The Monkees
July 26th 2010 01:57
The 'Pre-Fab' Four?
Essentially a pop rock quartet, the group was always destined for stardom - if only through the television series designed specifically to promote them.
Airing from 1966 to 1968 band members provided vocals - but much of their popular work were penned by notables such as Neil Sedaka, Carly Simon and Neil Diamond.
Cruelly labelled as pop 'fluff' - the band did have some musicial credibility - though the inclusion of 50's child star Dolenz (who until that point was best known for his role in TV's Circus Boy) was as blatant a marketing ploy as the inclusion of Englishman Davy Jones to capture the hearts and dollars of the American public.
From the outset - it was decided that the impish Jones would sing lead, a choice that was unpopular with the group and that Nesmith woud produce sessions, provided he did not play on any tracks he produced.
Fortunately Dolenz's (who could sing) helped make the Monkees's sound distinctive to the point where Nesmith and Tork turned over lead vocal duties to Dolenz on their own compositions.
The debut release, The Monkees.The Monkees' first single, "Last Train to Clarksville", was released in August 1966, just weeks prior to the broadcast and, in conjunction with the first broadcast of the television show on September 12, 1966.
In assigning instruments for purposes of the television show, a dilemma arose as none of the four was an actual drummer. Both Nesmith, a guitarist, and Tork, who could play several stringed and keyboard instruments, declined to give the drum set a try. Jones tested well initially as a novice drummer, but the camera could barely capture him behind the drums because of his short stature.
Thus, Dolenz was assigned to become the drummer. Tork taught Dolenz his first few beats on the drums and the producers hired a teacher for him.
Critics of the Monkees observed that they were simply the "prefab four", a made-for-TV knockoff of the Beatles; the Beatles took it in their stride and welcomed the Monkees when they visited England.
John Lennon publicly compared the Monkees' humor to The Marx Brothers, saying that he "never missed an episode".
All in all - the Monkees were what they were - pre-fabricated and useful for the purpose they were designed.
While they had huge number 1's with "I'm a Believer", "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone", "Daydream Believer", "Last Train to Clarksville", and "Pleasant Valley Sunday" - their popularity waned once support from music moguls, Hollywood and TV producers looking to turn a quick buck dried up.
They do of course leave a legacy that these days would be best equated to those stars who find their niche through programs such as Idol.
Enjoy.
| 134 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...