encore for this show. Again, Woodzie's guitar playing was superb and the vocal harmonizing was just fantastic. There was standing room only as the show opened to approx. 2,000 people in an outdoor setting. The crowd again ranged from young to old and everybody I think truly enjoyed the evening. At first the crowd was a little laid back but as the show progressed, people started to get more into it. By the time "California Dreamin" was over, almost the entire crowd was up cheering and rockin'. Again, the Human Nature songs consisted of Wednesday, Wheels and Pages. Wheels got a standing ovation. Sandman, Sister and HWNN were greeted with thunderous applause. Gerry made a comment to the crowd that in the 29 years that America had been touring, it was their first show in Evansville and he promised that they would definitely be back. On Sunday morning, after Saturday night's show, I picked up the local Evansville newspaper which contained an excellent review of the show. The reviewer summed up her review with this line: "It's clear that this group has lived up to one of it's own songs, 'You Can Do Magic'. They certainly did last night".

What else can you say?

Thanks,

Gary H

They performed Muskrat Love alot in concert inthe 70's.
As corny as it is, it sounds great in concert with 3 part harmony
(gerry, dewey and dan).
bye for now, HL

hey, Hey, HEY--what's wrong with two horny muskrats? LOL. Not any worse than horny toads...... (c;

I also like the version! (c=

Don't get me wrong, I like America's version of the song. But let's face it, it falls into the category of a silly little love song. Nothing wrong with that, but it isn't in the same league as America's other classics. I can't stand C&T's version. Since America's version was superior and America was in the center of the media spotlight at the time of its release, I can only assume that it turned off a large number of fans who had bought the first two albums. Because as a whole, I think Hat Trick is on par with any other America album. But I must also admit that I, like Kevin, do not play the song when others are around.

While I think Hat Trick is pure genious, I've always been ambivolent about Muskrat Love. America's version is wonderful, but I'll admit I only listen to it while I'm alone. Even though it features a wonderful blend of pre-George Martin vintage-America harmonies, guitars and percussion, I still think it's no deeper lyrically than a song about two horny muskrats. So to avoid public humiliation and shame, I hit the SKIP button when in the company of other males and that song comes on. I'm just shallow that way.

KevinS.

Thanx, Steve!

Anyone wanting to go to the show at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA on October 17, the tickets are on sale now!

The Fairfax County Firefighters would prefer that everyone purchase vouchers through them that can then be exchanged for tickets at the box office. Call 703-212-9760 Tickets are $15.

Some fans were unable to get through on that number so they went to the box office and bought their tickets there. The box office cannot sell tickets over the phone and will only take cash. The box office is at the Patriot Center. From Interstate 495, take Braddock Road/Route 620 (exit 5) West about 6 miles to George Mason Univ. on right at Sideburn Rd.

Seats are reserved! So, don't wait!

Special thanks to Ginny for the information. --Steve

Eddy, I don't know for sure if Scott is taking pre-orders for the CD but my guess is that he will (especially if you tell him you read about it on the America Fans chat folder). He is very good to work with and he has always been willing to take pre-orders for me. He told me that it would be available the day that it's released so he'll get it at least as soon as everyone else.

I enjoyed the Beckley/Lamm/Wilson (Watching the Time Go By) cut on Lamm's new CD, so I can't wait for this to come out! Is Scott taking "pre-orders" on this, as he did for VGG? (Will he be getting it before anyone else?) Just wondering

AMERICA's version of MUSKRAT LOVE is the only version recognized by the Gods of Song. It was a dirty old shame that they had to stop playing it live once it became more associated w/those goofy Kaptain & whatshername who had the benefit of a weekly national TV audience. The Kaptain & Whatsheerface fully commercialized it as a poppy, frivolous little ditty about a bunch of rats. AMERICA's passionate & warmth inspired interpretation took the song to heartfelt heights of passion. It wasn't really a song about rats until the Kaptain & Whats did it & they never did get it. GERRY took the lead.

Steve,

Please thank Doug for this refreshing review about "America"....I enjoyed reading the excitement in his words, as he and his wife experienced thier first show in concert...very cool !!

Ah ha! After years of secluded ridicule, we closet Muskratters are uniting! I too enjoy the song. ( I feel so much better now finally being able to admit it with my head held high). Actually, through high school and university I paid some bills in various garage bands playing mostly weddings. Muskrat Love was lots of fun to play with the great harmonies...then we'd break into Smoke On The Water.

Thanks Steve for doing the leg work to find out about the BLW release with Thoughtscape.

j

I loved Muskrat Love. In fact I loved Hattrick as well. Muskrat Love got a lot of radio play back then. Until this Chat folder was originated I thought Musk. Lv was a good hit for them. The 3 song combination of Hattrick was and is a classic. These guys have a body of work that they can be extremely proud of. I know that I am proud to call them my favorite band...............Joe Knight
.......By the way Steve my 300 mm zoom lens was spectacular!!!! I will have the best photos scanned and send them to you if you can use them......................JK

Thoughtscape Sounds will carry the new Beckley/Lamm/Wilson CD, "Like A Brother", as soon as it is released. Scott can't get a firm release date yet, but he'll have it just as soon as it's available. It will be $15.99 or $16.99. --Steve

.....Steve...I also enjoy America's version of Muskrat Love....you are not alone.......

I agree w/everyone about HAT TRICK, it is a gem. Pure AMERICA, produced & performed. It had a magical haunting sort of fuzzy feel w/RAINBOW SONG, WIND WAVE, HAT TRICK (3 in 1 song). Now back to HOURGLASS & HUMAN NATURE, 25 years later, again pure AMERICA, w/GERRY & DEWEY producing.

Give me a break on the workout issue. If you are on a treadmill,stairstepper,or bike for 45 min-hour. Any america cd is good. Trust me!

Mark, I know we disagree on this issue, but that's OK because we're still best of friends and fellow America Fans. I thought Muskrat Love was fantastic and it was one of the reasons that I bought Hat Trick. Perhaps I'm in the minority, however, because I also liked Captain and Tennille's version even though it couldn't hold a candlestick to our boys' version.

As a college student in 1975 I used to listen to Hat Trick almost every night as I was drifting off to dreamland. On the nights when I didn't listen to it I would listen to their eponymous debut album, or Homecoming, or Holiday, or Hearts. Hmmm ... I sense a pattern here.

Hat Trick is one of my favorites too. I still don't understand why it wasn't as big a hit as the first two albums. I chalk it up to the curse of Muskrat Love. I figure America fans got used to classics like HWNN and Ventura Highway, and since Muskrat was released as a single before the album, it turned off many fans who had bought the first two albums.

Work out? what's that? :-) . My choice would be Alibi or King Biscuit ...if I ever worked out.

I use Alibi all the time for workout music...I love it. Guess I'll have to try Hat Trick sometime...Hope everyone has a great week.

Erin :o)

I absolutely love Hat Trick, but I never pictured it as workout music. I suppose if I were to use America for workout music, I would pick either Alibi or Perspective.

john

I also have been listening to Hat Trick,as of late, during my workouts. It is without a doubt a great piece of work. I have really enjoyed it!

Hat Trick may just be the best rock album of all time, if not, then at least the past 100 years.

KevinS.

Hi Robert,
I will be at the Atlantic City shows - both of them.
Hope we can meet. Email me and so we can get together. Thanks
Maureen

Shari, since my last post, I received the following information from Connie. Thanks Connie!

The Columbia House Club magazine is the Fall 1999 Total Pop Guide. Inside the heading reads:

NEW & NOTEWORTHY
WHAT'S HOT NOW . . .

The cover of Human Nature is shown with the following:
AMERICA
Human Nature. Classic hit-makers Gerry Beckley & Dewey Bunnell return to their acoustic sound on From a Moving Train, Wednesday Morning and 12 more (Oxygen) 1999

They got the year wrong, but that might work to America's advantage. This was the club's "total guide" issue, so there were no featured artists. Maybe America will be featured on a future magazine. I'll let you know if they are.

Here's a review that Doug sent me following the Evansville concert:

America in Concert (Evansville)
Place: Casino Aztar Special Events Plaza on the Riverfront, Evansville, IN

It was a night of firsts. It was the first time in thirty years of performance that America played in Evansville, IN. It was the first time that my wife and I were able to see them in concert. America was one of our favorite groups. We never take a trip without one of their CD's in the van. It was worth the wait!

It was a beautiful night on the riverfront. My wife and I were in the middle of the sixth row. It did not take long before the group began to weave it's tuneful magic. They played songs from the early years to their most recent release "Human Nature". The band also delighted us with their version of "California Dreamin'" and a song from the Beatles. We snuggled as they sang the love songs and clapped as they rocked the place with "Hold Me Tight". They played nearly every hit and fan favorite. "Horse With No Name" was their encore. We enjoyed it a lot! You could understand every word. Of course, we knew about every word. The band was tight and the harmonies were great. It could not have been a more perfect night. The group expressed their warm and pleasant surprise at the standing room only crowd. They delighted us when they announced that they would come back. It was primarily a well-controlled "boomer" crowd. America reminded us all of what great music we truly had in the 70's. The group looked like they all enjoyed what they were doing. I hope they all continue to give us great harmonies and wonderful memories.

Douglas Downs
Evansville, IN

Shari, I don't know how the CD is being promoted. The information was sent to me by an America fan, I haven't seen it myself.

I forgot to mention that recently I ordered the HDCD (Hi-Definition CD) pressing of Perspective put out by Magic California a couple months ago. You may remember that company as the one which put out the original Alibi, Your Move, and Perspective CDs back in 1997. They have now released HDCD versions of all five of America's studio albums with Capitol. I only have the Perspective CD, but I have to admit that the sound quality absolutely blows away the original CD. If you're an audiophile, you've got to try these CDs out. The only drawback is that they are packaged in the same kind of throwaway case as Human Nature. As far as I know, our friends at Thoughtscape Sounds are the only ones making these CDs available in the US.

john

Red Oak -- The Larimer Square show was fantastic! I went to that one, too. Before the show, the rain was pouring down with no end in sight. Finally, the gods above saw the error of their ways, moved the clouds aside, and sat back with the rest of us to watch the best America show of the 20th century! I'm sure we'll see the guys swing back this way pretty soon -- they always have a great time at the Grizzly Rose!

I must confess that I have only been a serious America Fan for the past two years. The King Biscuit Live CD is responsible for that. Our whole family belongs to BMG Music Club.When I saw the King Biscuit CD being offered being by BMG, I bought it.That's when it all started for me. Hopefully, the feature offering of HN by Columbia will give the guys the boost they need to increase sales of this masterpiece. Anyhow,to continue my story-after being so thrilled with the content of King Biscuit Live,I dug out my LP's of America that were rarely played that were tucked away in the garage.I had bought Hearts,Hat Trick,Hideaway,Harbor and Live(1977) as "cutouts" probably circa 1978.I put them on cassette after obtaining a new Grado cartridge for my turntable. Now,I really started to like the guys! But Hat Trick I really began to favor. I like the way that the songs run together.Wind Wave and Rainbow became my favorites.Then,to top it all off,I found the Musikladen DVD that had these two songs on. I also have the Laserdisc from the Central Park concert,but I'll save that for another posting about the "Capitol Years".Hopefully,these ramblings are some food for thought.
Randy

The USAF took me to England this past June. I thot it might be a dream come true but time didn't allow. I've always wanted to tour Cornwall while listening to "Cornwall Blank". You know - walk thru a meadow or something and listen to one of my favorite America compostitions. Maybe next time -- if there is a next time.

The answer for seasonal depression --- Load up the Hat Trick CD, crack open a couple of Foster's and wash the car. I had my favorite America "LP" cranked up in the two-car garage (with outstanding acoustics, I might add). My depression lifted as I once again realized that Hat Trick was one amazing project!! Every cut is as sensational as it always was and the play order just perfect. Thank you, America, for the free "therapy"!!

After many tries I am finally able to chat with my fellow America fans. I am from Red Oak, Iowa, about 20 miles from Sheandoah, Iowa, where Willie Leacox is from. I work for Metro State College in Denver, Colorado and I was lucky enough last summer to see America at Larimer Square here in downtown Denver. I must say that, outside of hearing the Eagles 4 years ago, I have not heard such melodic music in my life. I have a new understanding of how great America is and can't wait until they return to Colorado next year. Just to hear "Horse with no name" made my day! Has anyone seen the 2000 schedule so I can find out the places they will be playing in Colorado? Will enjoy any feedback from the chat clientele, as I am glad to finally be able to participate. Thank you.

After many tries I am finally able to chat with my fellow America fans. I am from Red Oak, Iowa, about 20 miles from Sheandoah, Iowa, where Willie Leacox is from. I work for Metro State College in Denver, Colorado and I was lucky enough last summer to see America at Larimer Square here in downtown Denver. I must say that, outside of hearing the Eagles 4 years ago, I have not heard such melodic music in my life. I have a new understanding of how great America is and can't wait until they return to Colorado next year. Just to hear "Horse with no name" made my day! Has anyone seen the 2000 schedule so I can find out the places they will be playing in Colorado? Will enjoy any feedback from the chat clientele, as I am glad to finally be able to participate. Thank you.

I want to thank everyone for their e-mails about America. We sent out various letters (certified mail) to the contacts that I have made over the past several months. When I get responses back I will pass on the news to you. I will be attending both of the Atlantic City shows. Is anyone else going? I would love to meet some of you.

Robert Burgess

testing to see what happens

Yikes, guess I should have dug a little deeper when I cracked their piano books open......(!) Good one, Marshall!

