America To Release "Half Century" Box Set To Celebrate 50th Anniversary!

Rare archival studio & live recordings consisting of alternate mixes, demos and rehearsals

The year 2020 marks the 50th Anniversary of music legends America. America Records is proud to release in early June the ultimate 8-disc Anniversary Box Set “Half Century.” Produced for release and Compiled by Jeff Larson for America Archives, Containing CD's of rare archival studio recordings consisting of alternate mixes, demos and rehearsals, including several previously unreleased tracks ranging from 1970 - 2000. Along with the re-mastered Bremen 1973 in studio performance and two CD's of Radio Interviews providing an audio overview of the band's career, along with a DVD of Super 8 “Home Movies” (1972-1975) to give fans a behind the scenes look at the early years of this enduring band.

Founding members, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell (along with former band mate Dan Peek) met in high school in London in the late 1960s and quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song “A Horse With No Name.” America became a global household name and paved the way with an impressive string of hits following the success of their first #1 single. Forty plus years later, these friends are still making music together, touring the world and thrilling audiences with their timeless sound.

From their formative years, America has been a band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting music and positive message. Embracing a rainbow of divergent cultures, America's audiences continue to grow, comprising a loyal legion of first, second and third generation fans, all bearing testament to the group's enduring appeal.

“I think that the ingredients of the America sound are the basic fundamentals that translate internationally,” explains Beckley. “The Italians are huge fans of dance music, but they also love a ballad - they're romantic at heart. It's the same in the Far East. A lot of times in these countries, we see people singing along, and they don't really know what the words mean. Music is truly the international language.”

Watch the promotional film:

Disc 1: London Demos 1970: All Previously Unreleased
Early demos from the Fall of 1970 of the trio preceding their first Warner Bros self-titled album. This set represents the most complete set to date from this era recorded between several iconic London studios of the time.
1) Children (Dick James Session)
2) Riverside (Chalk Farm)
3) Rainy Day (Polydor Studios)
4) Here (Chalk Farm)
5) Satan (Polydor Studios)
6) Bummer (Chalk Farm)
7) Sea of Destiny (Chalk Farm)
8) How Long (Chalk Farm)
9) James Holladay (Dick James Session)
10) Children (Chalk Farm)



Disc 2: Bremen 1973 (Live on Air) – First Time Remastered Audio Release (Only previously available as a DVD)
An on-air live recording of the Trio from 1973, in-between the albums “Hat Trick” and “Holiday.”  This recording has been remastered for the first time and includes all the un-edited studio banter.
1) Ventura Highway (Live)
2) I Need You (Live)
3) Don't Cross The River (Live)
4) A Horse With No Name (Live)
5) Moon Song (Live)
6) Lonely People (Live)
7) Wind Wave (Live)
8) Rainbow Song (Live)
9) Tin Man (Live)
10) California Revisited (Live)
11) Green Monkey (Live)



Disc 3: The Caribou Sessions 1976 - All Previously Unreleased
Rehearsals, outtakes, and demos from February1976 for the album “Hideaway,” recorded at the famed Caribou Ranch Studios in the Rockies - Nederland, Colorado.  These recordings provide a “you are there” experience as these songs were being formed on their initial takes.
1 She's A Liar (Outtake / Alternate Mix)
2 Amber Cascades (Alternate Early Mix)
3 Today's The Day (Outtake / Walkthrough)
4 Lovely Night (Outtake / Take 1 Session
5 Hideaway PT 1 (Early Band Outtake)
6 Watership Down (Alternate Mix)
7 Letter (Alternate Mix)
8 Lovely Night (Buzz Studio Demo)
9 Jet Boy Blue (Outtake / Alternate Mix)
10 Who Loves You (Alternate Mix)
11 Caribou (Outtakes Montage)
12  I'm New In Town –(Buzz Studio Demo)



Disc 4: The Poison Oak Sessions 1981: All Previously Unreleased
In 1981, between the album “Alibi” (1980) and “View From The Ground” (1982), the band recorded several songs at Dewey's home studio, Poison Oak, in Northern California. This set contains early incarnations and alternate versions of songs released on later America albums as well as unheard songs that have been in the vault until now.
1. Sailors and Seagulls (unheard song)
2. Look at Me Now (Early Version)
3. My Dear (Early Version)
4. Sometimes Lovers (Early Version)
5. All The People - Whole Wide World (Early Version)
6. Coming On  (unheard song)
7. Now I Want Your Love (unheard song)
8. Inspector Mills (Early Version)
9. China Sea  (unheard song)
Bonus Tracks:
10. Doesn't The Time (unheard song)
11. Someday Forever  (unheard song)



