Search - Michael Nesmith :: 16 Original Classics

The Classic First National Band Years

Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 07/04/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Nesmith has always been a favorite of mine and I have all of his original material on vinyl. Only in the past couple years have I tried to replace it on CD and realized what a difficult task this was. Getting entire albums was almost impossible, so I settled for any compilation I could get my hands on. This latest compilation from Collectables is a nice collection, but unfortunately overlaps with others that have been available for some time. Ten of these tracks are on "Listen to the Band" (which has a generous 22 tracks), three of these are on "Masters" (which has 20 tracks), and 13 of these tracks are on the two-fer "Magnetic South/Loose Salute" (which has 21 tracks).So here's what you get:1.) All 11 tracks from his first (and arguably best) album "Magnetic South," including his only Top 40 hit "Joanne." These are all Nesmith originals except the lovely "One Rose," the gorgeous "Beyond the Blue Horizon," and the 21-second Red Rhodes instrumental "First National Rag." The late Red Rhodes and his steel guitar playing was an integral part of Nesmith's sound throughout his entire recording career.2.) Two tracks from Nesmith's second album "Loose Salute." The minor hit "Silver Moon" and "Lady of the Valley." This second album is nearly as excellent as the first, and it's puzzling why only two tracks were included. 3.) Three tracks from his third album "Nevada Fighter." This was Nesmith's third album in less than two years, and while it is billed as a First National Band album, it would be the last--and several session players were used to complete the album. The tracks included here are "Here I Am," the title track, and a wonderful cover of the classic "Tumbling Tumbleweeds." The biggest disappointment is that it did not also include "Propinquity (I've Just Begun to Care)."With so much overlap among these different releases, it's difficult to recommend one over the other; but this is excellent music and you can't go wrong in beginning to build your Nesmith collection here. [Note: Nesmith has retained the publishing rights to all of his music and he is the only one selling his original albums through his own Pacific Arts label. If you're interested, check out his website.] RECOMMENDED"

It's not Brooks or Strait...

desertskies | Phoenix, Arizona USA | 07/18/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When I received this CD, I was glad to have a copy of "Joanne"...the rest could be good, but the main purpose was to listen to "Joanne". After the first listen, I was hooked. Nesmith was (and probably still is) into the traditional country sound. Nothing at all close to Garth or George.To this writer, "Joanne" still is and will be, the epitome of Nesmith country. After hearing "The Crippled Lion" and his rendition of "Tumbling Tumbleweeds", it's difficult to understand why he was NOT considered a mainstream country singer on mainstream country radio.A bonafide country album that I would like to compare with Asleep at the Wheel. If you'd prefer good down home country harmonies, this is the one to play. If you're more into the likes of the Dixie Chicks and Shania, stay clear...but then again you might be surprised...it's your call.Here's hoping "Nez" is doing fine... . . ."

Michael Nesmith Review

Jack Tiggleman | Zeeland, MI United States | 02/01/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As I titled the review, I am writing a bit about Nes...I own on vinyl "Pretty Much Your Standard Ranch Stash" (the cover which has been used for the "16 Original Classics") and the original Nevada Fighter. I recommend either of these albums if you can find them in their original release format. PMYSRS has only 8 songs on it, but really like "Continuing," and the really bluegrass Uncle Pen. And the yodeling on "Prairie Lullaby" is a nice touch. Nevada Fighter also is a good album. Harry Nilsson's Rainmaker is super good. So is "Propinquity," seemingly listed now as "I've Just Begun to Care." I always enjoyed Michael's songs, even with his stint with the Monkees. Better by far than anything Boyce and Hart wrote for them. Even then, he was doing country-edged music. Closer to "Western" in C & W than today's cookie-cutter C & W artists. If you can find his short-lived summer replacement videos, "Michael Nesmith In Television Parts," get them. There was a song he sang to a little girl (either his real daughter, or an actress portraying her) about a Pink Cadillac. Absolutely great...Just too bad PMYSRS and Nevada Fighter aren't available by themselves. But for the sounds of REAL c&w, buy anything of his."