Monday, July 27, 2015

The 20 Best Monkees Songs – and the 5 Worst

 
I love the music of The Monkees. Always have. 
 


I was too young for the series’ 1966-1968 prime time run, but when that ended The Monkees was moved to syndication on Saturday mornings, an unusual but effective programming strategy. That’s when I discovered them, right alongside Josie and the Pussycats and Kaptain Kool and the Kongs.

The songs were my favorite part of the show, and back then that was the only place where you could hear them. This was the early 1970s, when the original Monkees albums were out of print, and radio (even oldies stations) never played them because they were not a “real band.” Only dopes like Jann Wenner still hold that opinion.

Since my generation of Saturday morning Monkee fans couldn’t buy the records, and iTunes was still about 30 years away, we improvised by holding the microphones from our portable cassette tape players up to our TV speakers, and making our own Monkees tapes.

Given the generally poor state of my short-term and long-term memory, it’s surprising that I still remember being in the record department at Sears in 1972 and seeing something I had never seen before – an actual Monkees album. 



Sometime after that I picked up this import gem from Australia with 40 songs, plus amazing liner notes that told the full story of the band. 



It took MTV to finally reignite Monkee-mania with an episode marathon that aired on February 23, 1986. Its reception prompted a reunion tour (yes, I did get to see them live, and it was awesome even with out Mike Nesmith) and the re-release of all the band’s original albums, as well as the new top 20 hit “That was Then, This is Now.”

Today the reputation of The Monkees has been mostly restored, though they remain a glaring omission from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

These are my 20 favorite Monkees songs, in no particular order – along with 5 I’d rather forget.

I’m a Believer
This is not only one of the band’s most popular and successful songs (seven weeks at #1!), I think it belongs in the select company of the most perfect pop records ever made, alongside The Ronettes’ “Be My Baby” and “California Girls” by The Beach Boys. 

Last Train to Clarksville
It was about a soldier leaving for Vietnam, as most fans know by now. It’s fascinating to me that the first single from this manufactured band of TV goofballs not only tackled such a serious subject, but was also climbing the charts before the series even debuted. Personally I think “Clarksville” is slightly (just slightly!) overrated, but it was their first #1 hit and deserves to be here.

Mary, Mary
Given the master plan behind The Monkees machine it’s doubtful that Mike Nesmith’s songwriting played any role in his casting, but it became an essential element in the band’s evolution. That’s Glen Campbell playing the distinctive lead guitar riff on “Mary, Mary,” a song also covered by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Run DMC. 



Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)
I think this is their best pure bubblegum track. Those familiar with Monkees history know that original music producer Don Kirshner exerted dictatorial control over the band’s first two albums. Had Davy, Micky, Peter and Mike been the bystanders to their own careers that some critics alleged, all Monkees songs might have sounded like “Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow).” Thankfully, sweets like this form only one part of their diverse catalog.  

Shades of Gray
The Monkees’ third album, Headquarters, was the first that gave the quartet control over their musical output. It produced no singles in the U.S., but this plaintive ballad would have been a worthy choice.

Daydream Believer
Another obvious pick, another #1 hit, and featuring Davy’s best vocal on a Monkees track (though if you prefer “She Hangs Out” I won’t argue the point). How many other bands could boast three lead singers as distinctive and as good as Davy, Micky and Mike?  





Randy Scouse Git
This is a Micky Dolenz composition that was a huge hit in England and throughout Europe, but it tanked in America. According to Dolenz, it was written the morning after a London party for The Monkees hosted by another popular quartet called The Beatles. 

Papa Gene’s Blues
“I have no more than I did before…but now I’ve got all that I need…for I love you and I know you love me.” Mike brought a country-folk flavor to the group both as a singer and songwriter. This is one of his first Monkees contributions, and one of his best. 



I’m Not Your Steppin’ Stone
From “More of the Monkees,” this is the only Monkees song covered by the Sex Pistols – assuming there’s not a bootleg somewhere of Johnny Rotten singing “Valleri.” Micky’s delivery is not quite as aggressive, but there’s a lot more snarl in this track than anything else on the album.

Early Morning Blues and Greens
This “Headquarters” track is an acquired taste, as it lacks the irresistible hooks found in the band’s best-known songs. I find it reminiscent of Crosby, Stills and Nash, and it’s become a song I like more every time I hear it.

A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You
Neil Diamond, who wrote “I’m a Believer,” also penned this memorable single, which just missed becoming their third consecutive #1 hit. It stalled at #2 for two weeks, behind The Turtles’ “Happy Together.”

