Michael Nesmith - Tantamount to Treason, Vol. 1 (Expanded Edition) '1972

Tracks list

This is Michael Papa Nez Nesmiths first LP backed by the Second National Band,
which like its predecessor, is a loose aggregate of studio musicians. This next
generation was only featured on this disc and heralds the return of former First
National Bandmates O.J. Red Rhodes (pedal steel) and Michael Cohen (keyboards).
The most notable variation between the two units lies in the ethereal style
which Nesmith delivers his earthy Southwestern-flavored lyrics and melodies.
From right out of the starting gate, Papa Nez unleashes the atypically heavy
Mama Rocker -- which would not have sounded out of place on an early MC5 record.
Even compared to his edgier material like Mama Nantucket, this track is on the
verge of early-70s electric heavy metal. Nez also dips into the avant-garde
juxtaposition of jarring sound effects on the introduction to the idiosyncratic
tongue-in-cheek narrative Highway 99 With Melange. These anomalies aside,
however, the rest of the album consists of a decidedly more pastoral pastiche of
songs. In the Afternoon is particularly appealing, and features a blend of
folkie-tinged psychedelia with Nesmiths trademark winsome lyrics. Similarly, the
other originals -- such as the tranquilly trippy Lazy Lady or the straight
ballad You Are My One -- reveal the artists depth as an equally engaging singer
and songwriter. This disc is likewise notable for including the Richard
Stekol-penned Wax Minute -- which became both a treasured favorite for artist
and enthusiast alike -- resulting in its revival during Nesmiths brief return to
the concert stage in the early 90s. In 2001, the U.K.-based Camden label paired
the long-players Nevada Fighter and Tantamount to Treason in their series of
two-fer releases. Included on this title are three previously unissued tracks
from the early 70s -- the original instrumental Cantata & Fugue in C&W, as well
as a cover version of Rose City Chimes and the anti-tobacco anthem Smoke! Smoke!
Smoke! (That Cigarette).

 Tracklist:
01 - Michael Nesmith - Mama Rocker (3:07)
02 - Michael Nesmith - Lazy Lady (2:57)
03 - Michael Nesmith - You Are My One (4:13)
04 - Michael Nesmith - In the Afternoon (5:50)
05 - Michael Nesmith - Highway 99 with Melange (5:07)
06 - Michael Nesmith - Wax Minute (4:41)
07 - Michael Nesmith - Bonapartes Retreat (4:43)
08 - Michael Nesmith - Talking to the Wall (3:01)
09 - Michael Nesmith - She Thinks I Still Care (4:14)
10 - Michael Nesmith - Six Days On the Road (5:19)
11 - Michael Nesmith - Circle Sky (2:57)
12 - Michael Nesmith - Listen to the Band (Alternate Version) (4:42)
13 - Michael Nesmith - Tan My Hide (Instrumental) (3:38)
14 - Michael Nesmith - You Are My One (Alternate Instrumental) (4:50)

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