The Monkees (album)
Encyclopedia
The Monkees is the first album by the band The Monkees
. It was released in October 1966 by Colgems Records
in the United States and RCA Records
in the rest of the world. It was the first of four consecutive U.S. number one albums for the group, taking the top spot on the Billboard 200
for 13 weeks. It also topped the UK charts in 1967. The Monkees has been certified quintuple platinum by the RIAA, with sales of over five million copies.
The song "Last Train to Clarksville
" was released as a single shortly before the release of the album and went to the top of the Billboard Hot 100
chart. It was the only hit single from the album. "I'll Be True to You" was previously released as a single by The Hollies
in January 1965 under the title "Yes I Will".
When the album was reissued in 1969 the Colgems symbol replaced the word "Colgems" on the bottom right-hand corner of the reverse side.
Disc One
Tracks 1-12: Original Album in Mono
Tracks 13-21: Bonus Tracks
Disc Two
Tracks 1-12: Original Album in Mono
Tracks 13-20: Bonus Tracks
"Saturday's Child"
"I Wanna Be Free"
"Tomorrow's Gonna Be Another Day"
"Papa Gene's Blues"
"Take a Giant Step"
"Last Train to Clarksville"
"This Just Doesn't Seem to Be My Day"
"Let's Dance On"
"I'll Be True to You"
"Sweet Young Thing"
"Gonna Buy Me a Dog"
"I Don't Think You Know Me"
"(Theme From) The Monkees"
"You Just May Be The One"
The Monkees
The Monkees are an American pop rock group. Assembled in Los Angeles in 1966 by Robert "Bob" Rafelson and Bert Schneider for the American television series The Monkees, which aired from 1966 to 1968, the musical acting quartet was composed of Americans Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork,...
. It was released in October 1966 by Colgems Records
Colgems Records
Colgems Records was a record label which existed from 1966 to 1971. It was a joint venture between Screen Gems, the television division of Columbia Pictures, and RCA Records, to issue records by The Monkees and other artists affiliated with Screen Gems. The label would also issue soundtrack...
in the United States and RCA Records
RCA Records
RCA Records is one of the flagship labels of Sony Music Entertainment. The RCA initials stand for Radio Corporation of America , which was the parent corporation from 1929 to 1985 and a partner from 1985 to 1986.RCA's Canadian unit is Sony's oldest label...
in the rest of the world. It was the first of four consecutive U.S. number one albums for the group, taking the top spot on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
for 13 weeks. It also topped the UK charts in 1967. The Monkees has been certified quintuple platinum by the RIAA, with sales of over five million copies.
The song "Last Train to Clarksville
Last Train to Clarksville
"Last Train to Clarksville" was the debut single by The Monkees, released August 16, 1966, and later included on the group's 1966 self-titled album, that was released on October 10, 1966. The song was recorded at RCA Victor Studio B in Hollywood, on July 25, 1966...
" was released as a single shortly before the release of the album and went to the top of the Billboard Hot 100
Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
chart. It was the only hit single from the album. "I'll Be True to You" was previously released as a single by The Hollies
The Hollies
The Hollies are an English pop and rock group, formed in Manchester in the early 1960s, though most of the band members are from throughout East Lancashire. Known for their distinctive vocal harmony style, they became one of the leading British groups of the 1960s and 1970s...
in January 1965 under the title "Yes I Will".
Misprint
Early pressings of the album cover and Side 1 label featured a misspelling of "Papa Gene's Blues" as "Papa Jean's Blues."Front cover photo
The front cover shows (l-r) Mike, Micky, Peter and Davy. While the latter three are smiling, Mike Nesmith appears to be either scowling or talking. He was starting to get impatient as the photo session was taking longer than expected. There are two accounts as to the end result. One is that Mike told the photographer to wait until he counted to three to take the photo; as he started saying "three", the photo was snapped. The other account is that Mike gave the photographer a count of ten to take the photo or he was leaving; the photo was snapped as Mike was saying "six".Back cover
The photos in the "film strip" on the left side of the back cover are from two episodes of The Monkees' TV show. The first three photos are from "Your Friendly Neighborhood Kidnappers", the other two are from the episode "The Spy Who Came In From The Cool". Also included are brief stats of the Monkees.When the album was reissued in 1969 the Colgems symbol replaced the word "Colgems" on the bottom right-hand corner of the reverse side.
