“Alligator lizards in the air” refer to the shapes you can pick out when you lie on your back outside and stare at the clouds. My sister and I did that a lot when we were kids.
The cool thing about listening to these songs on the radio back then was there wasn't any interpretation of the meanings, so we had to figure it out on our own (and usually botch it). I would've thought it meant large Iguanas hanging out in the trees in the desert 😆
So many great songs from these guys in the 70s. "Horse with no name," Sister Golden Hair", and "All the lonely people." Just great music and harmonies.
This mix sounds really different from what I'm used to. America had a very original sound and they really knew how to make great vocals and guitar playing.
I don't even recognize this. Had I heard I on the radio, I'd have labeled it a cheap knock-off. The grit and power of the vocals have been...smoothed out. All the character removed. There are live versions of this song. I highly recommend checking one out.
You MUST hear the actual original of this song. America re-recorded it, my suspicion is they lost their royalties on it, so the waves are flooded by this particular much newer version. I'll find that original and circle back!!
Love it! So far you've heard 3 songs with Dewey Bunnel as the lead singer (my favorite, by the way). How about now listening to one with Gerry Beckley? "Sister golden hair" and "You can do magic" are great.
Seen America twice in concert, and both times it was this song, "Ventura Highway", that got the crowd on it's feet. One more big hit from these guys is "Sister Golden Hair".
This is not only my favorite America song, I consider it to be one of the best songs of all time by any artist. I frankly never got too excited about either Tin Man or Horse w/no Name, or anything else they did after this debut tune, but Ventura Highway was perfect. I've never heard the particular recording you listened to before, but I think the other one that people always play is much better...more 'clean' with the guitar work & the bass is still prominent but not as boomy as this one.
Mmm man these are the types of songs i would hear whilst playin outside with my friends as a lil kid...sure made it seem like the world was a **MagicalBeautifulPlace** (which course it can be at times)
Newer version here, the original didn’t use as much reverb and the vocals were re-recorded. It’s also a little bit slower to the original. Sounds great though, love your channel bro.👍
You need come out here in Northern and Central California...you will see lots of purple, Salmon, and pink colored clouds out here with great Ocean and River sunsets....lol...great reaction 😊
This sounds different than the original album version…. Still sounds good but more stereo mix or something ??? Or re-mastered ??? Great reaction as always ❤️❤️❤️❤️
The original mix is much brighter than this one, which is still quite good, although it's a lot more saturated in the low end than the original. Great pick, sir! For a couple other suggestions from America, try "Sandman," which is one of the heaviest acoustic songs I've heard, and "Only in Your Heart," which is really uplifting without being sappy. Peace!
Great observations and yeah I have actually seen something that you can call purple rain that fits your definition. I live in Kansas and we get a lot of storms, and the sky can get green or purple depending upon the type and the severity of the storm, and sometimes it's brilliant and beautiful in one part of the sky and then raining darkly in another area with all that purple light.
funny story about AMERICA - back in '74 a buddy called me and said he could get tickets to see the EAGLES and would i like to go. i said of course and was psyched for it. we got to the springfield mass. civic center and found a seat. i never looked at the tickets and we got settled and a couple of other friends found us and sat down. so i said to them 'cool - i am really looking forward to seeing the EAGLES. one of them looked at me like the idiot i was and said 'the EAGLES?' this show is AMERICA - not the EAGLES ! i almost slapped my buddy that got the tickets. but as it turned out it was a great show anyway. still never got to see the EAGLES though.
Saw them live a few times in the 80s, they put on a great show. Shawn, this hits compilation album has re-worked production recording elements and in IMHO sounds bad compared to the original album versions.
A great time hearing acoustic folk embrace rock with harmonies taking the lead, singing the melody. CSN&Y paved the way, then all these other smooth groups embraced us with their lush sounds. Such a vibe. More America! Love the story about the clouds. I remember when our cousins visited from Texas. Chris said she thought the skies would change colors at each state....just like on the globe map.
OH YEAHHHHHH!!!! 😊WAY TO GO SHAWN👍 SISTER GOLDEN HAIR , A HUGE RADIO HIT OF THEIRS, IT'S DEFINITELYYY SOFT ROCK! INCREDIBLE HARMONIES THOUGH YA KNOW! 💯
I think they have a little of everything. Some folk, country, rock, pop. Easy listening, yes. A real 70s sound. They always made me think of the Eagles.
