America - Here & Now

Star-studded new studio set, plus live outing

Featuring the fine vocals of Messrs Peek, Beckley and Yorkshire-born Bunnell, the country-rock outfit moulded their own distinct brand of Americana back in the late 60s, before splitting and then reuniting in the early 90s. Still going strong, the core band is supplemented on the 13-track new studio offering by the likes of Ryan Adams, Ben Kweller, Fountains Of Wayne, My Morning Jacket and Nada Surf.

Their tone remains pretty much intact, from the trademark light vocal lead and harmonies of opener Chasing The Rainbow, to the lilting Walk In the Woods, complete with whistling. Only the closing Glass King diversifies things, with its glam-rock backbeat and raspier delivery, though the tablas and electro-acoustic guitars of Ride On come over like The Eagles and the dreamy harpsichord of This Time is akin to a relaxed Alan Parsons.

The live set revisits a dozen older tunes, from the insistent Ventura Highway to closing theme song A Horse With No Name. Don’t Cross The River represents their more rocking approach, the piano and strings of Daisy Jane, their penchant for the mellow. This serves as a good one-stop for the unfamiliar.

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

Burgundy/SonyBMG | 88697051712

Reviewed by Tim Jones
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