"Sandman" by America. There's a line in it: "Did you hear of my enlistment?" Had big meaning for me after an unsuccessful freshman year in college chased me into the Army in 1973.

It's a great song for driving on a summer day. America has a number of very enjoyable songs.

@SPohl-zy4rz

3 жыл бұрын

thank you for that... a great song for driving on a summer day. perfect.

@radar0412

3 жыл бұрын

It works driving on a Winter's night too.

Sister Golden Hair does need to be hit, but the next one to hit should definitely be Tin Man! A horse with no name, this song, Tin Man, and Sister Golden Hair are all part of the holy quadrilogy of this band.

@williamosborne6866

3 жыл бұрын

You left out "You Can Do Magic"

@wayne_twentyfive

3 жыл бұрын

I reckon you need to make it a party of 5 and include Sandman .. Then your list will be spot on.

@george4715

3 жыл бұрын

@@wayne_twentyfive Sandman is actually my favorite from the first album! However, I think it needs to be reacted to after the big four with songs like Daisy Jane, Don’t Cross the River, I Need You, everything after Dan Peek left, etc.

Sister golden hair has got to be next!

@imagine1004

3 жыл бұрын

Agree!

"Ventura Highway" is the best track America ever laid down. Cheers from the distant Past.

An L.A. native, I always associated this song with the stretch of California State Hwy 1 between Santa Monica and Oxnard passing through Malibu on the way. I used to drive to Malibu and it was a joy to hear it on the way there. 🌅🚗

America. Superb harmonies and great guitar work. Very underrated musicians

"Sister Golden Hair" is the third in this triad.

@HamiltonRb

3 жыл бұрын

I always liked Lonely People and Tin Man as well. Seen this band at several festivals over the years and always liked them, even after Dan Peek quit the band

@george4715

3 жыл бұрын

I always included Tin Man in the group as well

@tanya4025

3 жыл бұрын

..and Sandman👍 and Right Before Your Eyes👌

@helenjarvis7755

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I freaking love this too.

I have always liked this band and this is a very cool song. Ventura is the major boulevard in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles as well as the 101 freeway known as the Ventura Freeway. Ventura is a county/town North of Los Angeles. Highway 1 is the Pacific Cost Highway which goes all the way to Washington somewhere around Olympia. Nice reaction, Daniel, thanks.

They did a really beautiful song called "Daisy Jane" , you will love it. They also did a great cover of "California Dreamin'"

"I need you " from America

I went looking for Ventura Highway back when I set out hitch hiking at age 16. I left Kentucky and 10 days later was in Ventura County, CA. There was no actual Ventura Highway, but US HWY 1 ran through the area and later I found out that was the stretch of road America was singing about. It was a very laid-back place back then. So head out to the Pacific Coast Highway and you'll find the actual place. Peace!

@pmccservices

2 жыл бұрын

Would you believe CA Highway 1. (US1 goes to Florida)

The dreamy look on your face says it all

Daniel is such an old soul. He thinks he’s feeling nostalgia now; wait another twenty years and a song like VENTURA HIGHWAY will hit you times ten.

I throw my hat in the ring with David "Sister Golden Hair " is a must hear another pick from me would be " Lonely people" We Are Legion ✌️♥️

Living in Orlando FL, there is an effect when you first come here, and see the palms, and go to the beach, and drive by Disneyworld, and it seems like a magical place, then 20 years later, after all the novelty has long since worn off, you meet someone who has just arrived, with wide eyes, and think back when it all seemed more than it really is. As Spock said "Having, is not nearly so good as Wanting" So many Rock Bands do cite serendipity, meetings, which arose from people aspiring to make music, leaving "home" and hoping for the best. Sometimes people meet, and click, and capture lightening in a bottle. From a time, when Acoustic was embraced by Rock listeners. Like Clap by Steve Howe

@brandonflorida1092

3 жыл бұрын

Give my regards to Park Avenue in Winter Park. It's been too long.

Amie by Pure Prairie League if you want another mellow feeling song. And make sure it's the longest version with the harmony and guitar introduction! You'll love it! Peace!

Great band Bet your dad will love this one Great song

These guys are such a great vibe. I throw my hat in for I Need You and especially Never Found the Time....and loved your story about that rental home where you and your sister hung out all day in some lot of trees that seemed like ‘deep woods’ to you. I lived in a house with a lot in back just like that! We played there just like you did. Built forts, climbed the trees and picked apples as we sat in them... played Army... you name it. Wonderful childhood memories.

This just in, flying alligator lizards seen over Ventura highway, only in America. Film at 11...

