#gerrybeckley

Ventura Highway is the opening track to the band’s second studio album; Homecoming. It is the first song I knowingly listened to by the band and was instantly captivated by the beautiful, unforgettable acoustic guitar lick and the soft, harmonising vocals.

If I can create a complex, vivid story and/or environment for a song in my mind’s eye, I know I have found a good song. When listening to Ventura Highway, I’m transported to a warm 70s summer’s evening. Something I love about this song is that I feel it’s a perfect ‘driving’ song. I can picture myself sat in an open topped car, feeling a warm, but gentle breeze as I drive along an empty road, into the sunset.

The 3 acoustic guitars are largely to thank for creating such a warmth to the song. In a live performance from 1975, guitarist Dan Peek is seen playing a twelve string which explains the beauty of the ‘full’ sound of the guitars. Dewey Bunnell’s soft vocals compliment the song perfectly, gliding beautifully over and in between Gerry Beckley and Peek’s harmonising leaping licks. Of course, the 3 way harmonies cannot be forgotten. It’s as if they’re the final piece to the puzzle; ending in an utterly timeless, unforgettable piece of music which I find myself returning to often.

~Photo sources (from blogs) below~

https://classic-r3tr0.tumblr.com/post/20892027847/great-fucking-music

https://retrostarwars.com/post/177007230085/cause-the-free-wind-is-blowin-through-your-hair