The Monkees Present

The Monkees Present
Studio album by The Monkees
Released October 1, 1969
Recorded August - October 1966,
June 1968 - August 1969, RCA Victor Studios, and Sunset Sound Recorders, Hollywood, and RCA Victor Studios, Nashville
Genre Country Rock, Folk Rock, Pop, Rock
Length 30:06
Label Colgems (original U.S. release)
RCA Records (original release outside U.S.)
Rhino (1986 LP reissue + 1994 CD reissue)
Producer Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Davy Jones, Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart, Bill Chadwick
The Monkees chronology
Greatest Hits
(1969)Greatest Hits1969		 The Monkees Present
(1969)		 Changes
(1970)Changes1970
Singles from The Monkees Present
  1. "Listen to the Band" / "Someday Man"
    Released: April 26, 1969
  2. "Good Clean Fun" / "Mommy and Daddy"
    Released: September 6, 1969
Cover for Rhino CD Reissue
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic [1]

The Monkees Present (also known as The Monkees Present Micky, David, Michael or simply Present) is The Monkees' eighth album.

By the time recording had begun in earnest for this album, the Monkees had passed their popularity peak, and as Screen Gems cared less and less about the Monkees' activities, the members were given more control over the creation of this, the second album released after the departure of Peter Tork, and the last to feature Michael Nesmith until 1996's Justus. Unlike Instant Replay, all but two of the songs were recorded in 1968 or 1969, and the album was accompanied by a strong advertising push (including a cross promotion with Kool-Aid) and a tour with 'Sam & The Goodtimers' - a seven-piece R&B backing band. This was their last attempt at commercial viability, reaching only #100 on Billboard weekly. Shortly after the album's release, Nesmith announced that he was leaving the Monkees to form his own group called The First National Band.

History

The original plan was to release a double album which devoted one side to each member of the group, who by now were recording virtually as solo artists, but with Tork now gone, and record sales waning, the decision was made to pare the track selection down to a single disc.

The album featured two singles, ""Listen to the Band", b/w the non-LP song "Someday Man"; and "Good Clean Fun" b/w "Mommy and Daddy", which upon release in September 1969 reached # 63 and #82 respectively in USA, but neither charted in the UK. Both singles did much better in Australia, reaching #15 and #26 respectively and giving the Monkees their last hits Down Under.

Track listing

Original 1969 Colgems vinyl issue

Side 1
No.TitleLead vocalsLength
1."Little Girl" (Micky Dolenz)Micky Dolenz2:00
2."Good Clean Fun" (Michael Nesmith)Michael Nesmith2:19
3."If I Knew" (Bill Chadwick, David Jones)Davy Jones2:22
4."Bye Bye Baby Bye Bye" (Micky Dolenz, Ric Klein)Micky Dolenz2:20
5."Never Tell a Woman Yes" (Michael Nesmith)Michael Nesmith3:47
6."Looking for the Good Times" (Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart)Davy Jones2:04
Side 2
No.TitleLead vocalsLength
1."Ladies Aid Society" (Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart)Davy Jones2:41
2."Listen to the Band" (Michael Nesmith)Michael Nesmith2:42
3."French Song" (Bill Chadwick)Davy Jones1:59
4."Mommy and Daddy" (Micky Dolenz)Micky Dolenz2:13
5."Oklahoma Backroom Dancer" (Michael Martin Murphey)Michael Nesmith2:36
6."Pillow Time" (Janelle Scott, Matt Willis)Micky Dolenz2:32

All tracks except "Never Tell a Woman Yes," "Ladies Aid Society," "Mommy and Daddy" and "Pillow Time" were featured on the CBS and ABC reruns of The Monkees from 1969–1972.

1994 Rhino CD reissue

Tracks 1-12: Original album
Previously unissued bonus tracks:

  1. "Calico Girlfriend Samba" (Nesmith) - 2:33
  2. "The Good Earth" (Ben Nisbet) - 1:38
  3. "Listen to the Band" (Alternate take) (Nesmith) - 2:46
  4. "Mommy and Daddy" (Alternate take) (Dolenz) - 2:08
  5. The Monkees Present Radio Promo - 1:03

2013 Rhino Handmade deluxe CD reissue

Disc 1 (The Original Stereo Album and More)