I installed the latest version of shockwave, and went to their website. Under the choice of music, I of course put America to see what would come up. The GOOD news is you could have gotten to them under 4 different combinations of genres, if you hadn't searched for the band name, like I did.
Here's the part that made me feel old.
America
Hometown: London, England, United Kingdom
This is a brand new effort from the Folk Rock band that took the California sound to new plateaus in the '70s and '80s with hits like 'A Horse With No Name." Even witht he innovative and pristine productions of Elliott Shiner (Randy Newman) and Phil Galdstrom (Jill Sobule, Vanessa Williams), America still makes the kind of free and easy music that rocked your dad's leathercraft night classes and your mom's latch hook rug-making parties. Their soft glowing earthy tones and lush vocal harmonies are warmer than burning driftwood on a night-time beach fire. The dad rock reunion begins here with cameo collaborations including The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, The Eagles' Timothy B. Schmit, and Robert Lamm and Jason Scheff from Chicago.
Sounds Like: Bread, Loggins and Messina, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young
Then it links you to emusic.com, where you can hear clips from Human Nature (very short!) in either Real Player or MP3 format. They are also selling Human Nature at emusic for $8.99.
I didn't make any latch hook rugs, I promise!!!!
Shari <><

Steve, How is it promoted? Good info, or just the cover of the cd?
ShariL <><

This IS great news. I was hoping to see it in at least one of these clubs. Gotta boost some sales and interest.

Great news! On the first page of the latest edition of the Columbia House Club Magazine, Human Nature CD is being offered as a NEW selection. They were on top of the list too. This surely can't hurt sales any. I suspect that Oxygen had something to do with this. Good going Karen!

After receiving the Beckley/Lamm/Wilson information from Jeff Larson, I wondered what he was up to so I went out and checked out the Jeff Larson web page. It was interesting to read what others were saying about him and to listen to the sound clips of his latests songs. Many of you know Jeff and have his CD's and you know that he has been greatly influenced by America and the Beach Boys and that he's a great America Fan. Good going Jeff!

Thanks anon/MP for the info. We sure do appreciate it.
Glad to see Dan Peek is doing well these days.
Regards, Howard L

Hey everyone, Just wanted to share some news, I packed up & Came to Sunny California, Just in time for my birthday yesterday ! WOO HOO !! What a celebration it was ---:)-I came here with a 1 way ticket, with no plans on returning to Wisconsin anytime soon. Anyone wants to e-mail me feel free!! I'll be here living it up , in San Diego. Take care everyone--Love, JOYCE HALL

Check out Dan's new home page at http://danpeek.homepage.com

Great news! plus we still have the bonus tracks on Van Go Gan to look forward to!

Steve, any word of it being available through Thoughtscape?

I'll check and let everyone know.

Lori,
I second Beth's welcome to you to America Fans Chat Folder. This is a fun and informative place. Made that way by the good people involved. You can post as much or as little as you want. I think you will find that you are always welcome no matter how much or how little you post. Regarding your wanting to see an America concert, I think they were already in your neighborhood this year. I live in Fort Myers, about two hours south of you, and they were here back in March. I thought I saw on their tour schedule that they were scheduled to play in Pinellas Park. The date they were there escapes me. In the meantime, hang in there.

Best Regards/Brandon Rose

Steve, any word of it being available through Thoughtscape?

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the update of the Beckley/Lamm/Wilson CD.
I have been checking in some local stores and no word as of yet.

I will be at the Atlantic City shows (both nights).
Howard, Penny, are you guys going ??
Penny, loved to hear from you.

Is anyone else going ? Email me and let me know.

Howard, only took me 1 1/2 to get home. Thanks God the LIRR held up.
What a surprise !!

See ya. Maureen

Well, furious Floyd is gone now. I think we've had enough rain.
I agree with Howard, thanks God is wasn't snow !!!

Should be a nice beach weekend for me !!

Thanks for everyone's concern.

Maureen.

Jeff Larson ran across a post on a Beach Boys chat board talking about the upcoming Beckley/Lamm/Wilson CD. It was posted by Carl Wilson's brother-in-law and longtime beach boys touring musician, Billy Hinche:

Hello. "Like A Brother", the long awaited CD by Gerry Beckley, Robert Lamm & Carl Wilson ("Beckley, Lamm, Wilson") will be available in record stores on Friday, October 15, 1999. It is on the Chicago Records label."

Thanks, Jeff, for keeping us updated.

Great pictures!! Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend, everyone!!

Erin :o)

Thank god it's not SNOW!! After 7P, it has been very quiet.
Floyd moved quite fast. But I've never so much rain.
floooooooooooooooooood TIME!!
RIght now it's drizzling. Have a good nite everyone.
hl

Can't remember the last time I saw this much rain come down. Let us out of school early today. Lost power for a couple of hours and cable is out. Hope you, Howard and Maureen get through the night ok. Good thing it's not 10 above zero right now, would be snowed in for weeks.
Bob

Beth,

I think there were 3 lps Gerry (Dewey also with 1) helped David with. I have the names of them somewhere. But it's typical 70'stuff if anybody thinks different. In the 70's Gerry helped out alot of artists in producing, co-writing, etc. I even have a song in which Gerry, Dewey and Dan Sing background on. It's a weird song, but you can tell it's them. Artist name is David Blue/song Ooh Mama, I think.

Storm is passing over quickly headed towards Maureen's area.
But it's slowing down rapidly.

bye for now.hl

Howdy America Fans,

Well, I am again getting ready for another week-end of LIVE AMERICA MUSIC! I have been very fortunate this summer in being able to see shows in Reno, Iowa, Orem and now Evansville. I am still working on Atlantic City but right now it looks doubtful. (my wallet is the main reason haha). Anyway I will give a full report concerning the Evansville show. If anyone else is planning on attending, please e-mail me and maybe we can hook up.

Later,

GaryH

Glad you made it home safe! Keep you & yours out of harms' way tonite. How long is the storm supposed to last? You will probably lose power at some point, I guess, and may not even see this until after the fact, but Howard, We're all Thinking Good Thoughts!
Beth

Thanks all for your kind words...
Took 3 1/2 hours to get home. Line for the bus. Don't want
to eve describe it. And here in New Jersey, the Hurricane
is supposed to hit us tonight. Hang on kids, it's going to be
a rough one. In a hurricane................
hl

Be safe everyone. Johnny, If you were going to sort of quote Dan, wouldn't "Hurricane" be a more logical choice ( Into a place nobody wants to go... into a hurricane, whoa hurricane....)

Steve, tired of photos? Never!!! Regarding the photo of Gerry and Natalie, Woodz don't quit your evening/night job! LOL Now we know what Gerry would look like with a flat-top.

Howard wrote: "Mayor has officially closed NYC down at 12N. I'm outta here. Commute is going to be hell. Winds are 50 MPH now."

Howard's message reminds me of Dan's song, "Glad To See You". I've revised it:

In Howard's part of the world
Flags are being unfurled
Waving before the dawning

Car fighting their way
Out of the city today
On a Thursday morning
I'm watching the show
Hope Howard's not the last one to know
Which way that things are going

For all of you outside New York City. I work here in NYC.
Mayor has officially closed NYC down at 12N. I'm outta here.
Commute is going to be hell. Winds are 50 MPH now.
It's supposed to get really bad, storm is actually going to hit us
tonight at 11p. Hold onto your hats kids. PHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bye for now.

I have put RealAudio sound clips out on the America Fans web site for all 14 tracks of the Japanese version of Van Go Gan. Since many of you still don't have VGG, I thought you might enjoy listening to the sound clips. I still don't know what the 4 bonus tracks are on the domestic release but we'll all know come the end of October.

Hi Everyone. I hope you're not getting tired of me posting more Orem photos ... but hey, that's the last concert that I attended and it's the one dearest to my heart at the moment. Natalie Tucker sent me a couple of photos that she took after the concert. One is of her and Dewey and the other is of her and Gerry. She doesn't remember who took the first photo but the second one was taken by Woodz and he said that it was going to be a "CLOSE-UP". After you see it you'll realize that he wasn't kidding! Thanks, Natalie, for sharing them with us.

THANX (again) Beth!

Howard, please tell me more. I had no idea of any collusion between these two men. Interesting. I watched the Partridge Family but it was David's younger brother I had a MONSTER crush on! Just caught them on "Famous Families" recently, David has lost thirty pounds, Shawn gained it all. Ah, the memories of youth. You can't go home again. I did own a Shawn Cassidy album. Yes, I was a pretty wild teenager. But tell me more on this David/Gerry deal. I'm intrigued.
Thanks!
Beth

Hi Lori. It's good to hear from you again. You're more than welcome to join us on this chat folder and we look forward to hearing more from you.

Hi Lori! If you'd like to make friends, you've found a good place to start. Hang around as long as you like, there's no time limit whatsoever. I live in Northern Wisconsin, have seen the guys twice. You really must go see them live if you ever get the chance! You will fall in love all over again.
Stay tuned,
Beth

Hi again, my fellow fans. It has been months since I have been in here and I love this place. I usually never post messages but I have the 1st album playing and there is just something about this album I just wanted to comment on. The first 3 tracks are among the best of all America songs - Riverside, Sandman, and Three Roses. Their debut album is possibly their best. There is just something about their first handful of albums that I think should have put them more on the musical map. I am 28 and America is bit of an unknown to alot of people my age. Alot of people have the Greatest Hits but there is so much more great music. I have turned many people onto these guys - all it usually takes is the first album or a show and people are hooked. These guys wrote some killer hooks - especially Dewey Bunnell.

Have a good night,
BillyMo

Marshall,
That was going to be my next guess!
Beth

The three songs all have a similar musical chord change (it gives the songs more "feeling", Steve!). It seemed to be a little signature "musical hook" that Gerry wrote into these that is distinctive. It involves a syncopated chord change (16th note/dotted 8th note) on the 4th beat of the measure that ends a verse, and transitions to the next one or the chorus. And it always changes from some chord to Bb.
Think of the music as you see these verses and you'll remember what it is.

Till the Sun Comes up Again
          Gm        Cm             Gm
Will she come to me, to keep me company
Abmaj7                     Gm7 G7            Cm  Bb  Cm  Bb
       Won't know till the sun comes up again
Gm                    Eb
   Gotta take the good with the bad.....

Goodbye (Hat Trick)
They just don't understand
     D7                G             Abmaj7  Bb
They think their every wish is my command
C     Em7  Fmaj9
  Oh, no,  Sister Susie.......

Daisy Jane (Hearts)
         Cmaj7
And I'm awful glad
      Gmaj9                       F       Bb
And I guess you're really to blame, blame
C          Am7
Do you really love me......

Hello! I am Lori York, a fan of America, must more of Gerry's when I was a child but now Dewey's. I have never seen them play. I would very much like too, though, I am wiery about going to a concert myself. I am a homebody and don't get out to make many friends. I live in St. Petersburg, Fl and all my old friends from Indianapolis, Indiana betrayed me in some awful way!

I just don't have any friends my age that I can trust and would like to make some. Maybe we can talk and go to one of their concerts together and have a drink?

I would just like to pause a moment and say HI! Steve. Your a real sweety! Miss talking to/with you! Also, I was wondering if the chat room was for new comers only or can I linger?

I really like the song that Dewey wrote about books and reading!!!!! I just hope that I am not too late and can finally see them play. Wishing the Best to you all!

Lori York
2Care@animail.net
ICQ# 43714260

Eddy, you don't sound stupid at all! Thank you for sharing with us. Your portrait of the old cabin in the woods was really great. And the fact that you can still play the album from 7th grade! Wow, that's really something! I don't think I have anything viable left of my life from that era....maybe a teddy bear or two. I do have all the old America albums that I've inherited from my big brothers, but I'd be afraid to put them on a turntable - if I could even find one!
Stay Tuned,
Beth

Don't worry..I'm not going to add anymore..lol..glad we could help you with your term paper, Matt. At least you know where to come for more info than you could ever need (or want) on any given subject. You see, we have all been around a loooonnnnngggg time and we have lots of insightful info to share. ;)

If we'd really lost our "passion" would we even be involved in this chat room? Obviously, when we were younger, we had nothing BUT time to devote to our simple pleasures in life. As adults, although our priorities change, our passion is still there (Thank God), just spread out into more facets or hidden under priorities and responsibilities. But when given the chance, don't we ride that roller coaster or go to that concert? We may not lose sleep to get tickets - it's not our "main" objective anymore and that's ok. Isn't the point to life to be able to enjoy the mini moments that make us feel good; whether it be a family thing - friends - concerts - etc. Even just going to/from work, listening to the "boys" in the car makes me feel good and for that one small time frame, I'm jammin' or singing or doing the air guitar thing (can't help myself).
If you enjoy something to the fullest, isn't that passion. We all seem to be saying the same thing, just w/different words. Quite frankly, even w/our routines and responsibilities, mini moments make "life grand"! Thanx for listening to me ramble!

Of the 3 LP's Gerry helped David Cassidy Co-Write and sing,
did you know there's one song Gerry sings lead throughout the
whole song? I have it somewhere on tape. It's pretty good too.hl

Did anyone else see the show last night on the E! channel about David Cassidy? It briefly showed an album cover of his with oriental writing all over it (an import). David Cassidy was wearing his fur coat. No doubt that it was the same one Dewey borrowed from him for the "Hideaway" album shoot.

