Davy Jones ‘Incredible!’ 7a Records Release Presale

  1. Davy Jones – Incredible!

7A Records are proud to present Davy Jones’ “Incredible!”. A deluxe reissue of Jones’ “lost” ‘80s album, remastered and expanded with bonus tracks. The limited edition gatefold Vinyl release is limited to 1,000 copies. Pressed on 180g transparent blue vinyl, it features extensive liner notes from Monkees historian Mark Kleiner and rare and previously unseen pictures by photographer Henry Diltz.

The CD comes with a big 36 page colour booklet, extensive liner notes from Monkees historian Mark Kleiner and rare and previously unseen pictures by photographers Henry Diltz and Michael G. Bush.

Fuelled by MTV’s re-runs of the original Monkees TV series, “Incredible!” was recorded at the height of mid-‘80s Monkees comeback-euphoria. Given the flurry of activity happening on multiple fronts for the Monkees throughout 1986, especially the grueling demands of their touring schedule, the fact that Davy Jones managed to record a full album amid the chaos is somewhat staggering. “Incredible!” features several songs that could well have reached the Billboard charts, had things played out differently. However, Jones decided to hang on to the album and it ended up being self-released on cassette on his own mail order label. The minimalistic promotion and treatment of the original release belie the considerable studio and artist firepower behind these recordings. This deluxe repackaging allows this chapter in Jones’ fascinating journey to finally more fulsomely shine.

US Customers

LP PURCHASE FROM DEEP DISCOUNT

UK Customers

LP PURCHASE FROM AMAZON

Categories: Davy JonesNew ReleasesPopSingle LPsVinyl

LP TRACK LISTING & INFO

Side One

1. Look Inside Yourself
2. Make The Woman Love Me
3. Only Dreaming
4. Black And White
5. Valleri
6. After Your Heart
7. Incredible
8. I’ll Love You Forever 

Side Two

1. Hippy Hippy Shake
2. She Believes In Me
Bonus Tracks:
3. King Lonely The Blue (Later, Alt. Ver.)
4. Hangin’ By A Thread (Studio Ver.)
5. Don’t Go
6. Fallen Hero
7. Can You Whistle?
8. Free (The Greatest Story Ever Told)

• Remastered With 6 Bonus Tracks
• Rare & Previously Unseen Photos
• Extensive Liner Notes
• Limited to 1,000 copies

US Customers

CD PURCHASE FROM DEEP DISCOUNT

UK Customers

CD PURCHASE FROM AMAZON

For all other countries, please check out Amazon worldwide

CD Track Listing:

1. Look Inside Yourself
2. Make The Woman Love Me
3. Only Dreaming
4. Black And White
5. Valleri
6. After Your Heart
7. Incredible
8. I’ll Love You Forever
9. Hippy Hippy Shake
10. She Believes In Me

Bonus Tracks:
11. King Lonely The Blue (Later, Alt. Ver.)
12. Hangin’ By A Thread (Studio Ver.)
13. Don’t Go
14. Fallen Hero
15. Can You Whistle?
16. Hangin’ By A Thread (Live)
17. Free (The Greatest Story Ever Told)

• Remastered With 7 Bonus Tracks
• Rare & Previously Unseen Photos
• Big 36 Page CD Colour Booklet
• Extensive Liner Notes

Review: Davy Jones 1971 Bell Album 7a Records Remaster

7a Records continues to honor the memory and legacy of Davy Jones with the vinyl and cd reissue of his 1971 self-titled album, his first post Monkees LP and solo record since the 1965 ‘David Jones’ release. Remastered from the original Japanese Bell Records master tapes supplied by Sony, the album has an early 70’s Pop sheen courtesy of producer Jackie Mills who was also producing Bobby Sherman and the Brady Kids at the time. Davy worked with Mills on the record which included a minor hit with ‘Rainy Jane’ written by Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield that reached number 32 on the Cashbox charts. 

While Jones had hoped to move on from his “teen idol” image, recording some more mature demos (a collection found on the self released ‘Just For The Record” box set and 7a Records ‘Manchester Boy – Personal File’ 2022 release), Davy was guided by Mills and Bell Records for the 1971 sessions. While the album has some good tunes tailored towards Jones Pop and Broadway background, the album was a commercial disappointment which Davy later disowned. 

The extensive liner notes found on the 7a Records cd release, written by Monkees expert the Rev. Mark Kleiner, goes into the low status of Davy Jones post Monkees career leading up to the Bell sessions. It’s a fascinating read of where Davy was at as an artist during this down period and how, despite his later dissatisfaction, approached the project with professionalism which shows on how he tackled some of the songs with a theatrical flair. Songs that really benefit include ‘Rainy Jane’, David Gates ‘Look At Me’, the album’s second single ‘I Really Love You’, ‘Road To Love’, ‘Welcome To My Love’, ‘Pretty Little Girl’ and ‘Take My Love’. The Jackie Mills production is fine, though Kleiner does note that Mills himself was not very happy to find himself producing recordings for teen idols like Davy Jones and Bobby Sherman. 

Six Mono bonus tracks have been included on the cd and vinyl editions of this 7a Records release. (Note: the 2012 Friday Music cd, released after Davy’s passing, includes the same bonus tracks). They include the original single mix for ‘Girl’ from the movie ‘Star Spangled Girl’ and later featured prominently in the famous Brady Bunch episode ‘Getting Davy Jones’. While it flopped commercially at the time, ‘Girl’ is today considered Jones’ most popular solo song after The Monkees. The non-LP single ‘I’ll Believe In You’ is a beautiful song that should have gotten a big push from Bell Records. The remaining bonus tracks are Mono mixes of the album cuts ‘Take My Love’, ‘Road To Love’, ‘How About Me’ and ‘I Really Love You’.

Besides Mark Kleiner’s incredibly informative and detailed liner notes, the 36-page cd booklet is packed with rare 70’s era photos of Davy Jones, singles picture sleeves, a promotional ad for ‘Rainy Jane’, Davy in clown makeup from the 1972 ‘Pop!’ special and a beautiful centerfold of Davy that should make stars shine in the eyes of many fans! The LP edition come in a gatefold sleeve and is pressed on 180g transparent green vinyl.

While not a commercial success at the time, this remastered reissue of the 1971 ‘Davy Jones’ album is deserving of a reassessment of a nice slice of 70’s Pop that Davy was so good at. 7a Records has done an excellent job in the production and presentation of these recordings. Even if you have an original copy of the 1971 album and singles or the 2012 Friday Music cd, Monkees and especially Davy fans should have the 7a Records edition of the ‘Davy Jones’ album in their collection, the historic liner notes alone are worth it. To paraphrase the ad for the 1972 ‘Pop!’ special, rediscover ‘Davy Jones’, you may end up falling in love with him again!

Track listing:

1. Road To Love
2. How About Me
3. Singin’ To The Music
4. Rainy Jane
5. Look At Me
6. Say It Again
7. I Really Love You
8. Love Me For A Day
9. Sitting In The Apple Tree
10. Take My Love
11. Pretty Little Girl
12. Welcome To My Love

Bonus Tracks:

13. Girl (Mono)
14. I’ll Believe In You (Mono)
15. Take My Love (Mono)
16. Road To Love (Mono)
17. How About Me (Mono)
18. I Really Love You (Mono)

• Remastered With 6 Bonus Tracks
• Rare & Previously Unseen Photos
• Big 36 Page CD Colour Booklet
• Extensive Liner Notes

7a Records Link: https://www.7arecords.com/?s=Davy+jones&post_type=product&type_aws=true&aws_id=1&aws_filter=1

Fred Velez, 2024.

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’.

Freddy Pop Shop Book Link: https://freddypop.wordpress.com/freddy-pop-shop/

Henry ‘Hank’ Cicalo 1932 – 2024

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Hank Cicalo June 25, 1932 – January 31, 2024.

From Carole King’s Facebook page:

Hank was the engineer on Tapestry. What more can I say? 🙏
R.I.P. Hank Cicalo


Hank’s wife Lynn shared this on his Facebook page:

HENRY “HANK” CICALO June 25, 1932 – January 31, 2024 On Wednesday, January 31, Hank passed away at home, peacefully, in his sleep, surrounded by his loving family. He was 91 years old. Born in Brooklyn, Hank graduated from Lafayette High School. He served for four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and fought in the Korean War, rising to the rank of staff sergeant. He attended Audio Visual Technical School in New York City.

Shortly after graduating, he moved to California to begin his illustrious career as a recording engineer — first working with Armed Forces Radio, then Capitol Records, RCA, Dot, A&M Records and more. He had the pleasure of working with almost every great artist of his time – from the 50’s through the 80’s: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peggy Lee, Lou Rawls, Duke Ellington, The Monkees, George Harrison, Tom Scott, Michael Feinstein and Barbra Streisand, to name a few.

One of his most acclaimed projects was Carole King’s Tapestry album, with producer Lou Adler. In addition to working with them on several subsequent projects, he also enjoyed recording many other artists on Ode Records. He met his wife, Lynn Cherry Cicalo, working on The Blade Runner soundtrack in 1982 and they married in 1988. They were fortunate to share many happy years together.

Hank is survived by his wife Lynn, his former wife Norma and their children: Joe (Shari), Christine, Victoria (Gene) and his grandchildren Joe (32) and Elena (16). A memorial service will be planned for a future time. Because of Hank’s service in the Korean War, he was a passionate advocate for the caring service provided by the USO. Contributions can be made to the USO.

From Andrew Sandoval’s Facebook page:

Last night I learned that recording engineer, Hank Cicalo, had passed – he was 91. He had a very long and incredible career in audio and to highlight only his work with The Monkees would be a disservice to his professional legacy. Nevertheless, that is how I made a connection with him some 30 years ago for an interview that has stood the test of time and has featured in numerous writings I have done ever since on the band. And it was amazing he even recalled as much as he did when, as he told me, his days as an RCA staff engineer were stacked.

Hank: “In order not to lose what I had going with other clients, and the way RCA was set up in those days, I was working like 100 hours a week. Although the Monkees things were important because we were doing scoring — underscoring stuff with Shorty Rogers and whatever — at the same time I was trying to do Duke Ellington, Vic Damone, Peggy Lee and all those other acts. There was a lot of stuff going on. In those two years, ’66 and ’67, I had seven days off the whole year and worked over 100 hours a week.”

In fact, Hank was one of the only factors of continuity in The Monkees’ first 18-months of recording, when they went from producer to producer and eventually became a band in their own right. The Monkees trusted and respected Hank and even gave him the sole writing credit on their song, “No Time,” as a sincere gesture for putting in long hours with them. Notably, he also worked with Michael Nesmith on the solo instrumental project, The Wichita Train Whistle Sings.

I want to thank Hank for his contribution and to giving me a solid interview back when I was just an eighteen-year-old cold calling him hoping to learn as much as possible. May his work live on and bring joy to those who listen. Hint: Every time you hear those words “7A” that open “Daydream Believer” – that’s Hank’s voice.

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Monkees Authors New Book On The Turtles.

NOT JUST HAPPY TOGETHER: THE TURTLES FROM A – Z (AM RADIO TO ZAPPA)”
NEW BOOK BY MONKEES AUTHORS COMPREHENSIVELY CHRONICLES THE HISTORY & MUSIC OF ANOTHER 60s BAND

Monkees Author Mark Arnold and Monkee Mania Radio air personality Charles F Rosenay!!! have combined forces to co-author a new book on another sixties band, The Turtles. Rock & roll, genre, pop-culture, and music fans worldwide will be able to obtain this comprehensive and chronicled history of the band in “Not Just Happy Together: The Turtles A-Z (AM Radio To Zappa),” as published by Genius Book Publishing (2024).

The Turtles incorporated strong doses of humor and personality, as did The Monkees, with a similar hybrid mix of pop, country, and rock. Unlike Colgems, The Turtles’ inept record company, White Whale, promoted the band’s singles, but dropped the ball when it came to album sales and continued recording successes. Turtles’ album sales figures are sketchy, as were their record label’s accounting practices, but their best-selling album, “Golden Hits,” sold over 500,000 copies. It was unquestionably a gold record supported by 5 Turtles’ studio and 20 compilation albums.

“Not Just Happy Together…” is co-written by veteran author Mark Arnold (“Long Title: Looking for the Good Times” and “Headquartered: A Timeline of The Monkees Solo Years”) and Charles F. Rosenay!!!, who Monkee fans will know from his many years of promoting and co-producing Monkees Conventions. Their 466-page deluxe book chronicles everything you wanted to know about The Turtles and more – yesterday, today, and tomorrow – with plenty of Monkees references.
The Turtles were a colorful hit/fun band and an in-demand sensation from 1963 – 1969, an era when AM Radio and 45 rpm singles ruled. Live footage is readily available on YouTube: network performances on: “The Ed Sullivan Show”, “Shindig,” “Hullabaloo,” “Where the Action Is,” “The Clay Cole Show,” “The Smothers Brothers Show,” are stand-outs.

According to authors Mark Arnold and Charles F. Rosenay!!!, “The Beatles gave us ‘Yeah Yeah Yeah’ and The Turtles gave us ‘No No No’.” The authors also note that “comedy and rock and roll” is risky and often does not mix well. It worked with The Beatles, The Monkees, and also The Turtles. Founding Turtles member Mark Volman, who is still touring, jokes that, “The Turtles missed being The Beatles by only 4 letters and some 7 billion dollars.”

“Not Just Happy Together…” covers the ongoing adventures and mis-adventures of The Turtles including every band member 1963-1969, their recordings in a comprehensive A – Z(appa) catalog, discography, session details, songwriters such as musician Harry Nilsson, record label lawsuits and counter lawsuits, live events, promotions on AM Radio, comparisons to The Beatles and The Monkees, the 1960s touring life, being confused with Liverpool’s British Invasion hit-makers, Gerry And The Pacemakers, their ill-fated Ray Davies (of The Kinks)-produced album, and the infamous Tricia Nixon White House party incident in May of 1970.

There is a frequent misconception that The Turtles were “one hit wonders” because “Happy Together” went #1 (1967) and was a huge hit, and is still part of the musical landscape. However, there are at least six other Turtles’ well-known chart-topping hits like: “She’d Rather Be with Me” (which many people mistakenly call “Some Girls”),” “Elenore” (which they wrote as a response to “Happy Together”), “You Showed Me,” “It Ain’t Me Babe” (written by Bob Dylan) and “You Baby.” The Turtles’ chart success is complemented by such lesser-known achievements as them singing “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show Theme” or performing the title song to the Robert Morse starring “Guide For A Married Man” (which occasionally airs on TMC), and then becoming Flo & Eddie (aka Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman) on their own, and later lending their amazing vocals on such classics as T. Rex’s “Bang-A-Gong,” Bruce Springsteen’s “Hungry Heart,” and actually becoming members of Frank Zappa’s The Mothers.

Authors Mark Arnold and Charles F. Rosenay!!! have joined efforts to cover the entire careers of The Turtles from their early days as The Crossfires, through their hit-filled years, into their break-up that led to most of The Turtles’ members joining forces with Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention, to Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan’s years as solo artists under the guise of Flo & Eddie, and even their forays into children’s records.

Arnold and Rosenay!!! have reviewed every song and album, and interviewed many of The Turtles’ friends and associates along with most of The Turtles themselves, who have given startling new revelations that will surprise even the most hardcore fan. This hard cover edition includes 466 pages with images, interviews, and insights into the world of The Turtles, The Crossfires, The Mothers (of Invention), Frank Zappa, Flo & Eddie, and more. There is even an interview with original Beatlemania member Mitch Weissman, who played in The Turtles’ band for a while.


“Not Just Happy Together…” is sincerely dedicated to past and present members of The Turtles. There are Turtles “in-stories,” guest interviews, actual accounts, Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman’s antics, cover photos by rock photographer and Monkees friend Henry Diltz, and a Foreword from their buddy and musical contemporary, Gary Puckett (of Gary Puckett & The Union Gap).

Additionally, the authors contend that The Turtles are one of two bands that are neglectfully missing from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, along with The Monkees.

“Not Just Happy Together: The Turtles A-Z (AM Radio To Zappa),” is the definitive Turtles compendium is as unique as The Turtles themselves. Open the doors to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and to every music library.

Genius Books Link: https://geniusbookpublishing.com/products/not-just-happy-together

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Not-Just-Happy-Together-Z/dp/1958727229/ref=pd_ybh_a_sccl_1/145-0160411-6004317?pd_rd_w=cMZIL&content-id=amzn1.sym.67f8cf21-ade4-4299-b433-69e404eeecf1&pf_rd_p=67f8cf21-ade4-4299-b433-69e404eeecf1&pf_rd_r=NG9X0XFH2A2Z85Y8JJV0&pd_rd_wg=7Li8P&pd_rd_r=948a5728-fddf-42dd-916b-82dc26669ff8&pd_rd_i=1958727229&psc=1

Micky Dolenz at Fest For Beatles Fan Feb. 9, 10, 11, 2024

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Beatles Fests since 1974! Next Fest: NYC Feb 9-11Info & Tix: https://www.thefest.comFriday–5:00pm – MidnightSaturday–11 AM – 1 AMSunday–Noon – 11 PMThe VenueTWA HotelThe TWA Hotel at JFK Airport will be our home for the 2024 NY Metro Fest, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Fest and 60 years since the Beatles first landed in America at JFK! The hotel sold out in five hours in early April. The overflow hotel is the Hyatt Regency JFK at Resorts Casino.Their rates are identical to that of the TWA Hotel ($259 per night). There will be shuttles to get you to the TWA Hotel and back throughout the weekend. More details to come. There is free parking for those staying at the Hyatt.Non-stop live #Beatles music on two stages, Micky Dolenz, a Wings reunion, Ringo’s drummer Gregg Bissonette, Liverpool legend Billy J. Kramer, legendary sax player Mark Rivera, tons of Beatles activities, contests, art exhibits, fan jamming, and much more!Check it all out at Thefest.comMicky will be performing both Saturday and Sunday Evenings.Only a few songs but right there for us to sing along.Micky will be doing 2 signings per day.Schedule of Events will be out in the next few weeks.
New York CityHere we come!Saturday February 10, 2024TWA HotelOnly 12 guests will be joining this hilarious night to remember withMicky Dolenz.Laughs, Stories and your opportunity to ask Micky anything you have ever wanted to know.Dinner, drinks, pictures, autographs and bragging rights all while helping raise money for Make A Wish.To reserve your spot and for all information please contact celebritymeetandeats@gmail.comHeads up only 5 spots remain.As of now, this is the ONLY East Coast Date.
We are NOW ON SHOPIFY Official Micky Dolenz Swag from a Collaboration of MindsEverything is on SALE.Think Valentine’s Day https://eab9f6.myshopify.com/
Winter Festival 2024 presents:Micky DolenzThe New Hope Winery  February 2, 20248:00 PMDoors open at 7pmVERY FEW TICKETS REMAINI will be bringing TWO copies of Micky’s New Book“I Was There And I’m Told I Had a Good Time”One is theSUPER DELUXE EDITION ($400)and One is theFLEXIBOUND OPEN EDITION ($150)(can be autographed)I will also be brining TWO Black Acoustic Guitars for Autographing.(personalized with song and your name $500)If you would like to reserve these for yourself, please contact me directly.We will have autographed merchandise pre-signed for you to purchase but Micky will NOT be doing a personal signing at this event.If you have items you would like to have signed, you can bring them with you and I will have them signed either before or after the show.Each autograph will be $50 with money being raised for the Twin Rivertown Projects listed below.Any questions, please email me at jodismonkeenews@gmail. comHope To See You THERE!Lambertville New Hope Winter Festival is a Community Fundraiser produced by Twin Rivertown Projects, Inc. a non-profit corporation that donates all proceeds to local foodbanks and community – based organizations.  We appreciate your support of the fundraiser! https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/61897305/winter-festival-2024-presentsmicky-dolenz-new-hope-the-new-hope-winery
Download the LIVE 365 app and listen anywhere. Just look for Monkee Mania RadioMonkee Mania RadioListen 24/7 https://live365.com/station/Monkee-Mania-Radio-a57014

7a Records Davy Jones Bell Album Reissue

7A Records is proud to present Davy Jones “The Bell Records Story”. A lavish reissue of Davy Jones’ self-titled album remastered with 6 bonus tracks. Released on February 23rd, the CD version comes with a big 36 page colour booklet, extensive liner notes from Monkees historian Mark Kleiner and rare and previously unseen pictures. The vinyl version comes in a gatefold sleeve and is pressed on 180g transparent green vinyl. This reissue gives fans the opportunity to reassess an album that was unfairly neglected by record buyers at the time of its initial release in the fall of 1971. Pre-order your copy now from:

USA:

CD: https://www.deepdiscount.com/bell-records-story/5060209950563

Vinyl: https://www.deepdiscount.com/bell-records-story-180gm-vinyl/5060209950570

United Kingdom:

CD: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bell-Records-Story-Davy-Jones/dp/B0CRF868PS/ref=tmm_acd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1704589054&sr=8-1

Vinyl: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Records-Story-Green-Vinyl-VINYL/dp/B0CRF7Y348/ref=tmm_vnl_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1704589054&sr=8-1

More territories and pre-order links to follow soon.

Prior to entering the studio with producer Jackie Mills, Jones had recorded a batch of more somber and adult contemporary-sounding demos than the eventual Bell recordings of big band sunshine pop. While the latter played quite squarely into Jones’ established image; the former suggested another path that may (or may not) have launched Jones into a more fecund musical and commercial direction. Who can say? At the end of the day, we have these recordings and their manifold (and for too long overlooked) pleasures to enjoy, a worthy entry in the broad category of early seventies sunshine pop and in the specific canon of Davy Jones and Monkees-related recordings. Here is primetime Davy Jones, singing like an angel, and pointing to a love that leads to joy for all mankind.

Track listing:

  1. Road To Love
  2. How About Me
  3. Singin’ To The Music
  4. Rainy Jane
  5. Look At Me
  6. Say It Again
  7. I Really Love You
  8. Love Me For A Day
  9. Sitting In The Apple Tree
  10. Take My Love
  11. Pretty Little Girl
  12. Welcome To My Love

Bonus Tracks:

  1. Girl (Mono)
  2. I’ll Believe In You (Mono)
  3. Take My Love (Mono)
  4. Road To Love (Mono)
  5. How About Me (Mono)
  6. I Really Love You (Mono)

For more information and for our full catalogue please visit http://www.7arecords.com.

FreddyPop Video Blog: The Monkees Christmas Party!

FreddyPop Video Blog: An appreciation of The Monkees ‘Christmas Party!’ Album.


Fred Velez, 2023.

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’.

FreddyPop Shop Link: https://freddypop.wordpress.com/freddy-pop-shop/

Review: I’m Told I Had A Good Time – The Micky Dolenz Archives Vol. One

Beatland Books, which has previously published the extensive deluxe rewrite of Andrew Sandoval’s ‘The Monkees: The Day by Day Story’ book, has followed up with another outstanding release with ‘I’m Told I Had A Good Time: The Micky Dolenz Archives – Volume One’.

Sandoval has compiled from the personal archives of Micky Dolenz an incredible collection of photos that chronicles Dolenz’s life and career from his earliest childhood stardom in the 1950’s television series ‘Circus Boy’, into the 1960’s and Micky’s second burst of fame with The Monkees and on till 1977 as he began his career in England as a respected television director.

Photo Copyright Micky Dolenz/Beatland Books.

The nearly 500 pages are packed with astounding photos and memorabilia from Micky’s personal collection, the majority never before published. Micky takes the reader behind the scenes of Circus Boy, the early days of The Monkees on their television set, the movie ‘Head’ and the whirlwind of their wild concert tours, with fantastic photos of Jimi Hendrix as their opening act, hanging out with The Beatles, Stephen Stills, Eric Clapton, Keith Moon and Harry Nilsson among many famous faces and names.

Peter Tork and Jimi Hendix.
Photo Copyright Micky Dolenz/Beatland Books.

Throughout the book Dolenz reflects on the many aspects of his life and career with warmth and humor and a fondness for the people he associated with and called his friends. Micky takes you back to those fun, crazy days when he and the other Monkees were briefly in the eye of the hurricane and beyond.


The book is available in three different formats: as a numbered Super Deluxe Hardcover Edition in a special clamshell case with an additional set of prints, a numbered Deluxe Hardcover Edition in a protective slipcase and a less expensive unnumbered Flexibound Open Edition minus extras. Both Deluxe Editions are hand signed by Micky Dolenz. The Deluxe Editions are limited and will be available for a very short time. The Flexibound is an unsigned open edition. The Flexibound edition of ‘The Monkees: The Day By Day Story’ by Andrew Sandoval is also still available in a limited supply.

Beatland Books has prided itself in presenting the book to its highest quality standards with glossy paper in a sturdy bound format. ‘I’m Told I Had A Good Time’ by Micky Dolenz is a book that belongs in the book shelves of any Monkees and 60’s Rock Fan. This is the ultimate Monkees scrapbook, and it’s only volume one!

Beatland Books Order Link:
https://beatlandbooks.com/shop-beatland-books/

Fred Velez, 2023.

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’

FreddyPop Shop Order Link: https://freddypop.wordpress.com/freddy-pop-shop/

Review: ‘Dolenz Sings R.E.M. 7a Records EP

R.E.M. were one of the great alternate Rock bands of the 1990’s. With an innovative style and presentation, augmented by the distinctive vocals of Michael Stipe, the band from Athens, Georgia left an indelible mark in the history of Rock & Roll.