I'll just say, try to find the older original uploads that are true to the way the songs were released. This is another one of those fan-made videos by some TH-camr that went in and added a bunch of reverb to the record to the point it lost all it's warmth and presence. I noticed the other day someone reacted to a ZZ Top song that had the same thing done. They just literally saturated it with too much reverb and it took so much away from the song. I really, really, wish these people nowadays would just leave these old songs the way they were recorded, mixed and released originally. Anyways, great reaction! One I would suggest that I think you will Really like by America is "Sand Man" a Vietnam era song that has a more rock feel compared to most of America;s folk sounding music.
Check out the live studio version of this with three acoustic guitars. The harmonies are incredible. Reminds me of CSNY who are also best known for their vocal harmonies, but have incredible guitar harmonies as well.
Nice! Great song! As always, your reaction was excellent! I remember listening to them when they came out, I bought their albums and listened to them all the time. On their first album just titled “America,” (great album) I especially loved the song “Donkey Jaw.” Beautiful guitar work, harmony & even some electric guitar. You would also like “Sister Golden Hair.” “Sandman,” & “I need you.” But not just those! Thank you Shawn! 😀
Shawn I listened to this song SO many times and for so many years that I got sick of it. I’d listen as I was cruising on Ventura Highway! But now, hearing it through your fresh ears I’ve come to appreciate it once again.
San Diego 32nd St Naavy base park in 1994 they put on a FREE concert for anyone who could get on base. Lots of kids because it was summer and after all these years they still KILLED. The well is deep so enjoy. Happy belated 4/20+
Great reaction, Shawn. These guys have always been just amazing. Remarkably, I was in a battle of the bands with these guys in the spring of 1968. All five groups were American, attending different high schools in London. They walked away with first prize. 😄🎸 They were just a couple years out of high school when "Horse With No Name" put them on the soft rock legend list forever. I would suggest you check out "Lonely People." 👍😊
Check out the original studio version/mix when you get the chance. The mix on this one was a little weird. The instrumentals as good as they are, should not overpower the vocals so much, which are equally as good. Highly recommended "Sister Golden Hair" by them.
After the success of their first album the three were able to return to the US. This album has a number of tracks celebrating their return home, including this one.
Definitely don’t care for this “40th Anniversary” mix. Everything on it sounds like they turned the reverb up to 10, including the vocals. When a song is this good there’s no need to mess with it, and the original version is perfect. 🙂 Great reaction though!
This doesn’t sound like the original version. Maybe a later re-recording of this gem. Worth checking out the original. Can’t recreate that I total sparkle of the original. Thanks
^. ^ What an absolutely beautiful song! Im not sure where Ventura highway is .......but anyway.....That song was produced by George Martin and just brilliant playing! Foxy love face ScotlandVVxx
You are right it was produced by the late great George Martin,so I ask why would anyone think it would sound better by remixing this fabulous song. It is just wrong.
@@bearballin thank man. I guess I’ve only heard the original and not the remaster. I went back and listened again and maybe I’m just getting old, I still like the original. Still have the vinyl.
There's something wrong with the sound on this. It sounds as if it was remastered in a public restroom. There are much better recordings of this available on TH-cam.
Oh no! This is not the original recording but from a recent re-recording ; quite frankly a pointless exercise but no doubt earned them some extra bucks from long-time fans who bought it anyway.....The original recording is better by far.
I believe that this is a re-recorded version and although still quite good, it doesn't compare to the original. America has a lot of re-recorded versions if I am not mistaken.
This does not sound like America this could be a knock off. I used to go to the store and thought I was buying the original singles in these oldies CD's they were fake!. I know what Ventura Highway sounds like it's one of my favorite songs and I've been listening to it for 50 years! Try another one the original.
3 months later and you still haven't reacted to the so much better original version of this track. So many people have commented on this fact that i think you should do it asap.
Off off sound. Like an alternate or a re-recording. Why do artists do this? I pity you, Shawn, & any reactors in this world, just overwhelmed by song version choices. In general tho, Shawn, you DO find sonically outstanding versions of the songs we older humans know. Kudos man.
“Alligator lizards in the air” refer to the shapes you can pick out when you lie on your back outside and stare at the clouds. My sister and I did that a lot when we were kids.
The cool thing about listening to these songs on the radio back then was there wasn't any interpretation of the meanings, so we had to figure it out on our own (and usually botch it). I would've thought it meant large Iguanas hanging out in the trees in the desert 😆
Those alligator lizards would appear when hit by purple rain my friend😉
So many great songs from these guys in the 70s. "Horse with no name," Sister Golden Hair", and "All the lonely people." Just great music and harmonies.
You would also like "Sister Golden Hair" by America...
@billcombs5656, I agree!!
@@subwaygoddess1 Concur as well!
