Anyone privy to the masterful post-Monkees work by Michael Nesmith knows all about the artistry and intelligence (and dry wit) required in his blending of genres and layering of styles. Every combination on this 1979 release works, and the results are often alchemical—and that’s without any of his signature country-rock. There are sultry and swanky moves (“Light”), spirited impulses of ’50s balladry (“Magic”), some funky jazz melody (“Capsule”), tinges of calypso (“Flying”), and rock ’n’ rollers (“Dance,” “Factions”). Harry Nilsson and Warren Zevon would’ve fallen over each other to have penned the lovely “Carioca” or the narrative-driven “Crusin’.”