Michael Nesmith-Complete First National Band

The complete first national band

Michael Nesmith's history as an artist is a tale of two careers. As a Monkee in the late-sixties, he was part of a commercial juggernaut that produced a number of hit singles. As a solo artist he garnered critical raves for his first three post-Monkees albums where he was backed by the First National Band and helped launch country rock. While he seldom gets the credit, Nesmith's work with the First National Band was every bit as influential as the Byrds or the Flying Burrito Brothers. [I say this knowing full well that in the liner notes Nesmith calls this nonsense, saying "Arbitrary categories such as Country Rock or R&B is fostered by schools, perpetuated by fools, creates havoc in the business of arts and tends to oppress artists." But I think he is just being modest.]

For years these three albums--MAGNETIC SOUTH, LOOSE SALUTE (both from 1970) and NEVADA FIGHTER (1971)--have only been available through Nesmith's website. It's nice to see these more readily available.

Each album is presented over two CDs in its entirety. Thirty tracks in all of Nesmith originals and a few well chosen covers. His biggest hit, of course, was "Joanne" (No. 21, 1970), but other highlights include "Calico Girlfriend," "Silver Moon," Tengo Amore" and "Propinquity." Nesmith also breathes new life into such classics as "I Fall to Pieces," "Beyond the Blue Horizon" and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds."

Nesmith's distinct sound also owes a great deal to the late O.J. "Red" Rhodes on pedal steel, who would perform an every studio album Nesmith ever recorded. If you are a fan of SWEETHEART OF THE RODEO-era Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Poco or the Eagles, you must add this to your collection. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Michael Nesmith

Michael Nesmith

Robert Michael Nesmith (born December 30, 1942) is an American musician, songwriter, actor, producer, novelist, businessman, and philanthropist, best known as a member of the musical group The Monkees and co-star of The Monkees TV series (1966-1968). Nesmith is notable as a songwriter, including "Different Drum" (sung by Linda Ronstadt with the Stone Poneys), and as executive producer of the cult film Repo Man (1984). He also is credited with creating the genre of the music video. In 1981, Nesmith won the first Grammy Award given for Video of the Year for his hour-long television show, Elephant Parts.

The new band was christened Michael Nesmith and the First National Band and went on to record three albums for RCA Records in 1970.

Nesmith has been considered one of the pioneers of country rock. He also had moderate commercial success with the First National Band. Their second single, "Joanne" hit No. 21 on the Billboard chart & No. 17 on Cashbox, with the follow-up "Silver Moon" making No. 42 Billboard/#28 Cashbox. Two more singles charted ("Nevada Fighter" No. 70 Billboard/#73 Cashbox & "Propinquity" No. 95 Cashbox) and the first two LP's charted in the lower regions of the Billboard album chart. No clear answer has ever been given for the band's breakup.

Nesmith followed up with The Second National Band, a band that besides Nesmith, consisted of Michael Cohen (keyboards and Moog), Johnny Meeks (bass), jazzer Jack Ranelli (drums) and Orville Rhodes (pedal steel), as well as an appearance by singer, musician, and songwriter José Feliciano on congas. The album, Tantamount to Treason Vol. 1, was a commercial and critical disaster. Nesmith then recorded And the Hits Just Keep On Comin', featuring only him on guitar and Red Rhodes on pedal steel.