One of the band’s major influences were The Monkees, their big hit ‘Shiny Happy People’ is an homage to the infectious Pop of the 60’s group. So it’s only fitting that Micky Dolenz, a great admirer of R.E.M., should release the new 7a Records EP ‘Dolenz Sings R.E.M’. Produced by Christian Nesmith, the son of the late Michael Nesmith, Micky covers four of the 90’s band songs, avoiding a karaoke approach and giving the songs a new twist while retaining their unique identities. Assisting Dolenz on background vocals are his sister Coco and Christian’s wife and musical partner Circe Link. Christian preformed the majority of the music with Christopher Allis on drums.

The approach to the music Dolenz and Christian take breathes a 60’s feel into the songs. ‘Shiny Happy People’ is a fun listen with Coco complimenting Micky’s vocals similar to the way Kate Pierson did for Michael Stipe on the original song. R.E.M.’s first single ‘Radio Free Europe’ starts with chugging guitars that pushes the song at a quick pace with a bit of jangling guitars and psychedelia thrown into the mix.

The jangling guitars return in R.E.M.’s tribute to Andy Kaufman ‘Man On The Moon’, Circe Link’s backing vocals adding to the tunes’ quirkiness. The final song ‘Leaving New York’ has a Brian Wilson musical quality with Micky’s emotive vocals giving the song an added poignancy, making it a fine closing track.

7a Records has issued the EP as a digipack CD and in 180g yellow vinyl. The EP cover was designed by Tom Johnson with a 90’s era Micky Dolenz in a yellow car in front of Wuxtry Records in Athen, Georgia with R.E.M. posters displayed in its windows. The quality 7a Records put into the production of this EP is outstanding.

Being major fans of The Monkees, the members of R.E.M. are thrilled with this release. Micky Dolenz is scheduled to do a signing at Wuxtry Records on November 3rd in support of the EP and will be presented with the key to the city.

Micky Dolenz with R.E.M. (Bill Berry, Peter Buck and Michael Stipe) Photo by Jodi Ritzen.

In any case it’s the best of both worlds, the combination of the incredible vocal talents of Micky Dolenz with the brilliant songs of R.E.M. ’Dolenz Sings R.E.M.’ is a treat that should hopefully serve two purposes: introducing Monkees fans to R.E.M., and R.E.M. fans to The Monkees, and perhaps for those on the fence, both bands!

7a Records Link: https://www.7arecords.com/product/dave-edmunds-repeat-when-necessary-red-vinyl-copy/

Fred Velez, 2023.

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’.

Link: https://freddypop.wordpress.com/freddy-pop-shop/

Monkees Author Fred Velez Book Signing October 28th, 2023 in Red Lion, PA

Monkees Author Fred Velez will be doing a book signing for his two Monkees books and Monkees themed Christmas CD at Tom’s Music Trade in Red Lion, PA on Saturday, October 28th between 1 to 3pm. Tom’s has an amazing Rock & Roll Museum of rare posters and memorabilia that’s worth checking out.

If you’re in or near the Pennsylvania area we hope to see you there!

TOMS MUSIC TRADE, 28 N. Main Street, Red Lion, PA 17356. (717) 659-4006

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’.

FreddyPop Shop Link: https://freddypop.wordpress.com/freddy-pop-shop/

Micky Dolenz: New EP, New Video, New Book!

Micky Dolenz has a lot piled up on his plate these days. While currently on tour, he has new releases coming up: his already announced Beatland Book, ‘I’m Told I Had A Good Time’, a surprise 7a Records EP ‘Dolenz Sings R.E.M.’, and a video of the first song off the EP of Micky singing ‘Shiny Happy People’ comprised of personal home movies produced by Dolenz and Andrew Sandoval who also put the book together.

Rolling Stone Article Link: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/micky-dolenzs-shiny-happy-people-video-rem-tribute-album-1234823258/


Original R.E.M. ‘Shiny Happy People’ video with Kate Pierson of the B-52’s.

The 500 page book with tons of photos from Micky’s personal collection and history can now be preordered on the Beatland Books website in three different editions.

Order Details: https://beatlandbooks.com/shop-beatland-books/


‘Dolenz Sings R.E.M.’ can be ordered on several outlets including Amazon, Deep Discount and ImportCDs.

Amazon Links: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Micky+Dolenz&i=popular&ref=mw_dp_a_s

Deep Discount Link: https://www.deepdiscount.com/search?q=Micky+dolenz&mod=AP

ImportCDs:

CD Link: https://www.importcds.com/dolenz-sings-r-e-m/5060209950600

180g Yellow Vinyl: https://www.importcds.com/dolenz-sings-r-e-m-180gm-yellow-vinyl/5060209950617

The Micky Dolenz version of the R.E.M. song ‘Shiny Happy People’ is now available on the streaming services and for download purchase.

On top of all that, Beatland Books is making available again the flexi bound edition of Andrew Sandoval’s 740 page book ‘The Monkees: The Day by Day Story’, also loaded with many never before seen photos and in-depth information. For those who missed out the first time, now’s the time to get it!

Order Link: https://beatlandbooks.myshopify.com/products/the-monkees-the-day-by-day-story-open-edition-flexibound-book

More Micky Dolenz News Forthcoming!

Fred Velez, 2023.

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’.

FreddyPop Shop Link: https://freddypop.wordpress.com/freddy-pop-shop/

Review: Tommy Boyce & Bobby I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight? 7a Records Release

The songwriting team of Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart are pretty much recognized as the ‘Lennon & McCartney’ of The Monkees, having written several of the groups most popular songs and hits like ‘Last Train To Clarksville’, ‘I Wanna Be Free’, ‘She’, ‘(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone’, ‘Words’, ‘Valleri’, ‘Tear Drop City’ and more. Together and as individual songwriters, they’ve written hits for artists like Little Anthony & The Imperials (‘Hurt So Bad’), Freddie Cannon (‘Action’), Curtis Lee (‘Pretty Little Angel Eyes’), Jay & The Americans (‘Come A Little Bit Closer’) and Helen Reddy (‘Keep On Singing’) among others. It was Boyce & Hart that Screen Gems turned to help write, produce, and shape The Monkees’ sound on record. Seeing the success the Monkees were having inspired Tommy and Bobby to become recording and performing artists as well, getting a taste with their band the Candy Store Prophets backing the solo segments of the Monkees 1967 tour. (Less than a decade later, the duo would team up with Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones as Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart.)

Signing with A&M Records, the duo released their first album ‘Test Patterns’ in 1967. On the strength of the successful single ‘I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight?’, the team recorded and released their second album named after the single in 1968. Considered their best album, 7a Records has remastered ‘I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight?’ in a new reissue with incredible sound to celebrate its 55th anniversary.

The songs have a Beatlesque/Brian Wilson type of production that really benefits the songs with a Pop sheen sprinkled with a bit of 60’s psychedelia. ‘Pretty Flower’ could have fit on a later Beach Boys record with its Pop arrangement enhanced by strings. And the B & H version of ‘Tear Drop City’ is actually better than the Monkees one, which segues with sitar-like acoustics into the ethereal ‘Love Every Day’. ‘Two For The Price Of One’ is a soulful bit of fun with the duo name tagging each other. 

‘Goodbye Baby (I Don’t Want To See You Cry)’ is a nice orchestral track with building vocals that evoke the harmonies of The Beatles and The Beach Boys. (Tommy & Bobby were paying attention to what Brian Wilson was doing in the studio.) ‘I’m Digging You Digging Me’ sounds like it could have fit onto the Beach Boys ‘Wild Honey’ album, the melody sort of references the ‘Monkees Theme’ with a wink! Bobby Hart enhances the song ‘Leaving Again’ with his soulful vocals. Tommy Boyce has fun with ‘The Countess’ which has a touch of the Beatles and the Monkees. ‘Population’ has a Bob Dylan improvisational stream of consciousness feel in the lyrics with a wild instrumentation buildup that softly segues into Tommy & Bobby’s version of ‘I Wanna Be Free’ that ends the album on a nice, quiet note.

7a Records has reissued the remastered album on cd in a gatefold sleeve accompanied by a 28-page booklet with informative liner notes written by Monkees historian Andrew Sandoval and many period photos by acclaimed photographer Henry Diltz. The vinyl edition is limited to 500 copies pressed on 180g Red vinyl. As per their past releases, 7a Records excels on the quality and production of this release.

Hopefully this release will lead to more reissues of the Boyce & Hart catalogue with rare bonus tracks included. If you’re a fan of Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart and their work with The Monkees and other artists, then the 7a Records remaster of ‘I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight?’ is a definite keeper. 

1. I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight?
2. Pretty Flower
3. Teardrop City
4. Love Every Day
5. Two For The Price Of One
6. Goodbye Baby (I Don’t Want To See You Cry)
7. I’m Digging, You Digging Me
8. Leaving Again
9. The Countess
10. Population
11. I Wanna Be Free

• Deluxe 55th Anniversary Edition
• Remastered
• Previously Unseen Photos
• 28 Page Colour CD Booklet
• Extensive Liner Notes
• Lyrics To All Songs

Deep Discount Links:

CD: https://www.deepdiscount.com/i-wonder-what-shes-doing-tonight/5060209950457

Red Vinyl LP: https://www.deepdiscount.com/boyce-and-hart-i-wonder-what-shes-doing-tonite-180gm-red-vinyl/5060209950464

Fred Velez, 2023.

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’. 

Visit the FreddyPop Shop!

Micky Dolenz Resting Due To Illness

Due to a recent illness, Micky Dolenz has had to cancel two concert dates for Park City, Utah June 10th & 11th on his current tour and a June 23rd, 2023 appearance at the Day of the Dead Convention in Indianapolis. Dolenz is currently resting and hopes to resume the tour soon.

Messages directly from the official Micky Dolenz Facebook page:

June 13th, 2023
To my dear friends and fans (both old and new),

Apologies for the global post, but in response to the many calls, texts, emails and social media enquiries, I want to assure everyone that I am fine.

It turns out that extreme exhaustion, from a hectic 10 week schedule, jetlag (of the international variety), and high altitude do not mix well, and I want to apologize to anyone that had tickets for the two cancelled Park City, UT shows this past weekend.

Thank you ALL for the care, love and support you’ve shown me! I now intend to rest up and remind myself, again, that I’m 78 not 28!

Love and thanks,

Micky

June 14th, 2023:
Sadly, under the advice of my doctors, and the insistence of my family, I must cancel my appearance at the ‘Days of the Dead’ Convention in Indianapolis, the weekend of June 23.

The result of a hectic schedule, acute exhaustion, and altitude sickness has forced me to rest up and avoid all travel and engagements for two weeks as I remain under medical observation.

I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused the promoters of ‘Days of the Dead’ and my fans that were planning on attending.

Micky

Fred Velez, 2023.

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’

Review: Micky Dolenz Celebrates The Monkees Headquarters at Penn’s Peak

All Photos by Fred Velez

No matter how many times I’ve seen The Monkees in concert, group or solo, the show was always better than the one I saw previously. Sadly, Micky Dolenz is the last surviving member of the group since over the past ten years, between 2011 to 2021, we’ve lost Davy Jones, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith. As the last Monkee standing, Micky now shoulders the responsibility of carrying on the groups’ legacy. As he did on last years ‘Celebration of The Monkees” tour, Micky along with his excellent band, continues with a celebration of the groups’ seminal album ‘Headquarters’, performing the classic record in its entirety. 

Micky Dolenz and Rich Dart

I caught up with the tour on April 16th at Penn’s Peak in Jim Thorpe, PA. Micky’s band consisted of his sister Coco Dolenz on background vocals, Alex Jules on keyboards, Rich Dart on drums, John Billings playing bass, newest member Emeen Zarookian on guitar and long-time lead guitarist Wayne Avers who also served as the musical director. The production was put together by Monkees archivist, author and Grammy winning producer Andrew Sandoval. 

With Andrew Sandoval. Photo taken by Scott Erickson

The concert not only focused on the ‘Headquarters’ album but was also a moving tribute to the memory of Micky’s dearly missed Monkees brothers. The usual Monkees hits like ‘Last Train To Clarksville’, ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’, ‘The Girl I Knew Somewhere’, ‘Porpoise Song’ from the movie ‘Head’ and other familiar songs were played. Micky sang lead on some of the songs associated with Davy Jones like ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little You’, ‘Valleri’ and an emotional version of ‘Daydream Believer’ that the entire audience were encouraged to join in on. One of the rarities performed was ‘All Of Your Toys’, the very first song the Monkees played all the instruments on. This led right into the main portion of the show highlighting the ‘Headquarters’ album with Micky singing lead on most of the songs. The exceptions were a couple of the Davy songs with Emeen Zarookian singing the lead on ‘Forget That Girl’ and Alex Jules on ‘I Can’t Get Her Off My Mind’, their vocals closely matching those of Jones.

Alex Jules, Micky Dolenz and Emeen Zarookian
Forget That Girl – Emeen Zarookian

The other exception were the actual audio clips of ‘Band 6’ and ‘Zilch’ supplemented by photos from the albums’ sessions. On these two brief segments, all four young Monkees from over 50 years ago were together again.

Through this portion of the show Micky offered his recollections on Davy, Peter and Michael with special video tributes dedicated to each member. One of the most emotional moments of the show was when Micky and his sister Coco performed ‘Shades of Gray’, the song now taking on a much sadder meaning. After the performance, Coco could be seen wiping her eyes, as were many members of the audience.

Micky Dolenz, Wayne Avers and Coco Dolenz

The ‘Headquarters’ part of the show ended with Micky playing timpani on ‘Randy Scouse Git’ and at the conclusion announcing the intermission. The entire show and intermission were supplemented with video clips from the Monkees TV show, their movie ‘Head’ and 1969 television special ’33 & 1/3 Revolutions per Monkee’ and rare film footage from Micky’s private archives that included footage of the famous 1967 Hollywood Bowl concert. 

From the collection of Micky Dolenz

The second half of the show began with a performance of ‘Porpoise Song’ along with its coda, and several of the Monkees big hits: ‘Valleri’, ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’, ‘That Was Then, This Is Now’, ‘Goin’ Down’, an audience singalong of ‘Daydream Believer’ with Micky wistfully waving to Davy dancing on the video screen, ‘Steppin’ Stone’, and winding up the show with the group’s biggest hit ‘I’m A Believer’. 

Micky Dolenz Celebrates ‘Headquarters’

The entire show was a fitting tribute to both the ‘Headquarters’ album and to the memory of Davy Jones, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith. Micky and the entire band were top notch and gave 100 percent-plus on their performances. It was evening filled with great memories and a few heartfelt tears. These Monkees celebration shows with Micky Dolenz are extra special, so try and catch this tour when it come to your town. 

For Current Micky Dolenz Tour Dates Visit: https://mickydolenz.com/tour-dates

The Monkees Celebrated By Micky Dolenz Set List

(Theme From) The Monkees
Last Train to Clarksville
Take a Giant Step
Papa Gene’s Blues
A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You
The Girl I Knew Somewhere
All of Your Toys
You Told Me
I’ll Spend My Life With You
Forget That Girl
Band 6
You Just May Be the One
Shades of Gray
Davy Jones Tribute Video (Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)
I Can’t Get Her Off My Mind
Peter Tork Tribute Video (Your Auntie Grizelda, Long)
For Pete’s Sake
Mr. Webster
Michael Nesmith Tribute Video (What Am I Doing Hangin’ ’ )
Sunny Girlfriend
Zilch
No Time
Early Morning Blues and Greens
Randy Scouse Git
Porpoise Song (Theme From “Head”)
Pleasant Valley Sunday
I’ll Be Back Up on My Feet
Valleri
That Was Then, This Is Now
Goin’ Down
Daydream Believer
I’m Not Your Stepping Stone

Encore
I’m a Believer

Fred Velez, 2023.

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’ plus the Monkees themed Holiday CD ‘A Little Bit Christmas’.

To Order Signed Copies of Fred Velez Monkees Books and Christmas CD Visit the FreddyPop Shop: https://freddypop.wordpress.com/freddy-pop-shop/

MeTV Collectors Call on The Monkees

From Charles Rosenay:

Sunday April 16th don’t miss “Collectors Call” on the MeTV channel at 6:30pm ET. I’m the show’s memorabilia “expert” assessing the MONKEES collection of Katherine McCabe. Hosted by Lisa (“Facts of Life”) Whelchel. Find MeTV here:

https://www.metv.com/wheretowatch/

… And listen to Monkee Mania Radio!

https://live365.com/station/Monkee-Mania-Radio-a57014

p.s. I know a lot and I had a lot of fun with this…but I’m not an expert!

Review: 7a Records Michael Nesmith ‘Pretty Much Your Standard Ranch Stash’ 50th Anniversary Edition

7a Records 50th Anniversary reissue of Michael Nesmith’s sixth and final RCA album ‘Pretty Much Your Standard Ranch Stash’ marks a transitional period in Nesmith’s musical solo career. Though previously releasing a series of five artistically excellent albums starting with ‘Magnetic South’ to ‘And The Hits Just Keep On Comin’, their commercial success was less than satisfying. While other artists such as Gram Parsons, The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band have received recognition in the field of Country Rock, Nesmith who was one of the earliest pioneers of the genre, his well-crafted albums didn’t get the attention they deserved and floundered commercially. Despite career mishaps, Nesmith took things in philosophical stride while attempting to launch a new label Countryside through Electra Records, who among the artists signed were Garland Frady, Tom Holbrook, Steve Fromholz, J.G. Rafferty and Nez’s cosmic partner Red Rhodes. Despite the promising talents, Countryside Records eventually folded. 

During this period Nesmith recorded ‘Ranch Stash’ to fulfill his contract with RCA Records, ending his association with the label where he garnered his greatest success as a member of The Monkees. Using the Countryside house band, Nesmith recorded and completed the album in an amazingly quick, expedient fashion of five days. As with his other recordings, the album contains several Nesmith originals, acoustic tunes like ‘Continuing’ and ‘Release’ which deal with the themes of lost love, are played with great expertise by Nez and the Countryside band that make the songs shimmer. Nesmith’s own version of ‘Some of Shelly’s Blues’ that had been previously recorded by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Linda Ronstadt, is a major highlight of this collection, his singing and the musicianship shows how the song should be done. The song ‘Winonah’ was co-written by Nesmith, Linda Hargrove and James Miner tells the heartbreakingly sad story of a woman and her battle with the bottle that would be a staple played at any honky tonk. The cover songs on ‘Ranch Stash’ include the beautifully played and sung ‘Born To Love You’, and the combination of ‘The F.F.V.’, a somber recitation of a railroad tragedy and ‘Uncle Pen’, a fun rollicking hoe down with the band really shining, are part of ‘Medley: The Back Porch And A Fruit Jar Full Of Iced Tea’. The original album ends on an optimistic note with ‘Prairie Lullaby’, a sweet song you can play as you put your kids to bed, a very charming way to cap off the musical preceedings. As he does with any song he covers, Nez puts his unique mark on them and makes them his own. 7a Records has added as a bonus track the alternate version of ‘Marie’s Theme’, recorded prior to the ethreal version that appears on ‘The Prison’, is presented here in a more countrified arrangement and was originally on the digital version of ‘Ranch Stash’ and the physical releases of ‘Different Drum: The Lost RCA Victor Recordings’. 

The reissue has been released on 180g grey vinyl and the cd version contains a 36-page color booklet with many photos from the period with extensive and informative liner notes by Monkees manager and historian Andrew Sandoval.

While it may have been a commercial disappointment back in 1973, 7a Records reissue of ‘Pretty Much Your Standard Ranch Stash’ is a handsomely produced package of what is consider one of Nesmith’s best albums which should be in the collection of any Nez and Monkees fan. This 50th anniversary commemorative release, coming close to two years since his sad passing, is a fitting tribute to Michael Nesmith and his music, which the album credits rightfully note, will live on forever. 

Track Listing:

Side One

1. Continuing
2. Some Of Shelley’s Blues
3. Release
4. Winonah

Side Two

1. Born To Love You
2. Medley: The Back Porch And A Fruit Jar Full Of Iced Tea
a) The F.F.V.
b) Uncle Pen
3. Prairie Lullaby 

Bonus Track:
4. Marie’s Theme (Alternate Version)

Deep Discount Link: https://www.deepdiscount.com/search?ar=Michael%20Nesmith%7C829427&mod=AP

Amazon UK Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pretty-Standard-Ranch-Stash-Vinyl/dp/B0BVMV3H3T/ref=sr_1_1?crid=27YJHYTGZ5MW6&keywords=Nesmith+pretty+much&qid=1676853807&rnid=1642204031&s=music&sprefix=nesmith+pretty+much%2Caps%2C60&sr=1-1

Fred Velez, 2023. 

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’. 

Fred Velez Book Links: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Bit-Me-You-Perspective/dp/1496112288/ref=sr_1_1?crid=162DCO2QD21MU&keywords=fred+velez&qid=1668888607&sprefix=fred+velez%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Bit-You-International-Perspectives/dp/B08L41BBJ7/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

New Micky Dolenz Book!

Beatland Books is proud to announce the publication of I’m Told I Had A Good Time: The Micky Dolenz Archives, Volume One. Set for release on November 7, 2023, the book is the result of a multi-year excavation of Dolenz’s astonishing personal collection. Over 500 pages, I’m Told I Had A Good Timehighlights this treasure trove of photography, artwork, handwritten lyrics, scripts and assorted ephemera spanning the 1940s through the 1970s. I’m Told I Had A Good Time will be available for preorder in June 2023 and offered in three unique editions: hand-numbered Signed Super Deluxe Edition with bonus content; Numbered Deluxe Hardback Edition; and Unnumbered Flexibound.

The first volume chronicles Dolenz’s childhood in Los Angeles and growth as an actor and performer in Circus Boy, through to his early musical endeavors with such groups as The Spartans and Mickey & The 1-Knighters. In 1965, Micky was cast in The Monkees and he preserved every move they made: from unpublished color shots on the set of their pilot to rare telegrams and keepsakes from their early days. In particular, the group’s most successful period of touring in 1967 is chronicled in-depth with stunning, unpublished images direct from the original negatives. In all, the group’s spectacular impact on record and film and the aftermath is recorded in Volume One up until Micky’s move to the UK in 1977.

Dolenz was not only an avid chronicler of the Monkees’ activities, but also the intensely creative circle around him. Included are never-before-seen images of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones’ Brian Jones & Ron Wood, Little Richard, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Harry Nilsson, Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, Alice Cooper, Jack Nicholson, Stephen Stills, David Crosby and Peter Fonda (among others).

Perhaps the most poignant photographs are his images of the other Monkees; Davy Jones, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith are seen at their happiest, captured in the act of music or mischief making. The book also includes images from Micky’s film library, working drafts of the hit song “Randy Scouse Git” and a goldmine of personal mementos. For the text, Dolenz delivers a running commentary culled from new interviews recorded during the discovery process.

For decades, Micky Dolenz’s archives were all but a rumor in the world of pop culture holdings. Now they will be presented in a deluxe fashion: printed in the highest quality and delivered to your door.

Beatland Books Preorder Link: https://beatlandbooks.com/

Review: The Monkees ‘Headquarters’ Super Deluxe Edition Box Set

Of the nine studio albums The Monkees recorded and released during their initial mid/late 1960’s period, their 1967 third album ‘Headquarters’ is universally recognized as The Monkees most famous and iconic record. After two albums released with studio musicians under the supervision of music coordinator Don Kirshner, ‘Headquarters’ was the group’s declaration of independence where their talents as a functioning band were on full display as they finally were allowed to perform the majority of the music themselves. While slightly rough in spots, the garage band feel of the album under the musical supervision of producer Chip Douglas and with Michael Nesmith taking on the helm of group leader, ‘Headquarters’ became the Monkees third number one charting album in a row. The band’s efforts have been previously examined in the 2000 Rhino Handmade ‘Headquarters Sessions’ box set and the 2007 two disc Deluxe Set. Now Rhino has finally released the highly anticipated 4 cd disc Super Deluxe Edition set produced by the Grammy Award winning producer, Monkees expert and chronicler Andrew Sandoval, and it was well worth the wait.

Under Sandoval’s meticulous supervision and attention to detail, the four discs are filled to capacity with tons of bonus tracks, session tapes, studio chatter, and accompanied by a booklet of informative liner notes by Sandoval that chronicle the entire genesis of the making of ‘Headquarters’, including the creative battle of wits between Don Kirshner and the Monkees. The essay is a condensed version of the more detailed account found in Sandoval’s extensive rewrite of his 2021 book ‘The Monkees: The Day To Day Story’. The booklet with the liner notes has great photos of the Monkees, Chip Douglas, Don Kirshner, Jeff Barry and the other major actors involved during the period of the sessions which would be almost worth the price of admission alone. But the main focus of the set is the amazing treasure trove of music spread out over the four cd discs with 67 previously unreleased tracks.

