Monday 9 March 2020

Different Drum


I''m really looking forward to reading the Michael Nesmith autobiography I've just ordered - Infinite Tuesday. Whilst I think all four Monkees are fascinating individuals, there's something about the one they call Nez that I can't quite put my finger on. And no, it's not his trademark wooly hat, though I will be hugely disappointed if I find his titfer hasn't been granted its own chapter.

As part of a research project I'm currently carrying out - putting the case for his 1972 album And the Hits Just Keep on Comin' being one of the greatest recordings of the 20th Century - it will, I'm sure, prove invaluable. In 1972 you won't be surprised to learn that I was still watching the Monkees syndicated TV reruns on our newly acquired Radio Rentals telly; I had no idea that Nesmith had already left the band, ditched the hat, grown a beard and single handedly invented Alt. Country. All I knew back in 1972 was that Last Train to Clarksville was a song I knew I would love for the rest of my life* and that I really wanted my dad to trade in his J reg. Hillman Hunter for a Monkeemobile**.

* I have
** He didn't

Michael Nesmith: Different Drum/Harmony Constant - 1972

9 comments:

  1. I was never a Monkees fan but thought Mike Nesmith singing lead on The Monkees - What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round? was damned good.

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  2. Do let us know what you think of the autobiography. We are big readers of music bios in this house and it might be one for Mr SDS (birthday perhaps!) He loves to tell me about the time he was on holiday with his family and insisted on wearing his favourite Monkee's woolly hat on the beach. He was only ten but his dad wasn't too chuffed and told him (in such non-PC times) that "people will think you are simple". Funny how these memories stick and it's not even mine!

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    1. I think your father-in-law may have been confusing him with this fella.

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  3. You will really enjoy this book, John. He has had a fascinating life in and out of music. He's touring with Mickey Dolenz right now, and I have been mighty tempted to pick up a ticket for their show here in my town coming up in a couple of weeks.

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    1. I saw them in the late 80s, Brian; tho', at the time, they were touring without Nesmith. I'd like to see them one last time; apparently the wooly hatted one is delving into his own back catalogue quite extensively this time around.

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  4. I wrote about Different Drum for my 100th post as it was my favourite new discovery since joining the music blogging community. The version I shared was by Linda Ronstadt but I still think of all 300 posts now published, it's still my favourite song pick.

    https://jukeboxtimemachine.com/2016/11/26/baroque-pop-linda-ronstadt-and-different-drum/

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    1. Ah, so you did! Before I knew you, I think. If you haven't already discovered it, then "And The Hits Just Keep On Comin'" really is worth exploring - I'm sure you'd love it...

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