I have to admit, I was never a Michael Nesmith fan. Not because of his music, but because he was always walking around with that darn Monkee on his back, and I never really thought of him as a serious musical artist. Boy was I wrong wrong wrong! The one song from the 70's that I really missed after all these years was Joanne. I just couldn't remember who did it until recently when I found out it was Michael Nesmith. So I bought this compilation cd just for this one song. I know what your thinkin'. This guy shelled out $14.99 for one lousy song? Well...Yeah. And it was worth every penny. This is one of those rare gems of a song that simply never gets old or sounds dated. The big surprise for me though, was the other 21 tracks on this excellent CD. As great a tune as Joanne is, there are some other ones here that are just as moving. Especially "Some Of Shelly's Blues" which is another one of those songs I recognized, but didn't tie to Nesmith. Also the beautiful "Harmony Constant" and of course "Different Drum", which Linda Ronstadt made famous, or I should say made Ronstadt famous. He also does some fabulous country rock with songs like "Silver Moon", "Nevada Fighter", and the very contagious "Mama Nantucket". He throws in a couple very good covers here too with Harry Nillson's "Rainmaker" and the Patsy Cline weeper "I Fall To Pieces". Folks, I can't even begin to to you how good this music is. Think of it as country music without the twang. And did I mention that this guy can sing? The Monkees should have used Big Mike instead of Little Davey to do their singing for them. I've since become a huge Nez fan since getting this cd, having bought his 2 classic albums "And the hits just keep on coming" and "pretty much your standard ranch stash" on a 2 for 1 cd. This one I also highly recommend because these 2 albums have so many good songs that they almost play like a greatest hits package themselves. Michael Nesmith is one of those guys who deserved to get more recognition than he did. Maybe if the Monkees had been the Fab Four instead of the Prefab Four it would have turned out different for Nesmith. This is one of those rare cd's that I can honestly recommend for fans of all musical tastes. It's just great music... Period

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GREAT COLLECTION FROM A SUPER SONGSMITH

Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2000

These 22 tracks from 6 albums contain all of Michael Nesmith's classics and is a perfect introduction to those who don't know his music or perhaps just remember some hits like Joanne or Silver Moon. His style is quite distinctive with his knack for catchy hooks and memorable arrangements, plus excellent poetic lyrics. My favourites include Silver Moon, Nevada Fighter, Different Drum, I've Just Begun To Care, Joanne and last but not least, Harmony Constant, a beautiful spiritual song that has me humming along every time. If you like intelligent country, country-pop or country-rock, you'll love this great album. One of my best investments of year 2000.

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Molly M. Freeman

This album is SO GOOD!

Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2000

I keep listening to this album over and over. I'm a true country music fan, and I'm impressed with Nesmith's commitment to a traditional sound. I'm also impressed with his songwriting and singing abilities. If you thought Michael Nesmith was just the goofy-hat-wearing guy from the Monkees, think again: this is a really talented guy! I would highly recommend this album.

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Creepy Lagoon

The one to buy...

Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2005

Having always been a fan of Michael Nesmith, I can highly recommend this cd if you're looking for one to purchase. You won't go wrong with any of them, but this one in particular is excellent. The packaging is attractive with a brief "bio" of Mr. Nesmith and the First National Band. Excellent song selection, and if you're looking for prime cuts, may I suggest "I've Just Begun to Care (Propinquity", the classic "Joanne", and "Grand Ennui." The musicianship is terrific with the late Red Rhodes on steel guitar as well as Nesmith's guitar. You will not be disappointed in this disc.

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greyhoundude

A good place to start...

Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2011

An excellent compilation of 22 good-to-great post-Monkees Nesmith tunes. Many of my personal favorites are here ("Grand Ennui," "Mama Nantucket," "Nevada Fighter"), as is his hit single "Joanne." The remastering is very good. If you don't have any of Nesmith's solo albums, you really can't go wrong with starting here.

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willard

go out and get it

Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2003

Forget the Eagles, this is the real thing, a fusion of country and rock that is timeless. A contemporary of the BYRDS and the Burrito Brothers, Nesmith was as influential in creating this genre as anyone. This compilation disc of Nesmith's early solo work is a must have for fans of country/rock. Classics like "Joanne", "Listen to the Band" and "Silver Moon" are well known, but underated gems like "Bonapartes Retreat" "I"ve just Begun to Care" and Conversations" are well worth the cost. Listen to the Band indeed

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Top reviews from other countries

ericwinnert

Who knew the Monkee could perform.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 19, 2020

Verified Purchase

I'm a massive Monkees fan, been listening to them most of my life. Recently I've been getting into country rock, so I thought it was time to check out Mike's post- Monkee stuff.

Have to say I am very pleasantly surprised by the quality of his work. I can see now why he got so angry at being stifled artistically in that bubblegum pop group.

He is an excellent musician and songwriter and the songs on this CD are of a good quality and well crafted.

I would recommend this CD to anyone who wants to hear Mike Nesmith at his best.

P. Lester

From Monkey to Solo

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2018

Verified Purchase

A good cd from former Monkey Mike Nesmith and not a bad track for the cd , a very talented musician and singer.

Charles P BUSHER

Good listening

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 17, 2015

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Really dont understand why this music isnt heard on mainstream radio, constantly !

DannyMcG

Five Stars

Reviewed in Canada on August 14, 2018

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Good music.

neal thorley

Nice!!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 12, 2015

Verified Purchase

classic stuff

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