Tantamount to Treason Vol. 1
Michael Nesmith · 1972
38 min · 9 tracks · country music
A whimsical blend of country-infused folk and soft rock, tinged with psychedelic influences and introspective storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mama Rocker — This track opens the album with a catchy melody and playful lyrics, immediately showcasing Nesmith’s knack for weaving storytelling into accessible music.
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Highway 99 With Melange — With its intricate arrangement and vivid imagery, this song exemplifies Nesmith's ability to create a sense of place and journey, reflecting his lyrical depth.
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Talking to the Wall — The emotional resonance and heartfelt delivery in this track highlight Nesmith's introspective songwriting style, making it a standout moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Nesmith's blend of genres and storytelling creates a distinctive sound, though the album's cohesion is somewhat uneven.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a lively track, 'Mama Rocker', which sets a mid-tempo pace that continues through the first half.
- Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, blending acoustic guitars with subtle orchestral elements, particularly in 'Highway 99 With Melange'.
- The lyrics often employ storytelling techniques, with songs like 'Bonaparte's Retreat' and 'Talking to the Wall' presenting vivid imagery and introspective themes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- whimsical storytelling with charm
- gentle afternoon listening sessions
- melodic reflections on love
- short tracks for easy enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- want fast-paced energy
- prefer lengthy, complex pieces
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Michael Nesmith released Tantamount to Treason Vol. 1 in February 1972, he was already known as a member of The Monkees. This album marked his second solo effort, following his debut, Magnetic South, which had begun to establish him as a significant voice in the country-rock genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- James Taylor· Gordon Lightfoot· John Denver
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Mama Rocker 3:06
- 2 Lazy Lady 2:54
- 3 You Are My One 4:23
- 4 In the Afternoon 6:04
- 5 Highway 99 With Melange 5:07
- 6 Wax Minute 4:41
- 7 Bonaparte's Retreat 4:43
- 8 Talking to the Wall 3:00
- 9 She Thinks I Still Care 4:09
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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