Micky Dolenz celebrates The Monkees' 60th Anniversary at MIM Music Theater

Micky Dolenz

What: 60 Years of the Monkees

Where: The MIM Music Theater, located inside the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, AZ

When: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026

Next: The United Theater on Broadway in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, Sept. 12

Information: mickydolenz.com

Review and Photos by Robert Kinsler

As the sole surviving member of the influential made-for-TV group The Monkees, singer/actor/multi-instrumentalist Micky Dolenz continues to champion the beloved quartet via winning live appearances. That was proven throughout his wonderful two-hour show at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, AZ on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

"The Monkees" TV show made its debut on September 12, 1966, so this coming Saturday marks the 60th anniversary of the series' first episode's airing on NBC-TV. Dolenz has a winning sense of humor first displayed on that groundbreaking series, and what's more his signature vocals impressed at the MIM Music Theater whether he was performing soaring power pop, garage rock or emotive ballads. While many of his classic rock contemporaries have lost their ability to sing well, Dolenz delivered top-tier vocals to an enthusiastic crowd.

Backed by a terrific six-member troupe (including his sister / singer Coco Dolenz), the 81-year-old Dolenz performed a mix of songs from across The Monkees' wide-ranging discography bolstered by insightful stories about his television co-stars/bandmates (Davy Jones, Peter Tonk and Michael Nesmith), the production of the TV series, 1968 Monkees film "Head" and even his memorable invitation to hang out with The Beatles during a Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band recording session. A rear projection screen displayed vintage images and film footage artfully in sync with the specific selections being performed. 

The night opened with his band performing an instrumental version of The Monkees' theme song heard at the beginning of the show before Dolenz came out on stage to offer up a rousing performance of "Last Train to Clarksville." And it was quickly clear that it didn't matter whether Dolenz and company were performing well-known hits or more under the radar tracks, the energy and delivery were inspired. 

The parade of Monkees favorites was offered up in chronological order, with early standouts including the sublime psychedelic folk rocker "Take a Giant Step," the tender "Sometime in the Morning," Americana-styled "You Just May Be The One," Baroque gem "Shades of Gray" featuring Micky and Coco sharing lead and harmony vocals, a rollicking tear through The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)" and rousing "Pleasant Valley Sunday." 

The second half of the concert featured outstanding versions of "Different Drum" (a Nesmith original that marked the first hit for Linda Ronstadt), sumptuous "Porpoise Song" (the theme from "Head"), the infectious power pop-styled Paul Westerberg-penned "Terri" off Dolenz' new commercial release Timeless, gorgeous "Me & Magdalena," bona fide sing-along "Daydream Believer," high-octane rocker "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone" and night-ending "I'm a Believer." 

This was a wonderful concert featuring timeless songs delivered with love and perfection. 

The Monkees' "Head" - TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the 1968 classic film

Watch TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the Monkees' groundbreaking 1968 cult film "Head" HERE.

Holiday Music Aplenty — 2020 Christmas Collections Roundup

Despite the continuing COVID-19 outbreak, the season will sound much brighter thanks to a slew of spirited holiday music collections.

Artist: Buck Owens

Title: A Merry 'Hee Haw' Christmas (Omnivore Recordings)

Tell me more: Originally released in 1970, Buck Owens' A Merry 'Hee Haw' Christmas is making its audio CD and digital debut 50 years after its vinyl debut. The wonderful collection — newly remastered from the original analog master tapes by Grammy Award-winning engineer Michael Graves — is stuffed with each and every bona fide Bakersfield country-fried cut from 1965's Christmas With Buck Owens and His Buckaroos and 1968's Christmas Shopping along with both cuts from a promotional 7-inch "Toys for Tots" public service announcements promotional single.  The range of material impresses across the 26-track disc; the uptempo "Christmas Shopping," sweet "All I Want for Christmas is My Daddy," instrumental "The Jolly Christmas Polka" and whimsical "Tomorrow is Christmas Day" are early standouts. The enchanting "Blue Christmas Lights," rollicking instrumental take on "Jingle Bells," tender "All I Want for Christmas is You," jolly "Santa's Gonna Come in a Stage Coach" and affecting "Blue Christmas Tree" keep the magic coming in the last half of the magic set. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Davy Jones

