A SPACE TO MONKEE AROUND!
The three hosts of Fab4Free4All are all avid fans of The Monkees. Some of us are 'first generation', on board since the show aired for its first run back in 1966. Others came on board with the show's move to Saturday morning / afternoon syndication in the very early 1970s. But we've all followed the music closely, seen the group live, read all of the books, and even met a few of the guys along the way.
With all of that in mind, we thought it would be fun to occasionally veer off into "Monkee-land". Any of those little side-projects will appear right here ... the space where the guys from Fab4Free4All can Monkee around.
With all of that in mind, we thought it would be fun to occasionally veer off into "Monkee-land". Any of those little side-projects will appear right here ... the space where the guys from Fab4Free4All can Monkee around.
GOOD TIMES
3.5 out of 5
The Monkees (Rhino Records)
By Mitch Axelrod – May 24, 2016
As the 50th anniversary (yes, I said 50!!) of The Monkees TV show approaches, and with the death of Davy Jones in 2012, it seemed unlikely that a NEW Monkees album would even be thought of as an option. Yes, we all knew some or all of The Monkees would be touring to celebrate the anniversary, but when a new album was announced, and all three surviving Monkees would be on it, I was optimistic, but extremely cautious about what I may hear. I have been a fan since 1966. I enjoy their music. In the interest of full disclosure, I didn’t discover ANY of The Monkees albums, post TV show, until later in life. As much as a fan as I am, I was a bit disappointed with past reunions and albums such as Pool It and Justus. Each has their special moments, but as a whole nothing blew me away.
Move ahead to May 2016 and the release of Good Times. I don’t know what it is or why, but whenever I listen to this collection of songs, I keep smiling like Scrooge at the end of the movie when he is always happy. “I don’t deserve to be happy,” says Scrooge. But after all these years WITHOUT a new Monkees album, the fans certainly deserve to be happy, and I think this CD just might do it for us.
I will NOT be judging Good Times against any Monkees contemporaries or even The Monkees themselves. First let me say that it is not a perfect album by any means, but it deserves a listen (or two, or three……..).
3.5 out of 5
The Monkees (Rhino Records)
By Mitch Axelrod – May 24, 2016
As the 50th anniversary (yes, I said 50!!) of The Monkees TV show approaches, and with the death of Davy Jones in 2012, it seemed unlikely that a NEW Monkees album would even be thought of as an option. Yes, we all knew some or all of The Monkees would be touring to celebrate the anniversary, but when a new album was announced, and all three surviving Monkees would be on it, I was optimistic, but extremely cautious about what I may hear. I have been a fan since 1966. I enjoy their music. In the interest of full disclosure, I didn’t discover ANY of The Monkees albums, post TV show, until later in life. As much as a fan as I am, I was a bit disappointed with past reunions and albums such as Pool It and Justus. Each has their special moments, but as a whole nothing blew me away.
Move ahead to May 2016 and the release of Good Times. I don’t know what it is or why, but whenever I listen to this collection of songs, I keep smiling like Scrooge at the end of the movie when he is always happy. “I don’t deserve to be happy,” says Scrooge. But after all these years WITHOUT a new Monkees album, the fans certainly deserve to be happy, and I think this CD just might do it for us.
I will NOT be judging Good Times against any Monkees contemporaries or even The Monkees themselves. First let me say that it is not a perfect album by any means, but it deserves a listen (or two, or three……..).
- Good Times – a song written by Harry Nilsson for The Monkees, which was ultimately rejected. The original session tapes were used to create a fast paced duet between Harry and Micky. A nice album opener with good harmonies by Micky. Original session players include Mike on guitar, and the late Eddie Hoh on drums. Recorded in January 1968 and February 2016.
- You Bring The Summer – written by Andy Partridge of XTC, this is a very upbeat, catchy song. Lyrics are a bit sappy and get cutesy, but overall, an enjoyable song. A good driving (in your car) song. Nice ending with harmonies by Peter and Mike. Some nice backward guitar work as well. And Mike and Peter play guitar with Peter also on the organ. Recorded in February and March 2016.
- She Makes Me Laugh – the first single. I just don’t know what to do with this song. Written by Rivers Cuomo of Weezer, the lyrics are so juvenile and trite that I almost cringe when I hear it but this song is such an earworm that I defy you to listen to it and NOT end up humming it! It is catchier than a cold and another great driving in your car song. And a nod to The Beatles “It Won’t Be Long” riff! Mike on guitar and Peter on banjo. Recorded February 2016.
- Our Own World – written by producer Adam Schlesinger, this is a very upbeat, bouncy number which you will be humming for a while, and not realize it. I have to admit that when this first came on, with the bouncy opening, I thought I was walking on to Sesame Street. That is not a knock on the song at all. Peter is also on keyboards. Recorded February 2016.
- Gotta Give It Time – by the time of the 5th song, I was starting to think this was a Micky solo album. Each song has through this one has Micky on lead. Written by Jeff Barry and Joey Levine, another upbeat song. Sounds like it could have been recorded in the ‘60’s. Nice Peter and Mike harmonies. Good, but not as memorable as the first four songs. Recorded January 1967 and February 2016.
