DREAMLIKE!| FIRST TIME HEARING America - Venture Highway REACTION

[@Reshyrah]

America is so underrated in my opinion, honestly their melodies and harmonies are right up there with Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Some other incredible songs by them are "I Need You," "Only In Your Heart," "Tin Man," "To Each Their Own," and "Sister Golden Hair" which became a radio staple.

[@tonysmith7702]

Underrated?. Where have you been?. Under a rock. Back in the 70s they had hit after hit and even in the 80s they had hits.

[@vspikeog1000]

America is better than crosby stills and nash.....way better!!

[@Reshyrah]

You'd be surprised Tony. Radio stations especially have only ever propped up CSNY. Some even going as far as calling America just a pale imitator. 99 percent of the time "A Horse With No Name" and "Sister Golden Hair" are the only songs that receive radio play. So no, I don't live under a rock but today's generation has zero interest in their parents' "dinosaur bands."

[@bookhouseboy280]

@@Reshyrah Hmm..."Tin Man" and "Ventura Highway" were big hits and among their most played on radio, even last decade when I occasionally still turned it on. It's unlikely that George Martin would've chosen to be their producer if they were merely a CSN/Y clone. That's lazy criticism, an ill-informed view held by those who never actually listened beyond some of their earliest songs when they were still developing their style and hadn't always transcended their influences. These guys were more direct and less jazzy than CSN/Y with a strong pop sensibility and inventive arrangements.

[@slimlouis6441]

Underrated. Hmm. Not when I lived thru the 70s and 80s. They are part of the sonic fabric of that era. Iconic. Bigger bands bigger successes more play don’t make other acts less important or influential.

[@TheJimmiececil]

The writer of Ventura Highway, Dewey Bunnell, explained: "The “alligator lizards in the air” came from another actual memory of living in California. My brother and I used to catch lizards and snakes all the time. There is an actual animal here called an alligator lizard. But this was also referring to a cloud formation, a shape. A long cloud that reminded me of an alligator lizard."

[@commentatron]

Thank goodness! I thought it was an LSD/DMT-type reference.

[@kenmercer8112]

I thought they were just having some of that moonshine while writing the song!

[@davidhowell7279]

I grew up in a small town just east of San Diego. We had lots of snakes and lizards as well. And yes, we had had one that we called alligator lizards. They were pretty feisty and a pretty good bite. When this song came out, I really loved that part. Yeah, I figured it was cloud formations. Back before video games and cellphones we actually used our imaginations and looked at the sky. So many great songs from them.

[@greglegakis4177]

That was my guess, cloud formations,but I wasn't sure. Good call.

[@ericrussell8463]

@@davidhowell7279 DID YOU GO TO MURRAY MANOR ?

[@coreym0]

I'd give the original version a listen. It's similar, but just sounds better to me than the 40th edition where their voices sound a little older.

[@brendaperkins663]

Sounds almost like it's dragging

[@asticou]

Exactly!!!! Can't beat the original. This sounds weird to me.

[@williamwilson9371]

Couldn’t agree more. The original is one of my all time favorites by them

[@blkwlf]

Can’t even listen to this version. So bad from Apple tinkering

[@dreamweaver8913]

I wondered why this sounded off. Thank you for mentioning this.

[@Shrykespeare]

Three down, so many more to go. "Sister Golden Hair" is a classic. "Lonely People", "Tin Man", "I Need You", and "Daisy Jane" are also wonderful songs. Thanks for reacting!

[@Bekka_Noyb]

I 2nd Sister Golden Hair!

[@bookhouseboy280]

Don't forget Sandman

[@AlabasterJazz]

Don't forget The last Unicorn, pretty sure that was America.

[@karenduell1027]

@@Bekka_Noyb I third Sister Golden Hair, which is my favorite by them but this one is a close second.

[@m.vondrake5534]

THESE ☝️ just to name a few. This is one of the bands you can start from the beginning and never have to stop. Every song is a homerun.

