Customer Reviews

Van Go Gan

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Gerry Beckley, along with Dewey Bunnell, has been in the business for more than 30 years as one half of "America".

On this, his first solo album Gerry gives us 18 wonderful tracks - including an amazing new rendition of "I Need You" which he wrote for and sang with "America" in 1972.

This is very relaxed and highly musical album, featuring both warm, America-like vocal harmonies and some brilliant guitar work.

Highly recommended!

I've been a Gerry Beckley fan since I first heard "I Need You" on the radio back in the early 70's. This, however, is better than anything he's ever done in America. There is nothing I can say bad about this CD. The singing, song writing and production all come together to form a melodic tapestry that any musician would be proud to call their own. For die-hard America fans, there's "Emma", "Goodbye Highway" and "Now Sue." Gerry, however,pushes into new teritory with "Playing God", "International" and the title track "Van Go Gan", just to name a few. This is a CD that was made to be played over and over again. Oh, by the way, there is a new version of "I Need You" here that I found quite interesting.

Van Go Gan. Gerry Beckley, the silky smooth singer of such hits as "Sister Golden Hair" and "I Need You" turns in a terrific solo debut. It is obvious from the quality of the songs and performances that Beckley put a lot of thought and effort into this record. America's best albums were the seven studio albums they did for Warner Bros Records, and their commercial appeal reached its peak when America began working with Beatles producer George Martin. In 1977, America went through some major changes starting with the departure of Dan Peek. They departed Warners for Capitol and their final album with George Martin was their first as a duo, Silent Letter (1979). Although Silent Letter was a fine album, Beckley and Dewey Bunnell never seemed to be able to make up for the loss of Peek. Seemingly, there was a synergy that went with him.

The 14 tracks on Van Go Gan are top quality. Beckley has avoided creating a synthetic sounding record. Van Go Gan has a richly organic sound and tasteful arrangements. He breaks some new ground particularly with "Playing God" which features a hilarious televangelist appearance from the late Phil Hartmann. Hartmann's association with America goes back to the days when he was a graphics designer. (He designed the cover for their best selling History album). Perhaps Beckley saved these songs over the years knowing that an artist only has one chance to create a first impression. If this album had been out in the days when standard rock and roll songs made the charts, there would have been several big hits. It's such a shame that newer records by traditional rock and roll artists never get a chance on today's radio. At any rate, get this record while you still can.

Best cuts: "Playing God", "Goodbye Highway", and "Van Go Gan". The only annoying thing about the album is the two (but mercifully brief) spoken intros on two of the songs by someone in a hokey British accent.

I can't say enough good things about this CD...You'll be hooked after the first song. Gerry's voice just draws you in and makes you want more. Buy it!!

America fans will love this release from Gerry Beckley. For those of us who thirst for that America sound, this is a real "gift." Good stuff! After two listen-throughs, I was hooked.

I really liked this CD. While it was hardly noticed in the US, it was a hit in Japan, where it was named one of the top 10 CDs of the year. The songs here cover a wide range from lite pop to classic rock. It is Beatlesque! Best songs are Goodbye Highway, Emma, and Van Go Gan. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!!!

Many listeners to Van Go Gan assume that the British-accented voice that opens up "Emma" with "Hello there... Hello Gerry" is actually someone playing a joke by putting on a fake British accent. It turns out that the accent is authentic. The voice belongs to an older British lady named Di Farrelly, who kept up a unique correspondence with Gerry for many years. Although she lived a normal life, she saw herself as a closet singer, and occasionally sent Gerry tapes of her work laced with various comments and observations about life.

Some time before this album came out, Gerry found out that Ms. Farrelly had passed away. Her introductory line on Van Go Gan is a way of giving her a certain recognition after all those years. Subsequently, Gerry and producer Bobby Woods released the single "Heaven Is Very Beautiful," which contains additional material from Ms. Farrelly mixed in with a musical background.

A very strong album from one of the leaders of the 70's rock group America. This album contains some undiscovered treasures. It not only recalls his America roots, but also sounds Beatlesque at times, not surprising considering Beckley worked with Beatles producer Sir George Martin for most of the 70s. Several songs on this album should have been hits including "Emma", "Goodbye Highway", and "Kiss of Life". This is an excellent CD, highly recommended!

GERRY BECKLEY has been making music as a founding partner w/AMERICA for over 30 years. AMERICA continues on recording & touring as they have for 3 decades. This is GERRY's solo debut & it is magnificent ! The songs are all GERRY. He includes a souped up version of his classic song I NEED YOU. All other songs on this disc are new & original. The songs are very insightful, very thoughtful. This is a must have for all humans !