The Wichita Train Whistle Sings

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Wichita Train Whistle Sings
The Wichita Train Whistle Sings cover
Studio album by Michael Nesmith
Released 1968
Genre Rock
Length
Label Dot
Producer Michael Nesmith
Michael Nesmith chronology
The Wichita Train Whistle Sings
(1968)
Magnetic South
(1970)

The Wichita Train Whistle Sings was the first solo album by Michael Nesmith and was recorded while he was still a member of the Monkees. The album comprises instrumentals performed by a full orchestra. All but one of the songs were also recorded by the Monkees (a couple of them weren't released until the Missing Link albums).

The album was made over a two-day session on November 18 and 19 1967 and featured the best musicians in Hollywood, including ten trumpets, ten trombones, ten saxophones, 2 drummers, five percussionists, four pianos, eight basses, seven guitars. As it was the weekend, all musicians were paid double time and the session was catered by Chasens, the finest restaurant in Hollywood. In all cost $50,000. Nesmith explained that he was about to pay a similar sum in tax and he would rather spend it on the sessions and write it off than give it to the IRS.

[edit] Track listing

All songs by Michael Nesmith except where noted.

  1. "Nine Times Blue"
  2. "Carlisle Wheeling"
  3. "Tapioca Tundra"
  4. "Don't Call on Me"
  5. "Don't Cry Now"
  6. "While I Cried"
  7. "Papa Gene's Blues"
  8. "You Just May Be the One"
  9. "Sweet Young Thing" (Nesmith/Goffin/King)
  10. "You Told Me"