The discs are broken up into four thematic sections: a new 2022 remix of the original album with additional bonus material, the January 1967 Sessions, the February 1967 Sessions and the March 1967 Sessions and Beyond. The remix of the ‘Headquarters’ album found on Disc 1 is a major revelation on its own. Working with the original multitrack tapes, all of which still exist, Sandoval has created a new version that enhances the listening experience by centering the drums and bass on the mix without compromising the integrity of the record. The clarity is astounding, it’s like listening to ‘Headquarters’ for the first time, which with this mix you are. The stereo picture is very close to the mono mix of the album which brings out sound textures previously buried in the original mixes. There are longer fadeouts on some of the songs like ‘Forget That Girl’, ‘Shades Of Grey’ and clean endings to ‘Early Mornings Blues And Greens’ and ‘Randy Scouse Git’ which add to the fun of those songs. The bonus tracks on disc one include the first and second versions of ‘The Girl I Knew Somewhere’, amazing remixed versions of ‘All Of Your Toys’, ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You’, the first version of ‘She Hangs Out’ with a longer fadeout, ’99 Pounds’ and ‘You Can’t Tie A Mustang Down’ that practically leap out of your speakers, headphones and ear buds. Even the weaker numbers ‘If I Learned To Play The Violin’ and ‘Sally’ (‘I Didn’t Know You Had It In You Sally’) have a bit of a kick to them in these remixes. Two songs on disc one, ‘Gotta Give It Time’ and ‘Love To Love’, originally produced by Jeff Barry and Brendan Cahill in 1967 and used by the late Adam Schlesinger for the 2016 ‘Good Times!’ album’, have also been remixed and enhanced with less reverb on the 2016 Micky Dolenz lead vocals and Michael Nesmith’s backing vocals brought up higher in the mix on the former track and on the latter track using Davy Jones’ 1969 vocals with the 2016 backing vocals of Dolenz and Peter Tork also brought up in the mix with much more clarity.

Disc 2 features the January 1967 sessions that begins with the previously unreleased instrumental demo sessions recorded at the legendary Gold Star Studios for ‘The Girl I Knew Somewhere’ and ‘All Of Your Toys’, with the Monkees playing the backing tracks and Chip Douglas in the producer’s seat, that were intended for Don Kirshner to listen to and prove that the group were adequately capable of accompanying themselves on their records. Another of the Monkees’ recorded backing tracks is ‘She’s So Far Out, She’s In’ which the group were performing on their early concerts. (A live version with Nez singing lead from the 1967 Arizona concert can be found on the ‘More Of The Monkees’ Super Deluxe Box Set.) The majority of Disc 2 are the various backing tracks for ‘Love To Love’, ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You’, ‘Gotta Give It Time’, ’99 Pounds’ ‘She Hangs Out’ and ‘Mustang’. Many of these tracks were supervised by Kirshner with producer Jeff Barry at the helm at the New York RCA studios. The majority of these tracks were up for consideration for the proposed Kirshner supervised third Monkees album. Among the recorded backing track are those written and produced by the team of Denny Randell and Sandy Linzer which include ‘Love Is On The Way’, ‘Sally’, ‘I Wanna Be Your Puppy Dog’ and ‘Sugar Man’, the latter song notoriously confused with Jeff Barry and Andy Kim’s ‘Sugar, Sugar’ which became a hit for The Archies in 1969 with Ron Dante singing the lead. Andrew Sandoval definitively dispels the erroneous myth that ‘Sugar, Sugar’ was offered and rejected by the Monkees in 1967 when in actuallity it wasn’t composed until late 1968, a fact corroborated by the song’s writers Barry and Kim. Other backing tracks of songs for the proposed third Monkees album include ‘Poor Little Me’, ‘Eve Of My Sorrow’, ‘The Love You Got Inside’, ‘If I Learned To Play The Violin’ and ‘Black And Blue’ which was written by Neil Diamond. The remainder of the disc is rounded out by demo takes and mono mixes of ‘Seeger’s Theme’ with Peter Tork on acoustic guitar and whistling, ‘The Girl I Knew Somewhere’ and ‘All Of Your Toys’.

‘Sugar Man’ by Denny Randell & Sandy Linzer
‘I Wanna Be Your Puppy Dog’ and ‘Love Is On The Way’ by Denny Randell & Sandy Linzer

As chronicled in Sandoval’s liner notes, Don Kirshner was eventually ousted from his position as music supervisor when he breeched his contract by issuing through RCA Records in Canada an unauthorized single of ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You’ backed with the early version of ‘She Hangs Out’ with vocals by Davy Jones instead of the group recorded ‘The Girl I Knew Somewhere’ with Micky Dolenz on lead vocals that was offered as a compromise which Kirshner refused and saw as an affront to his authority. With Don finally out of the picture, the Monkees along with Chip Douglas and engineer Hank Cicalo, Disc 3 of the February 1967 sessions presents the group as a musical working unit as they properly begin work on the album that would become ‘Headquarters’. Among the tracks are alternate versions of ’99 Pounds’, ‘She Hangs Out’, the Monkees’ recorded ‘Mr. Webster’, ‘Sunny Girlfriend’, the in-studio demos for ‘She’ll Be There’ and ‘Midnight Train’ with Micky and his sister Coco singing together, Peter Tork’s early rough mono mix of ‘Can You Dig It?’, Michael Nesmith’s mono mix demo of ‘Nine Times Blue’, individual demos of Davy and Nesmith singing ‘Until It’s Time For You To Go’ that Nez first recorded as Michael Blessing and with Michael accompanying Davy on acoustic guitar. The cd also includes the mono single mixes for ‘A Little Bit You, A Little Bit Me’, ‘She Hangs Out’ and ‘The Girl I Knew Somewhere’.

Disc 4 rounds out the set with the March 1967 sessions. Among the gathered gems are alternate vocal versions of ‘Randy Scouse Git’, ‘You Told Me’, ‘Forget That Girl’, ‘You Just May Be the One’, ‘No Time’, demo takes for Micky’s ‘Just A Game’ and ‘Pillow Time’ which was written by his mother Janelle Scott and Matt Willis, a version of ‘Early Morning Blues And Greens’ with alternating vocals between Davy and Peter, an informal recording of Tom Paxton’s ‘The Last Thing On My Mind’ with Peter on lead vocal and harmony vocals by Micky, an alternate vocal version of ‘Randy Scouse Git’ with a quick segue into the traditional song ‘East Virginia’, Micky and Peter fooling around on ‘Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho’, an unedited demo of Nesmith’s ‘Cantata & Fugue In C&W’ (which Nez later rerecorded on his own and appears as a bonus track on the 7a Records reissue of ‘And Hits Just Keep On Comin’), backing tracks for Harry Nilsson’s ‘The Story Of Rock And Roll’, a ‘Zilch’ concert tickets radio contest spot for KHJ Radio, the TV edit of ‘For Pete’s Sake’, the mono version of the ‘Tema Dei Monkees’ Italian 45 single with an additional stereo LP version that appeared on ‘I Monkees in TV’ Italian album and mono mixes for ‘Love To Love’ (originally issued on the 1979 ‘Monkeemania: 40 Timeless Hits From The Monkees’ Australian LP), ‘You Can’t Tie A Mustang Down’ and ’99 Pounds’ which was originally issued on the Monkees final album ‘Changes’ in 1970.

But Wait, There’s More!!! A bonus 45 single with the 1967 mono mixes of ‘All Of Your Toys’ backed with ‘The Girl I Knew Somewhere’ with Michael Nesmith on lead vocals is the cherry on the cake.

The box set is beautifully put together with alternate front and back cover photos on the additional cds, the booklet filled with extensive and informative liner notes by Andrew Sandoval that gives you a basic primer on the history of the ‘Headquarters’ album with a fascinating peek behind the scenes of the backstage machinations and intrigues. There are many fantastic photos taken during the studio sessions that includes pictures of the master tapes boxes which are an extra treat. And, as a nod to those who purchased the 2000 Rhino Handmade ‘Headquarters Sessions’ box set, the inner casing of the box is made to resemble the cardboard OBI belt that secured that set, a nice little Easter egg for Monkees collectors.

Andrew Sandoval deserves extra kudos for compiling and producing this incredible collection. Monkees fans who purchase this set, which is limited to 4,000 units, will have hours of fun diving deep into the various contents of the box. The set can only be purchased at a reasonable price for such a jam packed collection on Rhino’s Monkees Shop Online Link and will NOT be available on any other online sale outlets like Amazon. Unless Rhino decides to run another batch of boxes, once it’s gone, it’s gone, and it will be expected to garner outrageously big bucks on sites like eBay down the road. The success of this set will also bode well for, hopefully, a super deluxe box set of the ‘Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn and Jones, Ltd’ album, and perhaps, if all the master tape elements and materials can be located or miraculously turns up, fingers crossed, a deluxe edition of ‘Changes’.

The 2022 ‘Headquarters’ Super Deluxe Edition Box set is not only fantastic in its own right, it makes the perfect companion piece to the earlier 2000 ‘Headquarters Sessions’ and 2007 Deluxe Edition two cd set. An album this important deserves the deluxe treatment this set provides.

In 1967 The Monkees were looking for respect. With the 2022 ‘Headquarters’ Super Deluxe Edition Box Set, they more than earned it.

The 2022 ‘Headquarters’ Super Deluxe Edition Box Set can ONLY be ordered on the online Rhino Monkees Store:

Rhino/Monkees Store Order Link: https://monkeesstore.warnermusic.com/en/the-monkees/home/the-monkees—headquarters-super-deluxe-edition/081227883836.html

The 2000 ‘Headquarters Sessions’ set is also available for Digital Streaming and Download Purchase on most Streaming Services like Apple/iTunes, Amazon Music and Spotify.

Fred Velez, 2022.

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’, ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’ and the Monkees themed Holiday CD ‘A Little Bit Christmas’.

FreddyPop Shop Link: https://freddypop.wordpress.com/freddy-pop-shop/

The 1960’s British Invasion BBC Sessions

When The Beatles released a set collection of their BBC sessions in 1994, (a second volume followed in 2013), it opened up the floodgates for other BBC session releases by artists like David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Queen, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, The Yardbirds, Cream and more. These recordings are all fascinating audio artifacts as they present the bands in a radio studio setting, sometimes with an excited, screaming audience, performing live over the BBC airwaves. A treat on many of these sessions are not only performances of the songs released on the various groups’ official records, but also live rarities of tunes that were part of their concert set lists that have never appeared on their own releases.

Besides the Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who, I’ve always had a fondness for the other early 1960’s British Invasion groups like Herman’s Hermits, Freddie & The Dreamers, Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas, Gerry & The Pacemakers and the early Bee Gees. There has been an official BBC Sessions release of Gerry & The Pacemakers which sounds great, the only downsides being the lack of a booklet of liner notes with photos and the in-studio interviews between Gerry Marsden and BBC announcer Brian Matthews are missing or just the song introductions were included. Part of the fun of the BBC sessions was the verbal interplay between Matthews and the various groups he hosted on these shows, they brought up insights, playing up the humor and offered interesting bits of information about the artists.

There are several legit BBC sessions releases. And then, there are others that, politely, could be considered a little in the “grey market” category due to European copyright laws. London Calling is a label that has put out several of these recordings by artists like Gerry & The Pacemakers, Herman’s Hermits, Billy J. Kramer and The Bee Gees. These cds come with nice artwork and booklets filled with some rare photos and brief liner notes. While the legality of these releases are a bit on the dubious side, there’s no question that they hold an historical importance in capturing these artist during the peak of their 1960’s popularity.

(For this article I’m going to highlight just some of these releases. If you’re interested in checking them out for yourself, there are outlets where you can seek them out on your own. I ain’t telling!):

Gerry & The Pacemakers

Gerry & The Pace Makers BBC Sessions Releases

Next to The Beatles, Gerry Marsden & The Pacemakers were the second most popular band to come out of Liverpool. Their first hit ‘How Do You Do It?’ was given to them after the Beatles recorded it but refused to release it in favor of their own original material. The Pacemakers went on to have major hits on their own with such songs as ‘I Like It’, ‘It’s All Right’, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ from the musical ‘Carousel’, ‘I’m The One’, and the classics ‘Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying’ and ‘Ferry Cross The Mersey’. They also recorded their fair share of BBC sessions between January 1965 to December 1966 for the shows Top Gear and Saturday Club. The cd release on the left is the legit BBC recordings with energetic performances of ‘Dizzy Miss Lizzy’, ‘My Babe’, ‘Slippin’ and Sliddin’, ‘Slow Down’ and a lovely rendition of ‘Ferry Cross The Mersey’. The London Calling ‘Ferry Cross The Mersey…Live’ release on the right includes some of the same tracks with some supplemented by interviews chats between BBC broadcaster Brian Matthews and Gerry Marsden that includes talking about the Pacemakers movie ‘Ferry Cross The Mersey’. Both are fine collector pieces with the London Calling cd having a bit of an edge due to the interviews and the booklet of liner notes with photos. Note that the official BBC release has 22 tracks while the London Calling cd has 21 tracks with a repeat of ‘Ferry’.

Herman’s Hermits

While many of the Herman’s Hermits BBC sessions can be found on video streaming outlets like YouTube, there has yet to be an official release of the BBC material. In this case, the London Calling ‘Live On Air In The Sixties’ cd is a welcome addition for a British Invasion collector. The sessions were recorded between December 1964 to October 1968. The hits are here like ‘Mrs. Brown’, ‘Henry The Eight’, ‘A Must To Avoid’, ‘Hold On’, ‘Just A Little Bit Better’, ‘Can You Hear My Heart Beat’ plus a few rarities like ‘Tell Her’, ‘Got My Mojo Working’, ‘Morning Dew’, ‘Love Is Blue’ and ‘Tally Man’ recorded during visits to the Paris and Playhouse Theatre’s in London. The in-studio patter between Brian Matthews and Peter Noone are a treat to hear as they talk about the Hermits’ popularity in the States. An interesting piece of information is the original title of their movie ‘Hold On’ as ‘No Place Like Space’.

Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas

Another Beatles contemporary, Billy J. Kramer was also part of the talent stable managed by Brian Epstein. Billy had hits written for him by John Lennon & Paul McCartney like ‘I Call Your Name’, Bad To Me’, ‘I’ll Keep You Satisfied’, ‘From A Window’ and ‘Do You Want To Know A Secret?’. Billy also scored a hit of his own with ‘Little Children’. The Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas ‘Live On Air 1965-67’ collection is a two-CD set with 38 tracks from sessions recorded between January 1965 to May 1967. There are some repeat tracks like ‘Trains, Boats and Planes’ and ‘I’ll Be Doggone’ plus a few rarities, ‘Love’s Made A Fool Of You’, ‘If I Were A Carpenter’ and ‘Town Of Tuxley Toy Maker – Part 1’ written by Robin & Maurice Gibb of The Bee Gees. On the interviews with Brian Matthews, Billy comes across as very humble and pleased by his success at the time.

The Bee Gees

When The Bee Gees arrived late on the British Invasion wave in 1967 after local success in Australia, they charted high with their first hit ‘New York Mining Disaster 1941’ which many thought at first were The Beatles because of the close vocal harmonies. The ‘Live On Air Sessions, 1967-1968’ captures the Brothers Gibb and their original five man band configuration during their initial success in the late 1960’s culled from appearances on Saturday Club, Top Gear and Top Of The Pops. The sessions version of ‘New York Mining Disaster 1941’ is a unique listening experience in that it is done with just the band minus the orchestration from the studio recording. Their other hits are included like ‘To Love Somebody’, ‘Massachusetts’, ‘Holiday’ plus rarities like ‘Mrs. Gillespie’s Refrigerator’ and a version of ‘Cucumber Castle’ that includes vocals with Robin Gibb. An interview between Brian Matthews and Robin Gibb is interesting as they talk about the filming of The Bee Gees television movie ‘Cucumber Castle’ that by the time it aired Robin had quit the group and doesn’t appear in the film. The cd is a fascinating document of The Bee Gees during this early stage of their incredible career.

These London Calling ‘Live On Air’ releases are all enjoyable and worth seeking out if you’re a fan of the early 1960’s wave of British Invasion groups and artists.

Fred Velez, 2022.

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan’s Perspectives’, as well as The Monkees themed Christmas CD ‘A Little Bit Christmas’.

Visit The FreddyPop Shop Link: https://freddypop.wordpress.com/freddy-pop-shop/

Review: Peter Tork – ‘This Stuff Never Gets Old’ 7a Records EP

Peter Tork always had a special place in my heart. He was the first member of The Monkees that I got to know when he reemerged onto the music scene in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, playing small clubs, including the infamous CBGB’s in 1977. Peter was making appearances on local cable TV shows, including the local UHF New Jersey television Uncle Floyd Show where he made about 6-7 appearances in which he always had a great time.

I first got to see Peter perform at his old stomping grounds of Greenwich Village in New York City when he played dates at the very intimate Speakeasy Club whose capacity was nearly 200, one of the shows that I attended was a memorable New Year’s Eve show. At these shows Peter performed a variety of different styles of music, from his beloved Folk and Blues to 50’s-60’s Rock including some Monkees tunes, and hard core/Heavy Metal Rock. He at times performed alone or with a band of like-minded musicians who swung to his groove. Three songs from those memorable Speakeasy performances have finally been officially issued on the new 7a Records EP release ‘This Stuff Never Gets Old’.

The title song was written by Michael A. Levine, who wrote the EP’s liner notes, and was originally submitted for The Monkees 2016 album ‘Good Times!’ but was passed over by the late producer Adam Schlesinger. The demo is a rollicking Rock & Roll number which has a George Harrison-like groove to it with a very tasty guitar solo, fine instrumentation and nice vocal harmonies. It’s too bad it didn’t make ‘Good Times!’ or was a bonus track, it’s a fun number and you can hear Peter really enjoying himself on it.

The next three tracks were recorded live during Peter Tork’s residency at Speakeasy’s from November 25-27 1988, shows which I personally attended. Peter appeared with his band which consisted of members Michael A. Levine on electric violin, Mal Stein on drums, the late Jerry Renino on bass and Peter on piano, banjo, keyboards and electric guitar. The first Speakeasy track is ‘Sea Change’ that starts with a playful intro before launching straight into the song that has a great rolling, rhythmic beat with an excellent electric violin solo by by Michael Levine.

The next Speakeasy track ‘Vagabond John’ has always been a personal favorite of mine and for the fans who were fortunate enough to hear Peter perform it. Written by Derek Lord, it’s a cautionary tale of a friend who tries to be the life of the party and ends up a lonely loser. I’ve always felt that Peter referenced people he knew as the song’s protagonist like Keith Moon, John Bonham and Peter himself who at the time was a recovering alcoholic. ‘Vagabond John’ has an epic feel to it with excellent musicianship, harmonies and solos which elevates the song’s message, especially with Peter’s poignant, heartfelt vocals. For me this is the best song on the collection, hearing it again brings back memories of sitting in the darkness of the Speakeasy Club watching Peter Tork on stage performing it with great conviction and emotion. While it’s a pity this song was never released during Peter’s lifetime, I’m so grateful that it’s finally officially available for many fans to hear and enjoy.

The final live Speakeasy track is ‘Miracle’ with Peter on electric guitar and the band giving it a Hard Rock edge that really hits the sweet spot. Peter was an incredible lead guitar player and he really shines on this track with the band giving him great support. On all the songs Peter is in very good voice, he Rocks on the harder songs and is quite emotive on the slightly slower ones. The performances bring back great memories of magical evenings sitting with the fans in the intimacy of the Speakeasy Club in Greenwich Village where Peter earned his chops as a gifted musician.

The 7a Records EP is a limited edition of 500 CD’s and 800 in 10″ Blue vinyl. The EP will be available digitally as a download and on streaming services like Apple Music/iTunes, Amazon Music and Spotify on December 9th, 2022.

For fan’s of Peter Tork, ‘This Stuff Never Gets Old’ is a nice little sampler of Tork’s multi-instrumental talents as a musician and performer. For the fortunate fans like myself who had the rare pleasure of attending one of Peter’s legendary Speakeasy shows, I dare say fond memories will come flooding back. Hopefully, a complete Speakeasy performance will turn up in the near future. Many thanks to 7a Records for issuing this EP and bringing back to light a little piece of the musical legacy of Peter Tork.

Vinyl/CD Track Listing:

1. This Stuff Never Gets Old (Michael A Levine)
2. Sea Change (Peter Tork)
3. Vagabond John (Derek Lord)
4. Miracle
(Peter Tork)

Deep Discount Order Link: https://www.deepdiscount.com/search?q=peter+tork+this+stuff&mod=AP

Amazon US Order Link: https://www.amazon.com/This-Stuff-Never-Gets-Old/dp/B0BDGGRXWC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WUHT43AC4W27&keywords=peter+tork+this+stuff&qid=1668888264&sprefix=peter+tork+this+stuf%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1

Amazon UK Order Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/This-Stuff-Never-Gets-Old/dp/B0BDGKQWTN/ref=tmm_acd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1667165767&sr=8-1

Amazon Japan Order Link: https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Peter-Tork/dp/B0BDGKQWTN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32T4XP8PELOL9&keywords=peter+tork&qid=1668905397&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjA4IiwicXNhIjoiMi40OCIsInFzcCI6IjIuMzIifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=peter+tork%2Caps%2C270&sr=8-1

iTunes Store/Apple Music Digital Order Link (Available December 9, 2022): https://music.apple.com/us/album/this-stuff-never-gets-old-ep/1652472599

Fred Velez, 2022

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’ and The Monkees themed CD ‘A Little Bit Christmas’.

Visit The FreddyPop Shop Link: https://freddypop.wordpress.com/freddy-pop-shop/

The Monkees Headquarters Super Deluxe Edition Box Set Rhino Presale

Rhino Records has put out on their website a presale for The Monkees Headquarters Super Deluxe Edition. The set will have 4 CDs which includes a remix of the 1967 album and sessions and bonus tracks, many of them previously unreleased, a booklet with liner notes and rare photos, and will include a 7” vinyl 45 of ‘All Of Your Toys’ backed with ‘The Girl I Knew Somewhere’. The set can now be preordered on the Rhino website and will be released on November 18th, 2022.

Rhino Preorder Link: https://monkeesstore.warnermusic.com/en/the-monkees/home/the-monkees—headquarters-super-deluxe-edition/081227883836.html

4-CD Track Listing
 
Disc One: Headquarters (& More) Remixed
1.       “You Told Me”
2.       “I’ll Spend My Life With You”
3.       “Forget That Girl”
4.       “Band 6”
5.       “You Just May Be The One”
6.       “Shades Of Gray”
7.       “I Can’t Get Her Off My Mind”
8.       “For Pete’s Sake”
9.       “Mr. Webster”
10.   “Sunny Girlfriend”
11.   “Zilch”
12.   “No Time”
13.   “Early Morning Blues And Greens”
14.   “Randy Scouse Git”
Bonus Material
15.   “The Girl I Knew Somewhere” – Version One
16.   “All Of Your Toys” *
17.   “The Girl I Knew Somewhere” – Version Two *
18.   “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You” *
19.   “She Hangs Out” *
20.   “Gotta Give It Time” *
21.   “Love To Love” *
22.   “99 Pounds” *
23.   “You Can’t Tie A Mustang Down” *
24.   “If I Learned To Play The Violin” *
25.   “Sally” 1969 Version *
 
Disc Two: January 1967 Sessions
1.       “The Girl I Knew Somewhere” (Gold Star Demo) *
2.       “All Of Your Toys” (Gold Star Demo) *
3.       “She’s So Far Out, She’s In” – Backing Track (Take 2)
4.       “The Girl I Knew Somewhere” – Version One, Backing Track (Take 10) *
5.       “All Of Your Toys” – Backing Track (Take 1)
6.       “Love To Love” – Backing Track (Take 1) *
7.       “Love To Love” – Backing Track (Take 14) *
8.       “You Can’t Tie A Mustang Down” – Backing Track (Take 5) *
9.       “Gotta Give It Time” (Rehearsal) *
10.   “Gotta Give It Time” – Backing Track (Take 4) *
11.   “99 Pounds” – Backing Track (Takes 3 & 4) *
12.   “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You” – Backing Track (Take 2) *
13.   “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You” – Backing Track (Takes 3 & 4) *
14.   “She Hangs Out” – Backing Track (Take 2) *
15.   “I Wanna Be Your Puppy Dog” – Backing Track (Take 10) *
16.   “Love Is On The Way” – Backing Track (Take 7) *
17.   “Sally” – Backing Track (Take 2) *
18.   “Sugar Man” – Backing Track (Take 6) *
19.   “Poor Little Me” – Backing Track (Take 14) *
20.   “If I Learned To Play The Violin” – Backing Track (Take 4) *
21.   “Black And Blue” – Backing Track (Take 6) *
22.   “Eve Of My Sorrow” – Backing Track (Take 7) *
23.   “The Love You Got Inside” – Backing Track (Take 9) *
24.   “Seeger’s Theme” – Demo (Takes 1 & 2) *
25.   “Seeger’s Theme” – Demo (Take 3) 1967 Mono Rough Mix *
26.   “The Girl I Knew Somewhere” – 1967 Mono Mix 1
27.   “All Of Your Toys” – 1967 Mono Mix
28.   “The Girl I Knew Somewhere” – 1967 Mono Mix 2
 
Disc Three: February 1967 Sessions
1.       “99 Pounds” – Alternate Vocal (Take 1) *
2.       “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You” – Alternate Vocal (Take 1) *
3.       “She Hangs Out” – Alternate Backing Vocals *
4.       “If I Learned To Play The Violin” – CD-Rom Mix
5.       “99 Pounds” – Alternate Vocal (Take 2 with Handclaps) *
6.       “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You” – Mono Single Mix
7.       “99 Pounds” – 1967 Mono Mix *
8.       “She Hangs Out” – Mono Single Mix
9.       “The Girl I Knew Somewhere” – Backing Track (Take 11) *
10.   “Sunny Girlfriend” – Take 7 With Scratch Vocal *
11.   “Mr. Webster” – Alternate Vocal Mix *
12.   “She’ll Be There” – Demo, 1967 Mono Rough Mix *
13.   “Midnight Train” – Demo, 1967 Mono Rough Mix *
14.   “Can You Dig It” – Demo, 1967 Mono Rough Mix *
15.   “Nine Times Blue” – Demo, 1967 Mono Rough Mix *
16.   “Until It’s Time For You To Go” – Davy Demo, 1967 Mono Rough Mix *
17.   “Until It’s Time For You To Go” – Mike Demo *
18.   “Sunny Girlfriend” – Acoustic Remix
19.   “The Girl I Knew Somewhere” – Mono Single Mix
 
Disc Four: March 1967 (& Beyond) Sessions
1.       “Randy Scouse Git” – Alternate Version (Take 18) *
2.       “You Told Me” – Take 15 With Alternate Vocal *
3.       “Peter Gunn’s Gun” – Backing Track, 1967 Mono Rough Mix *
4.       “Forget That Girl” – Take 15 With Alternate Overdubs *
5.       “Where Has It All Gone” – Backing Track (Take 12) *
6.       “The Last Thing On My Mind” – Informal Recording *
7.       “Randy Scouse Git/East Virginia” *
8.       “Forget That Girl” – With Alternate Backing Vocals *
9.       “Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho”
10.   “Fever” – Backing Track, 1967 Mono Rough Mix *
11.   “Pillow Time” – Alternate Take Of Demo Version *
12.   “Masking Tape” – Backing Track (Take 16, Called “13”) *
13.   “Detuned 12-Bar Jam” *
14.   “You Just May Be The One” – With Alternate Backing Vocals *
15.   “No Time” – Version One, Backing Track (Take 2) *
16.   “Cantata & Fugue In C&W” – Unedited Version *
17.   “The Story Of Rock And Roll” – Version One, Backing Track (Take 18) *
18.   “Untitled Jam” *
19.   “The Story Of Rock And Roll” – Version Two, Backing Track (Take 28) *
20.   “Early Morning Blues And Greens” – Alternate Vocals *
21.   “No Time” – Backing Vocal Mix *
22.   “Just A Game” – Demos (Takes 1-3) *
23.   “Zilch” – KHJ Radio Spot
24.   “For Pete’s Sake” – TV Edit
25.   “Tema Dei Monkees” – Mono 45 Version
26.   “Love To Love” – 1969 Mono Mix
27.   “You Can’t Tie A Mustang Down” – 1969 Mono Mix *
28.   “Tema Dei Monkees” – Stereo LP Version
29.   “99 Pounds” – Mono Album Mix
 
* Previously Unreleased

Fred Velez, 2022.