I guess I'm the late comer, I have to agree w/most people on this board, when you get older things change w/work, family,house,carpayments,etc they take up alot of time. So enjoy your youth while you can! Things might change when you get older.
I still go camping, but not for tickets, my 2 year old son & I (+ the ol'hound) head out to the woods, we mostly go to the "rustic" cabin out to the lake, where my dad took me, I allways bring music, but I ALLWAYS take Americas 1st album w/me, because that takes me back to special times,(my older brother had given me that album when I was in 7th grade, I'm now 37) plus to wake up in the morning listening to the opening acoustic riffs of Riverside flowing through the beautiful white pine & birch trees, overlooking the lake, well it just don't get any better than that! We like to head out in the boat & do alot of fishing, at night we have a fish fry w/a little Korn on the Kob (just a pun, couldn't help it!) So, while I look back on my youth w/great delight, I'm still having fun doing the things I like to do,I just do them w/my family, nowdays there seems to be less time to do these things, but I guess thats what makes you value them even more.
You know, this is the most I've ever posted, I mostly just read them, I just hope I don't sound stupid or anything, sometimes when I think of things its hard for me to put into words, well, Nuff said.

Here we go again.They should change North Carolinas nickname from the "tarheel" state to the hurricane state, or hurricane magnet. Maybe they should change the name of our hockey team. Oh well, hope evryone is safe and well.......America rules......joe K

I hadn't noticed the "feeling" in the lyrics. Probably lots of their lyrics have this word (anyone want to make a concordance?)

OK. Since you asked, here are the songs with "feeling" in them (thanks to the search engine):

Hat Trick
Inspector Mills
Today's The Day
Don't Cry Baby
Head And Heart
Town And Country
Pages
Cast The Spirit
Old Man Took
We Got All Night
Till The Sun Comes Up Again

Hey - Wasn't there a great rock band who did a song with that title?!
"Hurricane is just another name for the torment in a man's soul"...
Played it tonite in honor of all in the path of Floyd. Hang In!
Beth

Steve, you've got a great sense of humor! Thanks for the chuckle, I needed it tonite.
Beth

What a wonderful discussion we've been having on this subject! I agree with the thoughts along the line of losing time, not losing passion, as we grow older.

Lately I am struggling with being a grown up. I am trying to empathise with my teenager, as I feel it wasn't all that long ago I was in his shoes. It's a real battle between my son & I. Neither of us wins.

One thing I notice has happened to me is things seem much more complicated now. Back in my younger days, going camping was a matter of grabbing a tent, a sleeping bag, a radio, and a bottle. Now, it's a major ordeal simply to pack the car with gear! Let's not even talk about setting camp!

Why did this happen to me? I mean, we've already established the shortage of time (and money) to do the things we loved to do, why did I find the many ways to further complicate things before I even started them?!

Adulthood. What a trip.

And Yes, for me, music is definately a defining of the moments and feelings. Submarine Ladies = How I felt about Joe Laiter in my Sophomore Year. I Need You = How I felt about Jon Jach in my Junior Year. On Target = How I feel about My Teenager This Year!

Stay Tuned,
B

thanks for all the interest in the inquiry. it seems the common answer is that our passion, as we grow, gets more and more subdivided. which is cool. because it means that we have at least if not more then when we started in order to deal with it all. pretty neat stuff though. thanks again for the response.

mB

"I'm your genie in a bottle, you gotta rub me the right way..."
-some guy writing songs for christina aguilerra

couldn't help wanting to share my thoughts on this interesting topic.

age can be a factor, or being married and with kids, being too busy...but i think it's when you stop being open to new things or different things that you stop "riding roller coasters". you don't have to have a lot of time to listen or to just be curious. most of the time, it's just the attitude of "i know i like this so i don't have to listen to that" or "this is me, so i can't be that".

i've been surprised a lot of times when i actually liked what i used to dismiss as simply not my type. well, a lot of times i also found out that i really can't find any liking to one song, but at least i gave it a listen. so maybe you can't relate to your kids' music...just don't write it off yet...give it a try and who knows? at the very least, you'd know what your kids are into, be able to talk to them about it.

passion for music/life, curiousity, openness to different things...we shouldn't lose it. we all had it at one time. if not, then it's worth getting it now.

i think i'll start with Christina Aguilera. in honor of Mr. Blulight who opened up this topic. lol.

I hadn't noticed the "feeling" in the lyrics. Probably lots of their lyrics have this word (anyone want to make a concordance?)

I wasn't thinking of the lyrics, but rather something in the music that is common to these songs (and none other of Beckley's that I can think of, though maybe there are others).

Keep safe, everyone.

Re: Losing zest... Life becomes fuller as you grow older, you add family.. responsibilities and while you don't lose your zest for the things of your youth ( gee isn't that from Desiderata?-- the hippies didn't die, we just got government jobs....) Time just fills up and you need to spread the zest around. I don't have the time to camp out for concert tickets ( not that they allow that in Los ANgeles anymore...) but I still go to concerts, still listen to new music ( albeit, I may be being force-fed some of it by the child I share the house with(;) Lose my zest for life? ME??? NAW!

Hope all are safe that may be affected by "Floyd"..he is coming to Georgia too, but it is doubtful that this far inland (Atlanta) that we will get much more than heavy rain. Heard from Gene today and he said they evacuated today..he is headed for Macon.
When do we stop riding roller coasters??? NEVER!! Gimme the Great American Scream Machine anyday!.Ronnie is finally tall enough and so he got to ride for the 1st time at the beginning of the summer..the first of many roller coaster rides with Mom! (Love water slides too!!!) Anyway..loss of zest for life..just time constraints and choices to be made in how to spend time and money, much like most folks it sounds. Interesting topic though.

"Till The Sun Comes Up Again"
Think I'll write a different song
Got a FEELING it might take a long time

"Daisy Jane"
Well, the summer's gone
And I hope she's FEELING the same

"Goodbye"
Goodbye Mrs. Sorrow
Hope you're FEELING better tomorrow night

I'll take a wild guess. Are all three songs the same length?

KevinS.

Could it be that each song has a reference to nighttime?

Daisy Jane: Like the STARS above me
Till The Sun Comes Up Again: Won't know till the SUN COMES UP AGAIN
Goodbye: Hope you're feeling better tomorrow NIGHT

Hey Steve-- that was MY guess! Along with they are my favorite songs and they were all written by Gerry Beckley (:) Seriously, Marsahll can you narrow it down a bit? Thanks!

well, I was gonna say the key of C, but Till The Sun only uses it in the chorus.....SIGH.......BUMMER....lol

Thanks for the thought, Howard!!!
Coral Springs is NOT far from Boca, but we didn't get nary a drop of rain (yet, it's 5pm right now) or a gust of wind over 20mph!!! THANK GOODNESS. I'm just praying for those poor souls in the Bahamas that got absolutely WAFFLED........

Hope all is well with EVERYONE!

Youth/ Passion=Time
NonYouth/Passion=Time Management

(c;

Hey, Tery, is everything okay down there in Florida.
My parents live in Boca and EVERYTHING IS CLOSED they told me
and the wind is starting gust BIG TIME. Hope all is well with you
and your family :0). Batten down the hatches...Floyd's a coming!

Regards, HL

Yeah, every one IS different Matt.....
I'm just talking from MY perspective of having KIDS! You'd be suprised how much you put before music when you have other people to look after. I've been trying to put out a CD for more than eight years but because people get real sick, or people lose jobs (extra money), or any other of life's mileposts, it hasn't gotten done. So FOR ME it's not that I don't love music any less.......
I totally agree with you on the "times and instances" part of your post! Andreas Vollenweider=Move To Florida, for me......(had to trance myself into it)

Go Barry... (c;

All three of those songs are on albums that begin with an "H". Hey, I know that's not the right answer but I couldn't resist (and, you can't say it's wrong). OK, I'll go back to work ... I've failed at my poor attempt to be humorous.

to add to this very interesting topic.

My taste for music has not dwindled at all. It has grown stronger.
My tastes range from classic rock to folk to country to bluegrass to jazz to new age to instrumental to reggae to alternative.
I find myself listening to the groups I grew up even more. Poco, America, Doobie Bros., Byrds, CSNY, etc. Turning 40 this year and
having 2 kids is even harder to listen to anything in my house. Thank god for my commute 1 hour each way. Gives me a chance to listen to
my music. Having two kids 5 and 7 is very difficult to do what you want to. With my son blasting peter pan soundtrack and my daughter's newly discovery of Spice Girls, Back Street Boys, Britney Spears, etc..I don't stand a chance to put on anything. Though they do like Horse and sister golden hair.

I gave up 3 chances to see America this year due to son's gymnastics, wife's surgery, etc. When you grow up, you have certain responsibilities to attend to, and I'll stop rambling on.

Bye all, Howard L

Marshall, your question is so broad. Can you narrow it down some?

I completely agree with songs bringing back memories of places and times...Certain time periods in my life are DEFINED by what music I was into. Especially high school. I can't listen to certain songs without memories of marching band. And America will always remind me of college...the best years I've had so far!!

Erin :o)

Speaking from my experience, like most everyone here, I bought a lot of albums while in high school and college based on merely hearing one song that I liked on the radio. Back then, I was looking for groups that produced a particular sound that appealed to me. Now, many years later, I have narrowed it down to about 10 groups/artists. I'm no longer willing to spend my "hard-earned" money on an artist that I'm not familiar with. So, you could say I was in the experimental phase back then. With car, house, and medical payments, I tend to be more prudent about how and what I spend my money on. And those of you with children, have to be even more careful about how your money is spent. After paying the expenses on the things I just mentioned, a portion of the remaining amount of my money is spent on leisure which, of course, includes music. The passion for discovering the music of new artists is still there but has diminished a great deal for me. However, the passion for the artists that I like is definitely still strong. For example, Journey and Crowded House are two fairly recent discoveries. I guess what I'm trying to say is that our likes and dislikes change over time. When I was in high school, I never would have guessed that I'd now be a country music fan. However, I'm probably a fan of country music because country music has changed. It's not really too different than pop other than the singer, perhaps, having a country drawl. Gerry's "Hope" performed by the country artists is a good example of the slight difference between pop and country.

What do Gerry Beckley's songs "Till the Sun Comes Up Again" (Homecoming), "Goodbye" (Hat Trick), and "Daisy Jane" (Hearts) have in common?

cool deal Kevin, that seems to answer my question a little. in my mind there's nothing wrong with that. in highschool I had to cancel a show my band was doing because I was coaching the 8th grade girls basketball team. it isn't really a question about music, you could substitute anything you love in it's place. but it's interesting none the less.
snuck into a club the other night to see Jr. Brown play. it is seriously the most awe inspiring thing I had ever seen. I had never personally seen live someone with so much power control wit dexterity mastery and musical humor on their instrument. it was AWESOME. i don't even like country, but with songs like "Make Her Mad She'll Charge" I gotta recommend this guy.

cheers everyone
mB

Well said Kevin. My dd yells at ME to turn the radio down!

RE roller coasters. I still love 'em!

I'm really interested in it. to me it's along the same line of "why and when do people stop riding rollercoasters?"

Hmmm. Some very interesting thoughts being tossed around. A couple of weeks ago I took my kids to a local amusement park and I DID ride the roller coaster. I think the reason I would stop riding it is because I'm too old or cranky to wait in the long line!

Matt:

With me, it's not that the passion for music has dwindled. Not at all. I saw Whiskeytown about six month ago in some small club in Dallas. I crammed in this tiny club, had beer spilled over me, stood for two hours, I was the only person older than 30, but it was great.

It's not a lack of passion for music or passion for passion. What it all comes down to it, I think, is a lack of time. I don't have the time to see every Whiskeytown that comes to town.

In 1981, I camped out for two days to get front row tickets to see America in Indianapolis. Because I had the time to do it. I was in college, it was summer so I was out of school. What else did I have to do? It's kind of hard right now to take a few days off from work to do the same thing. (But I'd do if it were a band my daughters wanted to see and they wanted me to go out there with them.)

So the answer to your question is, it's that other "more important" things crowd in. It's too bad, but it happens. We have choices to make. I chose to spend next Thursday coaching my twins softball team rather than going to see Tom Petty. When my daughters are a little older, maybe I'll take them with me.

I still have the passion for music enough to spend time on this site.

KevinS.

so is it that other "more important" (everybody's are different i'm sure) things just crowd the proverbial zest for music out of the way or is it actually the ZEST capacity in the person goes down.
as for music defining who a young (or any) person is, i think that statement might be a little off base. i think music is associated with certain times and instances in our lives. I don't identify myself with Limp Bizkit's "The Nookie"; but I do associate "Every LIttle Thing she Does is Magic" with being 5 years old in the car playing hum that tune w/ dad winding up mulholand trying to not get too carsick (windy roads used to do that), or a certain Red Hot Chili Pepper song when I flipped my car off the side of the freeway (other guy's fault, police report to prove it) but I don't think music defines the person themselves. Do you (anyone, not Kevin specifically, he could LOVE music for all I know) stop getting passioniate about music? or do you stop getting passionate? is it that you really aren't moved enough by fastball to go camping for
tickets? or is there just no more camping period. (Radiohead is probably the only band i'd CAMP for)

I'm really interested in it. to me it's along the same line of "why and when do people stop riding rollercoasters?"

mB

I see that Connecticut has been graced with America's presence in February. A fairly new date, isn't it??? I would love to see the Boys in Cleveland - it's been nearly 3 years! Can anyone guide me to whom I should be speaking to make Cleveland a reality??? There's a few place that would be wonderful - The Palace, The State, Public Hall, Nautica (in the summer) and of course, Shooters on the Water (summer too). Help!!!

Wishin' I didn't have to take a plane, train or automobile to get a fix. . .