I see the song, sometimes I think you will enjoy it, sometimes I hope you will enjoy it, and sometimes I KNOW you will enjoy it. I was right today:)

Hey Daniel, "Horse With No Name" is a song I never liked much but Love this one and "Sister Golden Hair" is a favorite of mine. Check that one out next, please. Peace!

@Hartlor_Tayley

3 жыл бұрын

I agree that song is another beauty

This is my favorite song ever, ever. Been my number one since I was a tiny child. It brings me right back to summer as a child. So for me it is very nostalgic, but I never lived in CA. The word for nostalgia for something you have never experienced is "Saudade", there is not even a term in English for it. It's the perfect song no matter how horrid things are.

Sister Golden Hair, I Need You... must listens 😊

My definition of nostalgia: an emotional memory of peacefulness or contentment attached to a memory experienced or imagined.

No one has mentioned "You Can Do Magic" This stuff takes me back to 72. Damn what a great time.

Love it! Guilty Pleasure music, soft rock, not too hard, not too soft. As a kid, when this came out, it made me want to move to California and live as a ski bum in a ski town. Now it brings me a smile because it reminds me of the SNL skits for the Californians, with Fred Armerson and Bill Hader.

America.......Lonely People!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love that you were nostalgic on your first listen so just imagine how deep the nostalgia is for us that have listened to this great song for 50 years! Ok, now I have to dig out my America album. :-)

Wasn’t crazy about the nameless horse, V-highway was ok, but I really liked Sister Golden Hair. It changed my opinion of the band America from feeling that they were a group I could take or leave, to one that I liked. Subsequently I saw them in concert and enjoyed it a lot...even the horse. Ha!

Wow, you pretty much described this song to a tee, especially about “nostalgia” and never getting that moment back...well done !

One of my favorite bands of the era! Thanks for reacting to it!

It reminds me of driving the USA. Looking forward to the next destination, the next scenery. Leaving everything behind me and with excitement waiting for what's next. No schedule, no plan, just loving the wind in my hair and meeting new people.

Probably the best bass line in a country/folk/rock group song that people don't realize is there because the rest of the song is so catchy. Amazing sound they get from three different guitars playing different strum patterns! Always loved it. You described the feeling of this perfectly. You'll also like their song Tin Man quite a bit.

My favorite America track... hands down. Timeless and so very smart. "Daisy Jane" and "Lonely People" should be next!

America were a trio of American Army kids being raised in England, In High School formed a band, got good enough that their first album America was recorded in London. They wanted a more upbeat sound so relocated to LA...back in the land they were from, hence "Homecoming"

Awesome song 👍alligator lizards in the air WTF. This was an AM radio mainstay.

@MilosDaddy

3 жыл бұрын

Cloud shapes.

@BROU-bb2uc

3 жыл бұрын

@@MilosDaddy I know its just funny

@matthewcorya7514

3 жыл бұрын

Buddy of mine thought they meant dragon flies.

'I've been hit by purple rain' I always thought of as he has been on one heavy acid trip too many. But I agree, it is a great song, my favorite of the group. And if you were writing and playing music now, I can imagine this is the direction you'd be heading.

“Ventura Highway” was written by Dewey Bunnell of America in 1972, from their second album, Homecoming, which they produced themselves. A classic California anthem, it’s one of the great L.A. songs. How many of us thought of it the very first time we started driving on the 101 and realized it was called Ventura?

Alligator lizards in the air is one of the best lines ever written.

I was a freshman in 1972 when Ventura High way came out. A great Band.

I found an alligator lizard in my yard, not "in the air" yesterday.

Three Roses is a song that has always capture the romantic in me...

Daniel, This song is special to me. When my mom married my stepdad when I was 11, the first place we lived was in a small 'town near the Santa Barbara/Ventura county line called La Conchita two blocks wide and maybe twelve blocks long separated from the beach by the 1/101 - Ventura Highway . Guess what I used to catch there? Yep Alligator Lizards. I read somewhere that the author had either stopped on the highway there or perhaps broken down when he was younger. It had to be there, it's the only place I know of that it is legal to park on the 101. That year when I was 11? 1972 was the summer that song came out. I of course loved it and tried to sing it quite often. After that winter I moved to the desert and that song was the only connection I had left reminding me of the time when I lived two blocks from the beach. We used to get to the ocean by scooting through a large drainage tunnel under the railroad tracks and highway. Sunny days! So while I'm here let me make a request. Could you play some more Angelina Jordan and/or The Warning soon? My suggestion for each is A Man's World - a classic - and XXI Century Blood with the Official video over the live. The girls play in it but the story the video tells about a society plugged in from literal birth is told so theatrically it should be just up your alley Later Tocayo. Thanks for the memories

Seals & Croft are also worth checking out if you dig those harmonies of America.....''Summer Breeze'' Diamond Girl'' and ''We may never pass this way again'' are 3 tasty tracks. signed: the dolphins off the starboard bow.

