Album Info
| Artist: | America |
| Album: | View From The Ground |
| Released: | Australia, 1982 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | You Can Do Magic | 3:55 |
| Engineer - Chuck Kirkpatrick | ||
| Producer - Russ Ballard | ||
| Written-By - Ballard | ||
| A2 | Never Be Lonely | 3:57 |
| Producer - Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley | ||
| Recorded By, Mixed By - Mark Linett | ||
| Written-By - Mumy, Beckley | ||
| A3 | You Girl | 3:31 |
| Producer - Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley | ||
| Recorded By, Mixed By - Mark Linett | ||
| Written-By - Mumy, Bunnell, Haimer | ||
| A4 | Inspector Mills | 5:10 |
| Producer - Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley | ||
| Recorded By, Mixed By - Mark Linett | ||
| Written-By - Beckley | ||
| A5 | Love On The Vine | 3:17 |
| Producer - Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley | ||
| Recorded By, Mixed By - Mark Linett | ||
| Written-By - Mumy, Bunnell, Haimer | ||
| B1 | Desperate Love | 3:54 |
| Engineer - David Cole , Jeremy Smith | ||
| Mixed By - Michael Verdick | ||
| Producer - Bobby Colomby | ||
| Written-By - Aldridge, Richardson, LeBlanc | ||
| B2 | Right Before Your Eyes | 3:57 |
| Engineer - David Cole , Jeremy Smith | ||
| Mixed By - Michael Verdick | ||
| Producer - Bobby Colomby | ||
| Written-By - Thomas | ||
| B3 | Jody | 3:53 |
| Engineer - Chuck Kirkpatrick | ||
| Producer - Russ Ballard | ||
| Written-By - Ballard | ||
| B4 | Sometimes Lovers | 4:35 |
| Producer - Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley | ||
| Recorded By, Mixed By - Mark Linett | ||
| Written-By - Beckley | ||
| B5 | Even The Score | 3:35 |
| Producer - Dewey Bunnell, Gerry Beckley | ||
| Recorded By, Mixed By - Mark Linett | ||
| Written-By - Bunnell |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $125 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid carboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship your vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
Emerging in 1982, America’s “View From The Ground” arrived in an era where music was undergoing a significant transformation. Synthesizers, electronic beats, and new wave influences dominated the charts. However, the enduring folk-rock band America gracefully straddled this evolving sonic landscape, ensuring their distinctive sound was both familiar and freshly relevant.
From the outset, the album brings a sunlit optimism with “You Can Do Magic,” a track that effortlessly marries their classic harmonious style with the catchy pop-rock sensibilities of the early '80s. The song, which became a hit, encapsulates the album’s spirit—a blend of the band's original acoustic roots and the contemporary pop-rock mood of the time.
“Right Back To Me” is a gentle and melodic tune. The soft guitar strums and harmonies are reminiscent of their '70s classics. It is a testament to how America could stick to their strengths, regardless of the era's prevailing musical trends.
“Inspector Mills” is another standout track, exuding a melancholic beauty. Its introspective lyrics, coupled with the soft-rock arrangement, create an atmosphere of longing and reflection. It's a song that showcases America's prowess in storytelling, painting vivid emotional landscapes.
However, what makes “View From The Ground” particularly interesting is how it walks the tightrope between America’s foundational sound and the 1980s musical fabric. Tracks like “Desperate Love” embrace more electronic elements, showcasing the band's adaptability and their knack for evolving without losing their essence.
This ability to adapt is further evident in “Jody,” a track brimming with buoyant energy and pop-inflected guitar riffs. It feels right at home in the early '80s soundscape, yet retains that unmistakable America charm.
From a production standpoint, the album, while polished, retains a rawness that feels genuine. The balance between electronic and acoustic instrumentation ensures that neither overshadows the other. It’s a delicate equilibrium, and “View From The Ground” mostly nails it.
In the broader scope of America's discography, this album marks a significant point. It's a testament to the band's resilience and adaptability. While some purists might argue that it leans too heavily into the commercial sound of the '80s, it’s undeniable that the album allowed the band to reach a new generation of listeners, ensuring their legacy wasn’t confined to the '70s.
In conclusion, “View From The Ground” stands as a compelling chapter in America's musical journey. It showcases a band willing to evolve, to embrace the new while honoring their origins. For listeners who grew up with America in the '70s, it offers a sense of nostalgia, while for the newer fans, it provides a bridge—a view, if you will—into the band's rich past.
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