[@caseymoe816]

My boy Jay!!! Caught the “purple rain” reference!! Way to go. Amber you’ll like this too: I read that Prince loved this song and credits America for the inspiration behind HIS “Purple Rain.”Can so picture Prince kickin’ back in the day listening to this and hearing that line, studying the melodies and harmonies, and storing the phrase away for another day. So good!🔥🤙

[@gurulimbo]

Did not know that! Cool info! Thanks! Prince was The Man!

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

Please provide a link because Prince never said that as far as I know.

[@Verlopil]

@@Cosmo-Kramer There are 2 articles that are referred to as sources for this on Wiki, but it does not link directly to them, though they may be on the internet archive. So it's quite possibly true but we cant read the source unless someone does the legwork.

[@gurulimbo]

The track marked the emergence of Prince as rock royalty, and served as a bold rebuke to his detractors. Three years earlier, he had been subjected to vociferous abuse by a hostile, racist LA crowd, who baulked at seeing a playfully epicene, black performer open for The Rolling Stones. Now here he was delivering an arena hit for the ages: a rock anthem devoid of machismo, a power ballad stripped of schmaltzy histrionics. Pervasive throughout is an almost numinous gospel spirit, one that dismantled any false dichotomies between “black” soul music and “white” guitar-led rock. Yet “Purple Rain” was initially conceived as a country-inflected duet with Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks, who turned it down, claiming Prince’s vision for the song was “too much” for her. All that’s left of its country origins is its evocative title - which Prince lifted from the song “Ventura Highway” by the folk-rock group America, of anonymous-horse riding fame. ig.ft.com/life-of-a-song/purple-rain.html

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

@@gurulimbo Thanks for the link. Of course this doesn't even provide a quote from Prince about the song's name. The writer here is merely saying that Prince "lifted" the title from America. Well where did the writer hear that? Did he ever hear Prince say it, or was he just making an assumption based on the peculiarity of the phrase, that Prince *must have* gotten from the America song? My contention stands that Prince never said he got it from, "Ventura Highway", even though it seems clear that he did. But Prince talked glowingly about his influences, like The Stylistics whom he covered. But never mentioned America AFAIK.

[@garyechols9458]

1976, I'm riding a R75/5 Beemer, my buddy on a Bonny 750 on a road trip on Venture HWY. When I hear this song I close my eyes and I'm there.

[@ericoswald8089]

This is one of Janet Jackson's favorite songs. She said she loved driving along the actual Ventura Highway by herself listening to this song. She said it was her "escape song." She had always wanted to do a cover of this song, but what she ended up doing was sampling this song in her song "Someone To Call My Lover."

[@bobbimc13]

Love love this song. Lived in Los Angeles when it was popular and I knew Ventura Highway quite well. God, such memories!! How can you not love it! Summer, wind and sand and ocean.

[@loritajohnson5664]

Nice to hear of your memories...it's such a crazy world these days. The song gives me nice memories of my childhood when this song was playing on the radio.

[@deborahbishop3300]

I AM SO LUCKY TO HAVE MY TEENAGE YEARS IN THE 70’S ! LOVE THE 70’S ! ❤️

[@loritajohnson5664]

@@deborahbishop3300 Me too!!

[@hudsonhollow]

You won't find a bad America song. Beautiful, easy listening.

[@angier5775]

I love America! I hope you like this one as much as I do!

[@deborahbishop3300]

I DO ! ❤️

[@OneLazy99]

Yes from Germany

[@magnabaddelta-thriller5603]

Love the group and the song (by Simon and Garfunkel)

[@cindiherriott3259]

I’ve listened to this song literally thousands of times. Would put it in when driving on Ventura highway. Such good memories. I’m SO HAPPY you two have really gotten into our music. You’ll be playing it the rest of your lives, and it will always make you happy!

[@OldPapaBear]

Yes Cindi, these are good memories. I was fortunate enough to live in Isla Vista (IV) in the 70's. This was a beautiful stretch of highway. People tended to lean heavy on the gas pedal. But to wind along the coast with the ocean view of the islands and the clean ocean air blowing in was just amazing.

[@dggydddy59]

How did you not notice it's not the original version of the song then?? I don't know what this is but it certainly is not America doing this song in 1972 like the original.