Disc 5: The Alternate 90's Plus: All Previously Unreleased
Alternate mixes from the albums “Hourglass” (1994) and “Human Nature” (1998) along with unreleased songs that came before, in-between and after these official releases.
1. Young Moon (mix without inst. intro)
2. Call of the Wild (Alternate Early Mix)
3. Sleeper Train (Alternate Early Mix)
4. Ports of Call ((Alternate Early Mix)
5. Mirror to Mirror (Alternate Early Mix)
6. Whole Wide World (Alternate Early Mix)
7. Hope (unheard song)
8. The Hills Are Green (unheard song)
9. Horse (Interlude)
10. From A Moving Train (Single Version - edited shorter intro)
11. Wheels Are Turning (unheard song)
12. Town and Country (unheard song)
13 Moment To Moment (Alternate Mix)
14. Wednesday Morning (unheard song)
15. Oloololo (unheard song)
16. Overwhelming World (Alternate Mix)
17. Moment to Moment (Alternate Mix)
18. Hot Town (unheard song)
19. Pages (Alternate Early Mix)
20. If It Is The End (Previously Unreleased)
21. Remembering (New 2020)



Discs 6 & 7 America on the Radio - All Previously Unreleased
Various radio interviews stemming from 1974 - 2000's which provides a narrative and unique overview to their long career.
America Radio Interviews and Promo - The 70's
America Radio Interviews and Promo - The 80's
America Radio Interviews and Promo - The 90's - 2000's

EXCLUSIVE TO THE BOX SET!



Disc 8 – America - Home Movies (DVD)- All Previously Unreleased
“Home Movies” is all previously unreleased footage from the bands personal archive. A collection of very, “fly on the wall” footage, these films provide an amazing insight into the band, shot between 1972 and 1975, showing behind the scenes footage of, “Hat Trick at Home”, early attempts at making home making of music videos and various on the road activities. These films give the viewer an amazing view of historical events as they unfolded. To any America fan, the ultimate access all area’s time machine.
This DVD is EXCLUSIVE to this box set and will not be available beyond it.
Film 1) America Hat Trick at home 1: Rooftop Jam - Green Monkey - 1973 Kings Road, Los Angeles, CA
Film 2) America Hat Trick at home 2: Goodbye – 1973 Kings Road, Los Angeles, CA
Film 3) America Hat Trick at home 3: Sandman – 1973 Kings Road, Los Angeles, CA
Film 4) America Hat Trick at home 4: Hat Trick Rehearsal - 1973 Kings Road, Los Angeles, CA
Film 5) America: Bremen Behind The Scenes - 1973 (No Audio) Bremen, Germany
Film 6)  America: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion 1 – 1973 Los Angeles, CA
Film 7) America: Air Studios - London Misc. Footage - 1974 London, England
Film 8)  America: Airplane High Jinx 1 - 1974 (No Audio) In the Air
Film 9) America: Airplane High Jinx 2 – 1975 In the Air
Film 10) America: Tour Plane Interview – 1975 On the Ground

For more information: https://www.musicglue.com/america

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

America "Live At The Palladium" Deluxe Box Set Now Available!

Deluxe box set celebrating America's performance at the Palladium, with signed and numbered certificate now available at the band's new online store.

A new deluxe box set celebrating classic rock legends America's performance at the Palladium in London, with signed and numbered certificate, is now available at the band's new online store!

Exclusive Box Set contains:

Limited Edition Triple DVD (Region 0, NTSC - this will play worldwide)
Double CD
Signed and Numbered certificate
24 page, full colour book featuring all previously unseen photos taken on the night of the filming.
Replica tour pass

Tracklist:

Miniature
Tin Man
You Can Do Magic
Don’t Cross the River
Daisy Jane
Riverside
I Need You
Here
Ventura Highway
Drivin’
Cornwall Hollywood
Survival
The Border
Green House
Woman Tonight
Only In Your Heart
Dewey Nostalgia
California Dreaming
Lonely People
Band Intro’s
Sandman
Sister Goldenhair
Horse With No Name

The year 2019 marks the 50th Anniversary of British-American rock band America. Founding members, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell (along with former band mate Dan Peek) met in high school in London in the late 1960s and quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song “A Horse With No Name.” America became a global household name and paved the way with an impressive string of hits following the success of their first #1 single. Forty plus years later, these friends are still making music together, touring the world and thrilling audiences with their timeless sound.

