Comments on: Lost in the ’70s: Michael Nesmith, “Cruisin’”

By: Bruce Oksol

Bruce Oksol — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:22:43 +0000

I would suggest that "Cruisin' was a parody of Bruce Springsteen (much more subtle than the Weird Al parodies, and a sign of a real genius). According to Wiki.com, Springsteen's breakthrough years were 1975 - 1983. According to your notes, "Cruisin" came out in 1979. The timing is perfect. What gives "Cruisin'" away is a) the hair/beard Springsteen look; b) the absolute passionate release of emotion in the last 30 seconds by Nesmith; and c) "looking for the land." That is soooo Springsteen / Dylan.

The history of "Cruisin' can be pieced together through comments on YouTube (with regard to how the video was made) but the spark for the idea would be known only by Michael Nesmith.

By: Bruce Oksol

Bruce Oksol — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:22:43 +0000

By: Songs About Los Angeles: "Cruisin’ (Lucy and Ramona and Sunset Sam)" by Michael Nesmith | Los Angeles Metblogs

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:01:23 +0000

[...] Popdose: Lost in the ’70s: Michael Nesmith, “Cruisin’” [...]

By: dj quickly

dj quickly — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:24:51 +0000

Dude what was “Crusin” actually about?I was a kid when this track came out and still think its cool

By: ozarkmatt

ozarkmatt — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:13:21 +0000

Ha, yes, that one I remember. Many an evening back in college was spent watching that flick while partaking in "alternate refreshments" (which is the only way to get that movie)

The best part about that scene is the position of Davy's arm on the cow depending on the camera angle. They didn't even try for continuity.

"Monkees is da crazee-ist peee-pole"

By: JohnHughes

JohnHughes — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:03:45 +0000

"You should spend more time on (your music), because the youth of America need you to show them the way."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOI-SDYGviM

By: ozarkmatt

ozarkmatt — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:45:53 +0000

Oh man, now THAT made my night.

I remember when MTV played a bunch of the old Monkees shows to promote the '86 reunion (sans Nesmith). I don't remember that one being shown.
(Weird Al opened on the leg of the tour I saw. – Fan-tas-tic)

By: JohnHughes

JohnHughes — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 02:33:20 +0000

Hmmm....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNJy-OgCzB0

By: ozarkmatt

ozarkmatt — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:46:59 +0000

Oh, crap, I just got to a computer that will let me see the videos. Yeah, that is the video that I remember.

Suppressed memories my ass.

Listening to this again, I keep expecting to hear, "I'm movin' to Montana soon."

By: ozarkmatt

ozarkmatt — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:22:12 +0000

I remember something about "Elephant Parts" on MTV, a guy walking down the street wearing a speedo. I guess it scarred me enough to remember that, but I don't remember the song it went with. Is this it?

As for this song, this is Zappa, right? This has EVERY Zappa late '70s styles.

Every one.

Yeah, you guys found a long lost Zappa track. Good job.