Title: It's Christmas Time Once More (Not Too Late Records)

Tell me more: Fans were wonderfully surprised by the new Monkees' holiday music set Christmas Party in 2018. Fast forward to 2020 and now fans of the '60s-spawned favorites can take in the festive sonic cheer of Davy Jones' It's Christmas Time Once More. Producer Chip Douglas — who also mixed and played a variety of instruments on this unique collection — rounded up classic vocal recordings featuring the late Jones (who passed away in February 2012) and added new musical elements and supporting voices in the creation of the new arrangements featured on this set. There is a mix of rocking uptempo cheer ("Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"), wistful yuletide offerings ("Silver Bells," "Mele Kalikimaka") and lovely traditional selections (notably "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "This Day in Bethlehem," both featuring the supporting voices of fellow Monkee Micky Dolenz and his sister Coco Dolenz). Davy Jones' youngest daughter, Annabel Jones, shines on a tender version of "White Christmas." Information: DavyJones.net.

Artist: Sweet Lizzy Project

Title: And So This Is Christmas (Mono Mundo/Thirty Tigers)

Tell me more: Rising rock troupe Sweet Lizzy Project is set to release their first-ever Christmas release, the four-song EP And So This Is Christmas on Nov. 20. What a delight! The welcome collection includes two terrific originals, the aptly-pegged "This Christmas I'm Not Coming Home" (the group left their native Havana, Cuba a few years ago and is now based in Nashville) which is a real showcase for lead singer Lisset Diaz and rousing "It's Christmas (Everything Will Be Alright)," the latter co-written with Raul Malo from The Mavericks. Sweet Lizzy Project also delivers deeply affecting takes on The Pretenders' "2000 Miles" and the John Lennon classic "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)." And if you love the quintet's And So This Is Christmas make sure to check out their outstanding full-length American debut LP Technicolor that was released earlier this year. Information: SweetLizzyProject.com.

Artist: Goo Goo Dolls

Title: Christmas All Over Again (Warner Records)

Tell me more: Goo Goo Dolls bring their signature rock sound to their first-ever holiday music album, delivering a great mix of original and reworked covers to Christmas All Over Again. Kicking things off with a tuneful cover of the spirited Tom Petty favorite "Christmas All Over Again," the 10-song set continues to deliver seasonal cheer. Frontman John Rzenik and company dip headlong into swing revival territory with the fun-filled "Shake Hands With Santa Claus." Other surprises include the shimmering "Let It Snow," heartwarming "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and uplifting "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing." The two originals are especially strong; the stirring "This Is Christmas" and mischievous jazzy tune "You Ain't Getting Nothin' " are among the disc's highlights. "It's Christmas All Over" is available on audio CD and via vinyl. The band is also offering exclusive merchandise bundles including a red vinyl LP, a Goo Goo Dolls Crosley record player and additional limited run items via the band's official website. Information: GooGooDolls.com.

Artist: The Bird and the Bee

Title: Put Up The Lights (No Expectations / Release Me Records)

Tell me more: Acclaimed Los Angeles-based duo The Bird (Inara George) and the Bee (Greg Kurstin) bring their formidable talents to their first-ever Christmas-minded collection, Put Up The Lights. A timeless touch is displayed across the album, with the mix of lovingly revisited classics and stirring originals hitting their mark. The original "Merry Merry" has a captivating and soulful groove. The original "You And I At Christmas Time" is gorgeous, a jazz-meets-dreampop melodic jewel enhanced by George's incredible soprano. That luxurious approach also works wonder on their take on "The Christmas Song" and "Christmas Time Is Here." A fully original interpretation of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" is an absolute wonder. "Little Drummer Boy" — featuring Dave Grohl on drums — adds a decidedly rock overtone to the duo's sheen. Every selection on the eight-track album is a joy. Information: thebirdandthebee.com. 