Tracks 1-12: Original album in stereo

  1. "Time and Time Again" (November 1969 Stereo Mix) (Jones, Chadwick) - 2:37
  2. "Down the Highway" (November 1969 Stereo Mix) (Carole King, Toni Stern) - 2:16
  3. "Steam Engine" (November 1969 Stereo Mix) (Chip Douglas) - 2:23
  4. "If You Have the Time" (November 1969 Stereo Mix) (Jones, Chadwick) - 2:06
  5. "Angel Band" (November 1969 Stereo Mix) (William Bradbury, Reverend J. Hascall) - 3:25
  6. "Rose Marie" (November 1969 Stereo Mix) (Dolenz) - 2:12
  7. "I Never Thought It Peculiar" (No Strings and Backing Vocals - August 1969) (Boyce, Hart) - 2:24
  8. "Of You" (November 1969 Stereo Mix) (Bill Chadwick, John Chadwick) - 2:00
  9. "Kicking Stones" (1969 Mix) (Lynn Castle, Wayne Erwin) - 2:27
  10. "If I Knew" (Bill & Davy's Stereo Mix) (Jones, Chadwick) - 2:21
  11. "The Crippled Lion" (November 1969 Stereo Mix) (Nesmith) - 2:49
  12. "My Storybook of You" (Tommy & Bobby's Stereo Mix) (Boyce, Hart) - 2:48
  13. "Carlisle Wheeling" (November 1969 Stereo Mix) (Nesmith) - 3:17
  14. "French Song" (LP Master with Alternate ending - Stereo) (Chadwick) - 2:48
  15. "Hollywood" (Stereo) (Nesmith) - 2:18
  16. "My Storybook Of You" ("New" 1969 Stereo Mix) (Boyce, Hart) - 3:01
  17. "Circle Sky" ("New" 1969 Stereo Mix) (Nesmith) - 2:34
  18. Kool-Aid spot - 2:03
Disc 2 (Mono Mixes and Rarities)
  1. The Monkees Present Radio Spot - 1:04
  2. "If I Knew" (TV Mix Mono) (Jones, Chadwick) - 2:23
  3. "Bye Bye Baby Bye Bye" (Mono) (Dolenz, Klein) - 2:16
  4. "Looking for the Good Times" (Mono) (Boyce, Hart) - 2:06
  5. "Ladies Aid Society" (1969 Mono Mix) (Boyce, Hart) - 2:42
  6. "Listen to the Band" (Single Mix) (Nesmith) - 2:33
  7. "French Song" (TV Mix Mono) (Chadwick) - 2:49
  8. "Mommy & Daddy" (1969 Mono Mix) (Dolenz) - 2:13
  9. "Circle Sky" (1969 "New" Mono Mix) (Nesmith) - 2:31
  10. "Penny Music" (TV Mix Mono) (Michael Leonard, Bobby Weinstein) - 2:41
  11. "Apples, Peaches, Bananas and Pears" (1969 Mono Mix) (Boyce, Hart) - 2:17
  12. "Of You" (1969 Mono Mix) (Chadwick, Chadwick) - 2:02
  13. "I Never Thought It Peculiar" (1969 Mono Mix without Overdubs) (Boyce, Hart) - 2:25
  14. "Kicking Stones" (1969 Mono Mix) (Castle, Erwin) - 2:28
  15. "Listen to the Band" (LP Version True Mono Mix) (Nesmith) - 2:45
  16. "If You Have the Time" (1969 Mono Mix without Moog) (Jones, Chadwick) - 2:10
  17. "Midnight Train" (TV Mix Mono) (Dolenz) - 2:08
  18. "My Storybook of You" (Mono) (Boyce, Hart) - 2:48
  19. "Steam Engine" (Mono) (Douglas) - 2:20
  20. "Time and Time Again" (November 1969 Mono Mix) (Jones, Chadwick) - 2:44
  21. "Mommy & Daddy" (7/1/69) Stereo Mix 3 (Dolenz) - 2:11
  22. "I Never Thought It Peculiar" (September 1969 Mono Mix with Overdubs) (Boyce, Hart) - 2:27
  23. "Bye Bye Baby Bye" (July 1969 Stereo Mix) (Dolenz, Klein) - 2:28
  24. "If You Have the Time" (1969 Mono Mix with Moog) (Dolenz) - 2:09
  25. "Mommy & Daddy" (7/2/69) Stereo Mix (Dolenz) - 2:05
  26. "French Song" (Rough Mono Mix) (Chadwick) - 2:53
  27. Monkees Greatest Hits radio spot - 1:00
Disc 3 (Sessions)
  1. "Little Girl" (Take 7) (Dolenz) - 1:29
  2. "Calico Girlfriend" (Nesmith) - 2:48
  3. "If I Knew" (Take 11) (Jones, Chadwick) - 2:23
  4. "You're So Good" (Alternate Mix) (Robert Stone) - 3:01
  5. "Little Red Rider" (Alternate Mix) (Nesmith) - 3:26
  6. "If You Have the Time" (Take 4) (Dolenz) - 2:38
  7. Music Bridge: "We'll Be Back in a Minute" (Take 12) (Dolenz) - 0:29
  8. "Listen To The Band" (Alternate Stereo Mix) (Nesmith) - 2:48
  9. "French Song" (Take 3) (Chadwick) - 2:42
  10. "Mommy and Daddy" (May 13, 1969 Stereo Mix 9) (Dolenz) - 1:57
  11. "Thank You My Friend" (Backing track - Take 4) (Nesmith) - 3:42
  12. "Pillow Time" (Takes 8 & 9) (Scott, Willis) - 4:17
  13. "How Can I Tell You" (Jones, Chadwick) - 3:13
  14. "Steam Engine" (1969 Rough Stereo Mix) (Douglas) - 2:38
  15. "Time and Time Again" (Take 1) (Jones, Chadwick) - 2:50
  16. "Good Afternoon" (Take 14) (Unknown) - 2:34
  17. "Opening Night" (Charlie Smalls) - 3:44
  18. "Lynn Harper" (Backing track - Take 8) (Nesmith) - 3:15
  19. Music Bridge: "We'll Be Back in a Minute" (Take 18) (Dolenz) - 0:25
  20. "The Good Earth" (Alternate Take) (Ben Nisbet) - 2:03
  21. "London Bridge" (Backing track - Take 4) (David Gates) - 4:52
  22. Music Bridge: "We'll Be Back in a Minute" (version three) (Dolenz) - 0:28
  23. "A Bus That Never Comes" (Backing track - Take 9) (Dick Keller, Bob Russell) - 2:49
  24. "Omega" (Backing track - Take 8) (Nesmith) - 2:15
  25. "Thirteen Is Not Our Lucky Number" (Backing track) (Nesmith, Michael Cohen) - 2:39
  26. "Michigan Blackhawk" (Backing track - Take 4) (Nesmith) - 2:54
  27. "Little Tommy Blues" (Backing track - Take 5) (Tommy Griffin) - 3:53
  28. "Till Then" (Backing track - Take 2) (Eddie Seiler, Guy Ward, Sol Marcus) - 3:19
Vinyl 45[2]
  1. "Good Clean Fun" (Alternate Mix with extra percussion) - 2:19
  2. "Mommy and Daddy" (7/10/69)" (Mono Mix) - 2:25

