The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
02-04-16, 04:53 PM
#1
Moderator
Thread Starter
The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
The Monkees, with original members Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith (RIP Davy Jones), will release their first album in 20 years this year. Depending on how much faith you have in a Monkees album in 2016, that may or may not be interesting, but this part is: Songwriting contributions come from Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo, Death Cab for Cutie/Postal Service frontman Ben Gibbard, XTC co-leader Andy Partridge, Zach from Rogue Wave, and Fountains of Wayne bassist Adam Schlesinger who also produced it. Nesmith and Tork also wrote one song each for it.
The album also includes some unfinished material from the '60s, including songs co-written with Neil Diamond and Harry Nilsson. Some of the '60s material has the band backed by The Wrecking Crew.
The album is called Good Times and it's due out June 10 via Rhino. You can pre-order it at Amazon. The release doubles as the celebration of the band's 50th anniversary, and they'll also tour this year in support of it.
The album also includes some unfinished material from the '60s, including songs co-written with Neil Diamond and Harry Nilsson. Some of the '60s material has the band backed by The Wrecking Crew.
The album is called Good Times and it's due out June 10 via Rhino. You can pre-order it at Amazon. The release doubles as the celebration of the band's 50th anniversary, and they'll also tour this year in support of it.
02-04-16, 05:31 PM
#2
DVD Talk Legend
Re: The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
I guess since Mickey and Davey did an album at one point and called themselves The Monkees, one without Davey is fine.
Does anyone really want a new album from these guys at this point? I can't imagine a large fan base wanting this. And I love The Monkees. Or at least really like them.
Does anyone really want a new album from these guys at this point? I can't imagine a large fan base wanting this. And I love The Monkees. Or at least really like them.
02-04-16, 05:59 PM
#6
Banned
Re: The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
Too bad there aren't more Davy vocal tracks on decent tunes that could be spiffed up. Did he do any good solo stuff that could be re-recorded with the rest of the guys to make it sound more like a Monkees collaboration?
Since the Monkees were always hit-and-miss with a lot of tracks that only dedicated fans (or a mother) could love, the irony is that any new album could actually be superior in whole than so much of their catalog. It's like Nesmith's bonus tracks that were superior to much of the released stuff.
I don't see a big market for this, either...even genuinely consistent bands/artists that have released solid "comeback" collections usually have disappointing sales. But I'd welcome a real attempt to recreate a "new" Monkees collection with songs from the likes of the contributors mentioned, especially if it was done with the "classic Monkees sound" ("Last Train," etc.) without the bubblegum/dated period sound. In other words, I don't care to hear a bunch of septua
genarians noodling around. If this is a nostalgic venture, then feed the pig, dangit!
Of course, there's always the option of "replacing" Davy with a sound-alike or another pop icon long in the tooth...especially someone who wouldn't have to be the primary vocalist/frontman so the lead vocals could be shared with some tight harmonies (if they can still manage that).
I know Peter Frampton has a solo career, but what would you think of his joining the band? He still sounds good vocally, and his guitar skills would lend a lot of punch. And I'd think that, given the absence of Davy, the addition of someone with his rep might increase interest.
Frampton from October of last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxytw1Ct4RI Still can hit the high notes; sounds complementary to classic Jones. More from 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QStWK6AiEt4
Since the Monkees were always hit-and-miss with a lot of tracks that only dedicated fans (or a mother) could love, the irony is that any new album could actually be superior in whole than so much of their catalog. It's like Nesmith's bonus tracks that were superior to much of the released stuff.
I don't see a big market for this, either...even genuinely consistent bands/artists that have released solid "comeback" collections usually have disappointing sales. But I'd welcome a real attempt to recreate a "new" Monkees collection with songs from the likes of the contributors mentioned, especially if it was done with the "classic Monkees sound" ("Last Train," etc.) without the bubblegum/dated period sound. In other words, I don't care to hear a bunch of septua
genarians noodling around. If this is a nostalgic venture, then feed the pig, dangit!