Artist: Carrie Underwood

Title: My Gift (Capitol Nashville)

Tell me more: Country music singer Carrie Underwood's first-ever Christmas album My Gift is a welcome addition to her winning discography. The seven-time GRAMMY Award winner uses her soprano in a nuanced and artful way across the title to propel a wide range of material on the album. The album begins with a quiet and introspective rendition of the traditional "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee." She likewise brings an emotive touch to other oft-visited classics such as "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Away In A Manger" with beautiful vocal performances enhanced by expressive arrangements. Her vocal performance on "O Holy Night" is truly amazing. She brings a more contemporary touch to the season with her piano-anchored duet with John Legend, "Hallelujah," and "Sweet Baby Jesus," the latter a touching song she co-wrote with Brett James and David Garcia. Information: CarrieUnderwoodOfficial.com.

Artist: Grant-Lee Phillips

Title: Yuletide (Yep Roc Records)

Tell me more: Grant-Lee Phillips' four-song EP Yuletide is a wistful and evocative listen that features the original Americana-styled "Winterglow," as well as refined reworkings of Nat King Cole's "Take Me Back to Toyland" and Frank Sinatra's "An Old-Fashioned Christmas." The EP closes out with a sparse "Auld Lang Syne." If you enjoy Yuletide make sure to pick up Phillips' 10th solo album, Lightning, Show Us Your Stuff, released in June 2020. Information: GrantLeePhillips.com.

Artist: Tori Kelly

Title: A Tori Kelly Christmas (Capitol Records)

Tell me more: R&B songstress Tori Kelly brings a contemporary touch to traditional and original songs on her first-ever holiday collection A Tori Kelly Christmas. Executive produced by 11-time GRAMMY winner Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and Scooter Braun, highlights abound across the album. The gospel-styled "O Holy Night" showcases Kelly's high-soaring vocals. A yearning "Christmas Time Is Here" is magical. Also featured are two originals, the enticing dance track "25th" and joyful "Gift That Keeps On Giving." Elsewhere Kelly joins forces with Edmonds for a cool retro take on "Let It Snow." My favorite selection on the disc is a lovely medley that begins with a touching "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" that builds into a uplifting gospel-seasoned "O Come All Ye Faithful." A Target exclusive version edition includes two exclusive tracks, "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and a third original song, "Kid Again On Christmas." Information: ToriKellyMusic.com.

Artist: Dolly Parton

Title: A Holly Dolly Christmas (Butterfly Records/12Tone Music)

Tell me more: This year's Christmas music roundup wouldn't be complete without celebrating A Holly Dolly Christmas, legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton's first new collection of yuletide songs in 30 years. This is a full-fledged celebration of the season, including several high-profile duets including the lively "Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas" with Michael Bublé, fun "All I Want For Christmas is You" with Jimmy Fallon and soaring "Christmas Is" with Miley Cyrus. "Pretty Paper" is a particularly lovely country track where Parton teams with fellow country music icon Willie Nelson. Of course, Parton can handle things on her own just fine as evidenced by the inviting "Holly Jolly Christmas," Baroque folk pick "Circle of Love" and haunting "Mary, Did You Know?" Information: DollyParton.com.

Robert Kinsler

Peter Tork Remembered

Micky Dolenz, left, and Peter Tork at the Pantages Theatre in
September 2016.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The Monkees, from left, Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz,
Davy Jones and Peter Tork.

I was so saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Tork earlier today. I have seen him perform several times over the years with the Monkees, most recently at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, CA in September of 2016. You can read my review of that concert event here.

Perhaps my favorite Monkees concert was catching Tork and company (including the late Davy Jones) at the legendary Greek Theatre in Los Angeles in July 2011. Read my review of that concert event here. 

Tork was only 77 at the time of his death. I know he had battled cancer about 10 years ago, but he continued to perform and was always a key part of the Monkees' performances with his virtuoso skills on several instruments including keyboards and banjo. 

You can read a wonderful tribute to the musician/actor here.

Peter Tork, left, with Micky Dolenz on July 16, 2011.

Robert Kinsler

From left, Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork and Davy Jones perform at the Greek Theatre on July 16, 2011.

The Monkees' 'Christmas Party' coming October 12

Exciting news and even more reason to get into the holiday spirit courtesy of the Monkees' plans to release their first-ever full-length holiday album!

The upcoming album titled Christmas Party (courtesy of Rhino Records) will include new original songs along with a number of holiday classics featuring the voices of Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork and even the late Davy Jones (taken from vintage recordings, Jones' voice will be heard on two of the album's cuts).