Session information

Little Girl

  • Written by Micky Dolenz
  • Arranged by Shorty Rogers
  • Lead vocal by Micky Dolenz
  • Backing vocals: Micky Dolenz, and Coco Dolenz
  • Electric Guitar: Louie Shelton
  • Acoustic Guitar: Micky Dolenz
  • Bass: Ray Pohlman
  • Drums: Earl Palmer
  • Produced by Micky Dolenz
  • This Dolenz composition is described, as a fast-paced, jazzy tune.
  • Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, August 14, 1969

Good Clean Fun

  • Written by Michael Nesmith
  • Lead vocal by Michael Nesmith
  • Guitar: Wayne Moss
  • Steel Guitar: Lloyd Green
  • Banjo: Bobby Thompson
  • Bass: Norman Putnam
  • Drums: Jerry Carrigan
  • Percussion: Unknown
  • Piano: David Briggs
  • Violin: Buddy Spicher
  • Produced by Michael Nesmith
  • The song was recorded during the sessions for Head.
  • A country-rock/rockabilly number; as with many Nesmith tunes the title has no obvious relation to the lyrics.
  • Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Nashville, June 1, 1968

If I Knew

  • Written by Bill Chadwick and David Jones
  • Lead vocal by Davy Jones
  • Backing vocal: Davy Jones, and Bill Chadwick
  • Acoustic Guitar: David Cohen
  • Bass: Max Bennett
  • Drums: Hal Blaine
  • Piano: Michel Rubini
  • Produced by Bill Chadwick and Davy Jones
  • Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, June 27, and Sunset Sound Recorders, Hollywood, July 1, 1969