- Me & Magdalena – the first real “ahhhhhh” moment for me. A really good, laid back Eagles-type song written by Death Cab for Cutie’s Ben Gibbard. It features Mike on lead vocals with some fantastic harmony vocals by Micky. It is so nice to hear Mike singing. No real middle eight blows flows nicely. A fine moment on this album. Recorded February and March 2016.
- Whatever’s Right – written by Monkees long time songwriters Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, this song could be fit into any Monkees episode as a romp song!! Nice use of 12 string guitar. Starts off a BIT in the vein of “Teardrop City.” Another 60’s throwback that fits perfectly on this album. Nice vocals all around. Peter is on keyboards. Coco Dolenz and Bobby Hart are also on vocals. Recorded February and March 2016.
- Love To Love – I had heard, and maybe mistakenly so, that this song was going to be used for the vocals only and The Monkees would create a new instrumental track around Davy’s singing. So when I heard this, I was, and still am, a bit disappointed. I am so glad Davy is represented, but this track feels a bit out of place. It is a single tracked vocal with some new harmonies added by Micky and Peter. Yes, we have heard this before, but it truly is nice to hear Davy’s voice again on an album. Written by Neil Diamond. Recorded January and February 1967, August 1969 and February 2016.
- Little Girl – originally written by Peter Tork as “Sunny Side Up.” Peter has stated that he wanted to write a new “beach song” for Davy to sing as a follow up to “I Wanna Be Free.” The vocal is okay, but never really goes anywhere. But never fear, a great Peter song is near – more later! Recorded February 2016.
- Birth Of An Accidental Hipster – where do I start?!?!? Written by Noel Gallagher (Oasis) and Paul Weller (The Jam), this song blew me away. It is a type of suite with Mike and Micky featured on vocals. Until now, I thought the writers were writing for that “Monkees sound.” With this song, I think Gallagher and Weller have created a song which is a bit out of the comfort zone for The Monkees, and I’m glad they did. Sounds a tiny bit like “Tapioca Tundra.” A song from 2016 that harkens back to 1967 or 1968. My current favorite song on the album. And Coco Dolenz is on vocals. Recorded February and March 2016.
- I Wasn’t Born To Follow – here is the great Peter vocal I mentioned earlier. Written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, this song fits Peter very nicely. He does some really fine banjo work on this track. Again, no real middle eight, but a good, laid back song. Recorded March 1968 and February 2016.
- I Know What I Know – a long song written by Mike Nesmith. It is a simple, yet effective piano song. Nice orchestration work on this track. Mike strains just a bit with his vocals but it suits the song. I think this should have been the album closer as it could be thought of as a love song to the fans. Recorded in February 2016.
- I Was There (And I’m Told I Had a Good Time) – Micky always tells the story of his time in London when The Beatles had a party for The Monkees during the recording of “Sgt. Pepper.” He states that he was there and he has been told he had a good time, hence the title. Starts with a bit of orchestra tuning up in the same vein as “Sgt. Pepper.” Co-written with Adam Schlesinger, this song tries too hard to utilize the story. Sounds like it could have been a Rutles song. Micky on drums. Recorded in February and April 2016.
First: A "mini-episode", in tribute to the late Davy Jones (DOWNLOAD)
The recent passing of Davy Jones prompted us to chat a bit about the Monkees during a recent recording session. This led us to the idea of addressing some questions that have come up between the three hosts, or among the Beatle fans who follow our show and contact us via e-mail with Beatle/Monkee crossover questions. We hope you enjoy it!
Next: Mitch and Tony talk with Micky Dolenz at Planet Hollywood, Fall 2011 (DOWNLOAD)
In late 2011, the guys had the chance to sit down with Micky Dolenz to chat a bit about the Monkees. Here is the complete interview from that visit with the legendary singer and multi-talented musician.
The interview begins while Micky was talking to us about how he made the transition from developing his skills as a classical guitarist at a young age, to being a folkie, and finally to becoming a "rock and roller".
The interview begins while Micky was talking to us about how he made the transition from developing his skills as a classical guitarist at a young age, to being a folkie, and finally to becoming a "rock and roller".
Mitch Axelrod and Tony Traguardo with Micky Dolenz at Planet Hollywood, 2011. Photo by Winifred Boyd
The Monkees Rock the State Theatre in New Jersey 11/30/12
A review is forthcoming (and yeah, it'll be a good one), but for now here are some photos - courtesy of our own Winifred Boyd - from the show.
Special thanks (and congratulations!) to Andrew Sandoval, and to our FOF4F4A ("Friend of Fab 4 Free 4 All") Dave Alexander.
Special thanks (and congratulations!) to Andrew Sandoval, and to our FOF4F4A ("Friend of Fab 4 Free 4 All") Dave Alexander.
The Monkees visit the Fab4Free4All crew's 'home town', Long Island, NY 12/1/12
The photos below are from the group's appearance at the Paramount Theater In Huntington. The guys rocked a delighted crowd! All photos by Winifred Boyd. (Limited copies of prints of these photos are available. Please contact Tony Traguardo for more information.)
