Customer Reviews

16 Original Classics

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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

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... . . .

If you are only familiar with Mike Nesmith's work with The Monkees, then you should check this album. It is basically his first solo album, Magnetic South, fleshed out with a five other songs that were on his second, Loose Salute, and third, Nevada Fighter, solo albums. The songs are in the country-rock vein, but they retain a bit of the pop sounds from his days with The Monkees. This is a great introduction to his solo work.

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.

I have been looking for a greatest hits album by Mike for a long time and this is it. all his great songs from after the monkey's, Joanne is one of my all time favorites which i had never found until now.Not only is Mike a great singer but also a great songwriter and this is the cd for all fans to buy.

I am a huge fan of Michael Nesmith's solo music and his music with The Monkees. If you enjoy his country-rock style then I strongly recommend that you check out the following:
1) March 16-20 by Uncle Tupelo
2) Papa Nez: A Loose Salute To The Work Of Michael Nesmith by Various Artists
3) Stranger's Almanac by Whiskeytown
4) Trace by Son Volt

Micheal Nesmith's 16 Original Hits is a nice CD. I also find it to be interesting that the majority of the CD in truth is Nesmith's first album with the First National Band called Magnetic South. The cover of the CD can be reversed to the Magnetic South cover. I find it all to be odd, but I am contented.

Anyone who is a fan of the Monkees and loves Michael Nesmith, will love this CD. His talent is trully alive and wonderfull. His voice is unique. You will absolutely love this and other recordings by Mike!

a great performance great tunes folksy