Of course, there's always the option of "replacing" Davy with a sound-alike or another pop icon long in the tooth...especially someone who wouldn't have to be the primary vocalist/frontman so the lead vocals could be shared with some tight harmonies (if they can still manage that).
I know Peter Frampton has a solo career, but what would you think of his joining the band? He still sounds good vocally, and his guitar skills would lend a lot of punch. And I'd think that, given the absence of Davy, the addition of someone with his rep might increase interest.
Frampton from October of last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxytw1Ct4RI Still can hit the high notes; sounds complementary to classic Jones. More from 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QStWK6AiEt4
Last edited by creekdipper; 02-04-16 at 06:13 PM.
02-04-16, 06:05 PM
#7
Banned
Re: The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
Here's a solo Jones track from his '71 solo album (which I've never heard). With a modern arrangement & backing vocals from the others, might be turned into a good "Monkees" track.
"I'll Believe in You" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmv53QmNw8s
Another ("Rainy Jane"): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btLfixqHs-U
"I'll Believe in You" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmv53QmNw8s
Another ("Rainy Jane"): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btLfixqHs-U
02-04-16, 06:09 PM
#8
Premium Member
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Grazing in a field somewhere...
Posts: 23,642
Received 700 Likes
on
466 Posts
Re: The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
I'm a big fan, and will definitely get this one. I've seen the various incarnations of them over many years, but have not seen them since Davy died and Mike came back into the picture. Hopefully their tour makes it my way.
Good news
Good news
02-04-16, 06:39 PM
#9
Banned by request
02-05-16, 12:26 PM
#10
Banned
Re: The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
More interesting Jones solo work from '71:
"Look At Me" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDnj2YQqNqI
"Take My Love" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXbJT6j5ny0 (This sounds not bad as is; could have been a good "lost" Monkees track; male backing vocals sound as if they could have been Nez. Certainly superior to a lot of Monkees album tracks)
"I Really Love You" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ad9QrTKMoI
"Look At Me" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDnj2YQqNqI
"Take My Love" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXbJT6j5ny0 (This sounds not bad as is; could have been a good "lost" Monkees track; male backing vocals sound as if they could have been Nez. Certainly superior to a lot of Monkees album tracks)
"I Really Love You" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ad9QrTKMoI
Last edited by creekdipper; 02-05-16 at 12:39 PM.
02-05-16, 12:57 PM
#11
Banned
Re: The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
Dolenz live from 2014. Surprising good voice & very entertaining.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtFKXbxtIss
I just skipped around but it sounds like a "History of the Monkees." Mickey mixes hit Monkee tunes with historical banter, telling tales of having Hendrix open for them (followed by a performance of Purple Haze), meeting the Beatles at Abbey Road (followed by the tune they were recording at the time), and other stuff such as mentioning how Nesmith's "Different Drum" was rejected as a Monkees tune (followed by a perfomance of the song by Dolenz's sister Koko, or Coco, or Cocoa, whatever). She's a pretty good singer herself and performs other period tunes ("White Rabbit") and she & Mickey do a great duet of "Cryin' in the Rain."
Had to smile. Thought it would be really bad, but turned out to be pretty decent & worth a listen.
Nice short BBC interview with Tork & Dolenz from last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tj5zL_5b-4 They still have a great sense of humor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtFKXbxtIss
I just skipped around but it sounds like a "History of the Monkees." Mickey mixes hit Monkee tunes with historical banter, telling tales of having Hendrix open for them (followed by a performance of Purple Haze), meeting the Beatles at Abbey Road (followed by the tune they were recording at the time), and other stuff such as mentioning how Nesmith's "Different Drum" was rejected as a Monkees tune (followed by a perfomance of the song by Dolenz's sister Koko, or Coco, or Cocoa, whatever). She's a pretty good singer herself and performs other period tunes ("White Rabbit") and she & Mickey do a great duet of "Cryin' in the Rain."
Had to smile. Thought it would be really bad, but turned out to be pretty decent & worth a listen.
Nice short BBC interview with Tork & Dolenz from last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tj5zL_5b-4 They still have a great sense of humor.