The Girl I Knew Somewhere
History tells us this is the first fully self-contained Monkees song. Mike wrote it, and the group played the instruments and performed all the vocals. Peter Tork plays a mean harpsichord on this top-40 classic. 





The Door Into Summer
The “Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn and Jones Ltd.” album (1967) came closest to earning The Monkees some critical praise during their first go-round. Tracks like this one are a reason why.

What Am I Doing Hanging Round?
Mike showing his Texas roots again, on a track that has all the twangy qualities of one of his own compositions. However, this one was actually written by Michael Martin Murphy, later of “Wildfire” fame. As much as fans wanted then and now for the band to be taken seriously, it’s admirable how they rarely took themselves seriously, as evidenced by Micky hamming it up in the video for this song. 





Words
I know “Pleasant Valley Sunday” was a hit, and I do like it, but if I’m being honest I prefer the song on the flip side of the single, which was written by The Monkees’ most prolific go-to songwriters, Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. It’s also a nice reminder that Peter could sing too, when he wasn’t goofing around on novelty tracks like “Your Auntie Grizelda.”

Sometime in the Morning
The brilliant songwriting team of Gerry Goffin and Carole King contributed several songs to the Monkees’ music catalog – this tender ballad is my favorite, perhaps because they sang it to Rose Marie in the episode “Monkee Mother.” 





Ríu Chíu
Ríu Chíu is a Spanish Christmas carol that dates back to the 1500s. The Monkees a cappella version (performed on “The Christmas Show”) is mesmerizing in its beauty.

Aunties Municipal Court
By now you may have sensed that I am partial to Mike Nesmith compositions. Here's another one, but there’s not much Nashville to be found in the psychedelic arrangement and evocative beat poetry lyrics of “Aunties Municipal Court.” If you’re into great bass riffs, this has one worthy of McCartney. 





For Pete’s Sake
This is The Monkees’ “summer of love” song, not surprisingly co-written by the Monkee that most embraced the counterculture and peace and love movements of the era, Peter Tork. It was played over the closing credits of every episode in the series’ second and final season.

Nine Times Blue
There are versions of this Mike Nesmith song with Mike singing lead and Davy singing lead. I prefer the first one, though it’s interesting to compare the interpretations. 



My Five Worst:

Gonna Buy Me a Dog
Three minutes of Micky and Davy ad libbing and telling bad jokes. Fun if you’re in the right mood, but it’s hard to believe this earned a spot on their debut album while better songs like “All the King’s Men” didn’t make the cut.

Mommy and Daddy
It’s a toss-up between this song and “Zor and Zam” for the title of Micky’s most awkward stab at social commentary.

Can You Dig It
The movie Head had some memorable music moments, particularly “Circle Sky” and “The Porpoise Song,” but this was not one of them.

P.O. Box 9847
Proof that even Boyce and Hart could have an off day.

99 Pounds
The last original Monkees album was “Changes,” released in 1970. By then only Micky and Davy remained, but even with half a group the album isn’t all bad – sample “Ticket on a Ferry Ride” and “I Love You Better” if you’re curious. But on “99 Pounds,” Davy Jones tries to be Little Richard, and falls short. But then, Little Richard couldn’t do justice to “Forget That Girl” either.








32 comments:

  1. IIRC, famed singer Belinda Carlisle headed a Monkees fan club when she was in high school.

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    1. Very interesting.I used to make a point of watching the Monkees every Saturday...Batman would come on afterwards...I have been a big fan ever since. But too young then to buy my own records. I have now notched up all their albums and play them regularly. And I agree there are tracks amongst them I do avoid...the "dog" one being my worst and there are a few where Davy just sounds TOO English for me (even though I am a Brit myself). Don't know what it is with Americans and the English accent. I have more American records than I do British. The U.S.accent is more suited to RnR (personal opinion of course). But yes they were great...my fave? Daydream Believer takes me back to a happy time and A Little Bit Me etc has wonderful back up singing by the guys...they were all great when all said and done..a great time in RnR history. All the best Brian

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  2. I have a soft spot for "Valleri", myself.

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    1. I believe Mike Nesmith once called it the worst song ever written. I wouldn't go that far. :)

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  3. There are a host of pop gems in your list! But, though it's probably an obvious choice, I'd have to rate my fave as "Last Train."

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  4. "Circle Sky" should have made this list. It's one of Michael's best. Also "Daily Nightly," and "Salesman."

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    1. Good choices all. The diversity of their catalog is pretty amazing.