Chris - Cleveland

Happy Birthday! (a day late...sorry!) I hope you had a wonderful day, and good luck in the year to come...you are the best.

Erin :o)

Check out http://danpeek.homepage.com for the latest news about Dan Peek's new CD "Bodden Town"

hit several nails on the head..enjoyed your post very much..hmmm..so that's why my son took his sleeping bag to the last football game..lol...

I think you are essentillly correct, Kevin. The older you get, the less strident you are with your passions. That is not to say that once you reach a cerain age, you lose all zest, but you are more selective.

Good music is still being made and there are many choices on the musical market. Both you and Matt have named enough of them. I have a twelve year old daughter who listens to the Backstreet Boys AND the Beatles.

Hey Matt, nice choice in the future wife department!

GLB: half-way there. 47 down and 47 more to go!

Matt:

I think there's as much good music now as there's ever been. And there's as much crap now as there's ever been. Every week I listen to Rick Dee's Top 40 with my daughters. Top 40s pretty much like it's always been since I was a kid. A few great songs. A few embarrassingly bad songs. And the rest in the middle somewhere. Right now you have a pretty wide variety to choose from in the top ten. Pearl Jam, Back Street Boys, Smash Mouth, Christina Aguillera, Jennifer Lopez, Fastball. The good, the bad, the filler.

What happens is, when you're young, music really defines you. Most people get passionate about the bands they grew up with when they were young, and the bands that come along later, while they may really get into them, just aren't the same.

The bands you grow up with are the bands you camped out for concerts tickets for, the bands you got drunk and passed out naked in a sleeping bag with your girlfriend in the middle of the football field to, the bands you'd pack into a car with five of your dirty, grimy, smelly friends and drive 12 hours to go see, with no money in your pocket and only a case of beer.

I find myself as excited about music now as I have been in a long time. But my passion for them isn't the same. It's too bad, but it's life. In college, I had four things to worry about. Music, beer, women and school. Now I have about a thousand things. I'm not going to camp out for Fastball tickets, or call a radio station a thousand times to win Old 97 tickets.

It's not just the people who listen to music that this happens to. What about the musicians? Guys like Dan and Gerry and Dewey no longer make music the way they used to. Wouldn't it be wonderful if they got that crammed themselves into a tiny car, just them and their guitars, and worked out the harmonies and made it until every note was just perfect, and lived in a dirt pit manor and ate, slept and breathed the band together? What came out of that was magical.

Obviously, that's not their lives anymore. Too many other things to worry about. For better or worse, the music changes too.

Now it's other bands turn--bands like Korn and Rage Against The Machine and Sugar Ray--to live in a van together, surviving on noodles and beer. One day, they'll get a little success, buy houses in different cities, have kids and separate lives, and make music individually instead of collectively.

It happens. To every fan and every band.

KevinS.

(By the way, my next wife will be Ricky Martin. Nice teeth.)

Pete, I haven't heard what distribution channels Gerry is going to use for the domestic release of Van Go Gan. I do know that you can get it from Thoughtscape Sounds, however, and they'll be the very first to have it in. Gerry has been dealing directly with Scott at Thoughtscape to make sure that the online America Fans get first chance at the CD. The phone number for Thoughtscape Sounds is 1-800-435-6185.

Just got back from Mtyrle beach. I got to see Blondie at the House Of Blues, she did okay but America would blow her away. Does anyone know if the Van Go Gan CD will be in all the stores in the good old USA or will it be a special order. Happy birthday Gerry

"Wherever I go, it's coming back to me ....
Whoever I've known can send it back to me ...
I know the night will be alright ...
As long ...
As your love keeps coming, Right Back To Me ...." G. BECKLEY

And have 147 more! (c=

My two cents, young jedi-B.....I think what happens is, well, LIFE comes along and gives you kids, a mortgage, a spouse, a job (hopefully one you like), some pets. All of a sudden music goes down on the list. Then after a while, all of a sudden (just as quickly as it fell) you have time again! It doesn't happen that way for everyone, but.....When you do "get back in the saddle" so to speak, you're sometimes HOPELESSLY lost in the grand scheme of things. Sure you like music. BUT.....YIKES. Kind of like Ben Franklin coming back and seeing a laser pointer. He might just not get it. Kind of like my Dad's reaction to Bjork (what the HELL is that?--lol--at least he LISTENED...) BTW, Christine is one lucky girl (lol), hope she likes Barry Sanders jerseys.......rofl!

Happy Birthday Gerry, hope your special day brings you everything you deserve.....!

Happy B-day, GB!

YEAH, Point well taken, heck, even in highschool I remember KIDS that would listen to nothing but heavymetal & THATS IT! Nothing else! Both ears would be plugged if you tried to turn them on to something else, what a shame, there were some that would have open ears, but if you tried someone like The Beatles on them,(or a different kind of music, like jazz ) they would say: whatcha listening to that old crap for! So, I think it goes both ways sometimes, I'm just glad that I grew up getting to listen to ALL kinds of music, from classical, jazz, rock, & everything inbetween. Theres alot of stuff out there to hear, if it sounds good to my ears I'll buy it, if not, well, then I won't, but I'm allways willing to give it a try. There was a "new" group that you mentioned that I do like, that was Radiohead, I really like "The bends" & someone else mentioned live, I think "throwing copper" is a great CD, in fact, thats the one I sold to Gerry Beckley when he came into the music store I was working at (a day I'll NEVER forget!)
Well, Nuff said from me, I just felt the need to respond or explain myself, don't know if your response was toward what I said, or what Brian said in his interview (maybe both) but felt the need to ramble anyway. Don't really know if I made any sense, but have fun doing it.
Well, gonna spend some quality time w/my son, have a good day, everyone!

DITTO from VA. Have a wonderful day!

Happy Birthady to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday, dear Gerry,
Happy Birthday TO YOU !!!!

I hope you have a very special day and MANY, MANY MORE !!

YOU ARE THE BEST !@!@!@ - Don't ever stop playing !!

Your friend, Maureen.

Wishing you a Happy Birthday from the North Coast of Ohio!!! Thank you so much for all you give through the music. Aren't we supposed to be giving the gifts???

Happy Birthday!!!!

Chris - Cleveland

Wishing you the greatest day!!!! Happy Birthday, Gerry.

Yes, that's me, Matt..mostly riding in the car I'm in..I don't know what it is about getting older, because I have always loved music. But I know something is amiss when I enter my guitar-playing son's room (AJ)..and don't recognize a single title in his CD tower! Every t-shirt he wears bears the name of a group that I am not familiar with..and to be honest, the only time I look at his CD selection is to make sure that the lyrics are "appropriate" or that there is no "parental guidance" sticker on them. Ugh! I've turned into my mother..thanks for turning on the "BluLight"! I'm going out right now and buy something by the New Radicals!
And as for America in the Hall of Fame..count me in for votes..(I'll stuff the box)!

Hello all,interesting post Matt point well taken,I must admit to be a little narrow in my musical tastes but I do have a vast number of CD's and they are mainly from 60's 70's 80's but a group that are interesting me greatly at the moment are Live,I unable to put my finger on it but these guys could be a sensation if not already, also check out the Lemonheads another top notch outfit.To change the subject I have noticed how many fans this web page continues to garner, every week someone new seems to come along and are made to feel welcome by fans.How on earth America are not already in the hall of fame is scandalous,after all who plays more concerts on a consistant basis I'll never know, and two guys that make time for fans one way or another and that can be tough especially when they are tired just like we all are after a days work.I look forward to seeing America down under at the turn of the century and their continued success,and any new or old recording they should decide to release.

I never really understood the vast gap in musical tastes between older generations and their younger generations. It seems there is a period of time in peoples lives where they are attentive to all the new music that flows by them and they appreciate it, and then a switch goes off and they just don't seem to like anything new anymore. It's like they stand at the side of a railroad for a while watching all the different cars go by, but then they hop into a car and get carried off. Before their decision to ride they were seeing ALL the cars, now they only get to see the car they're in (am i making ANY sense? this is an honest inquiry)
i am not embarassed to say that a large percentage of my favorite musicians I discovered because i was turned on to them by my parents.(RadioHead, Janes Addiction, The Beach Boys, Public Enemy, The Beatles, Nine Inch Nails (?!), DJ Shadow)
THe WHO sang about the problems in the world's perception of things. So does KorN. Both musically valid. Listen to the words of Political Poachers. Now go out and get a Rage Against the Machine CD. I'm not saying anyone has a problem, I'm just wondering (and saddened at) how people lose touch.
and I'm about to admit something really embarassing:
I actually like the Christina Aguilara single.
(The future Mrs. Matthew Beckley)
but that doesn't mean I've stopped liking the Stones...

mB

The only things I can think of is stuff you allready know, like their top 10 & #1 hits, the #2 band that Sir George Martin worked for a long period of time with (The Beatles being #1), & the fact that their still pumping out GREAT songs that either meet or exceed anything they have done in the past.

You know, I was reading a Brian Wilson interview the other day, & they asked the question: Your "Imagination" album, despite good reviews,never took off. Why not? Brian's answer: It didn't take off because it wasn't the kind of music that people like for these times. It sold to the old-fashioned market. It didn't sell to the kids at all. And the kids are a big part of the market these days.

This is a guy that I'm sure got ALOT more "promo" on his new album then AMERICA did on Human Nature (which I think is one of their BEST!)
but, he does prove a point, when America was in their prime, how old were we? Alot of us were kids, right? There are a few (just a few) new groups I like, but well... I'm not gonna put anyone down, I guess everyone has their own tastes, lets just say, I don't watch alot of MTV. BUT, I do think if they (America) could get through to the mass market again, that would help their chances of getting into the hall of fame.Hell, if Gerry got promoted as a "new artist" & they gave something like Van Go Gan or Playing God, some TV or radio time, I'm sure it would attract a younger crowd, & they would maybe want to look into this "new artist" & find out other fine tunes this person has come up with, ahhh...maybe I'm crazy, but I can still dream, can't I? Well, enough rambling from me, I do believe that they deserve to be in the hall of fame, right up there w/The Beatles & The Beach Boys, they have been (and still are) a big part of my life, I really don't know what I'd do if I didn't have their music to listen to, & if you need any help at all getting them into the H.O.F, count me in!

Hey all,
1 Ordered my copy of VGG. Hooray!!!
2 Happy Birthday Gerry, thanks for all the years of wonderful
music.
3 Every week my wife goes shopping in shoprite on a different day
and always hears From A Movin' Train.
4 Steve, thanks for the pics of Orem concert and BBQ. They're great.
5 Welcome all newcomers, it's great to have new faces/names here.

And for all the Jewish people here...Happy New Year (Rosh Hashannah!)
HL

Steve, The southeastern part of Ohio is mostly rural an lacks the large population centers such as, Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinati where I don't doubt that there are America fans (online or otherwise)...but I'm still curious about this part of the state. The county (Morgan) where I live has around thirteen or fourteen thousand people and a couple thousand of those live in the county seat. I've lived in and around a few large cities....New orleans, Cols. Oh. to name a couple and fourteen thousand people could be found in a 5-block area.....Anyway, in all the years I've lived in this part of Ohio I've never met another America fan. I have tried to turn a few people on to America. Recently, I made a country tape for one of the fellows where I work and slipped in "From a moving train" on it and the other day heard him quietly singing it to himself.....Jeff B.

To Gerry- All the best wishes to you on your special day! Thanks for all the joy, music and inspiration you've brought into my life. You are truly one of the Greatest!!! Keep On Rockin'!!! Respectfully Yours, Tom Tantillo "TeeTee"

Hey Joe! Yea, it was me in the front; blonde, black dress, alone, just jammin' my little heart out. Sorry we couldn't hook up to say hi. Anxious to see your pics. They were awesome. The majority of the people going to these benefit concerts have no clue what they're in for and end up walking out with their horizons broadened! Talked to a couple of ladies afterwards...you know that "oh yea, I forgot they played this" thing is really true...they were way impressed! But of course. For the last week, I've pulled out all my America albums (some I have 2 or 3 copies of-forgot that) and it's amazing how it all comes back, the music the words, it's just way too fun. Oh, and as far as Ohio goes, seek and ye' shall find - there's plenty! I'm originally from Cleve (BEST friends w/Chris and Mark in Cleve) and live in Richmond now, so sometimes I get the benefit of seeing them in either place if the stars are in alignment and all is well w/my world. Life if Grand!

I got the first roll of film back today from the Orem concert and got a couple of decent shots of the guys playing.

Gerry playing the intro to "Sandman".
The entire band playing "Sister Golden Hair".

Jeff, you'll have to forgive me for not knowing Ohio very well so I don't know where the cities are and I'm too lazy to pull out a map. But I do know several online America Fans from Ohio: Chris and Mark Page from Cleveland, Mark and Dian North from Akron, and Rick and Deborah Carter from Cleveland. I'm sure there's plenty more.

Where I live most people my age (43) seem to be into country and Bluegrass music. I like a little country music and some Bluegrass...Mainly Bluegrass instrumentals....but America is and has been my absolute favorite for 25 yrs. and I was just wondering?...Am I the only America fan In southeastern Ohio. Jeff B.

