Yes, the songs of Michael Nesmith, the late great Monkee, old wool hat. Of the original band, only Nesmith and Peter Tork were bona fide musicians and a scattering of Nesmith’s songs appeared on all their albums, including their early ones, despite most of the songwriting and playing being by others. It turned out he was a very good songwriter and I have a number of his solo albums.
We were very fortunate to see the original line-up play a show at the Cardiff Arena in March 1997 and were blown away by how great they had become. Nesmith was my favourite Monkee and he was in front of our ringside seats for the whole show.
I can’t separate my top three Nesmith tunes but for ease of reading I’ll put them in one, two, three order anyway. Here goes:
- Rio. From 1977’s From A Radio Engine To The Photon Wing album, which I don’t have, this is probably his most famous solo tune.
- Different Drum. I’m choosing the Stone Poney’s version, featuring the wonderful vocals of Linda Ronstadt. Also featured are Eagle Bernie Leadon and legendary drummer Jim Gordon, who died last week.
- The Girl That I Knew Somewhere. The only Monkees recording in my favourite Nesmith tunes, from 1967’s Headquarters album, the first album on which they played their own instruments.
Honorable mentions for Listen to the Band, Tapioca Tundra, Mary, Mary, You Just May Be The One.
What’s your favourite Nesmith song?