Review- Davy Jones ‘Manchester Boy:Personal’ File 7a Records Release

After the initial popularity of The Monkees waned by 1970, the Colgems label was swallowed up by Bell Records which by that time was issuing recordings by the Partridge Family featuring the new teen sensation David Cassidy. After releasing one final “Monkees” single ‘Do It In The Name Of Love” with Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones intended to continue as a solo artist tackling the more mature music he had developed on the last couple of Monkees album. The Powers That Be at the time however wanted Davy to continue in his ‘Teenybopper Idol’ image. For his first Bell album Davy had submitted several demos that showcased his mature side. These were rejected by Bell Records who teamed Jones with Bobby Sherman’s producer Jackie Mills, the result being the bubblegum heavy 1971 ‘Davy Jones’ album, which featured the Top 60 hit ‘Rainy Jane’. The album itself didn’t chart and Davy continued to record demos, most of which were self-released on the 1990’s ‘Just For The Record’ box set in both cd and cassette editions, now a rare collector’s item.

Original ‘Just For The Record’ Box Set

7a Records has remastered and released 15 songs from the box set in a new compilation ‘Manchester Boy: Personal File’ on cd and for the first time on vinyl. The songs in this collection have a more warm, brighter sound and intimacy due to the sparse instrumentation that Davy incorporated that bring out the mature feel he had originally intended. A digital single featuring “Man We Was Lonely” b/w “King Lonely The Blue” was released on all digital platforms on September 16.

There are so many highlights on the album, such as covers of Paul McCartney’s ‘Man We Was Lonely’, James Taylor’s ‘Fire And Rain’ and ‘Blossom’, Bobbie Gentry’s ‘I Saw An Angel Die (Was It A Dream)’, Nina Simone’s ‘Feeling Good (Dragonfly)’. Jones also wrote and co-wrote eight of the songs on the album; the title track ‘Manchester Boy’, ‘If I Knew’ with Bill Chadwick, ‘Please Believe Me’, ‘Can’t Believe You’ve Given Up On Me’, I’m Coming Home’, ‘Proud Proud Man’, ‘Leavin’ It Up To You’ and ‘Goodbye Old Friends’.

The acoustic nature of the music adds a powerful intimacy to the lyrics, this is basically Davy Jones unplugged.

The cd edition contains a 28 page booklet filled with many rare photos and an excellent essay by Joe Alterio on Davy’s solo period. The vinyl edition comes in a gatefold sleeve and is pressed on 180g black and white vinyl, the cd replicates the splatter design.

If Davy Jones had had his say, this is the solo album he would have released instead of the more bubblegum 1971 Bell album. This collection truly showcases Jones as a serious artist and it’s a shame things didn’t turn out as he had intended. Thanks to 7a Records, fans can now hear the more serious side of Davy Jones. For those who don’t have the ‘Just For The Record’ box set, ‘Manchester Boy: Personal File’ is a fine sampler of the set. Hopefully, 7a Records will release more gems from the Davy Jones vault on future releases.

1. Manchester Boy
2. King Lonely the Blue
3. Man We Was Lonely
4. If I Knew
5. Feeling Good (Dragonfly)
6. Blossom
7. I Saw An Angel Die (Was It a Dream?)
8. Bluebird (In My Garden)
9. Fire and Rain
10. Please Believe Me
11. Proud Proud Man
12. Can’t Believe You’ve Given Up on Me
13. I’m Coming Home
14. Leavin’ It Up to You
15. Goodbye Old Friends

For more information and to sign up to the 7a Records mailing list, please visit: www.7arecords.com

Fred Velez, 2022.

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’.

Review: Micky Dolenz Rocks PA!

Micky Dolenz in Hanover, PA. All Photos by Fred Velez

Micky Dolenz and his band played three concerts in two days in the Pennsylvania area the weekend of October 7th & 8th on his current Fall tour. He landed first in Hanover, PA at the beautiful Eichelberger PAC on October 7th. The band which included Micky’s sister Coco, guitarist and music director Wayne Avers, bassist John Billings, drummer Rich Dart, second guitarist Emeen Zarookian and Alex Jules on keyboard launched right into ‘(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone’. Micky came on stage to great applause and without missing a beat got right into the song. This was quickly followed by The Monkees 1986 Top 40 hit ‘That Was Then, This Is Now’. After the song Micky said hello to the audience and talked about the many song writers who wrote for The Monkees and introduced the song Peter Tork wrote, ‘For Pete’s Sake’, which became the closing theme for The Monkees series second season.

Sellersville, PA

Next up on the set list was the song Michael Nesmith submitted to The Monkees producers that was rejected as “not being a Monkees song’, and that Nez gave to Linda Ronstadt and the Stone Ponys, ‘Different Drum’ with Micky’s sister Coco singing the lead. This was followed by Micky’s pre-Monkees single ‘Don’t Do It’. Before introducing the next song written by Mike Nesmith ‘Mary, Mary’, Micky told the story that the guitarist who played the guitar part on the song also played the guitar on ‘Don’t Do It’, Glen Campbell.

Coco Dolenz – Hanover, PA
Hanover, PA
Sellersville, PA

Micky next told the story of meeting the other British “Royal Family” The Beatles, and about writing ‘Randy Scouse Git’ which was released as ‘Alternate Title’ in England because of inappropriateness of the original title. This was followed by the story of Micky being invited to a Beatles recording session at Abbey Road during the ‘Sgt. Pepper’s’ sessions and he and the band launched into the album’s title song.

Sellersville, PA

The next stories dealt with Micky’s auditions for The Monkees leading into ‘Last Train To Clarksville’ and the next song which Micky proudly exclaimed got him The Monkees gig, Chuck Berry’s ‘Johnny B. Goode’. Micky next recounted the story about when California experienced a violent earthquake and his concerns for his family in Los Angeles, with him calling Coco and to ease the tension singing the Carole King song ‘I Feel The Earth Move’, which Coco took the lead vocals on. The first half of the show closed with Micky singing ‘Valleri’ before the intermission.

Sellersville, PA
Sellersville, PA

The second half of the show began with Micky sitting on a stool and talking about attending the recent ceremony in Los Angeles where Mama Cass Elliot received a posthumous Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and at the ceremony became reacquainted with Steven Stills who had also auditioned for The Monkees and encouraged Peter Tork to try out for the project. Micky and the band then began the Stills song ‘For What It’s Worth’ with guitarist Wayne Avers faithfully recreating the distinctive guitar parts of the song. Micky acknowledged former partner Davy Jones with ‘Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)’.

Wayne Avers, Hanover, PA

Micky and the band then gave a two song salute to the Beatles with back to back renditions of ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ and ‘Get Back’, the latter with Coco on lead vocals.

Sellersville, PA

Micky then went to the lip of the stage and said, “I guess you know what’s next? If you know the words, please don’t sing along, it throws me off!” and he and the band went right into ‘Daydream Believer’, Coco even adding an alarm clock, then when they got to the final chorus Micky and the band invited the audience to sing along, Micky adding his traditional salute to Davy as the song ended. The set ended with a rollicking rendition of ‘Pleasant Valley Sunday’ before the encores which consisted of the Spencer Davis Group classic ‘Gimme Some Lovin’ where Micky introduced the band members before ending the show with The Monkees biggest hit ‘I’m A Believer’, after which Micky, Coco and the band took their final bows as the entire theater audience gave them a standing ovation. Micky and Coco later stayed to sign autographs at the souvenir table.

Sellersville, PA

The next day, October 8th, Micky and the band played two shows at the Sellersville Theatre in Sellersville, PA at 3pm and 8pm. I attended the afternoon show. The set was pretty much the same as Hanover but with additional video segments that weren’t part of the Hanover show and with some song substitutions; ‘Randy Scouse Git’ and ‘Look Out’ wasn’t performed, ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You’ was added and ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ replaced ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ during the Beatles set. Micky’s daughter Emily Dolenz attended this show with her family and for the encore Micky added the Beatles ‘Birthday’ in honor of Emily’s husband. The show closed with ‘I’m A Believer’ with the enthusiastic crowd giving Micky and the band another well deserved standing ovation. Afterwards Micky and Coco went to the lobby to meet fans and sign autographs at the merchandise table.

The shows I attended were full of energy, Micky looked amazing as he gave a killer performance. The entire band were top notch, Coco quite wonderful in her solo spots. These were among the best shows I’ve seen Micky do as both a solo performer and on the Monkees tours. This is a not to be missed show, so try and catch Micky Dolenz when he comes to your town!

Sellersville, PA

For Micky Dolenz Tour Dates visit: https://mickydolenz.com

Fred Velez, 2022.

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’.

Review: Tantamount To Treason 7a Records Reissue

By 1971, Michael Nesmith & The First National Band were a spent force. Frustrated by the lack of commercial success and various career missteps, Johnny Ware and John London left the band. With pedal steel guitarist Red Rhodes sticking with him, Nez continued onward. With Rhodes, Nesmith formed the one-off Second National Band with various musicians, including Jose Feliciano on congas, and in 1972 released ‘Tantamount To Treason, Volume One’. The album has been reissued by 7a Records with bonus tracks, extensive liner notes and new cover art.

Original 1972 Cover Art by Wilson McLean

The album was a transitional one for Nez which covered different genres of music from Rock to Country, ballads and psychedelia. The album sets out on a rollicking start with ‘Mama Rocker’ with Nesmith rocking out like he did on the live version of ‘Circle Sky’ from The Monkees movie ‘Head’. The mood slowly shifts for the rest of side one with ‘Lazy Lady’ with Red Rhodes showcasing his pedal steel guitar skills. Then Nez goes off into 1970’s Pink Floyd territory with ‘You Are My One’, a one verse musical soundscape with the music stratospherically phasing in and out. The song segues to the side one closing track ‘In The Afternoon’, the music perfectly meshing with the cinematic nature of Nesmith’s lyrics. The song ends with the sound effect of a lonely rider on his horse riding off as crows caw in the distance.

Side two opens with sound bites of the songs heard on side one with the additional sound of a storm and seagulls in the distance when the music of ‘Six Days On The Road’ suddenly break up the quiet. The lyrics written by Michael Cohen are a bit nonsensical and could have been written by Nesmith, they’re so drenched with his unique wit. The song sort of forecasts the direction Nez’s music will take a few years later. ‘Wax Minute’ follows and is one of the most beautiful songs Nesmith has recorded. He’s in great voice and the music is wonderful. Next up is ‘Bonaparte’s Retreat’, another great cover with excellent musicianship and vocal harmonies. ‘Talking To the Wall’ by long time Monkees friend and song writer Bill Chadwick is also a treat. (Chadwick had previously recorded a single of the song backed with ‘If You Have The Time’ which Nesmith produced for Dot Records). Aided by Red Rhodes pedal steel guitar playing, Nez makes the song his own. The proper album ends with the Country classic ‘She Thinks I Still Care’ with Nesmith singing a mournfully plaintive vocal that emphasizes the sadness of the song. The 7a cd and vinyl versions includes the bonus tracks issued with the digital download of the album, ‘Six Days On The Road’, alternate versions of ‘Circle Sky’ and ‘Listen To The Band’, the instrumental ‘Tan My Hide’ and an instrumental version of ‘You Are My One’.

The booklet for the cd of the 7a Records release includes an essay by Joe Alterio on the history of the ‘Tantamount’ album with additional contemporary music reviews added plus lots of great photos of Nesmith. 7a Records also commissioned original artist Wilson McLean to create a new cover for the album that carries over the Environmental theme of the original cover. (The original cover art is reproduced on the inner cover of the cd and vinyl record). The vinyl version is presented in a gatefold sleeve and is pressed on 180g Aqua colored splattered vinyl.

‘Tantamount To Treason, Volume One’ (there was never a volume two), is perhaps the most musically eclectic album Nez has ever recorded in his career, exploring the various genres of Rock, Country, Free Form Jazz and Psychedelia. Released to coincide with the albums 50th anniversary, 7a Records reissue is a fitting testament to Michael Nesmith’s artistry, and should be an essential part of any Nesmith & Monkees’ fan collection.

Deep Discount Purchase Link: https://www.deepdiscount.com/search?q=Michael+nesmith+tantamount&mod=AP

Amazon US Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=michael+nesmith+tantamount+to+treason&crid=2FUT6L4693XRK&sprefix=Michael+nesmith+%2Caps%2C134&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_6_16

Amazon UK Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=michael+nesmith+tantamount&crid=3DE8DQDY7D3O3&sprefix=Michael+nesmith+t%2Caps%2C227&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_17

Fred Velez, 2022.

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’.

Review: The Monkees Live! Summer Tour Reissue

On August 31st, 2001 The Monkees through King Biscuit recorded and filmed their concert at the Sun Theatre in Anaheim, California. Unbeknownst to the fans then, it was the last concert to feature Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones and Peter Tork who quit due to internal frictions within the group. They would not perform as a trio again until ten years later in 2011. King Biscuit issued edited versions of the concert in 2003 as ‘The Monkees Live Summer Tour on CD and DVD with additional bonus interviews on the DVD. Due to fan requests, the entire concert was issued as a pricey special limited edition DVD, minus the bonus interviews. This is the only professionally filmed Monkees concert officially released.

Original Uncut Concert DVD

A reissue of the DVD and CD has recently been released in England by the company Grey Scale as a three disc set titled ‘The Monkees Live! Summer Tour’ (an exclamation point added to the title). The DVD of the entire concert is All Regions, so it will play on DVD/Blu-Ray players in the USA. The DVD also includes the bonus interviews with The Monkees that were included on the edited general release of the DVD.

For the first time the entire 29 song concert set is available spread out over two CD’s where the original 2003 King Biscuit CD had only 15 songs. An additional CD ‘Extended Versions:The Encore Collection’ was also issued in 2003 with seven repeat songs (‘Clarksville’, ‘Daydream Believer’, ‘I’m A Believer’, ‘Steppin’ Stone’, ‘Mary, Mary’, ‘Goin’ Down’, ‘It’s Nice To Be With You’) and three additional songs not on the original first CD (‘Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)’, ‘Can You Dig It?’, ‘No Time’).

Live! Summer Tour Inner Booklet Photos

While it’s nice to have the entire concert set on the CDs and DVD, there is a printing/tracking error that was repeated from the original limited edition DVD where not all the songs are listed or are on separate tracks. ‘I’ll Love You Forever’ comes between ‘I Wanna Be Free’ and ‘Goin’ Down’ and shares the same space as the latter song. The same error occurs with ‘Listen To The Band’ following ‘Porpoise Song’. This mistake doesn’t take away from enjoying the concert whether you’re listening or watching it straight through, but it might cause some minor confusion if you’re trying to look up those tracks on their own.

For fans who attended The Monkees shows from the mid-90’s to 2001, an extra little treat on the DVD is the ‘Archie & Edith/All In The Family’ routine performed by drummer Sandy Gennaro and the late Dave Alexander who played keyboards on the tour. The 2001 Monkees band also included Wayne Avers on guitar, Aviva Maloney on saxophone and keyboards, the late Jerry Renino on bass and was also the music director, and the horn section; Eric Biondo (trumpet) Greg Briggler (trombone) and Sam Albright (tenor saxophone). The Band introductions come in at the 1 hour, 20 minute point after Peter Tork’s performance of ‘Lucille’ on the DVD and on CD 2.

The DVD video quality is good and comparable with the original 2003 DVD. The sound quality of the CD’s are also excellent.

The set is currently available on the Amazon UK site at a pretty reasonable price after dollars to pounds conversion. If you missed out on getting the uncut ‘The Monkees Live! Summer Tour’ back in 2003, then this reissue is definitely worth checking out.

Amazon UK Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Live-Summer-Tour-Two-DVD/dp/B09S66MZ8Z/ref=sr_1_1?crid=32A9BYDFCYVNU&keywords=monkees+live+summer+tour&qid=1663623802&sprefix=monkees+live+%2Caps%2C382&sr=8-1

DVD/Double CD Set List:

Disc One:

  1. Intro/Last Train To Clarksville
  2. Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)
  3. For Pete’s Sake
  4. The Girl I Knew Somewhere
  5. Valleri
  6. Randy Scouse Git
  7. Mary, Mary
  8. Your Auntie Grizelda
  9. I Wanna Be Free
  10. I’ll Love You Forever/Goin’ Down
  11. Can You Dig It?
  12. Girl
  13. Higher And Higher

Disc Two:

  1. No Time
  2. Bach: Two Part Invention in F
  3. A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You
  4. Long Title: Do I Have To Do This All Over Again?
  5. She Hangs Out
  6. Since I Fell For You
  7. Lucille/Band Intros/Archie & Edith
  8. It’s Nice To Be With You
  9. That Was Then, This Is Now
  10. Porpoise Song/Listen To The Band
  11. Daydream Believer
  12. I’m A Believer
  13. (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone
  14. Pleasant Valley Sunday

Fred Velez, 2022.

New 7a Records Peter Tork EP ‘This Stuff Never Gets Old’

7A Records are proud to present “This Stuff Never Gets Old”, a brand new Limited Edition EP featuring four previously unreleased Peter Tork recordings. The EP will be released on CD and on pale blue Vinyl on November 17. The CD is limited to 500 copies and the vinyl is limited to 800. You can pre-order from the following sites:

US Customers:

CD: https://www.deepdiscount.com/this-stuff…/5060209950495

Vinyl: https://www.deepdiscount.com/this-stuff…/5060209950471

UK Customers:

CD: https://www.amazon.co.uk/…/B0BD…/ref=tmm_acd_swatch_0…

Vinyl: https://www.amazon.co.uk/…/B0BD…/ref=tmm_vnl_swatch_0…

Japan:

CD: https://www.amazon.co.jp/…/B0BD…/ref=tmm_acd_swatch_0…

Vinyl: https://www.amazon.co.jp/…/B0BD…/ref=tmm_vnl_swatch_0…

Brazil:

CD: https://imusic.br.com/…/peter-tork-2022-this-stuff…

Vinyl: https://imusic.br.com/…/peter-tork-2022-this-stuff…

More links and more territories to follow.

The EP

“This Stuff Never Gets Old” was originally submitted for inclusion on the Monkees’ 2016 “Good Times” album, but producer Adam Schlesinger chose not to include it on the album. “Sea Change”, “Vagabond John” and “Miracle” are all soundboard recordings made at The Speakeasy in New York in 1988. It is believed that Tork was once working on releasing a full album from The Speakeasy concert, but these are the only tracks that have been found so far. All recordings have been remastered. These are great recordings and we are delighted to be able to release them and make them available for all the fans to enjoy.

Track listing:

1. This Stuff Never Gets Old

2. Sea Change

3. Vagabond John

4. Miracle

For more information please visit www.7arecords.com and sign up to our newsletter.

RIP David Alexander of The Monkees Touring Band

Fred Velez with Dave Alexander, photo by Linda Walsh 

By Fred Velez.

David Alexander of the Davy Jones and Monkees touring band passed away on August 28th, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. As a talented musician, David was part of the Brady Bunch Live theatre show when he began working with Davy Jones and went on to be part of Davy’s band and then became a member of The Monkees touring band and was part of the Beatles tribute band Glass Onion. He was well loved by The Monkees, the band and the fans and will be deeply missed.

Here is an interview I did with Dave which first appeared on The Monkees Home Page, https://www.monkees.net/exclusive-talking-with-dave-alexander-of-the-monkees-touring-band/, on December 13, 2013:

Dave Alexander is a musician and a member of the Monkees touring band since the early 1990’s to the most recent 2013 Monkees tour. He is also a member of the Micky Dolenz touring band and was a member of the Davy Jones band, and is part of the Beatles tribute band Glass Onion. I had the pleasure of speaking with Dave on December 6th, 2013 for this exclusive Monkees.net interview:

Fred Velez: A little bit about your background, Dave. Where do you hail from?

Dave Alexander: I grew up outside of Boston, Massachusetts in a town called Malden.

FV: When did you first get into music?

DA: I think I joined my first band around age fourteen or fifteen, something like that, I played my first gig.

FV: Do you remember a lot about your first gig and how it went?

DA: There are two separate gigs that I remember. One was part of my high school Jazz band, we got paid money to play a small function in Boston. It was a typical Jazz band gig, it was really fun. Then I remember playing for a girl’s Sweet 16 birthday party, and that was really cool. It was a little more fun too, I got to play in a Rock band. I was playing bass guitar at the time. That was like the gig where I realized you can pick up girls from being a musician. (Laughs) 

FV: Outside of those first paid shows, what were your other professional gigs?

DA: I played around a lot of clubs and some small music halls through the late 80’s and early 90’s. I was an accompanist for a bunch of acts. I played around the country a little bit, nothing major. My first real major gig I think was June of 1993 at the Kennedy Center for a show called ‘The Real Live Brady Bunch’.

FV: Was that the first time you worked with Davy Jones? When was the actual first time? 

DA: That happened about three months later in Pontiac, Michigan. I always loved comedy, and I grew up loving the Monkees and I grew up loving the Brady Bunch. And sure enough, in 1993, my dreams came true. I was at the right place at the right time and I met the right people. Through working with comedy troupes playing music, I got into this show that was already up and running and gaining more popularity called ‘The Real Live Brady Bunch’. I took over as musical director for Faith Holloway and her sister Jill Holloway gave away her directing position. It was like my first really big break. Working with the Brady Bunch show was just a blast. It was so much fun traveling around the country, playing for a lot of people, and getting paid good money. And little did I know, in August, a little bonus started to happen that we were going to be working with a certain guest star. I couldn’t imagine who it was. When I found out it was going to be Davy Jones, I flipped out, because I always wanted to be in the Monkees since I was a little kid. Being a fan of the Brady Bunch and the Monkees, this was the next best thing! It was amazing, I called my mother, I told all my friends. It was a very exciting time, I never thought that it would happen like that. 

FV: Very cool. Did working with Davy lead directly to being part of the Monkees touring band?

DA: I would say that, sure.

FV: What was the year that was the first time you worked with the Monkees? 

DA: During ’93 after meeting Davy briefly for a couple of weeks only. In ’94 he actually went on the road with us. We were doing one-nighters all around the country on a bus tour with the Brady Bunch (show). And it turned out that me and Davy got along really well, we just connected well. He and I had similar musical tastes. We would hang out in the back lounge of the bus, and just sing together and jam together, singing and talking and playing guitar. It was a lot of fun, we kind of got to know each other that way. So, it was the end of that year in ’94 that he called me on the phone, and I just couldn’t believe it was him, I was still sort of shell shocked. He asked me if I was available in March to go to Japan to be a part of his band for his solo tour. And he said “Of course if you say no I understand if you’ve got other things going on, that’s all right”, and I’m saying “No, No, No, I want to go!” So, I join on with his band in March of ’95. From there, we did a couple of cities here and there. And then around the summertime is when I met Micky. Davy introduced me to Micky Dolenz and we played a bunch of concerts together in the summer of ’95, including a show at the base of the World Trade Center. 

