Formed in the late-60?s in the UK by 3 sons of U.S. Air Force officers, America (DEWEY BUNNELL, DAN PEEK, and GERRY BECKLEY) crafted a soft folk-rock styling in the same vein as CROSBY, STILLS and NASH, JAMES TAYLOR, and N... more »EIL YOUNG. After their self-titled debut album was released in 1972, the band won the Grammy® Award for Best New Artist. By 1975, America had 4 songs in the Top 10 Pop Singles chart in the US ("Tin Man", "Ventura Highway", "I Need You", and "Horse With No Name"). They had released the George Martin-produced "Holiday" in late 1974, and would release a few more albums before Peek would leave the band. This performance captures America at the top of their game. Tracklisting:
Actor:America Genres:Music Video & Concerts Sub-Genres:Pop, Rock & Roll Studio:Eagle Rock Ent Format:DVD - Color DVD Release Date: 10/04/2005 Original Release Date: 01/01/2005 Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/2005 Release Year: 2005 Run Time: 0hr 44min Screens: Color Number of Discs: 1 SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 6 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Languages:English
"If you missed you chance to buy the now out of print Musikladen dvd, this is the exact same set. Not a concert per se since there is no audience, just the cameras at a tv studio. This is the original trio. The performances are a little stiff due to the lack of feedback from the absent audience.
It has great video and audio, unlike the "Live in central park" dvd which has awful audio. This DVD and the 1999 Öhne Filter (also German!)dvd are the ones to get. Skip the Central park one."
The original trio, live at the top of their game.
R. J. Vaccaro | Burbank, CA | 11/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For America fans, this DVD is a must have. The band is presented in its original trio formation in a "live in the studio" setting performing a majority of their hits. There are no stage theatrics, no side members competing for a moment in the spotlight. Rather, it is like witnessing a rehearsal when the band was in it's prime.
The beauty of this document is you get to see and hear what all three core members bring to the table: musicianship, songwriting talent and chemistry. These guys had it. Especially interesting are the few numbers where the boys go electric and dial up the energy level. After all of this time it easy to forget the dynamic the three of them had. A few years after this event Dan Peek would bow out of the group. While Bunnell and Beckley have kept the proceedings going ever since (nearly 30 remarkable years), their star never shined as bright nor the chemistry been as compelling as it was during the 1970s. This time capsule is a fitting showcase for one of the most successful bands to emerge from that decade."
Their BEST live recording!
A Fan | VA | 08/31/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is America's best live performance captured on DVD or CD and the only one with all three original members! It was recorded live in a German TV studio, with no audience, in 1975. They were at their peak then both musically and in popularity. This performance shows what made them one of the most popular bands of the 70's. Their performance has more of a "classic rock" feel to it than their 1977 "Live!" album. It contains their early hits plus several songs that they rarely perform anymore. "Moon Song", "California Revisted", and "Green Monkey" really rock! If this had been released in the 70's, it would have been a big hit."
Yes, it is the same MUSIKLADEN show, but it is very good!
H. M Rivera | Carolina, Puerto Rico Puerto Rico | 11/10/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The out-of-print MUSIKLADEN dvd is sellling for $70 at the üsed and new sellers in Amazon. This is the one to buy!
Your only chance to see the original trio, the only bad thing is that they are playing to an empty studio and it really shows in their lack of energy and give-and-take missing by not having an audience. Still a good performance."
Interesting Trip Back In Time
Michael H. Jacobs | Danville, CA | 01/19/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Until the time that I graduated from high school, America was one of my favorite bands. When I got to college, and was exposed to different, more sophisticated styles of music, I sort of forgot about America. I bought this DVD on a whim, and am so happy that I did.
This show, is not an actual concert, but sort of like the band getting together to practice, and play for a European TV show. As a former garage band musician however, I loved this show! Like my former band's practice sessions, the fact is that the recording is not polished, and that the guys are drinking beers on the set. But this works in the show's favor. The boys are not Clapton on the guitar, but they do some good guitar work, and look like they are having fun doing so. The vocal harmonies are terrific. During the last number, Monkey Song, the band departs from its usual acoustic format, and all three boys are with electric guitars. It is interesting to see them in this light. Again, since the show is unpolished, it adds to the charm of the presentation. I had forgotten what a fine singer Dan Peek was, since he left the band in 1977. After nearly thirty years of his absence, it was great to see him back with the band again. Gerry Beckley has one of the sweetest voices in music, and projects charisma. The neck beard on Dewey Bunnell is priceless, and further augments the unsophistication of the band and this show. Even though the show is mainly acoustic, they rock, and nail every song. If you enjoy the MTV Unplugged shows, then I'd say that you will enjoy this one. By the way, the songs that are played are some of the best material that the band ever produced. Watching this DVD reminded me of why I once liked America so much!"