One of the most beautiful guitar hooks I've heard. The song transports you into another world. One of my all-time faves. Thanks Daniel!

@pmccservices

2 жыл бұрын

That guitar hook is why I am going from one reaction to another of this song, seeing who else, reactor or commenter, GETS IT!

This my favorite America song. Glad you liked it too. Great driving song. I was a teen when it came out.

America is a band from my youth, always loved their sound and peaceful feeling. “Tin Man” is another favorite ❣️ Love your appreciation and your reactions Daniel.🎶🎶💕💕

If you ever get a chance drive up PCH, (Highway 1) from Santa Monica through Malibu hugging the coast with the waves crashing off your left - on up to Oxnard and then get on the 101 - the Ventura Freeway and the next town is Ventura. Pretty little town with a great walkable downtown, lots of restaurants and cool shops, and NO chains. Lived there from 97-00 and in Oxnard from 00-03. Beautiful place and I miss it.

I actually have a sentimental feeling about this song since I once had some time to kill and decided to check out Ventura area. That coastal city is nothing special, but there’s a scenic country road that heads inland from there to Ojai, so that became my “Ventura Highway” to hitchike on a perfect day. All was sweet when a nice guy picked me up in a Jeep with Yes turned up loud and we explored the coastal moutains on curvy backroads, just having a carefree adventure with no particular destination.

I love the harmonies by America --- I wore my 8 track out back in the day

“I freakin love it, I don’t even wanna say anything”..You said it pal. Couldnt have said it better myself

America was in another band prior to being America The Corporation with Ron Banner. They played Soul music, we attended Central High School in London together in the mid 60s

The guitar in the background here, almost against the grain, made this an absolute classic. And as your musical knowledge increases exponentially, you pick up on these nuances immediately. Such a great song in many ways. Oh my goodness, as you state, I love how much YOU love and appreciate it.

Nostalgic, is what I felt the first time hearing this song at 15. Somehow Ventura Highway stirs thoughts of reflection and inner peace, that instantly brings positive energy to the listener. It’s a wonderful song and I’m happy you enjoyed it, Daniel. God bless you for keeping the magnificent library of music alive, as it deserves to be.

4:38 yeah that's the normal reaction to hearing "alligator lizards in the air" LOL

The guitar riff that opens this song and prevails throughout is the ringtone on my phone. I have loved this masterpiece from the very first time I heard it, which was shortly after it was released.

Ciao Daniel, thanks for this reaction! I do relate to the feeling of nostalgia for the past that you describe, but at the same I feel a sense of possibilities and promises for the future. I noticed how you often reference your memory of the the "forest" from your childhood and I can tell that it's a special one by how you light up when you go back to that moment in time. Take care :)

Positive eh. Try some John Denver. "Annie's Song", "Sunshine on my shoulder" or "Country Roads". The later is one of the most well known songs in the world iirc. I guess they are love songs but not sad ones.

@sgt.blkdog3840

3 жыл бұрын

How do you bring up those 3 JD songs and leave out the clearly superior Rocky Mountain High?

I loved this song back in the day. It is a combination of happy, carefree, optimistic and puts me back too many years so nostalgic but in a happy way. I go back to being a kid driving along a country or seaside road just you, one or two friends and the car singing along. Great reaction.

One of my favorite song along while driving songs. It's just such a happy little tune

Sounds like it's time to do America's "Tin Man." I'm pretty certain you'll like dissecting the lyrics to that one.

Great song. I have ticket to see these guys in October. If it's not postponed again. It's has been twice already. The last time I saw them I was in the front row and got a guitar pick. My niece also got one as well as a set list from the stage. Good times!! This song always takes me back to my youth when it was new.

In my opinion this is their best song! I've always loved this song!

Great stuff. You're a man who likes imagery in lyrics. How about Year of the Cat (Al Stewart)? I don't find it in a search of the channel.

Beautiful song, Daniel, and i love how you felt during the song. To be presumptuous enough to name your band "America" you'd better be good. Damned if they're not. Listen to Sister Golden Hair next please.

Just love that guitar riff. Great band.