FV: Oh, I was at that show. I’ve got pictures from that show, and I was recently looking at the pictures and I said “Is that Dave?” (Laughs) Aviva Maloney, was she in the band at the time?

DA: No she wasn’t, but it’s a good segue. The next year, 1996, earmarked the Monkees 30th anniversary, so they got Peter Tork and hit the road. But, as I learned over the past twenty years, there’s always a caveat with them. They always have to come to some agreement, they all have to have their individual thing that makes them agree to do a show. That year, 1996, Peter’s was ‘I have to have someone from my band in the (Monkees touring) band’. So, he was allowed to bring in somebody into the band and that person was Aviva. Because of that I had to take a hit and kind of got cut from the band that year. But Davy being a loyal friend, he wanted to help me out. He offered me a road job, basically driving one of the trucks around on their tour, doing some stage managing stuff. So I took it, because it was money (laughs), and I got to be on the road with the Monkees. It wasn’t that shameful a deal for me, I sort of just went along with the flow of things, I’m that kind of guy. It bugged me at the beginning, but I said I’m glad that he’s offering me to have a good paying job. It went on like that for about one and a half to two years where I was just part of the road crew, and that also included the ’97 tour of England with Mike Nesmith joining the band. It was fun, just being around that whole atmosphere and it worked for me. 

FV: What was it like working with all four Monkees? 

DA: It was cool, you know. Mike was pretty quiet, he kept to himself that year. He did have a lot to do with the production of the show, how it looked. One of his caveats (I believe) was that his son’s (Jason) band was the opening act for that tour, I think that was one of the things they agreed on for the tour. Nancy Boy opened for them, they were great too, I really enjoyed working with them. So yeah, it was really cool, it was very professional, let’s put it that way. It was fun hanging around, we all used to generally hang out at bars when we had a day off, you know, partying it up, but I don’t think Mike was into that scene, he didn’t really hang out with us that much. 

FV: How did the ‘Loafy’ nickname come about?

DA: During the ‘Brady Bunch’ years, we used to have ‘sponsors’ for our show. I love to act, I love to make people laugh. I used to do characters and impersonations. Davy saw me doing an impersonation of Meat Loaf, the singer. And for some reason, he just right off the bat started calling me ‘Loafy’. He used to joke that he can’t remember my name, so he associated me with ‘Loafy’. I didn’t understand why he couldn’t remember my name, it was his too! (Laughs)

FV: I remember you in the shows when they introduced you as ‘Loafy’ and when you used to do the imitation of Meat Loaf singing a parody of ‘I Would Do Anything For Love’, which got a big laugh from everybody when you got to the punch line, that was a lot of fun!

DA: (Laughs) Yes. 

FV: Now (drummer) Sandy Gennaro was in the band at that time, and you and Sandy did that hysterical ‘Archie and Edith’ routine from ‘All in the Family’ during some of the tours. How did that originate?

DA: We always used to hang out, Davy loved to hang out with the guys. Part of the criteria was how much you can make each other laugh, and that was always a fun thing. Just one day, I remember we were in Florida somewhere, we were just driving in a van, being transported somewhere. Sandy started talking about watching the ‘All in the Family’ show, laughing really hard, talking about the jokes and what they were talking about. And I just came out and did Edith for the first time. It was the first time they ever heard me do it, and their eyes lit up, “Oh my God, that’s unbelievable!” Davy didn’t really quite know what it was, but he knew it was funny because everyone else was saying “That’s incredible, how do you do that?” That’s how it happened. It just came out of the blue. 

FV: Yeah, I remember those shows when you and Sandy did that and the whole place was like on the floor laughing. And it was fun when you guys did it last year at the (2012 Davy Jones) Memorial and the (2013) Monkees Convention. 

DA: Yes, I’m sure you have not seen the last of it! (Laughs)

FV: (Laughing) I bet! What memorable highlights stand out for you from any of the Monkees tours?

DA: Well, there’s a couple definitely that stand out. One of them was when Cyndi Lauper joined us one night on stage. She was an idol of mine since she came on the scene in the 80’s. I never knew that Sandy used to be her drummer until I met him, and I told him “Wow! I saw you in concert!”. It’s weird how full circle things come around. So, she happened to be playing at the same fair as us (except the night after) in Texas. So she was there the night before to see us guys play. She came to the show, she was watching from the wings. And then Davy asked her to join him on stage to sing ‘Daydream Believer’. And it was the highlight. She didn’t really remember the words too much. So, she kind of turned and made eye contact with me in order to follow my lips. (Laughs) So, that was like a huge highlight being on the stage with Cyndi Lauper, that was really cool. And I think last year (2012) at the Greek Theater on my birthday, that was a big highlight of my career. Cause, even though my good friend Davy wasn’t there, I knew he was there in spirit. But, playing with Nesmith and the other guys on my birthday, and Micky announcing it to the crowd at the Greek Theater, that was certainly a huge highlight.

FV: Wow, very nice. Besides the Monkees what other big names have you worked with?

DA: One year we were the band for Peter Noone and Bobby Sherman for the first Teen Idols tour, Davy, Peter and Bobby. That was pretty fun. 

FV: Yes, I got to see the Teen Idols show with Davy, Peter Noone and Bobby Sherman at Westbury, did you do that show?

DA: Oh yeah.

FV: Oh cool, then I saw you there too! (Laughs)

DA: Other than that not many. I played with the Turtles, and we were onstage with Procol Harum at one gig, that was pretty awesome. Of course, Mark Lindsay from Paul Revere & The Raiders, the Chiffons who sang ‘He’s So Fine’, we played with them one time, that was cool. And we worked with Andrew Gold just a few months before he died. And we worked with Jerry Corbetta, the lead singer from Sugarloaf, he was a trip! (Laughs) 

FV: You weren’t on the 2011 Monkees tour which sadly was the last one with Davy.

DA: No, it’s kind of a bittersweet thing. I had just recently met Jennifer (now my wife), it was probably like a three or four year courtship up to that point. We were friends, we were hanging out all the time and getting to know each other even better. When I started hearing that the Monkees were going out on tour again, and I had been in Micky’s band. So I’m thinking “Oh no, what’s going to happen?” So I started calling everybody, my friend Dave Robicheau and Aviva, everyone. And they all said the same thing; nope, they’re going to use Davy’s band and they each get to pick one person, Micky gets to pick one person and Peter gets to pick one person. At that point Davy has another keyboard player. So, I heard they were going out on tour again and I wasn’t included. Micky took Wayne Avers, his musical director, and Peter took a guy named AJ who played bass in his band Shoe Suede Blues. So, I sent an email to Micky, I told him I really needed this tour. He told me he was really trying, but there was really nothing he could do about it because it was essentially Davy’s tour. He suggested that I write to Davy myself or call him and talk to him and see what happens. I said that’s good enough for me and I decided that I’ll just forgo this tour and I’ll just wait and see what happens. And as I told Jennifer, something better is going to happen, something bigger is coming down the line. And sure enough, it did. It’s bittersweet, but I was right to be patient, I was right not to be a hounding, pestering kind of person. And now, I’m back touring for the past couple of years during this Nesmith/Monkees tour.

FV: Now there were rumors flying around prior to February of 2012 that there was a possible Monkees tour with Nesmith to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the ‘Headquarters’ album. At that point, were you approached about doing the tour, and was there anything about the rumors that the Monkees were going to tour with Nesmith and that Davy was going to be involved as well? 

DA: All I know as far as the facts go, I got a call around late in the summer. I didn’t hear anything until late in August. That’s when I first got a call if I was available to go out with Nesmith and the Boys. 

FV: Ok, here comes the tough question: Where were you when you received the news about Davy’s passing? 

DA: Well, I was in my bedroom and I was waking up and my good friend Dave Robicheau called me. He just found out about 9:30 in the morning, I think I was the first one that he called. Of course I thought it was a joke at first, I just saw him (Davy) about a month prior. I knew something was up, but I didn’t think he was sick. 

FV: One of the last times you saw Davy, how was his health during that time? Did he seem like he was ill, was he very tired, was it very noticeable? 

DA: No, his performance was high energy. It’s tough to pinpoint unless you know something’s up. We knew something was up, both Jen and I, but we didn’t know it was anything health related. But, we could tell there was something up, but we didn’t know what it was, we couldn’t put our finger on it. You know, I couldn’t tell you if he was short of breath, he was himself. He was very happy to see me, that’s for sure. So, I couldn’t tell if anything weird was going on health-wise. 

FV: Now, a few weeks after Davy passed away, you and Micky were at the Fest for Beatles Fans. It was Micky’s first public appearance after Davy died. How difficult was it for you and Micky to make that appearance so soon after what happened? 

DA: That was kind of good that we were together. It wasn’t anything that we had planned even. I knew Micky was going to be there so I went and I just stayed close to him. He had his wife, (Donna) to help him out with stuff, but I think the fact that I showed up really helped him out. It helped me out, for sure, cause we got to sort of lean on each other, just talk about all the things that we talk about at a time like that, you know. Try to remember the good times, you know what I mean? It was good for us to be together.

FV: That was Micky’s first performance of ‘Daydream Believer’ shortly after what happened. It must have been very tough to do that song. How was Micky when he was doing both the rehearsal and the song itself during the Beatlefest? 

DA: I don’t think I was there at rehearsal, I showed up near the performance. I’m not even sure he rehearsed, he usually doesn’t. (Laughs) At the performance it was rough, you know, he definitely squeaked, we welled up. It was really rough. 

FV: Linda (Walsh) and I were in the audience and we could see the emotion in Micky’s performance. We gave you and Micky a lot of credit to go through that after what you had just been through just a couple of weeks earlier. 

DA: Oh yeah. 

FV: Now you along with the rest of Davy’s band performed at the special memorial at B.B. King’s in April (2012), with Micky, Peter, Deana Martin and Davy’s daughters Talia and Annabel with Cousin Brucie Morrow emceeing. It was a very emotional evening for us and I’m sure it was for you guys. And I’m sure it wasn’t that easy putting that together. What are your specific thoughts about the memorial?

DA: Well, it was very emotional. I really didn’t have a lot to do with putting it together, although I offered my help. I know that it was a lot of work. In fact, if you ask me, I think there was a little too much work put into it. You could do one of those events for days, so I personally didn’t mind that it lasted as long as it did. You know, some people were saying that it was too soon and all this, but I didn’t really think so. You know, any time is appropriate, really. So, it was fairly well put together. At times like that, you know, you do all you can. Remember the best times, remember the good times, remember what made you laugh. That’s what I tried to bring to it, that’s what I remember.

FV: Even though the memorial was as long as it was (five hours), I thought it was very good and I think very appropriate. 

DA: Yes, I think it was really appropriate.

FV: You already answered this question, but I’ll ask it again: A few months later it was announced there would be a Monkees tour with Michael Nesmith back in the fold. When you got the phone call about the tour was it a big surprise for you? 

DA: Yes, it definitely was surprising. It was a nice surprise. 

FV: Now, there was some controversy about Nesmith touring with the Monkees so soon after Davy’s passing. Did the criticism affect the tour in anyway, and how did the Monkees deal with the criticisms? 

DA: From what I remember the tour was sold out, I don’t really think it really affected it so much. I know it affected the die-hard Davy fans and maybe rightly so, that’s where their loyalty is, you know. There’s nothing wrong with that, (Davy) was their favorite, in their opinion. (The criticisms) didn’t really affect (the Monkees), they just brushed it off. There were only a certain amount of people expressing their displeasure with it. I mean, what can you do? Like I said, everybody has their opinion that they’re entitled to it. It wasn’t like they went out to dishonor the guy, you know. I don’t think that it affected the tour or the guys so much that they had some criticism. But the other half of the people that are Nesmith fans were extremely excited, so it kind of balanced it out, you know? 

FV: Right. I remembered that those shows with Nesmith were incredible. In your opinion, what were the differences that you felt in the concerts touring with the Monkees with Nesmith in comparison to the shows with Davy in the earlier Monkees tours? 

DA: That’s easy, the music. Not that the music wasn’t a huge part of the show in the past. The Nesmith tours mainly focused on the music whereas the past tours focused a lot more on the Monkees’ show. Even though Mike did put on his Monkees’ hat, so to speak, during the performances he kind of, as he put it, went into ‘character’, it wasn’t as focused as much on the madcap in the Nesmith shows as it was in the past. To me, I’m a purist so I love the way the music sounds on the original recordings. So in the past, whenever we added a horn section that wasn’t there on the original records, I used to scratch my head a little, you know. Whereas now, the more we try to make the music sound like the record the happier I am about it. That’s where my heart is, I’m a purist. 

FV: Right. On the 2012 Monkees tours, they had some really great, wonderful tribute moments to Davy. How were those shows constructed, who basically put the set list together, and was there a conscious effort to make the shows a memorial to Davy or just to make it a regular Monkees concert with an acknowledgment of Davy’s contributions to the group? 

DA: I think they collectively put the set list together with some of Andrew Sandoval’s original suggestions of the songs they should probably do in the show. I know that they went in heavy with the ‘Headquarters’ anniversary, that’s basically what the tours were touted as, what they wanted it to be, an anniversary of the ‘Headquarters’ album. So, while it wasn’t so much a tribute to Davy show, it was certainly a celebration of the anniversary of ‘Headquarters’. 

FV: I know the ‘Headquarters’ segments was one of the big highlights of the tour, as well as the segments saluting the movie ‘Head’. Definitely one of the highlights was the ‘Daddy’s Song’ sequence that had the band performing the song live while accompanying Davy’s image dancing from the movie with his vocals isolated. I thought it was brilliantly done. I’d like to know who came up with that idea and was is very difficult for the band to play live while trying to stay in sync with Davy’s pre-record vocals?

DA: I think that it was Mike that came up with the idea about it, either Mike and/or Andrew. It was most likely Mike because he likes that sort of thing. It certainly wasn’t the first time that has been done in concert. That’s a great thing to do. Sometimes there were technical issues that made it more difficult for the band to follow the track. The vocal track actually also had the trumpets and the trombones on it as well, and that’s what we would really listen to, the trumpets and the trombones carrying the rhythm that we focused on. Sometimes the video person might accidently speed up the tape a little bit! (Laughs)

FV: (Laugh) So, you guys had to try and catch up! 

DA: (Laughing) Right!

FV: I talked to you about this when I saw you at Westbury, you guys didn’t play live on the track when you did the (2013) tour. That’s a shame, but was it the technical reasons why you guys didn’t do it live this time?

DA: I think that was one of the reasons. (For the 2012 tour) out of the twelve performances that we did, there were only three times that it didn’t work out perfectly. So, I was really bummed out that it didn’t happen again. 

FV: For both the 2012 and 2013 tours, there were no Davy Jones/Monkees’ songs performed live with the exception of ‘Early Morning Blues & Greens’ from ‘Headquarters’ with Peter singing the lead. The segment with ‘Daddy’s Song’ again, and the finale with ‘Daydream Believer’ where the fans were invited from the audience to sing the song onstage with the Monkees. Were there any thoughts about adding more of Davy’s songs to the show, and who came up with the idea of having fans sing ‘Daydream Believer’? I thought it was a nice tribute to Davy.

DA: Yeah, that was Mike and Micky, they thought of that idea (I believe). That was a great idea. We were going to do ‘Shades of Gray’ with Peter singing the whole thing, but that never came through. Any other Davy/Monkees songs, it would be so hard to pull off, because you really associate certain things with Davy. You don’t want to have anybody try to conquer or do it. ‘Early Morning Blues & Greens’ was a perfect song because it’s a deep, deep cut. That was a really good idea, in my opinion. 

FV: I agree. Now, you did the Monkees/Davy Jones Memorial Convention this past March (2013) and then later in the summer the Beavertown memorial to Davy, which Davy’s daughters were all in attendance at both and at Beavertown they had the statue unveiled in his memory. Do you have any special memories about those two events?

DA: Just hooking up with the girls again, it’s such a pleasure. Seeing them, they are really special people. They probably have it the hardest out of all of us. So, it’s always nice to see them and have fun, give them my love. Yes, that was a heartache, especially for Annabel. 

FV: I liked what Micky said at the convention that you quoted at Beavertown, that the measure of Davy’s character can be seen in his daughters. 

DA: Yeah, sure. It’s the truth. 

FV: Now for you as a musician after a long tour is done, do you still stay in touch with the other members of the band?

DA: Yes. 

FV: One word answer, not bad! (Laughs) I mean, do you guys hang out or anything like that?

DA: Yes, whenever possible. I live closest to (drummer) Rich Dart, so I probably see him more than anybody. I’m friends with Dave Robicheau, I opened the doors for him to get the gig with Davy and the Monkees. We’ve been friends since before he was in the Monkees, even though he lives in Connecticut, he still comes up to Massachusetts once in a while which is always a treat. We’re good friends so that’s always cool. Aviva Maloney I talk to on the phone a lot. Wayne Avers every so often, not as often as I’d like. We see each other at Micky’s shows or Monkees shows unless he’s touring with somebody else. So yeah, mostly everybody I would say I see and keep in touch with, some on a regular basis.

FV: Now, are there any plans that you’re aware of for another Monkees tour in the future?

DA: I’d say there’s no plans that I’m aware of, but what I am aware of is that there are always offers on the table. You talk to the Guys, they get it together and sign the paper. So, I’m not aware of any papers signed, but I believe that there are offers for them.

FV: Well, we’ll keep our fingers crossed! (Laughs) Outside of the Monkees, do you have your own band, are there any current projects that you’re involved in that you wish to plug? 

DA: Sure. I’m a big Beatles fan as you probably know. I have a Beatles tribute band, our favorite music. That’s been going on for like three years now up here in Boston. We’re called Glass Onion. Our website is http://www.onionlove.net. It’s pretty fun. We don’t play as often as we’d like, but we’re plugging away. When you’re a musician you play stuff constantly, and it gets a little stale, so it’s good to change it up once in awhile. I’m involved in another group where I play bass guitar, which is the most fun I’ve had in many years, with a Rod Stewart impersonator. It’s really fun, it’s called First Class Fool (http://www.firstclassfool.com), its’ just a blast. And I also play with a Tom Jones impersonator, we play the Empire Raceway in Yonkers every once in awhile, that’s a lot of fun.

FV: That’s unique! (Laughs) Ok, we’re getting to the round up. Can you give me just a one word description for each Monkee: Micky.

DA: Funny.

FV: Peter.

DA: Genius.

FV: Michael.

DA: Smart.

FV: Davy.

DA: Heart.

FV: Is there a special memory about Davy Jones or the Monkees that stands out for you above all others and why?

DA: A special moment? It’s hard to say. I think we have to come back to just Davy because it was my first introduction to everything that happened to me up till now. I’ll never forget we were in Japan. It was really early on when we were beginning to know each other more. And we just had one moment where he and I completely clicked, that he knew that I was OK and that I knew that he was OK. We were in a public park in Japan sort of hanging out. I took out a piece of paper, Origami paper. I used to do Origami all the time (Note: the Japanese art of paper folding into different shapes like animals, birds, boats, flowers and other shapes.) So we’re in a public park. There are general people walking around. This is in Japan now, and here I am folding this piece of paper and Davy is kind of like looking at me inquisitively. And there’s a mother with a little child nearby who happens to notice what I’m doing. So, I finish up and make a little animal, I think it was a little bird with the flapping wings. And the little girl, she’s curious, so I gave it to her as a present. She was happy, and smiled, and that was it. I looked at Davy and he looked at me, like that’s where it all clicked for us. It’s like little, teeny moments like that can sort of define what I am all about. (Laughs) 

FV: Very nice. Anything else you want to add?

DA: On this last tour I got to be on Peter Tork’s bus. I finally felt that moment that I just described with Davy with Peter after all these years. I feel now that I know him better than I ever have in my life and I love him. I think he’s an awesome guy and I hope I continue to work with him. And of course my man Micky. When he invited me to his wedding with Donna – (I got to go and hang out with his daughters and other friends and people from the band like (the late) Jerry Renino. And later [of course] meeting Mike, Christian and Jessica whom I absolutely adore.) – What I’m trying to explain is it all becomes family. I’m not sure if this happens often and I’m always curious if that’s what it’s like in every other band. I wonder if Rusty Anderson and Abe Laboriel Jr. in Paul McCartney’s band feel the same way, but when you asked me what other big names that I worked for, it’s like it doesn’t really matter. What matters to me is the family that I accrued over the years. That’s what being in the Monkees is really like to me. It’s a real family affair. Sure, it has its’ business aspects to it every now and then. But, for the most part, it all turns out to be an incredible family, with everything that every family has. Its’ quirks, its’ weird times, but mostly the good times. I absolutely love them ALL. =)

FV: Thank you for your time Dave, I really appreciate it. 

DA: Sure, no problem. 

Fred Velez, 2022

Report: Mahoning Monkee Mania Movie Event!

The Mahoning Drive-In in Lehighton, PA, one of the last movie drive-ins in the United States with one of the largest screens which runs Retro programs of classic and cult movies, had their first movie event dedicated to The Monkees. The program consisted of three Monkees TV episodes on 35mm prints from the late 1960’s-early 1970’s Saturday morning run with rare commercials and 1970’s Monkees music replacing the original songs from the 1960’s prints. The main feature was a 35mm print of The Monkees 1968 movie ‘Head’.

Monkees fans and Mahoning Drive-In regulars who came from all over the country attended the event. Prior to the screenings that began at dusk, fans were able to purchase Monkees records, t-shirts and memorabilia and met and had books signed by authors Michael A. Ventrella (‘Long Title: Looking For The Good Times: Examining The Monkees Songs One By One’, ‘Headquartered: A Timeline of The Monkees Solo Years’), Thom Johnny “Beefstew” Shubilla (‘Primetime 1966-1967: The Full Spectrum of Television’s First All-Color Season’) and Fred Velez (‘A Little Bit You, A Little Bit Me: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’, ‘A Little Bit Me A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’). Mick Lawless of The Monkees and Michael Nesmith tribute band Loose Salute did a live set of Monkees and Nesmith songs. Monkees music was played over the Mahoning In-House Radio station.

Mick Lawless with fans at the Mahoning Monkee Mania Event.
Fred Velez (wife Linda in background) at the Mahoning Monkee Mania Event
Maria Xaiver (Right) with fellow Monkees Fan

As dusk settled, it was time for the screening which began with a short video history of The Monkees followed by specially recorded intros by Monkees friend and actress Valerie Kairys Venet (widow of Capitol Records executive Nick Venet who discovered The Beach Boys) and Micky Dolenz who hoped the fans would enjoy the movie ‘Head’ and if anyone understood it, to please let him know as he was still trying to figure it out!

Micky Dolenz Video Intro: https://www.facebook.com/9329229/videos/850255063046876/

The first two episodes shown with the Saturday morning commercials were ‘The Spy Who Came In From The Cool’ and ‘Card Carrying Red Shoes’, both which had a similar theme of The Monkees against foreign spies and secret microfilms. The song ‘All Alone In The Dark’ from The Monkees 1970 album ‘Changes’ replaced ‘Saturday’s Child’ from the original 1960’s prints of ‘The Spy’ episode.

After a short intermission the 35mm print of the movie ‘Head’ was projected on the large screen. After the movie, a bonus Saturday morning episode was shown, ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Kidnappers’ with the replacement song ‘Do You Feel It Too’ from the ‘Changes’ album replacing ‘Last Train To Clarksville’.

The event was well attended and Mark Nelson who supervised it was pleased at the turnout. “I put together the kind of event I myself would want to attend as a longtime Monkeemaniac, and was thrilled to see so many celebrate the Guys, traveling from as far away as Michigan! Many thanks to all who attended and help spread the word. See you all for Part 2 on a Saturday in 2024!”

Monkee Mania Video Report
Monkee at Mahoning Monkee Mania!

Fred Velez, 2022.

New Davy Jones 7a Records Release: Manchester Boy/Personal File

7a Records are proud to announce the release of Davy Jones’ “Manchester Boy – Personal File” on October 14, 2022. Available on CD and Vinyl, the album features rare demos, outtakes and self-penned songs made between the 1960s-1980s. 7a Records has spent a lot of time and effort on remastering the recordings and all songs make their first ever appearance on vinyl. You can pre-order now from:

US Customers:

CD: https://www.deepdiscount.com/manchester-boy…/5060209950433

Vinyl: https://www.deepdiscount.com/manchester-boy…/5060209950440

UK Customers:

CD: https://www.amazon.co.uk/…/B0B8…/ref=tmm_acd_swatch_0…

Vinyl: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Manc…/dp/B0B8R6JW4N/ref=sr_1_3…

Scandinavia:

CD: https://www.amazon.co.uk/…/B0B8…/ref=tmm_acd_swatch_0…

Vinyl: https://imusic.dk/…/davy-jones-2022-manchester-boy…

More links for all other territories will be announced soon.

The Album

In the 1970s, Jones was looking to continue to showcase the matured aspect of his music, most recently presented on The Monkees’ “Instant Replay” and “Present” albums in 1969. Jones went to work recording demos to present to Bell Records, two of which are included in this collection (Paul McCartney’s “Man We Was Lonely” and the mid-60s “King Lonely the Blue”. The resulting demos had an earthy and gritty feel, akin to a style made popular by Creedence Clearwater Revival, with a unique presentation that Jones felt best suited him as an artist. The majority of the tracks feature minimal musical accompaniment – in some cases nothing more than just an acoustic guitar. Most impressive is Jones’ ability to carry the songs far beyond their narrow arrangements, with vocals that convey the raw emotion of the lyrics. In fact, Jones himself wrote or co-wrote over half the songs on this collection,

including the autobiographical “Manchester Boy” and the passionate “Can’t Believe You’ve Given Up On Me.” Jones also took difficult vocal material and proved his abilities to powerfully recast established songs in a different light, including James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain,” Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” (aka “Dragonfly”) and Bobbie Gentry’s “I Saw An Angel Die” (aka “Was It A Dream?”).