Last edited by creekdipper; 02-05-16 at 01:06 PM.
02-05-16, 02:34 PM
#12
DVD Talk Legend
Re: The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
Could be interesting, I'll keep an ear out for it.
02-05-16, 06:10 PM
#14
Premium Member
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Grazing in a field somewhere...
Posts: 23,642
Received 700 Likes
on
466 Posts
Re: The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
GOOD TIMES! - Partial Track Listing (with songwriters noted) Final Version To Be Announced Soon
“Good Times!” (Harry Nilsson)
“You Bring The Summer” (Andy Partridge)
“Terrifying” (Zach Rogue)
“Me & Magdalena” (Ben Gibbard)
“She Makes Me Laugh” (Rivers Cuomo)
“Love To Love” (Neil Diamond)
“I Know What I Know” (Michael Nesmith)
THE MONKEES Tour Dates
May
18-Fort Myers, FL----Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
19-Melbourne, FL----King Center for the Performing Arts
20-Tampa, FL----Ruth Eckerd Hall
21-Atlanta, GA----Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater
24-Charlotte, NC----Blumenthal PAC - Belk Theater
26-Washington, DC----Warner Theatre
27-Boston, MA----The Wilbur Theatre
28-Philadelphia, PA----Keswick Theatre
29-Red Bank, NJ----Count Basie Theatre
June
1- New York, NY----The Town Hall
3- Toronto, ON----Casino Rama - Entertainment Centre
4- Windsor, ON----The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
5- Cleveland, OH----Hard Rock Live Northfield Park
7- Fort Wayne, IN----Foellinger Theatre
10-Louisville, KY----Louisville Palace Theatre
11-Hammond, IN----The Venue At Horseshoe Casino
12-Indianapolis, IN----Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
14-Dayton, OH----Rose Music Center at The Heights
28-Dallas, TX----AT&T PAC – Winspear Opera House
30-Tulsa, OK----Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – The Joint
July
1- Mayetta, KS----Prairie Band Casino & Resort – Grand Lakes Ballroom
16-Hampton Beach, NH----Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
22-Hot Springs, AR----Oaklawn Racing and Gaming – Finish Line Theater
September
14-Tucson, AZ---- Fox Tucson Theatre
15-Phoenix, AZ----Mesa Arts Center – Ikeda Theater
16-Los Angeles, CA----Pantages Theatre
17-Las Vegas, NV----Primm Valley Casino Resorts – Star of the Desert Arena
20-San Francisco, CA----The Warfield
21-Modesto, CA----Gallo Center For The Arts
23-Lincoln City, OR----Chinook Winds Casino Resort
24-Lincoln City, O----Chinook Winds Casino Resort
25-Seattle, WA----The Moore Theatre
October
1- Biloxi, MS----Hard Rock Live Biloxi
22-Paso Robles, CA----Vina Robles Amphitheatre
29-Shippensburg, PA----Shippensburg University – H. Ric Luhrs PAC
“Good Times!” (Harry Nilsson)
“You Bring The Summer” (Andy Partridge)
“Terrifying” (Zach Rogue)
“Me & Magdalena” (Ben Gibbard)
“She Makes Me Laugh” (Rivers Cuomo)
“Love To Love” (Neil Diamond)
“I Know What I Know” (Michael Nesmith)
THE MONKEES Tour Dates
May
18-Fort Myers, FL----Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
19-Melbourne, FL----King Center for the Performing Arts
20-Tampa, FL----Ruth Eckerd Hall
21-Atlanta, GA----Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater
24-Charlotte, NC----Blumenthal PAC - Belk Theater
26-Washington, DC----Warner Theatre
27-Boston, MA----The Wilbur Theatre
28-Philadelphia, PA----Keswick Theatre
29-Red Bank, NJ----Count Basie Theatre
June
1- New York, NY----The Town Hall
3- Toronto, ON----Casino Rama - Entertainment Centre
4- Windsor, ON----The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
5- Cleveland, OH----Hard Rock Live Northfield Park
7- Fort Wayne, IN----Foellinger Theatre
10-Louisville, KY----Louisville Palace Theatre
11-Hammond, IN----The Venue At Horseshoe Casino
12-Indianapolis, IN----Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
14-Dayton, OH----Rose Music Center at The Heights