This mix sounds really different from what I'm used to. America had a very original sound and they really knew how to make great vocals and guitar playing.
Remastered versions of many songs ruin the way it was meant to be taken in...
Doesn't sound like the original, this doesn't sound right, sorry 😎
I agree that this is a new recording. It is really similar, and I like it, but it's definitely not the original 1972 version that was such a big hit.
I don't even recognize this. Had I heard I on the radio, I'd have labeled it a cheap knock-off. The grit and power of the vocals have been...smoothed out. All the character removed. There are live versions of this song. I highly recommend checking one out.
You MUST hear the actual original of this song. America re-recorded it, my suspicion is they lost their royalties on it, so the waves are flooded by this particular much newer version. I'll find that original and circle back!!
Love it! So far you've heard 3 songs with Dewey Bunnel as the lead singer (my favorite, by the way). How about now listening to one with Gerry Beckley? "Sister golden hair" and "You can do magic" are great.
I second your choices....love those two.
I can feel a warm summer breeze as I listen....its that kind of song...
Yes! **Perfect**
OH Shawn should check out the song **Summer Breeze** if he hasn't yet heh
@CosmicVagabondPixie he has! It's my favorite Seals and Croft!!
Seen America twice in concert, and both times it was this song, "Ventura Highway", that got the crowd on it's feet. One more big hit from these guys is "Sister Golden Hair".
& Once again LUV hearing ya talk about your thoughts & taking a deep dive into the meanings and such YAY **Thank YOU**
This is not only my favorite America song, I consider it to be one of the best songs of all time by any artist. I frankly never got too excited about either Tin Man or Horse w/no Name, or anything else they did after this debut tune, but Ventura Highway was perfect. I've never heard the particular recording you listened to before, but I think the other one that people always play is much better...more 'clean' with the guitar work & the bass is still prominent but not as boomy as this one.
Great songs. Try "Sister Golden Hair" , "Lonely People", "I Need You", "You Can Do Magic" and "Sandman".
Mmm man these are the types of songs i would hear whilst playin outside with my friends as a lil kid...sure made it seem like the world was a **MagicalBeautifulPlace** (which course it can be at times)
Love America! 😎👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Newer version here, the original didn’t use as much reverb and the vocals were re-recorded. It’s also a little bit slower to the original. Sounds great though, love your channel bro.👍
You need come out here in Northern and Central California...you will see lots of purple, Salmon, and pink colored clouds out here with great Ocean and River sunsets....lol...great reaction 😊
This sounds different than the original album version…. Still sounds good but more stereo mix or something ??? Or re-mastered ??? Great reaction as always ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Old School is the best school. So many memories.
Daisy Jane is another great one to check out
I love that song so much
The original mix is much brighter than this one, which is still quite good, although it's a lot more saturated in the low end than the original. Great pick, sir! For a couple other suggestions from America, try "Sandman," which is one of the heaviest acoustic songs I've heard, and "Only in Your Heart," which is really uplifting without being sappy. Peace!
Is this the original at all, meaning that this sounds like a re-recording ? The tempo is slower plus the sound is laced with more vast echo.
Good ear! It sounds like the bass is higher and as you say not as bright.
Great observations and yeah I have actually seen something that you can call purple rain that fits your definition. I live in Kansas and we get a lot of storms, and the sky can get green or purple depending upon the type and the severity of the storm, and sometimes it's brilliant and beautiful in one part of the sky and then raining darkly in another area with all that purple light.
Sister Golden Hair, Lonely People, Don't Cross the River, Daisy Jane
Great song. Appreciate your reactions. Few suggestions: Strange Magic-ELO, Africa-Toto, Take the Long Way Home-Supertramp, Guitar Man-Bread.
funny story about AMERICA - back in '74 a buddy called me and said he could get tickets to see the EAGLES and would i like to go. i said of course and was psyched for it. we got to the springfield mass. civic center and found a seat. i never looked at the tickets and we got settled and a couple of other friends found us and sat down. so i said to them 'cool - i am really looking forward to seeing the EAGLES. one of them looked at me like the idiot i was and said 'the EAGLES?' this show is AMERICA - not the EAGLES ! i almost slapped my buddy that got the tickets. but as it turned out it was a great show anyway. still never got to see the EAGLES though.
They have several songs that give you that “nostalgic” magical feel !!!
👍👍👍👍👍
This and Sister Golden Hair are my favorite songs by America. Have driven the Ventura Hwy listening to this song many times in my life. Thanks Shawn
Saw them live a few times in the 80s, they put on a great show. Shawn, this hits compilation album has re-worked production recording elements and in IMHO sounds bad compared to the original album versions.