Concert was awesome!!! 3 Roses kicked a**!!!! They were so good it was incredible. I loved " Things we said today" I hope it is on Gerrys VGG CD. Holly I didnt get your email until after I got home but I saw you ( I believe ) dancing in the front row. The people there that didn't know America were amazed. I heard comment after comment from people about how Great our guys were!!!! America truely is the greatest. I know all of Gerry and Dewey's jokes now ,so its fun anticipating when they will use them......Great show. I am just sorry this is my last one until next year......Also talked with Rick again.......I took 3 rolls of photos with a 300 mm zoom lens. I hope they come out ,I was on the 13th row . I was a little farther out than I would have liked,but if they come out I will send them to Steve....Joe Knight

I forgot to give the answer to how one of Dan Fogelberg's songs is connected in a way to "The Wizard of Oz". The answer is his song from his wonderful "Netherland" album called, "Scarecrow's Dream".

I went to quite a few garage/yard/tag sales this morning and saw a huge box of albums for sale for 25 cents each! Once again, there were no AmericA albums in the box. However, the seller did say that someone bought several that he had before I got there. It just goes to show you, they're either snapped up quickly or they're just too good to every put up for sale in the first place. For me, the count for finding any of AmericA's music for sale is zero out of about 2,300 sales in the last 3 years. That's pretty darn amazing!

You KNOW you've had a grand time when your face hurts from smiling. Salem was tres' awesome (less we get anything different???). There were more "fans" and it was obvious. That whole "benefit" venue is a little different, but it didn't matter to me. I will never tire of watching and listening to the "boys"...and yet again, they were all so incredibly nice! It was a bit of a drive, but so well worth it. Can't wait 'til the next go 'round and getting the extended list of hits. Thank you Guys for providing another tres' mini moment in life. I LOVE relishing. Amazing what an attitude adjustment America can be!
Enjoy your birthday, Gerry!!!!!!!!

Hello everyone, I need your help. I am in the middle of drafting a letter to the person who runs the New York office of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I would like to ask everyone to either e-mail me or put a message in the folder here telling me anything that you feel will help convince them that America belongs in the Hall of Fame. I know what America means to me , but I would also like to hear from you guys. Anyway, my e-mail is rburgess@carramerica. com or you can just put it here. Thanks for your help, I'll keep everyone posted.

Robert Burgess

No dunce cap for Robyn! Instead, Robyn, you get a gold star on your forehead. Yes, the movie is "The Wizard of Oz". I listed Randy Newman twice because there's another connection. Here is what I had in mind for the remaining unsolved ones or a second connection to a few others:

AmericA: Also "Rainbow Song"
Elton John: "Goodbye Yellowbrick Road"
Randy Newman: "Short People" (Munchkies)
"99": by the group, Toto

i'd like to put in my greetings now in case i can't be here later:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GERRY! Health, happiness and harmony - always!

Well, Johnny's games are always a lot of fun. Sometimes I get them, sometimes I have brain meltdown. If anyone knows the Dan Foglebeg and 99 connections that make sense here, please post them. I will be back next Monday. Have a great weekend all.

Everyone going to the Salem concert, I am loooking forward to your reviews.

Robyn, who cares if your right. I'm impressed with the "connections". My brain is just a little too fried from completing our first week of school back after the summer to even attempt to string together the clues.

Ok, I think I have most of it. Randy Newman score the movie "Twister" Life is a cabaret-was performed by Judy Garland's daughter Liza Minelli Dan Fogelberg and 99 no clue- Michael Jackson and Diana Ross starred in the Wiz Elton John played the Pinball Wizard Kansas wrote Dust in the wind and the America tie Tin Man The Movie (all together now) The Wizard of Oz. Did I get it Johnny? or is there a dunce cap in my future?

Sending Happy Birthday wishes to the guy who's given us so much musical enjoyment. Is the special day, September 12th? I'm not sure. Anyway, I hope it's a great one, GLB!!

Oops! That should be: "Hint about SOME of the musical..." I threw in the word, "the" for some strange reason.

It's Friday so how about a little fun? Here's a little quiz for you. With the following clues, can you name the American movie that I have in mind? Also, tell us how each clue pertains to this movie. (Hint about the SOME of the musical artists listed: They may have a song whose title is associated with this movie in some way. Their song is not necessarily a hit. It may just be a song on one of their albums.)

The clues: Randy Newman, "Life Is A Cabaret", Randy Newman, Dan Fogelberg, "99", Michael Jackson, AmericA, Elton John, "Dust In The Wind", and Diana Ross

Glad to be up and running..at least my computer..my middle son had downloaded some "Pokemon" game thing and destroyed my entire hard-drive..ugh!! Have been able to sneak into my other son's room to use his lap-top (don't like them..everything is too small)..so I have been able to check e-mails and lurk now and then. Happy Anniversary to Gerry and Kathy..and best wishes to Gerry on his birthday..(hope I look that good when I'm 47!) Glad you all had a nice time at the bbq and concert..have enjoyed all the reviews and pics..Have a nice weekend! :)Janice

SO gonna' miss you Sharon #2. We'll be thinkin' of ya'. Talk to you tomorrow! TTFN

In addition to also wishing the Beckleys a very Happy Anniversay ( and MANY MORE HAPPY YEARS TOGETHER!) I would also like to wish Gerry a Happy Birthday.

Holly's going - look for the tall blonde (backstage, in the "guitar pit", in the front row??!!)

Have a wonderful time!!

Chris

To Gerry and Kathy:

I would just like to wish you both a very Happy 11th Anniversary !!

Have a great day and happiness ALWAYS !!

Maureen.

Hi Guys....Well we are off to see the guys for the 3rd time this summer!! I hope the guys play a long set tonight...Anyone else going to Salem besides me and Rick??? I cant wait for Gerrys CD ,and my wish list for Christmas Includes A double live CD with all of the songs they have ever done LIVE !!!!!! America is the greatest...Joe K
Anyway I am taking my good camera to this concert and I hope to get many good photos. I f I do I will send them to Steve

That's awesome news about the release of Van Go Gan...I am so excited. Going to order it first thing tomorrow!! Can't wait to hear what the four bonus songs are. To all the guys, I hope you are enjoying your time off! By the way, I loved the picture of Pete! And Jim...I think your picture should be up here somewhere...you've taken so many great photos, I think you should be in one! I hope everyone has a great friday and a great weekend...

Erin :o)

You're still my favorite "Diva" Groupie!!!! Wish I was going to Salem - ha ha, however, I'm toying with Pittsburgh!!! See you in AC?

Love Chrissy

Hello fellow fans. This would be my lst official contact w/all of you and I'm pretty excited. Seems like a lot of you went to Orem...WAY too far for me! I guess it'll be up to me to cover the southeast! Salem tomorrow - YEAH! But still enjoying the "afterglow" of Hampton & Richmond. Chris & I went to both...it's the "benefit" deal and we don't get the "extended" list...but the boys were TRES' awesome, as usual. One must in enjoy the perks in life and that was a perk of a lifetime...25 years I waited for that backstage pass (thanks Pete and Dewey). Without Pete it would never have happened. I guess patience is a virtue! Gerry, Dewey and Willie were incredible, fun, kind, appreciative of US (can't believe that! cool) and they probably have no clue what it meant to us for them to share their time and attention. Now I'm not just a groupie/fan, but we had such a large time like old friends. Yeah! I now I'm rambling, and words just can't express what it meant to us. I'm new to the whole "chat" thing so bear w/me. I'll try not to carry on. I've learned so much so far just reading everyone's comments, etc., and look forward to more. Even ordered my own VGG!
Working on going to Atlantic City for my birthday; anyone else going? Hope to talk again soon...maybe I'll have yet another awesome experience in Salem! Wait...isn't every concert an awesome experience? Thought so! TTFN

Seeing that cover makes me wish actual records (vinyl) were still made. Maybe there'll be a mini-poster with the cd?!

I have been hoping for an America Box Set, with previously unreleased songs and alternate versions for years. I thought that perhaps the reason WB hadn't done domestic releases of most of their America albums was that they were planning to do a box set of some type. I also thought that maybe 96 or 97 would have been good years to release a box set since that was America's 25th aniversary. But I have pretty much given up hope of seeing one. It's a shame, because I'm sure there is a treasure trove of unreleased songs and alternate versions in the WB and Capitol archives. Maybe Rhino or somebody else will do something for their 30th aniversary, 2001-2002.

Celebrity birthdays Sept. 12-18:

Sept. 12: Country singer George Jones is 68. Actress Linda Gray is 59. Singer Maria Muldaur is 56. Singer Barry White is 55. Singer-musician Gerry Beckley of America is 47. Musician Neil Peart of Rush is 47. Actor Peter Scolari is 45. Actress Rachel Ward is 42. Musician Norwood Fisher of Fishbone is 34. Actor Darren E. Burrows (``Northern Exposure'') is 33. Musician Larry LaLonde of Primus is 31. Singer Liam Gallagher of Oasis is 27.

Plus, I'd like to add, COOL photo of PETE!!

I just want to say, THANX for keeping us all informed, & (I know you all heard this before!) THANX for the AMERICA FANS Webpage!

NUFF' SAID!
EDDY

Gordon sent me a photo of the domestic Van Go Gan CD cover to share with the online America fans. He also wanted to reiterate that the CD will be ready sometime in October. As you look at the cover you'll notice that it's pretty much like the Japanese version. The only differences that I could see were that the top banner wasn't quite as green (it's a little more yellow), the word "Stereo" at the bottom has been replaced with "In Stereo" and the left side of the picture has been clipped a little bit.

After a fantastic show in Orem, the band and the crew are taking some well deserved time off. Actually, I suspect that Gerry is hard at work putting the finishing touches on Van Go Gan and the hundred other projects that he always has in the works. I got a message from Bill Payne saying that he happened to run into Pete today in Lake Elsinore and he was enjoying a day off from the road. While Pete and Bill were talking, Gerry called Pete on his cell phone to make sure that Pete had made flight arrangements. The thoughts that ran through Bill's head were: "What a life. I often wonder how they all have been able to keep the pace up for so long." After the phone call Pete let Bill take a photo of him in his truck to share with the Web Fans. They do get a day off now and then.... Thanks for sharing this with us Bill.

Marshall Smith was reading the Chicago fans chat folder and came across the following information. The album will apparently be released by Robert Lamm's Chicago Records, and is coming out next month. Thanks Marshall for sharing it with us.

The Cover Looks Like....and Lamm/Wilson/Beckley News Wednesday, 08-Sep-1999 10:40:12

Chicago Records told me that the cover art for Chicago 26 will be a truck rumbling down the highway on the way to the next live concert. As far as the Lamm/Wilson/Beckley album, he told me that they are still working on signing the papers, so it probably won't get out until late October. --Joe Gilmore

Ah What a lovely though Dan. From your post to the music industry's ears!!!!!!

Wow!! Laura and Gary, that autographed Tin Man is REALLY COOL!!! I love it! Trade you my '70 442 convertible. I know, it's not an even trade...I'd have to throw something else in to boot. I thought I'd try, though.

In regards to the 25th anniversary of "History", may I make a suggestion. how about a box set with material from every album and new live music with a comprehensive history of the band and songs. If other bands can do it then why not our favorite band. My prediction is at least gold and maybe more. What do you think boomers?

Danny boy

Sure hope some sample MP3 files are created so that the new enhanced VAN GO GAN can gain exposure among the young folks thru that new medium, the Internet. A whole new generation of fans awaits.

There's a new radio station in Dallas, Merge 93.3, that's all about playing requests from the internet. All their station promos are asking for listeners to send in their requests, "to play the things you want to hear."

I figure it's probably a long shot to get them to play something from Human Nature, but I put my request for "Wednesday Morning" in anyway.

I don't know how many people on this Chat Folder have internet access, but if you do, e-mail your request to the Merge. Hey, maybe if the moons line up right and pigs fly out of someone's butt, they'll actually play America. It's worth a shot.

Send requests to merge@dfwradio.com or visit their home page at www.merge933.net for an idea of their playlist. Right now they're playing Sheryl Crow.

KevinS.

Just put in my order, thoughtscape didn't open for another hour, but the nice woman took my order anyway.
Yes Steve, I guess they have been getting alot of calls for VGG! To the people that have been waiting, I'd pre-order as soon as possible, I'd hate to see anyone miss out a 2nd time on this fine MASTERPIECE! By the way, nice photos of the BBQ, LOVE that signed Tinman!
See Ya!

Ordered mine this A.m. I can't wait. Gerry will have a hit off of this. My prediction

Greetings,so much to catch up on, fabulous report from Orem with photos is'nt modern technology wonderful,and the terribly exciting news of Gerry's enhanced VGG plus 4.Now I'd like to throw my hat into the ring how about Warner Brothers doing something for the fans i.e. a total overhaul of America's History album.These are just suggestions the 25th anniversary of this album can only be round the corner,I would'nt change the cover as a tribute to Phil Hartman,but what about digital remastering and including several more tracks,Riverside,Todays the Day,Amber Cascades,Sergeant Darkness,then completely revamp liner notes accurately with some photos that we may not have seen.This album has done very nicely for Warners,time to put a little back perhaps,just food for thought.

Gee, I was hoping for a cover of "In-a-Gadda-Da-Vida". Maybe Dewey can do that one on HIS solo CD.

4 new tracks - I have inside information and I know they will be "Disco Inferno" "Feelings" "My Way" and the all time fav. "YMCA"

What? You don't believe me? I'm placing my order tomorrow anyway.

j

So that was "Thing We Said Today"! Thanks, Steve. I actually know the tune but I never knew that that was the title. I wihs I could hear the guys' version of it.

Things to look forward to as Christmas gifts: VGG(another copy - third after my 2 last year!), a Live CD(hope so!) and a New Year show(I can also dream, can I? LOL!).

A Dewey solo CD would be great! March 2000? Wonderful!