[@cathyortiz1280]

Janet Jackson years later had a hit song, "Someone to call my lover" that used this songs riff as a sample. It's also a great song. Alligator Lizards are native to CA & they'll jump.

[@allieren]

“Alligator lizards in the air;” when I was working an assignment in Sonoma County, California I’d see those all the time sunning themselves on my porch. Tried to catch one but they’re speedy little things. This song has such California vibes. I thought you guys might like it 😊 It’s definitely a summer playlist staple. Edit: I think I read that they were referencing animal shapes in the clouds with that alligator lizard lyric. It’s just a memory the writer had from watching clouds while driving down the coast.

[@markgraves6230]

Where did you live in Sonoma County? I grew up in Petaluma,Ca.

[@shellymarquez9320]

Grew up in Pinole, CA myself! Hey neighbors!❤

[@backhammer1]

Great reaction to a 70's classic.This version must be a remastered version. When you have time,listen to the original studio version.I personally think it sounds better.Keep up the great reactions!

[@montag4516]

It sounds more like a re-recorded version from the 1980's. Thin and glossed over with too much polish and effects.

[@jackie_jrml]

Yeah I really did not like this version at all. I was all thrown off. Lol

[@lisarainbow9703]

I noticed the difference, too. this version sounds hollow, compared to the original..

[@dreamweaver8913]

Yeah, this version is messed up. Drags and cuts in and out. What a drag.

[@MN_Cozy]

Agree!!!

[@MichaelBrown-vp1ye]

Saw them in concert in 2006 or 07, and gotta say, it was probably one of the best concerts I've been to. Played every song they ever did, and were very friendly. They even came out after the show and hung out at the merch tables to talk to the fans. Just a class act all around.

[@willowthegood9035]

For harmonies - Seals & Crofts "Hummingbird"

[@steveguillermo9652]

One of the best songs ever and part of the soundtrack of our lives...

[@Jagangela]

Another favorite American song..."SHE CAN DO MAGIC"

[@grievousangelic]

My favorite America song. Great song by a great band. Also try "Sister Golden Hair" and "Lonely People." Such great singers and musicians. Love the reaction. Peace!

[@onionhead5780]

Sister Golden Hair is my fav

[@jameswilt2111]

Also my favorite. Just a great song, Nostalgia, and that just take me away feeling. The first time I heard it on the radio, as soon as it was over I wanted to hear it again. I really like songs that make you feel a certain way.

[@vickielewallen3799]

I'll never forget hearing this once while driving on the Ventura freeway, back when traffic was not heavy. The day was absolutely beautiful, and i wanted the song and the drive to go on forever.

[@VIDSTORAGE]

Sandman is a rock vibe that is rare for their style and a true gem ..

[@brentcox7772]

Saw them in Norman, OK. In ‘77!! Awesome! “Lonely People” is my favorite!!🤘🔥

[@yuvonnemoore5466]

Born and raised in Southern California and Ventura Highway is an actual Highway here and we do have alligator lizards, lol! This song makes me think of just warm sunny summertime in California ❤ it really brings back memories and puts a smile on my face 😊

[@ohjoy6]

Yes!! America had so many great songs, and this is one of their best.

[@TB-mk3fq]

Love America so much, love this song (especially the original version).

[@andymageen5308]

The very first time I drove on the Ventura Highway (I34) this song came on the radio. Blue skies, fluffy clouds and 84 degrees. The volume went up and the windows came down. Every time I hear it again I can remember that beautiful moment. ✌️

[@Perfect_Blend]

Also, "Tin Man", "Lonely People", "Sister Golden Hair", "You Can Do Magic". These guys and Seals And Crofts back in the day......OH YEAH!!!!

[@karenlackner192]

I feel truly blessed that I grew up with this kind of music as a kid in the 70’s. What was once deemed Adult Contemporary is now called Yacht Rock.

[@DaveM-FFB]

Oh wow! Just out of college, I saw America in concert, under the stars, on a beautiful summer night. A first date!

[@aaron-naomiharding4495]

My grandparents loved in Orange County when I was younger. We lived just north of Santa Barbara. Every weekend we would drive down the 1 into the 5. This song always reminds me of those days past. Now that my grandpa has passed, this song means so much more. We bacana best friends during the last years of his life.

