Elephant Parts

Michael Nesmith stood at the forecastle of the video ship, sailing her into port with the production of this comedy album/collection of video clips, "Elephant Parts." Yes, some of the comedy is a little dated; some of it is just plain silly. But Michael never claimed it was anything more than silly; plus, amidst all the late 70's jokes you'll find the extreme timelessness of his opening monologue, discussing the fact that "there's something funny about the gasoline prices!" rings hysterically true today, as does "The Large Detroit Car Company." The words of his closing song, "Tonite," also speak to a 2000's audience.

Enclosed with these comedy skits are five of Michael Nesmith's video clips, some of the best videos ever made in a time when video was truly its own standalone art form--made by the pioneer of video art. "Light," "Magic," and "Cruisin'" are all from Nesmith's "Infinite Rider on the Big Dogma" album (as is the above-mentioned "Tonite"), with "Cruisin'" being remembered fondly for its quirky lyrics and a young Hulk Hogan in his first major role. "Rio" is from the album "From a Radio Engine to the Photon Wing," and was probably the first major video clip release (although groups from the 60's had been doing it since, well, The Monkees cribbed from The Beatles). "Rio" is funny, it is thoughtful, and it is brilliant.

"Elephant Parts" went on to become a short-lived NBC series called "Television Parts," which would give some early television exposure to such luminaries as Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, Whoopi Goldberg, and Garry Shandling.

Michael has a bizarre sense of humor, and you do have to be a fan to laugh out loud at his director's commentary (which we did). It's extremely silly and delivered deadpan serious, and I do believe you need a steeping in The Monkees, Monty Python and some of Michael's mid-80's work such as "Tahiti Condo" (from the CD "The Newer Stuff"). I thought it was hilarious, and laughed so hard it hurt.

To be honest, I bought my copy direct from the source...-- it's cheaper here at Amazon, but Papa Nez will autograph it for you if you buy it from him.

All in all, Elephant Parts is a classic -- nothing more, nothing less. "First Grammy for Video Music" notwithstanding, "Elephant Parts" was the beginning of the video age, spawning M-TV and its subsidiaries, VH-1 and CMT and GAC and all the rest of them. Just put your mind on hold and enjoy it for what it is.


Good, clean fun   July 20, 2000
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

This collection of sketches and commercial spoofs stands in the same tradition as "The Kentucky Fried Movie" and "Amazon Women on the Moon"; only "Elephant Parts" is a lot less dirty! It's refreshing to see a genuinely funny film which doesn't rely too heavily on profanity and sex to get its yuks (there are a few drug jokes, but even those don't dominate the piece). Unlike so much of what passes for comedy nowadays, the laughs aren't cheap in "Elephant Parts".

My favorite sketches are Rock 'n' Roll Hospital, Neighborhood Nuclear Superiority and the vegetarian guy hunting for his food. The music videos are visually intriguing. My husband remembered the Sunset Sam video from SNL many years ago.

Highly recommended.


The Best !! After all these Years, Nesmith still Rules!   April 1, 1999
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Many years ago when music video was in its infancy, I happened upon Elephant Parts. Michael Nesmith was my least favorite of the Monkees singing group, but after experiencing The Elephant Parts Video I discovered where the real talent was in this group. It is a "must see" program -- fun and nostalgic, yet, still cutting edge for today. Five stars is too low a rating for this knock-out piece!


Highly entertaining shorts, brilliant director's commentary   March 3, 2000
Seth Morris (San Francisco, Ca)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

For anyone who doesn't remember the TV show (it didn't last long), this DVD consists of short comedy bits, music videos from the ex-Monkee, and the occasional moment of deconstructionism that somehow work wonderfully together. Especially enjoyable is the over-the-top director's commentary which serves as a parody of director's tracks in general, taking everything too seriously and having an amazing descent into incomprehensability. Each short section is a chapter so you can skip to the ones you want to see now. It's great for a get together with friends. Wonderful to have in digital format. As Nesmith says, "things just keep getting more modern all the time"


Sat. Nite Live Meets MTV   December 25, 1999
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Elephant Parts is a classic! The various bits are both strange and hilarious. I particular like the Marine Recruiting Audition, the Pirate Alphabet, and Neighborhood Nuclear Superiority. Some say this whole thing just doesn't make sense. That's the entire point! If you haven't seen the granddaddy of all the video efforts that followed it, you have a treat in store for you ... provided you can find it. This video has been out of print, and is just now available again on DVD, so here's your chance to check it out. Unfortunately, Amazon.com doesn't have the best price. For that you'll need to visit www.dvdexpress.com.