The Homecoming album is really good - start to finish. It’s a great album for long summer car rides. America was my 2nd or 3rd concert - my mom took me. It was probably their 1st big tour. I used to listen to the album and dream about going to college in California. I ended up doing just that. My friends & I would drive down Pacific Coast Highway & listen to the tape. “ Sister Golden Hair” is a really nice song too

Daniel, this is my favorite AMERICA song. It harkens back to a simpler time, and a childhood filled with the limitlessness of all future possibilities. It's just such a darned happy song! And a couple of absolutely iconic guitar riffs (that have been sampled by others who recognized their staying power) serve to make a really really good song great. Glad you enjoyed it and hope, like us older of your followers, continue to 50 years hence.

Another great band

I think this is my favorite tune by America but it is difficult to chose a favorite. Certainly never get tired of listening to the great guitar work, and awesome harmonies. The lyrics do take you back to your youth.

Nothing like a song that lifts the Soul.

AMERICA, "VENTURA A HIGHWAY" MORE 70'S MELLOWNESS.. THEY WERE PERFECT COMPLIMENT TOO ALL THE OTHER OUTSTANDING 70'S SONGS.. GREAT HARMONIES...

This song reminds so much of the sunny seventies summers!

My favorite America song is 'Don't Cross the River,' it has great harmonies and fantastic acoustic guitar.

"Alligator lizards in the air" The Alligator lizard main habitat is the south west, fairly large 6-9 inches long and very aggressive (they will bite). One of the band members as a teen saw floating clouds stretched out by winds and commented on how they looked like Alligator lizards..........(the edited part) Dang ! I typed this halfway through and he covered that fact at the end.

America was 'Golden' during the 70s.

They often get lumped into the Yacht Rock category, but they are so much deeper than that.

His name is Dewey "BUN-EL"

Well done, my man. I love this song. This band is SORELY underrated, but still had a good run of hit singles unique to their sound. "You Can Do Magic" was their last big hit, and I can pretty much guarantee you'd love it . Peace, bro!

immediately takes me to end of high school... took 20 years but finally did the drive on Ventura Highway...

You nailed it! Nostalgic! It was nostalgic to them and that message is conveyed! It's from memories of their pre-teen years. A flat tire or car break down with the family on a trip. I think alligator lizards in the air was cloud formations as he remembered them. BTW, these guys were the first to sing about "Purple Rain", not Prince!

That George Martin seems like a pretty good producer. Wonder if he worked with any other bands?

"Tin Man" by America has incredible intertwining harmonies and a wonderful counterpoint rhythm--- I'll bet you'd love that one, too, Daniel.

Any time I see the long shadows of trees stretch across the highway in late summer, I think about driving along Trunk 10 in Nova Scotia. This song reminds me of that feeling.

10/10. Beautiful song.

The mythical Ventura Highway that beckons to us all. It could also be thought of Venture a Highway. A great song to learn on guitar, gets those major7 chords going. Just pure delight. Great reaction to this classic piece of sunshine.

was kind of a concert junkie.,,,,and I was so fortunate to see so many amazing and talented humans live.

I say this too often, but this one of your best reactions, both in terms of how much you enjoyed the music and the lyrics, but in your beautiful and profound thoughts about how it made you feel! Much love, Daniel!

One of my all time favorite songs!!

That's Why I Suggested America To You Way Back,, Because I Knew You Would Love Them..Such A Great Group With Sooo Many Beautiful Hits.

The quintessential America song.

I can always escape with this song, check out "Amber Cascades" it's also a great America tune.🌅RIP Dan Peek.

A heartfelt song recommendation for you, my friend: Yes - Turn of the Century. Loving your passion and your alertness.

I'll add a second or third vote for Sister Golden Hair next.

Great song! Janet Jackson used the guitar rif for "Someone to Call My Lover" and then added her New Jack Swing...check it out. This song reminds me of summers in California, driving with the top down.

Thanks Daniel. America is a cool band. Definitely a good example of the chill 70s California sound. Most recommend their popular singles oriented songs. I would to see you do a deeper dive into a few tunes from the first couple albums that a bit more edge to them . "Rainy Day" " Never Found The Time" " Donkey Jaw" " Don't Cross The River" :"Cornwall Blank" " Head And Heart" The first four are Dan Peek songs. The last is a John Martyn cover. RIP Dan Peek.

One of my favorite tunes from America I’ve been following this banned for life forever love the music you should check out their library you won’t be disappointed

Great discussion. This is the first music on this channel I've been interested in in a long time. America are very talented. "Sister Golden Hair" is another good America song. I always thought they sounded like Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young.

This is their best song imo.. that wanderlust feeling mixed with peaceful happiness.