[2020-04-24] America "Heritage II: Demos/Alternate Takes 1971-1976" (Omnivore)

Linda · **Posted:** Wed Mar 18, 2020 10:29 pm

Description
Contains 13 previously unissued demos and alternate tracks from 1971–1976.

In 2017, Omnivore Recordings released Heritage: Home Recordings/Demos 1970–1973. And now, due to critical and commercial acclaim we are pleased to announce the release of Heritage II: Demos/Alternate Takes 1971–1976.

This collection picks up where the first volume left off, centering mostly on the beginning of the Sir George Martin era. Martin produced seven albums by America and Heritage II focuses in on demos and alternate takes from the Holiday, Hearts, and Hideaway albums from 1974–1976. Hear for the very first time, an unreleased Gerry Beckley song, “Mandy”; demos of songs from Holiday (“What Does It Matter” and “Mad Dog”), outtakes from Hearts (“Simple Life”) and alternate mixes from Hideaway (“Amber Cascades” and “Today’s The Day”).

In addition to these gems, there’s a real rarity included herein from 1971, an acoustic instrumental jam by Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell and Dan Peek entitled, “Jameroony” lasting nearly 13 minutes. Unearthed from the band’s archives, this track has been rumored for years but only just found recently. An early ’70s soft rock fan’s dream come true.

This collection spotlights a new direction in the band’s sound as Sir George Martin takes the reins and leads them to many more platinum albums and hit records. Please enjoy this alternate walk down memory lane as you immerse yourself in the guilty pleasures of America!

Tracklist
1. Cornwall Blank (Demo #2)
2. Jameroony (Acoustic Jam)
3. Mandy (Demo)
4. Tin Man (Backing Track With Backing Vocals)
5. What Does It Matter (Demo)
6. You (Vocals/Strings Excerpt)
7. Mad Dog (Demo/Track Mix With Backing Vocals)
8. Simple Life (Alternate Mix)
9. Lovely Night (Demo)
10. Today’s The Day (Alternate Mix)
11. Amber Cascades (Acoustic Mix/Take 3)
12. Letter (Alternate Mix)
13. Jet Boy Blue (Alternate Mix)

All tracks previously unissued.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085K5JZGK/?tag=imwan-20

Glenn S. · 30 Oct 2006

The "guilty pleasures" of America? Hey, I like their stuff and I don't feel guilty about it.

Greg Carrier · 25 Nov 2006

Glenn S. wrote:

The "guilty pleasures" of America? Hey, I like their stuff and I don't feel guilty about it.

I'm with you, Glenn. I'm a fan, and there is no guilt involved. Those first few albums are gems.

Renny · 26 Jun 2006

Greg Carrier wrote:

Glenn S. wrote:

The "guilty pleasures" of America? Hey, I like their stuff and I don't feel guilty about it.

I'm with you, Glenn. I'm a fan, and there is no guilt involved. Those first few albums are gems.

not just their first few albums, their entire catalog is well worth owning.

the later stuff, that no one has ever heard, have some pretty remarkable songs on them

their 2 90's albums ;hourglass' and 'human nature' are as good the first few. i highly recommend each of those.

and the middle years, from 'silent letter' to 'perspective' are too shabby either.

and do not rule out gerry beckley's solo work either, if you can find them.

Invisible Pedestrian · **Joined:** 24 Sep 2006 **Posts:** 26163

Agreed.

Not a “guilty pleasure.”

Real musicians writers who have been covered by loads of big name acts.

And they’re not “soft rock” either!

Greg Carrier · 25 Nov 2006

Renny wrote:

Greg Carrier wrote:

Glenn S. wrote:

The "guilty pleasures" of America? Hey, I like their stuff and I don't feel guilty about it.

I'm with you, Glenn. I'm a fan, and there is no guilt involved. Those first few albums are gems.

not just their first few albums, their entire catalog is well worth owning.

the later stuff, that no one has ever heard, have some pretty remarkable songs on them

their 2 90's albums ;hourglass' and 'human nature' are as good the first few. i highly recommend each of those.

and the middle years, from 'silent letter' to 'perspective' are too shabby either.

and do not rule out gerry beckley's solo work either, if you can find them.

Agreed, all of their albums have at least a few good songs, and Beckley's solo work is good to great -- Carousel is probably my favorite. I also want to mention their third album, Hat Trick, which is really underappreciated. They didn't get any top ten hits from it, like they did with the two albums before it and the two after, but it's a fine record, full of excellent songwriting.

Renny · 26 Jun 2006

Greg Carrier wrote:

Renny wrote:

Greg Carrier wrote:

Glenn S. wrote:

The "guilty pleasures" of America? Hey, I like their stuff and I don't feel guilty about it.

I'm with you, Glenn. I'm a fan, and there is no guilt involved. Those first few albums are gems.

not just their first few albums, their entire catalog is well worth owning.

the later stuff, that no one has ever heard, have some pretty remarkable songs on them

their 2 90's albums ;hourglass' and 'human nature' are as good the first few. i highly recommend each of those.

and the middle years, from 'silent letter' to 'perspective' are too shabby either.

and do not rule out gerry beckley's solo work either, if you can find them.

Agreed, all of their albums have at least a few good songs, and Beckley's solo work is good to great -- Carousel is probably my favorite. I also want to mention their third album, Hat Trick, which is really underappreciated. They didn't get any top ten hits from it, like they did with the two albums before it and the two after, but it's a fine record, full of excellent songwriting.

i agree about 'hat trick'...although 'muskrat love' did get to #11 on the adult contemporary chart.

Linda · **Posted:** Sun Mar 29, 2020 1:19 am

The pre-order price for Heritage II has dropped by nearly $3, down to $14.29:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085K5JZGK/?tag=imwan-20

ericsen · **Joined:** 23 Jan 2007 **Posts:** 3844

I happened to see this on twitter.

#America announced an 8 disc box set titled 'Half Century' to mark the band’s 50th anniversary. It will be released in early June. The collection will include a book, replica poster & memorabilia, along with a series of previously unreleased demos, album outtakes & home movies.
Edit: Here's a promo/preview video:

Linda · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 6:27 pm

Don't put such things in existing threads. Make a separate thread for a separate release.

That said, this will be through Gonzo so I'm wary of the results. We might find that all the unreleased material ends up on future Omnivore releases.

evillouie · **Joined:** 11 Jan 2012 **Posts:** 217

I'll stick with Heritage II, thank you. At first I was excited about the box set, but it's way overpriced, has extra stuff I don't need, and is being sold through Gonzo/Musicglue, who I've had nothing but bad luck with. Pass!

Linda · **Posted:** Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:03 pm

Updating my reply because now multiple people have been opening threads for that box. :lol:

Tricky Kid's thread is here:

viewtopic.php?f=17&t=111769

That's "the chosen WAN" because he found a packshot as well as confirmation that the box will be an "America Records" release -- so perhaps not a Gonzo product, but it's only something Gonzo is stocking. We'll see. America's own label has been good about putting things into general release.

Remain cautious!

[2020-04-24] America "Heritage II: Demos/Alternate Takes 1971-1976" (Omnivore)

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