Last Train to Clarksville: Limited Quantity Remains of Monkees “Greatest Hits” on Orange Vinyl
Monkee Alert!
In 1969, the band itself was coming apart at the seams, and its television program had been cancelled a year earlier. But Colgems Records had a solution to reignite interest in the zany music makers: release the first-ever Monkees hits collection! That LP was The Monkees Greatest Hits, a 14-track album that lives up to its promise: “I’m a Believer,” “Last Train to Clarksville,” “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” “Daydream Believer,” “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You,” and so on. The Monkees Greatest Hits soon became one of the most sought-after albums in the Monkees’ catalogue, and it’s never been reissued on CD in its original form, having been superseded by numerous other compilations.
Friday Music and Rhino have teamed up to bring the original Greatest Hits back as a 180-gram vinyl release, and as if that wasn’t enough, Rhino has exclusively offered a small allotment (just 500 copies) on limited edition orange vinyl. Greatest Hits has been flying out the door, and only a small percentage of that number is still available, but it can be yours now if you pre-order at this link! The price is $19.98, which is actually less than the standard (black vinyl) version’s retail price of $24.98 at Amazon.com.
The album has been lavishly repackaged, and you’ll even find a rare stereo mix of a Neil Diamond-penned tune on this vinyl gem. The orange-vinyl edition begins shipping on March 6, while the standard version is available now. Hit the jump for the details via Friday Music’s full statement on this exciting release, plus the track listing! And stay tuned for more news on Friday’s ongoing Monkees celebration!
The legendary pop/rock superstars The Monkees (Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Mike Nesmith and Peter Tork) set the music world on fire back in the sixties. With a very successful television show, massive concert tours, and of course an amazing string of number one albums and hit singles, The Monkees to this day are still revered and loved by their continual growing legion of fans worldwide.
In 1969, Colgems Records honored these hugely popular rockers with their first hits album simply titled The Monkees Greatest Hits. Filled with a treasure trove of number one singles and hit album tracks from their first five smash albums, this incredible LP also provided the soundtrack to their successful syndicated television run of The Monkees on Saturday mornings.
No stone is left unturned, as this 14-track masterpiece is loaded with hit singles like “Daydream Believer,” “Last Train To Clarksville,” “I’m A Believer,” “Pleasant Valley Sunday,” “Valleri,” “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone,” plus the appearance of a rare stereo mix of “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You” that was only available on this original vinyl album.
As one of the most rare albums in their Colgems Records catalogue, The Monkees Greatest Hits was only in print for a very short time, making it an instant collector’s item, which hasn’t seen the light of day for over four decades… that is until now!
Friday Music is pleased to announce for the very first time on audiophile vinyl The Monkees Greatest Hits. Mastered impeccably from the original Colgems Records tapes by Joe Reagoso, this amazing pop classic truly shines in the audiophile vinyl domain. Long-time unearthed vinyl mixes of their classic hit singles and solid album tracks like “She,” “Shades Of Gray” and “I Wanna Be Free” truly resonate as you remember them from years ago.
To enhance your limited edition album, we have also included a polybag for the very rare black and orange colored pop artwork album cover and a poly lined sleeve to protect your 180 gram vinyl purchase for years of enjoyment. Welcome back The Monkees Greatest Hits… only from your friends at Friday Music. Rock On!
The Monkees, The Monkees Greatest Hits (Colgems COS-115, 1969 – reissued Friday Music, 2012)
- Randy Scouse Git
- Daydream Believer
- I Wanna Be Free
- Pleasant Valley Sunday
- Cuddly Toy
- I’m a Believer
- Valleri
- Shades of Gray
- Mary, Mary
- Zor and Zam
- (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone
- A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You
- Last Train to Clarksville
- She
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Rhino just tweeted that there is only 50 copies left!
they’re all gone. Just tried to get one..
I know the Monkees ride was nearing its end in 1969, but I never understood why they put out such an ugly, bland cover for that album. Not even a picture! How the mighty fell…
Great songs all on that album though, and including “Zor and Zam” was a real surprise!
I agree – that has to be one of the ugliest album covers I have ever seen. I still can’t understand why Colgems didn’t put a photo of The Monkees on the cover….
I do like the album cover of the 1976 greatest hits release – nice photo of the guys !!
I figured the reason there’s no picture of The Monkees on that greatest hits album was because, even though Peter Tork was a member when all the songs on that LP were recorded, when it came out — summer 1969, I think — he was no longer a member. Micky, David and Mike were touring, and the previous album, Instant Replay, only had pictures of the three of them.
Because of poor packaging my LP came with a split seam…..I tried getting a replacement copy but it never happenned. Rhino really needs some lessons in shipping their product !!