Category: SACD

Title: America – Homecoming (1972) [Audio Fidelity 2015]
Genre: Rock
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Homecoming (1972) is America’s finest album, refining the folk-pop style of their debut with tighter, more direct songs. It features fewer extended instrumental solos, focusing on concise songwriting. The sound is clear and bright, with acoustic guitar at the core, enhanced by electric guitar and keyboards. Performances are confident and passionately committed, among the band’s best on record. Lyrics remain occasionally trite or cryptic but often evoke a compelling wanderlust and love for nature, especially in “Moon Song,” “Ventura Highway,” and “Cornwall Blank.” Sophisticated chord progressions add subtle, surprising depth. New stylistic touches include the country-flavored “Don’t Cross the River,” the hard-rocking “California Revisited,” and the funky “Head & Heart.” Hits like “Ventura Highway,” “Only in Your Heart,” and “Don’t Cross the River” shine, but every track stands out. The vibrant arrangements and evocative themes make Homecoming highly rewarding. This album, available on SACD for enhanced audio clarity, solidifies America’s early-’70s peak.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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Title: America – America (1971) [Audio Fidelity 2013]
Genre: Rock
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

America’s self-titled debut album (1972) is a folk-pop classic, influencing artists like the Eagles and Dan Fogelberg. It draws heavily from Crosby, Stills & Nash, evident in its rich vocal harmonies and strummed acoustic guitar arrangements. Tracks like “Sandman” and “Children” echo CS&N’s chordal singing, while “Riverside” recalls their dynamic guitar work. America’s acoustic guitar interplay is more intricate than their influences, though occasional sloppy execution or tuning issues appear. The album features extended instrumental sections, including intros (“Donkey Jaw”), interludes (“Here”), and closings (“Clarice”). Its inventive chord progressions enhance the songs without overshadowing them. Lyrics can be trite or cryptic, but the music compensates, except for the weak “Pigeon Song.” The intimate, covered sound quality adds a ghostly aura. Hits include “A Horse with No Name,” “I Need You,” and “Sandman,” alongside gems like “Three Roses” and “Rainy Day.” Despite minor flaws, this highly recommended album remains a cornerstone of folk-pop.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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Title: America – Struttin’ Our Stuff (2004)
Genre: Rock, Folk
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

The German Ohne Filter TV series features various music acts, including a 1999 concert by the pop/rock band America. America, originally a trio with Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley, and Dan Peek, became a duo after Peek’s departure in 1976. At their 1970s peak, they produced hits with producer George Martin, marking the era with their acoustic sound. Peek left for Christian music, and the duo had a 1982 comeback with “You Can Do Magic.” By 1999, Bunnell and Beckley performed as a duo for Ohne Filter. The concert is now released on SACD as Struttin’ Our Stuff by Inakustik. The hybrid multi-channel SACD includes two additional tracks compared to the DVD-Video version. America’s performance captures their enduring appeal despite a faded comeback. The SACD enhances the audio experience of this iconic band. The Ohne Filter series continues to showcase diverse musical talents.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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