[@deborahbishop3300]

AWWW ! ☺️

[@RedBud315]

It was the reverse for me in the 70's. I grew up in Hollywood and my grandmother lived in Santa Barbara. Almost every weekend we went up the 101 through Ventura. One of the memorable spots was going over the hill down into Camarillo and the line of Eucalyptus trees that divided the highway that are now gone. Near Ventura there was the Big Yellow House restaurant that I always wanted to go to. When you got into S.B. you had traffic lights for a few blocks. I still try to stop at the original location of The Habit burger place in Goleta whenever going through the area.

[@deborahbishop3300]

@@RedBud315 SOUNDS AMAZING !

[@stephencolligan]

I envy you so much …..hearing beautiful songs like this for the first time. I heard someone say this song makes them feel nostalgic for something they never had ..which I thought was great

[@surlechapeau]

J/Amber, you'll love their "Sister Golden Hair" and "Tin Man" !!!

[@debbiedebster5806]

Sister Golden Hair!♥️

[@brianmcmaster5112]

Sister Golden Hair is my favorite song by them,Easy.

[@marymays8846]

Yes to the TINMAN 🔥🔥🔥

[@bookhouseboy280]

Yep. Tin Man live '75 even better than original.

[@wallacewhipps1206]

Dewey Bunnell, the song's vocalist and writer has said that the lyric "alligator lizards in the air" in the song is a reference to the shapes of clouds in the sky he saw in 1963 while his family was driving down the coast.

[@markbarnwell942]

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. I think i first heard this when i was 12-13 in 72 and 73. The guitar intro is so good all of it is just so good. I hope yall enjoy. Be interesting to hear from you both about your top fives that you have found on your journey.

[@Laniefj]

Such a great song to have all the 70's vibe feels. Alligator lizards in the sky was from him being a little boy looking at clouds in the sky.

[@Cynthia...]

America is one of my favourite groups they have so so many great songs!

[@alanlucio3442]

My brother gave me this album for Christmas 1 year.... Great memory

[@chrisguevara]

"Ah...Come on Joe...You can always change your name". One of my favorite lyrics ever!!!

[@jaycorby]

😉

[@minxiv7]

This has one of my all time favourite guitar riffs ❤ I love this song! This is a road trip must for my playlist. America did the soundtrack to one of my childhood favourite films, The Last Unicorn

[@karicastanza5216]

One of my fav movies, too! I have the CD of the soundtrack. I don't own the movie anymore, though.

[@jaycorby]

Minix That guitar riff is my ring tone! I get a lot of smiles out in public when my phone 'blows up'.

[@minxiv7]

@@jaycorby it’s just beautiful and joyful to me at the same time ❤

[@minxiv7]

@@karicastanza5216 ❤ I still love that movie too! It had a lot of big name actors in it at the time and, of course, America did the whole soundtrack. My husband bought it for me back when we were dating (on DVD) but I can remember watching it as a kid on laser disc at my grandparents house 😂

[@tomsebastiao978]

​@@jaycorby Check out Janet's sampling the riff on some to call..kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGPbfaCedtRnhKc

[@magneto7930]

You just can't go wrong with America! You need to check out Sister Golden Hair or Tin Man.

[@cspaikido]

First time I ever heard the term "Purple Rain" used in a song.

[@librarylady13]

Wonderful song! Haven't heard it in a long time. Thanks! 🥰 Try "Sister Golden Hair", "Lonely People", "Tin Man" and "I Need You".

[@siridh1]

Just ran across a song you need to hear, Greg Lake (from Emerson Lake and Palmer) - From the Beginning. Beautiful!

[@deantait8326]

If you guys don’t LOVE this song, there’s something wrong. IMO their Best Song ! Thanks

[@jaycorby]

Dean Tait I think so ,too! I left a comment a few minutes ago saying that the guitar riff heard throughout this song is the ring tone on my cell phone. Incidentally, I've never been to California - grew up in the Appalachian Mts.

