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AMERICA Hat Trick (WEA) Back in the early 70's three young American lads Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley and Dan Peek were all living with their Airforce parents in the UK. During their spare time these lads jammed together. Obviously one thing led to another and in 1971 this saw the release of the single 'A Horse With No Name'. Initially this song never appeared on their debut album America. This was the album that gave us 'Sandman'. Their style was similar to the lighter sounds of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and of course The Eagles. Most of their albums after the debut began with the letter 'H', (this included History a greatest hits album). Hat Trick opens with Willis Alan Ramsey's 'Muskrat Love', which became an international hit for both America and Captain & Tennille. 'Wind Wave' is a little Beatle-ish both in sound and arrangements. Maybe living England influenced this? Trivia: George Martin produced some later albums for America. 'She's Gonna Let You Down' has great lyrics, and showcases some delightful piano. 'Rainbow Song' is sensitive, and nostalgic, and my favourite track off the album, and it also features Tom Scott on saxophone. The melancholy 'Submarine Ladies' features Lee Keifer on harmonica, and this reminds me of early Jimmy Webb compostions; the sort of songs he wrote for Glen Campbell and Bobbie Gentry. Dan Peek is to me the John Lennon of 'America', whereas Bunnell and Beckley are both McCartneys. 'It's Life' is a Peek composition that brings to mind some of Lennon's compositions. 'Hat Trick' is a brilliant track in three parts and features Carl Wilson and Bruce Johnson of Beach Boys fame. 'Molten Love' is right up there with 'Muskrat Love' as warm and loving songs go. 'Green Monkey' shows off the rockier side of 'America' and features Joe Walsh on guitar. The harmonies on 'Willow Tree Lullaby' are very Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young in sound, and America were fellow label mates under the WEA banner at the time of recording Hat Trick. 'Goodbye'...well again good ole Gerry is McCartney to a T. After Peek left America I felt something was missing, yet a later album Hourglass (1994) shows Bunnell and Beckley in fine form and even features Dan Peek's 'Everyone I Meet Is From California'. I especially enjoy the remake of Hank Ballard's 'You Can Do Magic' from Hourglass. This is a song John Sebastian (Lovin' Spoonful) should have recorded. The surrounding photos of America are L-R Dan Peek, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell.Gazz Click on album image to see larger album cover 
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