Christian Nesmith: Just Can't Forget Him

You know Christian Nesmith. You just may not know it yet. One of the three sons of Michael Nesmith, former bassist of the Monkees, Christian was born into a 'considerable', but not large, amount of privilege. So, what's a son of a world famous pop star to do with his life? Most (brat-packers) like him simply sit back and get smashed, enjoying the endless ego massages from the local Hollywood babes, until one of any number of realities hits the fan (if you've done the LA thing, you know exactly what I'm talking about). But not these three sons. Christian, like his brothers, have committed themselves to making music. Not just any music, but 'great' music, creating a reputation that stands apart from their famous father. What else can you ask of them?

Christian Nesmith has recently completed an independently released full length CD called: "An Axe To Grind". This album reminds me, a little bit, of Todd Rundgren, a dash of Pat Travers, and a well rounded cup of a John Lennon that never was. Only one thing- it's much better than all that, and it's all Christian Nesmith.

This album KICKS ASS! Melodic, well arranged, highly produced, and hair-raising guitar work. Why isn't this widely distributed? Has the music industry lost it's mind? I have a confession to make- I know why. Christian can afford to tell the majors where to cram it. He does it his way, period. But the results are clear. So, what should one expect from the son of a world famous pop star? Nothing. But Christian creates hit after hit after hit. Too bad the majors don't know their asses from their elbows, eh'?

Nuno Bettencourt Crosses The Line With DramaGods

Most rock music fans know Nuno Bettencourt from the band 'Extreme' in the early to mid 90's. Over the years since the breakup of Extreme, Nuno seems to have been in a deep search for something. Like an insane scientist, Nuno has been constantly creating and re-creating bands, shifting musicians, writing, and re-writing dozens of songs every year. Clearly, Nuno has been looking for something not unlike a heroine addict seeking to re-live his very first buzz.

But this latest release with DramaGods is something different. There is not that listless search for something- not that feeling of a drifting ship on a dark ocean, trying desperately to center on a distant foghorn. This album has real teeth, but not just one kind of teeth. It has production, arrangement, and solid commercialism with melodic messages of deep heart and soul. There is the feeling that Nuno has found something special, and is settling in for the long run. Tunes like Megaton (video below), Heavy, and Pilots, are a smart AOR Program Director's dream.

Nuno has finally found a home. But it is not in Los Angeles, not in Boston, and not in the Azores. It is in his own soul- finally. And it shows on this incredible album.