[@TexasMagnolia]

We were so blessed! Imagine? Turning on the radio and you’ve got: America, Eagles, Bread, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Jim Croce, James Taylor….

[@pattyestrada6]

LOVE LOVE this song. You definitely need to check out more America. “Daisy Jane” is a personal favorite of mine. Also, can we get more Jim Croce please “Operator (Thats Not The Way It Feels)”

[@frederickgallegos2047]

Yes, definitely more Jim Croce! "Operator" is my favorite song from him. Reminds me of a very personal situation.😥😞

[@kenhayhurst374]

I'm always up for Croce. I was singing "Operator" today while doing some work. Also thought of "Roller Derby Blues"

[@elegantirony78]

This song is probably the epitome of the mid 70s California soft rock. Sister Golden Hair is really good

[@michaelparsons5299]

America wrote beautiful easy listening songs. This is one of my favourties from them, amongst many gems! Wonderful!

[@johnnyg632]

I love when I watch people find and appreciate music that I’ve loved and has been part of my life for decades. It’s making a connection with strangers. Connecting through music. It’s a beautiful thing.

[@JackPeters-yk9wg]

This is one of my favorite groups..this was my era...This is my favorite song by them...stellar gold!

[@brucevidito4923]

I only got to see them once in 1982 and that's when I was in the Air Force stationed at Aviano Air Force Base in Italy. What a great concert !

[@Kevin-py7hb]

Had the pleasure to see them in 2017 in a small venue here in LA.. Been a huge fan of theirs since the 70's. So many great songs and what a performance up close and personal. One of my favorites is Sister Golden Hair and Daisy Jane. At the end of the show, I was able to meet the band backstage for a "quick meet and greet/handshakes". I was a little star struck for a few minutes I might say. Took some great video on my phone, which I visit from time to time. Love your channel guys.. Keep discovering great music. Remember, music will ALWAYS bring people together!!!!!!!

[@donjackson5522]

Takes me back. When I was a kid, we would vacation in the Pocono mountains with some of my parents’ friends. Sitting up late in the cabin, playing cards and listening to America, Steeley Dan, Jefferson Starship, Fleetwood Mac, whatever cassettes the adults had in their cars. Now I need to call my mother.

[@kmach1000]

One of my favorite bands ever. Great harmonies! I've been listening to them a lot lately... "Tin man" is a great song too.

[@merlball8520]

THIS is an iconic song. I sing it in the car pretty much every time I drive down Ventura Highway (or even just driving toward Ventura). I had the lyrics near memorized from the first couple times I heard it. And yet, to this day I never get the lyrics 100% right. Hah. Thank you for another fun reaction video. A couple recommendations: Petula Clark, "I Couldn't Live Without Your Love"; The Vogues, "Turn Around, Look at Me"

[@inkey2]

When I was in high school this group was SOOO BIG, Played on the radio night and day.

[@petercourtien4581]

Yes! My favorite America song!😊❤️

[@caseyhazelman2390]

I agree!

[@Rocksider2525]

Man, you guys have the most addictive review channel. Theres alot of em out there but I gave up all of em but you. Much appreciated. I know almost everything you review but its great because Im reminded of bands I forgot about. I end up going out on my patio, opening a beer and binging on the artist you share. Much thanks.

[@peterwalsh2470]

This is the 40th Anniversary version, not the original. It's just a thing with me but I always have a problem with re-do's or re-mixes so I can't vibe to this. The original however is fire.

[@stevetanner3019]

“Sister Golden Hair” is a total classic. You’ll love it too

[@donnagonatas3155]

The alligator and lizards in the air I think are clouds. I forget who wrote this because as a boy he was on a rode trip with his family and they got a flat tire. He wrote of things on the ride. I picture him laying in the grass looking up at the clouds.

[@bertmoss7791]

Correct!

[@Another_User_Name_]

Love these 70's soft rock songs. They remind me of my childhood.

[@Wordsmyth8]

This version is slightly different than the single version that was played on the radio. As for alligator lizards in the air, all I’ll say is this group - after their first album - were not known for their lyrics particularly making sense. For your next song, I would suggest more from their first album, including Three Roses, Sandman and Donkey Jaw. All gave beautiful acoustic guitar work.

