The Monkees – Greatest Hits

this might sound weird but when I play “I’m a believer” it sounds amazing as if they’re right in front of me playing in person I feel amazed at how good the quality sounds especially playing this album on my little 1963 admiral console

Formed in Los Angeles in 1966, The Monkees was a novelty group conceived expressly for the sitcom of the same name. Though initially a by-the-numbers sitcom, the musical aspect of the series proved to be much more popular than expected, and even caused tension behind the scenes, with the band members - Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork and Davy Jones - growing more confident and increasingly creative (unusually for a so-called manufactured act) with each album, so much so that they potentially endangered their respective positions by demanding significant input (as well as actual involvement as studio musicians) during the recording process. However, this desire for creative control proved too much for the band and they were soon exploring individual projects, leading to the cancellation of the show and the announcement of an official break-up in 1970.

Contrary to popular belief, music journalists waged a war against the Monkees at the height of their popularity not because they were a fictional band with typical material that sounded as good as the genuine article, i.e. The Beatles, but most probably out of disbelief that a novelty act had the temerity to seek critical respect despite not possessing the requisite credits and studio abilities. In fact, the Monkees never tried to hide their lack of musical prowess from the public, always speaking frankly when pressed firmly on the matter by interviewers (curbed thereafter by limiting public access). Freely admitting that they set out to play their own instruments only for the powers that be to prohibit them from doing so for fear of the financial implications - a far worse outcome than upsetting the press, the Monkees were accused of not suffering the same hardships as the bands they were supposedly plagiarizing. For my money, 1960s rock critics were too entrenched in their elitism and obsession with the logistical aspect of music to give the Monkees a break and accept it for what it was: the sweet, carefree and fanciful American derivative clone of the Fab Four and moreover, a satisfactory one. If the innumerable malcontents of the 1960s press had simply resolved to let the summery, lively music the group productively and commendably enacted (sometimes live, and competently so at that) wash over them, they just might have lightened up and changed their stance. Maybe. That being said, the Monkees were originally devised as a TV-bred vehicle of sorts until the creators of the sitcom and its cheery, appealing mop-topped stars were then swept up in the hysteria and consumerism that followed, not to mention the golden handshakes and acceptance into counterculture Hollywood social circles. Naturally, investments had to be protected, so into the black box they went, rarely emerging from the gilded cage until 1968, when they (and even their creators) finally displayed integrity and bit the hand that fed them with the surreal spin-off movie/acid trip "Head".

The Monkees were certainly not alone in recording their music with session players, so all the hostility in that regard is also baffling. Nevertheless, defending a band such as The Monkees is actually easier in the 21st Century. Having had a huge impact on pop culture as not only entertainers, but also as musicians, with a proportion of their repertoire entering the collective consciousness and receiving reappraisal, the Monkees are now at least begrudgingly respected by modern critics for their success rather than resented. "The Monkees' Greatest Hits", reissued by Arista on CD in 1990, succeeds in validating their position in music history by demonstrating how culturally important their biggest sellers are, and this compilation collects 11 of said hits, with all being equally familiar, irresistible, melodic and stimulating. Even the most pretentious Rolling Stone-reading naysayer would find it hard to argue with the quality of the songs herein.

RATING: 5/5

Great compilation of their greatest hits. If you don't like the Monkees, something is wrong with you. Some of the greatest songwriters of the era wrote for them.

I agree. Got a like new Version of this, sounds like it was mastered from a bootleg Cassette. Look elsewhere (UK release) for example if you want a good monkee's compilation.

Have this label design but 201115 b-1/79S III on bside, like here https://www.discogs.com/de/The-Monkees-Greatest-Hits/release/11851090

Good music, horrible sound quality, stay away from this.