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  5. Paul Revere & The Raiders were the first to record "(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone" as an album track on their classic "Midnight Ride" LP in May of 1966. Too bad The Raiders didn't release the song as a 45 as it cuts the Monkees version to shreds.

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  7. You left out a lot of their catchy and well known pop songs, like "She", "Valeri" and "Pleasant Valley Sunday".

    Around about the time they recording the twee "Cuddly Toy", they also did my favourite Monkees song, "Goin Down".

    It's the only song they all co-wrote. The stream of consciousness lyrics are great, and Micky's high energy, rapid paced, vocals are amazing.

    He has a great voice, but he never sounded better than on that track.
    It's scat crossed over with rock n roll via jazz and a blaring horn section.

    The Monkees may have created for TV, .. but they were the real deal.

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    1. They also all co-wrote 'No Time' (whom they gave credit to studio engineer Hank Cicalo) and 'Zilch.'

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    2. I agree that Goin' Down is a great song and I would have included it in my top Monkees tracks.

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  8. Here's my top 10-I'm a believer,Last train to Clarksville, Pleasant Valley Sunday, Daydream Believer, I'm not your stepping stone, Shades of Grey, What am I doing hanging round, I'll be back upon my feet, The door into summer and For pete's sake! There you have it!

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  9. I have to agree that Pleasant Valley Sunday should be on the list. Same goes for She, the Monkees Theme, and You Just May Be The One. As far as the worst ones, there is at least one "sung" by Davy from More of the Monkees, another one sung by Davy from Pisces, and another one sung by Davy from the debut album. You can probably guess which ones.

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  10. I have to disagree with you on 99 Pounds, which I only started to get into recently. I believe it was actually recorded during the time of Headquarters, but not released until Changes. In fact, I could swear the you do hear a distinctly Nez-like voice in the background vocals. I think it is a solid garage band track.

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  11. There was a lot of misinformation in those liner notes from that monkeemania lp ,still some good info though ...I liked your list up until the 5 worst ...I think I'd have grezelda or the day we fall in love way before can you dig it ,mommy and daddy or p.o. box 9847 ....

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  12. Can You Dig It is a great song - probably 'cause I envision it being covered by System Of A Down. I think it lends itself well to that.

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  13. Mommy and Daddy the original version has some very compelling song lyrics, and Micky screaming Lies in a frenzy at the end may have been a bit over the top but there plenty of other Monkee songs that are way more annoying

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  14. Mommy and Daddy the original version has some very compelling song lyrics, and Micky screaming Lies in a frenzy at the end may have been a bit over the top but there plenty of other Monkee songs that are way more annoying

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  15. Now, a couple great songs from GOOD TIMES could in the Best Of side.

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  16. Pleasant Valley Sunday has always been my favorite. Some other favorites that sometimes get overlooked are The Kind Of Girl I Could Love and Love Is Only Sleeping. While Micky has always had my heart as my favorite Monkee, there's something about Papa Nez's voice that just gets me.

    And I have to be honest, I have a soft spot for Gonna Buy Me A Dog. It's a terrible song, of course, but it's just so goofy, you can't help giggling along with Davy and Micky.

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  17. Replies
    1. Sorry you didn't like it but thanks for stopping by.

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  18. Zilch zilch zilch zilch zilch zilch...... :)

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  19. I was an ardent Monkees fan from the minute "Last Train to Clarksville" dropped in the summer of 1966,and the group began hitting all the teen magazines. Davy Jones was my first real heart throb (I was a little too young for the Beatles); not only was he cute, but loved his voice, and loved most of the tunes, and the silly show...sometimes it took some patience to get through one til the music. The show had only been on the air 4 months when my Air Force family was transferred overseas, and by the time I got back to the States, the show was off the air, and I was heartbroken. I wore the albums out, then rebought them on CDs when they were released, and was so glad the group got some love as younger folks discovered them. Favorite song? Must I choose just one? Definitely the ballads. Least favorite is easier; I never have been able to stand "Auntie Grizelda".:-)

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    1. Thanks for the comment- so many fans out there! Hope you got to see them during one of the reunion tours!

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  20. RIP, Mike. Now Mickey's the last Monkee left. I've found "Girl That I Knew Somewhere" to be one of my favorites, and it got a great showcase late in Season 1, being featured on 3 of the last 4 episodes that season. I'm a sucker for good harpsichord playing.

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  21. "Your Auntie Grizelda" is the worst Monkees song. "As We Go Along" and "Goin' Down" are among the best.

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