Original album track listing
All tracks composed by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, except where indicatedSide 1
- "(Theme From) The Monkees(Theme from) The Monkees" The Monkees" is a 1966 popular song, written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart as the theme song for the TV series The Monkees. It later appeared on their album The Monkees. Originally intended as an album track, it was later released as a single in Australia, where it became a hit. It is still...
" - "Saturday's ChildSaturday's Child"Saturday's Child" is a popular song, written by David Gates, in an unusual departure from his more common easy listening style , and performed by The Monkees. The song is an electric-guitar based rock song, and some fans of The Monkees consider it to be unusually "tough" for their first album...
" (David GatesDavid GatesDavid Gates is an American singer-songwriter, best known as the lead singer of the group Bread, which reached the tops of the musical charts in Europe and North America on several occasions in the 1970s. The band was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame...
) - "I Wanna Be Free"
- "Tomorrow's Gonna Be Another Day" (Boyce, Steve Venet)
- "Papa Gene's Blues" (Michael Nesmith)
- "Take a Giant Step" (Gerry GoffinGerry GoffinGerry Goffin is an American lyricist. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 with former songwriting partner and first wife, Carole King. he has co-written six Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers.-Career:Goffin enlisted with the Marine Corps Reserve after graduating from...
, Carole KingCarole KingCarole King is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. King and her former husband Gerry Goffin wrote more than two dozen chart hits for numerous artists during the 1960s, many of which have become standards. As a singer, King had an album, Tapestry, top the U.S...
)
Side 2
- "Last Train to ClarksvilleLast Train to Clarksville"Last Train to Clarksville" was the debut single by The Monkees, released August 16, 1966, and later included on the group's 1966 self-titled album, that was released on October 10, 1966. The song was recorded at RCA Victor Studio B in Hollywood, on July 25, 1966...
" - "This Just Doesn't Seem to Be My Day"
- "Let's Dance On"
- "I'll Be True to YouYes I WillYes I Will, also known as I'll Be True to You, is the title of a song written by Gerry Goffin and Russ Titelman. The song was first recorded in 1964 by British Beat group The Hollies who released it as a single in January 1965 where it peaked at #9 in the United Kingdom. Two versions of this song...
" (Goffin, Russ TitelmanRuss TitelmanRuss Titelman is an American record producer and songwriter. He has to date won three Grammy Awards. He earned his first producing the Steve Winwood song "Higher Love", and his second and third for Eric Clapton's Journeyman and Unplugged albums...
) - "Sweet Young Thing" (Goffin, King, Nesmith)
- "Gonna Buy Me a Dog"
1994 Rhino reissue CD bonus tracks
- "I Can't Get Her Off My Mind" (Previously unreleased early version)
- "I Don't Think You Know Me" (Previously unreleased early version) (Goffin, King)
- "(Theme from) The Monkees" (Previously unreleased early version)
2006 Rhino deluxe edition CD bonus tracks
The following tracks were included on the 2006 deluxe edition of the album. Some were previously unreleased, while others were on the 1994 Rhino reissue or the Missing Links series. Studio chatter is included between some bonus tracks.Disc One
Tracks 1-12: Original Album in Mono
Tracks 13-21: Bonus Tracks
- "(Theme From) The Monkees" (Second Recorded Version)
- "The Kind of Girl I Could Love" (Alternate Mix)
- "I Don't Think You Know Me" (Micky's Vocal)
- "So Goes Love"
- "Papa Gene's Blues" (Alternate Mix)
- "I Can Get Her Off My Mind"
- "(I Prithee) Do Not Ask for Love" (Alternate Mix, Davy's Vocal)
- "Gonna Buy Me a Dog" (Backing Track)
Disc Two
Tracks 1-12: Original Album in Mono
Tracks 13-20: Bonus Tracks
- "Kellogg's Jingle"
- "All The King's Horses"
- "You Just May be The One" (TV Version)
- "I Wanna Be Free" (Fast Version)
- "I Don't Think You Know Me" (Mike's Vocal)
- "I Won't Be the Same Without Her" (Mono Mix)
- "Propinquity (I've Just Begun to Care)" (Demo Version)
- "(Theme From) The Monkees" (TV Version)
Session information
"(Theme From) The Monkees"- Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
- Lead vocal by Mickey Dolenz
- Backing vocals: Tommy Boyce
- Guitar: Wayne Erwin, Gerry McGee, and Louie Shelton
- Bass: Larry TaylorLarry TaylorLarry Taylor is an American bass guitarist, best known for his work as a member of Canned Heat from 1967. Before joining Canned Heat he had been a session bassist for The Monkees and Jerry Lee Lewis...
