America is supporting its January release, "Here & Now"--a double-CD package that includes the group's first new material in more than 20 years alongside a live disc of classic hits. The new material, produced by Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne) and James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins), sees Beckley and Bunnell collaborating with Ryan Adams, Ben Kweller, and members of My Morning Jacket, Nada Surf and Maplewood.

A few songs from the record are streaming at America's MySpace page.

Beckley recently told the Los Angeles Times that even though America had radio hits and prestigious concerts in its heyday, the band never completed what he called the "troika" of pop success; it never had street cred. But fans like Schlesinger saw America as singer/songwriter-based music rather than cheesy soft rock.

"To think that we actually influenced some musicians coming up, who are now successful and have great followings, that's really a very flattering thought," Bunnell told the Times.

Even though America has faded from view since its last Top 10 hit, 1982's "You Can Do Magic," the band has continued to release albums and tour the nostalgia concert circuit on the strength of hits including "Horse With No Name," "Ventura Highway," and "Sister Golden Hair."

America has earned six gold and/or platinum-certified albums and a Grammy in its four-decade career, according to a bio on the band's MySpace page. The group issued a comprehensive box set, "Highway," in 2000.