Little Red Rider 5/5 Great end to the triptych. Nice bass. Rocking song. Like the alternate version on Monkees SDE of Present too. FNB does is best though. I was so thrilled to here the triptych during the Movies of the Mind concert in Cleveland.
A great tune with a totally killer groove - the Johns deliver here in a huge way. The whole arrangement is pretty great, actually - an excellent reimagining of Mike's '69 take. 5/5
I believe that if the horns version of "Little Red Rider" had been released in 1969, if might have done better than Good Clean Fun.
Today’s song is The Crippled Lion: I think this version is a sizeable step up from the earlier Monkees-era attempt. It’s much more accessible, Mike’s voice sounds more natural and the tempo adds a little extra life to the song. A quality production, aided again by the exemplary musicianship. 5/5.
"The Crippled Iion" Yet another Nesmith masterpiece. Love every version I've ever heard of this song but this is my favorite. 5/5
The Crippled Lion - Wonderful song, well played by the entire band. The lyrics harken back to the earlier pre-Monkees song ‘Wanderin’. Red Rhodes pedal steel guitar adds to the tunes’ melancholy. The version recorded during The Monkees period is very close to the finished FNB one which edges it out. A definite winner. 5/5.
"The Crippled Lion" -- 5/5 An excellent example of Nesmith's superior songwriting ability. This is a perfect track.
I really dislike the Monkees-era version of this song - something about the melody and chord progression just drives me up a wall - but the FNB take moves the song along and also has a rhythm section that's being quite rhythmic, thank you, so it's far more palatable. Still one of my least favorite Monkees/solo crossover tracks, but if I have to hear it, this is my go-to. 3/5
Crippled Lion - 5/5 Perfect song - not fond of the odd title. A wistful song that I always enjoy. Quite heartfelt the way Nez sings it.
I am a Crippled Lion fan as well, especially this rendition. When a tune is a 5 it is a 5, and this one is.
The Monkees version is good; the FNB version is a whole head taller - better, more memorable arrangement fitting the song. Note-perfect all around as this killer LP side continues. For Nesmith, one of his finest compositions ever. 5/5
This is from Red Rhodes' 1973 solo LP, Velvet Hammer in a Cowboy Band. The LP is post-FNB, produced by Nesmith. It's a interesting and pretty worthwhile companion to this era for Nez. Red Rhodes - Velvet Hammer In A Cowboy Band As far as I can tell, it's never gotten a CD or proper digital reissue, which is a shame, but all of the songs from it are available on streaming services as part of grab-bag Rhodes' compilations, in so-so fidelity (undoubtedly quick-n-dirty vinyl rips).
Red Rhodes also performs the instrumental version of ‘The Crippled Lion’ on the new 7a Records release of ‘Cosmic Partners’. You can hear it on this sampler video.
I really like the FNB version of "The Crippled Lion", it's much more lively than the Monkees era take on it, which is kind of bland. I have to give this a 4.5/5 only because it doesn't quite measure up to the opening 3 songs, still damn good though
Fine, fine album. Hope we’ll take a day to discuss it here. If you’re a Nez fan (And you must be if you’re reading this) definitely pick this up!
I know we’ll get to it at some point, but here’s my review of ‘Cosmic Partners’. I can’t recommend this album enough. Review: Cosmic Partners – Michael Nesmith with Red Rhodes by 7a Records | The Monkees Home Page
From the excellent Velvet Hammer In A Cowboy Band and, If I’m not mistaken, (and I could be) isn’t that an example of Red’s use of a Leslie speaker? I believe he deployed it on the album. The backing band is the Countryside house band. What a shame we only got to hear them on a few albums and singles. On to song in question. The Crippled Lion - 5/5 That was so easy. I’m biased but in my opinion nobody does country rock as well as Papa Nes. A simple but heartfelt lyric, great melody and playing that is of the highest level. I like it. Oh, and let’s not forget the version from the Gretsch concert, added to Live At The Palais as a bonus cut. It falls below the FNB and Monkees versions but it was just great to hear Mike back in concert again.
If you don't like the "Crippled Lion" title, what's your take on "Papa Gene's Blues", "Daily Nightly", "Tapioca Tundra", "Good Clean Fun", etc. ?