"Silver Bells," "The Christmas Song," "Wonderful Christmastime" are favorite standards featured. New songs included on the disc have been penned by the celebrated likes of Peter Buck (R.E.M.), Scott McCaughey (the Minus 5, the Baseball Project), Rivers Cuomo (Weezer), Andy Partridge (XTC) and album producer Adam Schlesinger (Fountains of Wayne).

Christmas Party track listing 
1. Unwrap You At Christmas
2. What Would Santa Do
3. Mele Kalikimaka
4. House of Broken Gingerbread
5. The Christmas Song
6. Christmas Party
7. Jesus Christ
8. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day
9. Silver Bells
10. Wonderful Christmastime
11. Snowfall
12. Angels We Have Heard On High
13. Merry Christmas, Baby

Micky Dolenz celebrates 'Good Times!' and great songs at The Coach House

Micky Dolenz performing at The
Coach House on July 15, 2017.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

The fun-filled title of the Monkees' celebrated 2016 album Good Times! could well have doubled as the theme of Micky Dolenz' upbeat concert at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on July 15, 2017.

Performing nearly two dozen songs over the course of 80 minutes, the Los Angeles native was backed by a terrific four-man band along with his sister Coco Dolenz, the latter whose soaring vocals and winning personality added additional dimension to the songs.

Micky Dolenz is one of only a handful of rock singers who first rose to prominence in the 1960s whose vocals are as strong as they were in their prime. Again and again throughout his Saturday night appearance in San Juan Capistrano, this reviewer was amazed how terrific Dolenz sounded. While many veteran singers push the microphone away when they get to high notes, Dolenz embraced the joy of singing. The incredible vocal gifts that helped define the Monkees from the time Dolenz was first heard as lead vocalist on the Monkees' first chart-topping hit "Last Train to Clarksville" in late 1966 were displayed in spades during the performance.

Micky Dolenz at The Coach House.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

But even the greatest singer would be wasting their time if they were not blessed with the tuneful and smart songs that filled Dolenz' set. Opening with the Michael Nesmith-penned "Mary, Mary," the version here was as energetic and infectious as the original 1966 recording featuring a much younger Dolenz backed by The Wrecking Crew (including top session musicians James Burton, Hal Blaine and Glen Campbell). Shaking maracas in rhythm while he sang and smiled, the intimate Coach House crowd was quickly transported back in time. 

And the highlights kept coming. Performances of "That Was Then, This Is Now" (a bona fide comeback hit for the Monkees in 1986), the wistful "Sometime in the Morning," garage rock-styled "She" and a honky tonk-tinged take on the Jerry Leiber-Mike Stoller classic "D.W. Washburn" displayed the uniformly strong, but engaging range of the Monkees' songbook as well as Dolenz' youthful approach and pure joy of music making.

Dolenz was obviously thrilled to reflect on the Monkees' 50th anniversary return via Good Times!, one of the strongest albums of 2016. He jokingly introduced one of the stellar tracks from that disc, the cheerful "You Bring The Summer," by asking: "We got any Monkees fans out there?...(audience cheers) We'll soon fix that." But that absolutely infectious power-pop song written by Andy Partridge (of XTC fame) afforded the crowd to bask in the pleasures of hearing a great song delivered by a favorite artist in an intimate setting. A few selections later, Dolenz revisited recent history again with the shimmering "She Makes Me Laugh," a Rivers Cuomo (Weezer) composition that fully captured the spirit of what made – and makes – the Monkees' sound so unique and timeless.

Guitarist Wayne Avers.

Dolenz was able to move beyond his own string of Monkees-related hits with credible tributes to both Chuck Berry (he auditioned for the hit NBC-TV show with a version of "Johnny B. Goode" that was a staple of his earlier rock group Micky and the One-Nighters and offered up the song here), and Jimi Hendrix (who Dolenz recruited to open for a string of dates with the Monkees in July 1967) with a blistering version of "Purple Haze" featuring lead guitarist Wayne Avers.

Likely every fan had their own favorites this night. I count a moving version of "Me and Magdalena" that he sang as a duet with Coco Dolenz, the rousing rocker "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone," soaring Beatles-styled "Pleasant Valley Sunday," moving tribute to late Monkees band mate Davy Jones with "Daydream Believer" and night-ending "I'm a Believer" among the other additional surefire moments I will long remember.