From their formative years, America has been a band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting music and positive message. Embracing a rainbow of divergent cultures, America's audiences continue to grow, comprising a loyal legion of first, second and third generation fans, all bearing testament to the group's enduring appeal. “I think that the ingredients of the America sound are the basic fundamentals that translate internationally,” explains Beckley. “The Italians are huge fans of dance music, but they also love a ballad - they're romantic at heart. It's the same in the Far East. A lot of times in these countries, we see people singing along, and they don't really know what the words mean. Music is truly the international language.”

To purchase: https://www.musicglue.com/america/products/live-at-the-palladium-2018-box-set

America's official website: http://www.venturahighway.com/
America's official web store: https://www.musicglue.com/america

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

America "Archives" Limited Edition 180 Gram Red Vinyl Now Available For Pre-order!

Limited edition of 100 units, hand numbered, pressed on 180 gram red vinyl and personally signed!

London -The Strictly Limited Edition Vinyl Company is releasing America “Archives” on limited edition180 gram red vinyl. This is a strict edition of 100 units, all hand numbered and personally signed by founding band members Dewey and Gerry.

“America Archives” consists of early recordings, demos, rehearsals spanning 1970 to 1975. These recently unearthed tracks provide the listener with a you are there / fly on the wall experience of the working out of soon to be classic hits such as: “Horse With No Name,” “I Need You,” “Ventura Highway,” “Green Monkey,” and “Sister Golden Hair.” Also included are unreleased and alternate takes of some of the more deep cuts in the catalogue.



TRACKLIST
FACE A
1. Ventura Highway (Alternate Mix – The Record Plant, Los Angeles, CA, 1972)
2. Daisy Jane (Rehearsal – The Record Plant, Sausalito, CA, 1975)
3. It’s Life (Alternate Mix – The Record Plant, Los Angeles, CA, 1973)
4. Rainbow Song (Demo – Buzz Studios, King’s Road, Los Angeles, CA, 1973)
5. I Need You (Alternate Mix – Trident Studios, London, 1971)

FACE B
1. Horse with No Name (Alternate Early Mix – Morgan Studios, London, 1971)
2. Sister Golden Hair (Demo – Buzz Studios, King’s Road, Los Angeles, CA, 1973)
3. Only in Your Heart (Demo – Buzz Studios, King’s Road, Los Angeles, CA, 1972)
4. Green Monkey (Demo – Buzz Studios, King’s Road, Los Angeles, CA, 1973)
5. Look Up, Look Down (Unreleased Song) (Demo – Buzz Studio, King’s Road, Los Angeles, 1973) / swap w/"Story of a Teenager" from Record Plant
6. Riverside (Live in Studio – 1971)

Pressing: 100 Copies
Estimated delivery date: August 2019

For more information: https://www.diggersfactory.com/vinyl/226803/america-archives

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Seventies Hitmakers America's Christmas Album "Holiday Harmony" Released Worldwide!

London - Remember the seventies, when the charts were filled with classic songs such as “A Horse With No Name”? Now Gonzo Multimedia has released worldwide the Christmas album from the band who had that international hit, America,  featuring ten familiar Christmas songs and three original songs. With Andrew Gold (another name from the seventies) as producer and multi-instrumentalist, fans of seventies pop music will enjoy this. The set opens with “Winter Wonderland,” which even reminds us of their biggest hit with its arrangement. Other tracks here also provide reminders of their hits.

The year 2018 marks the 48th Anniversary of America. Founding members, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell (along with former band mate Dan Peek) met in high school in London in the late 1960s and quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song “A Horse With No Name.” America became a global household name and paved the way with an impressive string of hits following the success of their first #1 single. Forty plus years later, these friends are still making music together, touring the world and thrilling audiences with their timeless sound.

From their formative years, America has been a band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting music and positive message. Embracing a rainbow of divergent cultures, America's audiences continue to grow, comprising a loyal legion of first, second and third generation fans, all bearing testament to the group's enduring appeal. “I think that the ingredients of the America sound are the basic fundamentals that translate internationally,” explains Beckley. “The Italians are huge fans of dance music, but they also love a ballad - they're romantic at heart. It's the same in the Far East. A lot of times in these countries, we see people singing along, and they don't really know what the words mean. Music is truly the international language.”