- Drums: Billy Lewis
- Percussion: Gene Estes
- Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, July 5, 1966 (2– 7:30 pm)
- Produced by Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart and Jack Keller
"Saturday's Child"
- Written by David GatesDavid GatesDavid Gates is an American singer-songwriter, best known as the lead singer of the group Bread, which reached the tops of the musical charts in Europe and North America on several occasions in the 1970s. The band was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame...
(later a member of the band Bread) - Lead vocal by Mickey Dolenz
- Backing vocals: Tommy Boyce
- Guitar: Wayne Erwin, Gerry McGee and Louis Shelton
- Bass: Larry Taylor
- Drums: Billy Lewis
- Tambourine: Gene Estes
- Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, July 9, 1966 (2-9 pm)
- Produced by Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart and Jack Keller
"I Wanna Be Free"
- Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
- Lead vocal by Davy Jones
- Acoustic guitar: Gerry McGee and Louis Shelton
- Harpsichord: Michael Rubini
- Violin: Bonnie Douglas and Paul Shure
- Viola: Myra Kestenbuam
- Cello: Fred Seykora
- Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, July 19, 1966 (2– 7:30 PM)
- Produced by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
"Tomorrow's Gonna Be Another Day"
- Written by Tommy Boyce and Steve Venet
- Lead vocal by Mickey Dolenz
- Acoustic guitar: Tommy Boyce
- Electric guitar: Wayne Erwin, Gerry McGee and Louis Shelton
- Bass: Larry Taylor
- Drums: Billy Lewis
- Harmonica: Keith Allison
- Tambourine: unknown
- Produced by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
"Papa Gene's Blues"
- Written by Michael Nesmith
- Lead vocal by Michael Nesmith
- Harmony Vocal by Mickey Dolenz
- Guitar: Peter TorkPeter TorkPeter Tork is an American musician and actor, best known as a member of The Monkees.-Early life:Tork was born Peter Halsten Thorkelson in Washington, D.C.. Although he was born in 1942, many news articles report him as born in 1944 in New York City as this was the date and place given on early...
, James BurtonJames BurtonJames Burton is an American guitarist. A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 2001 , Burton has also been recognized by the Rockabilly Hall of Fame...
, Glen CampbellGlen CampbellGlen Travis Campbell is an American country music singer, guitarist, television host and occasional actor. He is best known for a series of hits in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as for hosting a variety show called The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour on CBS television.During his 50 years in show...
, Al CaseyAl Casey (rock & roll guitarist)Alvin W. Casey was an American guitarist. He was mainly noted for his work as a session musician, but also released records and scored three Billboard Hot 100 hits in the United States...
, James Helms and Don Peake - Bass: William Pitman
- Drums: Hal BlaineHal BlaineHal Blaine is an American drummer and session musician. He is most known for his work with the Wrecking Crew in California. Blaine played on numerous hits by popular groups, including Elvis Presley, John Denver, the Ronettes, Simon & Garfunkel, the Carpenters, the Beach Boys, Nancy Sinatra, and...
, Frank DeVito, and Jim GordonJim Gordon (musician)James Beck "Jim" Gordon is an American recording artist, musician and songwriter. The Grammy Award winner was one of the most requested session drummers in the late 1960s and 1970s, recording albums with many well-known musicians of the time, and was the drummer in the blues-rock supergroup Derek... - Percussion: Gary Coleman
- Recorded at Western Recorders Studio 2, Hollywood, July 7, 1966 (8– 11:30 pm)
- Produced by Michael Nesmith
"Take a Giant Step"
- Written by Gerry GoffinGerry GoffinGerry Goffin is an American lyricist. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 with former songwriting partner and first wife, Carole King. he has co-written six Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers.-Career:Goffin enlisted with the Marine Corps Reserve after graduating from...
and Carole KingCarole KingCarole King is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. King and her former husband Gerry Goffin wrote more than two dozen chart hits for numerous artists during the 1960s, many of which have become standards. As a singer, King had an album, Tapestry, top the U.S... - Lead vocal by Micky Dolenz
- Acoustic guitar: Tommy Boyce
- Electric guitar: Wayne Erwin, Gerry McGee and Louie Shelton
- Bass: Larry Taylor
- Drums: Billy Lewis
- Percussion: Gene Estes
- Glockenspiel: Bobby Hart
- Piano: Jack Keller
- Harpsichord: Michael Rubini
- Recorded at RCA Victor Studio C, Hollywood, July 9, 1966 (2-9 pm)
- Produced by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
- An alternate mix of this song, with different backing vocals and with Micky's lead not double-tracked, was featured on the TV series episode "The Chaperone."
