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Post by unomusette on May 15, 2016 19:26:21 GMT
This week I thought I'd let this gentleman loose on you, it's the bobble-hatted guy with the epic sideburns from the Monkees, Mike Nesmith. All of them were accomplished musicians but I think he objected the most at being restrained in their "boy band" roles. Having come across a solo album of his in later years I was really impressed by his knack for a catchy tune, mostly in the country rock vein, usually with clever lyrics and a great vocal performance. Here are some of my favourite tracks: Calico Girlfriend A foot tapper, if you can resist it you're not alive Some of Shelly's BluesMournful and slightly sinister, if you were his girlfriend would you stay? RioBig hit from the '80's and widely quoted as being the first official music video (hello? Bohemian Rhapsody, anyone?). Great song though with a happy atmosphere to make up for the last song. JoanneI adore this song, it's one of my favourites to sing tunelessly along to, it has sort of yodelling and everything. I've also often heard it listed amongst the favourites of several musicians when they are asked to choose, which must mean it has a lot of technical merit which probably goes right over my head. What am I doing hanging round?Not strictly a Nesmith composition but it's a great song sung by the man himself during his Monkees sojourn and it fits well with his solo output. Another brilliant singalong track. Listen to the bandAlmost a pastiche of a country song, it's drawly and uplifting at the same time. Love it. Different DrumAnother fantastic original sounding track, released more famously by Linda Ronstadt. I'll post her version too, it's quite short and the comparison between her version and Mike's proves just what a clever songwriter he was, they are quite different. Hers is sugary and melodic, his is a bit vinegary and cynical. Which is best? You choose. Linda Rondstadt version of Different DrumHope at least some of this proves enjoyable, I've had a great time revisiting it all
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Post by Helmut83 on May 15, 2016 20:24:21 GMT
Let's see what this is about. I hardly know a few songs from the Monkees, so obviously I've heard nothing from Mr. Nesmith. It will be a novelty for me.
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Post by Chippa on May 15, 2016 20:41:58 GMT
Calico Girlfriend – For some reason, this reminds me of Harry Nilsson. I’m digging the steel guitar. Definitely different than anything he did with the Monkees.
Some Of Shelly’s Blues – Straight up country with a Dylanesque twist.
Rio – I remember seeing this video back in the very early days of MTV. Nice hooks, with a laid back tropical feel.
Joanne – He has the Roy Orbison “soaring” quality to his vocals, here. The song itself reminds me a bit of Stephen Stills.
What Am I Doing Hanging Around – Never heard this Monkees song, but it’s catchy.
Listen To The Band – I remember this song being played on one of our local classic rock stations, when I was a little Chippa. I like the big arrangement, but the actual song is kind of lacking.
Different Drum – Never knew he recorded a version of this classic song. I think I still prefer Linda Ronstadt’s cover.
Overall, I give this collection of songs a 7/10. Mike was definitely a great songwriter.
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Post by unomusette on May 15, 2016 20:55:38 GMT
Chippa wins the prize for First and Speediest Review, nice one! Two great things here: The idea of Roy Orbison and Joanne, he could have really done it justice. And the mental picture of Little Chippa, in a little Angus Young schoolboy uniform absorbing good things from the radio. Thanks! I checked to make sure Mike did write Different Drum, his version was probably overshadowed by Ms Ronstadt's as hers is much more commercial and chart-worthy
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Post by jrmugz on May 16, 2016 4:13:52 GMT
Always loved Ronstadt's "Different Drum", by far my fave song of hers. Great song written by Nesmith for sure!
Jim
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Post by 88keys on May 16, 2016 7:10:15 GMT
Fun fact-- Mike Nesmith's mom invented liquid paper,basically assuring his financial security for the rest of his life.
The songs...
The Great
Different Drum Calico Girlfriend Joanne
The Good
Rio Some Of Shelly's Blues Listen To The Band
The Ok What Am I Doing Hanging Around?
By the way, The Monkees have a new album coming out in June. The first single, She Makes Me Laugh, was written by Weezer lead singer Rivers Cuomo.
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Post by queenofthehours on May 16, 2016 17:32:39 GMT
Mike Nesmith!
He's always been my favourite Monkee. Maybe for the hat, maybe for the fact that his mother invented that smelly stuff that corrects your mistakes or maybe it was because he was a pioneer for music TV. But I love him certainly because he was his own person. I see him as the George Harrison of the Monkees. I read that his music preferences were never in the poptastic world of the boy-band but rather with country music. I've heard a little of his solo stuff but not too closely so I'm really looking forward to concentrating on it now.
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Post by unomusette on May 16, 2016 20:00:11 GMT
Thanks for listening 88keys Not sure about that new single, is that Mickey Dolenz singing? It's all a bit quiet and bland to me. Totally agree with queenofthehours about Mike being the George Harrison of the band, he has hidden depths for sure
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Post by Chippa on May 17, 2016 2:47:37 GMT
By the way, The Monkees have a new album coming out in June. The first single, She Makes Me Laugh, was written by Weezer lead singer Rivers Cuomo. That chorus is straight up ear candy.
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Post by Helmut83 on May 17, 2016 5:00:22 GMT
Just started listening but I couldn't finish, hopefully I'll give my review tomorrow.
