America - Underrated?

Posted by: GraemeH on 04 October 2012

Bought the 'Classic Album Series' having only ever heard 'Horse With No Name' over the years and what a pleasant surprise. Each a gem and beautifully recorded to boot.

Just added 'America in Concert' (on as I type) and it too is a very good recording of a great live set....for £2!

I'd recommend them to anyone interested in 70's 80's 'Americana'. G

Posted on: 04 October 2012 by mlauner

I heartily agree. America was a mellow rock pioneer and could actually rock-out when seen live. Excellent date music back in the day!

Posted on: 04 October 2012 by Wugged Woy

'Ventura highway', and ESPECIALLY 'Sister Golden Hair' are fabulous tracks. But the rest are on the whole nicey, nicey middle of the road type stuff.

Posted on: 04 October 2012 by Steve J

Do you realise that the very 'American' group recorded 'Horse with no name' and their 1st album in Wealdstone. The guys were going to the American school in Bushey (100yds down the road from where I live).

Steve

Posted on: 04 October 2012 by GraemeH

Originally Posted by Steve J:

Steve

I knew there was an English connection to their roots but didn't know what it was. Thanks for that. G

Posted on: 04 October 2012 by GraemeH

Originally Posted by Wugged Woy:

'Ventura highway', and ESPECIALLY 'Sister Golden Hair' are fabulous tracks. But the rest are on the whole nicey, nicey middle of the road type stuff.

I'd say less than a fifth is forgettable though. The songs are really well crafted on the whole. G

Posted on: 04 October 2012 by Wugged Woy

Originally Posted by GraemeH:

Originally Posted by Wugged Woy:

'Ventura highway', and ESPECIALLY 'Sister Golden Hair' are fabulous tracks. But the rest are on the whole nicey, nicey middle of the road type stuff.

I'd say less than a fifth is forgettable though. The songs are really well crafted on the whole. G

Yes, it's no problem to relax and chill out to them

Posted on: 04 October 2012 by Redmires

Originally Posted by GraemeH:

Each a gem and beautifully recorded to boot.

Not surprised they sound good, a few of the albums were produced by George Martin (and Geoff Emerick as engineer on one or two).

I've only really heard the hits so I'll give them a try.

Posted on: 05 October 2012 by Guido Fawkes

Excellent band

Posted on: 05 October 2012 by The Hawk

They are a great sounding group. I should listen to them more often. I have the DVD of them live in Central Park, 1979. It's quite good.

Dave

Posted on: 05 October 2012 by Mike Hughes

In answer to the original question - no.

Posted on: 06 October 2012 by Ron Toolsie

They were consistently melodic, accessible and very well produced, with a three part harmony that owed a lot to Crosby, Stills and Nash. I have heard maybe four of their albums and really if you like this style they are all to be recommended. Since they were mainly a singles type of group, the History collection is as good a place as any to start. True some of their stuff is schmaltzy (Muksrat Love- but even this is nowhere as toxic as what the Captain and Tenille did to it), but those are relatively few and far between.

Posted on: 07 October 2012 by David S Patterson

Graeme, America Here and now 2006 release is excellent music and recording. Mine is a 2disc with live concert. Disc one has some superb dynamics and low bass.produced by adam schlesinger and james iha
Ean 8 8697051712 6

Posted on: 07 October 2012 by DrMark

I agree Ron, Muskrat Love is terrible!

But they had a lot of good stuff, and if you listen to their live recordings they could rock a bit too. I like Lonely People, Tin Man, and Sister Golden Hair as faves.

Posted on: 08 October 2012 by GraemeH

Originally Posted by David S Patterson:

Thanks for that David - On its way from the rainforest now! G