Open Web Player
By 1972, Michael Nesmith's solo career was at a crossroads. The First National Band had broken up the year before, and The Second National Band only survived for one album. Nesmith was very successful in England, but at home, his album sales were dwindling; despite great reviews, he still had the shadow of The Monkees hanging over him, and much of the public still regarded him as a musical lightweight. He still owed RCA two more albums, and one night over dinner, Nesmith and steel guitarist Red Rhodes decided to do an album on their own.
The album, sardonically titled AND THE HITS JUST KEEP ON COMIN', was issued in August 1972. It works very well. The ten tracks include a version of Nes' signature song, "Different Drum," originally a hit for Linda Ronstadt and The Stone Poneys, "Roll With The Flow," and "Harmony Constant."
The second album on this "two-fer" is 1973's PRETTY MUCH YOUR STANDARD RANCH STASH, Nesmith's final RCA album. This time, Michael brought in a seven-piece country band who recorded for his short-lived Countryside Records imprint. This album is also quite good, including a new version of the Monkees-era track "Some of Shelly's Blues," the Nesmith originals "Continuing" and "Release," Cindy Walker's "Born to Love You," and a bluegrass medley called "The Back Porch and a Fruit Jar Full of Iced Tea."
Unlike the previous "two-fers," there are no bonus tracks on this CD; apparently Michael felt there was no archival material from the period worthy of release.
All in all, another fine effort. While Nes has done a lot of good work on his own Pacific Arts label, his RCA albums are clearly the best of his solo career.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2012
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2012
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2013
Verified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Sid Griffin
The Steve Earle of his day?
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2016Verified Purchase
Mr. Grahame D. Kelly
And the hits just keep on coming.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 15, 2014Verified Purchase
BARRY ARNOLD
Good
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 29, 2020Verified Purchase
MaggyG
Two of the Best
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 28, 2013Verified Purchase
Imke Grotelüschen
Vorsicht, macht süchtig!!!
Reviewed in Germany on December 11, 2008Verified Purchase
What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
