Search - Michael Nesmith :: Wichita Train Whistle Sings

Wow!

Cletus J. "Bubba" Huckabee Jr. | Chesterfield County | 01/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Now if you ask me, and fans of obscure side projects often do, this here album is probably one of the most obscure of the obscure side projects I know if. It is also a pleasure to hear.



Michael Nesmith is a genius and deserves to be stuffed and mounted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland when he ultimately joins Ricky Nelson in that Garden Party in the Sky. I don't write that to slight Mr. Nesmith in any fashion and I hope not any of ya'll take it that way... but like Einstein's brain was pickled and kept in a Mason Jar after his demise, Nesmith ought to be kept as well.



This here album is a gem. Buy it and see what was going on in his head way back in 1967 when he was still wearing them wool caps in the middle of summer."

Genre splicing and...early mashups?

Great Caesar's Ghost | New York, NY | 11/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We all know Nes invented MTV, but did he invent the mashup too? Do I hear hints of "Theme From A Summer Place" running through "Papa Gene's Blues?" This whole album is peppered with funny musical quotes and clichés.



If you really "get" HEAD, you'll get this. It's a tribute to schmaltz. Nesmith took his finely-crafted songs and squeezed them through the psychedelicized Hollywood machine and wound up with some startling grotesques.



Elaborate almost to vulgarity (rococo, really,) mockingly humorous and loads of fun. He was a young King-Of-The-World and he indulged the excesses afforded him. Why not? Wouldn't you?



To enjoy this album you simply have to put aside all your preconceptions of what a Monkee is supposed to sound like and luxuriate in this feast of divers delicacies.



Amazing! ...and for the stouthearted, perfect. In other words, you just may NOT be the one!"

Monkee Stubs Toe in Fall From Tree

Richard E. Jandrow | Worcester, Massachusetts | 08/01/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard this concept album as a rush release single from Dot Records. I was so impressed with the single "Don't Cry Now" that I could barely wait for the album. It was definitely a Bluegrass Banjo, with a rock drum, then followed by a 51 piece "heavy" orchestra. Unbelievably unique at the time.



The album, however, was disappointing in that there were no more cuts the same as this. Each cut was a little bit different.



"Nine Times Blue" begins with a classical organ opening similar to "The Phantom of the Opera," then goes into drums and horns.........wierd. This was probably the first attempt at lead drums as in Rap.



"Carlisle Wheeling" comes across as a soundtrack from a movie... I can just see the opening credits, and hear the big horns.



"Tapioca Tundra" sounds like the closing credits.......again with the lead drums.



"Don't Call On Me" shades of pop with full orchestra and no chorus, along with a 40's insert of sound.



"Don't Cry Now" is, as I've already said, great and unique.



" While I Cried" tends to go into an almost semi-classical pathway.



"You Just May Be The One" and the marching band complete with whistles and heavy rock Guitar? Different



"Sweet Young Thing" finds our beloved banjo being chased by the orchestra and full marching band as they run for the victory and the cup.



"You Told Me" Begins with a James Bond opening style, followed by disco, a little Dixieland and rock thrown in...



Quite a unique trip around the world in just one CD.



I was disappointed only because I'm really not into instrumentals and I was looking for the vocal event that never happens. This should, however, be a must for the student of Rock 'n' Roll. Like the fellow says, a little crowded in the orchestra pit, but interesting.



"