Growing up, I would watch reruns of the Monkess most days after school. I enjoyed the music, but was really in it for the comedy. Songs like “What am I doing hanging round?” and “Last Train to Clarksville” are still favorites. I credit Mickey Dolenz as one of my inspirations in crafting a stage personality as a dummer. His over the top slapstick really struck a chord with me ::rimshot:: The subdued farce of Peter Tork always made me laugh. But, Michael Nesmith had this calm, quite, cynicism that spoke to me on a level that I’m still trying to fully understand.
Years after the reruns stopped, I rediscovered Micheal Nesmith via “Elephant Parts.” I still watch my DVD copy on a regular basis. If you ever get the chance, make an effort to watch. It’s a wonderful mix of original music, and comedy sketches. “Wrong Apartment Bogart” is a personal favorite. But make sure to seek out “Neighborhood Nuclear Superiority,” “Tonite,” and always practice the “Pirate Alphabet.”
This also got me into his solo work. “Rio” and “Cruising'”are two of my favorite songs and both have found their way into regular rotation in my playlists.
Needless to say, I was very sad to learn of his passing on Friday. We lost a great musician, a brilliant comedian, and, from all I’ve ever heard, and all around great guy. It is really worth your time to listen to his interview on Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazon Colossal Podcast. There are stories there that I could not do justice to if I recited them word for word, and I guarantee you will get a great laugh or three from that epsidode.
For now, I say we raise a glass to Lucy, and Ramona, and Sunset Sam in memory of Mr. Nesmith.
Jim Says:”Go easy, Infinite Rider on the Big Dogma.”
