AMERICA – ALTERNATES & RARITIES

Description

Released on April 23, 2022, as an exclusive for Record Store Day, Alternates & Rarities is a treasure trove for fans of the legendary folk-rock trio America, curated by the band’s longtime archivist Jeff Larson. Originally pressed on limited edition “coke bottle clear” or “soapsud green” vinyl, the collection gathers together rare, previously unreleased, and first-time-on-vinyl tracks spanning the band’s most prolific decade at Warner Bros. Records. The tracklist offers a fascinating “sliding doors” look at their classic catalog, featuring early 1971 studio demos, stripped-back alternate mixes of global staples like “A Horse With No Name” and “Ventura Highway,” and even the rare Spanish-language version of “Sister Golden Hair.” By showcasing early versions of deep cuts like “Riverside” and “Foolin’,” the album highlights the intricate vocal harmonies and acoustic craftsmanship of Gerry Beckley, Dewey Bunnell, and Dan Peek before the full gloss of George Martin’s production took hold. This release serves as a vital historical document of the soft-rock pioneers, effectively bridging the gap between their raw, folky beginnings and the polished pop-rock mastery that defined the 1970s airwaves.