28-Dallas, TX----AT&T PAC – Winspear Opera House
30-Tulsa, OK----Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – The Joint
July
1- Mayetta, KS----Prairie Band Casino & Resort – Grand Lakes Ballroom
16-Hampton Beach, NH----Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
22-Hot Springs, AR----Oaklawn Racing and Gaming – Finish Line Theater
September
14-Tucson, AZ---- Fox Tucson Theatre
15-Phoenix, AZ----Mesa Arts Center – Ikeda Theater
16-Los Angeles, CA----Pantages Theatre
17-Las Vegas, NV----Primm Valley Casino Resorts – Star of the Desert Arena
20-San Francisco, CA----The Warfield
21-Modesto, CA----Gallo Center For The Arts
23-Lincoln City, OR----Chinook Winds Casino Resort
24-Lincoln City, O----Chinook Winds Casino Resort
25-Seattle, WA----The Moore Theatre
October
1- Biloxi, MS----Hard Rock Live Biloxi
22-Paso Robles, CA----Vina Robles Amphitheatre
29-Shippensburg, PA----Shippensburg University – H. Ric Luhrs PAC
02-06-16, 03:18 AM
#15
Banned
Re: The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
least:
As of now, there's no formal plans for Mike Nesmith to contribute any guitar or vocal parts.
(Then again, you may have only been talking about his songwriting, and the press release did say he'd be contributing a song)
Last edited by creekdipper; 02-06-16 at 07:55 AM.
02-10-16, 03:20 PM
#16
Re: The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
AHHHH!! Nesmith is in! Finally. I was worried.
http://www.monkeesconcerts.com/blog/...-on-good-times
Appearing on the Zilch! podcast in the latest episode released this afternoon, Rhino's John Hughes, who is acting as executive producer for the brand new Monkees studio album, Good Times!, confirmed that all three members of The Monkees will be full participants on the album:
"[Producer] Adam (Schlesinger)...is working very closely with all three guys...all three are on the album and full participants…playing on tracks, singing (obviously), contributing songs...it's really all The Monkees, and that includes Davy."
Davy will be a part of the new album by way of Neil Diamond's "Love to Love," first recorded in 1967 but never officially released on an original Monkees album. It will appear on Good Times! in a reworked version with Davy's lead vocal.
http://www.monkeesconcerts.com/blog/...-on-good-times
Appearing on the Zilch! podcast in the latest episode released this afternoon, Rhino's John Hughes, who is acting as executive producer for the brand new Monkees studio album, Good Times!, confirmed that all three members of The Monkees will be full participants on the album:
"[Producer] Adam (Schlesinger)...is working very closely with all three guys...all three are on the album and full participants…playing on tracks, singing (obviously), contributing songs...it's really all The Monkees, and that includes Davy."
Davy will be a part of the new album by way of Neil Diamond's "Love to Love," first recorded in 1967 but never officially released on an original Monkees album. It will appear on Good Times! in a reworked version with Davy's lead vocal.
02-10-16, 04:11 PM
#17
DVD Talk Legend
Re: The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
AHHHH!! Nesmith is in! Finally. I was worried.
http://www.monkeesconcerts.com/blog/...-on-good-times
Appearing on the Zilch! podcast in the latest episode released this afternoon, Rhino's John Hughes, who is acting as executive producer for the brand new Monkees studio album, Good Times!, confirmed that all three members of The Monkees will be full participants on the album:
"[Producer] Adam (Schlesinger)...is working very closely with all three guys...all three are on the album and full participants…playing on tracks, singing (obviously), contributing songs...it's really all The Monkees, and that includes Davy."