The songs on this album went unreleased until the mid-1990s when Jones self-issued them as part of a four-volume set called “Just For The Record”, a mail-order only collection that is exceedingly rare today. 7A Records has spent a lot of time and effort on remastering the recordings and they are available for the first time ever on Vinyl. The vinyl comes in a gatefold sleeve and is pressed on 180g black and white Splatter Vinyl. Also available on CD, which comes with a 28 page colour booklet including extensive liner notes.

Track listing:

1. Manchester Boy

2. King Lonely The Blue

3. Man We Was Lonely

4. If I Knew

5. Feeling Good (Dragonfly)

6. Blossom

7. I Saw An Angel Die (Was It A Dream?)

8. Fire And Rain

9. Bluebird (In My Garden)

10. Please Believe Me

11. Proud Proud Man

12. Can’t Believe You’ve Given Up On Me

13. I’m Coming Home

14. Leavin’ It Up To You

15. Goodbye Old Friends

Digital Single:

A digital single featuring “Man We Was Lonely” b/w “King Lonely The Blue” will be released on all platforms on September 16.

For more information and to sign up to our mailing list, please visit: www.7arecords.com

Review: Micky Dolenz ‘Demoiselle’ 7a Records Release

Between the 1989 and 1996 Monkees reunions, Micky Dolenz busied himself with several projects. One was to be his first real Rock and Roll solo album. Collaborating with the late Jerry Corbetta of the band Sugarloaf, Micky recorded demos of the songs he wanted to use for the proposed solo album. Due to other pressing professional and personal matters, the album went through a series of starts and stops. Three of Micky’s songs ended up on the Monkees 1996 reunion album ‘Justus’. Not finding interest from the record companies, Micky privately released a signed limited edition cd of nine of the songs for the album that was eventually titled ‘Demoiselle’ on his own website in 1998.

The original 1998 ‘Demoiselle’

7a Records has reissued an expanded version of ‘Demoiselle’ with three additional songs in a rearranged set order with new cover art, many 1990’s circa photos of Micky and excellent and extensive liner notes by Monkees expert Mark Kleiner. Two of the songs, ‘My Heart Is Failing Me’ and ‘Piston Power’ were issued as a digital single prior to the album’s release. ‘My Heart’ is a nice Pop ballad with a distinct 90’s touch, and ‘Piston Power’ is a fun little Rocker.

Micky gives a wonderful performance on all of the songs. The early versions of songs that ended up on ‘Justus’ have a different feel before The Monkees put their stamp on them. ‘Never Enough’ has the Rock edge of the ‘Justus’ version minus Michael Nesmith’s guitar solo. ‘Dyin’ Of a Broken Heart’ is much more jaunty with a Rockabilly swing. ‘Regional Girl’ has a Techno rhythm with more synths in the mix. ‘We Were Not That Bad’ almost made it unto ‘Justus’, and I think that album would have benefited by its inclusion, a bittersweet song of regrets with a simple acoustic guitar backing that brings out the poignancy of the lyrics.

‘Lonely Weekends’ has a mariachi vibe running through it, you can tell Micky had a good time recording it from his lively performance. ‘Put A Hold On Your Heart’ has a great 90’s beat with a very soulful Dolenz vocal. ‘Torch For Hire’ has a very danceable Techno beat, ‘It’s The Season’ is very organ heavy and Micky does a good job singing it. A live version of ‘Since I Fell For You’ which Micky has done on Monkees and solo shows is a very soulful ballad with an emotional Micky vocal and a great saxophone solo by Aviva Maloney. The album ends with the Dolenz penned ‘Beverly Hills’, making its third appearance on a Dolenz/7a Records release, but still great to hear, and it makes a nice album closer.

As per it’s usual quality standards, 7a Records packaging of the album is excellent in both cd and red 180g vinyl. For those who missed out on the original 1998 limited release, the expanded ‘Demoiselle’ is a great addition to any Monkees and Micky Dolenz fan collection. Let’s hope that Micky will include some of these songs into his live setlist.

Are you listening, George Michael Dolenz? 😉

1. My Heart Is Failing Me
2. Lonely Weekends
3. Never Enough
4. Dyin’ Of A Broken Heart
5. We Were Not So Bad
6. Piston Power
7. Put A Hold On Your Heart
8. Regional Girl
9. Torch For Hire
10. It’s The Season
11. Since I Fell For You
12. Beverly Hills

Deep Discount Order Links: https://www.deepdiscount.com/search?q=Micky+Dolenz+demoiselle+&mod=AP

Amazon USA CD Link: https://www.amazon.com/Demoiselle-Micky-Dolenz/dp/B0B31WBM7L/ref=sr_1_2?crid=35QYXMC520VUY&keywords=micky+dolenz+demoiselle&qid=1660676769&sprefix=Micky+Dolenz%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-2

Amazon USA Vinyl Link: https://www.amazon.com/Demoiselle-180gm-Vinyl-Micky-Dolenz/dp/B0B3275Q8Z/ref=sr_1_3?crid=35QYXMC520VUY&keywords=micky+dolenz+demoiselle&qid=1660676769&sprefix=Micky+Dolenz%2Caps%2C78&sr=8-3

Amazon UK CD Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Demoiselle-Micky-Dolenz/dp/B0B31WBM7L/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1660677404&refinements=p_32%3AMicky+Dolenz&s=music&sr=1-1

Amazon UK Vinyl Link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Demoiselle-VINYL-Micky-Dolenz/dp/B0B3275Q8Z/ref=sr_1_2?qid=1660677404&refinements=p_32%3AMicky+Dolenz&s=music&sr=1-2

Signed Micky Dolenz Copies: https://micky-dolenz.myshopify.com/collections/all?page=2

Fred Velez, 2022.

Mahoning Monkeemania ‘Head’ Drive-In Movie Screening August 14th, 2022


The Mahoning Drive-In Theater (located at Lehighton, Pennsylvania) will screen two rare 35mm Saturday morning re-run episodes of THE MONKEES (with the original 1973 commercials) on the BIG screen, followed by HEAD (1968) on Sunday, August 14th at “Mahoning Monkeemania”, a night featuring all sorts of Monkeeing around!

We’ll have Mick Lawless joining us for a preshow live acoustic set of Monkees and Mike Nesmith covers at Mahoning Monkeemania on August 14th! Mick has played live in New England clubs and pop culture conventions for decades, solo and with his Michael Nesmith tribute band Loose Salute. Mick can be heard every week on Monkee Mania Radio online doing his show, THE FRODIS ROOM, and runs the Nevermind Shop in Upton, MA, selling vintage music and memorabilia, a selection of which he’ll be vending with at the show!

(To listen to Monkeemania Radio:

https://live365.com/station/Monkee-Mania-Radio-a57014)

Authors Michael A Ventrella signing and selling his LOOKING FOR THE GOOD TIMES and HEADQUARTERED books, Thom Johnny Beefstew Shubilla signing and selling his PRIMETIME 1966-1967 book, Fred Velez signing and selling his A LITTLE BIT ME, A LITTLE BIT YOU: THE MONKEES FROM A FAN’S PERSPECTIVE books and Monkees-themed Christmas CD. A live DJ spinning Monkees hits and deep cuts, a Monkee Merch raffle, vendors, and more to be announced as we go along!

The Mahoning Drive-In Theatre, 635 Seneca Rd, Lehighton, PA 18235

Tickets available now at:
https://mahoningdrivein.ticketleap.com/monkeemania

Review: Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart 7a Records Set

For fans who discovered The Monkees in the mid-1970’s, many will remember Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart, the first semi-official Monkees “reunion”. In 1975, eleven years before the historic 1986 20th anniversary reunion tour, Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones joined up with their former songwriters Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart to form the group Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart. With former Raider Keith Allison as musical director, they toured various fairs, arenas and clubs to the delight of original Monkees fans and along the way picked up a new generation of fans. In the space of the year they were together, the group recorded a couple of singles and a full album, as well as toured the Far East recording a live album in Japan at the Yubin Chokin Hall in Tokyo before calling it a day.

7a Records were able to secure the original master tapes for both the studio and live album and put together a new double vinyl album/cd set in excellent sound quality. The 1976 studio album is considered in some fan circles as the first Monkees “reunion” album, and the ‘Concert in Japan’ album is a fun souvenir of their live shows.

The CD set is beautifully packaged with photos from the period, many never before seen, in a 40 page booklet with excellent and extensive liner notes about the group by Monkees historian Mark Kleiner. The LP gatefold sleeve edition comes in black/yellow 180g Quad Vinyl.

Having first seen DJBH back in 1976 at The Riverboat Club in New York City, this set brings back wonderful memories. The sound quality, especially for the studio album, is superior to the cd version released in 2005 from a needle drop source. The ‘Concert in Japan’ Live album is so much fun to listen to as the Japanese fans scream out to the group as they perform various Monkees and Boyce & Hart hits as well as songs off their own album. Even the late Keith Allison gets to sing the Raiders song ‘Action’.

For fans who discovered and rediscovered The Monkees in the mid-1970’s, the 7a Records combo set of the ‘Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart’ album and the ‘Concert in Japan’ is a wonderful nostalgic souvenir as well as a lovely way to remember the feeling.

Fred Velez, 2022.

Track listing:

Disc One (the Studio Album):

1. Right Now

2. I Love You (And I’m Glad That I Said It)

3. You And I

4. Teenager In Love

5. Sail On Sailor

6. It Always Hurts The Most In The Morning

7. Moonfire

8. You Didn’t Feel That Way Last Night (Don’t You Remember)

9. Along Came Jones

10. Savin’ My Love For You

11. I Remember The Feeling

12. Sweet Heart Attack

Disc Two (Concert in Japan):

1. Last Train To Clarksville

2. Medley: Valleri / Daydream Believer / Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You

3. I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight

4. (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone

5. I Wanna Be Free

6. Savin’ My Love For You

7. Pleasant Valley Sunday

8. I Remember The Feeling

9. A Teenager In Love

10 Cuddly Toy

11. Medley: Come A Little Bit Closer / Pretty Little Angel Eyes / Hurt So Bad / Peaches ‘N’ Cream / Something’s Wrong With Me / Keep On Singing

12. I Love You (And I’m Glad That I Said It)

13. Action

US Customers:

Signed or unsigned copies straight from Micky Dolenz:

www.mickydolenz.com

Or from Deepdiscount:

2CD: https://www.deepdiscount.com/dolenz-jones…/5060209950358

2LP: https://www.deepdiscount.com/dolenz-jones…/5060209950365

UK Customers:

2CD: https://www.keymailrecords.com/dolenz-jones-boyce-and…

2LP: https://www.keymailrecords.com/dolenz-jones-boyce-and…

Japan:

2CD: https://www.amazon.co.jp/…/dp/B09ZCSTMNC/ref=sr_1_1…

2LP: https://www.amazon.co.jp/…/B09Z…/ref=tmm_vnl_swatch_0…

Canada:

2CD: https://www.amazon.ca/Dolenz…/dp/B09ZCSTMNC/ref=sr_1_1…

2LP: https://www.amazon.ca/…/B09ZCQTTX5/ref=tmm_vnl_swatch_0…

Scandinavia:

2CD: https://imusic.dk/…/dolenz-jones-boyce-hart-2022-dolenz…

2LP: https://imusic.dk/…/dolenz-jones-boyce-hart-2022-dolenz…

For all other territories, please check Amazon and local dealers.

7a Records Micky Dolenz Release ‘Demoiselle’

RELEASED ON AUGUST 12: The deluxe edition of Micky Dolenz’s solo album “Demoiselle”. The album will be available on CD & Vinyl. The CD comes with a big 32 page colour booklet featuring extensive liner notes and previously unseen photos. The Vinyl edition comes in a gatefold sleeve and is pressed on 180g red vinyl. You can order a signed copy straight from Micky. See below for buying options:

US Customers:

Get a signed or unsigned copy straight from Micky Dolenz: www.mickydolenz.com

Or pre-order from deepdiscount:

UK Customers:

CD: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dem…/dp/B0B31WBM7L/ref=sr_1_10…

Vinyl: https://www.amazon.co.uk/…/B0B3…/ref=tmm_vnl_swatch_0…

Japan:

CD: https://www.amazon.co.jp/…/dp/B0B31WBM7L/ref=sr_1_18…

Vinyl: https://www.amazon.co.jp/…/B0B3…/ref=tmm_vnl_swatch_0…

Germany:

CD: https://www.jpc.de/…/micky-dolenz-demoiselle/hnum/10978908

Vinyl: https://www.jpc.de/…/micky-dolenz-demoiselle/hnum/10978918

Canada:

CD: https://www.amazon.ca/Demois…/dp/B0B31WBM7L/ref=sr_1_14…

Vinyl: https://www.amazon.ca/…/B0B3275Q8Z/ref=tmm_vnl_swatch_0…

Scandinavia:

CD: https://imusic.dk/…/506…/micky-dolenz-2022-demoiselle-cd

Vinyl: https://imusic.dk/…/506…/micky-dolenz-2022-demoiselle-lp

For all other territories, please check Amazon and local dealers. More websites will carry the album very soon.

The Album

Produced mainly by Jerry Corbetta (Sugarloaf – “Green-Eyed Lady”) and Dolenz, Demoiselle features solo recordings made between 1981-1992 and includes previously unreleased material. Originally planned for release in the early 1990s, the album never received a record deal for a number for reasons. Dolenz privately released nine of the recordings in 1998, but they were only available for a short period of time via mail order. This new and definitive version of Demoiselle has been remastered from the original master tapes. It includes 3 previously unreleased bonus tracks and presents the material in a different sequence.

Dolenz had started off on this solo album trail determined to forge an identity distinct from his Monkees past. Ironically, it would take a Monkees reunion for the fruits of Dolenz’s 1990’s solo music efforts to first see the light of day, as Dolenz recalls: “Nez and Peter and David came over to my house … I played them the [1992 demo] tracks, some of them, and some of those are the ones that ended up on [1996 Monkees reunion album] Justus.” (In the end, the Monkees recorded new versions of “Never Enough”, “Dyin’ Of A Broken Heart”, and “Regional Girl” for Justus; Dolenz recalls “We Were Not That Bad” also getting considered but does not remember why it did not make the final cut).

Glenn Gretlund from 7A Records: “This expanded reissue of Demoiselle has been more than two years in the making. We wanted to ensure that we could do the album justice and we have added everything to the package we possibly could, so that it now comes with three previously unreleased bonus tracks, a big 32 page booklet with extensive liner notes and previously unseen pictures. In addition, the recordings have been remastered from the original master tapes and I am really pleased with how everything has turned out. I remember buying this album when it first came out in the early 1990s. It must have been out of print for at least 20 years and I’m delighted to be able to make this new, superior version available to the public.”

Track listing:

1. My Heart Is Failing Me

2. Lonely Weekends

3. Never Enough

4. Dyin’ Of A Broken Heart

5. We Were Not That Bad

6. Piston Power

7. Put A Hold on Your Heart

8. Regional Girl

9. Torch For Hire

10. It’s the Season

11. Since I Fell For You (Live)

12. Beverly Hills

Digital Only Single:

A “digital only” single from Demoiselle was released on July 8 -“My Heart Is Failing Me”/”Piston Power.” The single is available to download and stream from all digital sites.

For more information and for our other Monkees related releases, please visit www.7arecords.com and sign up to our newsletter.

Book Review: Love Is Understanding: The Life And Times Of Peter Tork And The Monkees 

There have been many books about the made for television Rock band The Monkees, including autobiographies written by Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith about their experiences in the group and as solo artists. The one personal story missing was that of Peter Tork, the Greenwich Village Folk Hippie, who portrayed the lovable Ringo Starr-like “Dummy” in the TV series, who in real life was a very intelligent individual and considered the best musician in the group. Outside of a profile in the 1984 book ‘When The Music Mattered’ by Bruce Pollock, several in depth interviews and an abandoned autobiography, Tork’s story outside the Monkees was not generally known by the fans or general public. Author Sergio Farias has filled in this literary gap with his well-researched book ‘Love Is Understanding: The Life And Times Of Peter Tork And The Monkees’

Farias covers Peter’s pre-Monkees years as a Folk Singer on the Greenwich Village Folk scene, hanging out with such legends as Jose Feliciano, Mama Cass Elliott, John Sebastian, Stephan Stills before later heading out to California to try his luck and eventually auditioning for and winning a role on a new television series based on The Beatles, The Monkees. Peter’s story advances from the auditions, to the filming of the series, the recordings of the songs, the early and astounding success of the series and the hit records and concerts, launching a mania not seen since The Beatles just two years earlier.

Farias also doesn’t whitewash the darker areas of the Monkees story; the battles with music supervisor Don Kirshner, the ‘don’t play their instruments’ controversy, the struggles of gaining respect from the music industry, personality clashes and group infighting, drugs, and alcohol, etc. Farias is very honest in outlining the downside of the fame the Monkees attained and how it affected Peter Tork, who’s main ambition was to be a musician in a band, and the disillusionment he endured leading to his leaving the Monkees. 

The book covers the period after Peter’s departure, the disappointments of trying to launch a solo career while seeing other artists he helped like Stephen Stills go on to superstardom. His stint in jail for drug possession. Failed relationships. Taking on odd jobs and teaching positions while trying to reestablish himself in the music business. Early semi-reunions with Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones. Slowly reintroducing himself as a performer, leading to his appearance at the infamous CBGB’s Punk club. Television appearances on programs like Uncle Floyd and David Letterman. The first inklings of the 1980’s Monkees resurgence leading to the hugely successful 1986 20th anniversary reunion tour and beyond.

Through all the highs and lows, Peter Tork remained spiritually optimistic and philosophical, reestablishing himself as a musical artist and entertainer, learning from his past mistakes and moving forward with his life. Farias’ book covers the struggles Peter and the other Monkees went through in trying to present themselves as true artists, eventually succeeding. 

The book is very well researched, and fans and Pop historians alike will gain new insights on Peter Tork, Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones. 

‘Love Is Understanding: The Life And Times Of Peter Tork And The Monkees’ by Sergio Farias published by BearManor Media is the book fans have been waiting for which will introduce you to the real Peter Tork. 

Reasonably Spontaneous Conversation with Sergio Farias and Dennis Tardan

Fred Velez, 2022. 

BearManor Media Link:

https://bearmanor-digital.myshopify.com/search?q=Peter+tork

Amazon Link:

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Understanding-Times-Peter-Monkees/dp/1629339121/ref=pd_ybh_a_sccl_2/130-3547456-8949167?pd_rd_w=GhPMY&content-id=amzn1.sym.48b4f440-2099-4e34-afeb-210417d3bf51&pf_rd_p=48b4f440-2099-4e34-afeb-210417d3bf51&pf_rd_r=WWKK0DBTZHNR0MX7GPH0&pd_rd_wg=oMixq&pd_rd_r=902012d2-2846-4b8d-8ae9-7410ef5b1d77&pd_rd_i=1629339121&psc=1

Bear Manor Books Interview with Peter Tork Author Sergio Farias

Bear Manor Books Q&A with Sergio Farias, author of the new Peter Tork book


Q: Did Jose Feliciano and Stephen Stills play with Peter before the Monkees?
A: Yes, that was between 1963 and 1965, when Peter played gigs in Greenwich Village.

Q:How many instruments did Peter play?
A:. Six instruments. Piano, keyboards, banjo, guitar, bass and French horn.

Q: On the first album “The Monkees”, none of them played instruments, like other groups at the time – Byrds, Mamas and The Papas etc.
A: Yes, the vast majority of groups at that time did not play their own instruments on recordings. Peter was the only one who played guitar on the first Monkees album.

Q:Is it true that Peter recorded with George Harrison?
A: Sure. They had a session recording in London for the “Wonderwall” soundtrack.

Q: The parties at Peter’s house in Los Angeles were notorious, tell me more about it.
A: There’s a Rolling Stone article “Inside the Los Angeles Scene,” placed Peter as one of the most influential people in the city. Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, George Harrison and Ringo Starr were Peter’s guests. It was where Pete Townshend, leader of the Who, and John Sebastian, of the Lovin’ Spoonful, first met. Among these were David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash, as a group began to rehearse in Peter’s mansion

Q: In 1970, Peter and his group Release recorded a demo for Ahmet Ertegün, why didn’t the project go ahead?
A: They recorded material was supposed to be the foundation of a Release album, with a mixture of rock and roll and folk ballads sung by a singer called Judy Mayhan. When the material got there, producer Jerry Wexler was delighted by Mayhan’s vocals, but not so much by Release as a whole.

Q: Ten years later, Peter recorded another demo for Sire Records.
A: He recorded and mixed six tracks in a New York studio. Nevertheless, when the producer Pat Horgan handed the demo off to Seymour Stein, the president of Sire, he didn’t like the material.
Q: In 1980, the Monkees were invited to get together for an Emmy Awards ceremony, which ended up not happening because of a writers’ strike, would this be the first time they’d gotten together since the 1960s?
A: No. Peter recorded a single with Micky in 1971. He played with Micky and Davy in a few gigs in 1976 and 1977, and recorded a Christmas single.

Q: Did the Monkees made a triumphal comeback in 1980s?
A: All in all, the Monkees was the top grossing tour in 1986, and had ten records on the 1986 US charts—more than at any other point in the 1960s.

Q: What about Peter solo career after Monkees 20th Anniversary Tour?
A: Peter Tork had a brilliant solo career. He released several albums, included a piece that he wrote for piano and sixty-five-musician orchestra. Peter still acting during the years. He was a artistic genius and a great human being.
Love Is Understanding: The Life and Times of Peter Tork and The Monkees

Between 1966 and 1967, “the Monkees sold more records than the Beatles and the Rolling Stones combined!” Whether this is true or not, they had a revolutionary TV series and they raised the bar of rock concerts.

As songwriters and musicians, their musical diversity ranged from the pioneering use of the banjo and the Moog synthesizer in pop music to becoming one of the forerunners in the creation of country rock. This creative unity won admirers like the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, and Timothy Leary.

However, when they  exposed the modus operandi of the American record industry, they paid the consequences, and public opinion designated the Monkees as just a prefabricated group at the height of the counterculture. After the band broke up, its members were relegated to brutal ostracism. Peter Tork was the most affected. Though he was a scholar, a classical musician capable of playing seven musical instruments, and an excellent actor and songwriter, for some Peter was simply “the dummy.”

This book seeks to do justice to the Monkees’ extraordinary legacy in pop culture, revealing the ups and downs of the band’s backstory and tracing Peter’s dramatic trajectory and pilgrimage through life. A true rock and roll survivor, but, above all, a brilliant artist. 

“Sergio Farias delves into the history of the Monkees, a band that lived through the glory and disgrace of stardom after coming face to face with the record industry.” O Globo.

“This book fills an existing gap regarding the history of the Monkees” Folha de São Paulo.

Bear Manor Peter Tork Book Order Links:

https://bearmanor-digital.myshopify.com/products/love-is-understanding-the-life-and-times-of-peter-tork-and-the-monkees-paperback?utm_campaign=emailmarketing_127225659426&utm_medium=email&utm_source=shopify_email

Bear Manor ebook Order link: https://shop.app/p/7017916268578

Amazon Peter Tork Book Order Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Understanding-Times-Peter-Monkees/dp/1629339121/ref=sr_1_1?crid=N48H7TQ4GKXC&keywords=sergio+farias&qid=1653398445&s=books&sprefix=Sergio+fa%2Cstripbooks%2C96&sr=1-1

Fred Velez, 2022.

Review: 7a Records Reissue of Michael Nesmith’s ‘And The Hits Just Keep On Comin’

2022 marks the 50th anniversary of what many fans and experts consider to be Michael Nesmith’s best album, ‘And The Hit’s Just Keep On Comin’. Recorded with just Nesmith and his cosmic partner Red Rhodes, the album’s sarcastic title reflects on the lack of solo hits Nez garnered for RCA during his tenure with the label following his departure from the Monkees.

Despite the lack of commercial success, ‘Hits’ is brimming with an amazing collection of songs penned by Papa Nez. The bare instrumentation of Nesmith on acoustic and Red on pedal steel guitars enhances the beauty and intimacy of the songs. Classics like ‘Different Drum’, ‘Tomorrow & Me’, ‘Lady Love’, ‘Two Different Roads’ and the rest of the tunes truly shine on this record. And Nesmith’s cautionary political tale ‘The Candidate’ rings as true today as it did at the time.

7a Records reissue contains four bonus tracks previously available digitally, making their vinyl debut on this release, with alternate versions of ‘Some of Shelly’s Blues’, ‘Keep On’ and ‘Roll With The Flow’, with the instrumental ‘Cantata And Fugue In C&W’ closing the record.

The CD version of the album comes with a 28 page booklet filled with rare photos, period reviews and extensive liner notes by Joe Alterio. The beautifully package vinyl edition includes the four bonus tracks and is pressed in 180G Honey Colored vinyl.

As the first in a series of Michael Nesmith reissues of his classic catalogue, 7a Records smacked the ball right out of the park in releasing ‘And The Hits Just Keep On Comin’ for the inaugural launch. Here’s to more “Hits” to come!

