Comments on: The Monkees “Head”

By: james simpson

james simpson — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:31:10 +0000

i just listened to a song which i always liked (you just may be the one)good lyrics and a good song considering they were labled as non-musicians.this song was also performed by heavyweight stephen stills and thats a testament to thier creative and performing skills. in spite of what some critics have said they were quite good, and very real musicians.

By: Kiko Jones

Kiko Jones — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:37:15 +0000

The Monkees were the first band I became a fan of–thru the TV reruns, since I was born the year they debuted–and so, they will always have a special place in my heart. (Any artist that can have both Frank Zappa and The Sex Pistols in their corner, well…)

Btw, I’ve always thought the “As We Go Along” sequence in Head would’ve made a great video clip for what is undoubtedly one of their best songs.

Thanks for this post, Len. Cheers to all.

By: Len Liechti

Len Liechti — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 10:08:33 +0000

Agreed. It seems to me that Peter occupied a similar position to that of George Harrison in the Fabs or Brian Jones in the Stones, in that he was a good musician (like Brian, probably the best in the band) and a reasonably competent songwriter who had trouble getting his talents appreciated by the Big Two in the outfit. Like George and Brian, he was probably also less assertive and more withdrawn, and probably got coerced into playing the dummy in the TV series, somewhat out of character. Peter’s post-Monkee history evinces a bad luck streak that shows how hard it is to make it on your own merits after you’ve been part of a top-flight combo, particularly if you’re not as hard-nosed as Nes or Macca.

By: Kim

Kim — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:46:09 +0000

No worries, I think it was the phrase “is the only musician in the group”is what frustrated me. Peter Tork is clearly a musician.

By: mark

mark — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:40:35 +0000

Kim–
I believe that something needs to be clarified here: there is always someone who enjoys the artistic production of any musician. There are quite a few bands that I listen to, for example, which demonstrate less-than-stellar musicianship. This does not mean that they should not be listened to – there are many reasons why one might enjoy a song or an album outside to the craft of their production or their musical prowess. Opinion, however, cannot or should not pass for knowledge. While one may enjoy Peter Tork, this fact alone does not mean that he demonstrates strong or even good musicianship. I must admit, however, that his work – even at its worst – is far better than I could ever do…
Continue to enjoy!

By: Kim

Kim — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:57:02 +0000

Strictly speaking, I wouldn’t say Michael Nesmith’s post-Monkees material met with great success, I have no idea what the numbers are in sales but if we’re looking back over the entire 40 years, I’d say both Peter Tork and Mike Nesmith have put out some impressive underappreciated work. I saw Peter Tork and James Lee Stanley twice on tour in the 90s and I really enjoyed those shows.

The word “bomb” in the context of any post-Monkees efforts is kind of meaningless as I think either of the members who were originally musicians and not actors went off and did things that were not meant to be popular music.

Long story short:You may not like PT’s music but there are folks out there who do! And he is by all means a musician, just because you don’t like his stuff doesn’t take that away.

I hope this doesn’t sound too flamey and I am a huge Nesmith fan, but saying he is/was the only musician in the group is a little unneccessarily insulting.

By: mark

mark — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:46:02 +0000

Len–
thank you for the review of this much-maligned and/or forgotten work. Just a couple of thoughts to place on this virtual table: Nesmith, whose vocals on Head are mixed into the background unfairly, is present here as a remarkable musician. In spite of the efforts by Micky and especially Peter, is the only musician in the group. His solo career saw the critical experimentation of the country-rock genre and produced some remarkable albums. Ditty Diego was penned by Jack Nicholson who was involved in the production of the album and who disliked the Monkees. As much as I enjoy the six songs (especially Porpoise Song, and that Nesmith masterpiece, Circle Sky) I still get a chuckle out of the rest of the material – there is nothing quite like Dandruff – I find that the album is both a critique of the recording industry, the gullible nature of the fans, and the impossibility of any true redemption of this group under the moniker Monkees.
Your very right in your assessment that the back-up musicians (not exactly “back-up” at all) were a remarkable assortment of excellent musicians – in fact, perhaps we should consider the Monkees and a larger collective of creative collaborators – not just these four front-men.
Yes, it is dated.
Yes, the Monkees were pre-fab.
Yes, Nesmith was a very creative musician.
Yes, Peter Tork’s post Monkees work (the peter Tork Project) was a bomb.
Yes, they were designed for a particular, musically uneducated market or teeny boppers.
Yes, yes, yes…
I still like them and I still listen to them and I still find moments of greatness and a not unceretain richness in their work.
Whoever the Monkees were, Long Live the Monkees!

By: johnnylloydrollins

johnnylloydrollins — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:27:18 +0000

actually.. this record is missing a few tracks that when included make it more cohesive and complete (particularly the happy birthday bit):

1. Opening Ceremony
2. Porpoise Song
3. Ditty Diego – War Chant
4. Circle Sky (live version)
5. Happy Birthday To You (crowd scream fade in)
6. Supplicio
7. Can You Dig It
8. Gravy
9. Superstitious
10. As We Go Along (Vocal Mix)
11. Dandruff
12. Daddy’s Song
13. Poll
14. Long Title
15. Swami Plus Strings Etc.
16. Ditty Diego – War Chant Untampered
17. Porpoise Song (studio bonus track)
18. Circle Sky (studio bonus track)
19. Porpoise Song (Carol King Demo)

Anyone interested in a copy can email me… or if you want any other monkee goodnes like headquarters sessions.

Cheers!

By: Jeff

Jeff — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:55:57 +0000

“As We Go Along” usually makes it on the ol’ mix tapes.

By: Kim

Kim — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:29:59 +0000

It’s no secret to anyone that I am a huge Monkees fan – I came by it honestly just like any other teenage girl, through hormonal influence initially, but ultimately I remain a fan of their music because it’s good. And I really think it’s good both when the songs are being written by professional songwriters like Goffin/King or when any of the gentlemen themselves are writing the songs.

I actually think Headquarters, their first self-propelled effort, is my favorite. The Nesmith-penned tracks on that album really stand out.

You’ve already given credit to the greatest tracks on Head, so I just second all that. Great review! Hits all the salient points.