Davy will be a part of the new album by way of Neil Diamond's "Love to Love," first recorded in 1967 but never officially released on an original Monkees album. It will appear on Good Times! in a reworked version with Davy's lead vocal.
http://www.monkeesconcerts.com/blog/...-on-good-times
Appearing on the Zilch! podcast in the latest episode released this afternoon, Rhino's John Hughes, who is acting as executive producer for the brand new Monkees studio album, Good Times!, confirmed that all three members of The Monkees will be full participants on the album:
"[Producer] Adam (Schlesinger)...is working very closely with all three guys...all three are on the album and full participants…playing on tracks, singing (obviously), contributing songs...it's really all The Monkees, and that includes Davy."
Davy will be a part of the new album by way of Neil Diamond's "Love to Love," first recorded in 1967 but never officially released on an original Monkees album. It will appear on Good Times! in a reworked version with Davy's lead vocal.
02-11-16, 09:17 AM
#20
Banned
Re: The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
I dunno if I want to hear Micky, Peter, and Mike mumbling lyrics in a closet accompanied by a beat-up Gretsch acoustic. 
Good news that Mike has officially signed on. It would be great if this could be undertaken as a real group effort under the guidance of somebody who has great affection for them...not a piecemeal, stitched-together pastiche of former recordings with some overdubs and then marketed as a "new" Monkees recording. Hoping that this turns out well for the boys and their fans.
Taking the production approach of a Rubin or Lynne who appreciates their legacy and wants to give them another day in the sun would be nice. I think of Glen Campbell's last recordings...those were well done, respectful, and worthy additions to his catalog (as well as being poignant).
Good news that Mike has officially signed on. It would be great if this could be undertaken as a real group effort under the guidance of somebody who has great affection for them...not a piecemeal, stitched-together pastiche of former recordings with some overdubs and then marketed as a "new" Monkees recording. Hoping that this turns out well for the boys and their fans.
Taking the production approach of a Rubin or Lynne who appreciates their legacy and wants to give them another day in the sun would be nice. I think of Glen Campbell's last recordings...those were well done, respectful, and worthy additions to his catalog (as well as being poignant).
02-11-16, 06:21 PM
#21
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Re: The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
Adam is actually one of the perfect people to do this album. The production work he's done on other records has been strong, and let's the artist sound like the artist. Plus, he's well steeped in classic 60's Pop/Rock and Power Pop. Jeff Lynne, while I admire him, would just make it sound too much like Jeff Lynne, as he's done with everything else he's produced.
A) I don't think Rubin would even be remotely interested in producing them, and B) he'd be completely wrong for the project. He wouldn't bring the right aesthetics to the band. Now if he were producing a Mike Nesmith solo album, than that would be a different story.
A) I don't think Rubin would even be remotely interested in producing them, and B) he'd be completely wrong for the project. He wouldn't bring the right aesthetics to the band. Now if he were producing a Mike Nesmith solo album, than that would be a different story.
02-12-16, 08:30 AM
#22
DVD Talk Legend
Re: The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
I would listen to his recording of him taking a dump with his drum machine. It would still be a catchy ditty.
02-12-16, 03:49 PM
#23
Re: The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
I wasn't serious about Rick Rubin. I like what he did with Johnny Cash, but that definitely wouldn't fit the Monkees. I love the work he did with Mick Jagger on Wandering Spirit though. I am anxious to hear how the older Monkees do sounding like the younger Monkees. Can't wait.
02-25-16, 07:17 AM
#24
Re: The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
Good news! A photograph of Nesmith in the studio was shared on the Monkees FB page. Very happy to know Nesmith will be participating.
02-25-16, 09:59 AM
#25
Banned
Re: The Monkees' first album in 20 years, 'Good Times'
Good points from many about some great producers who put their distinctive stamp on most of artists they work with. I love T-Bone Burnett & Daniel Lanois, but regardless of the disparate musicians they produce, it always seems to have their trademark sound.
Not familiar with Adam Schlesinger's production work, so listened to his work with Verve Pipe (Underneath, 2013). Link here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...3PRs18twKZaKWT
If he can pull the best vocals out of the lads and get a pure pop sound reminiscent of classic Monkees, he'll have done his job.