Tantamount to Treason, Vol. 1

by Michael Nesmith

Overview

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

Product Details

Release Date:	06/17/2022
Label:	7A Records
UPC:	5060209950402
Rank:	37403

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Michael Nesmith   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals
Michael Nesmith & The Second National Band   Primary Artist
Red Rhodes   Guitar (Steel)
Jose Feliciano   Congas
Jack Panelli   Drums
Michael Cohen   Keyboards
John Meeks   Bass

Technical Credits

Steve Duffy   Composer
Bill Chadwick   Composer
Carl Montgomery   Composer
Dickey Lee   Composer
Pee Wee King   Composer
Peter Abbott   Engineer
Richard Stekol   Composer
Redd Stewart   Composer
Michael Nesmith   Composer,Producer
Dickey Lee Lipscomb   Composer
Michael Cohen   Composer
Frank Mulvey   Design
Acy Lehman   Art Direction
Wilson McLean   Artwork
Andy Greene   Composer