S.O.D. "Tin Man" by America

7/5/2015      We'll finish the patriotic weekend with a band who named themselves after our country.  Taking the name America was an attempt to keep their nationality concealed.  They didn't want their fans to know they were British trying to sound like an American pop band.  Their success started early with their first self-titled album.  During this time all three multi-instrumentalists were right out of high school and landed a record deal with UK Warner Bros.  

     Only the three original members Gerry Beckley, Dan Peek and Dewey Bunnell who wrote this song are listed as the only members of the group from 1970–present day.  This is due to the band using touring and session musicians to fill in on bass and drums that were never considered members of the band but were credited for their contributions.  

     Their signature sound was all three on acoustic guitar with amazing three-part harmony until much later when they adapted a more rockish sound and Dan Peek began playing Electric guitar on many of the tracks.  Peek left the band in 1977 and a reunion was always talked about but never happened.  And yes this tune has to do with the Wizard of Oz as Bunnell quoted it as his favorite movie.