Bye Bye Baby Bye Bye

  • Written by Micky Dolenz, and Ric Klein
  • Arranged by Shorty Rogers
  • Lead vocal by Micky Dolenz
  • Backing vocals: Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Unknown
  • Electric Guitar: Louie Shelton
  • Acoustic Guitar: Unknown
  • Banjo: James Burton
  • Bass: Joe Osborn
  • Drums: Hal Blaine
  • Harmonica: Tommy Morgan
  • Produced by Micky Dolenz
  • This Dolenz composition is known for its harmonica-driven style.
  • Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, July 16, 1969

Never Tell a Woman Yes

  • Written by Michael Nesmith
  • Lead vocal by Michael Nesmith
  • Acoustic Guitar: Michael Nesmith
  • Banjo: Al Casey
  • Bass: Joe Osborn
  • Drums: Hal Blaine
  • Produced by Michael Nesmith
  • A lilting piano-driven tale of a man who passes on a woman's invitation to travel with her, regrets it when he finds out she's rich, and then ultimately gets rewarded when she comes to find him after having been robbed by another man.
  • Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, June 2, 1969

Looking for Good Times

  • Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
  • Lead vocal by Davy Jones
  • Harmony vocal: Micky Dolenz
  • Backing vocals: Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart, and Ron Hicklin
  • Guitar: Wayne Erwin, Gerry McGee, and Louie Shelton
  • Acoustic Guitar: Tommy Boyce
  • Bass: Larry Taylor
  • Drums: Billy Lewis
  • Tambourine: Gene Estes
  • Organ: Bobby Hart
  • Produced by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
  • The song was recorded during the sessions for More of the Monkees. It was also considered to be used in the Monkees' TV show, but the idea was dropped.
  • Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, October 26, 1966

Ladies Aid Society

  • Written by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
  • Lead vocal by Davy Jones
  • Backing vocals: Micky Dolenz, Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart, Wayne Erwin, and Ron Hicklin
  • Guitar: Wayne Erwin, Gerry McGee, and Louie Shelton
  • Bass: Larry Taylor
  • Drums: Billy Lewis
  • Percussion: Emil Richards
  • Piano: Bobby Hart
  • Trumpet: Steve Huffsteter
  • Trombone: Gilbert Falco, Dick Hyde
  • Horn: Bob Jung and Don McGinnis
  • Produced by Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart
  • The song, with its falsetto choruses was recorded during the sessions for More of the Monkees. It was an attempt to capture the same spirit of pastoral, suburban Britain that The Kinks did.
  • Recorded at RCA Victor Studio B, Hollywood, August 23, 1966

Listen to the Band

  • Written by Michael Nesmith
  • Arranged by Shorty Rogers (Horns only)
  • Lead vocal by Michael Nesmith
  • Electric Guitar: Michael Nesmith
  • Guitar: Wayne Moss, and Mike Saluzzi
  • Steel Guitar: Lloyd Green
  • Bass: Norbert Putnam
  • Drums: Jerry Carrigan
  • Percussion: Unknown
  • Piano: David Briggs
  • Keyboard: Michel Rubini
  • Harmonica: Charlie McCoy
  • Brass: Don McGinnis
  • Trumpet: Bud Brisbois, Buddy Childers, and Ray Triscari
  • Trombone: Dick Nash
  • Tuba: John Kitzmiller
  • Produced by Michael Nesmith
  • The song was recorded during the sessions for Head.
  • Though not a huge hit at the time, the song has become a sort of theme for the group. Though Nesmith claims the lyrics weren't a plea to be judged on musical merit, people nonetheless chose to view them that way. Rhino records even chose the song's title as the name of the group's box set released in April 1991. Mike would later re-record it with his own group The First National Band. Incidentally, "Listen to the Band" was originally performed with Peter Tork on their NBC TV Special 33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee early that same year. That version differs greatly from the single or album release. The album mix of the song has a slightly longer organ bridge section than the single mix does.
  • Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Nashville, June 1, and RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, December 9, 1968

French Song

  • Written by Bill Chadwick
  • Lead vocal by Davy Jones
  • Acoustic Guitar: Frank Bugbee, and Louie Shelton
  • Bass: Max Bennett
  • Drums: Hal Blaine
  • Percussion: Emil Richards
  • Shaker: Emil Richards
  • Chimes: Emil Richards
  • Vibes: Emil Richards
  • Organ: Michel Rubini
  • Flute: Tim Weisberg
  • Produced by Bill Chadwick, and Davy Jones
  • Considered to be a rather moody sort of song, with a lounge-like instrumentation.
  • Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, June 27, and August 14, 1969