"Last Train to Clarksville"
- Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
- Lead vocal by Micky Dolenz
- Acoustic guitar: Tommy Boyce
- Electric Guitar: Wayne Erwin, Gerry McGee and Louie Shelton
- Bass: Larry Taylor
- Drums: Billy Lewis
- Percussion: Gene Estes and David Walters
- Recorded at RCA Victor Studio A, Hollywood, July 25, 1966 (7 pm-3 am)
- Released as a single, reached number 1 on the pop music charts
- Produced by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
"This Just Doesn't Seem to Be My Day"
- Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
- Lead vocal by Davy Jones
- Guitar: Wayne Erwin, Gerry McGee and Louie Shelton
- Bass: Larry Taylor
- Drums: Billy Lewis
- Percussion: Gene Estes
- Cello: Joseph Ditullio
- Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, July 6, 1966 (2– 7:30 pm)
- Produced by Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart and Jack Keller
- A slightly longer version of this song, featuring an extended instrumental break in the middle of the song, was used in the episodes "The Chaperone" and "The Royal Flush."
"Let's Dance On"
- Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
- Lead vocal by Mickey Dolenz
- Backing Vocals by Mickey Dolenz, Peter Tork, Tommy Boyce and Ron Hicklin
- Guitar: Wayne Erwin, Gerry McGee and Louie Shelton
- Organ: Bobby Hart
- Drums: Billy Lewis
- Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, July 6, 1966 (2– 7:30 pm)
- Produced by Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart and Jack Keller
"I'll Be True to You"
- Written by Gerry GoffinGerry GoffinGerry Goffin is an American lyricist. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 with former songwriting partner and first wife, Carole King. he has co-written six Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers.-Career:Goffin enlisted with the Marine Corps Reserve after graduating from...
and Russ TitelmanRuss TitelmanRuss Titelman is an American record producer and songwriter. He has to date won three Grammy Awards. He earned his first producing the Steve Winwood song "Higher Love", and his second and third for Eric Clapton's Journeyman and Unplugged albums... - Lead vocal by Davy Jones
- Guitar: Wayne Erwin, Gerry McGee and Louie Shelton
- Bass: Larry Taylor
- Drums: Billy Lewis
- Glockenspiel: Bobby Hart
- Percussion: Gene Estes
- Unknown Backing Vocals
- Recorded at RCA Victor Studio C, Hollywood, July 9, 1966 (2-9 pm)
- Produced by Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart and Jack Keller
- The mono version features Davy's vocals double-tracked, reduced to a single track for the stereo version
- This was the only track from this album not to be featured in any episodes of the TV show
- Originally titled "Yes I WillYes I WillYes I Will, also known as I'll Be True to You, is the title of a song written by Gerry Goffin and Russ Titelman. The song was first recorded in 1964 by British Beat group The Hollies who released it as a single in January 1965 where it peaked at #9 in the United Kingdom. Two versions of this song...
". - A slightly different version appears on the Rhino/Flashback CD "Last Train From Clarksville And Other Hits".
"Sweet Young Thing"
- Written by Michael Nesmith, Gerry Goffin, Carole King
- Lead vocal by Michael Nesmith
- Backing vocals by Mickey Dolenz and Peter Tork
- Guitar: Peter Tork, James Burton, Glen CampbellGlen CampbellGlen Travis Campbell is an American country music singer, guitarist, television host and occasional actor. He is best known for a series of hits in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as for hosting a variety show called The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour on CBS television.During his 50 years in show...
, Al Casey and Michael Deasy - Fiddle: Jimmy BryantJimmy BryantJimmy Bryant was a prominent American session guitarist. He was billed as "The Fastest Guitar in the Country".-Biography:Ivy J. Bryant, Jr. was born in Moultrie, Georgia, the oldest of 12 children...