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Post by jrmugz on May 21, 2016 14:37:21 GMT
OK, here is my review of the Michael Nesmith songs. 01. "Calico Girlfriend" – Liked it on the first play. LOVED it on the second play. Great MN track!!! Definitley a keeper. 02. "Some Of Shelly’s Blues" – Wow, very nice country song. I'm getting the idea from these first two songs, and "Different Drum" that I'm familiar with, that this guy is one of those artist's artists. As in writes great songs, and more popular people probably cover them. Good singer too. Very clear wording. 03. "Rio" – OK, I'm a fan, this guy is great. Instantly like this one as well. 04. "Joanne" – Wow, uno, I can really see why this is one of your favorites and other favorites. Wonderful song and performance for sure. 05. "What Am I Doing Hanging Around" – Continues with the great laid-back country feel. Not fond of the love-'em and leave 'em nautre of the lyric, though not sure it's explicitly praising it. 06. "Listen To The Band" – It's a pretty good song, not quite as engaging as the other ones. 07. "Different Drum" – OK, I found a live version of it when he was older. Sounds great. Whatever version someone likes, this is an amazing song, anyone would have to agree. I like how he gives "apologies and thanks" to Linda at the end of the live version I played, acknowledging that Linda Ronstadt really brought the song to it's full glory, I'm sure most would probably agree. Star Rating: 4.6 out of 5 Prime Cuts: "Different Drum", "Calico Girlfriend", "Some of Shelly's Blues", "Joanne" Bottom Line: Very strong songs with a countryish "Last Train to Clarksville" kind of flavor. Thanks uno, will mark you down for next avaialable spot if I haven't already. Great tracks, thoroughly enjoyed them, thanks for stepping up to the plate to fill in this week. Jim
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Post by jrmugz on May 21, 2016 16:50:05 GMT
Thanks for listening 88keys Not sure about that new single, is that Mickey Dolenz singing? It's all a bit quiet and bland to me. Totally agree with queenofthehours about Mike being the George Harrison of the band, he has hidden depths for sure Sounds like Dolenz at least on the chorus; the song sounds pretty decent to me. I have Mickey Dolenz's CD of cover songs called "Remember" that came out a few years ago. It's OK, guess the ones I like the best are "Johny B. Goode" and his Beatles "Good Morning Good Morning" cover. Jim
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Post by unomusette on May 22, 2016 21:42:02 GMT
Wow, that's a really good review jrmugz, Mr Nesmith would be really pleased to read it and so am I Annoyingly the Micky Dolenz clips won't play for me but I know he and Peter Tork were still gigging at least a year ago when they played a folk festival in Birmingham. I know someone who went and apparently it was a really good show - this must prove they meant what they said back in the day when they wanted some of their own input into The Monkees. Ahem Helmut83 - I hope that wasn't an empty promise....
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Post by dillwyn on May 23, 2016 15:20:08 GMT
sorry all ...having trouble keeping up ...so doing this along side my work as it is dfar more interesting I think I live my life in a box and am only brought out occasionally to listen to small section of music...all these songs (apart from rio and linda's different drum) indeed post monkees career was news to me . Calico Girlfriend – ok at first but by listen three i really like this took a while warming up for me, might be having trouble shaking off that daft Benny from crossroad hat. Some Of Shelly’s Blues – very similar vocal melody to different drum smashing country song Rio – my favourite as a song, the video makes it seem horribly dated as good as it is Joanne –sweet song What Am I Doing Hanging Around – excellent song, who doesn't love the monkees miming badly Listen To The Band - good tune Different Drum – linda's all the way for me, smart smart song Thank you very interesting and enjoyable. He is obviously a very talented writer
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Post by Helmut83 on May 23, 2016 16:23:19 GMT
Uno, I'm like the Lannisters: I always pay my debts. Well, something like that... smiley-music025 Anyway, here I go:
- Calico Girlfriend: I like the stereo mix about this one, so different things going on on each channel. Each instrument is very clear and sound separated from the others, not like the "wall of sound" so trendy these days. Carefree song which's best thing is the instrumental parts. In my opinion it lacks in terms of melody.
- Some of Shelly's Blues: this one sounds more to traditional country music. Pretty melancholic song, I like it. Strong melody, very effective, it conveys feeling (to me at least). It reminds me a bit of those '50s or early '60s love songs like Ritchie Valens' "Donna".
- Rio: idealistic lyrics. Nice rhythmic fusion, it has some bossa nova or even samba influences on it but at the same time the melody sounds more to country so the result is a very interesting mix. The song conveys a sense of peace and leisure. Goos song.
- Joanne: back to more basic country rhythms. I'd say this one is OK, it has some interesting gloomy cadences at the bridges, but I didn't find it special.
- What am I doing hanging round?: great song, very uplifting. It's always good to go back to some Monkees. Very strong verses and the chorus, even if not so hooky, flows well too.
- Listen to the band: this sounds more to modern country with more pop influences and that brass section (what "the band" is supposed to be playing). Strong, energic song, with a well defined melody but a bit too short IMO. I would have made the first part longer and deleted the outro.
- Different drum: fantastic song, has that sad-happy feeling that gives me the chills. It reminds us that a good melody in music is still unbeatable. The rest is just 4 or 5 basic chords, you don't need more than that when you've got such an inspired melody. The steel pedal guitar does a fantastic job as well. 10/10
- Linda Rondstadt's version of "Different Drum" is a different drum really, it gives the song a whole different feeling. Although I wouldn't rate it as high as Nesmith's original (or the version he did, as I understand he recorded it later than Linda) I think it was a cover worth doing because it takes the song and makes it a relatively different thing (and worth listening, of course).
I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this set and it was quite a revelation for me that Mr. Nesmith (whom without a doubt is a very talented composer) had such good material outside the Monkees. I love country music and there were several good songs on this set, particularly "Some of Shelly's Blues", "What am I doing hanging round" and "Different drum". Good choice Uno, I'll go back to a few of these songs when I want to listen to someone that's new to me.
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