Mommy and Daddy

  • Written by Micky Dolenz
  • Arranged by Shorty Rogers
  • Lead vocal by Micky Dolenz
  • Backing vocals: Micky Dolenz, and Coco Dolenz
  • Guitar: Dom DeMieri, and Mike Saluzzi
  • Bass: Unknown
  • Piano: Micky Dolenz
  • Keyboard: Michel Rubini
  • Brass: Don McGinnis
  • Trumpet: Bud Brisbois, Buddy Childers, and Ray Triscari
  • Trombone: Dick Nash
  • Tuba: John Kitzmiller
  • Unknown: Pat Coghlan
  • Produced by Micky Dolenz
  • The song finds Micky overtly tackling the political issue of the treatment of American Indians. The album version was dramatically toned down from the original, which also touched on drug use, war, sexual reproduction, social ignorance and the JFK assassination.
  • The song was recorded during the sessions for Instant Replay. *Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, December 9, 1968

Oklahoma Backroom Dancer

  • Written by Michael Martin Murphey
  • Lead vocal by Michael Nesmith
  • Guitar: Mike Deasy, and Louie Shelton
  • Acoustic Guitar: Unknown
  • Bass: Max Bennett
  • Drums: Eddie Hoh
  • Tambourine: Unknown
  • Shaker: Unknown
  • Piano: Michel Rubini
  • Produced by Michael Nesmith
  • The song is a little-known tune by Mike's Texan friend Michael Martin Murphey. It boasts a honky-tonk piano and an upbeat rhythm. "Murph" himself has never released a take of this number and how it came to make the cut for Present remains something of a mystery.
  • Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, May 27, 1969

Pillow Time

  • Written by Janelle Scott and Matt Willis
  • Arranged by Shorty Rogers
  • Lead vocal by Micky Dolenz
  • Electric Guitar: Louie Shelton
  • Acoustic Guitar: Micky Dolenz
  • Bass: Ray Pohlman
  • Drums: Earl Palmer
  • Produced by Micky Dolenz
  • The song, A jazzy fairytale lullaby, co-written by Micky's mother, was originally demoed during the sessions for Headquarters.
  • Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, August 14, 1969

1994 Bonus tracks Session Information

Calico Girlfriend Samba

  • Written by Michael Nesmith
  • Lead vocal by Michael Nesmith
  • Guitar: Louie Shelton, and Al Casey
  • Bass: Joe Osborn
  • Drums: Hal Blaine
  • Bongos: Unknown
  • Cowbell: Unknown
  • Shaker: Unknown
  • Piano: Michel Rubini
  • Produced by Michael Nesmith
  • An uptempo Latin track that Mike would reuse on his solo debut, Magnetic South.
  • Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Hollywood, May 29, 1969

The Good Earth

  • Vocals by Davy Jones
  • Produced by Davy Jones
  • A poem from a 1969 musical called "The Good Earth,"[3] recited by Davy without musical backing.
  • Originally recorded on a 1969 45 by Irish comedian Dave Allen.
  • No official writer's credit was given on the 1994 CD. The writer is credited on the deluxe edition (as well as Dave Allen's 1969 45) as Ben Nisbet.
  • Recorded in July 1969

Listen to the Band [Early Mix]

  • Produced by Michael Nesmith
  • Lacks many of the overdubs that were featured on the final album mix.
  • Recorded at RCA Victor Studios, Nashville, June 1, 1968

Mommy and Daddy [Early Mix]

  • Lead vocal by Micky Dolenz
  • Arranged by Shorty Rogers
  • Other personnel unknown
  • Produced by Micky Dolenz
  • The original recording of "Mommy and Daddy" with lyrics that were deemed too controversial to release in 1969.
  • This version of the song was recorded during the sessions for Head.
  • Recorded at Original Sound, Hollowed, August 1, 1968

The Monkees Present - Radio Promo

  • Spoken words: Unknown
  • Recording info unknown
  • A contemporary radio ad for the album aims at a younger audience that "gets" the music, even without being able to say exactly why.

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (1969) Peak
position
US Billboard 200[4] 100

Singles

Year Single Chart Peak
Position
1969 "Listen to the Band" Billboard Hot 100 63[5]
1969 "Good Clean Fun" Billboard Hot 100 83[5]

References

  1. ↑ https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-monkees-present-mw0000205448
  2. ↑ http://monkeesstore.warnermusic.com/the-monkees-present-deluxe.html
  3. ↑ 45cat http://www.45cat.com/record/bf1748. Retrieved 16 August 2013. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  4. ↑ "The Monkees US Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved April 8, 2017.
  5. 1 2 "The Monkees Present - Charts and Awards". Retrieved 22 June 2014.
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