If you enjoy America's seventies classic hits, you will love America's “Holiday Harmony.” As a Christmas album alone, it is undoubtedly one of the very best.

Tracks:
Winter Wonderland | Let It Snow | White Christmas | A Christmas to Remember | Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas | Sleigh Ride | Silver Bells | Christmas in California | It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas | Winter Holidays | Frosty the Snowman | Silent Night | The First Noel | A Holly Jolly Christmas (2010 Collector’s Edition Bonus Track)

Release Date: 9th November 2018

To purchase: http://www.gonzomultimedia.co.uk/product_details/16132

America's official website: http://www.venturahighway.com/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Concert Review: America At The Colonial Theater

America The Beautiful!

Legendary Band Entertains Capacity Crowd At The Colonial

Pittsfield, Mass.

May 28, 2015

Two men together for 45 years recording and on the road is quite an accomplishment considering many folks that tried to do it that long have been gone for years. That does not happen anymore right? It sounds incredible but it’s true. Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley have been doing it for that long as America. I tip my hat to them for their consistency and output of incredibly good music all these years. 

The current touring lineup of America is Gerry Beckley (founding member, guitar, keys, and vocals), Dewey Bunnell (founding member, guitar, and vocals), Rich Campbell (bass guitar, keys, and vocals), Bill Worrell (guitar, keys, and vocals) and Ryland Steen (drums).

On a beautiful Berkshire night in Pittsfield at the Colonial Theater the two men and their crackerjack band showed us why it has worked for so long. I went expecting soft rock and a lot of acoustic guitars, which there was, but what came as an unexpected surprise was how many songs they did that rocked the house! That’s right…America is more than just soft rock folks. They have a group of men that know how to compliment all of their hits with pinpoint precision on guitar, bass, keys and drums. In fact a young and versatile musician named Bill Worrell (the sound man’s son) added a lot to the mix. He sang, played keys, acoustic and electric guitar, banjo, and all very well I might add. He really cut loose on the electric six-string several times during the course of the set much to the delight of the audience. 

There was no warm up band, they started right on time and played past 9pm nonstop-no intermission for these gents or the audience. I sure didn’t hear anyone complaining.

Gerry started off a little shaky in the vocal department on the first few numbers however he smoothed it all out in short order. When you are in your sixties it’s a bit harder to hit those higher notes than when you are in your thirties. Coupled with the fact he has a very unique vocal style makes it even more difficult to reproduce what he did in the past.

I must say the musicianship was outstanding and Dewey Bunnell sounds spot on and has not lost much with his vocal range. Music is more than a job for these men it’s a passion that drives them daily and like Gerry said “We will keep playing if you keep coming to listen,” and that got a big applause from the crowd. It was nice to see that happen and for this listener it was the first time I ever saw them perform. It’s hard to believe they released their first album in 1972!

All the hits came pouring out along with a screen for a backdrop showing images of the duo when they were younger along with some psychedelic colors and textures to fit the more rock oriented numbers. The images were like a multi-colored lava lamped that smashed on the floor, if you can picture that. Some songs from the new album Lost and Found were introduced along with some surprising covers from a previous recording called Back Pages. “California Dreaming” was especially good. That is still one of the best songs ever recorded in my opinion. There was a lot to like and when they played “Ventura Highway” they hit their stride and there was no turning back.

The one thing all the artists that play there say is the venue is beautiful, which makes me proud to be part of the entire experience, and I have the privilege of enjoying these great shows on a regular basis.

Some of my favorites were “Tin Man,” “Don’t Cross The River,” “Sandman,” the list goes on and on. This band had so many hits. It takes sitting in a theater and watching a band such as America to realize their lifelong achievements. If you were fortunate enough to live in the time when all their music was on the radio then it can be a very special experience to relive your life in a few hours. Music has that kind of magic and America still has what it takes to make all that happen. There has always been a bond or kinship with the people that make the music and those that listen and come out to hear it live. This was yet another night that validated that truth.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Founder of Write A Music Review, Prog Rock Music Talk, New Age Music Reviews, Rate The Tracks and MuzikMan.net

May 31, 2015

AMERICA WEBSITE