Gary and Laura Harrison sent me some more photos from the Orem concert which are now on the America Fans web site. Included among the photos is a shot of the BBQ along with an awesome antique tin man that was autographed by Gerry and Dewey after the concert. Thanks Gary and Laura for sharing them with us.

I am going to get my order in fast. Gee I wonder about the art work as well as the songs, this is GERRY BECKLEY 100%. I remember when Taylor guitars did a GERRY BECKLEY signature model, retailing for over $2,000. There was to be only 1 production run & they sold out very quickly.
By the way what would a DEWEY solo be titled ?
Around the World in 11 songs ?

Can't Wait!!!!!! I'm putting in my order first thing in the morning!!!!!!!!

Eddy, according to the feedback I'm getting from Scott at Thoughtscape Sounds, the advance orders are coming fast and furious. Wouldn't that be interesting if Gerry sold out his first pressing before it was even pressed. I already have two Japanese copies of Van Go Gan but I'm certainly going to get a domestic copy or two. The 4 bonus tracks alone will make it worth it.

You know many Young Moons ago, somewhere around the HARBOR LP, an article did talk about a DEWEY BUNNELL solo LP. Of course nothing ever became of it, but hey that's a great thought. It wouldn't have to be too complicated w/lots of bells & whistles, just 6 string acoustic based w/DEWEY's masterful collage of lyrical mysticism & a few support players. Of course there would be 6 string rockers included in great contrast to the acoustic songs. And if GERRY is the producer, hey that would work. Kind of like a John Lennon solo ?

Can't Wait!!!!!!
I'm putting in my order first thing in the morning!!!!!!!!

It just so happened that this past weekend I had my crystal ball out and it said that VGG would be re-released in October. It also said that sometime before Christmas a Live CD from this current tour would be released with bonus tracks from other tours in years past. It also said that Dewey's first solo CD would be released sometime in March 2000. I think the title is "Sun rise on the horizon". But the best thing my crystal ball said was that on January 1, 2000, my savings account will read - $10,450,145.35. Hey, a guy can dream, can't he?
What ever the four bonus tracks are, I'm sure they will be great!!!!!
Bob

As much as I love Jeff Larson's "Annabelle", I would really like to hear Gerry sing it. And if another Beatles song were ever covered, I'd want it to be "Here, There, and Everywhere", either by Gerry alone or by the entire band. I've never heard "Norman", but am intrigued by what others have written regarding this song.

too ugly; once at the racetrack I was mistaken for the back of a quarterhorse.

If you'd like a preview of one of the songs on the "Beckley, Lamm, Wilson" cd....you can go out and purchase Robert Lamm's "SOLO" cd and give a listen to "Watching The Time Go By". Came across it a few days ago.....Beautifully written sweet sounding song! All three blend so well together !!

.....not to mention single and living pretty comfortably....come on Jim, don't keep these people in suspense good lookin' !!

My experience with Jim is that he likes to TAKE the photos, not be in them. I have one of him with Gerry at a table selling tshirts, but he hasn't given his permission to show it.
Maybe more pressure from other fans, and you'd all get to see how good looking he really is. Let him know if you want him to bow to peer pressure, and if he gives his ok, Steve will put this picture on the web page (even tho it's poor of Gerry and Dewey is hidden by fans.)
Wish I could have made it to Orem. Looked into it, but no deals on flights. Was my 40th on Friday, and really thought it would be cool to spend the next day with the guys and all the fans. But it didn't happen. Maybe next time! (But I'll never turn 40 again!)
Take care, everyone. Great to have some new names posting here. Welcome to you all, including you lurkers!
ShariL in San Diego

Regarding the bonus tracks, I'd go for a cover by Gerry of "Penny Lane". I'm sure it's not likely but it's my wish. Yeah, Dewey, it's your turn for a solo CD!! That would be great.

No photo of Jimnak in Orem? I think a lot of us who have never met or seen Jim, would like to see a photo of him. Maybe next time huh, Jim?

Kevin, it's my understanding that Gerry is releasing it on his own but I don't know what the label will be. Perhaps he'll start a Human Nature label to go along with his Human Nature studios (just another guess of mine). I think your guess of "Houses In White" is a good one and it would be a great addition to the CD.

Ooops, one more thing. Does anyone know what record label Van Go Gan will be released on domestically? Or is Gerry releasing it on his own?

KevinS.

One of the four songs could be "Houses in White."

KevinS.

Does anybody want to list their guesses or wishes for the 4 bonus tracks on the domestic release of Van Go Gan? I don't have a clue so I'm not going to try to guess but I do have at least 2 wishes: "By The Ocean" and "Norman". I don't even know if Gerry wrote "By The Ocean" but it's listed as an America song on a very old America/Eagles bootleg album and I'd like to hear it. "Norman" used to be played in concert and is a song that Gerry wrote about an industrial designer, stage decorator, and all around creative genius who influenced lots of today's designs, but is largely forgotten. Norman Bel Geddes was his name. This song has never been released and is one of those many gems sitting in Gerry's portfolio of never released songs.

all had a good time in Orem.....thanks for the reviews guy's !!

Dewey Bunnell "SOLO" CD.....hello Dewey ???

I have the original Van Go Gan. Just ordered Van Go Gan Again. It's worth it to get the four new tracks.

Wouldn't it be great if by some act of God this CD got some airplay?

Oh, and while you're ordering the Gerry Beckley CD, don't forget about the equally wonderful Bodden Town from Dan Peek, featuring three great tracks from Peace.

KevinS.

Great news! My pre-order is in. Can't wait to listen "legally". Scott said he was looking to ship around October 15th.

Here's the news we've all been waiting for! Gerry called Scott at Thoughtscape Sounds today and informed him that the domestic release of Van Go Gan will be ready by mid to late October. It's going to contain the original 14 Van Go Gan tracks plus 4 bonus tracks. No word yet on what the bonus tracks are but the Goodbye Highway sporty remix won't be one of them. We can hopefully look for that to come out on another CD.

Scott is working closely with Gerry on this domestic release to make sure that there will be plenty of copies available for the online America fans and others who want it. He is taking pre-orders starting today and it will appear on the Thoughtscape Sounds web site within a week or two. Since it has 4 bonus tracks it will be selling for $18.99 but that's still a bargain compared to the $32 I paid for my Japanese copy.

You can contact Thoughtscape Sounds online or by calling them at this toll free number: 1-800-435-6185. Be sure to tell Scott, Terri, or their helpful assistants that you read about it on the America Fans chat folder.

--Steve

John, I was so caught up in the excitement of the barbecue and the concert that I didn't have a chance to take a tape recorder or a camcorder. I did have my camcorder ready to take earlier in the day but I figured they probably wouldn't let me take it in anyway. As it turned out, there were no recording restrictions of any kind that I could tell. It would have been fun to set my camcorder on a tripod and let it record the entire 90 minute show.

Since I didn't get a recording, let me try to describe the song. Gerry sings the first verse and then the guys do some great harmony followed by Dewey singing the second. After that, they sing the chorus several times with the bridge (or whatever it is) between the choruses. Their harmony is unbelievable. Lennon and McCartney were wonderful with their original harmonies but Gerry and Dewey do just as well or even better. If anyone does happen to have a recording of this song, I'd be happy to digitize it and put it on the web site for everyone to enjoy.

FYI, here are the lyrics to the song showing who sang what:

Things We Said Today
Lennon/McCartney

(Gerry)You say you will love me
If I have to go
You'll be thinking of me
Somehow I will know

(Both)Someday when I'm lonely
Wishing you weren't so far away
(Gerry)Then I will remember
Things we said today

(Dewey)You say you'll be mine, girl
Till the end of time
These days such a kind, girl
Seems so hard to find

(Both)Someday when we're dreaming
Deep in love, not a lot to say
(Dewey)Then we will remember
Things we said today

(Both sing rest of song)Me I'm just the lucky kind
Love to hear you say that love is love
And though we may be blind
Love is here to stay and that's enough

To make you mine, girl
Be the only one
Love me all the time, girl
We'll go on and on

Some day when we're dreaming
Deep in love not a lot to say
Then we will remember
Things we said today

Me I'm just the lucky kind
Love to hear you say that love is love
And though we may be blind
Love is here to stay and that's enough

To make you mine, girl
Be the only one
Love me all the time, girl
We'll go on and on

Some day when we're dreaming
Deep in love not a lot to say
Then we will remember
Things we said today

Some of you may not remember or maybe have never heard "Things We Said Today" by the Beatles. Here's a link to a MIDI file of the song so you'll know what it sounds like.

Dan, I think your idea to put the song on the next CD is a great one. And, congratulations on being #8000. The chat folder has been around less than 2 years and it has had quite a bit of activity already.

I just wanted to be message number 8000. Keep rockin boys and one suggestion if I may; add your cover of Things We Said Today on your next studio release. I heard it in Iowa a month ago and it was great live. I'd love and I'm sure all of you out there in AMERICALAND would love to have it on CD.
dannyboy was here

Boy, sounds like Orem was the place to be this weekend! Santa Fe was great, too, but with Steve Lowry and the crew out in Orem, all I can say is from the reviews it sounds like a total blast!

"Never Be Lonely" was from America's 1982 album, View From The Ground/ "Only The Lonely" was a Top Ten hit in 1982 by the Motels. Great songs, both of them!!

john

P.S. Does anyone have any concert tapes of what America's rendition of "Things We Said Today" sounds like? Everybody seems to love it.

Thanks for the update, Jim. From what little bit Gerry told me Saturday night, it agrees with what you said. He definitely wants to get Van Go Gan out, but as you said, he's a perfectionist and he'll wait until it's just the way he wants it. --Steve

It is my understanding & this is all I know (hope it helps):
As you know the legendary GERRY BECKLEY released his solo debut masterpiece, titled VAN GO GAN a few years ago. It was originally released & distributed in Japan. He has obtained the rights to release it in the US. As such the new enhanced VAN GO GAN will have some added things & other enhancements. All the recording issues are basically complete, the art work & the actual pressings are in process. Since there is no fixed, contractual deadline, it's exact release date is not known. As GERRY is very much a perfectionist, this situation in which he is largely in control, allows him to move forward when he is satisfied w/the result of all aspects from the songs to the CD liner. Of course AMERICA's current tour committments are 1st priority, but I am hoping, soon. The wait will be well worth it. Please be patient. Also keep Solo number II on your horizon, quality works of musical art take time.
The BECKLEY/Lamm/Wilson disk is supposed to be recording complete. So hopefully the commercial release will be soon. Maybe a Christmas dual release ? Sure HOPE soon.

We CAN go....just one question...How many "pesos" you got? Let's just focus on l0/l - birthday weekend - Atlantic City - Dewey/Gerry/US/front row/backstage - now THAT would be my greatest present ever! Still relishing! How's your "afterglow"? Mine is still blinding. Life is GRAND!

We can say Australia, but can we go?

Chris

Yes Chris & Holly, I can say "Atlantic City"!..and I can also say, "Evansville, IN". I wish I could say "Brazil, or Australia" (only in my dreams)

Later,

Gary H

Hope to see ya there!!

Gary H

We're still "relishing" the events of our weekend - an out of body experience!!! Can't wait to go to yet another concert. Can you say Atlantic City??

Chris & Holly

Howdy America Fans,

Well, we just returned to Texas from Orem and I must say that this was definitely the best Labor Day Weekend I have ever experienced. We arrived in Salt Lake on Friday and the weather was a bit strange for a South Texas boy. I have never seen it rain "slush" before. That was really interesting. But we managed to make it to Orem and the next day the weather was absolutely gorgeous. We had a great time at Steve's Bar-B-Q and met some really nice new friends. Thanks again to Steve and Janell. I finally got to see a long show this summer. Prior to this, all of my shows have been in Casinos which lasted only an hour. I was really excited when "Three Roses" and "Mirror to Mirror" were played. Also towards the end they played "Everyone I Meet is from California" which I have never heard performed live. The highlite for my wife Laura is that after the show we managed to go backstage. A few weeks ago we were in an antique store in Galveston, TX and Laura found an old 'Tin Man' figure from the movie "Wizard of OZ" which is about 40 years old and in almost perfect condition. She had Gerry and Dewey sign him. Dewey said he couldn't remember ever signing an actual 'Tin Man' before and was very careful in signing as to not mess it up. Needless to say my wife was estatic! I will send Steve a pic of Laura's 'Tin Man' and maybe he can post it on the website.

Thanks again to Steve for all the effort and hard work he puts into this site. I really appreciate it and so do the guys who acknowledged Steve during a break between songs.

Thanks,

Gary H

I believe "Only The Lonely is a Roy Orbison song......Wish that I could have been in Orem for the concert......Jeff Brink

Thanks for the great review, Mike. As you stated, the corrected song title is "Never Be Lonely". You accidentally put View From The Ground as the album title for "Pages" etc., but we all know you meant Human Nature.

I just read my first post and saw a typo. The View from the ground song is "Never be Lonely". I don't know where "Only be Lonely" came from. Wasn't that a John Candy movie ? What can I say. I was too busy with a new career and young family in the 80s for music.

