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Here they come...again! The Monkees have just released their first new album in twenty years, and all is right with the world.
That much is evident from the opening track which gives the LP its title. "Good Times" was demoed by Harry Nilsson for The Monkees, never recorded by the group, and later released by Harry (and "The New Salvation Singers," natch) on Capitol's Tower imprint. Now, the late Nilsson's happily un-ironic, churning pop nugget gains new life as a duet with his very-much-alive pal and fellow Hollywood Vampire Micky Dolenz, and it's a match made in rock-and-roll heaven: "There's a good time comin' on/I can feel it in my bones/Said a good time comin' on/I can tell it won't be long/Till there's dancing in the streets again..." The opening song's promise is fulfilled mightily on this effervescent romp through the evolution of The Monkees. These Good Times could well refer to the past - songs by Monkee mainstays Nilsson, Neil Diamond, Jeff Barry, Carole King and Gerry Goffin, and of course, Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart are all featured here, as is a posthumous performance from Davy Jones - but there's nary a whiff of mothballs or pastiche anywhere. Thanks to the spirited productions of Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger and the fresh vocals and instrumentation provided by Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork individually and collectively (not to mention one original song contributed by each), it's clear that the Good Times are today.
Good Times makes no concession to the sound of modern pop. Rather, it's most often the classic Monkees style refracted through a muscular, power-pop prism. Micky Dolenz, whose vocals improbably sound as youthful as they did in, say, 1966, takes the vibrant leads on the effortlessly melodic trio of "You Bring the Summer," "She Makes Me Laugh" and "Our Own World," composed by XTC's Andy Partridge, Weezer's Rivers Cuomo and Schlesinger, respectively. The warmly nostalgic "Summer," sweetly romantic "Laugh" and bouncy "World" all feature Dolenz, Tork and Nesmith in a sunny and shimmering vein. "Laugh," in particular, strikes a fine balance between youth and maturity with its references to playing Scrabble and canoeing, added to the tune at Dolenz's keen urging. (Cuomo was apparently destined to write for The Monkees; not only did he attend the same high school as Tork, but his band Weezer covered "I'm a Believer" for Shrek Forever After.)
Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart's "Whatever's Right" was mooted for The Monkees back in 1966 - and indeed, would have sounded just right alongside "(I'm Not Your) Stepping Stone" and "Last Train to Clarksville" - but has been recorded anew for inclusion here. It has that instantly recognizable, driving Boyce and Hart sound in both the call-and-response vocals and crisp instrumentation (here with carnival-esque organ and prominent guitar licks) propelling the taut track for its under-two-minute length. The languid, atmospheric "Me and Magdalena" from Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard is the album's most dreamy track, featuring Nesmith on lead accompanied by Dolenz on tight harmony. Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher's co-written "Birth of an Accidental Hipster," sung by Mike and Micky, returns The Monkees to Head territory with its shifting rock-meets-vaudeville soundscapes.
In addition to "Good Times," three other vintage tracks have been tapped for inclusion here. Jeff Barry co-wrote the lean garage rocker "Gotta Give It Time" with Joey Levine, and the January 1967 recording (featuring Artie Butler and Al Gorgoni, among others) channels a "Stepping Stone"-esque vibe. Carole King and Gerry Goffin's beautiful "Wasn't Born to Follow" - also recorded by The Byrds, Dusty Springfield and King's band The City, among others - is built around a countrified 1968 Wrecking Crew track with Mike Deasy, Al Casey and Dennis Budimir on guitar, Earl Palmer on drums, Mike Melvoin on harpsichord and Milt Holland on vibes. Peter Tork's weathered lead has the right gravity for the late Goffin's mature, poetic lyrics in the face of the changing musical times. The most recognizable cut on Good Times is Neil Diamond's "Love to Love," an outtake originally recorded in 1967 and 1969 and already released in two different mixes. Regardless of its familiarity, it still boasts a prime Davy Jones vocal - sweetened with Tork and Dolenz's newly-recorded harmonies. Diamond's moody melody and its psych-pop arrangement (played by Butler, Gorgoni, Hugh McCracken and other session vets) make for a seamless addition to the lineup here.