Me too love them
Love this! They’re a vibe!! Best way I can say it. Perfection.
A great time hearing acoustic folk embrace rock with harmonies taking the lead, singing the melody. CSN&Y paved the way, then all these other smooth groups embraced us with their lush sounds. Such a vibe. More America!
Love the story about the clouds. I remember when our cousins visited from Texas. Chris said she thought the skies would change colors at each state....just like on the globe map.
OH YEAHHHHHH!!!! 😊WAY TO GO SHAWN👍 SISTER GOLDEN HAIR , A HUGE RADIO HIT OF THEIRS, IT'S DEFINITELYYY SOFT ROCK! INCREDIBLE HARMONIES THOUGH YA KNOW! 💯
I think they have a little of everything. Some folk, country, rock, pop. Easy listening, yes. A real 70s sound. They always made me think of the Eagles.
Eagles is another band to dig into.
@@kmach1000 Or to ascend up to.
I'll just say, try to find the older original uploads that are true to the way the songs were released. This is another one of those fan-made videos by some TH-camr that went in and added a bunch of reverb to the record to the point it lost all it's warmth and presence. I noticed the other day someone reacted to a ZZ Top song that had the same thing done. They just literally saturated it with too much reverb and it took so much away from the song. I really, really, wish these people nowadays would just leave these old songs the way they were recorded, mixed and released originally. Anyways, great reaction! One I would suggest that I think you will Really like by America is "Sand Man" a Vietnam era song that has a more rock feel compared to most of America;s folk sounding music.
Among the best vocal harmonies! Produced by George Martin of Beatles fame!
This recording isn't the one I recall hearing when it came out. I'm not tech music person but it sounds "off" for some reason. Still a great song ~
Love America✌️🎸 Beautiful song👏🏻🎼 Great reaction Shawn, Thank you!!♥️
When you hear for the first time you know you listen to great music great live song done by the Beatles producer and made it sound great 👍
Thanks for doing my favorite song by América ! Please do SANDMAN and "Sister golden hair" and "You can do magic"
This sounds like a remastered version with enhanced reverb on the guitars and extra beefy bass. I prefer the original mix.
Yes, I'm noticing that also!
Sister goldenhair is nxt......
Check out the live studio version of this with three acoustic guitars. The harmonies are incredible. Reminds me of CSNY who are also best known for their vocal harmonies, but have incredible guitar harmonies as well.
Nice! Great song! As always, your reaction was excellent! I remember listening to them when they came out, I bought their albums and listened to them all the time. On their first album just titled “America,” (great album) I especially loved the song “Donkey Jaw.” Beautiful guitar work, harmony & even some electric guitar. You would also like “Sister Golden Hair.” “Sandman,” & “I need you.” But not just those! Thank you Shawn! 😀
What a great band, I love America & their songs are wonderful. Thank you Shawn👍🧡🧡
Shawn I listened to this song SO many times and for so many years that I got sick of it. I’d listen as I was cruising on Ventura Highway! But now, hearing it through your fresh ears I’ve come to appreciate it once again.
It is a beautiful piece! 😁
San Diego 32nd St Naavy base park in 1994 they put on a FREE concert for anyone who could get on base.
Lots of kids because it was summer and after all these years they still KILLED.
The well is deep so enjoy.
Happy belated 4/20+
AND IT WAS (10 ) YEARS BEFORE PRINCE SHAWN SO!😊 RIGHT ON!
Great reaction, Shawn. These guys have always been just amazing.
Remarkably, I was in a battle of the bands with these guys in the spring of 1968. All five groups were American, attending different high schools in London. They walked away with first prize. 😄🎸
They were just a couple years out of high school when "Horse With No Name" put them on the soft rock legend list forever.
I would suggest you check out "Lonely People." 👍😊
its been a good feeling for 50years bro 😅 welcome to the party
Original is way better than the 40th anniversary version.
My favorite America song.
“Homecoming” is my favorite album from America, react to I Need You
The bass is fabulous. This is perfect lazy summer day music.
American kids in London when the British Invasion was happening. Unique sound. Loved them. Still at it!
Enjoying your show🎉💃🥰🤷♀️
This song simply exudes beauty & triggers wonderful memories in those of us who grew to man- (or woman-) hood during that magical time
Check out the original studio version/mix when you get the chance. The mix on this one was a little weird. The instrumentals as good as they are, should not overpower the vocals so much, which are equally as good.
Highly recommended "Sister Golden Hair" by them.
That was either a good cover or some remix. It didn't sound like the original version.
Saw America in 81😊!! Anybody else😊??