I really enjoyed the Music of America, live at the Orem concert Saturday night. This was my forth live show in about 26 years and it was great to hear the songs I've played so many times on both my turntable, guitar, and more recently CD. They played about 23 songs, all familiar, except the Beatles song which I enjoyed hearing America perform. Six great tunes from that first America album I bought in 1971.
America 71 (Riverside, Three Roses, I Need you, Sandman, Everyone I meet...., and Horse)
My nine year old daughter was waiting all night to hear Sandman.
Nine more songs I heard at concerts in the early to mid 70s.
Homecoming (Ventura Highway, Don't cross the river, Only in your Heart)
Holiday (Tin Man, Lonely People, Another try)
Hearts (Daisey Jane, Sister Golden Hair, Women Tonight)
Two more tunes from the only Album I bouught in the 80s.
View from the ground (You can do Magic, Only the lonely)
Four more songs from CD's that have been birthday presents in the 90s
Hourglass (Mirror to Mirror)
View from the ground (Pages, Wednesday Morning, Wheels are Turning)
And two extras from the the Mama's and the Papa's and the Beatles)
(Clifornia Deamin, and according to Steve.. Things we said Today)
I'm way more familiar with America than the Beatles.

The above play list is from my memory this Labor Day Morning. I was too into the music Saturday night for for notes. If I missed a song or two please set me straight. I don't know the Band at all personaly and the words about the Guys in this chat folder are a bit mushy. But, I do know the music and love hearing America make music. Glad they are still putting out those acoustic guitar tunes, both old and new.

Glad everyone had a great time at the Orem show and at the BBQ.
I wish all of us could've been there. Sounded like a wonderful time
was had by all. "Sigh" (sign of jealousy).

Thanks for the update Steve and pics (and everyone else involved).

Bye for now, Howard L

I appreciate all of the wonderful things that have been said here and in the private mail messages about Orem, the BBQ, and the fantastic concert. It really was fabulous. Gerry, Dewey, Willie, Michael, and Brad were in superior form and Scott, Pete, Bill, and the rest of the crew were a great supporting cast.

I have started an Orem Concert page with a few photos on it. There is a picture of the flier that was sent around announcing the concert along with a photo of the outdoor theater an hour before the show started (before it was jam packed). I also put out a photo of my family waiting for the show to start (thanks Jim). As soon as I get the film developed in my camera, I hope to put out some actual photos of the concert if they turned out.

By the way, when I was talking to Dewey after the concert he asked me about the professional photos on the America Fans web site from Paul Rentz. He said he wanted to see them but it took forever to download them. Many of you may have experienced the same thing so I did something to help a little. It's still going to take a long time to download them all, but I have split them up onto 5 pages instead of 3 and I have included sizes with the download so your browser will know how much space to allocate for each picture. Those of you with modem connections will still have to be patient, but at least it won't be unbearable now.

The Orem and professional photos can be accessed by following the links in the "What's New" section of the America Fans home page.

Sounds like everyone involved had a wonderful time....Jim and Steve, thanks so much for the reports! I hope you all are having a great weekend!
Erin :o)

To Steve and the Rest...Wow, I wish I could've been there. Sounded like a wonderful show! It's always great to hear how professional AMERICA is! Hope everyone is having a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend! See Ya, TeeTee

And further more, need to mention that the people & surrounding communities to Orem & Provo are very impressive. The people are kind & warm. As you know, GERRY & DEWEY exude such a style & graciousness, both on stage as well as off, the crew & band included. This has really been their business-as-usual way of life since day 1; I think a factor in their longevity. It all seemed to come together in Orem as perhaps a perfect match of sorts. I can't think of another word at this time, so I will use the word Wholesomeness, 2 way communication in a sense. The theme of HUMAN NATURE adding icing to the cake. After the 1st song when someone yelled out "God bless AMERICA," I knew this show was very special. It was for sure a win-win show. AMERICA at work.

Hi All:
Thanks so very much for all of your reports. You know I was there is spirit with all of you.

Sounds like another WONDERFUL, PROFESSIONAL show by the 'Worlds Best Group of Guys'.
Thanks everyone. Maureen.

Yup Stevo was right on. This outdoor venue in Orem Utah, near Provo was quite a site. A steep grass covered, semi-oval shaped concert venue under brilliant moonlight & clean clear, crisp sky was the backdrop to a sold out audience. An opening by the very youthful & energetic acoustic celtic fivesome named Fiddlesticks did the opener. W/ages of the players as young as 14. GERRY, a keen listener to other forms of creative content, openly invited them on stage for the finale of HORSE WITH NO NAME, thus creating a real interesting & youthful party feeling to this no.1 World Wide hit song of 1972. And by the way, in-between songs the legendary DEWEY BUNNELL, writer of HORSE, noted the recognition of one Steve Lowry & family in the audience. I think Steve's kids & wife were quite happy for Dad & that great act of kind recognition for all his work. HUMAN NATURE songs sure were fabulous. I am sure we will hear more about this Orem show from many of the dedicated fans who traveled to this fine city, Orem Utah. Onward & upward for AMERICA in 2000 !

Thanks, Steve for taking the time for the quick report. It sounds like everyone had a great time, both at your "do-rah" and at the concert.

You know, every time I read a review like this one, it makes me think about how glad I am to have decided, many moons ago, that THIS was the band, and THIS was the music, for me. There was no way I could have known that 27 years later, America would still be recording and performing and I'd be sitting at a computer in my home reading a review of a concert that had occurred just hours before. Kind of boggles the mind. The fact that they flew all the way across the country into Utah in the wee small hours of the morning, got little chance for rest, put on a terrific, energy-filled show, and still took the time to meet with the fans afterward, is quite a testimonial to the integrity and work-ethic of this band and their crew.

Many in the past have said this, but I would like to reiterate MY thanks to Gerry, Dewey, Willie, Michael, Brad, Scott, Pete, and all the others whose names I do not know, for their dedication to their crafts and to the fans. I've watched the crew set up the equipment, seen the concerts, and watched the crew break it all down again. It takes an amazing amount of teamwork to make it all happen night after night. I never got the opportunity to say thanks in person this summer, so I'll use this very public forum instead to express my gratitude and hope the message reaches all of "Team America". I am so glad to be an America fan!

I have just reread this, and I know it sounds soppy and overly sentimental, so I'm apologizing in advance to any of you out there who are shaking your heads and wondering why I posted this at all. Steve, it's all YOUR fault for making feel all soft and gushy today! I'll return to my normal lurker status now.

Steve, Any word on the availability/release of Beckley/Lamm/Wilson. Is it available yet? Ditto, for the rerelease of Van Go Gan. Looking forward to your Orem Concert Report!!!

This is going to be kind of quick because it's late and I have to be up early tomorrow morning. I just got back from the Orem concert and it was fantastic. I've seen the guys many times the past few years and I don't think they were ever better than tonight. What's even more amazing is that they flew out of Richmond at 4 am this morning and got very little sleep this afternoon and still put on a great show with as much energy as I've ever seen.

The Scera Outdoor Theater was packed with SRO (sitting room only--on the grass). It looked to me like they had the full 4500 people there. The opening band was Fiddlesticks and they were OK, but everyone was really waiting for America. America played the LONG set tonight and I even got to hear Pages live for the first time. They also played Wheels Are Turning and Wednesday Morning from Human Nature and the Beatles song, Things We Said Today. I've always liked that song by the Beatles but Gerry and Dewey really bring it to life.

The fans at the Scera really got into it dancing in the aisles and singing along. California Revisited and Horse With No Name were performed for the encore and EVERYONE sang along. Afterward the guys were very gracious signing autographs and meeting with people. They even met my wife and my 3 kids that went and allowed me to take a picture of my kids with them. It's on a new roll of film so it may be a while before I get it developed.

The BBQ was a great success. There were 15 people there and everyone who attended got Human Nature decals and other goodies. We visited for a couple of hours and then we went our separate ways before meeting again at the concert. I got some photos of the fans at the BBQ and hope to have them out on the web next week sometime. But I can give you the names now: Me and my family (6 people), Marshall Smith and his family (6 people), Laura and Gary Harrison, and Natalie Tucker. We may have been small in numbers, but we were great in spirit. Dewey was even kind enough to announce during the concert that "Steve Lowry and the other America fans from the BBQ were at the show." Thanks Dewey!

The adrenalin is still flowing but I've got to try and get some sleep. I may have more to say tomorrow or Monday.

Happy Labor Day everyone!

Boy, I wish I could be there, too! Steve, and all of you guys joining in the fun - have a great time. Don't forget the photos! Or maybe next time, such gatherings will be seen online. Wouldn't that be cool? LOL!

Have a blast. We will after you.

Wishing everyone a great time in Orem this evening. I agree with Erin...it would be very nice to have photos of the attendees so we can match faces to names. I look forward to seeing the concert photos. Party on!!!

Had an incredible time this weekend, "Tres" awesome!!! Pete, thank you for making everything possible - missed you last night!! Looking forward to calling anybody who's anybody in Cleveland and seeing you where "Sharon Stone" #2 lives!!

Miss you guys 'til then!!!!! Again, Gerry & Dewey - thank YOU for appreciating our attention and letting us be part of your crowd - it was incredible!!! Hey Willie - enjoy that time off, need boxes?????

Lovin' America!!!

Holly & Chris

We've had rain, wind, snow (at least in the mountains), and one more tornado this week so I was starting to get concerned about the outdoor concert tonight. As I was driving home from work yesterday it was raining and the temperature was 58 degrees. I had to keep reminding myself that it was September and the average temperature is normally 86. Anyway, as I look out my window this morning I see nothing but blue skies and the weather forecast calls for a clear, sunny day with highs around 75 and lows around 55. That means we'll need coats and blankets for the concert tonight, but at least we'll be dry. It should be perfect weather because we all know the guys will really heat it up once they start playing.

P.S. The tornado was several hundred miles from here in a small town called Naples (near Vernal, Utah). It did damage to a garage, a house, and a tree - nothing like the August 11 tornado in downtown Salt Lake City.

...today's the day.

That's right. 6 hours from now the Orem BBQ starts. 5 hours after that the gates to the Scera Outdoor Theater open. 2 hours after that the greatest show around begins. It doesn't get much better than that. I'll try to give a report on the day's happenings but it will likely be late tomorrow before I have time to do so (unless I can make a mini-report tonight after the concert).

Thanks to everyone for your well wishes. I really do wish that I could have everyone come, but then I'd have to get a bigger house and a bigger yard (LOL).

I hope you all have a nice and safe Labor Day weekend. Remember, don't drink and drive! I want you to all be back here Tuesday morning.

I hope you all have a great time at the show tomorrow!! Wish I could be there....

Erin :o)

I hope everyone who is attending the Orem concert and Steve and Janell's BBQ tomorrow has a terrific time and reports back ASAP. I wish I could join you for all the fun and put faces to the names I've come to "know". Maybe someone with a camera can do that...? Another concert to finish up the summer would be great, too, but I've been very fortunate in getting to five since June, so I can't complain.
Have a fun and safe long weekend all you America fans!

Just wanted to wish all of you a Happy Labor Day and tell you to have some fun for me. Looking forward to reading the reviews when I get back on line on Tuesday!

Just to say hey to all! I've been a looong time American fan, as well as personal friend of Gerry, Dewey, & the rest of the gang! Thanks guys for the 'Horse' jam back in Chicago 1995!
Steve Jones (aka Rammy! OjO)

hmmm, Wake up and find out the whole thing never happened.... Kevin, do you live in ....DALLAS?

Yes, Kevin, the Chat Folder is Y2K ready. I can even show you a sample of the daily calendar that I have changed from Y to K.

Sundak, Mondak, Tuesdak, Wednesdak, Thursdak, Fridak, Saturdak, and
Januark, Februark, March, April, Mak, June, Julk, August, September, October, November, December.

There, don't you feel much better now. I still have one question, though. Now that I've changed all the Y's to K's, what's going to happen with the year going from 1999 to 2000?

Hey, Steve, this thought just occurred to me. Is the America Chat Folder Y2K ready? I'd hate to wake up on January 1st and find out this whole America thing never happened and Dewey and Gerry and Dan never existed. That would be tough to take.

KevinS.

I'm posting this from a record library, where I just discovered *All Things Are Possible*. The lyric sheet contains a pic of Dan with 2 women named Catherine & Debbie. And I noticed that *Divine Lady* was written by Dan & "C. Peek". Are Catherine and C. Peek the same person? Does Catherine happen to be Dan's wife? Well, I certainly hope so for Dan. Because Catherine is the most achingly luscious girl that I've ever seen in this particular galaxy-cluster. Her thick dark hair and her aquiline nose are driving me nuts. She looks like a scrumptious little Welsh troll.

By the way, I'm glad that Dan didn't refer to her as a "covenant women". (Which is what Bob Dylan did in regard to his girlfriend.) The term "divine lady" is so much more flattering than "covenant women".

Let me clarify my "Monster" statement. I don't believe the song is about the Stephen Crane story, it merely reminds me of it. The story, if my fuzzy brain recollects correctly, concerns a well loved local man, who "burns his face" horribly in an accident where he saves a girl. The resulting scars cause him to be shunned by the townsfolk.

I have said this before, T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pund had a theory that good poetry invoked other works. I feel that way about the lyrics, that sometimes they make me think of other people's writing. That's all.

I'm not meaning to "start a battle" to see "who's the first to fall".
However, Jimnak, you said in your message #7911, that the meaning of "Sgt. Darkness" is insomnia. When I asked if that was your opinion or if it was what Gerry told you the song was about, your reply was, "...yes he has said lack of sleep was prime for that song." So, it is my understanding now that the meaning of the song isn't insomnia as stated in your post (#7911) but merely was inspired during a period of insomnia suffered by Gerry. I'm just wanting to know what's correct. That's all...nothing more, nothing less.

Jim, thanks for the tips re. chords .....unfortunately I have never spent the time learning the guitar. (keep meaning to) I play keyboards (badly, but in my mind I'm great!)