Mike Nesmith is responsible for the most touching moment on the album, his low-key and ruminative "I Know What I Know." Driven by Adam Schlesinger's piano, it's a virtual solo (and in fact was first recorded by Nesmith some years back), and an attractively melancholy showcase. Of the other original Monkee-penned songs, Peter revives his gentle "Little Girl" (previously recorded on his duo album with James Lee Stanley) as a tribute to Davy, whom he originally hoped would sing it as a follow-up to "I Wanna Be Free." Micky bookends Good Times with a Schlesinger co-write, the tongue-in-cheek "I Was There (And I'm Told I Had a Good Time)." A chunky, pounding Beatles/Billy Preston-esque blues piano riff showcases Micky's dry sense of humor ("We are here and we're gonna have a good time/Like we did before/Supposedly...") on this track which sends The Monkees' 50th anniversary record off into the sunset on a high note.
Rhino's release, overseen by executive producer John Hughes with A&R contributions from Jason Day and longtime Monkees steward Andrew Sandoval, features a thick booklet with full lyrics for each songs as well as track-by-track annotation and credits. Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork are currently touring behind Good Times, with Nesmith hinting at a possible reunion with his Monkee mates in the near future. Note that several retailer-exclusive bonus tracks are available via FYE, HDTracks/iTunes, and Barnes and Noble (the latter in conjunction with the upcoming vinyl release). The Japanese CD version features one of the two B&N tracks (Andy Partridge's "Love's What I Want") on CD. Those who purchase from select independent retailers might also receive some free, swell Monkees swag (a Good Times! coloring book)!
Has there ever been a more worthy story still yet to be acknowledged by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame than that of The Monkees, four kids hired to play a band on TV who actually became one and are still making great and yes, relevant, music five decades later? But the only validation The Monkees truly need is one they've received over all those years: the joy that Davy, Micky, Peter and Mike's music has brought over the years. Don't hesitate. Listen to the band!
Good Times! is available now: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada)
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Review: The Monkees, "Headquarters: Super Deluxe Edition"
When this was announced my reaction was ehh... So glad I was wrong!
Really enjoying this one! Love the garage-esque opening with Nilsson dueting... Great way to open, as opposed to a more modern "perfected" sound of a constructed upbeat "Monkees" in the 2000s sound (the excellent 2nd track "Bring the Summer" is perfect as track 2, not 1). Great opener showing this isn't just an autotune rehash record. Then it gets more polished...
Like The Beach Boys different, but equally surprisingly excellent "That's Why God Made Radio" in 2012 (which opened with a semi-"Our Prayer" opener as opposed to a "Do It Again" rehash - "Good Times!" is a perfect record for this band, in this year - with a key member missing (Davy - Carl's vocals didn't appear on TWGMR unfortunately) - Carl's final tracks came out on the 2013 box set instead. By just listening to the songs here, you wouldn't think these guys are in their 70s!
I do miss the spirit of Davy, but he feels (and sounds) with the album. I miss him much. There are those that feel his "Hard to Believe" is MOR junk even for the time, while I think it is just a wonderful song that starts Side 2 of "Pisces" to rearrange the feel of the album.
This should really please fans - I already like it more than "Headquarters" (it takes a long weird time to finally get to the excellent final track, "Randy Scouse Git")!
This is a welcome addition to The Monkees catalogue! Really enjoy it!
I couldn't agree more, Jeff! And I almost referenced the Boys' TWGMTR in my review, but decided to let The Monkees stand alone. It's such an apt analogy, though, and for all of the differences between the albums, I had much of the same excitement hearing these old friends sing together one last (?) time on record.
Have always loved "Hard to Believe." Davy is still so very much missed.
The new album is great, but it's NOT as good as Headquarters. Not to mention Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones, or the Head soundtrack.
Best Monkees album since Head though? Oh, YES!
Best since HEAD? Good enough!
Can anyone comment on the FYE bonus track, "A Better World"? I'm thinking of getting this edition for that track--I already have the standard version--but I don't want to spend the cash unless it's a quality track. Any thoughts on the song? I can't find it online to sample.
"A Bettter World" is a good song, but it really doesn't fit in with the rest of the album. The CD is only $9.99 at F.Y.E.
Thanks for the input!