Kelly Bowlin at The Coach House.

Opening for Dolenz was the top-tier Americana troupe Kelly Bowlin and the Orphans. Describing their sound as "Dirty Country" early in the set, the six-man troupe unleased a 40-minute set of songs that fell amidst roughly the same sonic territory as Steve Earle (they performed a great cover of "Copperhead Road"), Tom Petty and the late alt-country pioneer Gram Parsons.  

Kelly Bowlin, singing and playing an octave mandolin, led the Orphans through some great originals too. The countrified rocker "Williamsburg" was adorned with nice harmonies, while the tender "Judas Kiss" was an affecting country-folk ballad that grew in power as it went along. The full-on rocker "Borderline" afforded another opportunity for the group to shine, earning big cheers from the big crowd on hand for the show.

A wonderful night of live music to be sure. 

Micky Dolenz celebrated his legacy at the Coach House
with a Monkees-filled set on Saturday, July 15, 2017.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Micky Dolenz setlist at The Coach House on July 15, 2017:
Mary, Mary
That Was Then, This Is Now
Sometime in the Morning
She
D.W. Washburn
You Bring The Summer
A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You
She Makes Me Laugh
Last Train To Clarksville
Johnny B. Goode (Chuck Berry tribute)
Purple Haze (Jimi Hendrix tribute)
Me and Magdalena
Different Drum (featuring Coco Dolenz)
Let's Dance On

Kelly Bowlin and the Orphans at The Coach House.

For Pete's Sake
(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone
Words
White Rabbit (featuring Coco Dolenz)
Goin' Down
Daydream Believer
Pleasant Valley Sunday
I'm a Believer


Review by Robert Kinsler



Photos courtesy of Bob Steshetz

Monkees mark 50th anniversary with musical celebration at the Pantages

Watching the Monkees perform their final show as a trio at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood on Friday, September 16, 2016 was a night marked by a myriad of emotions. This was truly a night to celebrate on the 50th anniversary of the debut airing of "The Monkees" series on NBC-TV on September 16, 1966. But it was also reportedly the final public performance to feature Michael Nesmith performing with Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork as the Monkees. Additionally, the death of Davy Jones on February 29, 2012 continues to make the group's performances bittersweet, with technology that brings select vocal performances featuring the late singer helping both the Monkees and their faithful audience embrace the life of the adored Jones. 

A large projection screen featuring colorful clips from the group's popular '60s television series heightened the connection between the audience and Monkees ( who were backed by a top-tier five-member band including Michael's guitar-playing son Christian Nesmith and several backup singers including Micky's sister Coco Dolenz).

Michael Nesmith performing with the Monkees.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The two-hour performance at the packed Pantages featured more than 30 winning songs representing a 50-year career spanning from the group's 1966 self-titled debut through their fantastic 2016 studio return Good Times! If this was the 73-year-old Nesmith's final appearance as a Monkee, then those attending already know this was a show that justified the cheers, smiles, sing-alongs and tears that were all abundant during the concert. 

Micky Dolenz, left, and Peter Tork early in the show.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Before they played a single song, the three group members came to center stage and hugged each other, setting the tone for this special night. And then there were all those great songs. Opening with "Last Train to Clarksville" that featured all three Monkees on guitar, the shining Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart-penned single sounded as fresh as it did with its release five decades ago. It's impossible to think of a single selection that didn't deliver this night; a rollicking version of "She" with Dolenz showcasing his still-amazing lead vocals, the breezy acoustic folk rock of "A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You" and terrific new power-pop song "She Makes Me Laugh" featuring textures of Nesmith's 12-string Gretsch guitar and Tork's banjo were among early standouts. 

In addition to his sterling instrumental work on guitar and banjo, Tork frequently showcased his keyboard playing; his baroque-styled touch on "The Girl I Knew Somewhere" as Dolenz and Nesmith harmonized with their voices on the country-tinged nugget was magical. Among my other favorites of the first half of the show were the Dolenz-Nesmith duet "Me & Magdalena" off Good Times!, as well as the enduring chamber pop masterwork "Shades of Gray" showcasing the Monkees' lush and artful harmonies.

