By 1971, Michael Nesmith & The First National Band were a spent force. Frustrated by the lack of commercial success and various career missteps, Johnny Ware and John London left the band. With pedal steel guitarist Red Rhodes sticking with him, Nez continued onward. With Rhodes, Nesmith formed the one-off Second National Band with various musicians, including Jose Feliciano on congas, and in 1972 released ‘Tantamount To Treason, Volume One’. The album has been reissued by 7a Records with bonus tracks, extensive liner notes and new cover art.
The album was a transitional one for Nez which covered different genres of music from Rock to Country, ballads and psychedelia. The album sets out on a rollicking start with ‘Mama Rocker’ with Nesmith rocking out like he did on the live version of ‘Circle Sky’ from The Monkees movie ‘Head’. The mood slowly shifts for the rest of side one with ‘Lazy Lady’ with Red Rhodes showcasing his pedal steel guitar skills. Then Nez goes off into 1970’s Pink Floyd territory with ‘You Are My One’, a one verse musical soundscape with the music stratospherically phasing in and out. The song segues to the side one closing track ‘In The Afternoon’, the music perfectly meshing with the cinematic nature of Nesmith’s lyrics. The song ends with the sound effect of a lonely rider on his horse riding off as crows caw in the distance.
Side two opens with sound bites of the songs heard on side one with the additional sound of a storm and seagulls in the distance when the music of ‘Six Days On The Road’ suddenly break up the quiet. The lyrics written by Michael Cohen are a bit nonsensical and could have been written by Nesmith, they’re so drenched with his unique wit. The song sort of forecasts the direction Nez’s music will take a few years later. ‘Wax Minute’ follows and is one of the most beautiful songs Nesmith has recorded. He’s in great voice and the music is wonderful. Next up is ‘Bonaparte’s Retreat’, another great cover with excellent musicianship and vocal harmonies. ‘Talking To the Wall’ by long time Monkees friend and song writer Bill Chadwick is also a treat. (Chadwick had previously recorded a single of the song backed with ‘If You Have The Time’ which Nesmith produced for Dot Records). Aided by Red Rhodes pedal steel guitar playing, Nez makes the song his own. The proper album ends with the Country classic ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ with Nesmith singing a mournfully plaintive vocal that emphasizes the sadness of the song. The 7a cd and vinyl versions includes the bonus tracks issued with the digital download of the album, ‘Six Days On The Road’, alternate versions of ‘Circle Sky’ and ‘Listen To The Band’, the instrumental ‘Tan My Hide’ and an instrumental version of ‘You Are My One’.
The booklet for the cd of the 7a Records release includes an essay by Joe Alterio on the history of the ‘Tantamount’ album with additional contemporary music reviews added plus lots of great photos of Nesmith. 7a Records also commissioned original artist Wilson McLean to create a new cover for the album that carries over the Environmental theme of the original cover. (The original cover art is reproduced on the inner cover of the cd and vinyl record). The vinyl version is presented in a gatefold sleeve and is pressed on 180g Aqua colored splattered vinyl.
‘Tantamount To Treason, Volume One’ (there was never a volume two), is perhaps the most musically eclectic album Nez has ever recorded in his career, exploring the various genres of Rock, Country, Free Form Jazz and Psychedelia. Released to coincide with the albums 50th anniversary, 7a Records reissue is a fitting testament to Michael Nesmith’s artistry, and should be an essential part of any Nesmith & Monkees’ fan collection.
Deep Discount Purchase Link: https://www.deepdiscount.com/search?q=Michael+nesmith+tantamount&mod=AP
Amazon US Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=michael+nesmith+tantamount+to+treason&crid=2FUT6L4693XRK&sprefix=Michael+nesmith+%2Caps%2C134&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_6_16
Amazon UK Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=michael+nesmith+tantamount&crid=3DE8DQDY7D3O3&sprefix=Michael+nesmith+t%2Caps%2C227&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_17
Fred Velez, 2022.
Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’.
Freddy Pop! 