Great essay, paisan! I wonder if anyone can list, song by song, exactly which of the three Monkees are doing exactly what on each song? How many songs have all three on them? Who is not on which song? When do they sing and when play which instruments? I heard that they were never in the studio together because Mike wanted a kind of privacy--not out of any lack of love for M and P--but because he was self-conscious performing. I think they all likely underestimated what a smash this would be; it's a wildfire.
So, in short, any track by track personnel details would be welcome.
Deep thanks,
Michael
I just picked up the 14-track FYE version today. I haven't listened to all of it yet, but will soon. The booklet annotates who plays on each track.
All three Monkees appear on tracks 2, 3, 4, and 7.
Micky sings on every track except 9, 11, and 12. His only instrument is drums, track 13.
Michael sings on 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, and 12, and plays guitar on 1, 2, and 3.
Peter sings on 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 11, and 14 (the bonus track); plays keyboards on 2, 4, and 7; banjo on 3; and guitar on 9 and 14.
Micky's sister Coco sings backing vocals on several tracks as well.
Tracks 1, 5, 8, and 11 are vintage 1960s tracks with new overdubs. Track 7 is an entirely new recording of a 1960s-era Boyce and Hart composition, with Hart on backing vocals.
Track 2 also features performances by Adam Schlesinger, Jody Porter, and Brian Young, constituting three-fourths of Fountains of Wayne.
Not to nitpick, but Smashmouth did the 'I'm a Believer' remake on 'Shrek'. Other than that- great review! This is the album fans like myself have waited for. Nice to hear more imput from Nez. I'm holding out for the vinyl edition.
Smash Mouth performed "I'm a Believer" for the first "Shrek" film. Weezer did it for the fourth film in the series, "Shrek Forever After," as noted in the review. You can hear Weezer's version on the soundtrack to that film. Thanks!
What a fun album!
Finally ordered it today from Amazon (Thanks to "Autorip," I got to listen right away and I've listened to it three times today). Good Times! is going to be in heavy rotation in my stereo, car, and iPod all summer long.
I've liked several new albums this year (and I'm looking forward to new Avett Brothers soon), but Good Times! may well be my favorite both now and when the year comes to an end. Not a single bummer in the bunch! It's the happiest an album has made me a long, long time.
My only gripe is scattering four bonus tracks around. Not cool. As it is, I'm not a vinyl person so I don't know how I'm going to get the other Andy Partridge composition on CD (why Japan only?), or at least a download if I must. It's one of the tracks I'm most interested in.
I probably screwed up not buying the Fye edition with the extra Peter track, and while it's easy enough to get both "Terrifying" and the faster version of "Me & Magdalena" via download having to pay extra for them AND not having them available on CD is pretty crappy. Shameful practices, Rhino.
Terrifying is worth getting, I don't know how they left it off the album.
I liked the sample I heard, though I couldn't form a full opinion from that. I will download it, along with the other version of "Magdalena" (which I like even more than the album version).
From a sales standpoint, this seems to be,working for Rhino, but it's still bad customer relations. I will be mighty p***ed if they end up doing a Deluxe Edition in six months with all of the bonus tracks on one CD.
There was only 3 Shrek movies. The third one had two different titles. I like "Good Times", but we should have gotten all the tunes, instead of gouging the loyal fans.
There are four Shrek movies: Shrek (2001), Shrek 2 (2004); Shrek the Third (2007) and Shrek Forever After (2010) - the last with Weezer's "I'm a Believer."
Pure pop gold.
So well conceived and executed. Really unbelievable for these guys to sound so fresh yet not modernized.
The energy in this one is palpable. Wishing to have been there during the recordings. It just sounds like fun.
A welcome addition to the heavy summer rotation.
It's been out for a while now and I'm still listening to this album a lot. It's so good! Many people say it's their best since the Head soundtrack and that may be true, although I really love The Monkees Present, dammit! Pool It and Justus were okay, but Good Times is clearly their best since the 60s.
Me & Magdalena is the best song on the album IMO, really every song Mike sings is great, but it's "hard to believe" how great Micky sounds for his age! It's unreal - the guy is 71 and you absolutely can't tell.
If you haven't seen this yet, they also hit a home run with the animated video for You Bring the Summer. Instant classic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbf6HbKZSMk