[@gershman23]

It's different than the album version (which the single version is as shorter iteration of), and unfortunately doesn't portray the sheer stellar-ness of this song. Amber and Jay, Here is a link to the appropriate version. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpCXYmp-hc-JfKs

[@robynsmith3040]

America always brings back memories of driving across the country back in the mid 70s.❤

[@msmrsro]

LOOOOOOVE this song! Especially after it was used in a pivotal scene of our favorite TV show, Veronica Mars.

[@brettm2460]

Janet Jackson samples the beginning guitar part from this song (“Someone to Call My Lover”) and it’s awesome!

[@colleenmonfross4283]

One of my all time favorite bands. We were so blessed to have the music we did in the 70's, it was so creative and diverse and REAL!

[@theodoreritola7641]

Wish i could go back to 1970 , And be a teen again ..

[@catherinedouglas8049]

Oh how I miss the the 70's! Some of the best times and music when I was in my twenties. This 70 year old lady loves your videos. Keep them coming!

[@teresagorden5984]

I was 17 driving in California Highways first time so can relate. We had this in car was an 8 track tape bilayer and listened to America's harmonies as well as Moody Blues, Doobie Brothers, Pink Floyd, Yds, Heart Steely Dan , Fleetwood Mac Loggins &Messina and Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis, Paul Horn, for a little Jazz Was All was Good. M3 and my Soul Mate. Bliss

[@jaycorby]

Teresa Gorden Now u'r talkin'!

[@jeffreyabbey7817]

I loved this group and these songs were a staple on AM radio in the early 70’s. Did you know that they were from Britain? Three founding members were stationed in Britain when they were in the USA Air Force.

[@danniellewonser9583]

Just a HELLO from sunny California!! I love y'all so much,I start my day off every day with ur channel!! Ur my absolute favorite reactors!! I've been here since y'all first started! Great song,my mom used to play this! I was a teenager in the mid 80's, I always want to say oh Amber your mom and I grew up at the same time and we listen to the same music! I was definitely an 80s girl dressed like Madonna with an attitude to match! :-) keep up the good work we love you so much.. ❤️❤️ Dannie ❤️❤️

[@jennyleedanks-iq9mx]

This is one of my favorite songs by them

[@ricknblueridge]

I get goosebumps every time at the beginning of this song.

[@italoblu]

Same, and it always makes me think of Janet Jackson.

[@reneestes6254]

It doesn’t get any better than the music of America! They’re amazing musicians and songwriters! Pure talent! “All My Life” is one of my favorites ever by them. Very sweet.

[@leehanson1416]

The guitar riff is actually two guitars in harmony. If you have headphones in, you can hear one in the left and one on the right.

[@jaycorby]

Awesome! Never noticed that.

[@stevendelmenico7318]

One of my favorite concerts was seeing America at the "Palace Theater" Providence RI in 1973. A great place for a concert. I agree with all the songs mentioned, here's another one to add to the list if it wasn't mentioned yet "Don't Cross the River". Yea I enjoyed the 70's

[@laurakali6522]

Gotta love songs that have a feel to them.

[@scorpius6568]

This song takes me back. got a challenge for you. Back in the early seventies when I was young before I really knew what FM was. I used to walk around with a little transistor radio handheld listening to AM radio. You should try it it gives you a certain ambience, for certain sounds that goes along with music like this it puts you in a state of mind. The kind of state of mind that this music promotes. You should try sometime it will be a moment. Love this song.

[@rayeckert242]

The only option on MY transistor radio was AM. When I was five, I remember vividly, searching through the junk drawer for that little square battery which would bring that tin can sound to life. The first song I could tune in was a snappy number from an English combo. You may know them as The Fab Four. I would trade a handsome sum to hear those Liverpool dudes on THAT radio today!

[@lindastarr4699]

America is so underrated. Two songs remind me of my older sister, JoAnn, Sister Golden Hair and Daisy Jane. She loved both songs and she loved the band, Bread. I miss her so much!