DavidM, the discussion about Roseberry Topping was started a week or two ago with regards to the "Hat Trick" lyrics:

Newton-under-Roseberry topping
And it's cold and it's wet
And you feel like you're part of all time

Robyn wanted to know what that meant and I thought I recalled someone saying it referred to Fig Newtons with some kind of fruit topping (boy was I wrong). After doing some research we discovered what Dewey really meant by those lyrics and now it makes a lot of sense.

Sylvain, welcome to the chat folder. I'm afraid you've got me stumped. I didn't even know there was a French version of Sandman.

Gerry has said that "Monster" was the result of some difficult days being on the road, away from home. It is one of my favorite songs on Harbor (I love the acoustic guitar and beautiful harmony).

"Rainbow Song" was a reflection by Dewey on some great times in high school that he sort of missed.

Even though Sgt Darkness may have been written during a period of insomnia for Gerry, during which time his creative juices were flowing quite freely, saying that the song is about insomnia makes about as much sense as saying "The Love Song Of J. ALfred Prufrock" is about ether, because Eliot was an addict, or that "The Raven" is about alcohol, because Poe was drunk when he wrote it. The question of the meaning of that beautiful love song was the meaning of the lyric, not the force behind it's creation.

Monster always reminds me of the Stephen Crane story of the same name.

I will post an answer about Rianbow song later.

Whacha roasting? (c= lol. Hope EVERYONE has a good Labor Day! Monday is my Grandma's FAVORITE holiday (she gave birth to my Mom, September 7th, 1940)!

I am new to this chat folder and I think it is really great! My first question is: Does anyone remember who did the french version of Sandman? I think the original name was "de l'autre cote de la vallee" meaning "the other side of the valley" I really hope one of you can help me

Steve,

I've "lost the plot" with regard to Middlesbrough, UK. What is its significance? Living some 60 miles from there, I am now interested.

Also, on a recent visit to Singapore, I did my usual visit to record stores looking for "mising" America CDs - the place was full of America and I have now finally got Hideaway and Holiday and added the latest release of King Biscuit Live (new cover).

Thanks for a great web page - keep up the good work!

Re: SERGEANT DARKNESS. Geez Louise, yes he has said lack of sleep was prime for that song. I always thought it was sort of a teenagers answer to a strict military parent. What about MONSTER ? What about RAINBOW SONG ? by the legendary DEWEY BUNNELL.
"Start a battle, who's the first to fall ? Hope it isn't me, have to wait & see." G. BECKLEY

Hi Jessica, sorry I missed you. I haven't had time to join the live chat session for months and I decided to drop in tonight (granted, it wasn't until 10:30 my time which is 12:30 Eastern). There wasn't anyone there so I continued putting out the 80+ photos that Paul Rentz sent me from the 1998 Corvallis concert. Paul is a professional photographer so you really ought to check these out. It will take a long time to download all of them if you're on a modem, but it will be well worth it. Here's a link to the first set of new photos.

Howard, I guess I'll have to get that CD if you recommend it. You've never steered me wrong yet. And yes, I will have a safe and a wonderful Labor Day weekend. I'll be hosting a BBQ for my online friends and then we'll all be going to see America in concert. It doesn't get any better than that.

just when i find the time(unexpectedly!) to join the chat session, i find no one there! LOL! waiting for something at work and thought i'd pass the time in the best possible way - that is check my favorite online site. i need to catch up on a lot of things. but basically, hi to all of you guys!

Great great album. Timothy B. Schmit sings background on it.
Do yourselves a favor and buy this CD. The whole album is great.
Hey everyone have a great and safe holiday Labor Day weekend.
hl

I can't imagine it doing anything commercialy....but I think an 8-10 song medley would be neat on an album sometime. Maybe mix some old with the new. Jeff B.

One of the best lines I think I ever heard in a song is from VGG. "As I lie in my bed at night, I see my lifeline erode". WOW!!!!! what a great line. Wish Gerry would add another minute or so to WHAT HAPPENED. Really like that song. Went back to school on Monday, only 179 days to go.

I was reading the America folder on AOL and found a question (and answer) that I thought was worth sharing:

Q: What song(s) did Gerry sing background vocals on the Nelson CD "Because They Can"?

A: "Only a Moment Away", "All Shook Up", and "The Great Escape".

By the way, the answer was given by Jim Nakao.

Thanks, Johnny. It was good to find that answer to that nagging question ( one down, 3 million to go!)

jimnak--please explain your answer further. I don't see "insomnia" as a meaning of SGT Darkness.

Great info on Roseberry Topping, Steve. And Robyn, if not for you, perhaps we all would've thought Dewey meant a fig newton with jam on top. The mystery's been solved after 26 years! It's funny to look back at it now knowing Dewey's true meaning. Good going Detective Robyn!! Now, if only we can determine the meaning of "Sgt. Darkness". Oh Jimnak, we're still waiting.............................your opinion or is it straight from the Songwriting Master, himself???

I believe THAT puts THAT controversy to rest! Any place in North York WOULD be cold and wet! ( of course, as my German Import translation states "Living under roseberry topping , oh it's cold and it's wet" --I suppose tha would be cold and wet too!

I found another page that talks about Middlesbrough and it includes a photo of Roseberry Topping.

You were followed closely by me, Virginia. AMEN to the CD sales!

I discovered a web page that talks all about Middlesbrough and its surrounding areas. Included is a description of Roseberry Topping and how the city at the base got it's name: Newton Under Roseberry Topping. Here's an excerpt from the rather long treatise.

Roseberry Topping - A Viking Summit

Roseberry Topping is undoubtedly the best known natural landmark in Cleveland and is steeped in local folklore. It can be clearly seen from many parts of rural Cleveland and industrial Teesside and has a distinctive outline. Known as 'The Cleveland Matterhorn'. Roseberry Topping was once used by sailors out at sea as an indicator of changing weather, as the following rhyme records;

"When Roseberry Topping wears a cap,
Let Cleveland then beware of a clap !"

Roseberry Topping was connected with the Vikings, as the word 'Topping', from 'Toppen', is one of a number of old Viking words for a hill, but the original Viking name for Roseberry Topping was Odins-Beorge meaning Odin's Hill. Roseberry may have been a centre for the worship of the Viking god Odin in Pagan times. Over the years, the name changed to Othensberg, Ohenseberg, Ounsberry and Ouesberry. Association with the village then called Newton-under-Ouseberry at the foot of the hill led to the modern name Roseberry when the final 'R' of 'under' produced the initial letter of the modern name. Newton under Ouseberry is now called Newton under Roseberry.

Re: #5- At least 1000 of those hits in August were mine. It was a slow month, what can I say. I'll do better in September. Wish there was a way to translate those 375,721 hits into HN CD sales.

Here's a little web site trivia about the America Fans web site:

1. The busiest day is Tuesday (Monday is second).
2. The busiest hours are 3 and 6 pm (tied).
3. Hits came from 66 different countries.
4. After the USA, the countries with the most hits were Italy, Germany, and Japan.
5. The America Fans web site had 375,721 total hits in August. For you math majors, that works out to be over 4.5 million per year.
6. After the America Fans main home page, the two most visited web pages were the Song (Lyrics) Index and the Guitar Chord Index. A close third and fourth were the Concert List and the lyrics to "A Horse With No Name".

--Steve

"Now Sue", along with "I Need You", seem to be Van Go Gan's two retro-oriented songs. Ever since I first heard "Now Sue" three years ago, I was convinced it was some sort of remake of "Till The Sun Comes Up Again". I don't think the lyrics mean anything. In a recent interview, Gerry admitted that his songwriting has become more mature than some of the haphazard imagery of the early days. I think "Now Sue" was a great attempt to reach back and write a song with some "lyrical jive" in it, as Dan Peek once said.

john

Thanks for that info, Matt. Don't you think he took backwards masking just a bit too far??? Love the song.

outside providence was a funny movie. (saw a sneak preview a few days ago) good soundtrack too.
the lyrics for now sue are (seriously) the phonetic sounds of 'till the sun comes up again' (one of my favs) backwards. but they sound deep. i told him he should try writing all his songs that way. but i don't think they mean much.

mB

Sound pretty good, Kevin. You know,the only America songs that ever wind up in movies are Horse and Ventura Highway ( I will go on record as saying "Watership Down" was a much better song thatn the one that the producers finally put in the movie "Bright Eyes" it was a slow, dull spot in the movie--anyone else see it and agree?)

I saw the soundtrack album to the new movie "Outside Providence." It features music from the 70s. There's a song from the Who, Wings, Eagles, Lee Michaels, Ten Years After, Steely Dan, Free, Yes, Doobie Brothers, King Harvest, Bad Finger and Lyndyrd Skyryd. Unfortunately, no America. That's too bad.

KevinS.

hmmmmm... "Think I'll write a different song." Hey, works for ME! He sure did, if that is what he set ou to do!

"Now Sue" is one of my all-time favorites. When I first heard it, it reminded me of "Till the Sun Comes Up Again." I recall mentioning this to Matt in the chatroom once and he said that his dad was playing around with doing "Till the Sun" backwards. Either way, I think they're both wonderful songs, lyrically and musically.

How true, Kevin ( the Gerry is a songwriting god part!) However, I have a degree in English lit and am genetically predisposed to try to figure hidden meaning in everything!

Every time I try to interpret the lyrics to Now Sue, this is what I come up with: "Gerry is a songwriting god and you, Kevin, are a mere mortal without the advanced mental capacity needed to understand such complicated things."

So I just sing along.

KevinS.

Good question, Virginia. Musical Haiku? Can I buy a noun? Unfinished Symphony? Misfiring synapses? I LIKE IT!

I share Shayne's affection for "Kiss of Life" for a very similar reason. The version of "I Need You" on VGG is my all-time favorite. I love the saxophone and Timothy B. Schmit and Jeff Foskett's background vocals. "Goodbye Highway" is probably next followed by "Now Sue". Would anyone would care to take a stab at the meaning of the lyrics of "Now Sue"?

For personal reasons (as some of you know), I feel an affection for "Kiss of Life". "Now Sue" would be my second favorite.

Shayne

Alan, great idea about the meaning of "Sgt. Darkness". You and Robyn have the same thought regarding the lover part. Jimnak, is "insomnia" your opinion or did you hear it directly from Gerry? I'm very curious and I'm sure others are as well!

Gerry sees himself as a sergeant fighting a long drawn out war with his lover(similar to Vietnam) hoping to somehow survive and somehow pull out a victory.

John,
Try this out re: GOODBYE HIGHWAY:
chord 1:
2nd fret, G string (3d down from low E), 4th fret A & D (5th, 4th string)
chord 2:
move same formation to the 4th fret.

Not sure the chord names, but should work, huh ?

My 2 boys' (ages 5 and 6) favorite off of VGG is Emma...not because of the song but because of the voice at the beginning saying "Hello there, Hello, Gerry". They find this absolutely hilarious. Go figure.

Hey You people,

I don't know if it was said tongue-in-cheek, but Dave Thomas of SCTV/McKenzie Bros. fame & Dave Thomas of Wendy's are 2 different guys.

Peace
Joe B

P.S. SCTV is one of the most funny & underrated TV shows of our time. I wish it would come back on in the States (it still runs in Canada).

P.S.S. Barring a work schedule problem, I'll be attending the show in Phoenix this November (already have tix in hand!)

My list of favorites tunes on Van Go Gan has to be....
ALL OF THEM !!

Maureen

Weighing in with my favorites: Kiss of Life ( beautiful) Emma ( my grandmother's name!)and Playing God ( I love the "televangelist" an hilarious turn by the late Phil Hartman)

Following Kevin's lead, my favorites from "Van Go Gan" are Emma, Now Sue, Goodbye Highway, and Sunrise Sunset. The intro to Sunrise Sunset reminds me a bit of the song, Brother's Theme, from the movie soundtrack "California Dreaming". That's a nice thing because like Sunrise Sunset, I really like the soundtrack. I like how Sunrise Sunset begins softly and slowly but quickly picks up the pace in the middle and ends like it begins...softly and slowly.

Kevin- There's a method to Gerry's madness! He's driving US mad! lol Hard to Sleep ( which I am mentally listning to now that you mentioned it) is such a relaxing work, maybe it was meant to lull us to sleep? Dunno.

Kevin, the meaning of "Hard To Sleep": Same as Jimnak's answer to the meaning of "Sgt. Darkness". INSOMNIA

Goodbye Highway is my favorite too....All 21 seconds that I've heard of a sound bite. Is anyone willing to make me a tape of just that song? I have tried for months to get the cd through the net but no luck...When and if the opportunity presents itself I will buy both versions of Van Go Gan. I need to get myself in gear and buy the Honored cd's. I kinda liked the John O'banion version of "Magic" also, both Ventura highways. jb

A "Goodbye Highway" sporty remix? Looks like I'm going to have to plunk down $15 more for the new and improved Van Go Gan. Thanks, Gerry.

I agree with others. Van Go Gan is a masterpiece from top to bottom. My favorite songs are Now Sue, Playing God and Emma.

While we're on the subject of what songs mean and Van Go Gan, I've always wondered what the song Hard To Sleep means.

KevinS.

Hope "Houses In White" makes in onto the new and improved Van Go Gan. Or will that be held up for Van Go Gan 3, so I'll have to plunk down another $15.

That sounds GREAT!!! I think the whole Van Go Gan album is a MASTERPIECE, theres not a "dud" song in the bunch!

This is cool. It's my own fav. as well. I've been working on the chords for it so as soon as I find some time to finish it I'll send them to you, Steve to add to your "Bank".

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Last Revised: 2 October 1999