It’s sad to now hear Michael Nesmith’s shallow rational, but is not surprising now, 53 years later. As a teen, I was a huge fan; though, I never could understand their goofiness, which is somewhat explained here.

I’m pretty sure the first record album that I bought was their first album, “The Monkees” (1966) at age-9. I remember trying to decide if I would pay the extra 50 cents to buy it in stereo, or just get mono. I think I got mono. Someday, I’ll have to check.

I seem to recall that when I bought their second album, “More of the Monkees” (1967) it was in stereo, having either having learned the advantage, or mono was no longer available.

It seems crazy now, looking back so many years ago, thinking this was such a big deal — falling into Hollywood’s trap. They weren’t even a real band.

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Michael Nesmith:

7:45 “And then, everything else, I just sort of showed up, and sat down, and kept my mouth shut. … I just felt like ‘roll with the flow, guys. This is good for you. It’s a good time. You’re a lucky sap. Be grateful, and take the money, and go home.'”

8:20 QUESTION: “The movie, ‘Head’ (1968) [goofy movie that made no sense to me as an 11-year-old]:  what comes to mind?”

NESMITH: “It was a weed filled weekend…. We were all just high as a kite.”

19:00 “I just shut up and listened. That turns out to have been my best MO: ‘Shut up and listen. And sure enough, things come in and inspire.”

27:00 “The phrase is: ‘the Devil has no access to the singing man.'”

MICHAEL NESMITH 2019 INTERVIEW

Feb 4, 2019