[@Citizenesse8]

LOVE this song. Jay I like the doodly doot door do part too. As soon as that guitar opens up I am just enthralled in the song. It's funny because I think of this song as a great gentle move around song like ride your bike or go for a walk or go to the park and roll down a hill or something like you used to when you were a kid something with a breeze and a beautiful sky.

[@827dusty]

This is just one of many great songs by this 70s Band. Love these guys.

[@theodoreritola7641]

Looks like you stayed in the 70s ALL 3 Songs Tonight ..10 12 2022 , Thanks Rob Squad

[@mikec3853]

70's soft rock! From Canada-"Wildflower" by Skylark, "Stay Awhile" by The Bells- back to the United States for Odyssey and the amazing sounds on"Our Lives Are Shaped By What We Love" on Motown's short lived sister label Mowest.

[@myownchannel247]

This is not the original version which is better, also better sound quality. Still love this song and band. Try their song Lonely People... or Tin Man

[@patriciapruitt2060]

I love Ventura highway! It was so mystical whenI visited it at 16.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

I Wouldn't Say That This Is The Best Recording Of This Classic.

[@billcarralero7281]

From Wikipedia: “Dewey Bunnell, the song's vocalist and writer, has said that the lyric "alligator lizards in the air" in the song is a reference to the shapes of clouds in the sky he saw in 1963 while his family was driving down the coast from Vandenberg Air Force Base near Lompoc, California, where they had a flat tire. While his father changed the tire, he and his brother stood by the side of the road, watched the clouds, and saw a road sign for Ventura.”

[@nancywengert7301]

Since you love harmonies try the Association- "Never My Love", "Cherish", "Windy", "Everything That Touches You" and "Along Comes Mary" are a few of their hits.

[@laurin4405]

Indeed.... Assoc. is SO Chill

[@stang7342]

Definitely!!!

[@stevesilva2780]

A long time ago when I was nineteen, a group consisting of myself and some friends went camping along the Klamath River in Southern Oregon. Anyway, one of the spots we camped at was along the rocky shoreline of the river. There were trees/bushes that weren't very tall, and the day was extremely hot. We noticed that among the trees were these lizards that would jump and soar through the air from branch to branch. They seemed to be everywhere. Eventually we also noticed the location contained a lot of rather sizable rattlesnakes, so we got the heck out and went swimming somewhere else. But over the years, that lyric: "Alligator lizards in the air" always reminds me of that place.

[@caseyhazelman2390]

Yeah Jay that guitar lick is wonderful. I’m a fan of these lyrics too.

[@williamharris5598]

Spring 1973, my favorite song!

[@Schrimpieman]

Wow!! Haven't heard this in decades. Brings back nostalgic memories of days long passed... nice ones !

[@RuthKing-wm9nw]

Dazed. Their sound let you forget your stress even if for a while. So happy I'm a 60s/70s person. Our music is the best!

[@beachdiva9586]

Absolutely!

[@dionshare7103]

Another good classic band. America is underrated.

[@skinmeister1]

America is sooo cool, they are such a vibe!!! Try "Sister Golden Hair" from them next, Amber and Jay, you'll love!

[@realbser1956]

Alligator lizards are clouds. People always try to see shapes in the clouds. ☁️☁️

[@Stoney_Snark]

I literally took the Ventura Highway to go see America several years ago. I also saw them way back in the late 70s. Great song, thanks for the share!

[@kimwallace907]

I’ve seen them live at least ten times. They are SO good! Keep digging into them, Sister Golden Hair, I Need You, or go 80s with You Can Do Magic!

[@gkiferonhs]

According to an old interview: The “alligator lizards in the air” came from another actual memory of living in California. My brother and I used to catch lizards and snakes all the time. There is an actual animal here called an alligator lizard. But this was also referring to a cloud formation, a shape. A long cloud that reminded me of an alligator lizard.

[@gurulimbo]

Those Harmonies are what does it for me too! Them and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young! “Helplesly Hoping” or “Wooden Ships” would be good..

[@jaycorby]

gurulimbo Ahhhh! Pure nectar! I own every song they wote, sang and recorded - CSN & Y

[@TheDivayenta]

Horse With No Name is my favorite by them.