Deep Discount CD Link: https://www.deepdiscount.com/and-the-hits-just-keep-on-comin-50th-anniversary/5060209950419

Deep Discount LP Link: https://www.deepdiscount.com/and-the-hits-just-keep-on-comin-50th-anniversary-honey-beige-180gm-vinyl/5060209950426

Amazon LP Link: https://www.amazon.com/Hits-Just-Keep-Comin-Anniversary/dp/B09TWMKC19/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36CI8WIQDCC08&keywords=Michael+Nesmith+7A042LP&qid=1646861333&sprefix=michael+nesmith+7a042lp%2Caps%2C124&sr=8-1

Amazon CD Link: https://www.amazon.com/Hits-Just-Keep-Comin-Anniversary/dp/B09TMYW6QV/ref=sr_1_1?crid=Z8UTW23WRD1W&keywords=7a041+Michael+nesmith&qid=1646868264&sprefix=7a041+michael+nesmith%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-1

Fred Velez, 2022.

7a Records To Reissue Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart Albums!

7A Records announces the release of Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart’s original studio and live albums. In the mid-1970s promoters were trying to reunite the Monkees, but with Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork unavailable, it was suggested that Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones team up with Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart to tour as ‘The Golden Great Hits Of The Monkees Show – ‘The Guys Who Wrote ‘Em & The Guys Who Sang ‘Em’. The group signed a deal with Capitol Records to record a self-titled studio album of new material. They later released a live album from their tour of Japan. Both albums have been unavailable and out of print for many years. 7A Records have tracked down the original master tapes, that were presumed missing for at least 27 years, and remastered both albums for this release. Available as deluxe 2CD and 2LP sets, the CD version will include a big 40 page colour booklet featuring extensive liner notes and previously unseen photos. The 2LP version comes in a gatefold sleeve and is pressed on special 180g Green, Black and Yellow Quad Vinyl.

The LP & CD will be released on July 15th, 2022.

Deep Discount Preorder Links:

LP: https://www.deepdiscount.com/dolenz-jones-boyce-hart-180gm-green-yellow-and-black-vinyl/5060209950365

CD: https://www.deepdiscount.com/dolenz-jones-boyce-hart/5060209950358

Micky Dolenz is also making available on his website Signed vinyl copies of the D, J, B & H reissue. The release date for the signed album is July 8th, 2022.

Micky Dolenz Signed DJBH LP Link: https://micky-dolenz.myshopify.com/products/dolenz-jones-boyce-hart-vinyl-lp-the-guys?fbclid=IwAR2Jmw-GT8nGz9Gc9qZ-31KQiObP92QibBJCflqygJmi7aB3iCw1qR9ndB4

Vinyl Track listing:

LP 1 (the Studio Album)

Side One

1. Right Now 
2. I Love You (And I’m Glad That I Said It) 
3. You And I 
4. Teenager In Love 
5. Sail On Sailor 
6. It Always Hurts The Most In The Morning 

Side Two

1. Moonfire 
2. You Didn’t Feel That Way Last Night (Don’t You Remember) 
3. Along Came Jones 
4. Savin’ My Love For You 
5. I Remember The Feeling 
6. Sweet Heart Attack 

LP 2 (Concert in Japan)

Side One

1. Last Train To Clarksville 
2. Medley: 
Valleri/Daydream Believer/A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You
3. I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight
4. (I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone 
5. I Wanna Be Free 
6. Savin’ My Love For You 
7. Pleasant Valley Sunday 

Side Two

1. I Remember The Feeling 
2. A Teenager In Love 
3 Cuddly Toy 
4. Medley: 
Come A Little Bit Closer/Pretty Little Angel Eyes/Hurt So Bad/
Peaches ‘N’ Cream/Something’s Wrong With Me/Keep On Singing
5. I Love You (And I’m Glad That I Said It) 
6. Action

Fred Velez, 2022.

The Monkees Blu-ray Set Available On Rhino Again!

The Monkees Blu-ray set is available again on Rhino Records Official Monkees website.

The set includes the entire Monkees TV series, the movie ’Head’, the 1969 ’33 & 1/3 Revolutions per Monkee’ television special, original Monkees screen tests, the original version of The Monkees TV pilot, outtakes from the movie ’Head’, Davy Jones performing ’Someday Man’, Saturday Morning reruns song segments, promos, commercials and outtakes, a bonus 45 single and booklet with liner notes written by Andrew Sandoval in a box featuring a lenticular cover.


Monkees Blu-ray Set Order Link:

https://monkeesstore.warnermusic.com/en/warner-music-store/music/cddvd/the-monkees—complete-tv-series-blu-ray/603497882465.html

7a Records To Release Michael Nesmith’s Tantamount To Treason, Vol. 1

7a Records is proud to announce the 50th Anniversary Edition of “Tantamount To Treason, Volume One” by Michael Nesmith & The Second National Band – released on June 3rd. The 1972 album has been remastered, expanded with bonus tracks and given a brand new cover painting by Wilson McLean, who also painted the original album sleeve. The CD comes with a 32 page booklet, including extensive liner notes, previously unpublished photos and lyrics to all of the songs. The Vinyl is presented in a gatefold sleeve and is pressed on 180g Aqua coloured splatter Vinyl. The bonus tracks have never previously been released on vinyl. You can pre-order the album here:

US Customers:

CD: https://www.deepdiscount.com/tantamount-to-treason-vol-1-50th-anniversary/5060209950396

Vinyl: https://www.deepdiscount.com/tantamount-to-treason-vol-1-50th-anniversary-180gm-blue-and-white-splatter-vinyl/5060209950402

UK Customers:

CD: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tantamount-Treason-One-50th-Anniversary/dp/B09X49ZTQP/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3VPFNAZPTCBJJ&keywords=nesmith+tantamount&qid=1649608149&sprefix=nesmith+tantamount%2Caps%2C57&sr=8-2

Vinyl: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tantamount-Treason-Splatter-Vinyl-VINYL/dp/B09WWB2S6L/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3VPFNAZPTCBJJ&keywords=nesmith+tantamount&qid=1649608155&sprefix=nesmith+tantamount%2Caps%2C57&sr=8-3

Also available from Amazon worldwide.

The Album
By late 1971, Michael Nesmith found himself confronted with dissenting opinions of his First National Band releases on RCA Records. Though critics generally lauded the music, radio audiences and the record buying public became less interested in the material with each subsequent release. Contemplating his next move under his RCA contract, Nesmith made some significant changes to his approach in recording new material, which would ultimately yield Tantamount to Treason, Volume One. Gone would be a supporting “band” in the sense of a collective partnership of musicians. Rather, an eclectic group of session musicians would be gathered to lay down what were arguably Nesmith’s most free-form, jazz-influenced and psychedelic country tracks of his career.

Track listing:
1. Mama Rocker
2. Lazy Lady
3. You Are My One
4. In The Afternoon
5. Highway 99 With Melange
6. Wax Minute
7. Bonaparte’s Retreat
8. Talking To The Wall
9. She Thinks I Still Care
Bonus Tracks:
10. Six Days On The Road
11. Circle Sky
12. Listen To The Band (Alt. Ver.)
13. Tan My Hide (Instrumental)
14. You Are My One (Instr. – CD Only Bonus Track)

For more information, please visit www.7arecords.com. Remember to sign up to our newsletter for more Monkees related releases.

Review: Dolenz Sings Nesmith: The E.P.

By Fred Velez

Following the success of the ‘Dolenz Sings Nesmith’ album, 7a Records has issued a new recording, ‘Dolenz Sings Nesmith: The E.P.’, featuring four songs that were recorded during the original sessions which were left off for space reasons.

Produced by Michael Nesmith’s son Christian, the E.P. continues the format of Micky Dolenz covering songs written by the late Michael Nesmith as a homage to his Monkees partner and friend. As with the previous album, rather than recreate mirror versions of the original arrangements in a “Karaoke” style, Christian and Dolenz approach the material with new arrangements that adds a new dimension to the familiar songs that honors the creativity Nez instilled in them.

The first of the four songs is ‘Soul-Writer’s Birthday’, which Nesmith wrote and copyrighted in 1967 but never recorded. The arrangement is reminiscent of songs like ‘Star Collector’ and ‘Salesman’, with Nez’s esoteric lyrics referencing “the 25th of June”, which after some research, turns out to be the period that Nesmith recorded his first official Monkees tunes in 1966. It’s a fun tune that could have fitted on The Monkees’ ‘Pisces’ album.

The next song is the Nesmith classic ‘Some of Shelly’s Blues’, previously recorded by Linda Ronstadt and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Micky’s version of the song is very close to the original arrangement with some very tasty pedal steel guitar work done by Pete Finney.

‘The Cripple Lion’ has the most radically different arrangement from the original, with a beautiful cello played by Cameron Stone. The slower pace emphasizes the poignant lyrics, which reinforces the loss of Michael Nesmith. Hearing this version makes me miss Nez even more.

The final song ‘Grand Ennui’ was the bonus track on the cd version of ‘Dolenz Sings Nesmith’. It’s a rollicking number with barrelhouse piano and great background vocals by Circe Link.

The E.P. is available on CD, download and streaming, and for a limited time on Blue Vinyl. The cover presents a night time variation of the original cover, with a nice big silver moon in the night sky.

As the first major release after his sad passing, ‘Dolenz sings Nesmith: The E.P.’ is an appropriate salute to the music of Michael Nesmith and makes a fine companion to the previously released album.

Looking forward to more ‘Hits‘ from 7a Records! 😉

CD Link: https://www.deepdiscount.com/sings-nesmith-the-ep/5060209950891

Vinyl Link: https://www.deepdiscount.com/sings-nesmith-the-ep-ltd-10-inch-blue-vinyl/5060209950327

7a Records Fan Launch Panel

Fred Velez, 2022.

New 7a Records Release: And The Hits Just Keep On Comin’

From 7a Records Facebook page:

Well…a few fans noticed it on the net, so the cat is out of the bag! Here is my next, big 7a project.

Released on May 13

7a Records are pleased to announce the 50th Anniversary reissue of Michael Nesmith’s ground-breaking solo album ‘And The Hits Just Keep On Comin”. Nesmith’s 1972 solo album has been remastered and expanded with bonus tracks. The CD edition comes with a 28 page colour booklet, featuring extensive liner notes and previously
unpublished photos. The Vinyl edition comes in a gatefold sleeve and is pressed on 180g “Honey Coloured Vinyl”.

Track listing:

1. Tomorrow & Me
2. The Upside Of Good-Bye
3. Lady Love
4. Listening
5. Two Different Roads
6. The Candidate
7. Different Drum
8. Harmony Constant
9. Keep On
10. Roll With The Flow
Bonus Tracks:
11. Some Of Shelly’s Blues (Alt.Ver.)
12. Keep On (Alt. Ver.)
13. Roll With The Flow (Alt. Ver.)
14. Cantata And Fugue In C&W (Instr.)

The Album

By 1972 both Nesmith and his then record company RCA were dismayed at Nesmith’s lack of commercial success, following his early 1970 departure from The Monkees. Nesmith took the opportunity to blatantly poke fun at the situation he found himself in, titling his new album – that certainly would not yield a Top 40 hit – ‘And the Hits Just Keep on Comin’. The album was a departure from his previous solo records, as it featured just Nesmith on acoustic 12-string guitar and the excellent Red Rhodes on pedal steel guitar, no other musicians were involved. The approach was simple, but it exposed a beauty in the poetry of Nesmith’s
lyrics which was matched perfectly by Rhodes’ inspired playing. ‘And The Hits Just Keep On Comin’’ became Nesmith’s most critically acclaimed album and it is today generally viewed as an iconic a ground-breaking marvel in the annals of country-rock music. To mark the album’s 50th anniversary, 7A Records have remastered the album and included four bonus track that will see their first ever release on vinyl. The album is released on CD with a 28 page colour booklet featuring extensive liner notes and previously unseen photos, as well as on 180g coloured vinyl in a gatefold sleeve.

Deep Discount Links:

CD: https://www.deepdiscount.com/and-the-hits-just-keep-on-comin-50th-anniversary/5060209950419

LP: https://www.deepdiscount.com/and-the-hits-just-keep-on-comin-50th-anniversary-honey-beige-180gm-vinyl/5060209950426

Micky Dolenz Celebrates The Monkees 2022 Tour

From Andrew Sandoval:

I am pleased to announce that in April I will be producing a short series of special shows for Micky Dolenz featuring the Mike & Micky Show band – Wayne Avers, Emeen Zarookian, Gemma Dolenz, Rich Dart, Alex Jules, John Billings & Pete Finney.

4/5/22–Nashville, TN– Ryman Auditorium

https://bit.ly/3gtscJe

4/6/22–Richmond, KY–EKU Center for the Arts

https://bit.ly/3smArfS

4/8/22–Nashville, IN–Brown Country Music Center

https://bit.ly/3B9aQLh

4/9/22–Cincinnati, OH–Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center

https://bit.ly/3GxgdVN

4/12/22–Akron, OH–Goodyear Theater

https://bit.ly/3AZVk4e

4/13/22–Joliet, IL–Rialto Square Theatre

https://bit.ly/34e3fiJ

4/16/22–Madison, WI–Overture Center for the Arts

https://bit.ly/34jlyCQ

We will be fully delving into The Monkees’ songbook, as well as Micky’s personal archive of films and photos to create a unique evening of memories. It will give Micky and the band an opportunity to share the music he made alongside Davy, Peter & Michael and reminisce on their journey as brothers for five decades. We have also been talking about Micky singing some songs he’s never done on stage before like “Valleri” and “Can You Dig It” (as well as pulling out older Monkees album tracks that have not been performed in many years).

It is unclear if we will be doing anything beyond these seven shows in this format, but we are truly looking forward to being together again to celebrate the Monkees in song. Tickets go onsale Friday, but presales will begin on Tuesday with the presale code CELEBRATE for all shows.

Mojo Magazine: The Monkees and Michael Nesmith

Mojo March 2022 Monkees/Nesmith Issue

The latest March 2022 issue of the British Music Magazine Mojo has a cover story on The Monkees and Michael Nesmith.

Written by David Fricke, the ten page article is a well-researched piece covering Michael Nesmith’s career with the Monkees and as a visionary solo artist. Micky Dolenz, Andrew Sandoval and former First National Band drummer John Ware give their personal insights and recollections of Nesmith, with archival interviews added to give Nez a voice in the article. Side articles touch on the Monkees albums with Nesmith , Monkees episodes, the movie ‘Head’, the 1997 Monkees special and Portlandia, and Nesmith’s incredible solo career. Other artists covered in this issue are The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Al Green and more.

Mojo Subscription Issue

The issue can be purchased direct from Mojo in both print and digital versions. If you are a Mojo Magazine subscriber you’ll receive a copy of the issue minus print on the cover. The magazine is also available in the United States at most Barnes and Noble and other book stores and newsstands that carry import magazines.

Mojo Magazine March 2022 Link

Mojo Magazine Subscription Link: https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/mojo-magazine

Fred Velez, 2022.

A Journey With Michael Nesmith: 1942 – 2021

Michael Nesmith has passed away on December 10th, 2021 at the age of 78, just a few weeks short of his birthday on December 30th which he shared with fellow Monkee, the late Davy Jones. I’ve been a fan of the Monkees for 55 years, and I’ve been rewarded by the incredible music and art I’ve been exposed to during those years by the four individuals, especially Papa Nez.

Michael Nesmith pre-Monkees TV Debut
The Monkees: Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith

When I began watching the Monkees television show after I discovered it in 1967, I loved the series which was like watching The Beatles every week on a regular basis, except with a different foursome of comic musicians. Each member stood out: Micky Dolenz was the wild, crazy one. Peter Tork was the sweet and naive goofy one. Davy Jones was the cute, Paul McCartney type heartthrob. And Mike, the one in the green wool hat, well he was Mike, the group leader, the cool one with the laconic, sly sense of humor. As much as I liked the other three, there was something special about Nesmith. You couldn’t quite put your finger on it, but you just couldn’t take your eyes off him. When he entered a scene he captured your full attention. There was just a mystique about him.

This wasn’t just true about the television show. This carried over into the group’s recordings. As good as some of the other songs might have been, Nesmith’s tracks immediately stood out. They were well written and had an edge to them that demanded further attention. They weren’t frivolous Pop tunes, they were songs that carried a bit more weight and maturity than a typical 1960’s Pop song. And they sounded different than the other songs that shared the albums. The songs had a distinct Country flavor to them that made them sound much more unique. Even the songs he didn’t write benefited from his touch.

 

 

Circle Sky from the movie ‘Head’

 

The Cincinnati Story

After the whole Monkee trip ended, Nesmith continued onward on a path of his own making. His solo recordings, starting with the First National Band albums, saw Papa Nez following his muse, branding his songs with the Country tinge first heard in his Monkees recordings, but with the help of musical partner Red Rhodes, the songs went into a whole other stratosphere. The imagery the songs evoked were much more cosmic and other worldly, it’s no wonder that he earned the nickname of the ‘Cosmic Cowboy’. His records may not have been as big sellers as artists like Gram Parsons, The Byrds or the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band who played in a similar style, but they were just as creative, if not more-so.

As a growing artist, Nesmith was not content to remain in one style for long. He continued to push himself forward with unusual concepts like ‘The Prison’, a book with a soundtrack, that saw his writing style become much more visual in execution. This naturally led to the next step in Nez’s artistic evolution, a new way to visually present musical ideas, the Music Video. Where there had been ‘promotional films’ issued by artists to help sell their records, Nesmith’s approach with his video ‘Rio’ was much more cinematic, presenting the music in a non-linear visual style, at times with a story that wasn’t a virtual representation of the song lyrics, but carried their own storyline apart from the actual song.

Continuing to move forward with these concepts, Nesmith produced the long form video ‘Elephant Parts’ which combined his music with his unique sense of humor, winning a Grammy Award in the brand new category of Music Video, becoming the first music artist to win in the field. Nesmith branched out and became a movie producer for films like ‘Time Rider’, and the acclaimed ‘Repo Man’ and ‘Tape Heads’. He later became a published author of fiction and most recently with his autobiography ‘Infinite Tuesday’.

Michael Nesmith with first Grammy Award for Music Video

I followed Michael Nesmith through all these phases of his career, and I was rewarded by the exposure of the art that he was creating. From the Monkees television series, the records, the movie ‘Head’, the ’33 & 1/3 Revolution per Monkee’ tv special, his solo music career and his entry into the field of Music Video, each was a stepping stone where he kept going forward and rarely if ever looked back.

Elephant Parts, 1981

While I had seen and met Davy, Micky and Peter at concerts from 1976 into the 1980’s, I didn’t meet Nesmith until 1981 when he launched ‘Elephant Parts’ at a special party event at Tavern on the Green in New York City. I was invited to the event through my friend, animation expert Jerry Beck. Finally meeting the man, we shook hands and I told him how much I admire his work and that I wished him great success with his new video venture. He smiled and humbly thanked me. I was immediately struck by the full attention he gave, paying total attention to me as I spoke, his eyes kind and friendly. Whatever nervousness I may have had before, Nesmith wiped it away with his gentle demeanor. To this day, the memory of that first meeting has stuck with me.

I fortunately had other occasions in meeting Nez. In 1986 when the incredible Monkees 20th anniversary tour had ended it’s successful run, I was able to attending the taping of MTV Christmas Video that would feature all four Monkees, Nez disguised as Santa Claus as the big surprise ending of the video. I had already made friends with Davy Jones and Peter Tork and they both said hello to me when I entered the studio. It was Peter who introduced me to Mike who was all decked out in the Santa suit and makeup. As on our first meeting, Nez was friendly and he gave me his full attention as we spoke. All four Monkees signed the latest copy of Maggie McManus’s Monkee Business Fanzine that I brought with me which had a cover illustration featuring all four of them. When the taping had finished to reveal the big surprise of Nesmith as Santa Claus, I was able to have pictures taken with Davy Jones and Michael Nesmith whose eyebrows were still white from the Santa makeup.

Fred Velez with Michael Nesmith at the taping the 1986 The Monkees MTV Christmas Video.

The next time our paths crossed was in 1989 when the Monkees were going to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which would be proceeded by a concert at the Universal Amphitheater with all four members, Nesmith’s first fully rehearsed Monkees concert since 1968. (He had made a surprise guest appearance when Micky, Davy and Peter played the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles in 1986).

A Monkees convention took place the weekend of the events. Having never seen any of the 1967 concerts, seeing all four Monkees sharing the same stage together allowed me to cross off this major event from my bucket list. When Mike came on stage the entire theatre broke out in major shrieks of excitement from the fans which raised the roof. There was not a dry eye in the house as tears of joy were shed by the time the show ended.

There was even more excitement the following day when the Monkees were to receive their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a special ceremony held in front of the Vogue Theatre where the movie ‘Head’ premiered in 1968. Helen Pantuso, who spearheaded the campaign for the Monkees to receive their star, called on me to help with fan security. Inside the Vogue Theatre the Monkees were finishing up a press conference prior to the ceremony when Helen brought me in. Peter saw me first and then Davy and they both said hi. Peter then introduced me to Nesmith, telling him that I was major booster of the group. As in our previous meetings Nez was friendly and attentive as we spoke. As we were speaking, our mutual friend photographer Michael G. Bush who was taking pictures of the group, politely told me that I was in the shot. I quickly apologized and started to move away when I felt someone tug at my elbow. It was Peter Tork who was pulling me back into the group and said “Fred, you’re IN the picture!!!” So I had a photo taken with myself and all four Monkees as well as musician Lawrence Haley who was part of the Monkees backup band. In the picture it looks like I’m thinking “I can’t believe that I’m in this picture!!!”. The photo is a treasured piece of my Monkees collection, and I’ll always thank the kindness of Peter Tork for helping to make it happen.

Fred Velez with the Monkees and Lawrence Haley, Vogue Theatre 1989.

I’ve had other occasions where I met Nesmith, including a solo concert he performed at the Lone Star Cafe in New York City during the promotional tour of his album ‘Tropical Campfires’. Seeing Nez in a solo show was another check off my bucket list, as he performed from his classic catalog as well as selections from his new album. After the show there was an informal meet & greet where Mike said hello to the fans. I had another opportunity to speak with him and he was just as friendly and attentive as he was at our previous meetings. As we talked I told him that my favorite Monkees song that he wrote was ‘While I Cry’ and I said that I hope he would one day consider performing it live in concert. He gave me a small smile and thanked me and said that he’d think about it.

Fred Velez and Linda Walsh with The Monkees, Beacon Theatre 2011.

The years passed. The Monkees with Davy Jones went on a major tour in 2011 which was one of the best tours they had done in years. I caught them at the Beacon Theatre in New York City and was able to attend the after show meet & greet and had a picture taken with Peter, Davy and Micky along with my future wife Linda. Sadly, it turned out to be the last picture of me and Davy together as he passed away from a heart attack on February 29th, 2012. The devastation of that loss was somewhat alleviated by the joy of finding out that Micky and Peter would be joined by Michael Nesmith for a tour to celebrate the Monkees ‘Headquarters’ album. The tour was in the planning stages with Davy before his untimely passing. Linda and I attended two of the shows on that tour, which became both a celebration of the Monkees and the life of Davy Jones.

In 2013 Michael Nesmith embarked on his first solo tour in years with his ‘Movies of the Mind’ shows. Me and Linda attended the tour stop at Town Hall in New York City, and I was also able to score tickets for the after show meet & greet with Nez. Nesmith and his band gave incredible renditions of his classic songs, which were accompanied by stories that gave a visual flair to the numbers. I was surprised to learn later that Elvis Costello was also in attendance at the show. After the performance, everyone who had meet and greet tickets lined up as we waited for Nez. He finally appeared and met each fan, autographing Monkees and solo items, giving each fan time to talk with him. Finally it was mine and Linda’s turn as we stepped up and Nesmith smiled and shook our hands and signed our items, which included a ‘Elephant Parts’ DVD, a cd box set of Nesmith’s Pacific Arts catalog, and for our friend musician Gary Owen, the cover of his ‘The Birds, The Bees & The Monkees’ album that had already been signed by Davy, Peter and Micky and just needed Mike’s signature. As on previous occasions, Nez gave his full attention to us as we spoke to him. I mentioned that the last time we saw each other that I had suggested if he would please consider performing ‘While I Cry’ live as it was my favorite Monkees song of his. He again smiled and seem to say “we’ll see”.

Fred Velez with Michael Nesmith, Town Hall in New York City 2013

In 2014, Linda and I attended the Monkees Convention being run by Jodi Ritzen and Phyliss Paganucci, a year after the successful Davy Jones Memorial Convention that was also co-produced by Charles Rosenay who had co-produced some of the 1980’s Monkees Conventions along with Maggie McManus and Ed Reilly. 2014 saw the publication of my first book ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’, and I brought along copies of my book which sold out by the end of the weekend. This years’ convention had as special guests Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith in his first full convention appearance since his brief appearance at the 1989 Hollywood Monkees Convention. Nesmith was not only appearing as a guest, he would also be performing one of his ‘Movies of the Mind’ shows at the convention. I saved three books to give signed copies to each member of the attending Monkees. At a special breakfast, I was in the company of fans and the families of the individual Monkees. I gave my inscribed copies to Micky and Peter who graciously accepted them. I was pleased to see the members of Micky’s family looking at the book and passing it amongst themselves.

