totally claimin': America: Here & Now?

Ridin' down the highway! Goin' to a show. Stop in all the byways, Playin' rock 'n' roll. Gettin' robbed. Gettin' stoned. Gettin' beat up. Broken boned. Gettin' had. Gettin' took. I tell you folks, It's harder than it looks! It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll! It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll! There's a destination a little up the road From the habitations and the towns we know. A place we saw the lights turn low. Jig-saw jazz and the get-fresh flow. Pulling out jives and jamboree handouts. Two turntables and a microphone. Bottles and cans and just clap your hands and just clap your hands! Where it's at? I got two turntables and a microphone. Take me home in my elevator bones! (That was a good drum break.) What's the matter with the clothes I'm wearing? Can't you tell that your tie's too wide? Maybe I should buy some old tab collars? Welcome back to the age of jive. Where have you been hidin' out lately, honey? You can't dress trashy till you spend a lot of money. Everybody's talkin' 'bout the new sound Funny, but it's still rock and roll to me. There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold And she's buying a stairway to heaven. And when she gets there she knows if the stores are closed. With a word she can get what she came for. And she's buying a stairway to heaven. Baby, baby why can't you sit still? Who killed that bird out on you window sill? Are you the reason that he broke his back? Did I see you laugh about that? If I come on like a dream? Would you let me show you what I mean? If you let me come on inside? Will you let it glide? Can I have some remedy? Remedy for me please. Cause if I had some remedy I'd take enough to please me. Money, get away. Get a good job with more pay and you're okay. Money it's a gas! Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash! New car, caviar, four star daydream, Think I'll buy me a football team. Money get back! I'm alright Jack keep your hands off my stack. Money it's a hit. Don't give me that do goody good bullshit! Oh, baby child... It's no secret that the stars are falling from the sky. It's no secret that our world is in darkness tonight. They say the sun is sometimes eclipsed by a moon. You know I don't see you when she walks in the room. It's no secret that a friend is someone who lets you help. It's no secret that a liar won't believe anyone else. They say a secret is something you tell one other person So I'm telling you, child. A man will beg, A man will crawl, On the sheer face of love, Like a fly on a wall. It's no secret at all! Im ahead, Im a man. Im the first mammal to wear pants, yeah. Im at peace with my lust. I can kill cause in God I trust, yeah. Its evolution, baby! Im at piece, Im the man! Buying stocks on the day of the crash! On the loose, Im a truck. All the rolling hills, Ill flatten em out, yeah. Its herd behavior, uh huh, Its evolution, baby! Load up on guns, Bring your friends, Its fun to lose, And to pretend, Shes overboard, Myself assured, I know I know, A dirty word, Hello, Hello, Hello, Hello! With the lights out its less dangerous! Here we are now, Entertain us! I feel stupid and contagious. Here we are now, Entertain us! A mulatto, An albino, A mosquito, My libido, Yea! Is it my imagination, Or have I finally found something worth living for? I was looking for some action, But all I found was cigarettes and alcohol You could wait for a lifetime, To spend your days in the sunshine. You might as well do the white line, Cos when it comes on top . . . You gotta make it happen! Sorry Bout The Things That I Had To Say And I'll Make It Up To You Right Now At The Penny Arcade. In An Open Car Or Wherever You Are Push Yourself Too Hard And It Might Get Hot. Well I Really Don't Need The Confusion, And You Know I Just Ain't The Type, To Get All Wrapped Up In The Illusion Of Doin Something That I Know Ain't Right - Right Right??? You've Got To Want To Re-Arrange And Keep It Off The Record. Off The Record. You've Got To Know That We Will Change And Keep It Off The Record. Off The Record. We'll be fighting in the streets, With our children at our feet. And the morals that they worship will be gone. And the men who spurred us on, Sit in judgement of all wrong. They decide and the shotgun sings the song. I'll tip my hat to the new constitution. Take a bow for the new revolution. Smile and grin at the change all around, Pick up my guitar and play. Just like yesterday. Then I'll get on my knees and pray, We don't get fooled again!

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

America: Here & Now?

One of my guiltiest pleasures on a hot summer day in Los Angeles is to roll the windows down in the car and crank "Sister Golden Hair" and "Ventura Highway" by 70's soft rock icons "America." The twang of the guitars and the harmonies of the vocals, combined with the wind blowing in my hair, take me back to my childhood every time.

Well, it's as if my childhood has returned to the "Here & Now," as America has released an cd of new material with the help of some new friends. The album definitely has a vintage "America" feel yet doesn't seem old at the same time. Most of that can be credited to producers Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne and former Smashing Pumpkin James Iha, who helmed the sound of the record. They made no attempt to alter the music to our times (like say Sting or Elton John would), instead they have brought Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell back to America's signature sound: harmonizing vocals and a soft acoustic vibe. Here is the promotional video on the making of the release. Enjoy.

Making guest appearances on the record are Ben Kweller and Ryan Adams, Schlesinger and Iha. For your consideration, here are a couple of tracks from the album. "Ride On" features Kweller and Adams, and "Golden" is a wonderful cover of the My Morning Jacket tune and I believe features Jim James on guitar. Finally, from the bonus disc, enjoy a live version of "Sister Golden Hair."

For Your Consideration:
America - Ride On Mp3
America - Golden Mp3
America - Sister Golden Hair (Live) Mp3

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