Images of the Monkees as they appeared on their
1960s TV series, as well as animated images
enhanced the show. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Nesmith's long-time love affair with country yielded many offerings for the Monkees and those were revisited in spirited fashion this night; the anthemic "Listen to the Band" and wistful "What Am I Doin' Hangin' 'Round" that ended the first half of the show were especially memorable. 

The second half of the fast-moving concert yielded just as many highlights. A garage rocker-styled "Mary, Mary" with Dolenz shining on vocals and behind the drum kit kicked things off; the driving alt-country rocker "Circle Sky" with Nesmith leading the charge followed before the Monkees turned things around on the alluring art rocker "Porpoise Song." 

Nesmith's appearance was bound to bring a few special moments, the biggest being a solo acoustic performance of "Tapioca Tundra" that included a revealing story about the song's genesis. Then came a performance of "Daydream Believer" affording a chance to celebrate the life of Jones. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, Jones' sweet tenor and video image started off the song, which quickly brought the band and audience into the fold with a version that included an acapella sing-along with the full crowd.

The encore continued the joyful spirit of the concert, with the band rocking out on the infectious "Pleasant Valley Sunday" and an aptly-titled closing take on Neil Diamond's "I'm a Believer."

Peter Mills forthcoming book "The Monkees, Head, and the 60s" (set for release on October 25, 2016) addresses the obvious question of how a quartet of young men cast to play a struggling rock band on television made the leap from fantasy to reality as they recorded an enduring body of terrific songs while ultimately impacting the worlds of TV, film, music and pop culture long after their formation. Based on the power of the Monkees' homecoming concert on Friday, this is one writer who hopes the world will still be celebrating the group's music and legacy 50 years from now.

Monkees Setlist at the Pantages Theatre on September 16, 2016
1. Last Train to Clarksville
2. Papa Gene's Blues
3. Your Auntie Grizelda
4. Saturday's Child
5. She
6. A Little Bit Me, a Little Bit You
7. She Makes Me Laugh
8. The Girl I Knew Somewhere
9. Sometime in the Morning
10. Me & Magdalena
11. Shades of Gray
12. Randy Scouse Git
13. For Pete's Sake
14. You Bring the Summer
15. Listen to the Band
16. What Am I Doin' Hangin' Round?

INTERMISSION
17. Mary, Mary
18. Circle Sky
19. Porpoise Song (Theme From "Head")
20. Long Title: Do I Have to Do This All Over Again?
21. Words
22. Sunny Girlfriend
23. (I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone
24. You Just May Be the One
25. You Told Me
26. Birth of an Accidental Hipster
27. Goin' Down
28. D.W. Washburn
29. Tapioca Tundra
30. Daydream Believer

ENCORE
Pleasant Valley Sunday
I'm a Believer

Review by Robert Kinsler

MUSIC WORTH BUYING episode: The Shelters, The Monkees

On the latest episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING, TJR celebrates the full-length debut from modern-day rockers the Shelters while Robert champions the eagerly-awaited return from the Monkees:

The Monkees set to celebrate 50th anniversary with new studio album, tour

Hey, Hey, it's the (return of) the Monkees!

For years, yours truly has been somewhat upset by the way the majority of the music press has overlooked the music and contributions of the Monkees. With the group's 50th anniversary having arrived, details on a new Monkees studio album (the aptly-named GOOD TIMES!) and tour set for this year, perhaps the band members (the late Davy Jones, as well as Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork) will get a second and more objective look in 2016. I, for one, firmly believe the Monkees deserve to be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Here are some highlights pulled from the official media release:

• GOOD TIMES! will mark the Monkees' first new album in nearly 20 years, and will include tracks written by Rivers Cuomo (Weezer), Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie, the Postal Service) and Andy Partridge (XTC).

The Monkees, from left, Michael Nesmith, Micky Dolenz,
Davy Jones and Peter Tork.

• The album will also feature previously-unreleased 1960s recordings of songs written by Neil Diamond ("Love To Love"), Harry Nilsson and others that have been "revisited and completed" in new Monkees studio sessions.