Michael Nesmith was seated with his family at their table, saying hello to fans who dropped by, playing with a little baby one fan brought along. I waited till a more opportune moment when Nez was free and finally came up to say hello, saying what a pleasure it was to see him again. He thanked me and I offered him the copy of my book as my gift to him and asked him how I should address the inscription, as Mike, Michael or Nez? He smiled and said “Nez would be fine”, and I signed it that way. We had a couple of more minutes before he needed to leave and I again addressed our previous conversations about ‘While I Cry’ and that I hoped one day he would consider performing it. He smiled and thanked me for liking the song and gave me a “we’ll see” look. Later that night he performed his ‘Movies of the Mind’ show which knocked out everyone who attended. Nez was surprised and pleased by the incredible crowd response, grinning so wide you could see him glow from the other side of the room. Many in the audience who had never seen a solo Nesmith show before became instant converts. It was one of the best solo Michael Nesmith concerts that I ever had the pleasure of attending.

Over the years Nesmith did a few more Monkees tours with Micky and Peter as well as some solo shows. He sat out most of the 2016 50th Anniversary Monkees tour, making a special Skype appearance at the New York Town Hall concert performing ‘Papa Gene’s Blues’.

Nez did commit himself to perform live at the September Monkees Pantages Theatre concert in Hollywood. Linda and I quickly got tickets for this show and made hotel arrangements to stay in Hollywood for the weekend of the concert. Peter Tork, who had been diagnosed with throat cancer, was unable to do the two shows prior to the Pantages concert, and Nesmith stood in for him on those dates.

There was a buzz of excitement the night of the Pantages concert. Fans came from all around the world for this major event. As Linda and I entered the theatre we saw old friends like Monkees friend and actress Valerie Kairys Venet, and I was surprised and pleased to see Marty Ross of the New Monkees was there for the show too.

Fred Velez with Marty Ross of the New Monkees at the Pantages Theatre, 2016.

The concert was fantastic, with a mixture of the classic Monkees songs plus selections from the 2016 album ‘Good Times!’, the first album of new Monkees material since the 1996 ‘Justus’ album, the last album with Davy Jones. The songs from the new album that went over the best were the beautifully haunting ‘Me and Magdalena’ written by Ben Gibbard and ‘Birth Of An Accidental Hipster’ written by Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller.

Towards the end of the show, Michael Nesmith took the stage alone with his guitar as he spoke his introduction to the song ‘Tapioca Tundra’, explaining that the inspiration for it was the first concert the Monkees performed in Hawaii in 1966 when with the wild fan adulation, all four members strangely felt the presence of another person sharing the stage with them. After that concert Mike asked the others if they too had felt that presence and Peter said that he thought he knew what it was. Mike pressed him and Peter answered “that was The Monkees”. Nez agreed with the assessment, acknowledging that with the group and the audience together, that they were all collectively ‘The Monkees’, which were expressed in the lyrics, “it can not be a part of me, but now it’s part of you”.

The entire show was emotional for the group and the fans attending, especially later when it sadly became the final Monkees concert Michael, Micky and Peter would perform together before Peter Tork succumbed to his cancer on February 21st, 2019.

Nesmith and Dolenz would tour together in 2018 as ‘The Mike and Micky Show’ with Michael planning another solo tour with his First National Band Redux band, having already performed a special show at the Troubadour Club in Los Angeles earlier that year.

The ‘Mike & Micky’ tour was at the mid-way point when it was reported that Nesmith was ill and the rest of the tour was cancelled to be rescheduled as Mike had to go for a triple bypass. After an amazingly short recovery period, Nez was again on the road for his First National Band Redux tour. The man’s stamina was incredible as he was in good spirits and fine voice for the shows. We saw the show in New York and we were astounded by how strong Nez was.

Later in the year the new dates for the Mike and Micky Show were announced and Linda and I were able to obtain reasonably priced VIP tickets for the pre-show rehearsal at the Beacon Theatre in New York in March 2019. The informality was illuminating as the band went through several numbers, including a couple that they performed only at the rehearsal. The main concert itself had a sad bittersweetness to it as it took place just several weeks after the passing of Peter Tork. Peter was acknowledged in a special video of him performing the classic standard ‘Till Then’ on acoustic guitar. It was a moving tribute and received an emotional ovation.

The main show contain a great selection of classic Monkees tunes, many of them penned by Nesmith with rarities like ‘St. Matthew’ and ‘Auntie’s Municipal Court’ thrown into the mix. Further tributes to the missing Monkees Peter and Davy included ‘For Pete’s Sake’, ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You’ and the emotionally charge ‘Daydream Believer’. The show concluded with Nesmith on stage alone starting an a cappella version of ‘Listen To The Band’ which segued into a full band rendition and ending with the group’s biggest hit ‘I’m A Believer’.

The ‘Mike and Micky Show’ was to continue with new dates into 2020. And then the Covid 19 pandemic happened with many events canceled throughout the remainder of the year. The concerts were rescheduled for late 2021 with additional dates added. These shows were going to be different as it was announced that this would be the Monkees Farewell tour. When the early dates of the tour began, while Micky was in good form, there were concerns for the health of Michael Nesmith. He appeared very fragile and unsteady during the early shows, not playing guitar and sitting on a stool for the majority of the show. His voice was a little shaky with him speak-singing for most of the show. Even with the strong support of Micky and the rest of the band, it was hard to ignore Nez’s condition. As the tour progressed, it appear the Mike was getting stronger and more engaged from the emotional energy being given off by the fans. He sang a little more strongly and seemed to feed off the love coming from the audience. As with the tour previous many Monkees classics were performed, several of them written by Nez.

Linda and I attended the October 22nd show in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. We saw many familiar faces like Jodi Ritzen, Scott Erickson and Micky’s wife Donna. By this time I had written my second book ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’. I had brought along three signed copies for Micky, Mike and their manager and Monkees archivist and author Andrew Sandoval. Security were able to get my books backstage and Andrew contacted me afterwards to assure me that he, Mike and Micky had gotten the books.

The show soon began and everyone cheered as Micky and Mike entered from separate sides of the stage. Micky looked great and energized. Nesmith however looked a bit frail and walked steadily to his chair. He smiled and waved to the fans and thanked them for coming. As they performed the opening number of Nez’s ‘Good Clean Fun’, Mike spoke/sang the song as Micky sang to keep the tempo up. Despite early concerns, Nesmith’s spirit seemed to rise as he fed off the love generated by the fans. At times his vocals were a bit shaky, and other times his voice was as strong as it had been just a few years earlier. He waved and clowned with Micky on stage to the delight of the audience. When a song associated with Micky was being performed, Nez would duck into the wings on his side of the stage to rest before coming back.

After the intermission came the part of the show I was waiting for as I learned about the set list prior to the show. Nesmith haltingly explained the song he was about to sing and how it expressed sentiments felt by many. Then Mike began to sing ‘While I Cry’ from the 1969 Monkees ‘Instant Replay’ album, the song I had been waiting for years to hear him perform. While the vocals were shaky at times, Nez’s emotions reflected those in the lyrics, as the audience sat silently listening. The band played beautifully and with Micky’s sister Coco, sang lovely backup vocals. As the song came to its emotional conclusion with Mike tearfully singing the last lines, there was not a dry eye in the house. When the song ended I along with the rest of the audience gave Nesmith a well deserved standing ovation, which pleasantly surprised Mike who graciously thanked the fans as Micky came forward and gave Nez a big hug.

There were many highlights in the show, with Mike beaming at the enthusiastic response from the audience. The show came to an end with ‘I’m A Believer’ with Micky, Mike, Coco and the rest of the band bowing to a standing ovation from the fans. Micky and Mike soon exited to separate sides of the stage, with every eye on Nesmith as he disappeared into the wings.

Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith, Greek Theatre November 14, 2021

A few weeks later the tour would end at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on November 14th, the official last stop on the tour. It was fitting that the tour would conclude on the historic stage that all four Monkees reunited on in 1986. Mike and Micky were to perform on a couple of makeup shows that had to be rescheduled plus a cruise show co-headlining with The Beach Boys in 2022.

Sadly, barely three weeks after that final show at the Greek, Michael Nesmith passed away from natural causes.

Following the man’s career for nearly 55 years, we are blessed by the music and art Nez gave to the world. Words are inadequate for everything I feel about his passing. His loss is as devastating as those of Davy Jones, Peter Tork and earlier Elvis Presley, John Lennon and George Harrison. For many fans, they all had the impact of a death in the family.

It’s been a long journey, and we should feel privileged that in a small way, we were able to tag along on Michael Nesmith’s journey.

Thanx for the ride, Nez.

Fred Velez, 2021.

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’.

Keith Allison: August 26, 1942 – November 17, 2021

May be an image of 1 person and standing
Keith Allison

It is with deep sadness we announce the untimely passing of Keith Allison on the evening of November 17, 2021, at home in Sherman Oaks, California.Born Sydney Keith Allison on August 26, 1942, in Coleman, Texas, and raised in San Antonio. Keith Allison was a multi-talented songwriter, musician, singer and actor with a long list of credits.

Keith knew everyone, and everyone loved Keith.Keith Allison recorded and performed with some of the biggest names and acts such as Roy Orbison, Ringo Starr, Sonny & Cher, The Beach Boys, The Righteous Brothers, Chuck Berry, Paul Revere & The Raiders, The Monkees, Boyce & Hart, Harry Nilsson, Alice Cooper, Rick Nelson, The Crickets and Johnny Rivers just to name a few. He also appeared in many movies and TV shows as an actor and musician.

Keith Allison has been entertaining since the late 50’s where he was in local bands and club performances with Clarence (Gatemouth) Brown, Doug Sahm, Augie Meyer performing in the Keith Allison Combo. Moving into the 60’s Keith was Musical Director and Guitarist for Ray Peterson from 1962-1965. In 1964-65 Keith was a member of The Crickets along with his cousin drummer Jerry Allison.

Keith’s success took off when he arrived in Los Angeles in the mid-sixties. It was at a taping for Dick Clark’s “Where The Action Is” at the Whisky A-Go-Go that really put Keith on the map, when the camera panned catching him in the shot, and the audience swore Paul McCartney was at the taping. The phone rang off the hook at Dick Clark Productions, “if not McCartney, then who was that?”. Keith was invited back to be a part of “Action” becoming a permanent cast member along with friends Paul Revere & The Raiders.Keith contributed to a lot of memorable music including The Monkee’s self-title debut ‘Headquarters’, ‘Head’ and co-writing “Aunties Municipal Court” with fellow Texan Michael Nesmith on ‘The Birds, The Bees, and The Monkees’. Keith played Guitar and Harmonica on Sonny & Cher’s “The Beat Goes On”. In 1967 Columbia Records signed and released the album Keith Allison ‘In Action’.

Keith Allison in The Raiders
Keith Allison (bottom left) with The Raiders

Most notable, Keith was a member of Paul Revere & The Raiders from 1968 to 1975 on bass, guitar, organ, vocals and writing credits. Keith co-wrote with Mark Lindsay “Freeborn Man”, considered one of the top bluegrass songs of all time, recorded and performed live by scores of artists. In 1971 Keith scored the film “Where Does It Hurt?” starring Peter Sellers, as well as wrote and sung the title song. In 1974 and 1975 Keith toured with Johnny Rivers on bass and guitar. In 1976, recorded “Sail Away” with Harry Nilsson and played on Nilsson album produced by Steve Cropper.

Keith Allison with Boyce & Hart

From 1975 to 1977 Keith was on guitar and band leader for ‘Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart’ and on Capitol Records album and live album “Live In Tokyo” while touring with them in Asia in 1976.In 1977 Keith played Guitar on Ringo Starr’s “Bad Boy” followed by 1978 as musical director for Ringo Starr’s TV special “Ringo”. In 1980, Keith wrote and recorded four songs for the film “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” starring friend Dennis Quaid.

Keith Allison in background with Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart
Keith Allison as the Cowboy Singer from Phantom of the Paradise

In the 90’s Keith went on to act in several popular television shows such as “Blossom”, “7th Heaven”, and “The Wonder Years”. In 2003 Keith played Captain James J. White in the film “Gods and Generals” starring another friend Robert Duvall.

In 2007, Keith was inducted as a member of Paul Revere & The Raiders into the Oregon MusicHall of Fame.In 2015, Keith was inducted as an Ambassador of the Buddy Holly Foundation along with Don Everly, and was presented with a replica Buddy Holiday J45 guitar presented by Jerry Allison.In 2016, at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, Keith played guitar and sang with The Crickets for their final performance.

Since 2000, Keith has been a permanent guest member of the Waddy Wachtel Band.

Keith is survived by his wife Tina Stern of 40 years, Son Ryeland Allison, Daughters Allison Gonzalez (Husband Rob) and Brenda Meck (Husband Rich), Sister Cherri Hicks (Husband Don), Judith Allison & Don Reo, eight grandchildren Zephyr, Skyler, Gavin, Adrian, Madeline, Isabella, Makyla, Mercedes, and six great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Keith’s Life will be announced at a future date.

Please direct any media inquiries to:Alex Hartalexhartmanagement@yahoo.com

Keith Allison | Spotify

Review: The Monkees Farewell Tour/The Mike & Micky Show 2021 at Wind Creek Event Center

By Fred Velez

The first time I saw any of The Monkees in concert was in April of 1976 when Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart performed as Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart at The Riverboat Club in New York City at the base of the Empire State Building. After seeing many concerts with different variations of The Monkees in both group and solo configurations over the past 45 years, there was a bittersweetness to seeing Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith at the Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA on October 22nd, 2021 on The Monkees Farewell Tour.

Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith at Wind Creek Events Center

Davy Jones and Peter Tork have sadly both passed away, leaving the surviving members, Micky and Michael Nesmith, to carry the group banner for what definitely looks like the final time. There have been some early concerns for the health of Nez, who looked frail and a bit unsure based on photos and fan videos from the early part of the tour in September. But, as the tour progressed, Nesmith became more engaged and energized from the enthusiasm and the love that was being generated by the fans attending the shows. Backed by a great band, with Micky’s sister Coco Dolenz on background vocals, The Monkees performed a show that was both wonderfully entertaining as well as an extremely emotional experience.

Starting with ‘Good Clean Fun’, with Michael Nesmith assuring the crowd with the lyrics “I told I’d come back, here I am!”, and from there launching into The Monkees first hit ‘Last Train to Clarksville’, the show was off to a great start with a mixture of Monkees classics heavy on Nesmith’s contributions to the groups’ catalog, with Dolenz helping out on the vocals. Micky Dolenz acknowledged Nez’s songwriting with his cover of ‘Different Drum’ from his recent ‘Dolenz Sings Nesmith’ album. Davy Jones and Peter Tork were remembered and represented in the show with Micky singing lead on Tork’s ‘For Pete’s Sake’ and the songs associated by Davy ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You’ and ‘Daydream Believer’ with Dolenz and Nesmith waving fondly skyward to their deeply missed comrades.

Micky Dolenz ‘Goin’ Down’. Photo by Fred Velez

The second half of the show began with a simple piano rendition of ‘Porpoise Song’ from the movie ‘Head’, Micky gently singing the song and emphasizing the lyrics “Goodbye, Goodbye, Goodbye”, it’s meaning now taking on a new connotation. Among the many highlights of the show, the most emotional came from Nesmith’s rendition of ‘While I Cry’ from 1969’s The Monkees ‘Instant Replay’ album. This is a song that whenever I had the opportunity to personally talk to Nez, I always asked him to consider performing the song in concert as it’s my favorite Nesmith penned Monkees song. Nez spoke/sang the song, which added to the poignancy of the lyrics, aided by the gentle instrumental backing and vocals by Coco Dolenz and the rest of the band. By the time Nesmith tearfully concluded the number, I know that I wasn’t the only person with misty eyes in the place and the audience gave Nez and the band a well deserved standing ovation.

Michael Nesmith Sing ‘While I Cry’
Coco Dolenz, Pete Finney, Micky Dolenz, Wayne Avers, Michael Nesmith. Photo by Fred Velez

Of all the Monkees concerts I’ve attended over the years, this one was perhaps the most emotional one for me, knowing that this would be the last time that I and many other fans will ever be seeing Micky Dolenz and Michael Nesmith performing together. With Davy and Peter gone, and this tour coming to it’s conclusion in November 2021, I can reflect with a smile and a tear on the joy I’ve received as a Monkees fan for the past 55 years.

Micky Dolenz & Michael Nesmith. Photo by Fred Velez

To Micky, Michael, Davy and Peter, Thanx for the ride, Guys.

Set List:

Good Clean Fun
Last Train to Clarksville
The Kind of Girl I Could Love
Different Drum
Sunny Girlfriend
Mary, Mary
You Just May Be the One
​For Pete’s Sake
The Door Into Summer
​Randy Scouse Git
Love Is Only Sleeping
Birth of an Accidental Hipster
​St. Matthew
​As We Go Along
Circle Sky
Pleasant Valley Sunday

Porpoise Song
While I Cry
Me & Magdalena
Papa Gene’s Blues
The Girl I Knew Somewhere
A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You
Tapioca Tundra
Auntie’s Municipal Court
What Am I Doing Hangin’ ‘Round?
Goin’ Down
Sweet Young Thing
Steppin’ Stone
Daydream Believer
Listen to the Band
I’m a Believer

Fred Velez, 2021.

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’ and ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit you 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’.

Book Review: The Monkees – The Day To Day Story Plus Unboxing Video!

By Fred Velez

The Monkees: The Day-By-Day Story

Just in time for the 55th Anniversary of The Monkees first coming onto the Pop Culture scene, Andrew Sandoval’s original 2005 book, The Monkees: The Day To Day Story, has not only been updated, it has received a full 740 page re-write in beautiful deluxe editions filled to brim with photos and additional and in-depth information, making this the absolute definitive book on The Monkees as a media phenomenon.

Starting with the individual childhoods of the four who would become the Monkees, Sandoval’s book traces them in their early careers as entertainers, the beginnings of the Monkees television project by producers Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider, Don Kirshner‘s entry as the music supervisor for the project, the work of Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart in writing the songs and shaping the Monkees’ sound, the selling and initial success of the television series and records, the first live appearances by the group, their place in the 60’s counter culture, the filming and release of the movie Head and the 33 & 1/3 television special, and much more.

All Photos Property of Beatland Books

Following the template of Beatles author Mark Lewisohn, Sandoval follows the history of the Monkees through deeply detailed date entries that fully explore what took place between the years 1965 to 1970. If you want to find out what the Monkees were doing between the months of January to August of 1967, it’s all there with in-depth information and dates on filming and recording sessions, with tons of amazing black & white and color photos. Many of the photos are broken up in pull out pages that give you a panoramic view of the Monkees in the recording studio, in concert, filming the movie Head, etc.

All Photos Property of Beatland Books

Perhaps the most anticipated part of the book is the lawsuit between Don Kirshner and Screen Gems that got Kirshner booted from the Monkees project. Sandoval has included details of the lawsuit with the legal depositions of the Monkees that gives revealing and detailed information that puts into perspective of, as Micky Dolenz referred to it, “the palace revolution”, that ousted Kirshner from his position as music supervisor of the Monkees records, and leading to the freedom for the group to write and record the music on their own recordings .

Fred Velez Unboxes Super Deluxe Edition of Monkees Book

Beatland Books is offering three different versions of the book at different prices: the Super Deluxe Hardcover Edition which comes inside a sturdy Red protective clamshell casing with an exclusive booklet of rare and fascinating photos that couldn’t be fit into the main book. The Deluxe Edition comes in a slipcase with the design of the famous Monkees ‘Rainbow’ room. The least expensive Open Flexibound Edition is a sturdy and firm Paperbound book that includes everything in the hardcover versions minus the extras. Both Deluxe Editions are personally signed and numbered by Andrew Sandoval. The Regular Edition is not signed or numbered.

The Monkees: The Day-By-Day Story: Deluxe Clamshell Edition
Deluxe Clamshell Edition with Bonus Photo Booklet
2005 Original Edition in Size Comparison with Deluxe Edition

As of this writing, the Super Deluxe is completely sold out and there are limited supplies of the Deluxe Edition and Open Flexibound Edition still available. Orders and payments for the books can be placed at the Beatland Books website.

Andrew Sandoval who has done yeoman’s work as a music archivist, Grammy Award winning producer, and producer and manager for The Monkees, has painstakingly put together an amazing book on the group that can only be described as a work of art in its own right. Pretty much everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the Monkees can be found in this book, with well-researched details and beautifully reproduced color and black & white photos that on their own will literally take hours to properly digest.

Whether you’re a serious student of Pop Music Culture, or a Monkees fan from any generation of the past 55 years, The Monkees: The Day-By-Day Story is an essential addition for the library of collectors and fans alike.

Beatland Books Link

Fred Velez, 2021

Fred Velez is the author of the books ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You: The Monkees From A Fan’s Perspective’, ‘A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You 2: The Monkees From International Fan Perspectives’, and the Monkees’ themed Holiday cd ‘A Little Bit Christmas’.

Charlie Watts: A Solid Stone

Charlie Watts, the drummer who provided the beat for The Rolling Stones, passed away on August 24th, 2021 at the age of 80. The Stones were getting ready to embark on their 2021 tour when Watts announced that due to illness he would not be joining them for the early part of the tour, and drummer Steve Jordan would stand in for Watts until he was able to rejoin the tour. Sadly, that was not to be, and the Stones will continue the tour as a tribute to their beloved drummer.

The Rolling Stones: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman, Charlie Watts

Of all the members of The Rolling Stones, Charlie Watts was perhaps the most normal member. An astute Jazz fan, Watts was inspired by Jazz greats like Charlie Parker, Max Roach, Thelonious Monk, Buddy Rich and others. In 1961 he met Alexis Korner who invited his to join his band Blues Incorporated. Through Korner, Watts met the various members who would become The Rolling Stones, who were so impressed with him, that they managed to scrap up the money to pay Charlie to be a member of the group, playing his first official gig with the Stones at the Ealing Jazz Club on February 2nd, 1963. Until his death, along with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Watts had played on every Stones record.

Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, Ron Wood , Mick Jagger

Watts provided a solid beat to the Stones recordings that helped to shape their sound. For the most part, he avoided the more flamboyant and outrageous aspects of the band’s lifestyle, living a more quiet and elegant life with his wife Shirley Ann Sheperd whom he married on October 14th, 1964, and they stayed together until Watts passing. In the mid-80’s, Charlie briefly lapsed into the Rock & Roll excesses of alcohol and drugs, which nearly costed him his marriage, and he managed to clean himself up by 1986.

An off-told anecdote of his relationship with the other members of the Stones occurred in the mid 1980’s when an intoxicated Mick Jagger rang Watts’ phone in his hotel room and demanded to know “Where’s my drummer?”. Reportedly, Charlie got up from his bed, shaved, got dressed in an elegant suit, put on a tie and freshly shined shoes, went down the stairs to the floor Jagger was staying on, and knock on the door. When Mick opened the door, Watts punched Jagger right in the face, knocking him to the floor, stunning Keith Richards who witness the event. Charlie then said to Jagger, “Never call me your drummer again. You’re MY singer!”. After Richards calmed him down, Watts returned to his room, got undressed and hung up his clothes, got into his bed and went back to sleep.

Of all the members of the Stones, Charlie Watts had perhaps the best sense of humor. During some of the early shows, the normally quiet Charlie would be called to the microphone to announced the next number to be played, sometimes forgetting that the band had already played the song he named. One of the most memorable videos by The Rolling Stones was for the song It’s Only Rock N’ Roll, featuring the band playing in a giant plastic tent that was being pumped full of soap suds. What the band forgot was that Watts was seated behind his drum kit at a lower level from the other standing members, and became totally engulfed in the suds, to the amusement of the band. In some promotional videos like for the Stones Exhibitionism traveling exhibit, Charlie introduced the exhibit as being all about him to the admiring glee of fellow members Jagger, Richards and Ron Wood.

Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards

Charlie Watts was a class act. The Rolling Stones wouldn’t have been the same kind of band without his steady beat supporting the music. There will never be another like him.

Keith Richards Tribute to Charlie Watts

Fred Velez, 2021.

9/11: Twenty Years Later

Twenty years ago I was working at my temp job at 38th Street and Fifth Avenue in NYC when we first heard the news of the attacks. From the street we could see the towers burning in the distance. Then later, only one tower was standing, then after that, they were both gone. We were sent home and I was fortunate to find a seat on a bus heading down Lexington Avenue, everyone had stunned looks on their faces. The bus only went as far as 23rd Street and I walked the rest of the way home and the first thing I did when I got in was to give my mom and dad a big hug. I didn’t go back to work until a couple of days later and it was raining that day, and I was thinking that the buildings in New York were all crying.

My last memory of the Towers was that Saturday before September 11th when me and my dear friend the late Barry Liebmann had seen some friends in New Jersey doing a show and on the way back to the Path train for New York we had a great view of the Trade Center at night, so close we thought we could walk to them. The Path train took us to the World Trade station, so were inside the actual lobby as we headed for the subway to take us to our respective homes. I later realized that this was the last time that I was in the World Trade Center, where I had done temp work at a couple of the offices there. I’ve wonder to this day if any of the people I worked with had gotten to safety.My thoughts on this day are for the families of those souls that were lost, the brave police, firemen and first responders who gave the supreme sacrifice to help others, and to our nation and world for continued healing.

I’ve never forgotten. We must never forget.

Fred Velez, 2021.

“We Could Never Follow What YOU Did!” The Who w/Zak Starkey on drums at The Concert For New York City, 2001.

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