Album #7: Michael Nesmith - Folkscene 1973

  Happy Birthday Mike (and Davy)!!!!!

   I am going to be very honest here. I am not sure what Folkscene is. The sound quality is pristine, more pristine than most radio tapings, but has no crowd or backing band. It truly feels like Michael is singing to you with just his guitar. I believe it must be a radio show, but I cannot confirm that. Either way, I love the recordings here, of four of his solo tracks, as well as a cover I have never heard him sing before. 

    Miss the Mississippi and You was originally recorded in 1932 by Jimmie Rodgers, and was written by Bill Halley, and has since become a standard, being also sung by Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Arlo Guthrie, Merle Haggard, and modern popular bluegrass musician Billy Strings. 

    Outside of the cover, Mike does 4 renditions of his solo songs, some from when he started his solo output in 1970 up to the year of recording. Since we don't know the date, we do not know if Mike was playing these songs before their release. My personal highlight is the version of Joanne, because while I listen to the studio version, the crisp-and-comfortably-chilly-atmosphere is what stands out, but this version lets the lyrics shine.

    This album cover is taken from a 1977 Michael Nesmith compilation, and I love it for this recording. Mike is clearly pictured in the top right, but besides that I am not sure what is going on! The confusing yet beautiful cover fits well with the confusing origins of this beautiful tape.

1. Some of Shelly's Blues

2. Miss the Mississippi and You

3. Joanne

4. I Fall To Pieces

5. Roll With the Flow

Download link: Google Drive