I'm a boomer. The original studio recording is better than the remaster. Like your channel, thanks!
That's the exact story I heard the author tell in a radio interview during the the 1970's
I Grew up in Mississippi. If you want to sound like a native, Biloxi is pronounced B'luxi.😜
U need a lil Ambrosia in ur life how much I feel
Sandman is a must from these guys.
After the success of their first album the three were able to return to the US. This album has a number of tracks celebrating their return home, including this one.
Great bass in this song by Joe Osborn. Hal Blaine on drums.
I knew you would dig this.
Still other great hits by them: Sister Golden Hair, Daisy Jane, Lonely People, and You Can Do Magic.
Definitely don’t care for this “40th Anniversary” mix. Everything on it sounds like they turned the reverb up to 10, including the vocals. When a song is this good there’s no need to mess with it, and the original version is perfect. 🙂 Great reaction though!
This isn't a different *mix*, it's a different take than the original release. 🧐
Hits (2011 Re-Recordings) [40th Anniversary Edition]
I recommend Lonely People next.
This doesn’t sound like the original version. Maybe a later re-recording of this gem. Worth checking out the original. Can’t recreate that I total sparkle of the original. Thanks
Not the original version, this is a hybrid mix. Real version sounds way more authentic
"Sister Golden Hair" and "Lonely People."
🎶❤️🎶
"Sister Golden Hair" and "Daisy Jane"
^. ^ What an absolutely beautiful song! Im not sure where Ventura highway is .......but anyway.....That song was produced by George Martin and just brilliant playing! Foxy love face ScotlandVVxx
Ventura Highway starts in the San Fernando Valley of LA and heads west thru Ventura County to the Pacific Ocean 🌊
You are right it was produced by the late great George Martin,so I ask why would anyone think it would sound better by remixing this fabulous song. It is just wrong.
AND HE'S RIGHT SHAWN, THERE IS NO VENTURA HIGHWAY, THERE'S VENTURA FREEWAY! 😊THE 101
Another vote for Sandman.
Honor America with its reaction.
Do you think youll ever catch up to all the songs we grew up with?😂😂all those artists whew❤
Im a 1951. baby
🤷♀️
Odd mix
Sadly it's a remastered remix. They brought most of the musical elements to the forefront. Mistake imo...
@@bearballin thank man. I guess I’ve only heard the original and not the remaster. I went back and listened again and maybe I’m just getting old, I still like the original. Still have the vinyl.
America, Daisy, Jane sister, Golden hair a horse with no name tin man lonely people and of course Ventura Highway
There's something wrong with the sound on this. It sounds as if it was remastered in a public restroom. There are much better recordings of this available on TH-cam.
Ya def Sister Golden Hair maybe their best along with Horse With No Name.
You've got to do "Old Man Took" from the "Holiday" album.
You will love it.
"sandman" &" California revisited" by America
Oh no! This is not the original recording but from a recent re-recording ; quite frankly a pointless exercise but no doubt earned them some extra bucks from long-time fans who bought it anyway.....The original recording is better by far.
I believe that this is a re-recorded version and although still quite good, it doesn't compare to the original. America has a lot of re-recorded versions if I am not mistaken.
This version is kind of “thick”, it’s way overproduced. Check out the original 😁💖
This does not sound like America this could be a knock off. I used to go to the store and thought I was buying the original singles in these oldies CD's they were fake!. I know what Ventura Highway sounds like it's one of my favorite songs and I've been listening to it for 50 years! Try another one the original.
Purple rain ----- Prince??
Purple Rain didn't come out until 1984. That said, purple rain is mentioned in The Traveling Wilburys song End of the Line also.
Free wind blowing through your hair❤
Bite try Sister Golden Hair next, tks
3 months later and you still haven't reacted to the so much better original version of this track. So many people have commented on this fact that i think you should do it asap.
Play tin man
This track is OK but not really a patch on the original version by America, you really should give that a listen, you won't be disappointed
Great song but I think this is a remaster. Something sounds different than the original.
I just wish that the drums were more forward in the mix. awesome song though. 🤷♂️👍❤️
I live about an hour from Ventura Highway. Just sayin’.
I wish he would give up on shoehorning every song into a genre. That's one of my biggest pet peeves. The music speaks for itself
Am I the only person that thinks this is a (very good) cover??
This one is not the original. That's the one to hear.
I don’t think this is America
Sounds like it to me!
Off off sound. Like an alternate or a re-recording. Why do artists do this? I pity you, Shawn, & any reactors in this world, just overwhelmed by song version choices.
In general tho, Shawn, you DO find sonically outstanding versions of the songs we older humans know. Kudos man.