Tantamount To Treason Vol 1: 50th Anniversary

This is Michael "Papa Nez" Nesmith's 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 Nesmith's trademark winsome lyrics. Similarly, the other originals -- such as the tranquilly trippy "Lazy Lady" or the straight ballad "You Are My One" -- reveal the artist's 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 Nesmith's 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)." ~ Lindsay Planer