• GOOD TIMES! will also feature the Nesmith-penned "I Know What I Know" and at least one track written by Tork. The album will be available on CD and digitally on June 10, while the album will arrive on vinyl on July 1, 2016. Produced by Emmy-winning songwriter Adam Schlesinger (of Fountains Of Wayne fame), the album is also set to feature a new song co-written by Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller. This sounds like it is going to be a truly amazing album.

I've been fortunate to review the Monkees, as well as solo appearances by Dolenz and Nesmith over the years and have been reminded each time that the strength of songs and strong winning personality of each of the members did make them something special beyond the roles they forged on their NBC-TV series (that ran from 1966 to 1968). You can read my review in the Orange County Register of the group's performance at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, CA in November 2012. Click here to read my review of the group when they performed with Davy Jones in one of his final shows with the Monkees at the Greek Theatre in July 2011. 

For more information on all things Monkees, go to the troupe's official Web site: http://monkees.com/

Robert Kinsler

The Monkees - The Complete Series On Blu-ray at last

Whether you are a fan of The Monkees or love all things Blu-ray, how cool is this news?

Celebrate The Monkees' 50th anniversary with the upcoming release of the complete series on Blu-ray

• All 58 episodes, newly remastered in stunning HD from the original negatives for the very first time, plus the 1969 TV Special "33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee" 
• Bonus material featuring commentaries from all four Monkees, original Kellogg's Monkees commercials, and more
• The 1968 Monkees film "HEAD" in HD with never-before-seen outtakes
• Unique packaging including a 7" of two previously unreleased TV mixes
• Strictly limited to 10,000 individually numbered sets 
• Only available at Monkees.com

50 years ago today on September 8, 1965, when producers Bob Rafelson and Bert Schneider placed a classified ad in The Hollywood Reporter seeking "4 insane boys," they had no idea that they were about to unleash Monkee-mania! But that's exactly what happened the following year when the first episode of "The Monkees" debuted on NBC on September 12, 1966. 

On the 50th anniversary of that fateful casting call, Rhino is excited to announce the upcoming release of the entire series (58 episodes) in stunning high-definition Blu-ray for the very first time, painstakingly restored from the newly located original film negatives. The 10-disc Blu-ray collection with also include the 1968 cult-classic "HEAD," along with many never-before-seen outtakes from the film. It's the beginning of many surprises planned to celebrate The Monkees' 50th anniversary in 2016. 

While we don't have final package art yet, we will be revealing it soon, along with behind-the-scenes making-of videos and samples of the stunning new transfer vs. the current versions, plus plenty of surprises, like this original TV spot, unseen for nearly 50 years! 

Shipping January 2016, THE MONKEES - THE COMPLETE SERIES ON BLU-RAY is now available for pre-order exclusively at Monkees.com. This fan edition is individually numbered and is strictly limited to 10,000 sets - this WILL sell out quickly, so place your pre-order now!

Inbox Update: Davy Jones, The Zombies, The Association and more featured on 'My Music' special this weekend

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Hanukkah everybody! I had hoped to post this earlier today but the day got away from me. Here is a media release of interest to fans of '60s rock…

MY MUSIC: THE BEST OF THE '60s Premieres Nationwide on PBS Starting November 30 (check local listings)

The Biggest Hits of the Hippest Decade!

The late Davy Jones of The Monkees performs on
 MY MUSIC: BEST OF THE '60s

The MY MUSIC series has been preserving the greatest songs of the 1960s on PBS for a dozen years and now presents THE BEST OF THE '60s, a special of original hits from the sounds of pop, rock, folk and and soul – covering the British Invasion to Motown. This new program is hosted by WJRZ-FM/WJRZ.com radio personality TJ Lubinsky. Relive the peace, protest and love of this pivotal era in MY MUSIC: THE BEST OF THE '60s premiering on PBS stations starting November 30 (check local listings).  

Among the hits featured are Cherish by The Association, Time of The Season by The Zombies and Born To Be Wild by John Kay & Steppenwolf. Also seen are final performances by Rob Grill of The Grass Roots (Let's Live For Today) and Scott McKenzie's Summer of Love anthem anthem San Francisco (Be Sure To Wear Flowers In Your Hair). The special closes with a segment devoted to the late Davy Jones of The Monkees in his last television concert singing favorites such as Daydream Believer.

Davy Jones photo credit: PRNewsFoto/TJL Productions