- Bass: Bob West
- Drums: Hal Blaine, Frank DeVito, and Jim Gordon
- Percussion: Gary Coleman
- Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, July 18, 1966 (8 pm-12 am)
- Produced by Michael Nesmith
"Gonna Buy Me a Dog"
- Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
- Lead vocals by Mickey Dolenz and Davy Jones
- Guitar: Wayne Erwin, Gerry McGee and Louie Shelton
- Organ: Bobby Hart
- Bass: Larry Taylor
- Drums: Billy Lewis
- Recorded at RCA Victor Studio #1, Hollywood, July 23, 1966 (2-8 pm)
- Produced by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
- At the very end of the song, Davy can be heard to sing "They're Coming to Take Us Away, Ha Ha.." referring to the July 1966 novelty hit by Napoleon XIV, "They're Coming to Take Me Away Ha-Haaa!They're Coming to Take Me Away Ha-Haaa!"They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!" is a 1966 novelty record by Jerry Samuels, recorded under the name Napoleon XIV. Released on Warner Bros...
", which radio stations were beginning to ban from airplay.
CD bonus tracks
"I Can't Get Her Off My Mind" (alternate take)- Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
- Lead vocal by Davy Jones
- Guitar: Wayne Erwin, Gery McGee, and Louie Shelton
- Piano and autoharp: Bobby Hart
- Bass: Larry Taylor
- Drums: Billy Lewis
- Percussion: Gene Estes and David Walters
- Recorded at RCA Victor studios, Hollywood, July 25, 1966 (7 pm-3 am)
- Produced by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
- Later re-recorded by The Monkees and used on HeadquartersHeadquarters (album)HeadquartersThe sleeve and record both render the title as The Monkees' Headquarters. was the third album issued by The Monkees and the first written and recorded primarily by the four members of the group, rather than by session musicians and professional songwriters...
"I Don't Think You Know Me"
- Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King
- Lead vocals by Mickey Dolenz and Michael Nesmith
- Guitar: James Burton, Glen CampbellGlen CampbellGlen Travis Campbell is an American country music singer, guitarist, television host and occasional actor. He is best known for a series of hits in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as for hosting a variety show called The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour on CBS television.During his 50 years in show...
, and Al Casey - Organ: Larry Knechtel
- Drums: Hal Blaine and Jim Gordon
- Unknown backing vocals
- Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, July 25, 1966 (7:30 pm– 12:15 am)
- Produced by Michael Nesmith
- Two mixes were made of this song. The first featured Micky on vocals and was mixed by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. Mike recorded his own vocals later that year.
"(Theme From) The Monkees"
- Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
- Vocals by Micky Dolenz, Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
- Other personnel unknown
- Produced by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
- In another key than the album version
- Recording info unknown
"You Just May Be The One"
- Written and produced by Michael Nesmith
- Lead vocals by Mike Nesmith
- Guitar: James Burton, Glen Campbell, and Al Casey
- Bass: Robert West
- Drums: Hal Blaine and Jim Gordon
- Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood
- The song features the doubling of regular bass with DanelectroDanelectroDanelectro is an American manufacturer of musical instruments and accessories, specializing in rock instruments such as guitars, bass guitars, amplifiers and effects units.-History:...
or "dano" bass, played by one of the other guitarists; the dano bass' distinctive twang gave Mike's 1966 tracks a country flavor. The doubling of bass proved difficult to master as some 35 takes were needed before the backing track was completed. - The song was featured on three episodes of the TV series - "The Chaperone," "One Man Shy," and "Monkees A La Mode."
Chart positions
| Year | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Billboard Pop Albums (Billboard 200) | 1 |
| 1967 | ||
| 1967 | UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
1 |
Other personnel
- Engineered by Hank CicaloHank CicaloHank Cicalo is an American recording engineer, most notable for his work in the 1960s and 1970s. Among the artists Cicalo recorded are The Monkees, Carole King and George Harrison.-The Monkees:...
and David Hassinger - Music Supervisor: Don KirshnerDon KirshnerDon Kirshner , known as "The Man With the Golden Ear", was an American song publisher and rock producer who is best known for managing songwriting talent as well as successful pop groups, such as The Monkees, Kansas and The Archies.-Early life:Don Kirshner was born to Gilbert Kirshner, a tailor,...
- Music Coordinators: Lester SillLester SillLester Sill was an American record label executive, best remembered as Phil Spector's partner in Philles Records , and also as the head of both Colpix Records and the later Colgems Records...
and Emil LaViola - Cover Photo by Bernard Yeszin