After Michael Nesmith decided that he had e-Nerf with The Monkees, he formed the First National Band - the First National Band put out three pretty good country rock records, and innovated in the genre to the point where I think it effectively kills the Gram Parsons Myth (not to discredit Gram Parsons' talent, of course). The group was around for a short amount of time, as after their third album, bassist and drummer John London and John Ware respectively flew the coop - Nesmith would continue to work with O.J. Rhodes for years after, though. Nevada Fighter is not only the final album by the group, but it's also the culmination of their ability. From start to finish, Nevada Fighter showcases the tightness of The First National Band, Mike's ear for a tune, and his ability to reinvent and pay dues with his renditions of established songs. For my money, Nevada Fighter is the First National's best album.
One thing I particularly love about Nevada Fighter is the variety of sounds. For as much as I love both Magnetic South and the following Loose Salute, their sounds could get a bit repetitive. Nevada Fighter manages to mix things up, all while staying true to Papa Nez's mold. His group certainly puts the "rock" in "country rock" here, evidently seen through the energetic opening "Grand Ennui," and the even more soaring side-closer "Nevada Fighter," the latter being one of my personal favorite Nesmith solo tunes. We also get the odd Monkees recycled song in "Propinquity," which had been demoed even before Mike had become a Monkee. Mike's pure country side also gets some beautiful moments to shine, notably with "Here I Am," a gentle, heartfelt ballad that's always been one of my favorite of his songs. This same earnest demeanor shows itself again on his rendition of "Texas Morning," another album highlight.
Mike dedicates half of this album to covers, and while you could argue this as a lack of creativity, I'd say quite the opposite. In fact, I think this second half of covers showcases his more loose, creative side. Who else could reinvent Derek and the Dominoes' "I Looked Away" less than a year after the original song was recorded? Hardly surprising, seeing that Mike was an early proponent of Layla, but still a pleasant surprise nonetheless. The dream-like vocals of "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" that flow in from the end of "Texas Morning" showcase Mike's willingness to switch up his own formula, as well. The penultimate song, a cover of Nilsson's "Rainmaker" showcases everything you need to know about this album - a group that works incredibly well together, meshed with Mike Nesmith's eye for creativity and song choice.
At the time of writing, it's December 10, 2022 - Mike Nesmith died one year ago on this day. I've been reflecting on the man's work throughout most of this day, and upon revisiting Nevada Fighter, I was met with all the reasons why I found it to be my favorite of the National Band albums. Looking even further, though, it's filled with many of the reasons why I love the man's work in the first place. Mike Nesmith was an endlessly creative man; an infectious lyric writer that could be both cryptic and straightforward, a sensibility for a hook or a chorus, and a certain humor and style that permeates his finest endeavors. His work will live on long after him, and Nevada Fighter stands as a testament to Mike Nesmith's creativity and talent. Fight on, Papa Nez.
RATING: ✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Listen to Nevada Fighter.
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