Heritage II: Demos/Alternate Takes 1971-1976

by America

Overview

The second track on the second collection of demos and alternate takes from America is called "Jameroony," an indication that this 2020 set can wander into some hazy, undefined territory. Heritage II: Demos/Alternate Takes 1971-1976 doesn't usually get so jammy, though. Nearly half of the collection is devoted to alternate mixes, and there are several completed demos, along with such interesting snippets as a vocal/strings excerpt from "You." This collection's chronology overlaps slightly with Heritage, which covered 1970-1973, but the lack of big hits (only "Tin Man," presented here in a track mix lacking lead vocals, was a smash), shifts the focus onto the band's writing and, on occasion, the studio wizardry of Geoff Emerick and George Martin, who respectively engineered and produced eight of the 13 cuts here. As sumptuous as those tracks sound, they're certainly the kind of thing that is of primary interest to hardcore America heads: backing tracks and subtle variations in mixes, sometimes graced with studio chatter. As long as a listener understands that this is not a finished product but a glimpse behind the curtains, this is enjoyable. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	04/24/2020
Label:	Omnivore
UPC:	0816651017546
Rank:	99535

Tracks

1. Cornwall Blank¿¿[Demo No. 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]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

America   Primary Artist
Dewey Bunnell   Vocals (Background),Piano,Vocals,Guitar (Acoustic)
George Martin   Piano
Gerry Beckley   Bass,Lead,Piano,Vocals,Synthesizer,Guitar (Acoustic),Vocals (Background)
Hal Blaine   Drums
David Dickey   Bass
Willie Leacox   Drums
Dan Peek   Bass,Vocals,Sitar (Electric),Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric),Vocals (Background)
Joe Osborne   Bass

Technical Credits

Brad Rosenberger   Producer
George Martin   Producer
Gerry Beckley   Composer,Producer,Liner Notes,Group Member
Henry Diltz   Photography
America   Producer
Cheryl Pawelski   Project Assistant
Greg Allen   Design,Art Direction
Geoff Emerick   Engineer
Dewey Bunnell   Composer,Group Member
Jeff Larson   Editing,Producer,Tape Transfer
Dan Peek   Composer,Group Member
Glenn Schwartz   Licensing
Lee Lodyga   Project Assistant
Michael Romanowski   Mastering
Audrey Bilger   Project Assistant
Dutch Cramblitt   Project Assistant